Across the Silk Route in 22 Days: This luxury train covers five nations; itinerary and cost details

For centuries, traders, pilgrims and explorers crossed continents along the legendary Silk Road, carrying silk, spices, art and ideas between East and West. In 2026, that historic corridor will get a modern revival, this time in the form of a luxury rail expedition.
​Geographic Expeditions (GeoEx) is launching The Grand Silk Road by Train, a 22-day, 2,400-mile journey spanning five countries from China to Uzbekistan. Departures are scheduled for September 21–October 12, 2026 (currently waitlist only) and August 30–September 22, 2027 (pending confirmation).
The itinerary unfolds aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, part of the Golden Eagle Luxury Trains collection. The train comes equipped with en-suite cabins that get easily converted from day lounges to night bedrooms, a bar lounge with a baby grand piano, and high-end dining inspired by regional cuisine.
Prices start at $50,700 per person (double occupancy) and include accommodations, most meals, guided excursions, gratuities, emergency evacuation services and secondary medical insurance.
Below is a look at how the journey unfolds.

The journey begins in Beijing, where travellers stay at a luxury hotel while exploring China’s imperial past and modern transformation. Highlights include walking along the Great Wall of China and touring the Forbidden City, the former seat of Ming and Qing emperors. Contemporary architectural landmarks round out the introduction before boarding the train westward.

In Xi'an, travellers will get the chance to witness the legendary Terracotta Army, where thousands of life-sized clay soldiers will blow your mind. Evenings will be focused on curated dining experiences, which will be accompanied with traditional music and dance before the train departs from here and takes you deeper into China’s interior.

The Silk Road vibe will intensify as you enter the Gobi Desert, where travellers will get to ride camels across sweeping dunes. In Dunhuang, the famed Mogao Caves reveal a treasure trove of Buddhist art that once greeted Silk Road caravans. Stops in Hotan showcase centuries-old silk and carpet-making traditions.

Take some time out to explore Kashgar’s historic bazaars, after which travellers will take a private flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city. Then enjoy a city tour before rejoining the Golden Eagle train for the onward journey into Kyrgyzstan.

In Bishkek, travellers will get to witness how Silk Road history comes alive. The expedition will then take them to Uzbekistan, stopping in Tashkent, Khiva, Nukus and Bukhara. Intricate Islamic architecture, turquoise-tiled madrasas, and more reflect the region’s role as a cultural and commercial crossroads.

A detour into Dushanbe will take the travellers closer to the ornate Kohi Navruz Palace. Then return to Uzbekistan, where guests will get to explore Shahrisabz, home to the Ak-Saray Palace, once linked to the legacy of Timur.

The final stretch arrives in Samarkand, one of the Silk Road’s most storied cities and once conquered by Alexander the Great. The Registan’s grand mosaic facades and the artisan traditions of the Ferghana Valley offer a fitting finale before departure from Tashkent.
Few itineraries match the geographic sweep of this Silk Road revival, a route once defined by caravans and camels, now can be enjoyed in polished wood-panelled carriages, allowing you to trace history mile by mile.