We are delighted to be working with our German associates, Lernidee Trains and Cruises, to bring you this private train tour from Almaty to Tashkent. Join us for an unforgettable journey as we retrace one of the most remarkable trading routes of ancient civilization – the legendary Silk Road.
A network of routes, plied by merchants and traders between China and the Mediterranean, it is difficult to overstate the importance of the Silk Road on history. During this fascinating trip we will follow in the footsteps of such legendary figures as Alexander the Great and Marco Polo, discovering 2,000 years of history whilst travelling in great comfort and style aboard the Orient Silk Road Express Private Train.
Stretching from the Caspian Sea to the Tien Shan Mountains, the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are richly endowed with history and culture, a flavour of which you will sample on this exciting journey. Marvel at ancient architecture like the Kalta Minor Minaret and the Ulugh Beg Observatory, witness the unique beauty of Samarkand’s Registan Square and visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand and Shakhrisabz. Along the way we will cross windswept deserts, pass towering mountains and get insight into the daily lives of locals along the Silk Road and the numerous localities that made history.
Modern-day Central Asia is a unique snapshot of how the ancient world used to be and, for the adventurous traveller, this journey by private train enables the discovery of ancient history, hidden wonders and varying cultures and will create memories that will last forever.
Orient Silk Road Express
This private train allows us to explore the fascinating Silk Road in adequate comfort with excellent service. A maximum of 140 guests can be accommodated in modern, air-conditioned sleeping carriages. Once on board your luggage stays on the train for the duration of the trip allowing you to take only a small bag with you for our overnight hotel stays.
The restaurant cars usually seat all passengers in one sitting, serving excellent international and local cuisine. After dinner, these cars offer a bar service for you to enjoy a late drink. There is one experienced tour guide for a maximum of 26 guests, ensuring a personal service and informative tour throughout. There is also a doctor on board.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Fly by indirect scheduled flight.
Day 2 Almaty.
Arrive this morning and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. This afternoon is free to relax in the hotel or join a tour to Medeo, located in the surrounding Tien Shan mountains. From here, we take the cable car to the Talgar peak at 3,200 metres where we enjoy the crisp air and breathtaking views. We end the day with our welcome dinner.
Day 3 Almaty.
After breakfast we take a sightseeing tour of the city where there are attractive tree-lined avenues, many parks and street cafes. Visit the Zenkov Russian Cathedral, one of the world’s tallest all-wood buildings. After lunch in the city we transfer to our train for embarkation and start our journey this evening.
Day 4 Lake Issyk-Kul.
As the morning sun finds its way into your compartment, you see that you are arriving at the greater Lake Issyk-Kul region, an area of great natural beauty. The first stop in this lush region is Cholpon-Ata, where you enjoy a boat ride on Lake Issyk-Kul, one of the largest lakes in the world. The breathtaking views of this enormous lake make you feel as if you are at sea. Back on land we can visit the Centre of Nomadic Culture, take a hike or even a swim in the lake. Rejoin the train as we make our border crossing this evening.
Day 5 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Bishkek is Kyrgyzstan’s capital and largest city. Like Almaty, it is situated at the foot of the Tian Shan mountain range and with many parks it is one of the greenest cities in the world. Our guide will take us through the city to see the National Historical Museum before we take a ride outside the city to the Ala Archa National Park. Spend the night in a centrally located hotel.
Day 6 Along the Great Silk Road.
After breakfast in the hotel we return to the train and a relaxing day of lectures as we spend the day on the train heading towards Samarkand.
Day 7 Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Today we will explore the historic city of Samarkand, renowned as the most beautiful city in the world during Tamerlane’s time. See the grave city Shah-e-Zende (“the living Shah”), the excavation sites of Afrosiab, and Registan Square which presents an impressive collection of Central Asian architecture. Registan Square is surrounded by three mighty madrasas. The huge and magnificent portals are impressive in terms of decoration and colour. In the background, the domes of the mosques glitter like in a Middle Eastern fairy tale. Enjoy a two night stay at a Samarkand hotel.
Day 8 Samarkand.
Today we visit a silk carpet factory and an Uzbek craftsman’s family where paper is manufactured from mulberry bark. Afterwards we continue to the observatory of Ulug Beg, the ruins of the Bibi Khanum Mosque and the palace-like Gur Emir Mausoleum. It houses the tomb of Timur who as a famous builder made his capital a paradise, but also went down in history as a feared conqueror.
Day 9 Shakhrisabz.
This morning we head into the mountains where forgotten ceremonies of the Shaman cult are still held today and where we see a traditional folklore performance. We then follow the Great Silk Road and arrive in the green city, the birthplace of Tamerlane. Here, in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shakhrisabz we will tour the monumental memorials of the barbaric Mongol Prince and also have the opportunity to watch the thriving bustle of this lively town. In the evening we depart for Dushanbe.
Day 10 Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
Over breakfast we arrive in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan and a delightful city built around parks, lakes and fountains. A city tour will include the golden statue of Ismoil Somoni, the founder of the Samanid dynasty in the 10th century. Also visit Rudaki Park with its beautiful canopy of trees and series of paths through flower gardens and alongside the lake offering glorious views back to the city. In the late afternoon we return to our private train and head towards Bukhara.
Day 11 Bukhara, Uzbekistan.
Bukhara is quite simply outstanding. Situated in the middle of the Kyzylkum desert, Bukhara features about one thousand monuments which recall the halcyon days of the Great Silk Road. Foreign spices, furs and especially silk fabrics were stored and handled in the caravansaries. In the old city we will see the Kaljan Minaret and the Labi-Hauz Ensemble and in front of the Nasreddin-on-thedonkey monument we will learn of some anecdotes about him. This evening we visit the courtyard of a Madrasah with musical accompaniment, local dances and a presentation of colourful national costumes. We spend the night at a Bukhara Hotel.
Day 12 Bukhara.
Today we will enjoy a day tour of the city. Bukhara is a large, unique and authentic art museum that maintains its old Middle Eastern countenance. In the morning, visit the magnificent Mire-e-Arab Madrasah and the most beautiful and precious building in Central Asia, the Samanid Mausoleum. Then we will take a tour through the fortress Ark where we will see the coronation hall and visit the summer residence of the last Emir.
Day 13 Khiva.
After breakfast we will travel to the southern border of the seven river lands, in the ancient city of Khiva, founded 2500 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. When you stand before the mighty city wall of Khiva with its gates and bastions of clay you are transported to another world. Around the Kalta Minor Minaret, life still pulses today as it did in old times, and on our tour we will see palaces, mosques, minarets, mausoleums and Koranic schools which convey what Medieval oriental urban development must have been like.
Day 14 Tashkent.
Spend the morning on board before we arrive in Tashkent in the early afternoon. Disembark from the train and take a sightseeing tour which will showcase the green oasis of the Steppe: the Madrasah Kukeldash, the Kavoj and Amir Timur monuments and typical clay houses. Check into our hotel for an overnight stay before meeting tonight for our farewell dinner.
Day 15 Tashkent to London.
After breakfast in the hotel we transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 15 to 29 October 2024 • 8 to 22 April 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Aladdin - Double Occupancy | £8795 | |
| Sultan - Double Occupancy | Not Available | |
| Kalif - Double Occupancy | £12295 | |
| Aladdin - Single Occupancy | £11295 | |
| Sultan- Sole Occupancy | Not Available | |
| Kalif - Single Occupancy | £15795 | |
| 14 to 28 October 2025 • 7 to 21 April 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Aladdin - Double Occupancy | £9295 | |
| Sultan - Double Occupancy | Not Available | |
| Kalif - Double Occupancy | £12995 | |
| Aladdin - Single Occupancy | £11795 | |
| Sultan- Sole Occupancy | £15995 | |
| Kalif - Single Occupancy | £16495 | |
Tour Reference Code: LALANDSCAPES
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Seven nights aboard the Orient Silk Road Express Private Train • Six nights hotel accommodation as described (four-star properties or best available) • All meals throughout tour • Tour director • Local guides • Excursions • Onboard doctor • Gratuities • Transfers • Log book about the Silk Road • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Tajikistan visa, drinks.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please note that a 15% deposit is required when booking this tour.
Orient Silk Road Express
This private train allows us to explore the fascinating Silk Road in adequate comfort with excellent service. A maximum of 140 guests can be accommodated in modern, air-conditioned sleeping carriages. Once on board your luggage stays on the train for the duration of the trip allowing you to take only a small bag with you for our overnight hotel stays.
The restaurant cars usually seat all passengers in one sitting, serving excellent international and local cuisine. After dinner, these cars offer a bar service for you to enjoy a late drink. There is one experienced tour guide for a maximum of 26 guests, ensuring a personal service and informative tour throughout. There is also a doctor on board.
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Train Directory
Train Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the train or click on the booklet to download.
We are delighted to be working in association with our German associates at Lernidee in offering the Orient Silk Road Express Private Train which will enable you to explore the many highlights along the Silk Road in the company of a maximum of 140 guests.
During the journey you will be accommodated in modern, air-conditioned sleeping carriages aboard the train as well as in selected three and four star hotels. The restaurant cars usually seat all passengers in one sitting, serving excellent international and local cuisine. The dining cars remain open with bar service into the evening for you to enjoy a late drink.
We hope that this information answers any questions you may have pertaining to the train.ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation has been cleverly designed to maximise the available space as cabins convert from a sitting area by day into a cosy sleeping area by night. After unpacking, your larger cases can be removed for storage and will be returned upon request and prior to arrival at the final destination.The train offers three categories of sleeping compartments as follows:
Aladdin: Each car has eight compartments for two guests with two lower berths (measuring 67 x 184 cm each). In the middle, below the window, you will find a table. Combined washing room/ lavatory compartments are located at both ends of the car. Additionally, a shower is located at one end of each car and a bath robe is provided.
Sultan: This category is equipped with one upper and one lower berth (measuring 80 x 174 cm and 110 x 184 cm), , providing enough space for two people if required. The compartment also offers comfortable seating, a larger table and a small closet. Each compartment has its own lavatory equipped with toilet, washing basin and integrated shower with shower curtain. A total of twelve guests at most share the whole of the carriage.
Kalif: This category is equipped with one upper and one lower berth (measuring 80 x 174 cm and 112 x 184 cm), providing enough space for two people if required. Furthermore, the compartment offers a cosy seating bench, a commodious table and a wardrobe. The compartment’s exclusive en-suite bathroom does not only contain a washing basin, WC and shower, but also storage space for your personal belongings. Each car of the Kalif category has only four compartments. A total of eight guests at most share the whole of the carriage.
ADAPTORS
The sockets in the train are standard two-pole European plug sockets, as are those in most of the hotels. However, you may wish to bring along an Eastern European plug adaptor just in case.AIR-CONDITIONING
The whole train is equipped with air-conditioning. However, this only works when the train is moving and the windows are closed. Once the train sets off, it takes about half an hour before the desired temperature is reached. If necessary, when the train is stationary, the guard can open a window in the corridor.DAILY PROGRAMME
A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced on board and displayed in every car.DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free or low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department at Noble Caledonia. If you have any specific or special foods that you require we recommend that you take some with you although the onboard staff will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board, please speak to your tour guide on the first night about your requirements. We regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed.DOCTOR
A doctor will be travelling on the train throughout the entire trip. The doctor will be on call 24 hours a day in case of an emergency. If additional, specialist medical treatment is required, the onboard staff will contact other doctors via radio.DRESS CODE
Casual clothing is appropriate on the train including mealtimes.ELECTRICITY
Onboard electricity is 110 volt DC and 220 volt AC. Please check the markings on the sockets as the use of 110 volt sockets can damage electrical equipment such as chargers and razors. Capacity overloads can cause the electricity to cut out and please recharge batteries/mobile phones in the hotels. Sockets at the ends of the carriages and in the conductor’s section are usually reliable but are sometimes subject to voltage fluctuations so usage is at your own risk.EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event that an emergency should occur during your journey, please remain calm and follow the instructions of the train staff. The train will be brought to a halt for any required action. Do not jump from a moving train.GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.
HAIRDRYERS
Hairdryers are available in Kalif and Sultan compartments only.LAUNDRY SERVICE
There is no laundry service available on board the train. You may wish to make use of the laundry service available during the hotel stays en route.LOST PROPERTY
Before you disembark the train, please check your cabin to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and to advise of any associated costs.LUGGAGE
Instead of bringing one large suitcase, we recommend using a travel bag or soft suitcase, as it is easier to store on board the train. You will also need a small bag or suitcase for the overnight stays in hotels for hand luggage, when you will probably want to leave the larger portion of your luggage on the train. The luggage will be loaded on board by porters at the station in Almaty/Ashgabat. Please make sure you attach a Lernidee label bearing your carriage and compartment number to all your bags. If you need new labels, please contact your tour guide.MEALS
On board the train you will be provided with varied and nutritious meals. Water, tea and coffee and included for all guests and additional drinks can be purchased on board. Because of the limited seating capacity, meals may sometimes have to be served in two sittings. In this case, sittings will be switched around halfway through the trip. If you are part of the first group to eat, please make your seat available to others 45 minutes after breakfast, and one hour after lunch and dinner. This is to ensure a smooth meal service for passengers in the second group.ONBOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
The onboard announcement system provides you with important information and commentary on the regions. In your compartment you will find a knob that allows you to control the volume. Please keep this turned up between 8.00 am and 9.00 pm.QUESTIONNAIRE
We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and the services provided and in order to do this we welcome feedback from our guests. Your comments are important to us therefore we request that you complete and return the questionnaire that will be provided to you.RESTAURANT CAR
At the beginning of your journey you will get a “Beverage Pass”. All of the drinks that you purchase will be noted down and you must settle your account in cash (Euros or US Dollars) at the end of the tour.SECURITY
Guards are on duty 24 hours a day. They are in constant contact with control via the radio in the train manager’s compartment (on regular trains, the only radio set is in the locomotive) and will ask them for help in emergencies (including medical emergencies).SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted on board the train as well as at stations.TOILETRIES
Essential toiletries will be provided however, these are small sized and so you may also wish to bring your own supply.TOWELS
Towels and sheets are provided on the train and in the hotels and will be changed regularly. However, it is advisable to bring along one additional small hand towel and washcloth.WATER
The tap water is not drinkable. You can buy half a litre of mineral water from the guard. The water provided in carafes at mealtimes is clean and pure still mineral water from plastic containers. The ice cubes are also made from this water.WAKE-UP CALL
Every morning on the train you will be woken by your tour guide knocking on the door of your compartment. In the hotels there will be a general wake-up call, but you are also welcome to order your own.PLEASE NOTE:These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000