Caspian Odyssey - 2021
A Journey through the South Caucasus region & Central Asia by Private Train aboard the Golden Eagle
- 21 September 2021
We have joined forces with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, the world’s leading operator of long distance luxury ‘rail cruises’, to bring you a spectacular journey by private train through six fascinating countries that border the Caspian Sea. Step aboard the Golden Eagle, a luxury ‘hotel on wheels’ offering services akin to staying in a private hotel, and enjoy the ever-changing landscape as well as discovering the mysteries, diversity, and traditions of this part of the world which would otherwise be very difficult to reach.
This unique journey takes in the countries of Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan which are located at the historic crossroads of trade, religion, language and the arts and are also home to intriguing modern cultures as well as some of the world’s most ancient and timeless architecture. From our starting point in the historic Armenian capital of Yerevan, we will explore the beauty and rich history of the South Caucasus while weaving through Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. Witness modernising capitals as well as rural scenery as we journey through the dramatic mountainous landscape of these three distinct countries. After our time exploring the South Caucasus, we fly across the Caspian Sea to Ashgabat, the “Las Vegas of Kara Kum", and continue along the great trading posts of the Silk Road in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Following in the footsteps of such legendary figures as Alexander the Great and Marco Polo, we will discover 200 years of history before arriving at our final destination of Almaty.
This extraordinary region, where Europe meets Asia, has drawn travellers for centuries and offers an eclectic mix of ancient and modern including stops at many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The combination of vast distances along with cultural and geographical diversity means there is no better way to explore and experience the region than by luxury 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.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Yerevan, Armenia.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight. Arrive in the late evening or early hours of Day 2 and transfer to The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Yerevan.
Day 2 Yerevan.
Enjoy a day at leisure in Yerevan before we meet this evening for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 Yerevan.
The Yerevan skyline is dominated by Mount Ararat in nearby Turkey, with its snowcovered peak towering in the distance. Yerevan has a rich history and was occupied as early as 6000 BC and the fortress of Erebuni was erected there in the 8th century BC. Seized by a succession of conquerors, the city later passed back and forth between the Turks and the Persians until 1827, when it was captured by Russia. It became the capital of Soviet Armenia in 1920 and, following the demise of the Soviet Union, the capital of the new nation of Armenia. Our day's touring will take us out of Yerevan to the ancient Geghard Monastery which contains a number of churches and tombs, many of them cut into the rock. The complex of Medieval architecture is set into a landscape of great natural beauty, surrounded by towering cliffs at the head of the Azat Valley. We will also visit the 1st century Pagan temple of Garni, built to worship the Sun God Mitra and explore the remains of an ancient fortress, palace and baths there. Back in Yerevan city, we visit the Cascade giant stairway and inside it the Casfejian Museum of Modern Art. In the evening we board the Golden Eagle private train and start our rail adventure to Almaty.
Day 4 Lake Sevan & Dilijan.
The Golden Eagle takes a scenic route today around the stunning Lake Sevan and we make a short stop to walk to the beach for a photo opportunity. Along with Lake Van and Lake Urmia, Sevan was considered one of the three great lakes of the historical Armenian Kingdom, collectively referred to as the Seas of Armenia and is the only one within the boundaries of today’s Republic of Armenia. We continue to Dilijan to visit the nearby Monastery of Haghpat, built between the 10th and 14th centuries. Its beautiful location in dense wood in the gorges of two small mountain rivers make an atmospheric backdrop for St. Astvatsatsin Church, its most important building. We will enjoy an Armenian cognac reception at Avan Dzoraget Hotel on the Debed River, nestled among the forest-covered hills and rocky slopes of the Caucasus Mountains.
Day 5 Tbilisi, Georgia.
Heading into Georgia, we visit Tbilisi. Hemmed in by the Surami Range, the city extends for 27 kilometres along the banks of the River Kura. Despite the wars and fires which caused innumerable changes in the topography of Tbilisi, the old part of the city still retains much of its original layout, a spider’s web of narrow winding streets and alleyways. Historical sites we visit include the 13th century Metekhi Church, a cross-cupola church which forms part of the Royal Residential complex, and the 5th century Sioni Cathedral, the main church of Tbilisi. We will also visit the recently built Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and take a walking tour of the old town and Rustaveli Avenue. Here we will see the Great Hall of the Georgian Philharmonia, built in 1969-71, which has been acknowledged as one of the finest public buildings since the Second World War. We will also see the treasures of the city housed in the Janashia Museum of Georgia.
Day 6 Telavi.
Today we explore the beautiful Kakheti region, which borders the Great Caucasus Mountain range. This region is known as a birthplace of Georgian viticulture and wine-making. We tour the Tsinandali country estate of the Alexandre Chavchavadze family with a marvellous garden, housemuseum, park and winery dating back to the 19th century, located near Telavi, a couple of hours’ drive from Tbilisi.
Day 7 Gori, Uplistsikhe Cave City & Mtskheta.
Gori is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, founded in the 7th century AD as Tontio. Joseph Stalin, the Soviet leader, was born here in 1879 and he spent his childhood years in the city and later studied at its theological seminary. The small house where Stalin was born is preserved under a canopy outside the huge columned palacelike building that houses the Stalin Museum. To the side of the museum is Stalin’s private railway carriage. From the town, we will go directly to Uplistsikhe where we will enjoy a private performance of traditional Georgian polyphonic singing. The famous cave city of Uplistsikhe dates from the 6th century BC and is first mentioned in the chronicles of the 1st century AD. Carved into rocky plateau we find huge echoing halls, meandering corridor-streets, chambers for pagan worship and even the remains of Georgia’s oldest theatre, complete with auditorium, stage and orchestra pit. Its strategic position on the approaches to Gori and, in particular, its strong defences made it possible to control the surrounding terrain. There were numerous attempts to destroy Uplistsikhe. Only in the 13th century, however, did the hordes of Genghis Khan’s son Khulagu succeed in doing so, after capturing and destroying many fortresses in Transcaucasia with the help of siege machines. The 5000 inhabitants of Uplistsikhe perished and life ended forever in the fortress. In the late afternoon we visit the city of Mtskheta, Georgia’s old capital. Due to its historical significance and numerous ancient monuments, Mtskheta became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Day 8 Baku, Azerbaijan.
Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, lies on the western shore of the Caspian Sea and the southern side of the Apsheron Peninsula, around the wide, curving sweep of the Bay of Baku. The bay, sheltered by the islands of the Baku Archipelago, provides the best harbour of the Caspian Sea, while the Apsheron Peninsula provides protection from violent northerly winds. Baku derives its international importance from its huge oil industry. The core of present-day Baku is the old town, or fortress of Icheri-Shekher. Most of the walls, strengthened after the Russian conquest in 1806, survive, as does the 27 metre tower of Kyz-Kalasy (Maiden Tower, 12th century). The walled old town is highly picturesque, with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings. These include the Palace of the Shirvan- Shahs, now a museum, the oldest part of which dates from the 11th century. Also of the 11th century is the Synyk-Kala Minaret and Mosque (1078-79). Other notable historic buildings are the Law Court (Divan- Khan), the Dzhuma-Mechet Minaret, and the mausoleum of the astronomer Seida Bakuvi. Around the walls of the fortress, the regular streets and imposing buildings of modern Baku rise up the slopes of hills surrounding the bay. We stay at the five-star Four Seasons Baku for two nights, while our train is loaded on the ferry to cross the Caspian Sea.
Day 9 Baku.
This morning a Freedom of Choice tour is offered to Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape. Located on the west bank of the Caspian Sea, Gobustan is an outstanding archaeological site of more than 6000 pre-historic rock engravings. The area also features the remains of inhabited caves, settlements and burials. This is followed by lunch overlooking the Caspian Sea. Returning to the city in the afternoon, you can choose to enjoy free time in the city or visit a local theatre. Dinner will be held in a traditional local restaurant this evening.
Day 10 Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
Following breakfast we take a morning flight to 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 on our visit include a trip to the National Museum and Kipchak Mosque. We will stay overnight in the luxury five-star Yyldyz Hotel.
Day 11 Darvaza.
Today 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 the locals as the ‘Door to Hell’ and has been burning for over 40 years.
Day 12 Khiva, Uzbekistan.
Our train travels towards Urgench, from where we transfer 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, bazaars and minarets within Khiva’s ancient walls.
Day 13 Bukhara.
Bukhara is quite simply outstanding. Like Khiva, UNESCO sponsored the renovation of much of the city for its 2500th anniversary in 1999. The most enjoyable aspect of this city is to just immerse oneself in the atmosphere of this unique and ancient city and re-live some of its fascinating history at the crossroads of Asia. The main 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’.
Day 14 Samarkand.
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 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, one of the earliest Islamic astronomical observatories built in 1428. Before dinner we will return to the now illuminated and awe-inspiring Registan Square.
Day 15 Tashkent.
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. This evening we enjoy our farewell dinner on board the Golden Eagle as we head overnight to our final destination of Almaty.
Day 16 Almaty, Kazakhstan.
This morning we arrive into Almaty, our final destination and bid farewell to the Golden Eagle. Today we will take a tour of Almaty including a visit to Panfilov Park, located in the heart of the city, and home to the Zenkov Cathedral, a 19th century Russian Orthodox Church made entirely of wood. We will stay overnight at the Intercontinental Almaty hotel, or similar.
Day 17 Almaty to London.
After breakfast in the hotel, transfer to Almaty Airport for the scheduled flight to London.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE TOURING
In select locations, in addition to the main excursions, it is possible to choose from a range of activities or tours at no extra cost. Please note that these options are subject to availability, minimum numbers, local conditions and timings.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 21 September to 7 October 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Silver Class | £18695 | |
| Gold Class | £23495 | |
| Imperial Suite | £38595 | |
| Silver Class Sole Occupancy | £26995 | |
Tour Reference Code: TRGE210921
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Internal flight from Baku to Ashgabat • Two nights hotel accommodation in Yerevan • 10 nights on board the Golden Eagle • Two nights accommodation in Baku • Overnight accommodation in Ashgabat & Almaty • Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily (except lunch on day 2) • Wine with lunch & dinner • Excursions • Train Tour Manager • Onboard Doctor • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Porterage.
Not Included: Travel insurance, visas, lunch on day 2.
Please note: A 20% deposit is required when booking this tour. Please also note that visas are required for Azerbaijan & Turkmenistan. Golden Eagle Luxury Trains will provide all supporting documentation needed - the process to apply for some visas may take up to six weeks. This information is correct at the time of printing and, should the information change, we will be in touch with booked passengers with updated information.
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.
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