The Five Stans Aboard the Golden Eagle Train

Our journey continues as our train rolls on toward Khiva. The city represents an ancient intersection of the Silk Roads, where travellers from Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia would have greeted each other, rested and traded their various wares. The city’s striking architecture emerges from the desert, drawing our focus to its geometric designs and distinctive coloured tiles. The dazzling blue Kalta Minor Minaret stands watch alongside the Kuhna Ark fortress, while in ornate mosques, bazaars and minarets, remnants of Khiva’s former glory still prevail.

Thought to be the birthplace of the Turco-Mongol conqueror Amir Timur, Shahrisabz was once one of Central Asia’s great cities. We pass the proud statue of Amir Timur surveying his lands en route to the Ak-Saray Palace. The imposing twin facades of the ruined, yet still exquisite, palace stand as beacons to Timur’s ambition.

Tajikistan’s capital sits along the banks of the Varzob River; its centrepiece, the opulent Kohi Navruz Palace. Incredibly, the building was originally designed as a teahouse. Our guide reveals the story of its transition to a grand palace in detail as we wander its majestic rooms and golden halls. A glittering chandelier weighing almost seven tonnes hangs from the ceiling of the Zarandud Hall, whose many columns are adorned with 24-carat gold leaf. Absorb the grandeur further while enjoying tea and some local delicacies inside the palace. With an air of regality, we then return to our luxury train.

One of Central Asia’s longest inhabited cities, Samarkand marks the crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures. Now described as the Paris of the Muslim world, the city’s grand mosques reflect its tradition as a mecca of ancient arts and crafts. We explore the grand architecture of Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Ulugh Beg Observatory. We later return to see the awe-inspiring Registan Square awash with light at dusk; its three facing madrassahs illuminated during a staggering display of colour.

Continue to explore Samarkand this morning, as we arrive at Shah-i-Zinda, a complex of more than 20 mausoleums and other ritual buildings erected between the 11th and 19th centuries. Close by, we visit the Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand. The museum houses ancient artefacts that were collected during the city’s excavation. These include ancient frescoes from the palace of Varkhuman, who once ruled over the region. Return to the train for lunch, as we continue our journey through Uzbekistan towards the Fergana Valley.

Our train rolls eastward to the ancient city of Margilan, renowned for producing some of the finest silk in Central Asia. We visit the Yodgorlik Margilan Factory, where we are acquainted with its raw materials and manufacturing processes. In the city of Rishtan, meanwhile, we find the dominant industry to be the creation of exquisite ceramics. Discover the techniques of this age-old craft from highly skilled local artisan, Rustam Usmanov. 

Our next stop is Kokand, once a critical trading post along the Silk Roads. During our time here, we visit the Palace of Khudáyár Khán, admiring its intricate blue tilework, which is prevalent throughout traditional Islamic architecture. Our final stop is the grand Jami Mosque, an impressive structure whose intricately designed ceiling is supported by 98 wooden columns. This evening, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner aboard the Golden Eagle as we make our return to Tashkent.

We pull into the platform in Tashkent and disembark the Golden Eagle for a final time. Should you wish, take the option to check into the Hyatt Regency Tashkent after lunch. Alternatively, join us for a further exploration of Tashkent. 

Stand before the blue-domed rotunda of the Shahid Memorial Complex, which honours those killed during Stalin’s purges. We then head to the Tashkent TV Tower for panoramic views of the city. You can even track your progress as you ascend the tower, courtesy of the elevator’s CCTV feed of its shaft and system of cables. Nearby, the Monument of Courage observes the loss of life and property experienced by Tashkent’s residents as a result of the 1966 earthquake which devastated the city. Then, passing beneath the broad blue and white colonnade at Independence Square, we discover its gardens, fountains and monuments. A short walk brings us to Romanov Palace. Formerly the private residence of disgraced Russian royal, Grand Duke Nicholas Konstantinovich, the palace became an art museum after his death and is usually closed to the public. 

This afternoon, you may like to pay a visit to the Alisher Navoiy Opera and Ballet Theatre, whose productions include Uzbek music and dance, as well as international opera and ballet. Afterwards, wander Sayilgoh Street, also known as Broadway. This bustling pedestrian area is renowned for the many artists and musicians who line the street and offer their goods and services. Of course, you’re also welcome to explore independently or relax at our hotel.

On our final full day in Tashkent, we make a beeline for Chorsu Plaza, a lively marketplace whose vendors trade in everything from fresh produce to clothing and wood carvings. From here, we head to Tashkent’s underground metro network, the first to be established in Central Asia. Each station is individually styled, often lavishly so, with different themed murals and ornamentation throughout. At Abul Kasim Madrassah, observe the creation of many art and craft pieces, and perhaps purchase a one-off keepsake. 

This afternoon, immerse yourself in Tashkent with a final Your World experience:

— Take a tour of some of the city’s imposing Soviet architecture. Your guide will explain what daily life was like behind the Iron Curtain for the residents of Tashkent. Contemplate the facades of the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, the Tashkent Circus, and the Wedding Palace, among other grand structures. 

— Appreciate the detailed craftsmanship of Uzbek ceramics at the Rakhimov Family Ceramics Studio. Akbar and Alisher are a father and son team who have studied hundreds of years of Uzbek styles and techniques, which now suffuses their own work. 
 
You may prefer to spend this afternoon on your own schedule, exploring the city at leisure or simply relaxing at our hotel.

This evening, we celebrate our magnificent journey during a Farewell Dinner.

Enjoy a final breakfast at our hotel. We are then transferred to Tashkent’s airport, our journey at an end.