Silk Road Railway

Silk Road Railway

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32 Days From

$11205

$10673

Silk Road Railway

32 Days Starting in Istanbul, Turkey and ending in Hong Kong, China

Visiting: Istanbul, Ankara, Kars, Tbilisi, Baku, Caspian Sea, Aktau, Kunya Urgench, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent, Almaty, Zharkent, Urumqi, Jiayuguan, Xian, Guangzhou, Hong Kong

Tour operator:

Sundowners Overland

Tour code:

SRIH

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 15

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-90

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $11205 $10673 Travel Club discount: -$532

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the legendary Silk Road Railway, traversing the diverse landscapes and rich histories of Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and China. Starting in the vibrant city of Istanbul, this epic adventure takes you through the heart of Asia, exploring iconic sites such as the Hagia Sophia, the medieval city of Baku, and the ancient wonders of Samarkand. Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Caucasus Mountains, the vast expanse of the Caspian Sea, and the architectural marvels of the Great Wall of China. As you travel by train, ferry, and foot, immerse yourself in the unique cultures, cuisines, and traditions of each destination, culminating in the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong. This journey offers a rare glimpse into the past and present of the Silk Road, promising an enriching and captivating experience.

Highlights

  • Explore the classic sites of Istanbul, including Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar.

  • Travel across the Anatolian Plateau to the ancient city of Kars and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ani.

  • Discover the enchanting city of Tbilisi and enjoy the unique food and wines of Georgia.

  • Explore the medieval walled city of Baku, featuring the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower.

  • Cross the Caspian Sea on a freighter ferry, the world's largest inland body of water.

  • Visit the magical walled city of Khiva, a living museum with mosques and caravanserai.

  • Experience the architectural wonders of Samarkand, including the madrassas of Registan Square.

  • Witness the western point of the Great Wall of China at Jiayuguan Fort.

Places You'll See

The Great Wall Of China

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive Istanbul

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Location: Istanbul

Welcome to your Silk Road journey in the vibrant city that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia. Meet your Tour Leader and the rest of your travel companions at your afternoon Welcome Meeting. 

Day 2: Istanbul

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Location: Istanbul

Today we discover the classic sites of Istanbul; Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar and Rustem Pasha Mosque.

Day 3: To Ankara And On To Kars

Location: Ankara

Accommodation Name: Overnight Train

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 4: Arrive Kars

Location: Kars

Relax on board and enjoy the incredible scenery unfold as we travel across the Anatolian Plateau and through the gorges of the Euphrates River towards the mountains of the Caucasus.

Day 5: 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 6: To Tbilisi

Location: Tbilisi

Meals Included: Dinner

Our journey continues in Georgia and to the capital, Tbilisi. This evening we enjoy a stroll through this enchanting city before dinner - our introduction to the unique food and wines of Georgia. 

Day 7: Tbilisi

Location: Tbilisi

Beyond the city we discover Jvari Monastery. 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 8: Tbilisi And Fly To Baku

Location: Tbilisi

Today we have morning sightseeing of the Old Town in Tbilisi and in the afternoon we fly to Baku. 

Day 9: Baku

Location: Baku

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 10: Across The Caspian Sea

Location: Caspian Sea

Accommodation Name: Freighter Ferry

Today we cross the Caspian Sea on board a freighter ferry.  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 11: Arrive Aktau

Location: Aktau

On arrival into Kazakhstan we spend the rest of the day at leisure. 

Day 12: Mangyshlak Peninsula

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 13: Train To Urgench

Location: Kunya Urgench

Accommodation Name: Overnight Train

Today we begin our journey into Uzbekistan, across the desert on our overnight train.

Day 14: To Khiva

Location: Khiva

On arrival into Urgench we transfer to Khiva, the magical walled city of Uzbekistan. 

Day 15: Khiva

Location: Khiva

Today we explore in the wonderfully preserved city of Khiva – one of the finest examples of a Khanate fortified city and a living museum with mosques, madrassas and caravanserai crowded within its walls. Kunya Ark – a former residence of the Khan, the beautiful Kalta Minar minaret and the extraordinary Tash Khauli or ‘Stone Palace’ are among the prominent attractions.

Day 16: To Bukhara

Location: Bukhara

A final morning in Khiva before we depart to Bukhara where we are treated to Central Asia’s most complete medieval city and revel in its beautiful traditional architecture as we walk through its history.

Day 17: Bukhara

Location: Bukhara

Encapsulating and enchanting, Bukhara’s intrigue lies in the evolution of the city; whilst some highly significant centres of human history are frozen for prosperity – Bukhara lives on unchanged by time. Highlights of your time here will most certainly include the Ark Fortress, the Samanid Mausoleum – one of the world’s oldest monuments, and the Kalyan Minaret which once served as a beacon for caravans negotiating the desert at night, the only surviving structure from 1220 when Genghis Khan laid the city to waste.

Day 18: Samarkand Via Shakhrisabz

Location: Samarkand

A spectacular drive takes us to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane. Beside the ruined entrance towers of his Ak-Serai Palace, the pretty market town offers a relaxed atmosphere with traditional homes, teahouses and mosques. Continue onwards to Samarkand.

Day 19: Samarkand

Location: Samarkand

Tamerlane – affectionately known in Uzbekistan as Timur – was dragged to Samarkand as a prisoner by an invading Mongol army. In the years following, his fortune improved and he returned and made Samarkand the capital of his Temurid realm. He and successive 14 & 15 century rulers shaped the city we see today. The madrassas of Registan Square and the mausoleum of Timur and his family – Gur-e-Amir – are sure to be highlights of your journey.

Day 20: To Tashkent

Location: Tashkent

On arrival to the capital we spend time exploring this vibrant city and it is your last chance to haggle in the bazaar, wander the gardens and eat a final meal of delicious Uzbek plov.

Day 21: To Almaty

Location: Almaty

We have an early morning train to whisk us to Kazakhstan and arrive late at night into Almaty. 

Day 22: Almaty

Location: Almaty

Nestled into the mountains Almaty will deliver diversity of architecture, history, influences and cuisine. We spend some time exploring the city inluding the fascinating Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral), a wooden structure built entirely without nails.

Day 23: To Zharkent

Location: Zharkent

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 up to 300m in depth. Its many weathered and colourful rock formations are said to be as impressive as those of the Grand Canyon.  We travel on to Zharkent, a town close to the Chinese border. 

Day 24: To Urumqi

Location: Urumqi

Accommodation Name: Overnight Train

We spend the morning in Zharkent exploring the pagoda style Mosque, Orthodox Church and local Market.
We then 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. We take the overnight train from the border town of Khorgos to Urumqi. 

Day 25: 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 26: To Jiayuguan

Location: Jiayuguan

Today we board the train to Jiayuguan, arriving in the late afternoon we catch our first glimpse of the western point of the Great Wall of China.

Day 27: Jiayuguan

Location: Jiayuguan

The Great Wall extends 7300 km and we find ourselves at the western end. We take time to visit Jiayuguan Fort as well as the Great Wall Museum to uncover the secrets of this engineering feat. 

Day 28: To Xian

Location: Xian

A high speed train takes us to Xian, ancient Chang'an. Once this was the glittering capital of Cathay. Old pagodas, city walls and watchtowers remain.

Day 29: Xian

Location: Xian

The city still captures the romance of its rich imperial past and the glories of the Silk Road. There is so much to explore in this city, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Shaanxi History Museum being some of the highlights. 

Day 30: To Guangzhou

Location: Guangzhou

Today we board the train to Guangzhou, once known as Canton.

Day 31: Guangzhou And To Hong Kong

Location: Guangzhou

Founded in 214 BC China’s third largest city boasts a long, colourful history spanning legends and Silk Road trade. A mesmerising concoction of glitz and flashing lights, between pockets of an old city that still retains its character from yesteryear. Today, Guangzhou is renowned as one of China’s top food destinations. We will gain an insight to daily local life at the unique Qing Ping Market.  
After our sightseeing we board our last train to Hong Kong. 

Day 32: Hong Kong

Location: Hong Kong

Our journey draws to an end in the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. We bid our fellow travellers farewell after an epic railway adventure. 

What's Included

  • Tour Leader

    Meet your Tour Leader and the rest of your travel companions at your afternoon Welcome Meeting in Istanbul.

  • High Speed Rail Service

    Travel aboard the high speed rail service from Istanbul to Ankara.

  • Overnight 'Dogu Express'

    Connect with the overnight 'Dogu Express' across the Anatolian plateau to Kars.

  • Freighter Ferry

    Cross the Caspian Sea on board a freighter ferry.

  • Overnight Train to Urumqi

    Take the overnight train from the border town of Khorgos to Urumqi.

  • Xinjiang Regional Museum

    Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum in Urumqi, which houses one of the most extensive collections of Silk Road artefacts.

  • Great Wall Museum

    Visit the Great Wall Museum in Jiayuguan to uncover the secrets of this engineering feat.

What's Not Included

  • Meals

    Meals are not specifically mentioned as included in the tour package.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation details are not specifically mentioned as included in the tour package.

Mode of Transport

The tour involves extensive travel by train, including high-speed rail services and overnight trains, as well as a ferry crossing over the Caspian Sea and flights between key destinations.

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the starting point of the Silk Road Railway tour?

    The tour starts in Istanbul, Turkey.

  • Where does the Silk Road Railway tour end?

    The tour concludes in Hong Kong.

  • What significant historical sites will be visited in Istanbul during the tour?

    In Istanbul, the tour includes visits to the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, and Rustem Pasha Mosque.

  • What unique experience is offered on Day 10 of the tour?

    On Day 10, the tour includes crossing the Caspian Sea on board a freighter ferry.

  • What is a highlight of the visit to Bukhara?

    In Bukhara, highlights include the Ark Fortress, the Samanid Mausoleum, and the Kalyan Minaret.

  • What can travelers expect to see in Samarkand?

    In Samarkand, travelers will see the madrassas of Registan Square and the mausoleum of Timur and his family, Gur-e-Amir.

  • What is a notable feature of the visit to Jiayuguan?

    In Jiayuguan, the tour includes a visit to Jiayuguan Fort and the Great Wall Museum.

  • What is the significance of the city of Xian in the tour?

    Xian, once the capital of Cathay, is known for its old pagodas, city walls, and watchtowers, capturing the romance of its rich imperial past.

  • What cultural experience is highlighted in Guangzhou?

    In Guangzhou, the tour highlights the Qing Ping Market, providing insight into daily local life and the city's reputation as a top food destination in China.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1964

  • 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.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Comprehensive tour documentation and visa guidelines

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please see full booking conditions for details.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Contact us to see if an alternative start point applies to your chosen journey.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes, we ensure that all accommodation is of a suitable standard for our journeys.

  • 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

Kevin, New Zealand  

Private Group with Sundowners Overland

02-Aug-2024

In May of 2019 I escorted a group for 3 weeks on the Trans Mongolian Railway from Beijing to St Petersburg in association with Sundowners Overland.    Right from the planning stage everything was taken care of for me, including advice and assistance with advertising content.  Being able to tailor make the trip to suit my group was key to the trip being so successful.  The booking process was easy, the information given to me very detailed and help was only a phone call away. On the journey itself I couldn’t fault the local organisation or our tour leader at all – his concern for the group’s welfare was very genuine.  He even organised pizza to be delivered to us in the train at a stop in what I thought was a pretty remote corner of Siberia. I would without hesitation recommend Sundowners Overland and their product.

Yvonne, Australia  

A journey of discovery

02-Aug-2024

Sundowners Overland takes you on a journey of discovery - a discovery of far flung places, different people, different landscapes and vastly different cultures. It's a journey of discovery - it's for those who want to really engage with people and places outside our normal comfort zone. With Sundowners Overland our horizons are widened and we experience new adventures.

Darryl, New Zealand  

Group Touring

02-Aug-2024

My first trip with a guided tour and it could not have been any better! A big thank you Sundowners

Rabbi Fred, Australia  

Shalom Private Tours

02-Aug-2024

I have nothing but praise for Sundowners Overland.  They've provided the professional expertise and administrative back-up for three private group tours that I've organised, two to the Silk Road (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and western China) and one to the Caucasus (Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia).  They excelled at putting the itinerary together, ensuring that our specific requirements were catered for and running a relaxed introductory evening prior to the tour at their offices in Queen Street, Melbourne.  They handled the bookings efficiently and expeditiously, providing the best on-the-ground services and local guides and enabling us to tailor every aspect of the tour to our special interests.  There was also no hassle about taking care of personal requests or idiosyncrasies.  No logistical problem was too difficult for them.  Not only were they highly proficient at being travel agents, which any client would expect, but they went beyond the basics to engage seriously with our particular concerns and help us design a program which was very much our own.  All of our Travellers sensed this and it contributed to making these tours among the best we'd ever experienced under our "Shalom Tours" label.  

Elizabeth, Australia  

Silk Road Explorer

02-Aug-2024

The train trip along the Silk Road was magical with so many highlights. Sundowners do it well, use the services of excellent local guides and have the incomparable Kara as a Tour Leader

Nelson, New Zealand  

In safe hands...

02-Aug-2024

Sundowners Overland did not leave anything to chance. The whole trip was very well organised. I would recommend travelling with them in the future. Our English speaking guides were well educated and very caring

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Monday - Thursday

Sep 08, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025
$11205 $10673

Travel Club discount: -$532

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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.

  • 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.