The Silk Road

Retracing one of the most important trading routes of ancient civilisation, this remarkable tour follows in the footsteps of such legendary figures as Alexander the Great and Marco Polo. For centuries, merchants and adventurers journeyed to and from China on ancient routes through some of the most testing landscapes in the world trading silk, spices and perfumes. These 'highways' - stretching some 4,000 miles - collectively came to be called the 'Silk Road'.

Crossing both Russia and China as well as some of the remotest former Soviets Republics - Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - our epic journey on board the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express through Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan and the Shangri-La Express from the Kazakh border, across the Gobi Desert and onwards to Beijing through an ever changing landscape will take in some of the most magnificent yet little visited sights and oasis cities from the ancient world.

We will travel a total of 11,000kms (6,800 miles) across 5 countries and 11 time zones through areas only accessible by train. A true feeling of adventure and pioneering awaits on this unique 21 day tour by private train.

Highlights of Our Tours

• Moscow - Immerse yourself in Moscow's rich architectural heritage. Experience St Basil's Cathedral, Red Square and The Kremlin.

• Kara Kum - Marvel at the vast expansive beauty of Kazakstan and Turkmenistan's Kara Kum Desert.

• Khiva - Travel back in time to explore the ancient mosques, colourful bazaars and stunning minarets of 2,500 year old Khiva, an important UNESCO site.

• Soak up the vibrant, unreal atmosphere of Ashgabat, the 'Las Vegas of the Kara Kum'.

• Merv - Discover Merv as you explore this mainly unrestored desolate oasis-city - once an important stopping point on the Silk Road.

• Bukhara - Visit the palaces, mosques and The Ark, a fortified residence of the ruthless Emirs of Bukhara until 1920. This 2,500 year old city, was a major trading centre on the Silk Road.

• Samarkand - Experience the many fabulous buildings of the illuminated Registan Square by night, one of Central Asia's most stunningly beautiful sites.

• Tashkent - Modern capital of Uzbekistan, rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1966 with wide tree-lined boulevards.

• Almaty - Kazakstan's former capital city surrounded by the majesty of the towering Tien Shen Mountains.

• Urumchi - A modern city in Western China which has the distinction of the being the world's most remote city from any sea - 1,400miles (2,500kms)

• Dunghuang - Explore The Magao Thousand Buddha Cave Complex - a notable collection of art dating back 1,700 years and some of the world's most impressive sand dunes at Crescent Lake.

• Jiayuguan - Admire the historic architecture of the mighty Jiayuguan Fortress located at the western end of the Great Wall of China.

• Xian - Visit the famous and restored Terracotta Warriors - one of the greatest finds of the 20th Century.

• Beijing - Visit the exquisite magnificence of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.