You will be transferred to the hotel, and then take your return flight.
Yulia - Travel Expert
- Train Orient Silk Road Express across Central Asia
- Mythic cities of the Silk Road and desert landscapes
- Modern comfort for an elegant adventure journey
Day 1 - FLIGHT TO TASHKENT (Uzbekistan)
TACHKENT
TACHKENT
Departure of your flight to Tashkent
Day 2 - TASHKENT
TACHKENT
TACHKENT
You arrive in Tashkent early in the morning. A driver will be waiting to take you to the Mercure hotel.
After a morning of rest, you will meet your guides and fellow travelers during the afternoon. You then begin your Central Asia journey with a visit to the Koukeldach madrasa, the oldest theological school in Tashkent dating back to the 16th century. Next, you will discover the Tamerlan monument, the famous conqueror and emperor whom the Uzbeks call Amir-Timur, and you will observe clay houses typical of this part of the country.
You will have your breakfast (PDJ) and dinner (DI), then spend the night at the Mercure hotel in Tashkent.
Day 3 - TASHKENT
TACHKENT
TACHKENT
After the breakfast, you will travel through the narrow valleys of the Chimgan Mountains to the Amirsoy ski resort. The cable car takes you up into the heights to enjoy a fantastic panorama and a lunch with a view. The road continues to the photogenic Charvak reservoir.
Back in Tashkent in the afternoon, you head to the station to start your train journey in Uzbekistan. Settle in on board the Orient Silk Road Express. You will enjoy a welcome drink and attend a short talk.
Breakfast (PDJ), lunch (DJ), dinner (DI), overnight on board the Orient Silk Road Express.
Day 4 - KHIVA, like a tale from the Thousand and One Nights
KHIVA
KHIVA
This day is devoted to visiting one of the three most beautiful cities in Uzbekistan, Khiva. Behind the imposing wall that protects it, Khiva is like a ochre-and-blue oasis. Once you pass through its gates and earthen brick bastions, it feels as though you have been transported through time, so perfectly preserved does everything seem.
A walking tour will allow you to admire the famous Kalta Minor minaret, listed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage, as well as the mosques, mausoleums, and madrasas that make up one of the best-preserved sets of medieval urban planning in the Middle East.
Breakfast (PDJ), lunch (DJ), dinner (DI), and overnight on board the Orient Silk Road Express.
Day 5 - BOUKHARA, the elegant one
BOUKHARA
BOUKHARA
In the heart of the Kyzylkoum desert, the oasis city of Boukhara is home to hundreds of monuments that recall the glorious days of the Silk Road. Today, life carries on in its old town as if the centuries had not passed. Children run through the streets, grandparents play chess near the ponds, under the magnificent Lab-i Hauz complex, covered in mosaics.
On your guided tour, admire the Kalyan minaret, nearly 50 metres tall. In front of the monument dedicated to the folk hero Nasreddin Hodja, listen to a few of his stories and legends.
In the courtyard of a historic madrasa, you will enjoy a folklore performance with music, local dances, and a presentation of colourful national costumes.
Breakfast (PDJ), lunch (DJ), dinner (DI) — Overnight at the Omar Hayam hotel in Boukhara.
Day 6 - BOUKHARA — The Samanids’ mausoleum
BOUKHARA
BOUKHARA
Boukhara is one of the three most beautiful cities in Uzbekistan. It has preserved its old Middle Eastern look. In the morning, extend your discovery by visiting two sites listed by UNESCO: Mir-i-Arab, a sumptuous 15th-century Qur’anic school still in operation, as well as the Samanids’ Mausoleum.
You will then visit the mighty Ark Citadel, a city within a city that was once the seat of government for the rulers of Boukhara.
Breakfast (PDJ), lunch (DJ), dinner (DI) — Overnight on board the Orient Silk Road Express luxury train.
Day 7 - SHAHRISABZ — Tamerlan’s Birth
SHAHRISABZ
SHAHRISABZ
Your train journey continues. During the night, your special train will cross the mountains. When your luxury train stops, you will attend a folklore performance highlighting the unique traditions of this region. You will then head to Shahrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlan.
In the evening, you will get back on your special train, which will depart towards Dushanbe.
Breakfast (PDJ), lunch (DJ), dinner (DI) — Overnight on board the Orient Silk Road Express train.
Day 8 - DUSHANBE (Tajikistan)
DOUCHANBE
DOUCHANBE
Arrival in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, in the morning. You will discover many sites during your guided tour and enjoy a nature break in the Rudaki Park.
At the end of the afternoon, you will return to your special train heading to Samarkand.
Breakfast (PDJ), lunch (DJ), dinner (DI), Overnight on board the Orient Silk Road Express train.
Day 9 - SAMARKAND (Uzbekistan)
SAMARCANDE
SAMARCANDE
Day 10 - SAMARKAND
SAMARCANDE
SAMARCANDE
You will continue your visit to Samarkand by discovering a silk carpet workshop and meeting a family of Uzbek artisans who make paper from mulberry bark.
After a stop at the Ulugh Beg Observatory and near the ruins of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, you will continue to the Gur-i-Amir mausoleum complex, similar to a palace and open for an interior visit. It houses the tomb of Tamerlan the builder, who transformed his capital into a paradise, but he also entered history as a feared conqueror.
Breakfast (PDJ), lunch (DJ), dinner (DI). Overnight at the Grand Samarkand hotel.
Day 11 - ON THE TRAIN
Kirghizstan
Kirghizstan
After the breakfast, your special train heads to Kyrgyzstan. You will spend the day relaxing while attending lectures on board.
Breakfast (PDJ), lunch (DJ), dinner (DI). Overnight on board the Orient Silk Road Express.
Day 12 - BISHKEK (Kyrgyzstan)
BISHKEK
BISHKEK
After the breakfast, you will head to the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek. During your guided city tour, you will discover its most well-known sites. With around 100 m² of green space per inhabitant, Bishkek is one of the greenest cities in the world. A stroll in the Ala Archa National Park will be a highlight of your program.
Breakfast (PDJ), lunch (DJ), dinner (DI). Overnight at the Plaza Hotel Bishkek.
Day 13 - ISSYK-KUL LAKE (Kyrgyzstan)
LAC ISSYK KUL
LAC ISSYK KUL
After the breakfast, your special train will head to the magnificent Issyk Kul Lake. A visit to the Nomadic Culture Center is an excellent introduction to learning about the site’s history and the culture of the people who live there. You will then have time to stroll and/or swim in the lake’s waters, and enjoy a boat ride on Issyk Kul.
Your luxury train will then head towards Almaty.
Breakfast (PDJ), lunch (DJ), dinner (DI). Overnight on board the Orient Silk Road Express.
Day 14 - ALMATY — City of Apples
ALMATY
ALMATY
You will arrive after lunch. Discover this beautiful city on a city tour. You will enjoy its Russian wooden Orthodox cathedral, its wedding palace, its circus, and its central mosque.
The farewell dinner will be served at a yurt restaurant.
Breakfast (PDJ), lunch (DJ), dinner (DI). Overnight at the Tahat Palace hotel in Almaty.
Day 15 - RETURN FLIGHT
Plane
Plane
The special train Orient Silk Road Express offers the greatest possible comfort for travelling along the legendary Silk Road. On board the Orient Silk Road train, the air conditioning works while the train is in motion. In all compartments, you will find 220-volt power sockets and a smoking area at each end of the carriage.
Here are the categories on board:
- ALI BABA CATEGORY
2-bed compartment – No bathroom
The compartments are equipped with two comfortable lower berths facing each other (67 × 184 cm), a small table, and various storage space.
Each Ali Baba carriage has 9 compartments. Washbasin and toilet areas are located at the ends of the carriage. - HABIBI CATEGORY
3- or 4-bed compartment – No bathroom
In this category, two 67 × 184 cm berths are arranged one above the other on each side of the compartment. A table is installed in the middle under the window. For an additional charge, you have the option of occupying the 4-bed compartment with three people.
Each Habibi carriage has 9 compartments. Washbasin and toilet areas are located at both ends of the carriage. - ALADIN CATEGORY
2-bed compartment – One bathroom with a shower per compartment
The 8 Ali Baba compartments are equipped with two comfortable lower berths facing each other (67 × 184 cm), a small table, and various storage space.
In addition to the two toilet/WC rooms located at the ends of the carriage, passengers in the carriage have access to a shared shower cabin. - SULTAN CATEGORY
2-bed compartment – Private bathroom.
These compartments have two bunk beds: the upper one measures 80 × 174 cm and the lower one 110 × 184 cm. The compartment also offers comfortable seating, a spacious table, and a wardrobe.
Each Sultan compartment has its own bathroom equipped with toilets, a washbasin, and a shower with a curtain.
The Sultan carriages have only six compartments.
- CALIFE CATEGORY
2-bed compartment – Private bathroom
The Calife compartments offer even more space than in the Sultan category. The lower bed measures 112 × 184 cm, the upper bed 80 × 174 cm. A spacious wardrobe, a bathrobe, and slippers are available for you.
Each compartment has its own bathroom, which is equipped with toilets, a washbasin, and a separate shower cabin.
The Calife carriages have only 4 compartments, so up to 8 people can be accommodated per carriage.
2-bed compartment – No bathroom
The compartments are equipped with two comfortable lower beds facing each other (67 × 184 cm), a small table, and various storage space.
Each Ali Baba carriage has 9 compartments. Sink and toilet facilities are located at both ends of the carriage.
3- or 4-bed compartment – No bathroom
In this category, two beds measuring 67 × 184 cm are placed one above the other on either side of the compartment. A table is set up in the middle under the window. For an additional fee, you can book the 4-bed compartment with three people.
Each Habibi carriage has 9 compartments. Washbasin and toilet areas are located at both ends of the carriage.
2-bed compartment — A bathroom with a shower per compartment
The 8 Ali Baba compartments are fitted with two comfortable lower beds facing each other (67 × 184 cm), a small table, and various storage space.
In addition to the two washbasin/WC facilities, located at the ends of the carriage, a shared shower cabin is available for passengers in the car.
Two-bed compartment – Private bathroom.
These compartments feature two bunk beds: the upper bed measures 80 × 174 cm and the lower bed 110 × 184 cm. The compartment also includes comfortable seating, a spacious table, and a wardrobe.
Each Sultan compartment has its own en-suite bathroom equipped with a toilet, a washbasin, and a shower with a curtain.
The Sultan cars have only six compartments.
2-bed compartment – Private bathroom
Calife compartments offer even more space than in the Sultan category. The lower bed measures 112 × 184 cm, the upper bed 80 × 174 cm. A spacious wardrobe, a bathrobe, and slippers are provided.
Each compartment has its own bathroom, equipped with a toilet, washbasin, and a separate shower cubicle.
Calife coaches have only 4 compartments, so a maximum of 8 people can be accommodated per coach.
- International flights Paris–Tashkent/Almaty–Paris (Departure from regional cities: on request)
- All transfers to the destinations listed in the program.
- 7 nights aboard your special train in the chosen category
- 7 nights in well-rated, comfortable hotels in a double room with bathtub or shower: In Tashkent, 2 nights at the Mercure hotel. In Samarkand, 2 nights at the Grand Samarkand hotel. In Bukhara, 1 night at the Omar Hayam hotel. In Bishkek, 1 night at the Plaza Hotel Bishkek. In Almaty, 1 night at the Rahat Palace hotel (hotels mentioned in the program or similar)
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Excursions and visits including the entrance fee according to the itinerary
- Bilingual tour guide always with you during the train journey for up to 26 guests
- Experienced French-speaking local guides
- On-board doctor
- Welcome with traditional folklore at the Bukhara and Samarkand stations
- Tasting of wines and vodka
- Welcome with an Uzbek family
- French-speaking support from the Discovery Trains teams
- The travel journal in electronic format
- Repatriation or multi-risk travel insurance, on request.
- Tipping
- The travel journal in printed form sent by post (+ €12)
IMPORTANT DETAILS
- About individual compartments on the train
Individual compartments are compartments designed for 2 people, in which one of the berths is foldable. - About the hotels
– As a rule, category 4 and 5 travelers (Sultan, Calife) will be accommodated in the same hotels as the rest of the group, but in higher-category rooms. However, this distinction is not guaranteed
– At the hotels, check-in is only possible after 2:00 pm, and the room must be vacated before noon.
SALES CONDITIONS
- A 30% deposit will be requested when placing your order.
- The remaining balance will be due 90 days before departure.
4–18 September – « Silk Road Adventure » variant – (French-speaking)
Senior Adapted Travel
Luxury Facilities
Packaged and Flexible Offers