From Tehran to Tashkent Aboard the Golden Eagle

MIR Signature Experiences on this Tour

• Experience the busy markets and teahouses of Bukhara
  Experience the timeless character of Bukhara’s UNESCO-listed Old Town with its winding streets, colorful markets, and chaikhana (tea houses)....
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  Experience the busy markets and teahouses of Bukhara

  

  

  Bukhara, Uzbekistan

  Experience the timeless character of Bukhara’s UNESCO-listed Old Town with its winding streets, colorful markets, and chaikhana (tea houses).

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• Contemplate the Eternal Flame
  Visit the Fire Temple in Yazd to see its eternal flame, said to have been burning since 470 AD; then contemplate the Towers of Silence, where Zoroastrians placed their dead....
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  Contemplate the Eternal Flame

  

  

  Yazd, Iran

  Visit the Fire Temple in Yazd to see its eternal flame, said to have been burning since 470 AD; then discover the Towers of Silence, where Zoroastrians placed their dead.

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• Survey the complex Persian architecture of beautiful Isfahan
  Survey the complex Persian architecture of Isfahan’s gracefully proportioned UNESCO-listed Imam Square, decorated with cobalt, turquoise and lapis lazuli mosaic tiles....
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  Survey the complex Persian architecture of beautiful Isfahan

  

  

  Isfahan, Iran

  Survey the complex Persian architecture of Isfahan’s gracefully proportioned UNESCO-listed Imam Square, decorated with cobalt, turquoise and lapis lazuli mosaic tiles.

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• Admire UNESCO-listed Gulestan Palace in Iran’s capital, Tehran
  Gulestan Palace is the oldest of Tehran’s historic monuments, begun in the 16th century as a fortress by the Safavid dynasty, and encompassing several palatial buildings around a cool green garden....
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  Admire UNESCO-listed Gulestan Palace in Iran’s capital, Tehran

  

  

  Tehran, Iran

  Gulestan Palace is the oldest of Tehran’s historic monuments, begun in the 16th century as a fortress by the Safavid dynasty, and encompassing several palatial buildings around a cool green garden.

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  • Ask a Question

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Why Travel with MIR on this Tour

• Over 30 years of Central Asia travel experience
• Travel programs such as Vassar, Dartmouth and the Harvard Museum of Natural History have chosen MIR to guide them to Central Asia
• Twice named one of National Geographic Adventure’s “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”
• On-the-ground support and quality you can trust
• Personalized travel planning from start to finish
• Guides and tour managers that clients rave about

Itinerary & Highlights at a Glance

Days 1-3: Tehran

Arriving in Iran’s capital, tour the State Jewels Museum and UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace, then board the Golden Eagle Persia Express on its way to Shiraz, “City of Roses and Nightingales.”

Highlights

• Golestan Palace, with the Marble Throne, created from 65 pieces of yellow Yazd marble
• Crown Jewels at the Central Bank

Days 4-5: Persepolis, Shiraz, Isfahan

Explore the magnificent archaeological site of Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid kings. In fabled Shiraz, visit the tomb of Iran’s favorite poet, Hafez. In beautiful Isfahan, wander graceful Imam Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s great treasures.

Highlights

• UNESCO-listed Persepolis, one of the most important sites of the Ancient World
• “City of Roses and Nightingales,” Shiraz

• Tomb of Hafez, Iran’s favorite poet
• UNESCO-listed Persepolis, one of the most important sites of the Ancient World
• Isfahan’s Maiden-e Naghsh-e Jahan or Imam Square, among the world’s most beautiful squares, and a UNESCO Site
• Ali-Qapu Palace, gateway to the other royal palaces on Imam Square
• Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam mosques, renowned for their complex tilework

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Days 6-8: Yazd, Rayen, Mahan, Mashad

Visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple in Yazd to see its eternal flame, said to have been burning since 470 AD. Discover the thousand-year-old mud-brick citadel of Rayen, and continue to Mahan, a small town famed for its luxurious Persian Shazadeh, or Prince Garden. In Mashad, admire the sacred shrine of Imam Reza and the poet Ferdowsi's mausoleum.

Highlights

• 5th century Zoroastrian Fire Temple in Yazd
• Towers of Silence

• Arg-e Rayen, thousand-year-old ancient citadel
• Mahan’s Shazadeh Garden, a classical Persian garden and UNESCO Site
• Tomb of Persian poet Ferdowsi, set in a lovely garden with a large pool surrounded by trees and flowers
• Outer courts and museum of Imam Reza’s shrine, the places permitted to non-Muslims

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Days 9-10: Merv, Ashgabat

Arriving in Turkmenistan, visit the ancient ruins of Merv, capital of the Seljuk Turks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the modern capital, Ashgabat, discover the white marble buildings so plentiful that they were awarded a Guinness World Record in 2013.

Highlights

• Ruins of Marghiana and Archaeological Museum in UNESCO-listed ancient Merv
• Capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, with marble and gold monuments

Days 11-13: Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand

Cross the border into Uzbekistan and investigate Khiva, among the most important oases on the Silk Road. In Uzbekistan’s largest oasis city, Bukhara, highlights include the mud-brick Ark Citadel, the fortified residence of the emirs of Bukhara, and the Palace of the Moon and Stars. Spend some time in Samarkand, Tamerlane’s beautiful capital, admiring the Ulug Bek Observatory, Bibi Khanum Mosque, and the majestic Registan.

Highlights

• Ichon-Qala, Khiva’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Tash-Hauli Palace, built in the 19th century for the khan and his wives

• Original residence of the khans, the Kunya Ark
• Bukhara’s atmospheric Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Emir’s Palace of Moon and Stars, the emir’s home following the Soviet takeover
• Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site called “Crossroads of Cultures”
• Registan Square, Samarkand’s most famous landmark

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Days 14-15: Tashkent

Visit Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, a modern city rebuilt in the Soviet style after an earthquake in 1966. Wander its Old Town, view the Uthman Koran, said to be the oldest in the world, and browse the Applied Art Museum to admire the embroidered coverlets called suzani.

Highlights

• Old Town Tashkent, with its winding streets, mud-brick buildings and Middle Eastern feel
• The Uthman Koran, thought to be the world’s oldest

See Dates & Prices for more details or to see suggested extensions.

Tour Dates & Prices

Prepare for Your Trip

International Airfare

MIR's in-house, full-service air department will gladly assist with your air travel needs.

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Reading List

MIR recommends reading up before you leave home. So settle back in your armchair with some of our favorite books about our favorite places.

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Visas

Most MIR programs require one or more visas, and each visa requires a completely blank page in your passport. Visa information for this particular tour is listed in the Detailed Descriptive Itinerary.

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Travel Insurance

Stay a Little Longer…

MIR can arrange for an extended program in the Caucasus, Iran, or Central Asia before or after your tour. All of MIR’s destinations are open to you, and all can be attached to this program. Please contact MIR for more details about exciting options for extended travel.

Or, choose from one of these suggested itineraries:

Is this Trip Right for You?

This trip is moderately active, and rated moderate to rigorous touring due to the daily walking involved and the overall shortcomings of the tourism infrastructure. To reap the full rewards of this adventure, travelers must be able to walk at least a mile a day, keeping up with fellow travelers. Flexibility, a sense of humor and a willingness to accept local standards of amenities and services are essential components to the enjoyment of this trip.

A full list of details about the rigors of this tour are explained in the Detailed Descriptive Itinerary.

Read our Travel Journals

MIR's Travel Journals offer first hand accounts of MIR's fascinating destinations.

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  Jewels of Persia: Iran by Private Train

  Douglas Grimes and Annie Lucas, MIR's President and Vice President, had the privilege of being aboard the inaugural journey of the first western private train allowed into Iran. A round trip journey from Budapest to Tehran and back aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express private train, this was a first-of-its-kind itinerary and an historic undertaking.... Read More

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  Ancient Persia, Modern Iran: An Enigmatic Exploration

  Follow along with MIR Corporation Tour Specialist Meaghan Samuels as she explores beautiful and enigmatic Iran on MIR's Ancient Persia, Modern Iran small group tour.... Read More

MIR in the News

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  Luxury Travel Magazine Loves the Balkans

  June 29, 2018

  Luxury Travel Magazine is spotlighting MIR’s wildly divergent small group tour to the Balkans in an article entitled, “Balkan Odyssey, A 7 Nation Journey Through History.” The article hits on many of the tour’s signat... Read More

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  Travel Agent Central Talks Georgian Cuisine & Culture

  May 14, 2018

  MIR’s 12-day culinary journey to the Caucasus, A Taste of Georgia: Wine, Cuisine & Culture, is featured in the online version of Travel Agent Central, a leading publication focused on covering the latest travel news and tre... Read More

From the Blog

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  Say “Cheese” in Kostroma, the Cheese Capital of Russia

  October 15, 2018

  John Seckel, the American expat who heads MIR's affiliated Moscow office, has lived and worked in Russia for many years. Here he invokes his status as a Wisconsin cheese-head to critique a new Cheese Museum in the Golden Ring... Read More

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  5 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Add to Your 2019 Bucket List

  October 8, 2018

  Each July, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meets to consider new sites to add to its list of the world’s most awe-inspiring places. The sites are carefully vetted based on a strict set of criteria determining their cult... Read More

Golden Eagle

The perfect combination of remote destinations and comfortable accommodations, rail journeys by private train open a world of discovery to travelers who enjoy comfort and leisure time as well as exciting new vistas.

The exclusive Golden Eagle private train furnishes the dream of Old World rail travel with modern comforts and amenities that make the journey as pleasant as the destination. The luxurious Golden Eagle is a fully en suite train and a restful and satisfying way to experience legendary rail routes.

Train & Hotel Accommodations

Relax and enjoy the panorama rolling past your private window and disembark for guided off-train touring in fascinating towns and cities along the way.

Each sleeping carriage on the Golden Eagle has its own attendants who provide bed turndown service, plus tea, coffee and mineral water 24 hours a day. Attendants keep an eye on everything while guests are away from the train. L’Occitane body products, as well as premium bathrobes, slippers and a hairdryer, are provided in all cabin categories.

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  Imperial Suite

  Imperial Suites are the most beautiful and spacious cabins available onboard the Golden Eagle. Measuring a surprising 120 sq ft (11.1 sq meters), they are furnished with a luxurious king size bed, dedicated seating area, dressing table and private en suite facilities with large power shower and under floor heating. Individual air-conditioning, wardrobe, DVD/CD player with LCD screen and two large picture windows make the cabin a pleasant retreat.

  Additional Information

  Imperial Suite dimensions – 2 suites per departure / 1 suite per carriage:

  Cabin area (total, including bathroom) – 120 sq ft (11.1 sq m)
  Cabin length – 17′ 4″ (5.3 m)
  Cabin width – 6′ 7″ (2 m)
  Bed length – 6′ 2″ (1.9 m)
  Bed width – 5′ (1.5 m)

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  Gold Class

  Gold Class cabins are well-proportioned and feature modern en suite amenities including power showers, under floor heating, a DVD/CD player, LCD screen, remote-controlled air-conditioning/heating, recessed lighting and wardrobe and a personal safe. Each cabin is configured with upper and lower berths, and can accommodate double, twin or single occupancy.

  Additional Information

  Gold Class cabin dimensions – 5 cabins/carriage:

  Cabin area (total, including bathroom) – 77 sq ft (7 sq m)
  Cabin length – 11′ 8″ (3.6 m)
  Cabin width – 6′ 7″ (2 m)
  Size of bathroom – 6′ 6″ x 4′  (2.4 sq m)
  Bed length – 6′ 2″ (1.9 m)
  Lower bed width – 4′ 5″ (1.35 m)
  Upper bed width – 2′ 9″ (85 cm)

  Lower bed converts to a sofa for daytime use.

  Note: The 5th compartment is of a slightly different layout (68 sq ft), and will normally be allocated to single guests.

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  Silver Class

  Silver Class cabins are more compact than Gold Class cabins with similar facilities. Silver Class cabins feature the same amenities as Gold Class cabins but in a smaller space and with a smaller, wet room-style shower area.

  Additional Information

  Silver Class cabin dimensions – 6 cabins/carriage:

  Cabin area (total, including bathroom) – 60 sq ft (5.5 sq m)
  Cabin length – 8′ 8″ (2.6 m)
  Cabin width – 6′ 7″ (2 m)
  Size of bathroom – 4′ 6″ x 3′ (1.25 sq m)
  Bed length (upper & lower) – 6′ 2″ (190 cm)
  Lower bed width – 3′ 6″ (1.1 m)
  Upper bed width – 2′ 9″ (85 cm)

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  Hotel Accommodations

  The first and last nights of most tours are spent in well-appointed four and five star hotels. Some tours feature additional hotel nights. Please review the detailed itinerary for specifics pertaining to each tour and departure. Additional nights before and after any tour can be arranged on request.

Life Aboard the Train

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  Bar/Lounge Car

  A Bar/Lounge Car is a favorite destination in the train formation and is typically included on most departures. The lounge offers a relaxing and comfortable area where you can enjoy a drink, take language lessons, and gather around the piano with other passengers.

  Additional Information

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  Dining Cars

  Dining Cars feature local and European cuisine complemented by a selection of local and European wines (except on trips in Iran). Dining cars are multi-purpose, used for on-board lectures and viewing documentaries. One or more dining cars may be included in the train formation of any given departure depending on the number of passengers.

  Additional Information

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  Off-Train Tours

  Rail journeys feature an extensive selection of educational city tours in the various stops on our routes. Private coaches and local guides whisk you away from your private train for fascinating half- or full-day forays into the principal towns and cities, sometimes including an in-city dining opportunity. Read through this tour’s itinerary for more information (found on the Itinerary & Map tab of this page).