The Grand Silk Road by Luxury Train

Today we explore Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a city that blends modern Soviet-style architecture with deep-rooted tradition, having been largely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1966. Our tour begins in the atmospheric Old Town, where we are granted the privilege of viewing one of Islam’s most sacred relics – the world’s oldest Koran.

The day continues with visits to the Railway Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts, offering further insight into the city’s diverse cultural heritage. Later this afternoon, we board our private train, the Golden Eagle, and settle into our elegant en-suite cabins.

This evening, we gather for a Welcome Dinner onboard, the perfect start to our journey.

This morning, visit Kokand, an ancient Silk Road city, to see the Palace of Khudayar Khan and Jami Mosque.

Continue to Rishtan to witness traditional ceramic craftsmanship, then on to Margilan in the Fergana Valley, renowned for its silk. Here, visit a local family to see the full silk-making process, from silkworms to handwoven ikat.

Bukhara, beautifully restored by UNESCO, is a true highlight. Visit the Emir’s “Palace of the Moon and Stars” before exploring the historic center, including The Ark and the iconic Kalyan Mosque at Poi-Kalyan Square.

Stroll through the bustling Trading Domes and Lyabi-Hauz Square, then, weather permitting, enjoy a barbecue on the platform before departure.

In north-west Uzbekistan, Nukus sits amid the Kara Kum, Kyzyl Kum, and Ustyurt deserts, offering a striking, untouched landscape.

Here, visit the Igor Savitsky Museum—known as the “Louvre in the Sands”—home to one of Central Asia’s largest art collections, with over 100,000 avant-garde works and regional crafts.

Today, we travel to the ancient city of Khiva, founded 2,500 years ago. As one of the Silk Road’s most important trading posts and now a World Heritage Site, it lies at the crossroads of the routes between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia.

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 Khiva’s ancient walls.

This afternoon we visit Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, situated on the Varzob River. First, explore the Museum of National Antiquities, housing exhibits of history and regional art, before the main highlight of the city: the opulent Kohi Navruz Palace. Enjoy a guided tour with a local expert guide, who will tell the fascinating story of the teahouse-turned palace. You will explore each beautiful hall decorated with breathtaking chandeliers, while learning about each of the artists and designers that worked incredibly hard to build and decorate this majestic palace.

We continue our touring program with more historic sites of Tajikistan’s largest city. We visit the Ismail Samani monument, recognizing the first King of Tajiks, before going onwards to the Independence Square and Mekhrgon Bazaar for a taster of local life in Dushanbe.

Believed to be the birthplace of Amir Timur, the military prodigy who modelled himself on Genghis Khan and used similar violent methods to conquer and control his Empire, we visit the UNESCO-honoured statue of Amir Timur and his Ak-Saray Palace.

This majestic palace in Shahrisabz took over a quarter of a century to build, and was originally decorated with colourful, highly detailed mosaic but also included delicate calligraphic inscriptions from the Qur’an. Amid the decorative facing, there is an inscription showing the date 798 (1395 – 1396 AD) which was when the building was completed.

Today, visit some of the most significant sites of Samarkand, including Registan Square, the Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Ulag Beg observatory.

In the evening, venture to the illuminated Registan Square, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular light show from the front row that showcases the rich history of Samarkand.

Overnight on the train.

Spend the morning continuing to explore Samarkand, with a visit the famous necropolis Shakh I Zindah, a stunning collection of mausoleums dating back to the 9th century. From here we travel to ancient settlement of Afrasiab to visit a museum which houses ancient artefacts collected during the excavation of the city, including the famous frescoes from the Palace of Varkhuman, which date back to the 7th century.

We return to the train for lunch and continue our journey through Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to our next destination: Kyrgyzstan.

Originally a caravan rest stop serving the travellers that came through the area along the Great Silk Road, Kyrgyzstan’s capital city, Bishkek, is the location of our afternoon sightseeing.

Here we will visit the Ala-Too Square, built 1984 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic in Kyrgyzstan and a city tour of the local parks, rich in Soviet history, including statutes of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and the Memorial for the Red Guards.

Enjoy an extended visit to Lake Issyk-Kul, one of the world’s largest alpine lakes, set against dramatic, snow-capped peaks. Known as the “warm lake” for its resistance to freezing, it offers striking natural beauty.

This morning, experience Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic heritage through a private cultural event featuring traditional sports like horseback wrestling, eagle hunting, and “ordo,” along with music, dance, and crafts.

Afterward, you may visit the open-air Petroglyph Museum before returning to the Golden Eagle for dinner.

Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, is distinguished by its wide, tree-lined boulevards and 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 borders.

This morning’s city tour features Panfilov Park, home to the remarkable Zenkhov Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece built entirely of wood without the use of nails, as well as a visit to Independence Square, the city’s central gathering place.

This afternoon, we take a private flight to Kashgar (Kashi), where we will spend a night in a centrally-located, five-star hotel.

Today, we delve into Kashgar (Kashi), a city that has long been a melting pot of cultures, religions, and architecture. Begin with a visit to the Apak Khoja Tomb, a stunningly adorned mausoleum considered the holiest Muslim site in Xinjiang. Wander through the Old Town, where narrow alleys and traditional homes provide a glimpse into local life, and explore the Gaotai folk houses, an area steeped in history and tradition.

This afternoon, board the opulent Golden Eagle Silk Road Express and settle in for a special welcome dinner as your adventure begins in style.

Spend a relaxed morning on the train before arriving in Hotan, a city steeped in Silk Road history.

Visit an exclusive Atlas Silk and Carpet workshop, where you will witness artisans crafting intricate textiles using traditional techniques. Each piece is entirely handmade, dyed with natural plant dyes, and woven with unparalleled skill. In the evening, explore the ancient city of Yotkan by night—a captivating look into the history of this former Buddhist kingdom.

This morning, delve into the rich history of the Silk Road with a special lecture at the Hilton Qinghai-Golmud, followed by lunch in the hotel’s elegant surroundings. The afternoon offers the choice of visiting the surreal Chaerhan Salt Lake or joining a guided tour through the city, where modern life meets ancient traditions.

The UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves, known as the “Cave of a Thousand Buddhas,” feature over 500 grottoes filled with ancient Buddhist art dating back to the 4th century.

After exploring, enjoy a folk performance and lunch, followed by a camel trek along the Silk Road. The day ends at Crescent Lake, a stunning oasis set among the Gobi Desert dunes.

Today is yours to relax and enjoy the luxurious amenities of the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express.

Take in panoramic views from the Observation Car, which features the largest train window in China, or unwind in the lounge with a selection of fine wines and cocktails. Revel in the experience of luxury rail travel, with every detail carefully designed for your comfort and enjoyment.

Step back in time as you visit Xi’an’s ancient city walls and the Great Mosque, one of the oldest and largest in China. A highlight of your day will be the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors—6,000 life-sized figures standing guard over the tomb of China’s first emperor, unearthed only 40 years ago.

These intricate statues are considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Enjoy an evening of Tang Dynasty cuisine, music, and dance, immersing you in the vibrant cultural traditions of Xi’an.

Upon arrival in China’s capital city, we enjoy a comprehensive tour of Beijing’s historic heart which reveals the grandeur of China’s ancient dynasties. Explore the Forbidden City, the sprawling imperial palace where emperors ruled for nearly 500 years. Stroll through Tiananmen Square, a place of great historical significance, before discovering the Summer Palace, a serene retreat adorned with beautiful gardens, temples, and lakes.

Alternatively, delve into Beijing’s modern allure with a tour of contemporary landmarks: marvel at the architectural feats of the Olympic Village and the iconic “Bird’s Nest” Stadium, glimpse the striking design of the CCTV Tower, and explore the National Museum for a modern-day perspective on China’s cultural evolution.

After touring guests will be transferred in luxury to the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, where a two-night stay awaits in the epitome of five-star comfort.

Our adventure begins with a morning visit to the Great Wall at Badaling, one of the most iconic symbols of ancient China. Here, guests can walk along a beautifully restored section, soaking in the breath-taking views and imagining the historical figures who once guarded this marvel. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to explore Beijing’s lively mix of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy.

That evening, we gather for a sophisticated dining experience at a celebrated Peking Duck restaurant. This Beijing speciality, cherished for centuries, is expertly prepared and carved at your table, offering a delectable insight into Chinese culinary mastery.

On your final morning, transfer to Beijing’s international airport for your onward journey.