Silk Road Cities by Private Train - Ashgabat to Almaty

Depart the UK on your flight to Ashgabat

Arrive in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, in the early hours of the morning where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day to recuperate from the flight and have a stroll around the city. (B)

Enjoy a guided tour of Turkemenistan's capital with your guide and group. Take in the impressive modern monuments built in gleaming white marble, all erected since the country gained independence, as well as the ancient Parthian city of Old Nisa on the edge of Ashgabat. Gain an insight in to modern life at the Tolkuchka Bazaar where the locals do their shopping. In the evening, it's time to board the train for your first night and enjoy dinner as you head off through the desert. (B,L,D)

In the morning, arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Merv. Over the past centuries, five great cities have dominated the landscape here by turn, each an important stop on the great Silk Road. Explore the remains from the vast city walls to the ruined mausoleums. Have lunch with a local family before re-boarding the train and heading for the Uzbek border, carrying on through Uzbekistan into the night. (B,L,D)

This morning you will disembark in the Uzbek city of Bukhara, another World Heritage Site. Bukhara has some 1,000 monuments and buildings that hark back to the golden age of the Silk Road. With your guide, visit some of the city's historical treasures including the madrassahs comprising the Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, the Kalyon Minaret, caravanserais and old trading domes. Also enjoy a folk performance in one of the madrassahs. Spend tonight in a hotel in the city. (B,L,D)

Head out of Bukhara this morning to visit the spectacular Samanid Mausoleum before walking around the vast Ark Citadel with its huge thick walls that dominate the edge of the city. In the afternoon visit the Emir's Summer Palace. Spend tonight in a hotel in Bukhara. (B,L,D)

A free morning gives you time to revisit some of the beautiful buildings or do some shopping in the local bazaars before your train moves on through the Kyzylkum Desert. Spend tonight back on the train. (B,L,D)

The walled city of Khiva in its desert setting is an oasis of beautiful historical buildings. Take a walking tour to explore the city and visit the palaces, mosques and minarets. Have lunch in the former Emir's Summer Palace and in the afternoon perhaps head up one of the minarets for a view out over the city. Later, head back aboard the train for another night on board as you head towards Samarkand. (B,L,D)

Today you arrive in the mighty capital of Tamerlane: Samarkand. Disembark your train to see the astonishing buildings built under his command. Visit the Necropolis of Shah-e Zinde, the excavation sites at Afrosiab, and finally Registan Square, one of the most notable architectural ensembles in Central Asia and perhaps the world. You have two nights in a Samarkand hotel to help you truly soak in the might and majesty of this once-glorious city. (B,L,D)

Today you visit the Ulug-Beg Observatory, just outside Samarkand, as well as the Bibi Khanum Mosque. Back in the city, meet some of the local craftsmen and take a tour of a silk carpet manufactory. Visit an Uzbek family to see them making paper from mulberry bark, and later visit the tomb of the great Tamerlane himself. (B,L,D)

Back on the train this morning, a short journey brings you to the mountains of Uzbekistan. An hour's drive from a small provincial train stations brings you to one of the villages to meet some of the local people, visit their ancient mosque and enjoy their hospitality. In the afternoon visit Shakrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane and home to yet more grand medieval buildings. Spend tonight on the train. (B,L,D)

Uzbekistan's capital city awaits you. Head out with your guide and group to see old Tashkent, where the tiled mosques and madrassahs now house stalls of local craftsmen. Visit Independence Square and the War Memorial as well as Amir Timur Square and the Monument to the Victims of Political Repression. Before you climb back aboard for the evening, head to a local theatre to see a performance of traditional and classical music (programme permitting). Once back on board the train will continue through the night towards your next destination. (B,L,D)

Arrive this morning in Turkestan, an important stop on the Silk Road. After breakfast on board, visit the beautiful Mausoleum of Kohja Ahmed Yasawi. In the afternoon, cross the Kazakh-Uzbek border. Watch the grassy steppe pass by from the comfort of the train as you head towards Turkestan. (B,L,D)

After lunch, arrive into Almaty. The former capital of Kazakhstan boasts various architectural styles and plenty of treats for the eyes. Visit the Zenkov Cathedral, made entirely from wood without the use of nails, as well as the Central Mosque, and many other fascinating sights. Spend your last night of the trip in a hotel in Almaty. (B,L,D)

Transfer to the airport in Almaty for your return flight. (B)