Golden Eagle: Caspian Odyssey (Tour code: 12627)

Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to the five‑star Alexander Hotel, where you will stay for two nights. Ideally located in the heart of Yerevan’s historic quarter, The Alexander offers an exceptional blend of refined elegance and contemporary comfort. The hotel’s beautifully preserved façade, dating back to the 18th century, provides a fascinating glimpse into Armenia’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.

For early arrivals, enjoy a Freedom of Choice excursion this afternoon:

Freedom of Choice – Option 1:
Visit Etchmiadzin, the spiritual centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church and often referred to as the “Vatican of Armenia.” Founded in 301 AD, it is widely regarded as the oldest cathedral in the world. During your visit, explore the Treasury Museum of Etchmiadzin, which houses some of Christianity’s most revered relics, including fragments of the True Cross, a piece believed to be from Noah’s Ark, and the Holy Spear said to have pierced the body of Christ.
Continuing your journey, make a brief stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Zvartnots Cathedral, an extraordinary 7th‑century architectural masterpiece renowned for its distinctive circular design.

Freedom of Choice – Option 2:
Alternatively, join a guided walking tour through central Yerevan, discovering the city’s lively streets, elegant architecture, and key landmarks that reflect its unique blend of ancient heritage and modern life.

This evening, gather for a Welcome Dinner at an authentic local restaurant — a perfect opportunity to meet fellow travellers and look ahead to an extraordinary journey across six captivating countries of the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

Why not consider extending your stay in Yerevan with additional pre‑tour nights, allowing time to further explore this fascinating city and its surrounding region at your leisure?

Lobby of Hotel Alexander

This morning - explore one of Yerevan’s most distinctive landmarks, The Cascade — a monumental limestone stairway adorned with sculptures, fountains, and terraces. As you ascend, enjoy sweeping views across central Yerevan, with Mount Ararat often rising majestically on the horizon.

From here, visit the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial, a deeply moving complex completed in 1967 to commemorate the 1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives during the genocide of the early 20th century. Set on a hill overlooking the city, the memorial provides a powerful and reflective space of remembrance.

Departing Yerevan, the journey continues to Lake Sevan, one of the largest high‑altitude freshwater lakes in the world. Stop here for lunch, enjoying stunning views across the shimmering waters. Along with Lake Van and Lake Urmia, Lake Sevan was historically regarded as one of the three great lakes of the ancient Armenian Kingdom — collectively known as the Seas of Armenia — and is now the only one located within the borders of the modern Republic of Armenia.

After lunch, return to Yerevan for an optional visit to the renowned Yerevan Ararat Brandy Factory, where Armenia’s iconic brandy has been produced for generations.

This evening, enjoy a dine‑around dinner at a selection of carefully chosen local restaurants located near the hotel, offering the opportunity to savour a variety of Armenian flavours at leisure.

Lake Umria, Armenia

Today's touring will take you 23 miles (37 km) out of Yerevan to the ancient Geghard Monastery. The beautiful monastery contains a number of churches and tombs, many of them cut into the rock. The complex of medieval architecture is set into a landscape of great natural beauty, surrounded by towering cliffs at the head of the Azat Valley.

You'll also visit the 1st Century pagan temple of Garni, built to worship the Sun God Mitra. Explore the remains of an ancient fortress, palace and baths there. Lunch will also be enjoyed at this stunning location. 

Alternatively, guests may choose a gentle walk through Garni Gorge, following the right bank of the Azat River to admire the extraordinary natural formation known as the “Symphony of Stones” or Basalt Organ. This striking geological monument consists of towering hexagonal and pentagonal basalt columns formed by ancient lava flows that cooled slowly over time. Rising up to 50 metres, the perfectly aligned columns resemble the pipes of a giant organ, creating one of Armenia’s most celebrated natural wonders.

After an authentic Armenian lunch, continue to the airport for a private charter flight to Tbilisi. This evening, arrive in the Georgian capital, where you'll stay for the next three nights at the Paragraph Freedom Square, a Luxury Collection Hotel.

Tonight, enjoy dinner in the hotel accompanied by a traditional folk performance — a lively and atmospheric introduction to Georgia.

View of Mount Ararat

Hemmed in by the Surami Range, the city of Tbilisi extends for 27 kms along the banks of the River Kura. Despite the wars and fires which caused innumerable changes in the topography of Tbilisi, the old part of the city still retains much of its original layout, a spider’s web of narrow winding streets and alleyways.

Historical sites visited today include the 13th century Metekhi church, a cross cupola church which forms part of the Royal Residential complex, the 5th century Sioni Cathedral, the main church of Tbilisi, before exploring the Old Town. You will then depart to Chateau Mukhrani wine estate for a delicious lunch and spend the afternoon tasting local wines.

After lunch, you may choose to continue exploring the Old Town on foot, visiting highlights such as Gabriadze’s Clock Tower, Baratashvili Street, and the historic Anchiskhati Basilica (approximately a one‑hour walking tour), or return to the hotel to relax at leisure.

This evening, enjoy a dine‑around experience at selected local restaurants, allowing you to savour Tbilisi’s vibrant culinary scene at your own pace.

Houses at Tbilisi, Georgia

This morning you may choose between two fascinating touring experiences. One option takes you to Gori, one of Georgia’s oldest cities, founded in the 7th century AD and best known as the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, born here in 1879. During you visit, see the modest house where Stalin spent his early childhood, now preserved beneath a protective canopy. Adjacent stands the imposing, columned building that houses the Stalin Museum, with exhibits that offer a haunting and thought‑provoking insight into the life of one of the most controversial and consequential figures of the 20th century. Nearby, Stalin’s private railway carriage is also on display. Alternatively, guests may choose to visit a local Ceramics Museum, showcasing the traditional works of renowned Georgian ceramicist George Tatulashvili.

The second option leads to the remarkable ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe, dating back to the 6th century BC and first mentioned in written chronicles of the 1st century AD. Carved into a rocky plateau, this extraordinary site reveals vast echoing halls, winding corridor‑streets, chambers once used for pagan worship, and even the remains of Georgia’s oldest theatre, complete with auditorium, stage, and orchestra pit. Strategically positioned above the Mtkvari River and protected by sheer rock faces and strong fortifications, Uplistsikhe once played a vital role in controlling the surrounding region. Despite numerous attempts to destroy it, the city survived until the 13th century, when the forces of Khulagu, son of Genghis Khan, finally succeeded in capturing and devastating the fortress. The loss of its 5,000 inhabitants marked the end of life here forever, lending the site a profound historical atmosphere.

Lunch today is served at a rustic local restaurant, accompanied by a private performance of traditional Georgian polyphonic singing — an immersive cultural experience that offers a unique and deeply moving introduction to Georgia’s musical heritage.

Later this afternoon, explorations continue to Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital and spiritual heart. Renowned for its historical importance and wealth of early Christian monuments, the city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

This evening, enjoy a dine‑around experience at local restaurants, dining at your leisure and sampling Georgia’s rich culinary traditions.

Uplistsikhe, Georgia

This morning, visit the Janashia State Museum of Georgia, home to an exceptional collection of archaeological treasures. Highlights include exquisite gold filigree jewellery dating back to the 6th century BC, offering remarkable insight into the artistry and cultural sophistication of ancient Georgian civilisations.

After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the airport and board a private jet for the short flight to Baku. Upon arrival in the Azerbaijani capital, check in for a three‑night stay at the elegant Four Seasons Hotel Baku, superbly located along the Caspian Sea waterfront.

City of Baku

Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, lies on the western shore of the Caspian Sea and the southern side of the Apsheron Peninsula, around the wide, curving sweep of the Bay of Baku. The core of present-day Baku is the Old Town, or fortress of Icheri-Shekher. Most of the walls, strengthened after the Russian conquest in 1806, survived, as does the 90 ft (27 m) tower of Kyz-Kalasy (Maiden Tower, 12th century). The walled old town is highly picturesque, with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings. These include the Palace of the Shirvan-Shahs, now a museum, the oldest part of which dates from the 11th century. Also of the 11th century is the Synyk-Kala Minaret and Mosque (1078-79). Tour these historic sights by bus before exploring the Old Town by foot.

After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy an afternoon of free time to discover Baku independently. Perhaps visit the local Carpet Museum, indulge in a cultural escape at the National Museum, or simply relax and soak up Azerbaijan’s unique atmosphere.

Tonight, you will visit the magnificent Villa Petrolea. Nearly 150 years ago, before the Nobel Peace Prizes were created, the Nobel brothers themselves played a key role in Baku’s first ‘oil boom’. The mansion that they built as their residence in the early 1880s has been preserved, restored, and turned into a fascinating museum. It is here you will be privileged to have a guided tour and treated to champagne, canapes, and a sumptuous dinner within its historic walls.

Maiden Tower, Baku

This morning, tour the UNESCO-honoured Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape. Located 40 miles (64 km) from Baku on the west bank of the Caspian Sea, Gobustan is an outstanding archaeological site of more than 6,000 pre-historic rock engravings. The area also features the remains of inhabited caves, settlements and burials. This is followed by lunch overlooking the Caspian Sea.

Returning to the city in the afternoon, you can choose to enjoy free time in the city or visit a local Zoroastrian temple before dinner in the Four Seasons Hotel.

Flame Towers of Baku

Following breakfast, board a private plane for a morning flight to Urgench, gateway to the extraordinary desert city of Khiva. With a history spanning more than 2,500 years, Khiva rose to prominence as a vital Silk Road oasis, strategically positioned along caravan routes linking Central Asia with Persia and the wider Islamic world. Today, its perfectly preserved historic centre, Ichan-Kala, is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Emerging dramatically from the surrounding desert landscape, Khiva is a truly arresting vision — a living museum of Islamic architecture enclosed within formidable mud-brick walls. As you step inside, time seems to slow. Explore a remarkable concentration of ornate mosques, elegant madrassas, bustling bazaars, and soaring minarets, their turquoise tiles and carved wooden columns bearing witness to centuries of scholarship, trade, and devotion. Wandering through its atmospheric streets offers an immersive journey into one of Central Asia’s most beautifully preserved historic cities.

Ancient city of Khiva

Bukhara is quite simply outstanding. Like Khiva, UNESCO sponsored the renovation of much of the city for its 2,500th anniversary in 1997.

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 be transported to a bygone era.

Immerse yourself in the lively pulse of the city as you 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.

This evening, weather permitting, you will enjoy a barbecue on the station platform before our train departs – a unique farewell to an incredible city.

Ark of Bukhara

Just the mention of Samarkand instantly conjures up evocative 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, 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.

Prepare for an unforgettable evening in Samarkand that will leave an indelible mark on your memory. As the sun sets and night descends upon this ancient city, guests will be whisked away to the illuminated Registan Square, where an extraordinary spectacle unfolds. From your prime front-row seats, you’ll be treated to a dazzling light show that weaves the rich tapestry of Samarkand’s history and significance.

Registan Square, Samarkand

Today - arrive in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Much of the city was extensively rebuilt following the devastating 1966 earthquake, resulting in its distinctive blend of broad avenues, monumental architecture, and Soviet-era design, which guests will explore during their guided tour.

The sightseeing begins in the Old Town with a visit to the Khast-Imam Complex, an important centre of Islamic scholarship, where guests 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, housed in the richly decorated former residence of Imperial Russian diplomat Alexander Polovtsev, followed by time in Independence Square, a symbol of modern Uzbekistan.

Alisher Navoi at Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Enjoy a more leisurely pace today as you journey through the striking landscapes of Uzbekistan, before crossing the border into Kyrgyzstan, where you will disembark for a short introductory tour of the city. 

The guided sightseeing reveals Bishkek’s distinctive Soviet-era character, shaped during its development as the capital of the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic. Visit Ala-Too Square, created in 1984 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Kirghiz SSR, and stroll through several of the city’s leafy parks, which lend Bishkek a notably relaxed and spacious atmosphere. These public spaces provide a compelling window into the country’s 20th-century history, featuring monuments and memorials associated with the Soviet period, including statues of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, as well as the Memorial to the Red Guards.

Golden Eagle Luxury Train

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 the Farewell Dinner.

Lake Issyk Kul

This morning arrive into Almaty, your final destination and bid farewell to the Golden Eagle. Today take a tour of Almaty including a visit to Panfilov Park, located in the heart of the city, and home to the Zenkov Cathedral, a 19th century Russian Orthodox Church made entirely of wood.

Overnight guests stay for one night at the Ritz-Carlton, Almaty, or similar. 

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Following breakfast you will be transferred to Almaty Airport for your onward flight. 

Why not extend your stay in Almaty with additional nights to explore more of the city and surrounding region at your leisure?