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THE
SILK ROAD BY PRIVATE TRAIN
BEIJING TO MOSCOW (Westbound)
A cultural tour of China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan & Russia Retracing
one of the most important trading routes of ancient
civilisation, this remarkable tour follows in the footsteps
of such legendary figures as Alexander the Great and
Marco Polo.
Crossing both Russia and China as well as some of the
remotest former Soviet republics – Kazakhstan,
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – our journey will
take in some of the most magnificent yet little-visited
sights from the ancient world. Eastbound trips start
in Russia’s capital Moscow (westbound trips end
here), where we have plenty of time to explore. We travel
on to Volgograd – better known as Stalingrad – where
the Soviets turned the course of the Second World War,
before heading to far remoter places that owe their importance
to a time much further back in history.
The Kara Kum desert is followed by the amazing 2,500
year-old cities of Khiva and Bukhara – considered
so important by UNESCO that it supported their restoration – as
well as Samarkand, the ‘Rome of the East’.
Much admired by Alexander the Great, Samarkand is home
to Registan Square, a spectacular open space surrounded
by beautiful Islamic buildings and considered one of
the most inspirational sights in central Asia. In between
Khiva and Bukhara we take a two-day excursion into Turkmenistan
and visit the capital city of Ashgabat, a huge modern
folly in the desert and a monument to the recently deceased
President Sapamurat Turkmenbashi. We also visit the ancient
city of Merv before returning to Uzbekistan.
After crossing the border into China, our tour takes
in the fascinating Magao Thousand Buddha cave complex
(a network of almost 500 grottoes containing over 2,000
statues and 45,000 murals created up to 1,700 years ago),
the Jiayuguan fortress at the end of the Great Wall (considered
one of northern China’s most spectacular sights)
and the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, an army of
almost 6,000 statues recognised as one of the greatest
archaeological finds of the 20th Century. We end our
journey in Beijing, the vibrant capital of modern, confident
China… where the latest architecture rubs shoulders
with Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
Tour Map

Day
01 Beijing
Arrive at Beijing airport where you will transferred
to the centrally located five-star Regent Hotel, or similar,
for a three-night stay. We will enjoy a welcome reception
dinner at a local restaurant, giving you the opportunity
to meet your fellow travellers and look ahead to your
21 day voyage of a lifetime.
Day 02: Beijing
Today we visit Tiananmen Square, the largest open square
in the world, and then explore the magnificently restored
Forbidden City. Our cultural exploration continues
at the Temple of Heaven, the grandest of the four great
temples situated in Beijing.
Day 03: Beijing - The Great Wall
We devote our final full day in Beijing to
the most awe-inspiring site in the whole
of China - The Great Wall. This amazing edifice
is one of the few manmade structures visible
from outer space and perhaps the most evocative
symbol of Chinese skill and precision. At
Badaling we have the privilege of walking
along a portion of the wall. Dinner is hosted
in an authentic Peking Duck restaurant.
Day
04: On board
After a free morning, we transfer to Beijing West
Station to board our private train, the Shangri-La
Express. This marks the start of our epic rail journey
to Moscow. There is plenty of time to settle into our
comfortable cabins after enjoying lunch in one of the
well appointed restaurant cars.
Day 05: Luoyang
Our morning arrival in Luoyang, situated
in the middle reaches of the Yellow River
Valley, gives us a full day to explore this
former ancient capital. We visit the local
museum which contains many relics from Luoyang's
glory days, including sculpted horses and
camels recovered from its ancient tombs.
We travel out to Longmen Caves, one of China's
most significant artistic sites and a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. This amazing network
of 1,350 caves contains over 110,000 Buddhist
statues.
Day 06: Xian - Terracota Warriors
Today, our fascinating journey of discovery takes us
to Xian. Here we will explore the ancient city walls
and the Great Mosque, one of the oldest and largest
Islamic mosques in China. This afternoon we dedicate
several hours to visiting the world famous Terracotta
Warriors, discovered by peasants only 30 years ago.
The 6,000 terracotta figures and their horses are one
of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th Century.
This evening we enjoy the Tang Dynasty Dinner, Music
and Dance Show, a wonderful performance of ancient
entertainment.
Day 07: Lanzhou
Our morning arrival in Lanzhou,
a vital city on the Silk Route,
gives us ample time to explore
this ancient city. Our main stop
is at the Gansu Provincial museum
where we can examine the types
of goods transported along the
Silk Route. The world famous bronze
galloping horse, unearthed from
a nearby tomb, is also on display
inside the museum and is a stunning
example of ancient sculpture from
the Eastern Han period.
Day 08: Dunhuang
Before lunch we arrive in the small
oasis-city of Dunhuang, where we
will visit the fascinating Magoa
Thousand Buddha Cave Complex. This
impressive site contains almost
500 grottoes, carved between 700
and 1,700 years ago. Inside we
will see an amazing collection
of beautiful sculptures and murals
depicting the evolution of Buddhist
religious art. In the afternoon
we explore the vast natural beauty
of the Gobi Desert by camel. Hidden
amongst towering sand dunes, it
has sustained life in this region
for millennia. Tonight we experience
dinner and a local folk performance
in this magical setting.
Day 09: Turpan and Urumchi
This morning we visit Turpan, where
the Flaming Mountains create a
magnificent backdrop. We then take
a fascinating tour to the ancient
underground irrigation system that
has successfully fed the rich orchards
and vineyards for centuries. Our
next destination is the elegantly
decaying sand city of Jiaohe that
was founded in 108 BC. This afternoon
we drive to Urumchi, located in
a verdant oasis between the lofty
ice capped Bogda Peak, the vast
Salt Lake, the pine covered Southern
Hill and the alternating fields
and sand dunes of the Zunggar Basin
where we visit the renowned mummy
exhibition in the Provincial Museum.
Urumchi boasts an entry in the
Guinness Book of Records for being
the city furthest from any sea
in the world - a staggering 1,400
miles (2,500km) from the nearest
coastline.
Day 10: Crossing to Kazakhstan
After a final breakfast onboard the Shangri-La
Express, we pass through dramatic mountain
scenery before arriving in the Chinese border
station of Alashankou. The border crossing
takes five hours, however our patience is rewarded
as our private train, the Golden Eagle, awaits
us in Druzhba, the Kazak border station.
Day 11: Almaty
Just after breakfast we arrive
in Almaty - the largest city in
Kazakhstan. Surrounded by the majesty
of the Tien Shen Mountains, we
will enjoy a traditional lunch
in a Kazak 'yurt', a dwelling place
of this region's nomadic people.
After dinner this evening, we can
soak up the relaxing atmosphere
as we listen to our resident pianist
and chat to friends in the Golden
Eagle Bar Car.
Day
12: Tashkent
This morning gives us the opportunity to relax
or listen to one of the informative lectures
designed to give us a greater insight into
this fascinating region. After lunch we arrive
in the capital city of Uzbekistan and spend
the morning touring this modern Soviet-style
city which was rebuilt following the devastating
earthquake of 1966. After visiting the Museum
of Fine Arts we re-board the train for dinner.
Day 13: Samarkand
Founded in the 6th Century BC, Samarkand's
stunning architecture hints at its former status
as one of the most important cities in Asia.
Today we will visit some of its most significant
sites including the refined elegance of the
beautifully proportioned Bibi Khanum Mosque
and the Ulag Beg observatory, one of the earliest
Islamic astronomical observatories built in
1428. After dinner we will visit the illuminated
awe-inspiring Registan Square, before returning
to our train for a late evening departure.
Day 14: Bukhara
Bukhara is quite simply outstanding.
Like Khiva, UNESCO helped fund
the renovation of much of the city
for its 2,500th anniversary in
1999. The highlight of this wonderful
tour is a visit to The Ark, a fortified
residence of the Emirs of Bukhara
- the despotic and ruthless leaders
who ruled until Soviet times. Lunch
is taken within a stunningly ornate
medresseh (beautifully tiled Islamic
school). We then travel out of
the city to experience the Emir's
enchantingly named, Palace of the
Moon and Stars.
Day 15: Merv
Early morning sees us arrive in
Mary, where we transfer to the
ancient city of Merv. Once an important
stopping point on the Silk Road,
it claims to have briefly been
the largest city in the world during
the twelfth century. 1794 saw the
demise of Merv, after the Emir
of Bukhara destroyed the dam which
the population depended on for
its water. During our fascinating
exploration, we visit at least
one of its five walled cities to
discover its many treasures before
returning to our train for dinner.
Day
16: Ashgabat
In dramatic contrast to Khiva,
we arrive in Ashgabat, capital
of Turkmenistan - the 'Las Vegas
of the Kara Kum'. Situated between
the Kara Kum Desert and the Kopet
Dag mountain range, its golden
domes and towering modern buildings
appear strangely incongruous in
this almost biblical setting.
Day 17: Khiva
Crossing back into Uzbekistan,
our train travels towards Urgench,
where we transfer to the ancient
city of Khiva, founded 2,500 years
ago. As one of the Silk Road's
most important trading posts, it
lies at the crossroads of the routes
between Mongolia, Russia, China
and Persia. A truly magnificent
sight to behold, it rises out of
the desert to reveal a wealth of
impressive architecture. Stepping
back in time, we discover the impressive
restored mosques, bazaars and minarets
within Khiva's ancient walls. Lunch
is taken in a local restaurant,
followed by dinner on our train
as we continue our fascinating
journey.
Day 18: Kara Kum
Today, we enjoy a relaxing day
onboard as we travel across the
vast expanses of the Kara Kum desert.
As well as experiencing the unique
landscape, we can take the opportunity
to chat to fellow passengers and
maybe take a Russian language lesson.
Day 19: Volgograd
Standing on the banks of the Volga,
Stalingrad, as the city was know
in Soviet times, was the dramatic
scene of some of the most important
WW2 battles. The Russians heroically
turned back the Nazi advance here
to alter the course of the Second
World War. We visit the poignantly
sobering Mamayev Kurgan war memorial,
followed by the informative diorama
and absorbing museum visit. Tonight
is our final evening onboard the
train, an occasion we mark with
a farewell dinner.
Day 20: Moscow
Having travelled
a mammoth 7,000 miles
(11,250km) from Beijing,
we transfer to the
centrally located five-star
Marriott Royal Aurora
hotel (or similar)
for a one-night stay.
Our afternoon city
tour of Moscow principally
takes us to Red Square,
an iconic symbol of
Russia's former military
and political might.
Here we see an eclectic
mix of fascinating
architecture, such
as the ornate St Basil's
Cathedral with its
magnificent onion-domed
spires, the grandeur
of The Kremlin and
the sombre and evocative
site of Lenin's tomb.
Day
21: Depart Moscow
After breakfast in your hotel, we take a morning sightseeing
tour of the capital. You will then be transferred to
Moscow airport for international departures.
Departure
Dates |
2010
English Speaking Departures
Currently only Eastbound
date is available for 2010
|
Inclusions |
|
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES |
TOUR
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE |
|
Accommodation aboard our private trains (number
of nights in accordance with itinerary) |
International
Airfare or surface transport to the point
of joining/leaving the tour (except where
stated otherwise) |
| Hotel
accommodation in accordance with itinerary |
Charges
of a purely personal nature (laundry, telephone,
bar account, photography at certain museums
etc.) |
| All
meals starting with dinner on day one until
breakfast on the final tour day; including
a generous allowance of wine, local beer or
soft drinks and water with all lunches and
dinners on and off the train |
Any
optional trips such as Bolshoi Ballet/Opera
etc., pre- or post-tour extensions |
| Arrival/departure
transfers, provided you arrive/depart on the
tour start/end dates in the tour start/end
cities |
Alcoholic
and soft drinks in the bar outside of meal
times |
|
Guided off-train tours according to itinerary |
Visa
or Excess Baggage Charges, Airport Departure
Taxes, Vaccination or Medical Costs |
| The
services of an experienced Tour Manager, with
local guides for scheduled off-train touring |
Insurance (it is a booking condition that
passengers have adequate insurance) |
|
Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water
round the clock from your car attendant |
|
|
Gratuities to local guides, drivers, tour
management and train staff |
|
| Detailed
route guide, itinerary and information pack |
|
|
A Doctor who will travel with the train throughout
the tour |
|
|
Tour
Price |
|
| We
accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA
$ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for
clients outside North America).
Bestway
Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection.
Once full payment has been received, and no modification
has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour
that rate.
For
complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf
Note: to read this file you must have Adobe
Acrobat. |
| Departure
|
Double
Occupancy |
Single
Rate |
| Silver
Class |
US
$ 18495 |
US
$ 25995 |
| Gold
Class |
US
$ 23195 |
US
$ 32995 |
Special Note:
Silver
Class
(Twin share):
Deposit for this particular tour
will be $1500 per person.
Gold
Class (Twin share):
Deposit for this particular tour will
be $2000.00 per person.
Final
tour payment is due no later than 95 days
prior. |
Estimated
International Airfare - International
airfare is NOT included in this tour |
| Canada
- West Coast |
N/A |
USA
- West Coast |
US
$ 2000 |
| Canada
- East Coast |
N/A |
USA
- East Coast |
US
$ 1800 |
|
Participants |
| Please
call for details |
Notes
|
Customised
Itinerary
If you would like to have a tour on dates other
than the above ones or with a customised itinerary,
please contact us and we will be happy to work out
an exclusive program for you.
Foreign Language Departures
Please contact us for information on French,
German,
Italian and Spanish
speaking departures.
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com
or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of
U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844. |
 |
|
|
| © Copyright 1999-2010 Bestway
Tours & Safaris |
Site last updated May 27,
2010 |
| Photographs by Peter
Langer & Mahmood
Poonja |
Website © 1999-2010 Powered
by BTS |
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