Silk Road by Train Tour Program

Day 1 Arrival Isfahan

Welcome to Isfahan, the jewel of Persian culture. Discover elegant mosques, palaces, lush gardens, and bustling bazaars — a perfect introduction to Iran’s artistic soul. Take time to wander, chat with friendly locals, and perhaps find the perfect Persian carpet to bring home from your first stop on the Silk Road.

Day 2 Isfahan

Your journey begins in the amazing city of Isfahan, where elegant boulevards, lush gardens, and stunning Islamic architecture set the tone for your Silk Road adventure.

Start your city tour at Naqsh-e Jahan Square, one of the world’s largest and most beautiful squares. Visit the exquisite Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, once reserved for the royal family, and the majestic Imam Mosque, a masterpiece of Safavid-era art. Across the square stands the Ali Qapu Palace, offering a glimpse into royal life with its intricate design and views over the square.

Explore the historic Qeysarie Bazaar, filled with vibrant stalls selling Persian carpets, miniatures, calligraphy, and handmade tiles. Stop for a cup of tea in a traditional teahouse before continuing to the elegant Chehel Sotoun Pavilion, set in peaceful gardens and famous for its storytelling murals.

In the evening, enjoy Isfahan at your own pace — dine in one of the city’s many excellent restaurants and soak up the warm, welcoming atmosphere of Iran’s cultural heart.

Day 3 Isfahan

Wake up again in Isfahan, still dreaming of delicate eslimi patterns, frescoes, and Persian miniatures — and another day of beauty awaits.

Today you’ll explore the city’s poetic heart: the Zayandehrood River. Along its banks stand some of Iran’s most iconic landmarks — the graceful Si-o-Se Pol (33 Arches Bridge) and the elegant Khaju Bridge, praised by historians as the finest example of Persian bridge architecture. Take a stroll and enjoy how locals gather here for music, laughter, and evening light.

Continue to the Armenian Quarter of Jolfa, home to the stunning Vank Cathedral with its richly painted interiors and fascinating museum. Wander through charming alleys scented with fresh coffee — Jolfa is filled with cozy cafés, lively restaurants, and creative energy. It’s the perfect place to unwind and experience a modern, social side of Isfahan after a day of culture and history.

Day 4 Isfahan - Mashad

Spend the morning enjoying your last glimpses of Isfahan — stroll through its graceful streets, visit a favorite café, or browse for a final souvenir.

In the afternoon, board your train to Mashhad, beginning an unforgettable journey across the Dasht-e Kavir, Iran’s great salt desert. Watch as the sun sets over endless dunes and vast, shimmering plains. Travel time is about 18 hours, giving you the perfect opportunity to relax and take in the rhythm of the Silk Road by rail.

By morning, you’ll arrive in Mashhad, ready to explore one of Iran’s most spiritual and fascinating cities.

Day 5 Mashad

Arrive in Mashhad, Iran’s holiest city and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Islamic world. Once a modest town, Mashhad gained its spiritual significance after the martyrdom of Imam Reza, the 8th Imam of Shia Islam, whose shrine now draws millions of pilgrims each year.

Visit the magnificent Imam Reza Shrine Complex, a vast ensemble of courtyards, mosques, and museums filled with devotion and artistry. Don’t miss the Astan-e Qods Razavi Museum, home to exquisite Qurans, Safavid-era calligraphy by Reza Abbasi, and finely woven Persian textiles. Nearby stands the elegant Goharshad Mosque, an architectural masterpiece of the Timurid period, known for its graceful tilework and calligraphy.

If time allows, explore more of the city’s heritage at the Nader Shah Afshar Tomb or the beautifully restored Darougheh House. After days of travel along the Silk Road, enjoy Mashhad’s comfort and hospitality — perhaps even a touch of well-deserved luxury.

Day 6 Mashad / excursion Neyshabur and Tus

After breakfast, set out on a fascinating day trip from Mashhad to the historic cities of Neyshabur and Tus.

Founded during the Sassanid era, Neyshabur flourished as a key hub on the Silk Road, linking Persia to China. The city became renowned during the Islamic Golden Age for its exquisite pottery and turquoise, prized around the world — many masterpieces from Neyshabur now grace the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Visit local pottery workshops and browse beautiful carpets and gems before paying tribute to two of Persia’s great minds: Omar Khayyam, the poet and astronomer, and Attar of Neyshabur, the Sufi mystic.

Continue to Tus, birthplace of Ferdowsi, the author of the Persian epic Shahnameh. Visit his impressive mausoleum and the nearby Harounieh Dome, believed to be the resting place of philosopher Al-Ghazali.

In the evening, head to Shandiz, a lush resort village outside Mashhad — the perfect place to unwind with a famous Shandiz shishlik kebab (for meat lovers) and enjoy the cool mountain air.

Day 7 Mashad - Ashgabat

Today marks the end of your Iran adventure and the beginning of Turkmenistan exploration. Travel to the Bajgiran border, where after visa formalities, you’ll be greeted by our local team.

From the border, drive to Ashgabat, the gleaming capital, known for its white marble buildings and unique blend of modern architecture and Turkmen traditions. Settle in and enjoy your first evening in this fascinating city, ready for the next stage of your Silk Road journey.

Day 8 Ashgabat

Explore Ashgabat, a city of vast squares, striking statues, and grand palaces. With some luck, you might encounter a local wedding procession, complete with golden statues and colorful bridal veils — a perfect photo opportunity and a glimpse of everyday Turkmen life.

Visit the stunning Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, one of Turkmenistan’s largest and most beautifully decorated mosques, able to welcome up to 5,000 worshippers. Continue to the National Museum, featuring three distinct sections: History, Nature & Ethnography, and the Presidential Museum — choose the one that interests you most. Don’t miss the Monument of Neutrality, a 95-meter-tall landmark topped with a golden statue of Turkmenistan’s first president, offering panoramic city views from its observation platforms.

If your visit falls on a Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday, wander through the Tolkuchka Bazaar, a vibrant market brimming with carpets, livestock, Turkmen jewelry, textiles, and local produce. The cattle market, traditional garments, and colorful stalls provide an unforgettable sensory experience and a perfect chance to capture the spirit of Turkmen culture.

Day 9 Ashgabat - Mary

Board a classic Soviet-era train for a nostalgic journey to Mary, crossing the vast, stark beauty of the Karakum Desert. The slow pace allows you to soak in the endless desert landscapes, giving a sense of the Silk Road’s timeless expanse.

Arrive in Mary ready to explore one of Turkmenistan’s most historically rich regions, from ancient Silk Road settlements to desert oases, and experience the quiet rhythm of local life along the way.

Day 10 Mary - Merw - Buchara

Begin the day exploring Merw, one of the legendary cities of the ancient Silk Road. Wander among vast desert ruins and discover the striking Kyz Kala Palace, dating from the 7th to 11th centuries, often surrounded by grazing dromedaries. Founded in the 6th century BC, Merw flourished under the Achaemenids, Seleucids, Parthians, and Sassanids, later becoming a key Seljuk capital before the Mongol invasions left much of it to the desert sands. Walking here, you can almost feel the echoes of a city that shaped the history of Central Asia.

Continue your journey through the Turkmen desert to Turkmenabad and cross the Amu Darya River at the Farab border into Uzbekistan. Your Uzbek driver will welcome you and transfer you to Bukhara, a city on the edge of the Kyzylkum Desert.

Bukhara’s old city charms with narrow streets, mud-brick houses, and iconic blue-domed mosques. Known as Bukhara al Sharif (“the Noble One”), it was once the holiest city in Central Asia. Wander through winding alleys filled with centuries of history, and discover hidden madrasahs, caravanserais, and bustling local life — a perfect introduction to Uzbekistan’s Silk Road heritage.

Day 11 Buchara

Spend a full day discovering Bukhara, where all major sights are within walking distance. Begin with the Samanid Mausoleum and Chasma Ayub, the sacred source of Job, then tour the Ark Fortress, a striking reminder of the city’s ancient past. Wander through bustling bazaars and admire the intricate madrasahs that line the streets.

The Poi Kalyan Ensemble forms the religious heart of the city. Visit the Kalyan Mosque (built 1514), capable of holding 12,000 worshippers, and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah with its iconic turquoise domes. Nearby, explore the Ulugh Beg and Abdul Aziz Madrasahs, as well as the 12th-century Magok-i-Attari Mosque, one of the few surviving Karakhanid-era structures.

Relax at Lyab-i-Hauz, the historic square built around a water basin in 1620. Surrounded by workshops, madrasahs, and the statue of Khodja Nasruddin, this is the perfect place to sip tea in a traditional chaikhana, watch locals play games, and soak in the timeless rhythm of life in Bukhara.

Day 12 Buchara

Spend the morning exploring the surroundings of Bukhara on a half-day tour. Visit the Sitotai Mokhi Khosa, the old summer palace of the emirs, full of historic treasures and artifacts. Continue to the Bolo Khauz Mosque and the nearby Chor Bakr mausoleum complex, an important spiritual site.

Next, discover the Naqshbandi Sufi Complex, a remarkable center honoring one of the most revered Sufi saints. This peaceful site reflects the enduring influence of Sufi traditions, which helped preserve Islam in the region during challenging times.

The rest of the day is free to explore Bukhara’s old city at your own pace — wander the streets, revisit your favorite madrasahs, or simply soak in the timeless atmosphere of this Silk Road jewel.

Day 13 Buchara - Samarkand

Travel by comfortable train from Bukhara to Samarkand, with most travelers opting for the high-speed Afrosiyob train. Relax and enjoy the scenic ride across the Uzbek landscape as you anticipate one of Central Asia’s most iconic cities.

Samarkand, meaning “fertile settlement,” has been a crossroads of empires for centuries. From Alexander the Great to Genghis Khan, and later as the capital of Timur Leng’s empire, the city’s monumental architecture showcases the glory of the Timurid era. Nestled along the Zerafshan River, Samarkand’s beauty and culture have inspired poets and travelers for generations, from Hafez and Omar Khayyam to Oscar Wilde and Keats. Prepare to immerse yourself in its timeless charm and grand historical legacy.

Day 14 Samarkand

Spend a full day exploring Samarkand, one of Central Asia’s most iconic cities. Begin at Registan Square, the city’s stunning centerpiece, surrounded by three magnificent madrasahs. Visit multiple times to experience how sunlight transforms the square, revealing new dimensions of its intricate tilework and architecture.

Walk to the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the monumental resting place of Timur Leng, then explore the bustling local bazaar and the impressive Bibi Khanum Mosque, a testament to Timurid grandeur. On a hill at the edge of ancient Afrasiab, discover the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, a collection of mausoleums adorned with some of Uzbekistan’s most exquisite mosaics, reflecting the evolution of 14th- and 15th-century architecture.

Though Samarkand has grown into a modern city, stepping into the Registan or wandering through Shah-i-Zinda transports you back centuries, letting you fully experience the romance, beauty, and history of the Silk Road.

Day 15 Samarkand - Tashkent

Enjoy a final full day in Samarkand to revisit your favorite sights, stroll through its historic streets, or explore hidden corners of the old city. Take in the timeless beauty of Registan, the vibrant bazaars, and the serene Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis at your own pace.

In the evening, board the train to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s modern capital, and prepare for the next stage of your Silk Road adventure.

Day 16 Tashkent

Discover Tashkent, a city where the Soviet past meets vibrant Uzbek culture. Stroll through grand squares and wide boulevards, including Amir Timur Square, dominated by a striking statue of the legendary conqueror.

In the old town, visit the iconic Chorsu Bazaar with its distinctive round dome, the nearby Friday Mosque, and the historic Kukeldash Madrasah. These sites offer a glimpse into Tashkent’s rich history and lively daily life, blending centuries-old traditions with modern city energy.

Day 17 Tashkent - Almaty

Board a comfortable train in the afternoon for a scenic overnight journey from Tashkent to Almaty, arriving early the next morning.

Once the capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty is now the country’s vibrant southern hub, full of energy, culture, and history. Nestled at the foot of the Tien Shan Mountains, the city remains the heart of southern Kazakhstan, where trade, culture, and life along the Silk Road continue to thrive.

Day 18 Almaty

Arrive in Almaty in the morning and spend the day exploring this vibrant former capital of Kazakhstan. Nestled at the foot of the Tien Shan Mountains, Almaty is a green, lively city with parks, bustling markets, and cultural landmarks.

Stroll through Panfilov Park, built to honor the Soviet victory in World War II, and visit the striking Zenkov Cathedral, one of the country’s most famous landmarks. Explore the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Central Mosque, and the colorful Zelonniy (Green) Bazaar. For panoramic city views, head to Kok Tobe Hill, where the surrounding mountains and urban landscape meet in a breathtaking panorama.