Naadam Festival with Exeter International

The Golden Eagle is the finest train travelling through Russia, Crimea, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Mongolia. The train provides an oasis at the end of a day’s sightseeing.

Naadam means ‘three manly games’. Known as the world’s second oldest Olympics, it celebrates what defined civilisation in the Steppes eight centuries ago; archery, wrestling and horse riding. It is held in the Mongolian capital, Ulaan Baatar, during the National Holiday from July 11 – 13 in the National Sports Stadium. The festival now commemorates the 1921 revolution when Mongolia declared itself a free country.

Other cities and towns across Mongolia and those with significant Mongolian populations in China have their own smaller, scale Naadam celebrations. The festival begins with an elaborate introduction ceremony featuring dancers, athletes, horse riders and musicians which we attend. After the ceremony, the competitions begin of archery, wrestling and horse riding begin. Another popular Naadam activity is the playing of games using ‘shagai’ - sheep knuckles - that serve as game pieces and tokens of both divination and friendship.

This is a unique opportunity to be among the few non-Mongolians to experience this spectacular but little known festival and soak up the exciting atmosphere of this national holiday.

Trans Siberian Express - The Itinerary

Days 1-2, MOSCOW

Arrive at Moscow airport, where you are met and transferred to the five-star Marriott Royal Aurora hotel (or similar). We enjoy a welcome reception dinner at our hotel. The following morning our tour of Moscow takes us to Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia’s military and political might. Here we see a mix of fascinating architecture, such as 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. Early afternoon sees us boarding the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express. After settling into our cabins, we enjoy dinner as our rail adventure begins.

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, ONBOARD

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, MONGOLIA

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 is served in the hotel and transfers are provided to the airport for departing flights.

Your Itinerary Includes

Accommodation

Moscow

Standard room for one (1) night at the Marriott Royal Aurora, Moscow; Tax (18%) and buffet breakfast included.

On Board

Eight (8) nights on board the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, soft drinks, tea and coffee included daily. House wine or beer is included with lunch and dinner. For passengers travelling in Gold Class onboard the Golden Eagle, drinks from the Standard Drinks List in the Bar Car are also included

Ulaan Bataar

Standard room for three (3) nights at the Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace; Tax (18%) and buffet breakfast included daily.

Tickets

All museum tickets as described in the programme. 2 days entrance tickets to the Naadam Festival

Transfers

All transfers to and from airports are included in the programme.

Experienced Tour Managers

Experienced tour managers and their assistants are selected for their travel knowledge and organisational abilities allowing you to relax and enjoy your voyage of a lifetime.

Welcome and Farewell Dinners

On Board Service

Throughout your tour you can expect service which is attentive, friendly and unobtrusive. The high ratio of staff to passengers means there is always someone available should you need assistance.

Guided Off-Train Excursions

All touring services are operated by and arranged by GW Travel and touring is with other train guests. All tours include a wide-ranging sightseeing schedule to make the most of the time you have off the train and bring you closer to the culture, people and history of your destinations.

Personal Headsets

On all the off–train excursions, to enhance your enjoyment and comprehension of the places you visit, you will be provided with a lightweight personal headset on which to listen to your tour guide as you take in the sights. So you do not need to worry about missing any of the interesting details on your excursions.

On Board Doctor and Medical Facilities

To give you peace of mind the tours are accompanied by a doctor who travels with us for the entire journey; so you can rest assured that medical assistance is always available. On call 24 hours a day, the doctor is on hand to give primary care as required. Normally, the doctor will be English speaking and be registered with the General Medical Council in the UK.

24 Hour Service Attendant

Your car attendants provide 24-hour housekeeping and bedding turndown services, with one attendant always on duty to assist you and to ensure you are comfortable in your cabin. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled drinking water are available in your cabin 24 hours a day.

Porterage

Porterage is included between the hotels and stations.

All gratuities

All gratuities are included in the tour price.

Not Included

Flights

Own flight arrangements

Visas

A visa is required for entry into Russia & Mongolia. Please note that your passport will have to be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of travel and you will need to have three blank pages available.

Optional Expenses

Charges for extra meals, transport, sightseeing services or other optional additions to your established itinerary are your responsibility and must be paid locally in the local currency.

Insurance

It is a booking condition that every passenger holds a valid travel insurance for the entire duration of the trip.

The Cabins

All cabin types include complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water.

GOLD CLASS

With five cabins per carriage, Gold Class is the Premier Class on board, with drinks from the bar included as part of your amenities, (standard brands) plus a full bathroom en suite.

77 sq ft (7 sq metres)

Sleeps 2 in either lower standard (4ft 6) double bed or bunk style

Remote controlled air-conditioning and heating

Recessed lighting and wardrobe

Personal safe

Private en-suite bathroom with full power shower and underfloor heating

DVD/CD player with LCD screens

SILVER CLASS

With 6 cabins per carriage Silver Class have a slightly smaller cabin, bar drinks are not included and bathrooms have combined facilities.

60 sq ft (5.5 sq metres)

Sleeps 2 in lower small double bed (4ft) or bunk style

Remote controlled air-conditioning and heating

Recessed lighting and wardrobe

Personal safe

Private en-suite bathroom with ‘wet-room’ style shower and toilet

DVD/CD player with LCD screens

HERITAGE CLASS

With eight cabins to a carriage and shower and toilet facilities shared at the end of the carriage.

39 sq ft (3.6 sq metres)

Sleeps 2 in bunk style

Remote controlled air-conditioning and heating

Recessed lighting and wardrobe

Washbasin

Reverse Itinerary Available on:

10 July - 22 July 2012

For more information on the Golden Eagle or holidays to Russia please call us on 020 8956 2756 or email us at enquiries@exeterinternational.co.uk