Download the extensive Trip Dossier for this tour as a PDF file to read offline or print. The trip dossier contains more details of departures dates and trip inclusions for this tour as well as information on the cabin classes and FAQs.
Upon arrival at Beijing Airport, you will be met and transferred to the five-star Regent Hotel (or similar), which is located in the historical centre of the city. This luxurious Beijing hotel is minutes from the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Wangfujing shopping street, the Oriental Plaza and picturesque hutongs (old lanes).
We will enjoy a welcome reception dinner at a local restaurant, giving you the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and look ahead to your 21-day voyage of a lifetime.
MEALS: Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Regent Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
DAY 2 - BEIJING
TOUR OF THE CITY INCLUDING THE FORBIDDEN
In our extensive touring programme of the Imperial City, we 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, it 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.
Alternatively, with our Freedom of Choice touring programme we offer a tour to Cuandixia ancient village, nestled in the mountains 90kms (56 miles) west of Beijing. Cuandixia is known for its architecture and the natural beauty of the area. It is home to more than 500 well preserved courtyard houses dating to the Ming and Qing dynasties.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Regent Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
DAY 3 - BEIJING
VISIT THE GREAT WALL & ENJOY A PEKING DUCK DINNER
During our stay in Beijing we devote time to the most awe-inspiring site in the whole of China – The Great Wall. This amazing edifice is perhaps the most evocative symbol of Chinese skill and precision. Originally built to protect the Chinese Empire from raids by nomadic tribes, it is the world’s 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 – the perfect opportunity to take some memorable photographs with your fellow guests.
We host an exclusive dinner in an authentic Peking Duck restaurant. The banquet will be complemented by specially selected international wines, as with all our meals, along with a glass of local rice wine also known as ‘firewater’ as befitting this special occasion.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Regent Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
DAY 4 - XIAN
BULLET TRAIN TO XIAN & THE TERRA COTTA WARRIORS
This morning we depart Beijing and travel to Xian on the exhilarating high-speed railway line. Travelling at speeds of up to 300kms per hour (190 miles per hour) the bullet train will cover the distance of 1,144kms (710 miles) in a time of approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes.
Arriving in Xian early this afternoon, we will have several hours to explore the world-famous Terra Cotta Warriors, discovered by peasants only 40 years ago. The 6,000 terra cotta figures and their horses are one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century.
Alternatively, as part of our Freedom of Choice programme we will offer a visit to the Han Yangling Museum. This tomb, dating back 2,000 years with its adjoining museum, is one of China’s best kept secrets.
We stay overnight at the centrally located Sofitel Xian.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Sofitel On Renmin Square ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
DAY 5 - DUNHUANG
TAKE THE SHANGRI LA EXPRESS TO DUNHUANG
Following 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 for the next stage of our journey across China. A welcome dinner of authentic Chinese cuisine is served on board in the Restaurant Cars as we travel towards Dunhuang.
Imperial Suite and Gold Class passengers will be accommodated in the private en-suite Diamond Class cabins on board the Shangri-La Express, whilst Silver Class will be allocated Heritage Class cabins, which have shared shower and toilet facilities. Upgrades for Silver Class passengers to Diamond Class are available at an extra charge and subject to availability. A waitlist will be in operation for upgrades based on 'date of booking' order. Ask the Reservations Department for details.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Shangri La Express
DAY 6 - DUNHUANG
THE SAND DUNES OF DUNHUANG
Following 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. Hidden amongst towering sand dunes, it has sustained life in this region for millennia.
We stay for one night at the Silk Road Dunhuang hotel. Tonight we experience dinner and a local folk performance in this magical setting before waking for breakfast the following morning and experiencing the magnificent sunrise over the sand dunes.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Silk Road Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
DAY 7 - TURPAN
THE MOGAO CAVES & ON TO THE OASIS OF TURPAN
We wake early this morning to experience sunrise over the magnificent sand dunes, before we visit the fascinating Mogao Thousand Buddha Cave Complex. This impressive site contains almost 500 grottoes carved between 700 and 1,700 years ago. Inside we will see an amazing collection of beautiful sculptures and murals depicting the evolution of Buddhist religious art over this 1,000 year period.
Later this afternoon we will re-join the Shangri-La Express for our onward journey to Turpan.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Shangri La Express
DAY 8 - TURPAN
EXPLORE THE AREA AROUND THIS DESERT OASIS
The Flaming Mountains create a magnificent backdrop for our next location: Turpan. We take a fascinating tour to 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 5,000 artefacts detailing the rich history of the area and the Ancient Mummy exhibition with exhibits dating back 3,200 years.
Our final destination is the elegantly decaying sand fortress city of Jiaohe. Founded in 108 BC, it became an important trading route along the Silk Road until it was abandoned in the 13th century following a raid by Genghis Khan.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Shangri La Express
DAY 9 - on the train
CROSS FROM CHINA TO KAZAKHSTAN
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 5 hours but our patience is rewarded as the Golden Eagle is waiting for us at the Kazakh border station of Druzhba.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Golden Eagle Train
DAY 10 - ALMATY
KAZAKHSTAN’S FORMER CAPITAL & LARGEST CITY
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 beautiful 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 visit the Zenkhov Cathedral which was built entirely of wood. We will also go out of the city to the Chimbulak resort, where a cable car ride will give you spectacular views of Almaty and the mountains.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Golden Eagle Train
DAY 11 - TASHKENT
ARRIVE IN UZBEKISTAN’S CAPITAL OF TASHKENT
Today we visit Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan. 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. In a small library here 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.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Golden Eagle Train
DAY 12 - SAMARKAND
TOUR PERHAPS THE MOST IMPRESSIVE ARCHITECTURE OF UZBEKISTAN
More so than any other town, just the mention of Samarkand instantly conjures up evocative images of the Silk Road. 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.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Golden Eagle Train
DAY 13 - BUKHARA
MORE OUTSTANDING ARCHITECTURE & HISTORY
Bukhara is quite simply outstanding. Like Khiva, UNESCO sponsored the renovation of much of the city for its 2,500th 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.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Golden Eagle Train
DAY 14 - MERV
VISIT THE RUINS OF THIS ONCE MIGHTY CITY
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.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Golden Eagle Train
DAY 15 - ASHGABAT
REACH TURKMENISTAN’S UNUSUAL CAPITAL & CONTINUE TO DARVAZA GAS CRATER
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. The Soviet city was largely rebuilt 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 visit to the National Museum and Kipchak Mosque.
The Golden Eagle makes a scheduled stop at Ichoguz. We 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. A unique experience that is not to be missed.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Golden Eagle Train
DAY 16 - KHIVA
BACK INTO UZBEKISTAN & THIS ANCIENT OASIS TOWN
From Urgench we travel to the ancient city of Khiva, founded 2,500 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 its impressive mosques, madrassas, bazaars and minarets within Khiva’s ancient walls.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Golden Eagle Train
DAY 17 - on the train
CONTINUE THROUGH KAZAKHSTAN
We will enjoy a relaxing day on board the Golden Eagle as we travel across the vast open expanses of Kazakhstan and head into Russia. This time offers the opportunity to unwind and reflect on the many sights and sounds we have experienced or are about to experience on our rail journey so far.
Chat to your fellow passengers, listen to a talk on the history of the Silk Road and its people along the route, simply relax with a good book or enjoy the ever-changing landscape outside your window as it unfolds before you.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Golden Eagle Train
DAY 18 - VOLOGRAD
VISIT THIS RUSSIAN CITY SO IMPORTANT IN WORLD WAR II
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.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Golden Eagle Train
DAY 19 - MOSCOW
REACH OUR FINAL DESTINATION OF MOSCOW
Having travelled a mammoth 7,000 miles (11,250kms) from Beijing the Golden Eagle pulls into Moscow, our final destination.
Included in our time spent in Moscow are two nights at the stylish five-star Four Seasons Hotel Moscow. Located in the historic building of Moskva Hotel and occupying one of the most enviable addresses in the very heart of Moscow, the hotel is a short walk from the Kremlin, Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Four Seasons Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
DAY 20 - MOSCOW
TOUR OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF MOSCOW & A FAREWELL DINNER
Our touring programme of Russia’s capital 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 where we will enjoy an exclusive private viewing.
Our exploration of the city continues with a visit to Red Square, the iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and political might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture. Here we visit the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral’s magnificent onion-domed spires and marvel at the beautiful façade of the world-famous GUM department store which was constructed in Tsarist times.
Lunch is served in Café Pushkin, a legendary Moscow restaurant with a décor that revives the atmosphere of an early 19th century mansion and serves traditional Russian cuisine. An essential part of any visit to Moscow is a tour of the opulent and unique stations of the Moscow metro - showpieces of Socialist art furnished with statues, frescoes and mosaics, unsurpassed anywhere in the world.
If you have been to Moscow before we offer included Freedom of Choice touring where we show you other sights of Moscow such as the famous State Tretyakov Gallery (National Museum of Fine Art) or the Space Museum.
This evening we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner toasting the success of our journey.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Four Seasons Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
DAY 21 - end of tour
DEPART RUSSIA OR EXTEND TO ST PETERSBURG
After breakfast in your hotel, you will be transferred to Moscow Airport for your onward flight.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Four Seasons Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
ST PETERSBURG ?
ASK US TO ADD ON TO THIS TRIP
GOLDEN EAGLE LUXURY TRAIN
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
As far as possible our tours are all inclusive with no hidden extras. What follows are those elements which are included in the tour price. The only extra items you will need to budget for include personal expenses such as international and internal flights, visa costs, travel insurance, drinks from the Bar Lounge Car and laundry.
Experienced Tour Managers
Our experienced tour managers and their assistants are selected for their travel knowledge and their linguistic and organisational abilities allowing you to relax and enjoy your rail cruise. We receive exceptional passenger comments about our Tour Managers and their aim is to ensure you enjoy every minute of your holiday.
Arrival and Departure Transfers
Arrival and departure transfers are included.
Hotel and On Board Accommodation
Although you will spend much of your time sightseeing or relaxing in the train’s public areas, you will find you hotel room or cabin a welcome retreat at the end of a rewarding day. All hotels are of 5 star standard or, in certain locations, the best available. Room upgrades are available on request and at extra cost.
Welcome and Farewell Dinners
Each tour begins with a Welcome Dinner, an ideal opportunity to get to know your fellow passengers; for the Tour Manager to brief you on the trip; and introduce you to the Golden Eagle Luxury Trains team and the Tour Doctor. The Farewell Dinner is the perfect end to your adventure by private train where you can relive the journey and look ahead to future tours.
Route Guide, Itinerary and Information Pack
When you board the train there will be a brochure in your cabin detailing more about your journey and the places en-route. Our Tour Manager will organise a programme of briefings on the cities or places we visit and, each evening, will issue a programme for the next day’s touring schedule.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Daily
All departures feature one or two uniquely designed restaurant cars where you can enjoy the excellent waiter-served food and wine. Several times during the tour we will also sample authentic local cuisine off the train.
Drinks with Meals and from the Bar Lounge Car
A generous drinks allowance is included with lunch and dinner. For passengers travelling in Gold Class on board the Golden Eagle, drinks from the Standard Drinks List in the Bar Lounge Car are also included. For Imperial Suite guests, drinks from both the Standard and Premium Bar Lists (excluding premium wines) in the Bar Lounge Car are included.
On Board Service
You can expect service 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. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottle drinking water are available in your cabin 24 hours a day.
Guided Off-Train Excursions
The history and culture of the places we visit on our rail cruises will come alive through our expert local guides. All our tours include a wide-ranging sightseeing schedule to make the most of the time you have off the train and bring you closer to the culture, people and history of your destinations. We believe it is the special little touches that help create magical memories.
Imperial Suite guests will benefit from the option of a private car and guide in the majority of places we visit along the route.
Freedom of Choice Touring
Customise your journey and enjoy the opportunity to select from an array of Freedom of Choice Touring options that best suits your interests. Your off-train excursions will still take in all the major attractions of the places we are visiting but, in featured locations, you will be presented when you are onboard the train with a variety of activities from which to choose, and enjoy a tailor-made experience. Look at the individual itineraries where we are operating Freedom of Choice Touring.
Freedom of Choice Touring options may be subject to variations dependent on finalised train timings and local charges. Touring options available will typically be advised in the evening prior to the day’s tour.
Personal Headsets
On all the off–train excursions, to enhance your enjoyment and comprehension of the places you visit, you will be provided with a lightweight personal headset on which to listen to your tour guide as you take in the sights. So you do not need to worry about missing any of the interesting details on your excursions.
On Board Doctor and Medical Facilities
To give you peace of mind our tours are accompanied by a doctor who travels with us usually for the entire journey; so you can rest assured that medical assistance is always available. On call 24 hours a day, the doctor is on hand to give primary care as required. Normally, the doctor will be English speaking and be registered with the General Medical Council in the UK.
24 Hour Service Attendant
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. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled drinking water are available in your cabin 24 hours a day.
Porterage
As you only have to unpack once, your luggage and belongings will stay with you on the train throughout the journey but, wherever necessary, porterage is included between the hotel and stations.
All Gratuities
You will not have to worry about tipping on and off the train on your rail journey with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains as all gratuities are included in the tour price.
CABIN CLASSES
Full details on the cabin classes available on Golden Eagle.
We hold ATOL license 10287 so booking with us gives you 100% financial protection. We are also members of the Association of British Travel Agents. ABTA has strict membership requirements and we are required to adhere to the associations high standards. Our ABTA number is Y1699.
