The Caspian Adventure Train Tour is a unique journey from the shores of the Caspian Sea to Lake Issyk-Kul, nestled among the Tien Shan Mountains. Along the way, you’ll witness breathtaking natural landscapes, explore stunning examples of oriental architecture recognized by UNESCO, and connect with the warm and welcoming people of Central Asia while discovering their rich cultural heritage. In just 15 days, you'll gain a wealth of experiences and memories to last a whole year.
The Caspian Adventure Train Tour begins in Aktau, the capital of Kazakhstan’s Mangistau region, known for its striking geological formations shaped by the ancient Tethys Ocean. From there, you'll cross the vast Ustyurt Plateau and arrive in Muynak, once the largest port on the now-vanished Aral Sea, today home to a haunting graveyard of ships. The journey continues through four remarkable UNESCO-listed cities - Khiva, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz, and Samarkand - each offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history and architectural legacy. You’ll then explore the dynamic metropolis of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan and the largest city in Central Asia. The tour concludes with a visit to the breathtaking Lake Issyk-Kul, set among the mountains, and the city of Bishkek, the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Explore the full tour itinerary, browse the photos, and let this unique journey inspire you to book your adventure and prepare for an unforgettable experience!
Tour itinerary:
Meals: none
In the morning, you will visit a necropolis that is little known in the Western world, located in desert-like surroundings and rarely visited by foreigners. The excursion continues with a tour of the somewhat unusual city of Aktau – despite having 200,000 inhabitants, the city has no street names! A stroll through the city ends at one of the small sandy beaches, with a stop at a typical local pub. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight on board.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight on board.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight on board.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Journey Highlights:
- 4 different categories to choose from on board your private train:
Habibi, Ali Baba, Aladdin, Kalif. - 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Itchan Kala Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Shakhrisabz.
- 3 Central Asian Countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan.
- Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan, known as the second largest mountain lake in the world.
- Excavations of ancient Afrosiab town in Samarkand.
- The making of traditional art objects: silk and carpets.
- Ulugh Beg observatory in Samarkand.
- Full of atmosphere: meetings with local families, traditional bread baking, and impressions of local handicraft tradition.
- Spectacular nature: Mangystau geological formations, Kyzylkum desert, the Tien Shan mountain range, and Lake Issyk-Kul.
Price includes:
- 7 overnights on the private train according to the booked category;
- 7 overnights in hotels;
- All meals according to program;
- Sightseeing program including all entrance fees according to program;
- Transfers to and from all airports and train stations according to program;
- Multi-lingual Lernidee Tour Director;
- Experienced local guides for a maximum of 26 guests per group;
- Doctor on board;
- Traditional welcome at the train stations in Bukhara and Samarkand;
- Wine and Vodka tasting.
Price doesn't include:
- Visa fees*;
- Invitation letter for Kazakhstan (if required);
- Gratuities;
- International flights;
- Personal expenses.
*Please allow a minimum of 13 weeks for visa processing time.
Prices:
| Cat Habibi (per person) | $5.490 |
| Suppl. usage by 3 pax | $1.240 |
| Cat Ali Baba (per person) | $8.490 |
| SGL Suppl (train + hotel) | $2.610 |
| Cat Aladin (per person) | $9.360 |
| SGL Suppl (train + hotel) | $3.240 |
| Cat Kalif (per person) | $15.490 |
| SGL Suppl (train + hotel) | $7.180 |
| SGL Suppl hotel Cat Habibi | $860 |
Important Notes:
- We regret that, due to the intricate logistics of this tour, itinerary changes may sometimes be unavoidable.
- This journey is generally not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who rely on CPAP machines. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs before booking.
- Minimum number of tour participants: 60
- Minimum number for a guide in any other language (subject to availability): 10 participants.
- Please ensure you check anticipated flight details with us prior to booking.
About The Orient Silk Road Express Train
Your Comfortable Home During an Unforgettable Journey
The Orient Silk Road Express offers the best possible comfort for traveling along the legendary Silk Road. The comfortable restaurant cars serve freshly prepared regional dishes, and bar service is available in the evenings. The train is air-conditioned while in motion.
Habibi
Each Habibi compartment provides sleeping space for up to four guests, with berths arranged two on each side of the compartment – one above the other – and a table positioned in the middle below the window. Each car contains nine compartments, with combined toilet and washing facilities located at both ends.
Ali Baba
The Ali Baba compartment features two comfortable lower beds, each measuring 27.5 x 74.8 in / 67 x 184 cm. A table is positioned below the window, and there are various storage options for personal belongings and luggage. Each car in the Ali Baba category contains nine compartments, with combined toilet and washing facilities located at both ends.
Aladdin
This category features two lower beds (27.5 x 74.8 in / 67 x 184 cm), a small table, and storage space. Each car contains eight compartments and one shared shower facility. Guests in this category receive one bathrobe per compartment. Combined toilet and washing facilities are located at both ends of each car.
Kalif
This category features two beds: an upper berth measuring approximately 31.6 x 68.5 in / 80 x 174 cm, and a more spacious lower berth at approximately 44 x 72.4 in / 112 x 184 cm. Each compartment includes a closet and an en-suite bathroom with a separate shower cabin. Every car in this category – offering the highest level of comfort available on the Silk Road – contains only four compartments and accommodates a maximum of just eight guests.
Dates & Prices, per person
Please note that itinerary and prices are subject to change due to airline and train schedule changes, currency fluctuations and other unforeseeable events.
