The Legendary Silk Route by Rail – Almaty to Ashgabat

Standard Private Tour in brief

Day 1: Fly to Almaty, Kazakhstan

(N)

Day 2: Almaty

Early morning arrival in Almaty. Transfer to the Rahat Palace Hotel (or similar) for 1 night with immediate check in. Afternoon at leisure. (N)

Day 3: Almaty

Morning city tour including Zenkov Russian cathedral, one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings. Lunch in Kazakh yurts before transferring to the Orient Silk Road Express train. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Turkestan

After breakfast, arrive in Turkestan. Visit the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, famed for its dome hall and monumental mosque. Later the train continues its journey, crossing the Kazakh-Uzbek border towards Tashkent. Border formalities are completed in the comfort of your compartment. Overnight on the train. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Early morning arrival into Tashkent, followed by a sightseeing tour, including the Kukeldash madrasa, the Kavoj and Amir Timur monuments and the typical Kazakh mud brick houses. In the evening, schedules permitting, attend a concert in a music hall. The train leaves in the evening for Shakhrisabz. Overnight on the train. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Shahrisabz

Today includes a regional folklore performance and a visit to the site of Tamerlane’s large summer palace, as well as the monumental memorials to the Mongol prince. In the evening, the train departs for Samarkand and you are invited to a tasting of Uzbek wines. Overnight on the train. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Samarkand

Full-day tour of Samarkand, with visits to Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, the imposing madrasas on Registan Square and the excavation sites of Afrosiyob, the oldest part and ruined site of the ancient and medieval city. Stay at the Registan Plaza Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Samarkand

Another day to explore Samarkand, with a chance to see the Bibi Khanum mosque, the Ulugbek observatory and the Gur Emir mausoleum, as well as visiting a carpet factory and local craftsman’s family. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Samarkand

Morning at leisure. At midday, the train departs for Khiva. Overnight on board. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Khiva

On arrival in Khiva, enter the imposing old city and, after visiting palaces, mosques, minarets and mausoleums, enjoy lunch at the former emir’s summer palace. Evening departure to Bukhara. Overnight on the train. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Bukhara

On arrival in Bukhara, visit the great Kalyan minaret, the Labi-Hauz architectural ensemble and the ‘Nasreddin on a Donkey’ monument. Dinner is served at a local restaurant followed by local music and dancing in a madrasa’s courtyard. Overnight at the Asia Bukhara Hotel (or similar). (B, L, D)

Day 12: Bukhara

Full-day city tour, with visits including the beautiful Mir-e-Arab madrasa, the Ark (fortress), the Samanid mausoleum and the last emir’s summer residence. Board the train for an evening departure. Overnight on the train. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Merv, Turkmenistan

Morning arrival in Merv for a chance to see the gigantic walls, ramparts and ruins of this Unesco world heritage site. Enjoy lunch with a local family in their home’s picturesque courtyard. Stay overnight at the Grand Turkmen Hotel (or similar). (B, L, D)

Day 14: Nisa • Ashgabat

In the morning, drive to the nearby Unesco listed ruins of the ancient city of Nisa. After lunch, take a guided tour of the modern-day capital followed by a guided tour of the National Museum in Ashgabat, where you will view artefacts excavated from the ruins at Nisa. Evening transfer to Ashgabat airport. (B, L, D)

Day 15: Fly home

(N)

Meal basis:

As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Important information Depature dates

31 Mar – 14 Apr 6 Oct – 20 Oct *12 Apr – 26 Apr *18 Oct – 31 Oct

*Reverse departures:

Departures are available in reverse from Ashgabat to Almaty. These depart on 12 April and 18 October 2021.

Standard tour

This tour is based in 3- and 4-star accommodation.

Single supplement

Available on request.

Non-exclusive activities:

Your arrival and departure transfers may be shared with other parties and, when on board, all transfers and excursions are operated as a group with other passengers who may not be Cox & Kings clients.

Tailor-made travel:

For a price quote based on alternative accommodation standards, to discuss flight options or to tailor this itinerary, please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.