Golden Eagle Silk Road Express: The Grand Silk Road (Tour code: 14777)

You will be met upon arrival at the airport in Beijing and will be transferred to the centrally located Four Seasons, Beijing (or similar) hotel for a two-night stay. In the evening, enjoy a welcome reception dinner, where you can meet your fellow travellers ahead of this highly anticipated journey.

Beijing

Enjoy walking along a restored section of the Great Wall at Badaling, one of the most significant structures in human history. As you explore this majestic wonder, take in sweeping views of the surrounding countryside before returning to Beijing for an afternoon of leisure. In the evening, savour a traditional Peking Duck dinner at a renowned local restaurant—an authentic taste of Beijing’s culinary heritage.

Discover the grandeur of imperial Beijing with a full-day tour of its most revered sites: the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace. Each offers a glimpse into China’s rich dynastic history, from the grandeur of ancient emperors to the intricate beauty of imperial gardens. Alternatively, explore modern Beijing’s architectural marvels, including the Olympic Village, CCTV Tower, and National Museum. That evening, board the opulent Golden Eagle Silk Road Express and settle in for a special welcome dinner as your adventure begins in style.

Great Wall of China

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.

Terracotta Warriors, Xi An

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 fine selection of wines and cocktails. Revel in the experience of luxury rail travel, with every detail carefully designed for your comfort and enjoyment.

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

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

As you're exploring the caves, you will be treated to a mesmerizing performance by local folk artists, their music and dance adding to the spiritual ambiance. After a delightful lunch, embark on a camel trek along the historic Silk Road.

Your journey culminates at Crescent Lake, a breathtaking natural wonder. Nestled amidst the towering sand dunes of the Gobi, this crescent-shaped oasis is a testament to the desert’s enduring beauty. Despite facing countless sandstorms over millennia, the lake’s crystal-clear waters continue to flow, a symbol of resilience in the harsh desert environment.

Dunhuang

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.

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.

Return to the train for a farewell dinner, marking the close of this unforgettable leg of your journey.

In Kashgar, one of the most important trading hubs on the Silk Road, you will visit the Apak Khoja Tomb and the charming old town, where the atmosphere of centuries past still lingers. Explore the unique Gaotai folk houses and the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, take a private flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s vibrant city, where you will spend a luxurious night at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty.

Apak Khoja Tomb, Kashgar

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.

Your morning city tour includes a visit to Panfilov Park, where you visit the unique Zenkhov Cathedral which was built entirely of wood, and Independence Square.

That evening, step aboard an icon of the rails, the Golden Eagle private train and settle in for a special welcome dinner as your adventure continues.

Almaty

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of the open-air Museum of Petroglyphs at Lake Issyk-Kul, a sacred site used by the Saka priests for sacrifices and other rites to the sun god. Some of the petroglyphs date from the Bronze Age with later engravings dating to the 10th century. Following this, be treated to breathtaking flight demonstration of Eagle Hunting, a 4,000-year-old art. You will learn the story of eagle hunting, the characteristics of the Golden Eagle and the fascinating details of this Kyrgyz nomadic tradition.

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 afternoon sightseeing. Here, visit the Ala-Too Square, built in 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.

City of Bishkek

This afternoon, arrive in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan. Here, spend time touring this modern Soviet-style city, which was rebuilt following 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 be privileged to see one of Islam’s most sacred relics – the world’s oldest Qur'an. This is followed by a visit to the Railway Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts.

Tashkent train station

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. Todays touring programme will also transport you 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 maksura rooms, pillar-domed galleries and deeply recessed niches.

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. Later, 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 the train departs.

Kalyan Mosque, Bukhara

From Mary, transfer to the ancient and mainly unrestored remains of Merv. Once an important stopping point on the Silk Road, it claims to have briefly been the largest city in the world during the 12th century. The year 1794 saw the demise of Merv, after the Emir of Bukhara destroyed the dam which the population depended on for its water.

Merv, Turkmenistan

Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan is known 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 city was largely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1948.

The city’s extravagant fountains, golden domes and towering modern buildings appear strangely incongruous in this desert setting. Highlights on your visit include a visit to the National Museum and Kipchak Mosque.

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

Darvaza | Credit: Andrea Peto

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 Persia. 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

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, visit the UNESCO-honoured statue of Amir Timur and his Ak-Saray Palace. This majestic palace in Shahkrizabz 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.

Gur-e Amir

This morning, visit Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, situated on the Varzob River and its 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. After the tour, you will enjoy tea and local delicacies in the palace before returning to the Golden Eagle to continue your journey.

Dashunabe

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, you 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

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 9^th century. From here, 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 7^th century.

Later, return to the train for lunch and continue your journey through Uzbekistan towards the Fergana Valley.

Samarkand

This morning, visit the ancient city of Margilan, famous for its production of silk, considered by many as the best in Central Asia. Here, you will visit the Margilan Factory which is considered the best of its kind in Uzbekistan. Producing 6,000 metres of silk per month, the factory has preserved a manual and traditional method of silk production. You will explore the whole process of making silk from the mulberry trees used to feed the silkworms to the hardworking staff hand weaving the colourful ikat fabric on traditional looms.

From Margilan, continue by coach onto Rishtan which is home to Uzbekistan’s world-famous ceramic industry. Here, you will discover the secrets of the techniques of the ancient craft from prominent local artisan Rustam Usmanov. Witness the magic of pottery in action during a close up demonstration by a master professional at work and get a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into decorating these exquisite ceramics.

Kokand is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan and served as a critical trading post on the Silk Road. Highlights of your touring includes the majestic Palace of Khudayar Khan (the Pearl of Kokand), and the Jami Mosque, Kokand’s most impressive Mosque.

This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board the Golden Eagle as the train returns to Tashkent.

Palace of Khudayar Khan

Following breakfast aboard the Golden Eagle, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.