Route
Tashkent • Kokand • Rishtan • Margilan • Bukhara • Nukus • Khiva • Dushanbe • Shahrisabz • Samarkand • Bishkek • Lake Issyk-Kul • Almaty
A dazzling exploration of the lands where civilisation began. Journeying aboard the Golden Eagle, you travel through a fascinating patchwork of countries, stitched together by a shared history of Sovietisation yet fiercely independent in identity, from the mosques and bazaars of Uzbekistan to the tranquil landscapes of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
The Republics of the Silk Road is one of the Golden Eagle's most rewarding Central Asian journeys, a fourteen-day exploration of the four great republics that lie at the heart of the ancient trade routes. It begins in Tashkent, the Uzbek capital, and ends in Almaty, beneath the snow-capped peaks of Kazakhstan's Tian Shan mountains. In between lie some of the most extraordinary cities the Silk Road ever produced.
This is a journey into the very origins of the Silk Road, where caravans once carried silk, spices and ideas between East and West. You will walk through Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, three of the best preserved medieval Islamic cities in the world, each a UNESCO World Heritage Site and each with a character entirely its own. You will watch a light show illuminate the madrasas of Registan Square, witness eagle hunters on the shores of an alpine lake, and see silk woven by hand exactly as it has been for centuries. Everything, from five-star hotels to guided excursions and fine dining with wine, is included in the fare.
The madrasas of Registan Square in Samarkand, the crowning glory of the Silk Road
Journey Highlights
The Silk Road Cities
Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand represent the high point of Islamic architecture and scholarship, and each is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Khiva rises from the desert as a perfectly preserved walled city, Bukhara is a living medieval townscape, and Samarkand is crowned by the incomparable Registan Square.
Registan Square by Night
Front-row seats for a spectacular evening light show on the most celebrated public square in the Islamic world. As night falls over Samarkand, the three great madrasas are illuminated and the Timurid history of the city is brought vividly to life.
Eagle Hunters of Lake Issyk-Kul
On the shores of the world's second-largest alpine lake, a privately arranged festival celebrates Kyrgyz nomadic culture. Discover the 4,000-year-old art of hunting with golden eagles, alongside horseback wrestling, traditional archery, music, dance and the strategic game of ordo.
Silk and Ceramics of the Fergana Valley
In Rishtan, meet a master craftsman and watch the secrets of Uzbekistan's world-famous ceramic tradition unfold. In Margilan, a local family demonstrates every stage of silk making, from the mulberry-fed silkworm to the hand-weaving of vivid ikat cloth on traditional looms.
The Louvre in the Sands
In the remote desert city of Nukus, the Igor Savitsky Museum holds Central Asia's most extraordinary art collection, some 100,000 avant-garde works rescued and preserved far from the reach of Soviet censors. It is one of the most surprising cultural treasures anywhere on the route.
Four Republics, One Journey
Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan share a Soviet past yet each guards a proud and distinct identity. From the opulent Kohi Navruz Palace in Dushanbe to the wooden Zenkov Cathedral in Almaty, the journey reveals a region of remarkable contrasts.
Day by Day
Arrival in Tashkent
On arrival at Tashkent airport you are met and transferred to a centrally located five-star hotel, your base for the first two nights of the journey. There is time to rest and settle in before the evening's celebrations.
This evening you are invited to a champagne reception, followed by an exclusive Welcome Dinner. Specially selected international wines accompany the meal, as they will throughout the tour.
Champagne reception and Welcome Dinner included. Two-night stay at a five-star hotel in Tashkent.
Tashkent and the Golden Eagle
Today you explore Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a city that blends bold Soviet-era architecture with deep-rooted tradition, having been largely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1966. The tour begins in the atmospheric Old Town, where narrow streets are lined with traditional homes and centuries-old religious buildings.
The day continues with visits to the Railway Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts, offering further insight into the city's rich and varied heritage. This afternoon you board your private train, the Golden Eagle, and settle into your elegant en-suite cabin. This evening the group gathers for a Welcome Dinner on board, the perfect start to the rail adventure ahead.
All meals included. First night aboard the Golden Eagle.
The Palace of Khudáyár Khán in Kokand
The Fergana Valley
Today the Golden Eagle carries you into the fertile Fergana Valley. Kokand is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan and was once a critical trading post on the Silk Road. Here you visit the majestic Palace of Khudayar Khan, known as the Pearl of Kokand, and the impressive Jami Mosque.
You continue to Rishtan, home to Uzbekistan's world-famous ceramic industry, where a prominent local artisan reveals the secrets of this ancient craft with a close-up demonstration of the meticulous work that goes into these exquisite pieces. The final stop is Margilan, celebrated for producing what many consider the finest silk in Central Asia. A local family, silk makers for generations, shows you the whole process, from the mulberry trees that feed the silkworms to the hand-weaving of colourful ikat cloth on traditional looms.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Bukhara
Bukhara is quite simply outstanding. Much of the city was restored for its 2,500th anniversary, and it survives as one of the best preserved medieval cities in the Islamic world. The highlight of the tour is a visit to The Ark, the fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara who ruled here until Soviet times. You continue to the grandeur of Poi-Kalyan Square, home to the iconic Kalyan Mosque, where pillared galleries and deeply recessed niches transport you to a bygone era.
Immerse yourself in the lively pulse of the city as you explore the ancient Trading Domes and gather at Lyabi-Hauz Square, a vibrant social hub set around a pool and shaded by mulberry trees and local tea rooms. Later you travel out of the city to the Emir's enchantingly named Palace of the Moon and Stars.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Nukus and the Savitsky Museum
In the far north-west of Uzbekistan, the city of Nukus sits within a captivating landscape, surrounded by three great deserts, the Kara Kum, the Kyzyl Kum and the Ustyurt. Here endless stretches of sand, enchanting dunes and distant peaks unfold before you.
Your visit leads to the extraordinary Igor Savitsky State Museum of Fine Arts, a true hidden gem in this remote oasis. Nicknamed the Louvre in the Sands, it houses Central Asia's most extensive art collection, with a staggering 100,000 avant-garde works and crafts from the Karakalpak region, treasures that were quietly preserved here far from Soviet censorship. It is an experience that leaves a lasting impression.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Itchan Kala, the walled heart of Khiva and Uzbekistan's first UNESCO site
Khiva
Today you travel to the ancient city of Khiva, founded some 2,500 years ago. Once one of the Silk Road's most important trading posts and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it lies at the crossroads of the routes that linked Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia.
A truly magnificent sight, Khiva rises out of the desert to reveal a wealth of remarkable architecture. Stepping back in time, you discover the mosques, madrasas, bazaars and soaring minarets held within the ancient walls of Itchan Kala, the most complete medieval Islamic city in Central Asia.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Dushanbe
This afternoon you visit Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, set on the Varzob River. First explore the Museum of National Antiquities, with its exhibits of history and regional art, before the main highlight of the city, the opulent Kohi Navruz Palace. A guided tour reveals the fascinating story of this teahouse-turned-palace, each beautiful hall decorated with breathtaking chandeliers and the work of the artists and designers who built and adorned it.
The touring programme continues with more of Tajikistan's largest city. You visit the Ismail Samani monument, honouring the first King of the Tajiks, before continuing to Independence Square and the Mekhrgon Bazaar for a taste of local life in Dushanbe.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Shahrisabz
Believed to be the birthplace of Amir Timur, the military genius who modelled himself on Genghis Khan, Shahrisabz is home to the UNESCO-honoured statue of Timur and his great Ak-Saray Palace. This majestic palace took more than a quarter of a century to build and was once decorated with vivid, highly detailed mosaic and delicate calligraphic inscriptions from the Qur'an.
Amid the surviving decoration, an inscription records the date 798 in the Islamic calendar, corresponding to 1395 and 1396 AD, marking the completion of the building. It is a powerful reminder of the ambition and artistry of the Timurid age.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Samarkand and Registan Square
Just the mention of Samarkand conjures images of the Silk Road more powerfully than any other city. Founded in the 6th century BC, its stunning architecture hints at its former status as one of the most important cities in Asia, and it is particularly noted for the monuments raised between the 14th and 17th centuries, when it flourished as the fabled capital of Timur and his successors.
Today you visit some of its most significant sites, including the incomparable Registan Square, the beautifully proportioned Bibi Khanum Mosque, and the Ulugh Beg observatory, one of the earliest Islamic astronomical observatories, built in 1428. As the sun sets, you are whisked to the illuminated Registan Square for a dazzling light show that weaves together the rich history of this ancient city, watched from prime front-row seats.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Registan Square, the majestic heart of Samarkand
Samarkand and the Road East
Spend the morning continuing to explore Samarkand, with a visit to the famous necropolis of Shakh-i-Zindah, a stunning avenue of mausoleums dating back to the 9th century. From here you travel to the ancient settlement of Afrasiyab and its museum, home to artefacts collected during the excavation of the old city, including the celebrated frescoes from the Palace of Varkhuman, which date to the 7th century.
You then return to the train for lunch, and the Golden Eagle continues its journey through Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan towards your next destination, Kyrgyzstan.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Bishkek
Originally a caravan rest stop for travellers on the Great Silk Road, the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek is the setting for this afternoon's sightseeing. You visit Ala-Too Square, built in 1984 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic, and enjoy a city tour of its parks, rich in Soviet history, including statues of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and the Memorial to the Red Guards.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Lake Issyk-Kul and Nomadic Culture
Today you enjoy an extended visit to the magnificent Lake Issyk-Kul, a true natural wonder set in the heart of the Kyrgyz mountains. Stretching more than 170 kilometres in length and up to 70 kilometres wide, it is the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Its name means warm lake, a reference to its remarkable resistance to freezing, the result of great depth, mineral richness and geothermal activity beneath the surface. Snow-capped peaks frame its serene beauty.
On the shore, a privately arranged cultural event immerses you in the rich nomadic heritage of Kyrgyzstan. Traditional sports and games passed down through generations are on display, from archery to the spectacle of horseback wrestling, the strategic game of ordo, and hunting with majestic golden eagles. It is a vibrant celebration of steppe culture, complete with music, dance, intricate costumes and time-honoured crafts, and a rare glimpse of a way of life that still flourishes in the highlands. Afterwards there is the option to visit the open-air Museum of Petroglyphs before returning to the Golden Eagle for dinner.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
The beautiful Lake Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Almaty
Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, is distinguished by wide, tree-lined boulevards and a stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains. The city's name derives from alma, meaning apple, a fitting tribute to the orchards that flourish just beyond its edges.
This morning's city tour takes in Panfilov Park, home to the remarkable Zenkov Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece built entirely of wood without the use of a single nail, as well as Independence Square, the city's central gathering place. This evening the group comes together for a Farewell Dinner, a memorable finale to a remarkable journey.
Farewell Dinner included. Overnight at a hotel in Almaty.
Farewell to Almaty
After breakfast you are transferred to Almaty airport for your onward flight, bringing to a close an unforgettable journey through the four republics of the Silk Road.
Breakfast included. Departure transfer included.
What Is Included
All Accommodation
Five-star hotel accommodation before and after the rail journey where applicable, and private en-suite accommodation throughout your time aboard the Golden Eagle.
All Meals
Freshly prepared meals on board using the finest local ingredients, together with authentic dining in carefully chosen local restaurants. Thirteen breakfasts, twelve lunches and thirteen dinners in all.
Drinks and Fine Dining
A generous drinks allowance, including international wines with lunch and dinner, and the celebrated Golden Eagle Gala Caviar Dinner.
Guided Excursions
Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary, with Freedom of Choice touring options on selected days so you can shape the journey to your interests.
Transfers and Porterage
All arrival and departure transfers, and luggage porterage throughout the journey, so your bags are cared for from beginning to end.
All Gratuities
All tips and gratuities, both on and off the train, are included in the fare.
Tour Management Team
An experienced Golden Eagle tour management team, together with a 24-hour cabin attendant service, accompanies the group throughout the fourteen-day journey.
On-Board Doctor
A UK-registered doctor and full medical facilities travel on board the Golden Eagle for the duration of the rail journey.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites Visited
Itchan Kala, Khiva
The perfectly preserved inner city of Khiva, the most complete medieval Islamic city in Central Asia, enclosed by its ancient desert walls.
Historic Centre of Bukhara
One of the best preserved medieval cities in the Islamic world, with more than 2,000 years of continuous history.
Samarkand, Crossroads of Cultures
The legendary Silk Road capital of Timur's empire, home to Registan Square, the Bibi Khanum Mosque and the necropolis of Shakh-i-Zindah.
Historic Centre of Shahrisabz
The birthplace of Amir Timur, where the towering remains of the Ak-Saray Palace still speak of the ambition of the Timurid age.
Fares 2026
| Cabin Class | Twin (per person) from | Single (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Class | £19,950 | £29,950 |
| Gold Class | £25,900 | £42,550 |
| Imperial Suite | £47,000 | £93,000 |
Departure Date 2026
| Route | Departure | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Tashkent to Almaty | 12 October 2026 | 25 October 2026 |
Fares 2027
| Cabin Class | Twin (per person) from | Single (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Class | £21,000 | £31,400 |
| Gold Class | £27,100 | £45,300 |
| Imperial Suite | £51,600 | £102,200 |
Departure Dates 2027
| Route | Departure | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Tashkent to Almaty | 30 August 2027 | 12 September 2027 |
| Tashkent to Almaty | 23 September 2027 | 6 October 2027 |
All fares are per person and given as a guide price. Prices are shown in Pounds Sterling. Fares can vary with currency fluctuations, so please call or email for confirmed up-to-date pricing. A deposit of 25% of the tour cost is required at the time of booking. It is advised not to book flights until three months prior to departure to ensure the tour is confirmed. Hotels are on request and cannot be processed until a deposit is received.