The term Silk Road, refers to the highly lucrative trade of silk textiles and the network that was used combining land and sea connecting Central, East, South, and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, East Africa, and Southern Europe. The Golden Eagle's Republics of The Silk Road is a train journey like no other, where you will experience some hidden gems along this 14-day tour of central Asia.
This all-inclusive journey aboard the Golden Eagle luxury train offers 5-Star accommodation, all meals, out of this world excursions and second to none service.
ACCOMMODATION
DINING
SERVICE
EXCURSIONS
On your first day of the Silk Roads luxury train tour you will be transferred to your Intercontinental 5-Star Hotel, where you will enjoy a Champagne drinks reception before your evening dinner.
As you spend the day in the largest of Kazakhstan's cities you will visit the apple orchards, the name Almaty comes from the word alma, meaning apple. Your time in Almaty will also include a visit to Panfilov Park and the wooden built Zenkhov Cathedral.
You'll take a guided tour of the Petroglyphs open-air museum at Lake Issyk-Kul on the morning of the third day of your Silk Roads luxury train tour.
Once a caravan rest stop for traders journeying along the Great Silk Road, Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, is the setting for our afternoon exploration. Your guided tour includes a visit to Ala-Too Square — created in 1984 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic — followed by a fascinating city tour through parks steeped in Soviet heritage. Along the way, you’ll encounter statues of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, as well as the Memorial to the Red Guards, offering a compelling glimpse into the city’s historic past.
Today, arrive in Tashkent, the vibrant capital of Uzbekistan. Much of the city showcases striking Soviet-era architecture, rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1966, and our visit offers a captivating blend of old and new.
Your guided tour begins in the atmospheric Old Town, where traditional homes and historic religious buildings line a maze of narrow streets. Here, in a small library, you are honoured with the chance to view one of Islam’s most revered treasures — the world’s oldest Koran. The tour continues with optional visits to the fascinating Railway Museum and the elegant Museum of Applied Arts, each offering further insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Today, you travel to the ancient city of Khiva, founded 2,500 years ago. Once one of the Silk Road’s most important trading posts and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it sits at the crossroads of routes linking Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia. Rising strikingly from the desert, Khiva reveals a remarkable collection of historic architecture. Stepping back in time, you will discover its magnificent mosques, madrassas, bazaars and minarets within the city’s ancient walls.
Nestled in the enchanting north-west of Uzbekistan, the city of Nukus offers a captivating location surrounded by three vast deserts: the Kara Kum, Kyzyl Kum and Ustyurt. Here, an untouched landscape unfolds before you, with sweeping sandy plains, shifting dunes and dramatic peaks that inspire a sense of adventure.
Your journey through Nukus takes you to the remarkable Igor Savitsky State Museum of the Fine Arts, a true hidden treasure in this remote oasis. Nicknamed the ‘Louvre in the Sands’, this exceptional museum is home to Central Asia’s largest art collection, featuring around 100,000 avant-garde works and regional crafts from Karakalpakstan. Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary artistry on display, promising an experience that will stay with you long after your visit.
Bukhara is, quite simply, exceptional. Like Khiva, much of the city was meticulously restored with UNESCO support for its 2,500th anniversary in 1999. A highlight of your tour is a visit to The Ark, the formidable fortress that once served as the residence of the Emirs of Bukhara – the powerful and often ruthless rulers who remained in control until Soviet times. Your programme also takes you to the grandeur of Poi-Kalyan Square, home to the iconic Kalyan Mosque, a remarkable example of traditional Islamic architecture. Wander through the mosque’s vast pillar-domed galleries and deep niches, and you will feel transported to another era.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythm of the city as you explore Bukhara’s bustling Trading Domes and pause at Lyabi-Hauz Square, a lively gathering place framed by a tranquil pool, mulberry trees and charming tea houses. You then travel beyond the city to visit the Emir’s evocatively named ‘Palace of the Moon and Stars’
This afternoon, you arrive in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, beautifully situated along the Varzob River. Your visit begins at the Museum of National Antiquities, home to an impressive collection of historical and artistic treasures from across the region. The highlight of your time in the city is the magnificent Kohi Navruz Palace. With a local expert guide, you’ll explore this extraordinary former teahouse-turned-palace, discovering its exquisite halls adorned with sparkling chandeliers and intricate craftsmanship, while learning the remarkable stories of the artists and designers who created it.
Your tour continues with visits to some of Dushanbe’s most important landmarks. You will see the Ismail Samani monument, honouring the first King of the Tajiks, followed by Independence Square and the lively Mekhrgon Bazaar, offering a glimpse into daily life in the capital.
This evening, relax aboard the Golden Eagle and enjoy performances from the resident pianist as you journey across the border into Uzbekistan.
Believed to be the birthplace of Amir Timur, the formidable military leader who modelled himself on Genghis Khan, Shahrizabz offers a compelling insight into his legacy. Here, you will visit the UNESCO-recognised statue of Amir Timur and explore the remains of his monumental Ak-Saray Palace. This vast complex took more than twenty-five years to construct and was once adorned with exquisite mosaic work and elegant Qur’anic inscriptions. Among its decorative features, you’ll find an inscription marking the year 798 (1395–1396 AD), indicating the palace’s completion.
Few names evoke the mystique of the Silk Road quite like Samarkand. Founded in the 6th century BC, the city flourished between the 14th and 17th centuries as the capital of Timur’s empire, and its magnificent architecture bears witness to its illustrious past.
Today, you visit some of Samarkand’s most iconic landmarks, including the majestic Registan Square, the beautifully proportioned Bibi Khanum Mosque and the historic Ulugbek Observatory, one of the earliest Islamic astronomical observatories, built in 1428.
This evening promises an unforgettable experience. As night falls, you will be taken to the illuminated Registan Square for a mesmerising light show that brings Samarkand’s rich history to life. From your prime front-row seats, this spectacular display will be a highlight of your journey.
Your morning continues in Samarkand with a visit to the celebrated necropolis of Shakh-i-Zindah, a breathtaking collection of mausoleums dating back to the 9th century. You then travel to the ancient settlement of Afrasiyab to explore a museum housing remarkable artefacts uncovered during excavations, including the famed 7th-century frescoes from the Palace of Varkhuman.
Afterwards, you return to the train for lunch and continue your journey deeper into Uzbekistan, travelling towards the fertile Fergana Valley.
This morning brings you to the ancient city of Margilan, renowned for producing some of the finest silk in Central Asia. Here, you will visit a local family who have crafted silk for generations using time-honoured methods. You’ll follow the entire process, from mulberry cultivation and silkworm feeding to the hand-weaving of vibrant ikat fabrics on traditional looms.
Your journey continues by coach to Rishtan, the heart of Uzbekistan’s celebrated ceramic tradition. With renowned artisan Rustam Usmanov, you will uncover the secrets of this ancient craft and enjoy a close-up demonstration from a master potter, witnessing firsthand the skill and artistry behind these exquisite ceramics.
In Kokand—one of Uzbekistan’s oldest Silk Road cities—you will explore highlights such as the majestic Palace of Khudayar Khan (the “Pearl of Kokand”) and the impressive Jami Mosque.
This evening, enjoy a memorable Farewell Dinner aboard the Golden Eagle as you return to Tashkent, where you will spend the night in a luxurious 5-star hotel.
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Please note: The prices listed below are based on two people sharing a cabin - Solo travellers will need to get in touch before booking as there will be a "sole occupancy charge" for passengers travelling alone.
This is a brief overview of our booking terms and conditions. Please note each individual operator has their own terms and conditions and by booking with LuxuryTrainTickets.com you are also accepting the operator's terms. For more information regarding operator terms and conditions please contact us or the operator directly.
PLEASE NOTE: Receiving receipt of payment is not confirmation that your booking has been successful. We will contact you one to 10 working days after you have paid to confirm your booking, take further details of those travelling and send your itinerary. In the rare instance your booking cannot be fulfilled for any reason, such as the operator cancelling a journey or anything else beyond our control, we will be in touch with alternative options or will refund your payment.
All prices shown are for one adult ticket. Sleeper journeys are based on two adults sharing accommodation. Single occupancy of cabins may incur additional charge.
Prices are set by the operator and may change at short notice. We endeavour to ensure prices are always accurate and update our own website as soon as possible. All timings and details of included tours and activities are for guidance only and will only be confirmed in your travel documents that will be emailed to you 7 days before departure. For any questions including discounts, offers or group pricing, please contact info@luxurytraintickets.com.
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There are a limited number of private tables and cabin types onboard. While we keep our website updated regularly, there may be occasions when private tables or cabin types become fully booked meaning we are unable to fulfil your booking requirements. Should this be the case, we will contact you to discuss alternative options and refund any payments made.
We have the right to refuse the request of a deposit when a journey is scheduled to depart in less than 16 weeks. If you choose to book with a deposit you must pay the remaining balance in full 15 weeks before departure at the latest. Should you fail to pay the remaining balance 15 weeks prior to departure, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking. Deposits are accepted by request. Most journeys require a 25% deposit to secure a booking however some specialist journeys do require a 50% deposit. Please contact us for confirmation.
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