Golden Eagle: 2027 Republics of the Silk Road (Almaty to Samarkand) (Tour code: 16367)

Arrive at Almaty Airport, where you are met and transferred to a stylish centrally located hotel.

On your first evening in Almaty, you will be invited to a champagne drinks' reception before an exclusive Welcome Dinner. Specially selected international wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during the tour.

Views of Almaty

Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and is notable for its wide tree-lined boulevards. Surrounded by the majesty of the Tien Shan Mountains, this beautiful city derives its name from ‘alma’ meaning ‘apple’. Just a short distance from the city, apple orchards thrive in abundance. The morning city tour includes a visit to Panfilov Park to visit the Zenkhov Cathedral which was built entirely of wood and Independence Square. 

This afternoon board the Golden Eagle and settle into your well-appointed ensuite cabin. Tonight, guests will enjoy a Welcome Dinner.

Golden Eagle Attendant on the Platform

Today, 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 kilometres in length and up to 70 kilometres wide, it is recognised as the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Its name, meaning “warm lake”, reflects its remarkable resistance to freezing – the result of a unique combination of depth, mineral richness, and geothermal activity beneath its surface. Framed by towering, snow-capped peaks, the lake offers a serene beauty.

This morning, you're invited to immerse yourself in the rich nomadic heritage of Kyrgyzstan with a privately arranged cultural event along the lake’s shores. A captivating display of traditional sports and games that have been passed down through generations. While archery may be familiar, few have encountered the spectacle of horseback wrestling, hunting with majestic Golden Eagles, or “ordo” – a strategic game played with cow kneecaps.

This experience is a celebration of steppe culture in all its vibrant detail – from music and dance to intricate costumes and demonstrations of time-honoured crafts. It is a rare and enthralling glimpse into a way of life that continues to flourish in the highlands of Central Asia. This day promises a unique and authentic insight into the cultural heart of the region, offering memories that will linger long after your journey ends.

After the festival there will be the option to visit the outdoor Museum of the Petroglyphs before returning to the Golden Eagle for dinner.

City of Bishkek

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 this afternoons sightseeing. Here, you 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.

Bishkek

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

The tour of the city includes the Old Town, where traditional homes and religious buildings line the narrow streets. In a small library here, you will be privileged to see one of Islam’s most sacred relics – the world’s oldest Quran. This is followed by a visit to the Museum of Applied Arts housed in the opulent former residence of the Imperial Russian diplomat, Alexander Polovstev, the culturally significant Independence Square and the Railway Museum. 

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Kokand is one of the oldest cities in Uzbekistan, once serving as a vital trading post on the Silk Road. Today, your journey begins with a visit to the majestic Palace of Khudayar Khan, known as the Pearl of Kokand, followed by the impressive Jami Mosque, the city’s most magnificent mosque.

Continue your adventure through the Fergana Valley, stopping at the renowned ceramics hub of Rishtan. Here, tradition and artistry merge as we witness a captivating pottery demonstration, offering an inside look at the meticulous craftsmanship behind these stunning ceramics.

Next, head to Margilan, a city rich in history as a key crossroads for ancient trade routes. Step into the world of silk in this historic city, where you’ll learn the ancient art of silk weaving. Visit a local workshop run by a family who has been producing silk for generations, where you’ll observe the entire process — from feeding silkworms on mulberry leaves to hand-weaving the vibrant ikat fabric on traditional looms.

This day offers a deeply immersive experience, filled with rich cultural encounters and a journey through Uzbekistan’s timeless artistic traditions.

Kokand

Bukhara is quite simply outstanding. Like Khiva, UNESCO sponsored the renovation of much of the city for its 2,500th anniversary in 1999. The highlight of this wonderful tour is a visit to The Ark, a fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara – the despotic and ruthless leaders who ruled until Soviet times. Today's touring programme will also transport guests to the grandeur of Poi-Kalyan Square, home to the iconic Kalyan Mosque, a living relic of traditional Islamic design. 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 guests explore the bustling Trading Domes of Bukhara and gather at Lyabi-Hauz Square, a vibrant social hub cocooned by a pool and embraced by the soothing shade of mulberry trees and local tea rooms. Guests will then travel out of the city to experience the Emir’s enchantingly named ‘Palace of the Moon and Stars’.

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

Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Nestled in the enchanting north-west of Uzbekistan, the city of Nukus boasts a captivating setting, surrounded by three magnificent deserts: the Kara Kum, Kyzyl Kum, and Ustyurt. Here, a pristine and untouched landscape unfolds before your eyes, adorned with endless stretches of sandy vistas, enchanting dunes, and towering peaks that beckon adventure.

The voyage through Nukus leads to the extraordinary Igor Savitsky State Museum of the Fine Arts, a true hidden gem in this remote oasis. Aptly nicknamed the ‘Louvre in the Sands,’ this extraordinary museum houses Central Asia’s most extensive art collection, featuring a staggering 100,000 avant-garde masterpieces and crafts from the Karakalpak region. Prepare to be mesmerised by the artistic treasures that await, promising a unique experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Nukus

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

Khiva, Uzbekistan

This afternoon, 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.

Continue today's touring programme with more historic sites of Tajikistan’s largest city. Visit the Ismail Samani monument, recognising the first King of Tajiks, before going onwards to the Independence Square and Mekhrgon Bazaar for a taster of local life in Dushanbe.

Tonight, enjoy an evening of relaxation onboard the Golden Eagle, listening to the melodies from the resident pianist as the train ventures across the border into Uzbekistan.

Statue of Ismoli Somoni in Dashunabe

Believed to be the birthplace of Amir Timur, the military prodigy who modelled himself on Genghis Khan, today you will visit the UNESCO-honoured statue of Amir Timur and his Ak-Saray Palace. This majestic palace in Shahrizabz 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.

Late afternoon arrival in Samarkand marks the farewell to the Golden Eagle train. After disembarkation, a visit is made to the Gur-e Amir, the opulent azure-domed mausoleum housing the tomb of Timur. Check-in follows at a five-star hotel in Samarkand, with further exploration of this magnificent city continuing over the next couple of days.

Dinner this evening is a dine-around at the hotel.

Gur-e Amir

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

Today, the journey includes visits to some of the city’s most significant sites, including Registan Square and the refined elegance of the beautifully proportioned Bibi Khanum Mosque.

There will also be the opportunity to explore the bustling Siab Bazaar, Samarkand’s largest market, where a vibrant mix of spices, fresh bread, produce, meats, and traditional treats awaits. This lively market promises a shopping experience like no other, filled with excitement and colour.

The exploration continues at the Meros Paper Mill, offering a hands-on understanding of this ancient craft and its centuries-old techniques. To further immerse in local culture, a taste of Plov will be offered, prepared by a local chef. This dish, considered the essence of the region’s identity, is a staple at social gatherings.

As the day draws to a close, an unforgettable evening awaits in Samarkand. As night falls over the ancient city, head to the illuminated Registan Square, where an extraordinary light show brings the rich history and significance of Samarkand to life, unfolding a mesmerizing spectacle before your eyes

Registan Square, Samarkand

Spend the morning continuing to explore Samarkand, with a visit to the famous necropolis Shakh-i-Zindah, a stunning collection of mausoleums dating back to the 9th century, and the Ulug Beg Observatory, one of the earliest Islamic astronomical observatories, built in 1428.

From here, travel to the ancient settlement of Afrasiab to visit a museum housing artefacts collected during the excavation of the city, including the famous frescoes from the Palace of Varkhuman, dating back to the 7th century.

Enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner tonight.

Samarkand

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.