Silk Road Cities
Explore the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage towns of Bukhara, Khiva and Merv.
For centuries the domain of adventurers and merchants trading their wares, the ancient Silk Route covers some 4,000 miles. Board the luxurious Golden Eagle train and cross five countries, following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great on a journey across Central Asia.
This journey by train is perfect for those with an adventurous spirit who don’t wish to forgo comfort and don’t wish to be packing and unpacking every few days. Service, guides and accommodation on this Silk Road journey are second to none and as well as the unmissable, historical sites, the itinerary also includes other charming experiences. See the worlds oldest Koran in Tashkent and enjoy a barbecue on the station platform in Bukhara.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Kyrgyz Traditions
Witness a flight demonstration of Eagle Hunting and learn this history of this 4,000 year old art.
Darvaza Crater
Visit the Darvaza burning gas crater, a 70-metre cavity in the Kara Kum desert that has been burning for over 40 years.
Registan Square
An evening drinks reception against the beautifully lit backdrop of Registan Square in Samarkand.
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Day 1
Almaty (Kazakhstan)
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Day 2
Almaty (Kazakhstan)
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Day 3
Lake Issy-Kul & Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
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Day 4
Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
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Day 5
Khiva (Uzbekistan)
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Day 6
Ashgabat & Darvaza Gas Crater (Turkmenistan)
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Day 7
Merv (Turkmenistan)
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Day 8
Bukhara (Uzbekistan)
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Day 9
Dushanbe (Tajikistan)
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Day 10
Shahrizabz (Uzbekistan)
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Day 11
Samarkand (Uzbekistan)
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Day 12
Margillan, Andizhan & Osh (Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan)
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Day 13
Kokand (Uzbekistan)
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Day 14
Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
Day 1
Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Arrive at Almaty Airport, where you are met and transferred to the Intercontinental Hotel. Join a champagne drinks’ reception and welcome dinner.
Day 2
Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Morning city tour including a visit to Panfilov Park and Zenkhov Cathedral which was built entirely of wood.
Day 3
Lake Issy-Kul & Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
Morning tour of the open-air Museum of Petroglyphs at Lake Issyk-Kul. followed by a breath-taking flight demonstration of Eagle Hunting, a 4,000-year-old art. Onto Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital city.
Day 4
Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
Afternoon arrival into Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan. Tour the Old Town, where traditional homes and religious buildings line the narrow streets. In a small library gain privileged access one of Islam’s most sacred relics – the world’s oldest Koran.
Day 5
Khiva (Uzbekistan)
Discover the beautiful mosques, madrassas, bazaars and minarets of Khiva, founded 2,500 years ago. As one of the Silk Road’s most important trading posts and a World Heritage Site, it lies at the crossroads between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia.
Day 6
Ashgabat & Darvaza Gas Crater (Turkmenistan)
Visit the National Museum and Kipchak Mosque in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s opulent capital city. Next stop an optional visit to the Darvaza burning gas crater, a 70-metre cavity in the Karakum desert that has been burning for over 40 years.
Day 7
Merv (Turkmenistan)
From Mary transfer to the ancient and mainly unrestored remains of Merv. Once an important stopping point on the Silk Road, it claims to have briefly been the largest city in the world during the 12th century.
Day 8
Bukhara (Uzbekistan)
Explore Bukhara – a highlight of your tour is a visit to The Ark, a fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara plus a visit to the Emir’s ‘Palace of the Moon and Stars’. Weather and time permitting, enjoy a barbecue on the station platform before the train departs.
Day 9
Dushanbe (Tajikistan)
Morning visit to the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, situated on the Varzob River and its opulent Kohi Navruz Palace. Enjoy tea and local delicacies in the palace before returning to the Golden Eagle.
Day 10
Shahrizabz (Uzbekistan)
Visit the UNESCO-honoured statue of Amir Timur and his Ak-Saray Palace in Shahrizabz.
Day 11
Samarkand (Uzbekistan)
Founded in the 6th century BC, Samarkand’s stunning architecture hints at its former status as one of the most important cities in Asia. Visit Registan Square, Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Ulag Beg observatory. Before dinner return to the now illuminated Registan Square.
Day 12
Margillan, Andizhan & Osh (Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan)
Morning visit to the ancient city of Margilan, famous for its production of silk. Onto the town of Andizhan, dating back to the 9th century and renowned as the birthplace of Zahiruddin Babur in 1483. Afternoon arrival into Osh, a popular pilgrimage destination.
Day 13
Kokand (Uzbekistan)
Visit the Khudayar Khan Fortress and its remaining buildings and courtyards. Farewell dinner onboard as the train journeys to Tashkent.
Day 14
Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
After breakfast on board the Golden Eagle, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
More Details
Golden Eagle Train
Golden Eagle Train
Golden Eagle Luxury Trains are renowned for operating some of the world’s most pioneering rail journeys. Voyages include rail journeys through Central and Eastern Europe, Mongolia, China, Central Asia and India, on board a selection of the world’s leading luxury private trains.
Journey on the Golden Eagle for the voyage of a lifetime by rail.
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Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Paul Craven
Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.
Being from a family with Army connections I can from an early age remember travelling. From camping in Europe and then later being sent to boarding school when we lived in Germany at the age of eight, complete with shorts, long socks, a cap and my suitcase. In appearance not too dissimilar to the children evacuated to the countryside during the blitz.
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A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £17,395 Per person
When to travel
Due to the varying landscapes across the region there can be dramatic changes in the climate. In general, the best time to visit is Spring and Autumn, between April and June and again from September to late October when days are dry and temperatures warm. Winters can be bitterly cold and summers dry and extremely hot.
Holiday Inspiration
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Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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