Russia - The Golden Eagle Tran-Siberian Journey

The longest and the most famous railway journey in the world, the Trans‐Siberian Railway traverses the whole expanse of Russia from Europe to the Orient. Few other journeys enable the passenger to relax so completely during their course, and to become lost in the rhythm of the journey as time zones and the urgency to arrive both become meaningless. Whilst there are many packages available from other tour operators on the Trans‐Siberian Railway, nearly all will involve travel on the regular Trans‐Siberian trains ‐ which have nothing but the most basic facilities. What is unique about this tour programme is that you only travel in high quality Private Trains.

These are great trips to combine with European River Cruises - ask your consultant for more details.

The Train
Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express

The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express features 21 new carriages including three cabin styles; Gold, Silver and New Heritage.

Gold Class cabins are amongst the best in rail travel available today, featuring modern en-suite amenities including power showers and under floor heating. Cabins are excellently appointed and equipped with state of the art DVD/CD player, LCD screens, audio system, individual air conditioning, recessed lighting and wardrobe space. Gold class has an area of 77 sq ft.

Silver Class cabins are smaller than Gold Class but still have modern en-suite facilities with a smaller shower area. All cabins will feature the same amenities available in our Gold Class cars, but carriages will contain six cabins as opposed to five in Gold class and have an area of 60sq ft.

New Heritage Class cabins bunk Beds format - lower bed is a standard double bed, upper bed is a standard single bed .The cabin is without bathroom but has wardrobe space and an individual washbasin.There are 2 toilets at each end of the carriage. The 9th compartment in the carriage is a shower room.

Restaurant Cars
the chefs use the finest of local ingredients for lunch and dinner. From traditional and world renowned 'Borsch' to cavier and Omul; fish unique to Lake Baikal. Quality wines from around the world compliment the meals, along with mineral water, soft drinks and naturally, Vodka.

Bar Car(ON BOARD THE GOLDEN EAGLE TRANS-SIBERIAN EXPRESS)

The social hive of activity is the Bar Car. Featured on every departure it provides guests with the ideal setting to watch the passing countryside, writing postcards, talking with fellow passengers or for pre and post dinner drinks. Serving an extensive array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, it stays open until the last person leaves. The Golden Eagle train features the newly designed and built stylish Bar Car.

Trans-Siberian Classic (15 Days)

Day 1	Vladivostok Arrive at Vladivostok airport, where you will be met and transferred to the centrally located four-star Hotel Hyundai. We will enjoy a welcome reception dinner at our hotel, whilst you meet your fellow travellers and anticipate the epic 15 day voyage that lies ahead.
Day 2	Vladivostok Today we spend the morning in Vladivostok. This once 'closed' Russian port now offers visitors an exciting opportunity to unravel its mysteries as we explore its principal military attractions including a tour of a restored submarine before boarding the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express during the afternoon. After settling into our modern, stylish cabins, we enjoy dinner in one of the beautifully designed restaurant cars as our rail adventure westwards to Moscow begins
Day 3	Khabarovsk Passing directly north of Seoul, Darwin and Osaka, we spend our first full day on board the Golden Eagle today. This is the most easterly point of our mammoth journey passing through Khabarovsk, where we stop for a short city tour. We then rejoin the train and cross the River Amur, as we make our way west.
Day 4	On Board Our journey today follows the Shilka and Amur rivers, close to the Chinese border. Enjoy Russia at its most beautiful and remote, as the landscape unfolds outside your window. Or you may like to attend one of the absorbing lectures or Russian language lessons.
Day 5	On Board Today offers you the perfect opportunity to practice your improving Russian or watch a DVD as you wile away a few hours. For those who like to socialise the Bar Car is the perfect place to enjoy a chat with your fellow passengers as you listen to our resident musician.
Day 6	Ulaan Baatar Mongolia Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us into Mongolia, home of Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most feared and revered Mongol and we visit the capital city of Ulaan Baatar. Lunch is taken Mongol style in a traditional Ger (Yurt) where we experience an authentic meal, enjoying excellent local dishes and entertainment providing a unique opportunity to encounter this time-honoured nomadic way of life. We board the train in time for dinner as we head back into Russia
Day 7	Ule Ude This afternoon we arrive in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic. The ethnic and cultural diversity of this area offers a unique insight into its Mongol heritage. As we tour the area you will notice the different faces and dress styles of these welcoming people. During our exploration of the Old Believers Village we have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of these communities as we are treated to a traditional meal and enjoy a concert featuring local dancers and musicians.
Day 8	Lake Baikal Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal. For five hours we wind our way through tunnels along cliff hugging tracks above the lake with a vista of snow capped peaks along the far shore. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and holds 20% of the world's freshwater. Also known as the 'Pearl of Siberia' it is home to a unique breed of freshwater seal and over fifty species of fish including omul which we will be serving in the dining car for some of our meals. Weather permitting, we stop at one of Baikal's picturesque and secluded bays to enjoy a delicious BBQ of freshly smoked fish prepared by our own chefs. For the brave hearted, there is even time for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters before we visit Listvyanka, a small Baikal settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding hills.
Day 9	Irkutsk We arrive in Irkutsk, the 'Paris of Siberia', and our visit today takes in the most significant sites and museums in this fascinating city, including an exploration of the classic wooden architecture that has given many of this region's buildings such a distinctive and unique appearance. Next, we visit the Decembrist House museum which is dedicated to the memory of the exiled aristocrats who were forced to flee to this remote outpost after the failed revolution of 1825. Here we enjoy a private concert before returning to our waiting train for dinner.
Day 10	On Board A day to unwind and reflect on the many sights and sounds we have experienced on our journey so far. Chat to your fellow passengers, perhaps learn a few more words of Russian or simply enjoy the ever changing landscape outside your window.
Day 11	Novosibirsk A modern 'Soviet' city, we experience the life and character of Novosibirsk's rich culture where the arts, science and literature predominate. Our city tour takes us to the Opera House. An architectural marvel, it houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is the largest opera house in the world. In front of the Opera House, we visit an imposing statue of Lenin - a marvellous opportunity to have your photograph taken with this iconic political leader.
Day 12	Yekaterinburg Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, the third largest Russian city is also the capital of the Urals. The cultural and architectural influences of European and Asian civilisations come together in this fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape. Our city tour takes us to the poignant site where the Romanov, Nicholas II of Russia was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site provides us with a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution.
Day 13	Kazan We spend our last full day on board the Golden Eagle today. We arrive at the picturesque and historic city of Kazan by mid-morning. Situated on the River Volga, Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan. Here we have the opportunity to see for ourselves its rich tapestry of history and culture. One of the highlights of this city tour is our exploration of the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel we will explore its stunning mosque and magnificent onion-domed cathedral.
Day 14	Moscow After travelling over an amazing 6,600 miles (10,600km) along this epic route to the end of the Trans-Siberian line, we arrive in Moscow. Our city tour of Moscow principally takes us to Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia's former military and political might. Here we see an eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate St Basil's Cathedral with its magnificent onion-domed spires, the grandeur of The Kremlin and the sombre and evocative site of Lenin's tomb. At the conclusion of our city tour, we transfer to the luxurious five-star Marriott Royal Aurora hotel (or similar) located in the heart of this vibrant city. Our final evening is spent saying our goodbyes to our fellow travelling companions and friends at the Farewell Dinner.
Day 15	Moscow Following breakfast, any free time can be spent exploring this rapidly evolving city. It is possible that we visit The Kremlin this morning. At the conclusion of your time here, you will be transferred to Moscow airport to begin your journey home.

The Naadam Festival (13 Days)

Day 1	Moscow Passengers arriving today will be transferred from Moscow airport to the five-star Marriott Aurora Hotel near Red Square.
Day 2	Moscow After a breakfast in the hotel, guests are taken on a city tour, which includes the Kremlin and Red Square. Lunch and dinner are at restaurants in the city.
Day 3	Kazan We arrive at the picturesque and historic city of Kazan by mid-morning. One of the highlights of this tour is our exploration of the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel we will explore its stunning mosque and onion-domed cathedral.
Day 4	Yekaterinburg We cross the Europe/Asia divide before arriving in the historic city of Yekaterinburg. Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, the third largest Russian city is also the capital of the Urals. The cultural and architectural influences of European and Asian civilisations come together in this cosmopolitan landscape. Our tour takes us to the poignant site where Tsar Nicholas II of Russia was executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site provides us with a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution.
Day 5	Novosibirsk A modern 'Soviet' city, we experience the life and character of Novosibirsk's rich culture where the arts, science and literature predominate. Our city tour takes us to the Opera House. An architectural marvel, it houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is the largest opera house in the world. In front of the Opera House, we visit an imposing statue of Lenin - a marvellous opportunity to have your photograph taken with this iconic political leader.
Day 6	On Board A day to unwind and enjoy the ever-changing landscape as we pass through the Abakan Mountains.
Day 7	Irkutsk We arrive in Irkutsk, the 'Paris of Siberia', and our visit takes in the most significant sites and museums in this fascinating city, including an exploration of the classic wooden architecture that has given many of this region's buildings such a distinctive and unique appearance. Next, we visit the Decembrist House museum which is dedicated to the memory of the exiled aristocrats who were forced to flee to this remote outpost after the failed revolution of 1825. Here we enjoy a private concert before returning to our train for dinner.
Day 8	Lake Baikal Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal. For five hours we wind our way through tunnels along cliff hugging tracks above the lake with a vista of snow capped peaks along the far shore forming a picture-perfect backdrop. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and holds 20% of the world's freshwater. Also known as the 'Pearl of Siberia' it is home to a unique breed of freshwater seal and over fifty species of fish including omul which we will be serving in the dining car for some of our meals. Weather permitting, we stop at one of Baikal's picturesque and secluded bays to enjoy a delicious BBQ including freshly smoked fish prepared by our own chefs. For the brave hearted, there is even time for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters. In the afternoon, we visit Listvyanka, a small Baikal settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding hills.
Day 9	Ulan Ude This morning we arrive in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic. The ethnic and cultural diversity of this area offers a unique insight into its heritage. During our exploration of the Old Believers Village we have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of these religious people as we are treated to a traditional meal and enjoy a concert featuring local dancers and musicians.
Day 10	Ulaan Baatar Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us to Ulaan Baatar, the capital of Mongolia and our final destination where we spend the next three nights. Passing the central monument to Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most feared and revered Mongol, we visit the National Museum where we explore the country's intriguing history. Lunch is taken Mongol style, in a traditional Ger (Yurt) restaurant where we experience an authentic meal, enjoying excellent local dishes and entertainment providing a unique opportunity to encounter this time-honoured nomadic way of life. You are free to spend your afternoon shopping for traditional Mongolian gifts.
Day 11	Ulaan Baatar Today we spend a full day at the Naadam Festival. We get to observe the elaborate opening ceremony which consists of local dancers, athletes, horse riders and musicians, before watching the national horse race.
Day 12	Ulaan Baatar This is the day for all main competitions. In the morning we'll attend archery, wrestling and ankle bone shooting. In the afternoon we'll visit Genghis Khan's '13th Century National Park' - a celebration of the great kings of Mongolia.
Day 13	Ulaan Baatar Breakfast in the hotel with transfers to Ulaan Baatar airport for flight departures.

Dates: May - September

Operated by Great Rail Journeys - Railplus

Please contact us for more information, dates, availability, current costs & to book on this amazing journey