Jewels of the Silk Road on the Golden Eagle: Baku to Almaty

Following breakfast, we take a morning flight onboard our private plane to Urgench, gateway to the extraordinary desert city of Khiva. Founded 2,500 years ago, Khiva became one of the Silk Road’s most important trading posts as it lies at the crossroads of the routes between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A truly magnificent sight to behold, it rises out of the desert to reveal a wealth of impressive architecture. Stepping back in time, we discover its impressive mosques, madrassas, bazaars and minarets within the city’s ancient walls.

Today, we arrive in Bukhara and begin with a visit to The Ark, a fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara. Following, we visit Poi-Kalyan Square. Stroll through the mosque’s large pillar-domed galleries and deeply recessed niches, and you will be transported to a bygone era.

Immerse yourself in the lively pulse of the city as we explore the bustling Trading Domes of Bukhara and gather at Lyabi-Hauz Square.

This evening, weather permitting, we will enjoy a barbecue on the station platform before our train departs.

Just the mention of Samarkand instantly conjures up images of the Silk Road, more so than any other town. Founded in the 6th century BC, Samarkand’s stunning architecture hints at its former status as one of the most important cities in Asia, and is particularly noted for its architectural remains from the 14th to the 17th century, when it flourished as the fabled capital of the Mongol empire of Timur and his successors.

Today we will visit some of its most significant sites, including Registan Square, the refined elegance of the beautifully proportioned Bibi Khanum Mosque, and the Ulag Beg observatory, one of the earliest Islamic astronomical observatories built in 1428.

Before dinner, we will return to the now illuminated and awe-inspiring Registan Square for an incredible light show that weaves the rich tapestry of Samarkand’s history and significance.

Today we arrive in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan. We spend time touring this modern Soviet-style city, which was rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1966.

Our tour begins in the Old Town with a visit to the Khast-Imam Complex, where we are privileged to view one of Islam’s most revered relics — the Uthman Qur’an, widely regarded as the world’s oldest surviving manuscript of the Qur’an.

The tour continues with a visit to the Museum of Applied Arts, followed by time in Independence Square, a symbol of modern Uzbekistan.

Enjoy a more leisurely day of scenic rail travel, as we traverse the wide-open landscapes of Uzbekistan before crossing the border into Kyrgyzstan.

In the late afternoon, we arrive in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, where we disembark for a short introductory tour of the city.

Our guided sightseeing reveals Bishkek’s distinctive Soviet-era character. We visit Ala-Too Square and stroll through several of the city’s leafy parks. 

Today, we enjoy an extended visit to the magnificent Lake Issyk-Kul, a true natural wonder nestled in the heart of the Kyrgyz mountains. Stretching over 170 kilometers in length and up to 70 kilometers wide, it is recognized as the second-largest alpine lake in the world.

Immerse yourself in the rich nomadic heritage of Kyrgyzstan with a privately arranged cultural event along the lake’s shores. Enjoy a captivating display of traditional sports and games such as archery, horseback wrestling, hunting with majestic Golden Eagles, and “Ordo”, a strategic game played with cow kneecaps.

After the festival, there will be the option to visit the outdoor Museum of the Petroglyphs before returning to the train.

This evening we enjoy our Farewell Dinner onboard the Golden Eagle as we head overnight to our final destination of Almaty.

Following breakfast you will be transferred to Almaty Airport for your onward flight. Your journey’s end.