The Silk Road by Private Train

The Princes of Muscovy traded precious furs – sable, ermine and fox – for the silks of China that reached their borders on the backs of swaying camels along the old Silk Road.  Today you can make the epic journey between Beijing and Moscow on a comfortable private train instead of, as in the old days, hazarding the wild deserts and fierce tribes of Central Asia with a caravan of well-armed merchants.  The Silk Road route operates from Beijing to Moscow and vice versa.

Please note:  Smaller segments of this 21-day rail journey are now available, capturing the magic of the Silk Road in a shorter time frame.  Travel between Moscow and Almaty or between Urumqi and Beijing.

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Days 1-3: Moscow

Check into a five star hotel. Founded in 1147 by Yuri Dolgoruky, Moscow celebrated its 850th anniversary in 1997. Visit Red Square, the Kremlin, and the classic sites before boarding the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express private train.

Days 4-5: Volgograd, Kara Kum Desert

On the banks of the River Volga, Stalingrad (now Volgograd) was the scene of one of the most important battles of World War II. The train crosses into Kazakhstan and rolls through the Kara Kum Desert, where you may see a camel or two.

Day 6-8: Khiva, Ashkabad, Merv

Crossing into Uzbekistan, admire Khiva, among the most important trade centers on the Silk Road. Arrive in the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashkabad, and take a tour of this modern city. Visit the ancient ruins of Merv, capital of the Seljuk Turks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Days 9-11: Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent, cross into Kazakhstan

Awaken to Uzbekistan's largest oasis city, Bukhara. The highlight here is the mud-brick Ark, the fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara. Spend a day admiring the Bibi Khanum Mosque, Ulug Bek Observatory and Registan Square in Samarkand, Tamerlane's beautiful capital. Visit Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, a modern city rebuilt in the Soviet style after an earthquake in 1966.

The Russia/Central Asia portion of the itinerary (Moscow to Almaty) is available on its own without China portion of the journey. Please see the Russia and Central Asia train tour page for more information.

Days 12-13: Almaty, cross into China

In Almaty, tour Kazakhstan's business capital and largest city, including a visit to the 170-foot wooden Zenkov Cathedral and lunch in a Kazakh mountain yurt. Cross the Chinese border and transfer to the waiting Shangri-La Express private train.

Days 14-15: Urumqi, Turpan, Dunhuang

Arrive in Urumqi, the modern "capital" of western China. Visit Turpan, the hottest city in China, with an ancient underground irrigation system that has fed its orchards and vineyards for centuries. Make a stop in the ruined city of Jiaohe, built in the 2nd century near Turpan. In Dunhuang, explore the UNESCO-listed Mogao Thousand Buddha Caves, containing almost 500 frescoed grottoes carved between 700 and 1,700 years ago.

Days 16-17: Jiayuguan, Xi'an

Today, visit the 14th century fortress at the end of the Great Wall and stop at the fort and museum in Jiayuguan. Reboarding the train, roll through the Gobi towards Xi'an. Stop to inspect the armies of Terra Cotta Warriors guarding the grave of an emperor since 200 BC, and enjoy an evening Tang Dynasty cultural performance.

Days 18-21: Beijing

Arriving in Beijing, transfer to a premier hotel for a three-night stay. Take in classic Beijing, including the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Visit the Great Wall at Badaling and toast the journey at a farewell dinner.

The China portion of the itinerary (Urumqi to Beijing) is available on its own without the Central Asia portion of the journey. Please see the China train tour page for more information.

Trip Details

Eastbound: From Moscow to Beijing Length of Trip: 21 Days Departures in 2010: 1 Dates: September 19-October 9, 2010   Departures in 2011: 1 Dates: September 20-October 10, 2011 5 nights hotels, 10 nights onboard the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, 5 nights onboard the Shangri-La Express. Land Tour Cost Per Person:   New Heritage, twin share $14,395 New Heritage, single $19,495 Silver Class, twin share $18,495 Silver Class, single $25,995 Gold Class, twin share $23,195 Gold Class, single $32,995   Land tour cost thus far is the same in 2010 and 2011, but information about 2011 is preliminary

MIR Signature Features

• Meet travelers from around the globe and converse while sampling traditional Russian and classic Asian cuisine
• Marvel at Russia's tribute to the fallen heroes of World War II in Volgograd
• Take in Central Asia's vibrant bazaars in legendary Samarkand and Bukhara
• Journey to the mystical waters of Tianchi (Heavenly) Lake in remote Western China
• Follow in the footsteps of explorers through the desert sands of the Gobi to the Great Wall of China

Map - Click to Enlarge

Day-by-Day Itinerary
Silk Road Eastbound

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