Day 2, TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN - After lunch we arrive in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, and spend the afternoon touring this modern Soviet-style city which was rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1966. It is noted for its tree lined streets, numerous fountains and pleasant parks.

Day 3, SAMARKAND, UZBEKISTAN - Just the mention of Samarkand instantly conjures up evocative images of the Silk Road, more so than any other town. Founded in the 6th Century BC, Samarkand's stunning architecture hints at its former status as one of the most important cities in Asia and is particularly 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 and his successors. Today we will visit some of its most significant sites including Registan Square, the refined elegance of the beautifully proportioned Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Ulag Beg observatory, one of the earliest Islamic astronomical observatories built in 1428. After dinner we will return to the now illuminated and awe-inspiring Registan Square before returning to our train for a late evening departure.

Day 4, BUKHARA, UZBEKISTAN - Bukhara is quite simply outstanding. Like Khiva, UNESCO sponsored the renovation of much of the city for its 2,500th anniversary in 1999. The most enjoyable aspect of this city is to just immerse oneself in the atmosphere of this unique and ancient city and re-live some of its fascinating history at the crossroads of Asia. The main highlight of this wonderful tour is a visit to The Ark, a fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara - the despotic and ruthless leaders who ruled until Soviet times. We then travel out of the city to experience the Emir's enchantingly named, Palace of the Moon and Stars.

Day 5, KHIVA, UZBEKISTAN - Our train travels towards Urgench, from where we transfer to the ancient city of Khiva, founded 2,500 years ago. As one of the Silk Road's most important trading posts and now a World Heritage Site, it lies at the crossroads of the routes between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia. A truly magnificent sight to behold, it rises out of the desert to reveal a wealth of impressive architecture. Stepping back in time, we discover its impressive mosques, bazaars and minarets within Khiva's ancient walls. Tonight we head into the heart of the Kara Kum desert and visit the 'burning sands' gas crater fire at Darvaza (a spectacular sight but it involves a long drive in a Jeep and missing part of a night's sleep). The area is rich in natural gas and, following the collapse of a gas rig and to deal with the escaping gas, it was decided that the gas should be ignited. Geologists had hoped the fire would use all the fuel in a matter of days, but the gas still burns 40 years later.

Day 6, ASHGABAT, TURKMENISTAN - We arrive in Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan - the 'Las Vegas of the Kara Kum', a monument to the ego of former President for life Saparmorat Turkmenbashi. Situated between the Kara Kum Desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range, its fountains, golden domes, marble sidewalks and towering modern buildings appear strangely incongruous in this desert setting.

Day 7, TURKMENBASHI - Early morning we arrive at the port of Turkmenbashi (yes, him again), located on the Gulf of the Caspian Sea. Formerly known as Krasnovodsk, it is the western terminus of oil and natural gas pipelines and of the Trans-Caspian Railway, which links the Caspian region with central Asia. It is from here that we board our ferry to cross the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan. The Golden Eagle will follow on a larger train ferry. Overnight at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Baku.

Day 8, BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, lies on the western shore of the Caspian Sea and the southern side of the Apsheron Peninsula, around the wide, curving sweep of the Bay of Baku. The bay, sheltered by the islands of the Baku Archipelago, provides the best harbour of the Caspian Sea, while the Apsheron Peninsula gives protection from violent northerly winds. Baku derives its international importance from its huge oil industry. The core of present-day Baku is the Old Town, or fortress, of Icheri-Shekher. Most of the walls, strengthened after the Russian conquest in 1806, survive, as does the 90ft (27m) tower of Kyz-Kalasy (Maidens Tower, 12th century). The Old Town is highly picturesque, with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings. These include the Palace of the Shirvan-Shahs, now a museum, the oldest part of which dates from the 11th century. Also of the 11th century is the Synyk-Kala Minaret and Mosque (1078-79). Other notable historic buildings are the Law Court (Divan-Khan), the Dzhuma-Mechet Minaret, and the mausoleum of the astronomer Seida Bakuvi. Around the walls of the fortress, the regular streets and imposing buildings of modern Baku rise up the slopes of the amphitheatre of hills surrounding the bay. This evening we rejoin the Golden Eagle as we continue our rail journey.

Day 9, TBILISI, GEORGIA - Heading into Georgia, we visit Tbilisi. Hemmed in by the Surami Range, the city extends for 17 miles (27km) along the banks of the River Kura. Despite the wars and fires which caused innumerable changes in the topography of Tbilisi, the old part of the city still retains much of its original layout, a spider's web of narrow winding streets and alleyways. Historical sites include the ruins of the ancient fortress Narikala, on a right-bank hill (over which towers Amashukeli's Kartlis Deda or 'Mother Georgia' statue), and the 13th century Metekhi castle and cathedral, across the river. Nearby are the 5th century Sioni Cathedral and the 6th century Anchikhati Cathedral. Most major public buildings are on Prospekt Rustaveli, the main thoroughfare, named after the classic Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli. Three of city's oldest theatres are situated here, the Griboyedov Russian Drama Theatre (founded 1845) the Rustaveli Theatre, (1921) and the Paliashvili Opera House (1851). Walking from Rustaveli Square we will see the Great Hall of the Georgian Philarmonia, built in 1969-71, which has been acknowledged as one of the finest public buildings since the Second World War.

Day 10, BORJOMI - On the fast-running Mtkvari River in the middle of the Borjomi Gorge stands the town of Borjomi. The entire gorge is a vast natural preserve situated at an altitude of 2,625 feet (800 metres) above sea level and dotted with spa towns, and summer villas which date back to the latter half of the 19th century. In Mineral Park is a former Romanov Palace; set in superb gardens it is an idyllic setting with a ruined castle perched overlooking the river and gorge. The most famous mineral water of the former USSR, 'Borjomi', is bottled here – over 300 million bottles per year are produced. There are several sanatoria, where Georgians and other tourists vacation. Lunch is on the Golden Eagle as our train winds down the Borjomi Gorge towards Kutaisi.

Day 10, KUTAISI - Under Mount Gabashvili sits Kutaisi which has retained many features of a medieval town, but at the same time it is still a modern city, economic, industrial and cultural centre of Western Georgia. It is Georgia's second largest city and was the nation's capital from 978 – 1122. The most famous of Kutaisi's many splendid buildings is the majestic Church of King Bagrat, which was built at the beginning of the 11th century. In the environs of the city, at the foot of low forest-covered mountains stands the well-known monument of Georgian architecture, the Gelati Monastery and Academy, both founded in the early 12th century.

Day 11, GORI – BIRTHPLACE OF STALIN - Gori is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, founded in the 7th century AD as Tontio. Joseph Stalin, the Soviet leader, was born here in 1879 and he spent his childhood years in the city and later (1888-94) studied at its theological seminary. The small house where Stalin was born is preserved under a canopy outside the huge columned Palace-like building that houses the Stalin Museum. To the side of the museum is Stalin's private railway carriage. The museum is filled with interesting photographs of the man responsible for more deaths and suffering than any other human being. From the town we will go directly to Uplistsikhe where we will have a barbecue lunch on the banks of the Mtkvari River with traditional music.

Day 11, UPLISTSIKHE CAVE CITY - The famous cave city of Uplistsikhe dates from the 6th century BC and is first mentioned in the chronicles of the 1st century AD. Carved into rocky plateau we find huge echoing halls, meandering corridor-streets, chambers for pagan worship and even the remains of Georgia's oldest theatre, complete with auditorium, stage and orchestra pit. Like the other cave-towns of Georgia, it is akin to the similar rock structures of Urardhu and the Hittites, which are rooted in the prehistoric traditions of the peoples of the Near East. On the one side the fortress was protected by the Mtkvari and an almost vertical rock face, on the other, by powerful fortifications. Its strategic position on the approaches to Gori and, in particular, its strong defences made it possible to control the surrounding terrain. There were numerous attempts to destroy Uplistsikhe. Only in the 13th century, however, did the hordes of Genghis Khan's son Khulagu succeed in doing so, after capturing and destroying many fortresses in Transcaucasia with the help of siege machines. The five thousand inhabitants of Uplistsikhe perished and life ended forever in the fortress.

Day 11, MTSKHETA - Late afternoon we visit the city of Mtskheta, Georgia'a Old Capital. Due to its historical significance and numerous ancient monuments, Mtskheta became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Days 12-13, YEREVAN - Yerevan is overshadowed by Mount Ararat in nearby Turkey, with its snow covered peak towering in the distance. Yerevan has a rich history and was occupied as early as the 6,000 BC. The fortress of Yerebuni was erected there in the 8th century BC. Seized by a succession of conquerors, the city later passed back and forth between the Turks and the Persians until 1827, when it was taken by Russia. It became the capital of Soviet Armenia in 1920 and following the demise of the Soviet Union, the capital of the new nation of Armenia. This evening we enjoy our farewell dinner onboard the Golden Eagle. Following breakfast on the morning of Day 13, you will be transferred to Yerevan Airport to begin your journey home.