We are delighted to be working with our German associates, Lernidee Trains and Cruises, to bring you this private train journey from Ashgabat to Almaty. Join us for an unforgettable journey as we retrace one of the most remarkable trading routes of ancient civilisation.
The Silk Road was a network of routes, plied by merchants and traders between China and the Mediterranean. We will follow in the footsteps of such legendary figures as Alexander the Great and Marco Polo, discovering 2000 years of history whilst travelling in great comfort aboard the Orient Silk Road Express Private Train.
During this fascinating tour, you will learn of the manifold cultures along the legendary Silk Road and numerous localities that made history, among them no less than seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stretching from the Caspian Sea to the Tien Shan Mountains, the Central Asian countries of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are richly endowed with history and culture, a flavour of which you will sample on this exciting journey by Private Train.
From Turkmenistan we travel to Kazakhstan and make our way through the Karakum Desert and into Uzbekistan where we will explore the 2,500 year old cities of Khiva and Bukhara as well as Samarkand, the ‘Rome of the East’, home to the beautiful Registan Square. We will also venture into Turkmenistan and visit the capital city of Ashgabat and the ancient city of Merv. This is a journey for the adventurous traveller, keen to discover ancient history, hidden wonders and varying cultures, but in great style and comfort.
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 Heathrow to Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 Tashkent.
Arrive early this morning and transfer to the Hampton by Hilton Hotel for an overnight stay. Later today we will enjoy a sightseeing tour and experience the green oasis of the Steppe: the Madrasah Kukeldash, the Kavoj and Amir Timur monuments. In the evening we hope to attend a musical performance (depending on schedules). After embarking this evening our train departs for Bukhara.
Day 3 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-the-donkey 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 two nights at the Omar Khayam Hotel.
Day 4 Bukhara.
Today we will enjoy a day tour of the city, including lunch. Bukhara is a large, unique and authentic art museum that maintains its old oriental face. 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 Ark Citadel where we will see the coronation hall and visit the summer residence of the last Emir. At the end of our stay we will see the only women’s mosque in the world.
Day 5 Bukhara to Khiva.
This morning we will have time to explore Bukhara independently before re-joining our train and continuing in the direction of Khiva.
Day 6 Khiva.
After breakfast we arrive at the southern extent of the Zhetysu (seven rivers) landscape, at the oasis 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 madrassas (Muslim religious schools) represent some of the best-preserved examples of oriental town architecture from medieval times. This evening the Orient Express will depart to Samarkand.
Day 7 Samarkand.
Today we will experience the historical prominence of Samarkand, the most beautiful city in Tamerlane’s time: the grave city Shah-e-zende (“the living Shah”), the excavation sites of Afrosiab and the Registan Square present an impressive collection of Central Asian architecture. Enjoy a two-night stay at the Grand Samarkand Hotel.
Day 8 Samarkand.
Today we visit a silk carpet factory and an Uzbek craftsman’s family, see paper manufactured from mulberry bark, the observatory of Ulug Beg, the ruins of the Bibi Khanum Mosque and the palace-like Gur Emir Mausoleum.
Day 9 On the Great Silk Road to Shakhrisabz.
Enjoy an excursion into the surrounding mountain region where elsewhere forgotten ceremonies of the Shaman cult still are held today. You will experience a folklore performance in the unique tradition of this region and get to know the inhabitants in their authentic everyday life. We follow the Great Silk Road and arrive in the green city, the birthplace of Timur. Here, in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shakhrisabz we will tour the monumental architecture of the barbaric Mongol ruler’s. In the evening we depart for Turkestan whilst we enjoy Uzbek wine tasting on board.
Day 10 Turkestan, Kazakhstan.
After breakfast and lunch on board we arrive at the city of Turkestan in Kazakhstan (border formalities occur comfortably in your cabin). You will see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi with its dome hall, monumental mosque and well house.
Day 11 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Bishkek is Kyrgyzstan’s capital and largest city. Like Almaty, it is situated at the foot of a mountain range, the Tian Shan. There is so much to see here, that you already have the feeling that you’ll be back again. Your guide takes you through the city, explaining everything clearly as you go. We visit the National Historical Museum then take a ride outside the city to the Ala Archa National Park. As the sun sets, you are ready to board your private train for Lake Issyk-Kul.
Day 12 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 area. You immediately realize that you are now in the midst of great natural beauty. Your first stop in this lush region is a visit to the Center of Nomadic Culture, then you have a walk and a little picnic with tasting of local drinks (weather depending). Afterwards transfer to Cholpon-Ata, where you enjoy a boat ride on Lake Issyk-Kul, one of the largest lakes in the world. The breath-taking views of this enormous lake make you feel as if you’re at sea. After your day by the lake, you are ready for the comfort of your private train. Once on board, you depart for Almaty.
Day 13 Almaty, Kazhakstan.
We arrive in Almaty after lunch. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city which is situated at the foothills of the Ile Alatau Mountains. Visit the Zenkov Russian Cathedral, built entirely by wood, the Wedding Palace, the Almaty Circus and the Central Mosque. This evening we will enjoy a special Farewell Dinner in a traditional Kazakh yurt and overnight at the Royal Tulip Hotel.
Day 14 Almaty to London Heathrow.
Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London Heathrow via Istanbul.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy9 to 22 April 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Aladdin - Double Occupancy | £7995 | |
Sultan - Double Occupancy | £10995 | |
Kalif - Double Occupancy | £11495 | |
Aladdin - Single Occupancy | £9995 | |
Sultan- Sole Occupancy | £14495 |
Tour Reference Code: TROSR090424
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled flights • 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 • Drinks with meals served on board the train • Tour director • Local guides • Excursions • Onboard doctor • Transfers • Gratuities • Log book about the Silk Road • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, drinks when not on board the train.
Important Information: Please note that a 20% deposit is required when booking this tour.
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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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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000