AN EXTRACT OF THE SILK ROAD BY LUXURY TRAIN

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In Tashkent, we disembark and explore its Old Town. At an unassuming library, we have the privilege of viewing the world’s oldest Koran. Samarkand marks the crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures, and it is here that we explore Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Ulugh Beg Observatory and Registan Square. Bukhara’s history and grandeur reveal themselves during a visit to The Ark, the fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara who ruled in earlier times.

The Golden Eagle rolls on to the outskirts of the once-mighty city of Merv which for a brief moment in history was the largest city in the world. At Ichoguz, we have the option of leaving our train and making a short journey to Darvaza’s famous burning gas crater. In Ashgabat, visits to the national museum and Kipchak Mosque prove highlights within this mesmerising city of marble, set among the sands of the Kara Kum Desert.

Our train pulls in to the city of Khiva, one of the most important trading posts along the Silk Road. During our time here an astonishing array of architecture is revealed through Khiva’s wealth of mosques, madrassas and minarets. A relaxing day on board our train then follows, as we travel across the vast expanse of the Kara Kum Desert. Gaze out at the arid landscape, or take the opportunity to participate in a Russian language lesson.

On the banks of Europe’s longest river stands Volgograd. A visit to its war museum grants us a greater perspective of the city’s involvement in World War Two, when it was known as Stalingrad. In Moscow, we are granted a private viewing at the Kremlin Armoury, as well as a private performance by the choir at St Basil’s Cathedral. Theatre lovers also won’t want to pass up the chance to step behind the curtains of the Bolshoi.

Take time at your leisure and contemplate the rich experiences we have enjoyed, before departing.