15-Nights Caspian Odyssey: Golden Eagle - Luxury Tailor Made Travel — CALL

Abercrombie & Kent: Caspian Odyssey: Golden Eagle

Day 1 YEREVAN, ARMENIA

Arrive in Yerevan, where you are met and privately transferred to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel as you meet your fellow travellers and look forward to the journey across six countries of the South Caucasus region and Central Asia.

The Alexander, Yerevan

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 YEREVAN

Venture outside Yerevan to the ancient Geghard Monastery, with its churches and tombs, many of themhewn from solid rock, to view the intricate carvings on display. See how the complex of medieval architecture is set into a landscape of great natural beauty, surrounded by towering cliffs at the head of the Azat Valley. Also visit the first-century pagan temple of Garni, built to worship the sun god Mitra, and explore the remains of an ancient fortress, palace and baths on site. This evening, head out to a wine company near Yerevan to explore the entire process of Armenian wine making. Walk through the vintner’s cellars and museum, learning about the technology, history and evolution of wine making in Armenia, and taste premium wines before gathering for an exclusive dinner.

The Alexander, Yerevan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 TBILISI, GEORGIA

This morning, visit the Cascade, a giant stairway made of limestone that affords walkers unobstructed views of central Yerevan and Mount Ararat in the distance. Also briefly tour the Casfesjian Museum of Modern Art located inside the stairway. Journey to Lake Sevan, where upon arrival you enjoy lunch complete with stunning views of this expansive body of water, one of three lakes collectively referred to as the Seas of Armenia. Afterward, continue to the Armenian-Georgian border in Bagratashen, driving through the spa town of Dilijan, renowned for its forest landscapes and healthful mineral water. Stop for coffee and brandy at Avan Dzoraget Hotel, nestled in the forest-covered hills of the Caucasus Mountains. Tonight, arrive in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi and check into your hotel for a three-night stay.

Tbilisi Marriott Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 TBILISI

Hemmed in by the Surami Range, the city of Tbilisi extends for 17 miles along the banks of the River Kura. Explore the fascinating old part of the city, which still retains much of its original layout — a spider’s web of narrow winding streets and alleyways. Visit key historical sites, including the 13th-century Metekhi church, a cross cupola church that forms part of the Royal Residential complex. Also take in the fifth-century Sioni Cathedral, the main church of Tbilisi as well as the recently built Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Set out on a guided walk of the old town and Rustaveli Avenue, viewing the Great Hall of the Georgian Philharmonic. Also view the treasures of the city, housed in the Janashia Museum of Georgia.

Tbilisi Marriott Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 GORI, UPLISTSIKHE & MTSKHETA

Journey to Gori, one of the oldest cities in Georgia, founded in the seventh century AD and birthplace of infamous Soviet leader Joseph Stalin who was responsible for the deaths of millions. Visit the small house where Stalin was born, which is found in the palace-like building that houses the Stalin Museum. Outside, view Stalin’s private railway carriage. Proceed to the cave city of Uplistsikhe, founded in the sixth century BC, to see how it was carved into the rocky plateau and learn how it was once destroyed by the hordes of Genghis Khan’s son, Khulagu. View its huge, echoing halls, meandering corridor-streets, chambers for pagan worship and the remains of Georgia’s oldest theater, complete with auditorium, stage and orchestra pit. In the late afternoon, visit Mtskheta, Georgia’s old capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its ancient monuments. While here, enjoy a private performance of traditional Georgian polyphonic singing.

Tbilisi Marriott Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 TBILISI, GEORGIA & BAKU, AZERBAIJAN

This morning, visit a Georgian winery, sampling some vintages on site. Then, after lunch in the city, board a private jet for the short flight to Baku, where you are met and transferred to your superb luxury hotel.

Four Seasons Hotel Baku

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 BAKU, AZERBAIJAN

Today, journey to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, set on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, for an exploration of the city’s highlights. Start in Baku’s historic Old Town, or fortress, of Icheri-Shekher. View its walls — strengthened after the Russian conquest in 1806 — as well as its 90-foot-tall tower. Follow the picturesque town’s maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings, including the Palace of the Shirvan-Shahs, now a museum. Also view the 11th-century Synyk-Kala Minaret and Mosque, the Law Court (Divan-Khan) the Dzhuma-Mechet Minaret and the mausoleum of the astronomer Seida Bakuvi.

Four Seasons Hotel Baku

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 BAKU

Venture outside the city to experience the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, located 40 miles from Baku on the west bank of the Caspian Sea. This outstanding archaeological site features more than 6,000 pre-historic rock engravings as well as the remains of inhabited caves, settlements and burials. Examine their most fascinating aspects firsthand before enjoying a lunch overlooking the sea. This afternoon, return to Baku, where you enjoy free time to relax or visit the city, perhaps attending a local theater. Tonight, gather for dinner at a traditional local restaurant.

Four Seasons Hotel Baku

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Ashgabat, TURKMENISTAN

Travel by private jet to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, which is known colloquially as the “Las Vegas of the Kara Kum.” Situated between the Kara Kum desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range, Ashgabat is a modern city built upon the ruins of the Silk Road outpost of Konjikala. Upon arrival, board the elegantly appointed Golden Eagle luxury train. Once settled into your cabin, enjoy lunch in one of the train’s two dining cars. This afternoon, disembark to explore Ashgabat on a panoramic city tour highlighted by visits to the National Museum and Wedding Palace. Learn the history of this former Soviet city, a community largely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1948. View its extravagant fountains, golden domes and towering modern buildings juxtaposed incongruously with the surrounding desert and explore the National Museum and Kipchak Mosque.

Golden Eagle

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 DARVAZA

Pull into Ichoguz and disembark your train for a short journey to Darvaza’s famous burning gas crater, a spectacular sight best seen at night. Located in the middle of the Kara Kum desert where the area is rich in natural gas, the 230-feet-wide crater, known by the locals as the “Door to Hell,” has been burning for over 40 years. Take in its almost otherworldly glow, officially known as the Shining of Kara Kum, before returning to the Golden Eagle.

Golden Eagle

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 KHIVA, UZBEKISTAN

Roll on toward Urgench, where you disembark to visit the ancient city of Khiva, founded 2,500 years ago. As one of the Silk Road’s most important trading posts and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it lies at the crossroads of the routes between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia. View this magnificent crossroads that rises out of the desert to reveal a wealth of impressive architecture. Then, step back in time as you discover the impressive mosques, bazaars and minarets within Khiva’s ancient walls.

Golden Eagle

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 BUKHARA

This morning, visit Bukhara, a 2,500-year-old UNESCO-registered city. Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and visit the Ark, a fortified residence of the ruthless Emirs of Bukhara who ruled the region until Soviet times. Then, travel outside the city to experience the Emir Nasrullakhan’s enchantingly named Palace of Moon-Like Stars, also called Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa. Stroll the tiled courtyards and elegant gardens to get a feel for the serenity Bukhari’s rulers enjoyed in this onetime summer palace.

Golden Eagle

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 SAMARKAND

Arrive in the city of Samarkand, a name that instantly conjures up evocative images of the Silk Road. Founded in the sixth century BC, Samarkand’s stunning architecture hints at its former status as one of the most important cities in Asia, now noted for its architectural remains from the 14th to the 17th century, when it flourished as the fabled capital of the Mongol empire of Timur. Visit some of Samarkand’s most significant sites, including Registan Square, the beautifully proportioned Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Ulag Beg observatory, one of the earliest Islamic astronomical observatories, built in 1428. This evening before dinner, return to the now illuminated and awe-inspiring Registan Square.

Golden Eagle

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 TASHKENT

Explore Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, a modern Soviet-style city rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1966. Tour the Old Town, where traditional homes and religious buildings line the narrow streets. In a small library here, enjoy a privileged viewing of one of Islam’s most sacred relics – the world’s oldest Koran. Finish your experience with a visit to the Railway Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts.

Golden Eagle

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN

Cross the frontier into Kazakhstan to visit the city of Almaty. Leave your train for the last time and explore Panfilov Park, located in the heart of the city and home to the Zenkov Cathedral, a 19th-century Russian Orthodox Church made entirely of wood. After your explorations, transfer to your hotel and check in.

Intercontinental Almaty

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16 ALMATY

After breakfast, enjoy a parting glimpse of Almaty as you privately transfer to the airport for your departing flight.

Meals: Breakfast