The Grand Silk Road

DAY ONE - BEIJING

Upon arrival at Beijing airport, you will be met and transferred to the centrally located Four Seasons Hotel Beijing for a two-night stay. In the evening, enjoy a welcome reception dinner, providing an opportunity to meet your fellow travellers before embarking on this highly anticipated journey.

DAY TWO & THREE - BEIJING

Take a stroll along a restored section of the Great Wall at Badaling, one of humanity’s most remarkable achievements. As you wander this majestic landmark, enjoy sweeping views of the picturesque countryside before returning to Beijing for a leisurely afternoon. In the evening, delight in a traditional Peking Duck dinner at a renowned local restaurant, offering an authentic taste of Beijing’s culinary heritage.

Discover the magnificence of imperial Beijing on a full-day tour showcasing its most iconic sites: the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace. Each location provides a fascinating insight into China’s rich dynastic history, from the grandeur of ancient emperors to the intricate beauty of imperial gardens. Alternatively, delve into the modern face of Beijing with its impressive architectural landmarks, such as the Olympic Village, CCTV Tower, and the National Museum. That evening, board the luxurious Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, settle into your elegant cabin, and enjoy a special welcome dinner as your unforgettable adventure begins in style.

DAY FOUR - XI'AN

Step back in time as you explore Xi’an’s ancient city walls and the Great Mosque, one of the oldest and largest mosques in China. A highlight of your day will undoubtedly be the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors—6,000 life-sized figures that have stood sentinel over the tomb of China’s first emperor, discovered only 40 years ago. These intricate statues are celebrated as one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. In the evening, immerse yourself in Xi’an’s rich cultural heritage with a Tang Dynasty-inspired experience featuring exquisite cuisine, traditional music, and captivating dance performances.

DAY FIVE - ON BOARD

Today is yours to unwind and indulge in the luxurious amenities of the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express. Enjoy panoramic vistas from the Observation Car, featuring the largest train window in China, or relax in the lounge with a curated selection of fine wines and expertly crafted cocktails. Savour the unparalleled experience of luxury rail travel, with every detail thoughtfully designed to ensure your comfort and delight.

DAY SIX - DUNHUANG

The Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stand as a remarkable testament to China’s rich Buddhist heritage.

This vast complex, often referred to as the “Cave of a Thousand Buddhas,” comprises over 500 caverns intricately carved into the cliffs of the Gobi Desert. Dating back to the 4th century, the caves house an extraordinary collection of Buddhist art, including thousands of statues and murals that vividly illustrate scenes from Buddhist mythology and history.

As you explore the caves, be captivated by a mesmerising performance by local folk artists, whose music and dance add to the spiritual atmosphere. After a delightful lunch, enjoy a camel trek along the historic Silk Road.

Your day concludes at Crescent Lake, a breathtaking natural wonder. Nestled amidst the towering sand dunes of the Gobi Desert, this crescent-shaped oasis is a symbol of resilience. Despite enduring countless sandstorms over millennia, its crystal-clear waters continue to flow, offering a serene contrast to the dramatic desert landscape.

DAY SEVEN - GOLMUD

This morning, immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Silk Road during a special lecture at the Hilton Qinghai-Golmud. Following this enriching experience, enjoy a leisurely lunch in the hotel’s elegant surroundings.

In the afternoon, choose between visiting the surreal Chaerhan Salt Lake, with its otherworldly landscapes, or joining a guided tour through the city, where modern life intertwines seamlessly with ancient traditions.

DAY EIGHT - HOTAN

Spend a leisurely morning aboard the train before arriving in Hotan, a city rich in Silk Road history.

Visit an exclusive Atlas Silk and Carpet workshop, where skilled artisans craft exquisite textiles using time-honoured techniques. Each piece is painstakingly handmade, dyed with natural plant dyes, and woven with exceptional artistry.

In the evening, explore the ancient city of Yotkan under the glow of night—a captivating glimpse into the history of this former Buddhist kingdom.

Return to the train to enjoy a farewell dinner, marking the conclusion of this remarkable leg of your journey.

DAY NINE - KASHGAR & ALMATY

In Kashgar, one of the most significant trading hubs on the Silk Road, visit the Apak Khoja Tomb and the enchanting old town, where the ambiance of centuries past still resonates. Explore the distinctive Gaotai folk houses and immerse yourself in the region's rich cultural heritage.

Following a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, take a private flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s dynamic city, where you will enjoy a luxurious overnight stay at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty.

DAY TEN - ALMATY

Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, is renowned for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and stunning natural surroundings. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Tien Shan Mountains, the city takes its name from ‘alma,’ meaning ‘apple,’ and nearby apple orchards flourish in abundance.

Begin your morning with a city tour, including a visit to Panfilov Park, home to the remarkable Zenkhov Cathedral, a striking structure built entirely of wood, and Independence Square, a symbol of Kazakhstan’s history and progress.

In the evening, board the iconic Golden Eagle private train and settle in for a special welcome dinner as your extraordinary journey continues.

DAY ELEVEN - LAKE ISSYK-KUL & BISHKEK

This morning, you will enjoy a guided tour of the open-air Museum of Petroglyphs at Lake Issyk-Kul, a sacred site once used by the Saka priests for sacrifices and other rites to the sun god. Some of the petroglyphs date back to the Bronze Age, with later engravings dating to the 10th century. Following this, you will be treated to a breathtaking flight demonstration of Eagle Hunting,

DAY TWELVE - TASHKENT

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

Your 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 have the privilege of seeing one of Islam’s most sacred relics – the world’s oldest Koran. This will be followed by a visit to the Railway Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts.

DAY THIRTEEN - BUKHARA

Bukhara is simply outstanding. Like Khiva, UNESCO sponsored the renovation of much of the city for its 2,500th anniversary in 1999. The highlight of this remarkable 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. Your tour will also take you to the grandeur of Poi-Kalyan Square, home to the iconic Kalyan Mosque, a living relic of traditional Islamic design. As you stroll through the mosque’s large maksura rooms, pillar-domed galleries, and deeply recessed niches, you will be transported to a bygone era.

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the city as you explore the bustling Trading Domes of Bukhara and gather at Lyabi-Hauz Square, a vibrant social hub encircled by a pool and shaded by mulberry trees and local tea rooms. You will then travel out of the city to experience the Emir’s enchantingly named ‘Palace of the Moon and Stars’.

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

DAY FOURTEEN - MERV

Today, you will transfer to the ancient and largely unrestored remains of Merv. Once an important stopping point on the Silk Road, Merv is said to have briefly been the largest city in the world during the 12th century. Its decline came in 1794 when the Emir of Bukhara destroyed the dam that the population relied on for water.

DAY FIFTEEN - ASHGABAT & DARVAZA

Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, is often referred to as the ‘Las Vegas of the Kara Kum’. Situated between the Kara Kum desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range, Ashgabat is a relatively modern city built upon the ruins of the Silk Road city of Konjikala. The Soviet-era city was largely rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1948.

The city’s extravagant fountains, golden domes, and towering modern buildings create a strikingly incongruous scene in this desert setting. Highlights of your visit include the National Museum and Kipchak Mosque.

The Golden Eagle makes a scheduled stop at Ichoguz, where you have the option to leave the train and take a short journey to the famous burning gas crater at Darvaza. This spectacular sight, best seen at night, is located in the middle of the Kara Kum desert, an area rich in natural gas. The 70-metre-wide crater, known locally as the ‘Door to Hell’, has been burning for over 40 years. It is a unique experience not to be missed.

DAY SIXTEEN - KHIVA

Today, you will 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 UNESCO World Heritage Site, it lies at the crossroads of the routes between Mongolia, Russia, China, and Persia. A truly magnificent sight, Khiva rises out of the desert to reveal a wealth of impressive architecture. Stepping back in time, you will explore its stunning mosques, madrassas, bazaars, and minarets within the city’s ancient walls.

DAY SEVENTEEN - SHAHKRISABZ

Believed to be the birthplace of Amir Timur, the military prodigy who modelled himself on Genghis Khan and employed similar violent methods to conquer and control his empire, you will visit the UNESCO-honoured statue of Amir Timur and his Ak-Saray Palace. This majestic palace in Shahrisabz took over 25 years to build and was originally adorned with colourful, highly detailed mosaics, as well as delicate calligraphic inscriptions from the Qur’an. Among the decorative features, an inscription bears the date 798 (1395–1396 AD), marking the completion of the building.

DAY EIGHTEEN - DUSHANBE

This morning, you will visit Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, situated on the Varzob River, and the opulent Kohi Navruz Palace. Enjoy a guided tour with a local expert, who will share the fascinating story of the teahouse-turned-palace. You will explore each stunning hall, adorned with breathtaking chandeliers, while learning about the talented artists and designers who worked tirelessly to create and decorate this majestic palace. After the tour, you will enjoy tea and local delicacies in the palace before returning to the Golden Eagle to continue your journey.

DAY NINETEEN - SAMARKAND

The mere mention of Samarkand conjures evocative images of the Silk Road, perhaps more so than any other city. Founded in the 6th century BC, Samarkand’s stunning architecture reflects its former status as one of the most important cities in Asia. It is particularly renowned for its architectural treasures from the 14th to 17th centuries when it flourished as the fabled capital of the Mongol Empire under Timur and his successors.

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

Prepare for an unforgettable evening in Samarkand that will leave a lasting impression. As the sun sets and night envelops this ancient city, you will be transported to the illuminated Registan Square, where an extraordinary spectacle unfolds. From your front-row seats, you will experience a dazzling light show that narrates the rich history and significance of Samarkand.

DAY TWENTY - SAMARKAND

Spend the morning further exploring Samarkand with a visit to the famous necropolis of Shakh-i-Zinda, a stunning collection of mausoleums dating back to the 9th century. From there, you will travel to the ancient settlement of Afrasiab to visit a museum that houses artefacts uncovered during the city’s excavation, including the renowned frescoes from the Palace of Varkhuman, which date back to the 7th century.

You will then return to the train for lunch and continue your journey through Uzbekistan towards the Fergana Valley.

DAY TWENTY-ONE - MARGILAN, RISHTAN & KOKAND

This morning, you will visit the ancient city of Margilan, renowned for its silk production, considered by many to be the finest in Central Asia. Here, you will explore the Margilan Factory, regarded as the best of its kind in Uzbekistan. Producing 6,000 metres of silk each month, the factory has preserved traditional, manual methods of silk production. You will witness the entire process, from the mulberry trees used to feed the silkworms to the skilled artisans hand-weaving the vibrant ikat fabric on traditional looms.

From Margilan, you will continue by coach to Rishtan, home to Uzbekistan’s world-famous ceramic industry. Here, you will uncover the secrets of this ancient craft through the expertise of prominent local artisan Rustam Usmanov. Watch a master potter in action during a live demonstration and gain behind-the-scenes insights into the meticulous craftsmanship involved in decorating these exquisite ceramics.

Your journey then takes you to Kokand, one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan and a key trading post on the Silk Road. Highlights include the majestic Palace of Khudayar Khan, known as the “Pearl of Kokand,” and the Jami Mosque, the city’s most impressive mosque.

This evening, you will enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board the Golden Eagle as you return to Tashkent.

DAY TWENTY-TWO - TASHKENT

After breakfast on board the Golden Eagle, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

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