Golden Eagle: Jewels of the Silk Road

Overview

Aboard the Golden Eagle, journey from Almaty to Baku through three remarkable Central Asian nations – a captivating tapestry of cultures and landscapes shaped by a shared Soviet past, yet each proudly distinct. Discover Uzbekistan’s magnificent mosques and vibrant bazaars, alongside the breathtaking green valleys and tranquil landscapes of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. This extraordinary eight-day adventure offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the world’s most remarkable rail journeys, combining fascinating destinations with the timeless romance of luxury train travel.

Inclusions

Five-star post hotel accommodation in Baku & Almaty

Arrival and departure transfers

Freshly prepared meals on board

Golden Eagle Gala Caviar dinner

Generous drinks allowance, including international wines with lunch and dinner

Expertly guided off-train excursions

24-hour cabin attendance service

Experienced Tour Management team

Private ensuite accommodation on the Golden Eagle train

All gratuities - on and off the train

Luggage porterage throughout the journey

Services of a UK-registered Doctor and medical facilities on board

Itinerary

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Day 1 Almaty

Arrive in Almaty, where you will be greeted upon arrival and privately transferred to your centrally located hotel for a one-night stay.

This evening, you are invited to a Welcome Dinner at the hotel, offering the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and enjoy an introduction to the remarkable journey ahead. Relax and savour your first evening in Kazakhstan before your rail adventure begins.

Overnight hotel accommodation in Almaty.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Almaty

Day 2 Almaty & board the Golden Eagle

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Almaty. Highlights include a visit to Panfilov Park, located in the heart of the city, and the impressive Zenkov Cathedral, a 19th century Russian Orthodox church renowned for being one of the world’s largest wooden buildings, constructed entirely without nails.

This afternoon, board the elegant Golden Eagle. After settling into your comfortable cabins, the journey begins travelling through the diverse landscapes of Kazakhstan before crossing the border into Kyrgyzstan. As evening falls, a sumptuous Welcome Dinner will be served on board, accompanied by a selection of fine wines.

Overnight stay aboard The Golden Eagle.

Breakfast

Almaty

Day 3 Lake Issyk-kul, Kyrgyzstan

Today, enjoy an extended visit to the magnificent Lake Issyk-Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Along the shore, experience a privately arranged cultural festival showcasing Kyrgyzstan’s rich
nomadic heritage.

Witness traditional sports and pastimes, including horseback wrestling, hunting with Golden Eagles, archery, and ordo, a strategic game played with cow kneecaps. Traditional music, dance, colourful costumes, and craft demonstrations provide a fascinating insight into the enduring culture of the Central Asian steppes.

Following the festival, there is an opportunity to visit the open-air Museum of Petroglyphs before returning to the train.

Overnight stay aboard The Golden Eagle.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lake Issyk-Kul

Day 4 Onboard the Golden Eagle

Enjoy a leisurely day onboard as the Golden Eagle Express journeys from Kyrgyzstan into Uzbekistan.

Relax in the comfort of your cabin or take in the ever-changing scenery from the Bar Lounge Car as
vast plains, rolling hills, and distant mountain ranges give way to the historic landscapes of Central Asia. It is the perfect opportunity to unwind, enjoy the train’s exceptional hospitality, and reflect on the experiences of the journey so far.

Overnight stay aboard The Golden Eagle.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Golden Eagle Luxury Train

Day 5 Tashkent

Today, explore Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, a vibrant city that was largely rebuilt in a modern Soviet style following the devastating earthquake of 1966. Today's tour includes the historic Old Town, where traditional homes and religious buildings line narrow streets. Here, visit a small library housing one of Islam’s most revered treasures – the Uthman Quran, believed to be among the world’s oldest surviving Korans.

We also visit the Railway Museum, showcasing the region’s rich rail heritage, and the Museum of Applied Arts, renowned for its collection of traditional Uzbek craftsmanship, ceramics, textiles, and decorative arts.

Overnight stay aboard The Golden Eagle.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tashkent train station

Day 6 Samarkand

Today, explore Samarkand’s most iconic landmarks, including the spectacular Registan Square, the city’s architectural heart, the elegant Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and the Ulugh Beg Observatory, one of the earliest and most important astronomical observatories of the Islamic world, built in 1428.

This evening, experience the magic of Samarkand after dark with a visit to the beautifully illuminated Registan Square. From reserved seats, enjoy a captivating light and sound show that brings to life the fascinating history, culture, and legacy of this legendary Silk Road city.

Overnight stay aboard The Golden Eagle.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Samarkand

Day 7 Bukhara

Bukhara is one of Central Asia’s most remarkable Silk Road cities, renowned for its beautifully preserved historic centre. Your tour includes a visit to The Ark, the former fortress-palace of the Emirs of Bukhara, and Poi-Kalyan Square, home to the magnificent Kalyan Mosque and its iconic minaret.

You will also explore Bukhara’s atmospheric Trading Domes and the charming Lyabi-Hauz Square, a lively gathering place shaded by mulberry trees. This evening, weather permitting, enjoy a memorable barbecue on the station platform before the train departs.

Overnight stay aboard The Golden Eagle.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kalyan Mosque, Bukhara

Day 8 Khiva Baku

Today, explore the ancient city of Khiva, one of the Silk Road’s most important trading centres and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising dramatically from the desert, Khiva is a remarkably preserved open-air museum, enclosed within imposing city walls and filled with magnificent mosques, madrassas, minarets, and bustling courtyards. A walk through its historic streets offers an unforgettable glimpse into the splendour of a bygone age.

This afternoon, board a private charter flight to Baku, Azerbaijan’s vibrant capital on the shores of the Caspian Sea, where you will enjoy an overnight stay and a Farewell Dinner at at 5* hotel.

Overnight hotel accommodation in Baku.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ancient city of Khiva

Day 9 Baku

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey, bringing your remarkable adventure along the Silk Road to a close.

Why not extend your adventure of a lifetime? Contact an Entire Travel Reservations Consultant to arrange additional hotel nights and discover touring options in Baku.

Breakfast

Flame Towers of Baku

Accommodation

Golden Eagle

Upgrade available

LIFE ABOARD THE GOLDEN EAGLE

The Golden Eagle has been carefully designed with emphasis on your comfort, relaxation and enjoyment. In addition to our private en-suite sleeping cabins, we offer a beautifully appointed Bar Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars.
The Golden Eagle, comprising three categories of cabins, featuring state-of-the-art amenities and en-suite facilities, is the only private train of its kind operating in these regions of the world.

SILVER CABIN

Silver Class cabins, which are more compact at 60 sq ft (5.5 sq metres), feature a small double lower bed and a single upper bed as well as DVD/CD player, LCD screen, safe, individual air-conditioning, wardrobe and large picture window.

The Silver Class cabins have private en-suite wet room with a washbasin, toilet and shower.

Sleeps 2 in lower small double bed or bunk style
Remote controlled air-conditioning and heating
Recessed lighting and wardrobe
Personal safe
Private en-suite bathroom with 'wet-room' style shower and toilet
Bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer and toiletries provided
DVD/CD player with LCD screens
Towels and linens changed every second day or daily on request
Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water available at all times
Laundry service available at an additional charge
Drinks in the Bar Lounge Car included from the Standard Bar List

Room Upgrades

Gold Cabin

At 77 sq ft (7 sq metres) Gold Class cabins are extremely well-proportioned and have everything from a private bathroom with separate power shower cubicle and underfloor heating to a DVD/CD player, LCD screen, safe, individual air-conditioning, wardrobe, large picture window as well as featuring a double lower bed and a single upper bed.

Guests in Gold Class benefit from complimentary drinks off the Standard Bar List in the Bar Lounge Car.

Sleeps 2 in either lower standard double bed or bunk style
Remote controlled air-conditioning and heating
Recessed lighting and wardrobe
Personal safe
Private en-suite bathroom with full power shower and underfloor heating
Bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer and toiletries provided
DVD/CD player with LCD screens
Towels and linens changed every second day or daily on request
Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water in cabin available at all times
Drinks in the Bar Lounge Car included from the Standard Bar List
Laundry service available at an additional charge

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Imperial Suite

Imperial Suites are the most spacious cabins available onboard the Golden Eagle measuring 120 sq ft (11.1 sq metres) and benefiting from a large and luxurious double bed as well as a lounge area with dressing table.

Imperial Suite facilities include a private en-suite bathroom with power shower and the luxury of underfloor heating; individual air-conditioning; wardrobe; DVD/CD player with LCD screen; complimentary fully stocked minibar; safe; small library and two large picture windows to watch the world go by.

Exemplary service starts with a complimentary bottle of Dom Perignon champagne when you board the train to toast the start of your wonderful adventure.

A note for Imperial Suite guests:
A private guide and chauffeured car service is included in many of the destinations we visit on your journey, however, in locations where there are a limited number of experienced and qualified tour guides available, we may offer a shared car service among Imperial Suite guests. Imperial Suite guests will also benefit from the inclusion of drinks from the Standard and Premium Bar list in the Bar Lounge Car, a laundry service and room upgrades to the next available category at the hotels which are featured in the itinerary.

Sleeps 2 in a large Double Bed (1.5m by 1.9m)
Sitting area
Remote controlled air-conditioning and heating
Recessed lighting and wardrobe
Dressing table
Personal safe
Private en-suite bathroom with full power shower and underfloor heating
Bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer and toiletries provided
Complimentary minibar
DVD/CD player with LCD screens
Towels and linens changed every second day or daily on request
Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water available at all times
In-cabin dining available on request
Drinks from the Bar Lounge Car included from the Standard and Premium Bar List (excluding Premium Wine List)
Private car and guide options in selected cities for off-train excursion programme
Laundry service included

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

Departure dates:

14 Oct - 22 Oct, 2027

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing, and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

What is included in the price?

All private train and hotel accommodation as per the itinerary; all meals starting with dinner on the first day and ending with breakfast on the last day of the tour (on some tours this may differ slightly, please refer to the specific itinerary); a generous allowance of wine, beer, soft drinks and tea and coffee with all lunches and dinners both on and off the train (except where stated otherwise); all arrival and departure transfers; guided off-train sightseeing excursions; the services of experienced tour leaders; complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water 24 hours a day, all gratuities and the services of an on board doctor.

What happens when I arrive at the airport / train station?

At the point of arrival, you will be met by one of our representatives who will be waiting with a Golden Eagle Luxury Trains sign. If arriving by air, this will be after immigration, once you have collected all your luggage and cleared customs. Our representative will then assist you to your transfer vehicle to the hotel.

What is the average age of the passengers?

Although there are no age restrictions on tours – most travellers are aged 55+. The average age is 65 years. Tours may not be suitable for young children.

Does the train have Wi-Fi?

On the Golden Eagle there is Wi-Fi available on board, powered by a 4G sim. Coverage is limited and will usually be available as we pass through larger cities/towns. However, on all tours – guests are provided with internet access in a local hotel or restaurant at least every other day.

Can you cater to special dietary preferences?

Most dietary requirements can be catered for. Please advise us of your requirements at the time of booking.

What is the dress code on the train?

During the day, the dress code on the Golden Eagle is casual both on and off the train. In the evening guests are suggested to dress smart casual.

For winter tours on the Golden Eagle, we recommend Ski-type jackets and trousers and thermal underwear. Train staff can provide hats, gloves and warm boots (so long as passengers have advised the rail staff of their shoe size). The train itself is always well heated and normal indoor clothing can be worn.

Since every tour requires some walking, it is recommend that passengers pack some comfortable walking shoes. A rubber sole is recommended to avoid possible slipping.

Can I smoke onboard?

The Golden Eagle and the Golden Eagle Danube Express are non-smoking trains, however there is a designated area at the back of each train where people are permitted to smoke.

Is there a recommended time of arrival on the first day?

We recommend arriving between 11.00 and 16.00, in time for the Welcome Dinner, which is normally held between 19.00-20.00. Check in at most our hotels is between 2.00-3.00pm and early check-in is dependent on hotel availability (charges may apply).

Are there luggage restrictions?

There is limited space inside the cabin for luggage storage. Soft-topped luggage is easier to store. Luggage cannot be stored under the beds. There is a dedicated luggage storage area at the end of each carriage. We recommend passengers unpack and store their empty luggage in this area. Cabin attendants will assist guests with this.

Luxury toiletries, including shower cream, shampoo and conditioner are provided in each cabin. A hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers and towels are also provided.

Will I need travel insurance?

As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult with our agents at time of booking and we can assist you with this.

Golden Eagle: Jewels of the Silk Road (Tour code: 17024)

Highlights

Overview

Inclusions