The Silk Road is one of the world’s most enduring travel stories, a network of ancient trade routes that connected East and West for centuries, shaping civilisations, cultures and commerce. Today, it offers travel agents a powerful opportunity: a richly layered, multi-country concept that appeals to culturally curious, well-travelled clients seeking depth, authenticity and comfort.
With more than 265 years of experience, Cox & Kings is uniquely positioned to bring the Silk Road to life. From the heart of Central Asia to the wider Silk Road, including India, China, the Middle East and Europe, our small group tours and tailor-made journeys combine expert guiding, seamless logistics and standout experiences.
The classic Silk Road: Central Asia by rail
For many clients, Central Asia is the very essence of the Silk Road. The ‘Stans’ reward travellers with monumental architecture, nomadic traditions and dramatic landscapes, with rail remaining the most immersive way to explore them.
Cox & Kings’ Legendary Silk Road by Rail journeys connect Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan aboard the Orient Silk Road Express, a comfortable sightseeing sleeper train with dining car and multiple cabin options. It’s an ideal product for agents seeking a distinctive, high-value itinerary with strong storytelling appeal.
Find out more about the Legendary Silk Road by Rail tour here: https://www.coxandkingstravel.com/journeys/tailor-made-journey/the-legendary-silk-road-by-rail-almaty-to-tashkent?utm_source=ITTN&utm_medium=Advertorial&utm_campaign=legendary_silk_road_by_rail
Kazakhstan
A natural starting point, Kazakhstan blends wide-open steppes with bold modern cities. Almaty, framed by the Tian Shan mountains, introduces clients to Russian-Revival architecture, colourful cathedrals and traditional Kazakh hospitality.
Suggested group tour: Silk Road Adventure, 22-day tailor-made journey, find out more here: https://www.coxandkingstravel.com/journeys/tailor-made-journey/silk-road-adventure?utm_source=ITTN&utm_medium=Advertorial&utm_campaign=silk_road_adventure
Kyrgyzstan A highlight for nature lovers, Kyrgyzstan delivers alpine lakes, red-rock gorges and living nomadic culture. Issyk-Kul Lake and the surrounding pastures showcase the country at its most scenic, while Bishkek offers a fascinating Soviet-era counterpoint.
Suggested group tour: Colours of Kyrgyzstan, 10-day small group tour, find out more here: https://www.coxandkingstravel.com/journeys/small-group-tour/colours-of-kyrgyzstan?year=2026&utm_source=ITTN&utm_medium=Advertorial&utm_campaign=colours_of_kyrgyzstan
Tajikistan
Mountainous and compact, Tajikistan adds depth and contrast. In the capital, Dushanbe, clients discover Persian influences, grand boulevards and a slower pace that reflects the country’s market-town roots.
Suggested group tour: The Legendary Silk Road by Rail, 15-day tailor-made journey, find out more here: https://www.coxandkingstravel.com/journeys/tailor-made-journey/the-legendary-silk-road-by-rail-almaty-to-tashkent?utm_source=ITTN&utm_medium=Advertorial&utm_campaign=legendary_silk_road_by_rail
Uzbekistan
For architectural splendour, Uzbekistan is unmatched. Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva are showstoppers, with turquoise domes, intricate mosaics and medieval cityscapes that consistently exceed expectations.
Suggested group tour: Uzbekistan Heart of Central Asia, 12-day small group tour. Find out more here: https://www.coxandkingstravel.com/journeys/small-group-tour/uzbekistan-heart-of-central-asia?year=2026&utm_source=ITTN&utm_medium=Advertorial&utm_campaign=uzbekistan_hear_of_central_asia
Beyond Central Asia: The wider Silk Road
The Silk Road doesn’t end in Samarkand. Cox & Kings enables agents to expand the narrative across Asia, the Middle East and Europe – ideal for clients looking to return to the Silk Road in stages.
India India has been central to Cox & Kings’ heritage for over two and a half centuries. Along historic trade routes, clients can explore the Golden Triangle, Himalayan hill stations or the southern backwaters of Kerela. Travel on iconic railways, spot wildlife on safari and stay in former palaces.
Suggested group tour: The Grand Tour of India, 17-day small group tour, find out more: https://www.coxandkingstravel.com/journeys/small-group-tour/the-grand-tour-of-india?year=2026&utm_source=ITTN&utm_medium=Advertorial&utm_campaign=grand_tour_of_india
Sri Lanka Sri Lanka was a vital stopover for ships on the ancient Maritime Silk Route. This island nation below India offers ancient cities, sacred temples, tea country and wildlife-rich reserves, all wrapped up with beautiful beaches.
Suggested group tour: Sri Lanka – The Enchanted Island, 14-day small group tour, find out more here: https://www.coxandkingstravel.com/journeys/small-group-tour/the-enchanted-island?year=2026&utm_source=ITTN&utm_medium=Advertorial&utm_campaign=the_enchanted_island
China Once the eastern anchor of the Silk Road, China blends futuristic cities with enduring traditions.
Beyond Beijing and Shanghai, clients can uncover ancient trade towns, desert landscapes and the slower rhythms of rural life.
Suggested group tour: China – The Grand Tour, 16-day small group tour, find out more here: https://www.coxandkingstravel.com/journeys/small-group-tour/china-the-grand-tour?year=2026&utm_source=ITTN&utm_medium=Advertorial&utm_campaign=china_the_grand_tour
Türkiye
Straddling Europe and Asia, Türkiye was a vital Silk Road crossroads. Istanbul’s layered history, from Roman to Ottoman, provides a compelling finale or starting point to the westward journey.
Suggested group tour: Classical Turkey, 9-day small group tour, find out more here: https://www.coxandkingstravel.com/journeys/small-group-tour/classical-turkey?utm_source=ITTN&utm_medium=Advertorial&utm_campaign=classic_turkey
Italy
Trade routes carried silk and spices into Renaissance Italy, fuelling its art, architecture and wealth. Italy’s cities, cuisine and cultural heritage make it a natural western bookend to Silk Road travel.
Suggested group tour: Beyond Venice: Veneto & Friuli 8-day tailor-made journey, find out more here: https://www.coxandkingstravel.com/journeys/tailor-made-journey/beyond-venice-veneto-friuli?utm_source=ITTN&utm_medium=Advertorial&utm_campaign=beyond_venice_veneto_friuli
Egypt
Linked by ancient trade and shared cultural exchange, Egypt offers iconic archaeology, from the Pyramids of Giza to the waters of the Nile, supported by Cox & Kings’ deep destination expertise.
Suggested group tour: Egypt – Ancient Wonders of Cairo & The Nile 8-day small group tour, find out more here: https://www.coxandkingstravel.com/journeys/small-group-tour/egypt-ancient-wonders-of-cairo-the-nile?utm_source=ITTN&utm_medium=Advertorial&utm_campaign=egypt_ancient_wonders_of_cairo_and_the_nile
Vietnam
A later but equally compelling Silk Road influence can be found in Vietnam’s trading ports, colonial towns and cuisine-rich cities, balanced with dramatic natural scenery and warm local traditions.
Suggested group tour: Spirit of Vietnam, 13-day small group tour, find out more here: https://www.coxandkingstravel.com/journeys/small-group-tour/spirit-of-vietnam?utm_source=ITTN&utm_medium=Advertorial&utm_campaign=spirit_of_vietnam
Why sell the Silk Road with Cox & Kings?
· Unrivalled heritage and expertise across Silk Road destinations
· Carefully curated escorted tours with expert guides
· Rail, cultural and experiential focus that differentiates your offering
· Flexible options: group tours, private journeys and extensions
· Strong appeal to repeat travellers who are curious about culture
The Silk Road is not just a destination; it’s a story your clients can keep travelling. With Cox & Kings, you have a trusted partner to help them do just that.
