The Silk Road Express

The Silk Road Express - Westbound

The Silk Road Express - Westbound

13 days – 12 nights

Almaty, Turkistan, Tashkent, Shahrisabz, Samarkand, Khiva, Bukhara, Merv, Ashgabad

Adventure, Culture, History

This program may be operated for individuals or for groups

This is a suggested itinerary

Day 1: Almaty [Kazakhstan]

Overnight transfer to your hotel. You will spend the rest of the night at a yurt.

Day 2: Almaty [Kazakhstan]

You will start your day with a visit to the capital of Kazakhstan, located at the foot of the majestic summit of Alatau. On the program, the visit of the sumptuous Russian Orthodox church marked by its wooden architecture and also the wedding palace. You will also discover the circus and the central mosque. You will enjoy your breakfast in a yurt inviting you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere. In the afternoon, you finally join the special Registan train. Large luggage will be loaded in the train compartments. A welcome drink awaits you on the Registan train, followed by a presentation of your future trip. You will enjoy your first night on the train. Dinner will be served in the restaurant car. [B/L/D]

Day 3: Turkistan [Kazakhstan]

Today, the discovery of the architecture of the Timurids is on the program. After having a good breakfast on board, the Registan train will arrive in the city of Turkestan. You will first visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the mausoleum of Kohja Ahmed Yasawi. Built in 1394, this building is one of the most striking masterpieces of Timurid architecture. You will be dazzled by its admirable domed room, the source house and the grandiose mosque. Then your train continues its journey to reach Tashkent. The customs formalities will be carried out comfortably on board the Registan train so that there is no lost time. You will spend your second night on board and still enjoy your dinner on the Silk Road. [B/L/D]

Day 4: Tashkent [Uzbekistan]

In the early morning, you will arrive in the city of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. This town is marked with terracotta constructions. Despite this, its name which it carries since the 11th century translates by "city of stone", if previously it had carried different names. According to more recent research, the word "Tashkent" is made up of the Sogdian word "tchatsch" which means "mountainous place" and the word "kent" which means "city". It all translates into a city on hills. Tashkent is indeed located at the foot of the Tien Shan Mountains. During the city tour, you will discover various must-see places such as the Kukeldash madrasa, the beautiful Kavoï and Amir-Timur monuments, not to mention the opera. In the evening, go to the famous Navoï opera house (but it depends on the program). You will then return to the train to spend another night on the train. [B/L/D]

Day 5: Taschkent, Shahrisabz, Samarkand [Uzbekistan]

During the night, the Registan train will cross the mountains in an inaccessible area. Formerly, certain troops dared to venture to cross this region like the commercial caravans on the Silk Road as well as the great armies of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane. A show awaits you to make you live the customs of the region. Then, departure to join Shahrisabz, it is the birthplace of Tamerlane (Timur). In this lively little town, the visit of the monuments is on the program. In the evening, the special Registan train will continue its journey to Samarkand. You will spend the night on board. [B/L/D]

Day 6: Samarkand [Uzbekistan]

You will discover the city of Samarkand, which was considered among the most beautiful cities in the world at the time of the Tamerlane Empire. In this historic city, the visit of the famous curiosities of the city is on the program like the famous necropolis Shah-i-Zinda, the excavations of Afrosyab as well as the remarkable place of Registan. Around Place du Registan, you will find 3 impressive madrasas. You will be fascinated by the domes of the sparkling mosques. In the evening, you will be invited to have dinner with the locals. Then you will spend the night in a 4-star hotel. [B/L/D]

Day 7: Samarkand [Uzbekistan]

You are spending this day discovering the carpet manufacturing and paper making from mulberry bark with an Uzbek family. You will also visit the interior of the Ulug Beg Observatory, then the Gur Emir Mausoleum and the ruin of the Bibi Khanum Mosque. You will spend your night in Samarkand in a hotel. [B/L/D]

Day 8: Samarkand [Uzbekistan]

You will have a free morning to stroll around Samarkand at your leisure. What could be better than taking advantage of this opportunity? Around noon, return to your Registan train to join Khiva. You will have dinner and spend the night on the train. [B/L/D]

Day 9: Khiva [Uzbekistan]

After breakfast served on the train, you will leave for the southern part of the country of the 7 rivers by taking the direction towards the oasis of Khiva. All around the Kalta Minor minaret, life is still as active as it used to be because of the bazaars, shops and haggling that are done in the same way as in ancient times. Young people join the ancient Koranic schools to learn the history of their country. Several must-see sites fascinate you on a guided tour: palaces, minarets, mosques, mausoleums and madrasas, examples of architectural masterpieces from the East of yesteryear. You will enjoy your lunch inside the former Emir’s Summer Palace. In the evening, the journey of your special Registan train continues to reach Bukhara. You will have dinner and spend the night on the train. [B/L/D]

Day 10: Bukhara [Uzbekistan]

Let yourself be impressed by this stage which greatly marks the Silk Road. Bukhara, with its 360 mosques, was ruled by the Samanids in the 10th century and considered a remarkable religious and cultural refuge before being ruined by the Mongols. The city was rebuilt during the era of the Tamerlane Empire and its Arab, Turkish and Persian past is still preserved. During your visit, you will discover the skills of Bukharin in shops of all kinds: silk, carpets, spices, furs, fabrics, miniatures, ceramics. As part of the UNESCO world heritage, the ancient city will make you discover the architectural beauties which dominate the Poi-kalian square (12^th - 14^th centuries) including the mosque, the Mir-i-Arab madrasa as well as the highest minaret from its oriental era. The square nowadays presents the most impressive buildings of Bukhara. Then, you will continue the walk under the ancient trading domes allowing you to discover the Lyab-i-Khauz ensemble dating from the 16^th century, provided with a basin in the middle surrounded by madrasas. Further on, you will see the oldest Magok-i-Attari building dating from the 12^th century. which was built in the place dedicated to the Buddhist and Zoroastrian temple. You settle into your hotel for lunch. Afterwards, a digestive walk will be on the program, visiting the Ulugh Beg Madrasa and the Madrasa Abdul Aziz Kha. Free time to stroll around the 16th century covered market. Then, you will continue the visit by the discovery of the small monument to the 4 towers, named Chor Minor, a little withdrawn in the alleys. This building was at the beginning a madrasa and has now disappeared, built by a wealthy Turkmen merchant in the early 19th century. Your day will end in style with entertaining shows: music concert, traditional dances followed by a fashion show. Everything will take place in the courtyard of the old Nadir Divan Begi Madrasah. Then, a dinner served with a Bukharin family awaits you. You will comfortably spend your night at the hotel. [B/L/D]

Day 11: Bukhara [Uzbekistan]

Bukhara, also known as "Charif" which means "the noble" is considered a large open-air museum of construction art for travelers. You will discover the great Ark fortress presenting a city within the city, which was once the place where the rulers of Bukhara reigned. You will enter the coronation room and visit the beautiful summer residence of the last emir (early 20th century) marked by its unrivaled alabaster decoration, the Mir-i-Arab madrasa as well as the mausoleum of the Samanids. Finally, you will visit the only mosque in the world dedicated to women in the Sufi order complex. Located fifteen kilometers from the city, this famous place is also a center of pilgrimage. Before leaving this city, you will be specially invited to a meeting with the Imam of Bukhara. You will have dinner and spend the night on the special Registan train. [B/L/D]

Day 12: Merv [Turkmenistan]

Arrival in Merv in the morning. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city was once one of the largest and most beautiful cities in the world, ravaged in the 13th century by Toloï, he is the son of the founder of the Mongol empire Genghis Khan. Also, in the 13^th century, Baïram Ali Khan had brought a new change to the city by restoring the old irrigation system. But the dams did not last long, they were destroyed again by the Emir of Bukhara. The only remaining ones now are the huge walls, the ramparts in the middle of the desert, the great ruins of old buildings like the example of the mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar. They also remain the fortress of the virgins (Kyrk-Qyz-Qala), the place where the ice caves are located and more. You will enjoy your lunch with the locals. Then the train will continue on its way to Ashgabad. You will have your dinner and spend your last night on the special Registan train. [B/L/D]

Day 13: Ashgabad, Nisa [Turkmenistan], USA

In the morning program, tour around Ashgabad and you will discover the ancient Parthian city, named Nisa, which is located at the foot of mountains. Even almost 2,000 years ago, there are still the impressive ruins of the ancient royal castle that testify to the value of its past. Then you will visit the lavish mausoleum of the country's highest leader and the imposing mosque reminiscent of that of Istanbul. Stop for lunch in a restaurant. In the afternoon, a visit to a new city is on the agenda. The entire neighborhoods had taken charge of the reconstruction of this city in white marble after Independence. Discover the national museum with a remarkable exhibition from the ruins of Nisa and a better collection of ancient Rhytons can be done on a guided tour. In the evening, a farewell dinner with music followed by Turkmen dances awaits you. Later in the evening you’ll be transferred to the airport to board your connecting flight back home. [B/L/D]

[B/L/D] = Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Tour includes

Transfers as required
12 nights’ accommodation:
- Almaty 1 night
- Registan Train 8 nights
- Samarkand 2 nights
- Bukhara 1 night
Meals:
- Breakfast daily
- Lunch daily
- 11 dinners
- 1 farewell dinner
1 welcome drink
Doctor on board
Daily cleaning service
Each car has 2 hostesses (they work in shifts)
Tea and coffee are served free throughout the trip
Bed linen is changed once during the trip
Tea, coffee and 1 bottle of mineral water during meals
Sightseeing of Almaty
Mausoleum of Kohja Ahmed Yasawi
Tashkent city tour
Folkloric show in Shahrisabz
Visit of Samarkand
Carpet manufacturing in Samarkand
Khiva minarets and madrasas
Visit Bukhara
Discover Lyab-i-Khauz ensemble
Tour the great Ark fortress
Sufi order women’s mosque
Tour Kyrk-Qyz-Qala or fortress of the virgins
The Parthian city of Nisa
A/C Registan Train in cabin of your choice
Local transportation by A/C vehicle
English-speaking guide
Local guides for sites visited
Entrance fees for sites visited
All local taxes

Not included in tour

International airfares
Any taxes related to airfares or airports
Meals not mentioned under inclusions
Travel Insurance
Visas
Tips to guides or drivers
Expenses of a personal nature
Any item not mentioned as “Included”

Hotels

Category	Hotel Name	Tripadvisor
First Class
Almaty	KazZhol Almaty	4
Samarkand	Hotel Grand Samarkand Superior	4
Bukhara	Minzifa Hotel	4.5

Hotels will be confirmed at time of booking

Prices

These programs can be customized for individuals and groups. Changes to this program may be requested by phone (1855-55-TOURS) or using the web FIT Quote Request

Airfare

We also be glad to add the necessary airfare from your gateway so you take advantage of our special discounted leisure fares

Program

You may add or remove;

- Trip days
- Cities and sites
- Meals

Other options
- The program was designed with private services, however, we may substitute shared sightseeing where available
- If you prefer deluxe services we may operate this program including private driver, private guide and concierge service.

Quotation

Once we have designed the program the way you want we'll give you a quote within 2 business days.

Tour Code: KZ02ALA20VT

Train #	Ashgabad-Almaty
K04	31 March
K10	6 October

These dates may change and will be confirmed at time of booking

Options

Lunches and dinners can be arranged for individuals, families and groups at top restaurants or any restaurant requested by you.
We can revise the itinerary to spend more time and provide more depth in those areas that you are interested on.
Any other changes to the itinerary will be accommodated depending on the facilities available in the area.

Group Quotations

If you wish to use these programs for your group or as the basis for a customized journey please either call us (1-855-55-TOURS or use the web Group Quote Request.
In either case our specialists will work with to refine all the details and they will get you a quote with 2 business days. Quotes may be obtained for the air and land portions of just for the lad journey.
Booking both air and land with us will represent savings for you because of our buying power and longtime relationship with the airlines.

We will also may have the choice between regular fares and special leisure fares not available to the public.

Others

Available Cabins:

Habibi (3 or 4 people per cabin)

Alibaba (1 or 2 people per cabin)

Sleeping car with 9 compartments each. The beds are 26x72 inches. Each compartment has 2 low beds and 2 upper beds, 220V nightstand and plug to recharge camera and mobile batteries. The compartment can be occupied for exclusive use guaranteed by a single person (something almost impossible on regular trains). The compartment can be occupied by 3 or 4 people. The toilets (WC and washbasin) at both ends of the car.

Aladdin (1 or 2 people per cabin)

Sleeping car with 8 compartments each. The beds are 26x72 inches. Each compartment has 2 low beds, nightstand and 220V plug to recharge camera and mobile batteries. The compartment can be occupied for exclusive use guaranteed by a single person (something almost impossible on regular trains). The toilets (WC and washbasin) at both ends of the car and shower cabin for use by all "Aladdin" passengers. Shifts will be established for the use of the shower. The cars have air conditioning while the convoy is in motion. Therefore, the windows of the “Aladdin” sleeping cars cannot be opened and will remain closed during the entire tour.

Sultan (1 or 2 people per cabin)

Sleeping cars with 6 compartments each. Each compartment has a low bed (43x72 inches) suitable even for 2 people if necessary, and an upper bed (31.5x68.5 inches), wardrobe, 220V plug to recharge camera and mobile batteries, also has TV and DVD. The compartment can be occupied for exclusive use guaranteed by a single person (something almost impossible to get on regular trains). Ecological WC, washbasin and shower (with curtain) for private use is inside the compartment. The cars have air conditioning while the convoy is in motion. Therefore, the windows of the “Sultan” dormitory cars cannot be opened and will remain closed throughout the tour.

Caliph (1 or 2 people per cabin)

Sleeping car with 6 compartments each. Each compartment consists of a low bed (47x72 inches) suitable even for 2 people if necessary, and an upper bed (80 x 174), wardrobe, 220V plug to recharge camera and mobile batteries, also has TV and DVD. The compartment can be occupied for exclusive use guaranteed by a single person (something almost impossible to get on regular trains). Ecological WC, washbasin and shower (with screen) for private use inside the compartment. The cars have air conditioning while the convoy is in motion. Therefore, the windows of the “Caliph” sleeping cars cannot be opened and will remain closed throughout the tour.

Restau