Day 1. Arrival in Almaty
You arive in Almaty and are transferred to your centrally located hotel.
Overnight: Rahat Palace Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Almaty – The Father of the Apple
In the morning, you enjoy a sightseeing tour of this green metropolitan city at the foot of the mighty Ile Alatau Mountains. You see the imposing Zenkov Russian Orthodox Cathedral, built entirely of wood, the Wedding Palace, the Almaty Circus, and the Central Mosque. At midday you are served a Kazakh welcoming lunch in a traditional yurt. You depart aboard your private train in the afternoon. Porter service guarantees the transfer of your large luggage directly to your train compartment. You are welcomed aboard the train with a drink or refreshment and a short informative talk.
Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast (B), lunch (L) and dinner (D).
Day 3 Out in the Country: A Day at Lake Issyk-Kul
As the morning sun find its way into your compartment, you see that you are arriving at the greater Lake Issyk-Kul area. You immediately realize that you are now in the midst of great natural beauty. Your first stop in this lush region is Cholpon-Ata, where you enjoy a boat ride on Lake Issyk-Kul, one of the largest lakes in the world. The breathtaking views of this enormous lake make you feel as if you’re at sea. After your day by the lake, you are ready for the comfort of your private train. Once on board, you depart for Bishkek. A nightcap and good conversation prepare you for the next day’s adventure.
Overnight on board. (BLD)
Day 4 The City of Bishkek
Today you find yourself in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital and largest city. Like Almaty, it is situated at the foot of a mountain range, the Tian Shan. You now begin to realize that Central Asia will never let you down. There is so much to see here, that you already have the feeling that you’ll be back again. Your guide takes you through the city, explaining everything clearly as you go. You visit the National Historical Museum then take a ride outside the city to the Ala Archa National Park. As the sun sets, you are ready to board your private train for Turkestan.
Overnight on board. (BLD)
Day 5 Turkestan – Center of Nomad Pilgrimage
You arrive in Turkestan after having breakfast on board. You visit the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, which was built in 1394 and is one of the most significant examples of Timurid architecture (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Afterwards your private train continues its journey, crossing the Kazakh-Uzbek border towards Samarqand. Border formalities are completed in the comfort of your compartment.
Overnight on board. (BLD)
Day 6 Samarqand – Crossroads of Cultures
Today is spent visiting the sights of this famous historic city, which during the rule of Timur was considered the world’s most beautiful and prestigious city. The Necropolis of Shah-e Zinde (the living Shah), the excavation sites at Afrosiab (with a museum tour), and Registan Square are certainly among the most notable architectural ensembles in Central Asia. It is also historically important, as the site where many Uzbek women burned their veils (paranjas) in 1917, to signal their arrival in a new era.
Overnight: Registan Plaza Hotel (or similar). (BLD)
Day 7 Samarqand
Your day in this fascinating city includes a tour of a silk carpet manufactory, a visit to an Uzbek craftsman’s family to see paper being made from mulberry bark, stops at the Ulug Beg Observatory and the ruins of the Bibi Khanum Mosque, and viewing the interior of the palace-like Gur Emir Mausoleum.
Overnight: Registan Plaza Hotel (or similar). (BLD)
