The Silk Road
An escorted discovery of the legendary Silk Route by Private Train
- 12 April 2020
- 30 September 2020
We are delighted to be working with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, the world’s leading operator of private train tours, in offering you a selection of cabins for this epic journey along the Silk Road.
Join us as we retrace one of the most remarkable trading routes of ancient civilisation from Beijing to Moscow. 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. Travelling aboard both the Shangri-La Express and the Golden Eagle, we will journey through China, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Russia in great comfort taking in some of the most magnificent yet little-visited sites from the ancient world.
From the vibrant capital of modern China, Beijing, we will visit the Great Wall and journey through China visiting the world-famous Terracotta Warriors in Xian, the fascinating Magao Thousand Buddha cave complex and the fortress city of Jiaohe. At the China border crossing, we will leave the Shangri-La Express and join the Golden Eagle to journey through Uzbekistan. Here, we will explore the 2500-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. Witness the changing landscapes as we cross into Kazakhastan and through the Kara Kum Desert before continuing through Russia to our final destination, Moscow.
This is a journey for the adventurous traveller, keen to discover spectacular expanses, ancient kingdoms, hidden wonders and varying cultures. The whole vast region offers a cornucopia of delights and what better way to experience them than from the comfort of your private train.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Golden Eagle
In 2007 HRH Prince Michael of Kent unveiled the Golden Eagle, a private train that brings unprecedented luxury to the world’s greatest railway journey. The Golden Eagle has been carefully designed with comfort and enjoyment in mind and provides the ideal base from which explore this fascinating region.
Shangri la Express
The Shangri-La Express, though not as luxurious as the Golden Eagle, offers passengers modern comfort in an ancient country and is the best private train available for our three night journey in China.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Beijing, China.
Fly by scheduled flight to Beijing.
Day 2 Beijing.
Arrive this morning and transfer to the five-star Four Seasons Hotel, which is located in the historical centre of the city and is the base for our three night stay. This luxurious Beijing hotel is minutes from the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Wangfujing shopping street, the Oriental Plaza and the picturesque hutongs (old lanes). After a day at leisure we will enjoy a welcome reception dinner at a local restaurant, giving you the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.
Day 3 Beijing.
During today’s tour of the Imperial City we will visit Tiananmen Square and explore the magnificently restored Forbidden City which was built in the early 14th century and was home to the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Our cultural exploration continues at the Temple of Heaven, built during the Ming Dynasty to offer sacrifices to the heavens, which is the grandest of the four great temples situated in Beijing. Here we experience enchanting displays of traditional dancing, singing and the delicately precise ancient art of calligraphy. We will also explore the small ‘hutong’ lanes of old Beijing by rickshaw and visit a local family in a traditional courtyard house.
Day 4 Beijing.
Today is entirely devoted to the most awe-inspiring site in the whole of China – The Great Wall. Originally built to protect the Chinese Empire from raids by nomadic tribes, it is the longest man-made structure in the world and part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. We have the privilege of walking along a portion of the wall, providing the perfect opportunity to take some memorable photographs.
Day 5 Xian.
This morning we depart Beijing and travel to Xian on the exhilarating new high-speed railway line. Travelling at speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour the bullet train will cover the distance of 1144 kilometres in a time of approximately five hours. Arriving in Xian early this afternoon, we will have several hours to explore the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, discovered by peasants 45 years ago. The 6000 terracotta figures and their horses are one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. Alternatively, as part of the Freedom of Choice programme, there will be a visit to the Han Yangling Museum. This tomb, dating back 2000 years with its adjoining museum, is one of China’s best-kept secrets. Tonight we stay overnight at the centrally located Sofitel Xian and enjoy the Tang Dynasty Dinner, Music and Dance Show, a wonderful performance of ancient entertainment.
Day 6 Xian.
After breakfast at the hotel we will admire Xian’s historical architecture on a cycle along the ancient city walls and experience the bustling street culture of the Muslim Quarter with a visit to the Great Mosque. Later this afternoon we will board the Shangri-La Express train for the next stage of our journey across China. A welcome dinner of authentic Chinese cuisine is served on board in the Restaurant Car, as we travel towards Dunhuang.
Day 7 Dunhuang.
After a leisurely morning on board, we arrive in the small oasis city of Dunhuang. This afternoon we explore the vast natural beauty of the Gobi Desert by camel. Here we discover Crescent Lake which, hidden amongst towering sand dunes, has sustained life in this region for millennia. We will overnight at the Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel and this evening enjoy dinner and a local folk performance in this magical setting.
Day 8 Dunhuang.
We wake early this morning to experience sunrise over the magnificent sand dunes, before we visit the fascinating Magao Thousand Buddha Cave Complex. This impressive site contains almost 500 grottoes, carved between 700 and 1700 years ago. Inside we will see an amazing collection of beautiful sculptures and murals depicting the evolution of Buddhist religious art over this 1000 year period. Later this afternoon we will rejoin the Shangri-La Express for our onward journey to Turpan.
Day 9 Turpan.
Turpan is the location where the Flaming Mountains create a magnificent backdrop. We take a fascinating tour of the ancient underground irrigation system that has successfully fed the rich orchards and vineyards for centuries. We will visit the Museum of Turpan with its 5000 artefacts detailing the rich history of the area and which includes the Ancient Mummy exhibition with exhibits dating back 3200 years. Our final destination is the elegantly decaying sand fortress city of Jiaohe that was founded in 108 BC and became an important trading route along the Silk Road until it was abandoned in the 13th century following a raid by Genghis Khan.
Day 10 Border Crossing.
After a final breakfast on board the Shangri-La Express, we pass through dramatic mountain scenery before arriving at the Chinese border station of Alashankou. The border crossing takes approximately five hours, however, our patience is rewarded as our private train, the Golden Eagle, awaits us in Druzhba, the Kazakh border station.
Day 11 Almaty, Kazakhstan.
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 beautifully verdant city derives its name from ‘alma’ meaning ‘apple’. Just a short distance from the city, apple orchards thrive in abundance. Our city tour includes a visit to Panfilov Park where we have the opportunity to visit the Zenkhov Cathedral which was built entirely of wood. We will also travel out of the city to the Chimbulak resort, where a cable car ride will give us spectacular views of Almaty and the mountains.
Day 12 Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan and we spend time touring this modern Soviet-style city which was rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1966. Our tour of the city includes the Old Town, where traditional homes and religious buildings line the narrow streets and here in a small library we will be privileged to see one of Islam’s most sacred relics – the world’s oldest Koran. This is followed by a visit to the Railway Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts.
Day 13 Samarkand.
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 we will 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. Before dinner we will return to the now illuminated and awe-inspiring Registan Square.
Day 14 Bukhara.
Bukhara is quite simply outstanding. Like Khiva, UNESCO sponsored the renovation of much of the city for its 2500th 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. We then travel out of the city to experience the Emir’s enchantingly named, Palace of the Moon and Stars. This evening, weather and time permitting, we will enjoy a barbecue on the station platform before our train departs.
Day 15 Merv, Turkmenistan.
From Mary we 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. 1794 saw the demise of Merv, after the Emir of Bukhara destroyed the dam which the population depended on for its water.
Day 16 Ashgabat & Darvaza.
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 and the Soviet city built 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 of our visit include the National Museum and Kipchak Mosque. The Golden Eagle makes a brief scheduled stop at Ichoguz, where we have the option to leave the train and make a short journey to Darvaza’s famous burning gas crater, 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 locals as the ‘Door to Hell’ and has been burning for over 40 years.
Day 17 Khiva, Uzbekistan.
From Urgench we travel to 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. Stepping back in time, we discover the impressive mosques, madrassas, bazaars and minarets within Khiva’s ancient walls.
Day 18 Kara Kum, Kazakhstan.
Today we enjoy a relaxing day on board as we travel across the vast expanse of the Kara Kum desert. As well as experiencing the unique landscape, you can take the opportunity to chat to fellow passengers and maybe take a Russian language lesson.
Day 19 Volgograd, Russia.
Standing on the banks of the Volga, Stalingrad, as the city was known in Soviet times, was the dramatic scene of one of the most important Second World War battles. The Russians heroically turned back the Nazi advance here to alter the course of the war. We visit the poignantly sobering Mamayev Kurgan war memorial, followed by an informative museum visit.
Day 20 Moscow.
Having travelled a mammoth 7000 miles (11,250 kilometres) from Beijing we arrive into Moscow, our final destination. We transfer to the centrally located, five-star Ritz-Carlton Hotel and check in for our two night stay.
Day 21 Moscow.
Our touring programme of Moscow principally takes us to the grandeur of the Kremlin – the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow – and to see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber. We also visit Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and political might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture. With the Freedom of Choice touring option, you may instead wish to travel out of the city centre to Sergiev Posad, home to one of the most beautiful monasteries in Russia and the historical and spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church or visit the famous State Tretyakov Gallery (National Museum of Fine Art).
Day 22 Moscow to London.
After breakfast in the hotel, transfer to Moscow Airport for the scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 12 April to 3 May 2020 • 30 September to 21 October 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Heritage Class & Silver Class | £20295 | |
| Diamond Class & Gold Class | £24295 | |
| Diamond Class & Imperial Suite | £35295 | |
| Heritage Class & Silver Class for sole use | £28295 | |
Tour Reference Code: LASILKROAD
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Three nights hotel accommodation in Beijing • Overnight hotel accommodation in Xian • Three nights aboard the Shangri-La Express • Overnight hotel accommodation in Dunhuang • 10 nights aboard the Golden Eagle • Two nights hotel accommodation in Moscow • Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily except lunch on days 2 & 22 • Wine at lunch and dinner • Excursions • Train Tour Manager • Onboard Doctor • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Porterage.
Not Included: Travel insurance, visas, lunch on days 2 & 22.
Please note: Visas are required for China, Turkmenistan and Russia. Golden Eagle Luxury Trains will provide all supporting documentation needed although the process to apply for visas can not be started until three months before departure and in some instances can take up to six weeks. To obtain a Russian visa it will be necessary for passengers to attend application centres in London, Manchester or Edinburgh. Visas for other countries can be obtained via post. This information is correct at the time of printing and should the information change, we will be in touch with booked passengers with updated guidelines.
Golden Eagle
In 2007 HRH Prince Michael of Kent unveiled the Golden Eagle, a private train that brings unprecedented luxury to the world’s greatest railway journey. The Golden Eagle has been carefully designed with comfort and enjoyment in mind and provides the ideal base from which explore this fascinating region.
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Train Directory
Train Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the train or click on the booklet to download.
Golden Eagle Luxury Trains are a leader in exclusive private train tours and we are delighted to offer a selection of cabins aboard their private train, the Golden Eagle, that brings unprecedented luxury to the world’s greatest railway journeys.
The Golden Eagle has been carefully designed with an emphasis on comfort, relaxation and enjoyment and all of the beautifully appointed cabins and communal carriages underwent a soft refurbishment in 2018. There are three accommodation categories consisting of Silver Cabins, Gold Cabins and Imperial Suites, all featuring private en-suite bathrooms, state-of-the-art amenities, and the services of a cabin attendant who is on call 24 hours a day.
The public areas include the Restaurant Car where you can enjoy a meal of local specialities and international cuisine, accompanied by a selection of fine wines, and the wonderful Bar Lounge Car which is the ideal place for a pre-dinner drink, to relax after the day’s excursion or simply to soak up the atmosphere and watch the landscape unfold through the large picture windows.
From the ease of this wonderful private train you will discover fascinating places that would otherwise not easily be reached and, after a day of exploration, you can relax amid the comfortable surroundings, enjoying fine cuisine and discreetly attentive service.
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. The train offers three categories of sleeping compartment as follows:
IMPERIAL SUITES
The Imperial Suites are the most spacious cabins available, measuring 120 square feet and benefiting from a large and luxurious king size bed, lounge area with dressing table and two large picture windows. The facilities include private en-suite bathroom with power shower, underfloor heating, individual air-conditioning, wardrobe and a DVD/ CD player with LCD screen. Bathrobes, slippers and toiletries are also provided. Guests will also benefit from a complimentary fully stocked minibar, including drinks from the standard and premium bar list from the Bar Car (excluding premium wine list), a complimentary laundry service, the option of in-suite dining and hotel room upgrades.
GOLD CLASS
At 77 square feet, Gold Class cabins are well proportioned and have everything from a private bathroom with power shower and underfloor heating to a DVD/ CD player with LCD screen. The cabins also feature individual air-conditioning, wardrobe, large picture window and a double lower bed or the option to use the upper bunk bed. Bathrobes, slippers and toiletries are also provided. Guests in Gold Class enjoy included drinks from the standard bar list from the Bar Car.
SILVER CLASS
Silver Class cabins are more compact at 60 square feet but have similar facilities to those of Gold Class. The Silver Class cabins have their own en-suite wet room with washbasin, toilet and shower. The cabins feature a small double lower bed and single upper bed as well as DVD/CD player with LCD screen, individual air-conditioning, wardrobe and large picture window. Bathrobes, slippers and toiletries are also provided.
AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
All public cars are fitted with air-conditioning. Each cabin/suite features individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. BED LINEN Bed linen is changed every third day. Your car attendant will make up your bed each evening during dinner.
DAILY PROGRAMME
Passengers will receive printed daily itineraries throughout the tour detailing train arrival and departure times, the latest weather forecasts for the next destination and information on the following day’s excursions and activities.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department at Noble Caledonia. Once on board, please speak with the Chef on arrival to reconfirm and the onboard staff will endeavour to accommodate your needs. We regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed.
DINING & DRINKING
Meals are skilfully prepared by the Executive Chef and his onboard restaurant team using the very best ingredients, locally sourced wherever possible. Every morning the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread permeates the dining car and a wide selection of pastries, cereals, freshly squeezed orange juice and cold plates are available from the buffet. Alternatively, enjoy a cooked breakfast brought to your table by the waiting staff, all complemented with tea and coffee. For lunch and dinner, enjoy fine food, great wines and attentive service in the welcoming atmosphere of the dining car. The onboard cuisine reflects the very essence of Russia and highly accomplished international cuisine is also on offer. Two meal choices are offered at lunch and dinner and these meals are complemented by a generous drinks allowance with a choice of wines, mineral water, beer and soft drinks. Meals on board are a relaxed affair. The restaurant cars can accommodate all guests in a single sitting and, with the open seating policy, you can dine wherever, and with whomever, you please.
DISABLED FACILITIES
We regret that the train is not suitable for wheelchair dependent passengers as wheelchairs, even collapsible ones, cannot manoeuvre along the train or between some carriages where there are 90- degree turns. Noble Caledonia should be notified of any mobility impairments.
DRESS CODE
Throughout the journey there is an informal dress code. You may experience varying temperatures so please pack clothes for warm and cooler weather.
ELECTRICITY
The sockets on the train, and in your compartment, accept standard two-pin European plugs, with electricity operating on 220 volts. Hairdryers are provided in each compartment. We recommend that you bring a universal adaptor with you.
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.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
A laundry service is available at an additional charge. Most items (except heavy materials, such as jeans) are delivered to your cabin within 24 hours. For Imperial Class passengers, the laundry service is included at no extra charge. There are no dry-cleaning facilities en-route or on board the train.
LUGGAGE STORAGE
Luggage storage is available in your cabin/suite. However, since space on board is limited, we do recommend taking soft-sided luggage rather than hard-side cases.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you leave the train, please check your compartment carefully 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 any costs incurred will be at your own expense.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
A Doctor is available 24 hours a day.
ONBOARD ACCOUNT
Any extra expenses can be settled directly on the train. Please note that debit and credit cards are not accepted on board and that payment must be made in cash in US Dollars or Euros.
PASSPORTS
All passports are collected by the Train Manager upon embarkation. Passports are necessary to facilitate immigration formalities between borders. If required, your Train Manager will provide the necessary forms for you to fill out.
PUBLIC AREAS
Unwind in the comfortable surroundings of the Bar Lounge Car and watch the world go by. Perhaps read a novel from the library or partake in a game of bridge or backgammon. Morning and afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the Bar Lounge Car with delicious cookies freshly baked by the chefs. The occasional day will be spent entirely on board and the Bar Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars will host an entertaining and enlightening range of activities such as Russian language lessons, popular local folk songs and engaging talks by expert lecturers on local history and culture.
END OF STAY QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us, therefore, we ask that you fill in the questionnaire sent with your final documents. We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and in order to do this we request feedback from our guests.
SECURITY & SAFE
Each car has two car attendants, one of whom is always on duty. All cabins on the Golden Eagle have a safe which is located inside the wardrobe. The attendants remain with the train during the city tours.
SERVICE
You can expect service on board which is attentive, friendly and unintrusive. Your car attendants provide 24-hour housekeeping and bedding turndown services, with one attendant always on duty to assist you and to ensure you are comfortable in your cabin/suite. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled drinking water are available in your cabin/suite 24 hours a day.
SMOKING POLICY
On board the train, smoking is only allowed in the last sleeping car’s end vestibule. Smoking is allowed off the train during stops however please be mindful of other passengers.
TRAIN TOUR MANAGER
The Train Tour Manager is there to coordinate all elements of the tour and, if you encounter any problems, you should approach him/her directly and they will do their best to assist. Your Train Tour Manager will greet you when you arrive and travel with you throughout the tour.
TELEPHONE CALLS
There is no telephone system on board.
TELEVISION
A DVD/CD player with LCD screen is available in all cabins/suites.
TOILETRIES
All cabins and suites are supplied with the following complimentary amenities:
• Shower gel • Conditioning Shampoo • Body Lotion • Soap • Shower caps • Tissues/Cotton buds
WI-FI
There is a Wi-Fi box on board, powered by a 4G sim. Coverage may be limited when travelling through more remote locations. On touring days off the train, internet access will be provided at a local hotel or restaurant when possible. The Tour Manager will keep you informed of all opportunities to use Wi-Fi and provide password access when necessary.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
Shangri la Express
The Shangri-La Express, though not as luxurious as the Golden Eagle, offers passengers modern comfort in an ancient country and is the best private train available for our three night journey in China.
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Book with Confidence
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