Your legendary Silk Road adventure begins in the “City of Apple Trees.”  Upon your arrival at Almaty International Airport (ALA), you will be greeted by our representative for a private airport transfer. You will be whisked away directly to the heart of the city, allowing you to check into the stunning 4-star hotel, Mercure Almaty City Center. After your long flight from the UK, you can settle into your room to recharge for the next day.

Mercure Almaty City Center

Located in the heart of Almaty, Mercure Almaty City Center houses 117 rooms inspired by local culture. Guests can enjoy diverse dining at A-Borat and Lobby Bar, plus a luxury breakfast buffet. The hotel boasts a panoramic 11th-floor fitness centre, a relaxing spa, and four versatile meeting rooms. Whether you choose a Standard, Privilege, or 60 m² Suite, you are just steps away from the city’s best theatres and landmarks. The hotel is just a short walk away from Almaty 2 Railway Station.

After a restful first night, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Since your train doesn’t depart until the evening, you have the entire day to enjoy the premium facilities at the hotel, such as unwinding at the tranquil spa centre or the 11th-floor fitness centre. You can order lunch at A-Borat, or head out to explore the neighbourhood. The hotel keeps you just a walk away from the lively local theatres, the historic Green Bazaar, and Zenkov Cathedral. In the evening, your private transfer will take you to the Almaty-2 Railway Station. Here, you will board the legendary Keruen Express. You will settle into your 4-berth compartment, and at 17:45, the train will begin its journey towards the spiritual landscapes of Turkestan.

The 4-Berth Compartment, Keruen Express

Each compartment of Keruen Express features four comfortable berths with fresh bedding, perfect for relaxing as you watch the vast steppe landscapes roll by your window. To lighten your packing, you will receive a set of travel essentials, including disposable slippers, a toothbrush, and a vanity kit. You will also find tea sets ready for use and drinking water to keep you hydrated. The carriage includes two clean bathrooms and a shower to keep you refreshed. The train also houses a dining car where you will enjoy breakfast and lunches as part of your tour. With expert guided tours and cosy amenities, the Keruen Express makes sure that your Silk Road journey is truly unforgettable.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast in the dining car, watching the scenery drift past as you arrive into Turkestan at 09:57. From here, your guided tour begins at around 10:00 with the ancient ruins of Otrar, once a key Silk Road trading hub, followed by a visit to the sacred Arystan-Bab Mausoleum, an important pilgrimage site. After a tasty local lunch, you will continue on to the UNESCO-listed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, known for its grand Timurid architecture, along with the Khilvet Underground Mosque and the historic Eastern Bathhouse Turkestan. In the evening, you can enjoy a show at the Altyn Samuryq Flying Theater, a modern immersive attraction, before heading back to the station at 19:30. Later, at 22:00, the Keruen Express departs for Samarkand, where you can settle in and relax for another comfortable night on board.

Arrive in Tashkent at 06:04 to explore the cultural and economic hub of Uzbekistan. It is the city where ancient history meets modern infrastructure. Between 09:00 and 10:00, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast in the dining car or at a restaurant in Tashkent, after which your guided tour will begin with a walk around Maustaqillik Square, the central symbol of independence in Tashkent. You will then visit the historic Tole Bi Mausoleum, a unique 15th-century monument that is dedicated to a legendary Kazakh Sage. Then, you can take a relaxing stroll through the fountains and greenery of Novruz Park. After enjoying a delicious lunch at a Tashkent restaurant, you will dive into the lively atmosphere of Chorsu Bazaar, which is a famous domed market perfect for buying spices, traditional textiles, and local handicrafts. To top off the day, visit the Magic City, the largest all-season amusement park in Asia. Later at 20:30, you will transfer back to the station. At 23:43, the Keruen Express departs for Samarkand while you settle in for another comfortable night on the rails.

Arrive in Samarkand at 07:00 to explore one of the world’s most ancient cities. After a 07:30 breakfast at a local restaurant, your tour begins at 9:00. You will first visit the golden Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the resting place of the famous ruler Tamerlane, followed by the iconic Registan Square with its three majestic madrasahs. You will then check in for a comfortable stay at a 4-star property. At 15:00, the tour continues to the Hazrat Khizr Mosque and the grand Bibi-Khanym Complex, which was once the largest and most magnificent mosque in the Islamic world. Finally, you will explore the vibrant Siab Bazaar, the region's massive traditional market, before returning to your hotel to enjoy some free time.

You will start your second day in Samarkand with a relaxing 10:00 breakfast at your hotel before checking out at 11:00. At 11:30, visit the breathtaking Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a unique “city of the dead” filled with 14th-century turquoise-tiled mausoleums. After a delicious local lunch, the tour continues at 15:00 with an excursion to the Konigil Meros Paper Factory, where you will learn the ancient technique of handmade Samarkand Silk paper. You will also visit the Eternal City, a beautiful tourist complex that recreates the magic of the ancient Silk Road. Enjoy some free time at 19:00 before your 21:00 transfer back to the station. At 23:03, the Keruen Express departs, beginning the final leg of your journey home.

You will spend a relaxing day in the Keruen Express dining car. Enjoy breakfast and lunch while watching the vast landscapes roll by. Make sure to share memories with fellow travellers before you head back toward Kazakhstan.

You arrive in Almaty at 02:00. From Almaty-2 Railway Station, you are again transferred back to the Mercure Almaty City Center for a final night of comfort, completing your Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan tour.