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Heroes and Heroines Silk Road Cities
Explore the magnificent UNESCO towns of Bukhara, Khiva and Merv.
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Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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Heroes and Heroines The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Golden Eagle – The Silk Route by Train
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 four countries, following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great on a journey from Kazakhstan to Russia.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
2Darvaza Crater
Visit the Darvaza burning gas crater, a 70-metre cavity in the Kara Kum desert that has been burning for over 40 years.
3Registan Square
An evening drinks reception against the beautifully lit backdrop of Registan Square in Samarkand.
4Kremlin Armoury Chamber
Explore the grandeur of the Kremlin, home to the treasures of the Tsars.
Why we like it
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.
Day 1
Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Day 2
Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Day 3
Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
Day 4
Samarkand (Uzbekistan)
Day 5
Bukhara (Uzbekistan)
Day 6
Merv (Turkmenistan)
Day 7
Darvaza & Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)
Day 8
Khiva (Uzbekistan)
Day 9
On Board Train (Kazakhstan to Russia)
Day 10
Volograd (Russia)
Day 11
Arrive Moscow
Day 12
Moscow
Day 13
Moscow
Day 1
Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Day 2
Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Visit the Zenkhov Cathedral, built entirely of wood.
Day 3
Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
A privileged viewing of the worlds oldest Koran in Uzbekistan’s capital city.
Day 4
Samarkand (Uzbekistan)
An evening drinks reception against the beautifully lit backdrop of Registan Square in Samarkand.
Day 5
Bukhara (Uzbekistan)
Visit The Ark, fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara plus Palace of the Moon and Stars.
Day 6
Merv (Turkmenistan)
Explore this once important stop on the ancient Silk Route.
Day 7
Darvaza & Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)
Visit the Darvaza burning gas crater, a 70-metre cavity in the Karakum desert that has been burning for over 40 years.
Day 8
Khiva (Uzbekistan)
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khiva, one of the Silk Routes most important trading posts.
Day 9
On Board Train (Kazakhstan to Russia)
Journey through the vast landscapes of Kazakhstan enroute to Russia.
Day 10
Volograd (Russia)
The historic city of Volograd, scene of one of the most dramatic and important battles of WWII.
Day 11
Arrive Moscow
Day 12
Moscow
Explore the grandeur of the Kremlin, home to the treasures of the Tsars.
Day 13
Moscow
Now for the details
Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
Your journey begins in Kazakhstan in the verdant city of Almaty, surrounded by the stunning Tien Shan Mountains. Once onboard the Golden Eagle, journey to Uzbekistan’s capital city of Tashkent and onwards to the ancient Silk Route cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, home to some incredible Islamic architecture. The train will weave its way through Central Asia crossing into Turkmenistan, and the ancient oasis city of Merv, as well as the Karakum Desert where the Darvaza crater burns.
Return to Uzbekistan to spend more time exploring this fascinating country and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Khiva before a day relaxing on board the train as you travel through the vastness of Kazakhstan enroute to Russia.
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Russia
This magical rail journey terminates in Russia with a visit to the historic city of Volograd, scene of one of the most dramatic and important battles of WWII. Finally, the city of Moscow, home to the grandeur of the Kremlin and the ornate architecture of St Basil’s Cathedral.
Alternative Silk Route Itineraries
The Golden Eagle also operates a number of alternative itineraries along the Silk Route including a 21-day itinerary terminating in Beijing or, if pushed for time there is a shorter itinerary focusing purely on Central Asia. Alternatively, you could consider our tailor-made itinerary along the Silk Route or our small group tour.