Persia & the Silk Road by Private Train

Persia & the Silk Road by Private Train
MIR Corporation / September 17, 2018

This remarkable rail journey by private train follows the trail of countless caravan merchants and explorers through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, as well as dazzling Iran. Admire the breathtaking Uzbek oases of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, and visit Turkmenistan's burning Darvaza Gas Crater, called locally the “Door to Hell.” Enter Iran and discover the luxuriant gardens of Shiraz, the gracious Islamic architecture of Isfahan, and one of the most important sites of the ancient world, Persepolis. Experience nine different UNESCO sites before the journey ends in Iran's exciting capital, Tehran. Read More

North Pole: Top of the World

North Pole: Top of the World
MIR Corporation / September 12, 2018

Join MIR on a once-in-a-lifetime voyage to the very top of the earth, experiencing life at its most remote and mysterious at the North Pole. Retrace the path of early polar explorers as you cruise aboard the world’s largest icebreaker, keeping a lookout for the astonishing array of wildlife in the Arctic and enjoying fantastic views of an endless, frozen icescape. Read More

Silk Road Backroads & Byways

Silk Road Backroads & Byways
MIR Corporation / August 31, 2018

The fascinating countries of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan encompass some of the most spectacular and absorbing hidden corners of Central Asia. Dive deep into the distinct cultural identities and multi-layered history of these extraordinary lands, discovering ancient desert citadels, dramatic Silk Road fortresses, and surprising Soviet-era remnants, and connect with artists, experts, and tribal villagers who still cling to traditional ways of life. Read More

From the Heavenly Tien Shan to the High Pamirs

From the Heavenly Tien Shan to the High Pamirs
MIR Corporation / August 31, 2018

Join a fascinating and adventurous journey through two of the most remote and rarely explored countries in Central Asia – Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Experience the proud traditions and hospitality of Kyrgyz nomads in the highlands, enjoy visits with local Tajiks in their timeless mountain villages, and take in majestic and hauntingly beautiful landscapes along one of the world’s most scenic drives, the Pamir Highway. Read More

Essence of the Silk Road & Beyond by Private Train

Essence of the Silk Road & Beyond by Private Train
MIR Corporation / October 16, 2017

Traverse four of the five ‘Stans of Central Asia on this private rail journey along the Silk Road. Begin in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city. Continue into Kyrgyzstan to inspect the capital, Bishkek, and take a boat ride on the country’s most beautiful lake, Issyk-Kul. Dip into Khujand in Tajikistan to meet with a local family and hear about their daily lives. Stop in Tamerlane’s UNESCO-listed hometown, Shahrisabz, before visiting three famed Uzbek Silk Road oases – Samarkand, Khiva, and Bukhara – all of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Experience four UNESCO sites in 16 days, with seven hotel nights and eight nights onboard the comfortable Orient Silk Road Express private train. Read More

North Caucasus & South Russia by Steam Train

North Caucasus & South Russia by Steam Train
MIR Corporation / October 4, 2017

Discover the arresting natural beauty and spirited cultures of the North Caucasus on this rail journey powered by Soviet-era steam locomotives. Admire mountain vistas on the scenic North Caucasus Railway, making stops in the Chechen capital of Grozny, recently rebuilt after years of conflict, and lively Vladikavkaz. Tour the famed mineral spa resorts of Mineralnye Vody, Pyatigorsk and Kislovodsk, and enjoy a rare opportunity to ride one of Russia’s few remaining narrow-gauge railways through beautiful Gaumsky Canyon. Read More

Remote Russia: Yakutia & Kamchatka

Remote Russia: Yakutia & Kamchatka
MIR Corporation / September 8, 2017

Explore the remote corners of Russia, including the wild Kamchatka Peninsula, uneasily perched on the Pacific Ring of Fire, and Yakutia, a challenging northern frontier known for mammoths and diamonds. Meet the indigenous peoples of these far-flung locales, and admire two natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites as you contrast the Kingdom of Permafrost in Yakutsk with the steaming Valley of the Geysers in Kamchatka. Read More

Return to the North Caucasus

Return to the North Caucasus
MIR Corporation / September 8, 2017

Join MIR on a one-of-a-kind adventure as we return to the fascinating and complex North Caucasus region, today experiencing the very beginnings of a revitalization of tourism. Discover the ravishing mountain landscapes, medley of cultures and overflowing hospitality of North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Chechnya and Dagestan, where ancient mountain tribes have guarded their way of life for thousands of years. Read More

In Search of Nomads & Mountains: Kyrgyzstan & Tajikistan

In Search of Nomads & Mountains: Kyrgyzstan & Tajikistan
MIR Corporation / August 9, 2017

On this adventurous journey, discover the unspoiled mountain landscapes and remarkable living traditions of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, two of Central Asia's least-known countries. Range from alpine Lake Issyk-Kul in the Kyrgyz outback, where the exciting World Nomad Games presents contests in eagle hunting, stick wrestling, and intense Central Asian horse games, to the high, jagged mountains of the remote Pamir Highway in Tajikistan. Read More

Village Traditions of the South Caucasus

Village Traditions of the South Caucasus
MIR Corporation / August 3, 2017

Step deep into the cultures of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia, experiencing local life in one of the most hospitable regions of the world. Share stories and warm meals in mountain villages, sample natural wines and fantastic local cuisine, and meet craftspeople who work in clay, stained glass, metal and wood — all of it set to a soundtrack of polyphonic singing that can give you goosebumps, and traditional instruments playing the old, old songs of love and heartbreak. Read More