60th Anniversary - The Great Trans Asia Railway Odyssey Eastbound
60th Anniversary - The Great Trans Asia Railway Odyssey Eastbound
60th Anniversary - The Great Trans Asia Railway Odyssey Eastbound
60 Days Starting in London, UK and ending in Singapore
Visiting: London, Budapest, Bucharest, Istanbul, Ankara, Kars, Batumi, Yerevan, Tbilisi, Baku, Caspian Sea, Aktau, Aralsk, Aral, Turkistan, Taraz, Almaty, Urumqi, Lanzhou, Lhasa, Chengdu, Kunming, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Bangkok, George Town, Singapore
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SALS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 15
Age range:
18-90
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Festival & Special Events, History, Photography, Rail Tours
Tour Overview
Embark on the "60th Anniversary - The Great Trans Asia Railway Odyssey Eastbound," an extraordinary rail tour that takes you from London to Singapore, traversing 15 countries including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Austria, Bulgaria, France, Hungary, Romania, Turkey, China, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. This small group tour is perfect for cultural enthusiasts, history buffs, and photography lovers. Experience the rich tapestry of diverse cultures, historic landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes as you journey through iconic cities and hidden gems. From the bustling streets of Paris and the historic charm of Budapest to the ancient wonders of Yerevan and the vibrant life of Bangkok, this rail adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of Asia's vast and varied terrain.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London And Eurostar To Paris
Location: London
The adventure begins! Meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting and lunch before boarding the Eurostar to Paris.
Day 2: To Budapest
Location: Budapest
Join your Tour Leader for a walking and metro city tour taking in some of the Parisian highlights: From Notre Dame and via the Louvre, Tuileries gardens, Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysee, Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. This afternoon we board the TGV to Stuttgart connecting with the overnight sleeper to Budapest, Hungary.
Day 3: Budapest
Location: Budapest
Morning arrival into the Hungarian capital, Budapest - our sightseeing includes the funicular rail up Castle Hill to Buda's Old Town and Trinity Square, home of the 13th-century Matthias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion, with sweeping views over the city.
Day 4: Budapest And To Bucharest
Location: Budapest
Our sightseeing continues with a cruise on the Danube River which offers the very best vantage point for many of the city's landmarks. This evening we board the overnight sleeper service to Bucharest, Romania.
Day 5: Arrive Bucharest
Location: Bucharest
This afternoon we discover the wonderful and eclectic architectural mix of Bucharest's old town; the Stavropoleos Monastery and the imposing 1100 room Soviet-era Palace of the Parliament.
Day 6: To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
This morning we board the 'Bosfor' train for the very scenic journey through Romania and Bulgaria to Istanbul; gateway to Asia and our onward adventures through Turkey & the Caucasus.
Day 7: Arrive Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Early check in at our hotel and time to refresh before an afternoon discovering the classic sights of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar.
Day 8: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Our sightseeing today will take in some of the most elegant buildings of the Ottoman period; the Spice Bazaar (1660), Rustem Pasha Mosque (1562), Dolmabahce Palace - once the main administrative centre of the Ottman Empire and the Navy Museum showcasing many Ottoman naval artefacts and vessels.
Day 9: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
A free day to enjoy and explore the city at your own pace; perhaps take a Bosphorus cruise, discover the Topkapi Palace or explore the Grand Bazaar.
Day 10: To Ankara And On To Kars
Location: Ankara
Leaving continental Europe we commence our journey across Asia, first aboard the high speed rail service to Ankara. Declared Turkey’s new capital in 1923 by Kemal Ataturk, today this historic city is Turkey’s cosmopolitan centre for the performing arts. This evening we connect with the overnight 'Dogu Express' across the Anatolian plateau to the ancient eastern city of Kars.
Day 11: Arrive Kars
Location: Kars
Relax on board and enjoy the incredible scenery unfold as the 'Dogu Express' travels across the Anatolian Plateau and through the gorges of the Euphrates River towards the mountains of the Caucasus.
Day 12: Kars And Ani
Location: Kars
Once the capital of Bagratid Armenia (928), Kars fell under the rule of the Georgians, Mongols, Persians, Ottomans and Russians during periods of its long history. In 968 the Armenian capital was moved to Ani, which grew to became one of the world's most significant cities, and is recognized today as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 13: To Batumi
Location: Batumi
The recently opened (2017) rail line between Kars (Turkey) and Tbilisi (Georgia) is only presently only carrying freight traffic and our road 'detour' takes us across northern Turkey to Georgia & the Black Sea coast at Batumi where we rejoin the passenger rail service to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Day 14: Batumi And To Yerevan
Location: Batumi
Once a strategic Roman port, today Batumi is a hedonistic Black Sea resort town and the southern gateway to the Caucasus. We visit the beautiful Batumi Botanical Gardens, set on 108 sub-tropical hectares along the Black Sea coast. This afternoon we board our overnight train to Yerevan, Armenia.
Day 15: Arrive Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
A free morning to refresh & relax before our afternoon city tour; Yerevan is a wonderful walking city with wide tree-lined boulevards, pavement cafes, elegant boutiques and abundant public artworks; the open-air Cascade sculpture garden, art gallery and staircase leads us to Freedom Square, home of Yerevan's grand Opera Theatre. Northern Avenue, a new pedestrian thouroughfare leads to Republic Square with its imposing Soviet-era neoclassical buildings: Government House, the National History Museum and National Gallery. This evening we enjoy an introduction to the unique food & wine of Armenia.
Day 16: Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
One of Yerevan's highlights is the Matenadaran, home to over 17,000 ancient Armenian manuscripts. Beyond the city we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Geghard, a rock-hewn monastery dating from the 4thC and the pagan temple of Garni built in the 1stC in the Greco-Roman, pre-dating Armenia's adoption of Christianity as the state religion in 303. We enjoy a traditional Armenian lunch at the house of a local villager. Returning to Yerevan we visit the 'Ararat' factory for a degustation of Armenian brandies.
Day 17: Yerevan And To Dilijan
Location: Yerevan
Leaving Yerevan we visit the Areni wine region which produces some of Armenia's finest wines. Our sightseeing includes Khor Virap Monastery with its incredible vistas across the Aras river valley towards Mount Ararat; Noravank Monastery and Selim Caravanserai, built to protect the Silk Road caravans that crossed the Selim Pass (2410m). We descend to Lake Sevan and the village of Noratus, one of the oldest settlements in Armenia and home to some ancient khachkars (headstones).
Day 18: To Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
Dilijan is set amongst cool, green hills and along the cobbled streets of the old town local craftsmen still employ traditional techniques to create local wares. We leave Dilijan towards the Georgian border, visiting the 10th century UNESCO World Heritage site of Haghpat Monastery enroute to Tbilisi. This evening we enjoy a stroll through this enchanting city before dinner - our introduction to the unique food and wines of Georgia.
Day 19: Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
Beyond the city we discover the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Georgia's ancient capital, Mtskheta, where Christianity was proclaimed the state religion in the 4th century. We continue along the Georgian Military highway deep into the Caucasus Mountains where we ascend to the Gergeti Trinity Church (2170m) enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding peaks of the high Caucasus.
Day 20: Tbilisi And To Baku
Location: Tbilisi
Today we explore Tbilisi's colourful Old Town and discover the history and influences that have shaped the city and its architecture, and ride the cable car to the ancient fortress of Narikala offering panoramic views across the city. This evening we board the overnight train to Baku, Azerbaijan.
Day 21: Arrive Baku
Location: Baku
Baku celebrates its historic and contemporary civic architecture and following a late breakfast we explore the medieval walled city which contains the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower, and also the unique contemporary city landmarks of the Heydar Aliyev Centre and the 'three pronged' Flame Towers.
Day 22: Baku
Location: Baku
Beyond the city we will explore the Gobustan and Absheron peninsulas discovering 'mud volcanoes', Zoroastrian Fire Temples, ancient petroglyphs - and Roman legionnaires graffiti!
Day 23: Across The Caspian
Location: Baku
The Caspain crossing: with no scheduled passenger ferry services, we book berths aboard one of the many commercial freighters crossing the Caspian Sea between Baku and Aktau, Kazakhstan.
Day 24: Across The Caspian Sea
Location: Caspian Sea
The world's largest inland body of water, the Caspian Sea is bounded by Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkmenistan. Europe's longest river, the Volga, is its primary water source, creating a vast sea/lake stretching 1,200 km from north to south and with an average width of 320 km and a surface area equal in size to Japan.
Day 25: Arrive Aktau
Location: Aktau
Aktau is our gateway to the unique geological formations of the Mangyshlak Peninsula with its multi coloured rock strata, canyons and strange geological formations such as the Valley of Balls and Sherkala Mountain. Here too the unique 10thC underground mosque of Shakpak-Ata.
Day 26: Aktau
Location: Aktau
Today we further explore the unique geography & geology of the Mangystau region visiting the salt flats of Tuzbair and the beautiful chalk-white formations of the Boszhira canyon, an ancient dried up seabed.
Day 27: To Aralsk
Location: Aralsk
Leaving the Caspian Sea we board the train for Aralsk, crossing the vast Kazakh Steppe to the (former) shores of the Aral Sea.
Day 28: Aralsk
Location: Aral
The receding Aral Sea has left once thriving ports marooned in the steppe and Aralsk's Old Harbour, museum and surrounding lake-bed lay witness to the environmental tragedy. We travel across the steppe to the Syr-Darya river and the Kokaral Dam built to try and save the Northern (Small) Aral Sea from further depletion.
Day 29: Aralsk
Location: Aralsk
Today as we follow wheel tracks across the former seabed to the abandoned fishing village of Aqespe, where camels and livestock roam amongst the salt bush and sea shells, the environmental loss is starkly apparent.
Day 30: To Turkistan
Location: Turkistan
Our train journey today follows the Syr-Darya river to the heart of Central Asia and one of the 'undiscovered' archaeological highlights of the Silk Road, Turkistan.
Day 31: Turkistan And To Taraz
Location: Turkistan
An ancient and holy city, Turkistan is known as the 'spiritual capital of the Turkic world' and home of the UNESCO World Heritage site commissioned by Tamerlane as a mausoleum for the 11thC Sufi Sheikh, Khoja Akhmet Yassawi. Soaring almost 40m and capped by the largest turquoise tiled dome in Central Asia it is one of the best-preserved buildings of the Timurid period. This evening we board the overnight train to Taraz.
Day 32: Arrive Taraz
Location: Taraz
Founded by the Sogdians over 2000 years ago, Taraz is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia and was an important trading centre along the Silk Road. We visit the Central History Museum and the mausoleums of some of the significant rulers of Taraz: Karakhan; the Mongul ruler Dautbek Shamansur; the mysterious Tekturmas and the beautiful noble woman Aisha Bibi: a monument to love and source of many Kazakh legends.
Day 33: Taraz And To Almaty
Location: Taraz
40 kilometres beyond the city lie the mysterious red stone ruins of the Akyrtas Palace, quite unlike any other structure found in Central Asia archaeologists have yet to fully decipher the mystery of this medieval construction. Returning to Taraz we visit the Archaeological Park museum before joining our overnight train to Almaty.
Day 34: Arrive Almaty
Location: Almaty
Kazakstan's largest city and former capital, Almaty is a surprisingly green and relaxed town. We explore the city; Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, State Museum - and ride the cable car to Kok Tobe for panoramic views of the city and surrounding Alatau mountains.
Day 35: Almaty And Charyn Canyon
Location: Almaty
Beyond the city we travel to the Tien Shan mountains to explore Charyn Canyon, part of Charyn National Park the canyon stretches 154 kilometres and is upto 300m in depth. Its many weathered and colourful rock formations are said to be as impressive as those of the Grand Canyon.
Day 36: To Urumqi
Location: Urumqi
We travel east through the Tien Shan mountains at the 'Dzungarian Gate' - through which Silk Road caravans and conquering armies traversed the mountains separating China & Central Asia.
Day 37: Arrive Urumqi
Location: Urumqi
Bounded by the Tien Shan and Altai mountains to the north and the Taklamakan Desert to the south Urumqi is one of the most remote cities in the world and our gateway to China and Tibet. The Xinjiang Regional Museum houses one of the most extensive collections of Silk Road artefacts.
Day 38: Urumqi And To Lanzhou
Location: Lanzhou
Aboard the train we travel east, skirting the Taklamakan desert and Tibeten plateau to the south and Mongolia to the north, arriving late evening into Lanzhou.
Day 39: Lanzhou And To Lhasa
Location: Lanzhou
The city's Silk Road history is reflected in the collections in the Gansu Provincial Museum, while across the Yellow River in Baitashan Park the hill-top pagoda provides excellent views to the river and city. This afternoon we board the train to Xining, and connect with the overnight train to Lhasa, Tibet.
Day 40: Arrive Lhasa
Location: Lhasa
Across the 'roof of the world' aboard the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. At an altitude of 4000m and 5072m at its highest point - this is the world's highest railway, this remarkable engineering feat links Tibet and the city of Lhasa to the world - by train.
Day 41: Lhasa
Location: Lhasa
While it is the Potala Palace that dominates the city skyline and our sightseeing, we also visit Norbulingka Palace, the summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas and Drepang Monastery.
Day 42: Lhasa
Location: Lhasa
Considered the most sacred temple by Tibetans, the Jokhang was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000. Surrounding the temple, Barkhor Square allows us to see some of the daily life and rituals of the city. This afternoon we will visit Sera Monastery, once home to over 6000 monks, while today just 600 monks remain in residence.
Day 43: Lhasa And To Chengdu
Location: Lhasa
Founded in 1409, Ganden Monastery lies 40km north east of Lhasa and is one of the 'great three' monasteries (the others being Sera and Drepung). It lies in a natural amphitheatre with dramatic views of the surrounding valleys. This evening we board the train for our 2 night/36 hour journey from the Tibetan plateau to sub-tropical Sichuan Province and the city of Chengdu.
Day 44: To Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
The train retraces our steps across China's largest province, Qinghai and then through Gansu Province to Sichuan.
Day 45: Arrive Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Sichuan cuisine is renowned in China and internationally, we sample some of its classic dishes this evening.
Day 46: Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Beyond the city are the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Leshan Giant Buddha, the 71m Tang dynasty statue is the largest and tallest stone Buddha in the world; and the ancient irrigation system at Dujiangyan, originally constructed over 2250 years ago for flood control and irrigation, it is still in use today.
Day 47: To Kunming
Location: Kunming
After breakfast we board our train south enjoying some stunning scenery as we travel to Yunnan Province and its capital, Kunming.
Day 48: Kunming
Location: Kunming
The climate and relaxed ambience of Kunming is perfectly suited to a leisurely walk, and our sightseeing today will take us through the old alleys to Cuihu Park, with its many bridges and pagodas, and nearby the Yuantong Buddhist Temple.
Day 49: Kunming
Location: Kunming
Beyond the city we visit the enchanting 'Stone Forest' - these unusual and unique karst stone formations are a highlight of Yunnan Province.
Day 50: Kunming And To Luang Prabang
Location: Kunming
This morning we board the train for the recently completed 750km rail link from Kunming to Luang Prabang, Laos. The 30 hour journey takes us through the incredible scenery of southern Yunnan Province.
Day 51: Arrive Luang Prabang
Location: Luang Prabang
The former royal capital is located on the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and known for is many Buddhist temples and monasteries. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 52: Luang Prabang
Location: Luang Prabang
We enjoy a full day sightseeing in this UNESCO World Heritage city and discover its rich cultural, religious and spirtual traditions which are reflected in the architecture of the city's temples and pagodas including the beautiful Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai.
Day 53: Luang Prabang And To Vientiane
Location: Luang Prabang
Enjoy a day to relax and enjoy this beautiful city at your own pace. Early birds will catch saffron-robed monks on their daily alms procession, explore the old town or climb the 300+ steps up Phousi Hill to Wat Chomsi with panoramic views across the city to the Mekong river. This evening we take the new high speed train to Vientiane
Day 54: Vientiane
Location: Vientiane
Tree-lined boulevards blend Buddhist temples with French colonial era architecture. Our sightseeing includes the 16th century Pha That Luang and Wat Si Saket.
Day 55: Vientiane And To Bangkok
Location: Vientiane
A day to further explore Vientiane before we join the international 'shuttle' train across the Friendship Bridge into Thailand and then aboard the overnight sleeper train to Bangkok
Day 56: Arrive Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
With just 30 hours in Thailand's fun & flamboyant capital, our local guide will share some of the classic highlights as well as some less well known aspects of this amazing city.
Day 57: Bangkok And To Penang
Location: Bangkok
We escape the city this morning to explore the calm and cool gardens and private collections of the Prasart Museum before joining our overnight train south to the Kra Isthmus and Malay Peninsula.
Day 58: Arrive George Town, Penang
Location: George Town
We awake to the scenery of southern Thailand arriving at the border for formalities before joining the Malaysian rail service to Butterworth and ferry to George Town, Penang.
Day 59: George Town, Penang
Location: George Town
The colourful and historic port of George Town was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 2008, our city tour takes us through the old town unravelling its multicultural influences gained of 500 years as a key trading hub on the Straits of Malacca. The diverse cultures best experienced through its renowned street food
Day 60: To Singapore
Location: Singapore
A long, but perhaps fitting final day in our 60 day rail adventure from London To Singapore - aboard the train from Butterworth via Gemas and Johor Bahru Sentral to Singapore. Our incredible trans-continental rail adventure reaches its final destination.
Note: Accommodation will be included for this final evening due to the late arrival into Singapore.
What's Included
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Accommodation
46 hotel (twin share), 13 train, 1 ferry
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Additional Services
Comprehensive schedule of sightseeing with certified Local Guides. You’ll have a generous sprinkling of free time to relax or explore on your own.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
All transfers including to and from the airport.
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Fully Guided
An experienced Tour Leader accompanies the whole journey to keep your adventure on track. Local Guides are native to each destination and as certified professionals will share their immense knowledge with you. 24/7 support is available in the office and on the ground.
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Meals
54 breakfasts, 24 lunches, 28 dinners
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
Mode of Transport
Rail, ferry, one flight
Accommodation
3-4* accommodation
2 berth rail where available or twin share of 4 or 6 berth trains
Check out our Q&As
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Could the itinerary change?
Please note that while we will endeavour to operate this journey documented on a journey of this length there may be operational reasons why an alternative itinerary will be provided.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes. All transfers including to and from the airport.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
An experienced Tour Leader accompanies the whole journey to keep your adventure on track. Local Guides are native to each destination and as certified professionals will share their immense knowledge with you. 24/7 support is available in the office and on the ground.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded, well travelled clients who you are sure to forge lasting friendships with as you unlock the wonders of the world together.
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Can I create a customised journey with Sundowners Overland
Yes. All of our group tours can be used as a starting point to create your own adventure. Whether travelling alone or in a private group the options are endless. We are happy to work with you to craft a journey that meets your interests and requirements.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1964
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are no single supplements on group tours if you are happy to share with fellow travelers. If you craft a custom journey or would prefer private hotel accommodation, a single supplement may apply.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Comprehensive tour documentation and visa guidelines
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please see full booking conditions for details.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Contact us to see if an alternative start point applies to your chosen journey.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, we ensure that all accommodation is of a suitable standard for our journeys.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Please see full booking conditions for details
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Terms and Conditions