Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, founded in 1989 as GW Travel Ltd and headquartered in Altrincham, Cheshire, is one of the world's leading providers of all-inclusive private rail voyages. The Silk Road journey is among its most celebrated itineraries, a 21-day expedition by private train through China, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Covering ancient oasis cities and UNESCO World Heritage sites that few Western travellers ever reach, this tour combines genuine exploration with the comfort of a fully en-suite luxury train. Every detail – from fine dining and 24-hour cabin attendant service to expert on-board guides – is designed to transform remote Central Asian landscapes into an accessible, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The 21-day tour traces the historic trading routes linking China's interior with the great cities of Central Asia. Highlights include the sand dunes outside Dunhuang and the famous Crescent Moon Lake, the walled old city of Khiva in Uzbekistan (founded around 2,500 years ago and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the illuminated Registan Square in Samarkand – one of the most photographed ensembles of Islamic architecture in the world. The itinerary also covers rarely visited corners of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, giving travellers access to regions largely off the standard tourist trail.
Travel is aboard a dedicated private touring train configured for comfort on long-distance journeys. Cabins include en-suite facilities, and a 24-hour cabin attendant service is provided throughout. Dining takes place in an elegant restaurant car, with menus drawing on culinary traditions encountered along the route. A bar lounge car and observation areas allow passengers to watch the steppes, deserts and mountain passes unfold at a leisurely pace. The all-inclusive format covers excursions, guiding, and gratuities, so there are no unexpected costs during the trip.
With more than 35 years of experience in luxury rail travel, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains operates a small fleet of dedicated private trains across routes in Europe, Russia and Central Asia. The company is based in the United Kingdom and maintains a strong reputation among repeat travellers seeking immersive, fully-escorted rail expeditions to remote destinations. Its three principal trains – the Golden Eagle, the Golden Eagle Danube Express, and the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express – are fitted out to a consistent standard of luxury and are staffed by experienced on-board teams.
Yes. Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, originally founded as GW Travel Ltd in 1989, continues to operate luxury private rail journeys. After a pause in Silk Road departures following 2019, the company relaunched Silk Road itineraries for 2026 with a new dedicated train, the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express.
On-board purchases are settled in US Dollars or Euros, and only cash is accepted. The all-inclusive tour price covers excursions, dining and gratuities, so on-board spending needs are generally limited.
Yes. All gratuities for crew members, hoteliers and drivers are included in the tour price. The company tips on passengers' behalf, and travellers are asked not to offer additional gratuities directly, though exceptional service can be flagged to management.
Cabin storage space is limited, so soft-topped or soft-sided luggage is strongly recommended. Rigid suitcases are difficult to stow in the available spaces beneath bunks and in overhead areas.
All Golden Eagle rail tours require a minimum number of passengers to operate. If that threshold is not met, the company reserves the right to offer a modified itinerary or an alternative tour. If no suitable alternative is available, a full refund is provided.
The original Silk Road itinerary featured in this brochure was a 21-day private train journey covering China, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The company's current Silk Road programmes range from around 12 to 22 days depending on the specific route chosen.
This travel brochure is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes Golden Eagle Luxury Trains and its Silk Road itinerary as featured at the time of publication. For current departure dates, pricing and availability, visit the company's official website.
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