Trans Siberian Express - Golden Eagle

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

On board are two beautifully appointed restaurant cars serving meals using local ingredients. Meals are complemented by wines from around the world, as well as – naturally – vodka. The social heart of the train is the bar car, a great place to relax and settle into the unhurried pace of life on board. Unwind in comfortable surroundings and watch the world go by as you get to know your fellow passengers which are usually a very international mix.

The Itinerary

Days 1-2, VLADIVOSTOK

Arrive at Vladivostok Airport where you are met and transferred to the four-star Hotel Hyundai located for a one-night stay. We spend the following morning in Vladivostok. This once ‘closed’ Russian port offers visitors an 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. Tonight we enjoy dinner as our rail adventure to Moscow begins.

Day 3, ONBOARD

Passing directly north of Seoul, Darwin and Osaka, we spend our first full day on board the Golden Eagle as the most easterly point of our journey is reached passing through Khabarovsk, where we cross the River Amur.

Days 4-5, ONBOARD

Enjoy a leisurely pace today as we travel through the beautiful Russian landscape of this vast and varied country.

Day 6, ULAAN BAATAR, MONGOLIA

Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us to Ulaan Baatar, the capital of Mongolia. Passing the central monument to Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most feared and infamous Mongol, we also visit the National Museum where we explore the country’s intriguing history. Lunch is taken Mongol style in a traditional Ger (Yurt) where we experience an authentic local meal and entertainment providing a unique opportunity to encounter this time-honoured nomadic way of life.

Day 7, ULAN UDE

Today 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 the exploration of the Old Believer’s 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

Today offers a real highlight of travelling through Siberia in winter. 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 frozen lake with snow-capped peaks along the far shore forming a picture-perfect backdrop. Completely frozen in winter Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and at this time of year we will visit the shoreside Ice Festival to look at the many intricate works of ice art. We are taken in a hovercraft across the lake for 30 minutes to the place where the ice fishing, dog sledges and snowmobiles are situated and you will enjoy the perfect vantage point to appreciate the magnificence of this unspoilt location. There is also the opportunity to watch the under-ice fishing and try the freshly caught fish which have been smoked in a mobile smokehouse and served warm with ice-cold vodka. Delicious! This is truly a unique day of activities and adventure to experience!

Day 9, IRKUTSK

We arrive in Irkutsk, the ‘Paris of Siberia’, and take in the most significant sites and museums in this 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. We will enjoy a private concert before leaving for the enchanting wooded encampment of Zaimka (Hunters Lodge) where we will be met by local women dressed in traditional costume. We have the opportunity to explore a Banya (Russian Sauna) in one of the region’s authentic wooden houses. Drinks and traditional food can be enjoyed within a series of the cosy timber houses.

Day 10, ONBOARD

Today we relax onboard as our train travels through the Sayan Mountains. In comfort enjoy the ever changing views as sweeping panoramas of natural beauty unfold before us. Time and weather permitting, we may stop at Abakan located at the confluence of the Yenisei and Abakan rivers.

Day 11, NOVOSIBIRSK

A modern ‘Soviet’ city, we experience the life and character of Novosibirsk’s rich cultural city. Our tour takes us to the Novosibirsk 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, Yekaterinburg is Russia’s third largest city and is also the capital of the Urals. The cultural and architectural influences of European and Asian civilisations fuse in this cosmopolitan landscape, making it a unique experience. Our tour takes us to the execution site where Tsar Nicholas II was executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site offers a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution.

Day 13, VLADIMIR & SUZDAL

Today we visit the historic city of Vladimir. Founded in 990, it is one of the Russia’s oldest communities with an architectural wealth and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour takes in Uspensky Cathedral, built between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries. It is considered one of the most important and beautiful of Russian cathedrals, where many of the prominent Russian Tsars were crowned. Our excursion moves on to the pastoral town of Suzdal, one of Russia’s most perfectly preserved walled cities dating back to 1024. Here we visit the atmospheric St Euthymius Monastery to witness an enchanting choral performance by the resident monks. No Russian winter experience would be complete without a Troika Sledge Ride. Enjoy the stunning scenery as your open horse drawn sleigh takes you on a captivating journey around Suzdal.

Days 14-15, MOSCOW

After travelling along this epic route to the end of the Trans-Siberian line, we arrive in Moscow by mid-morning. Our city tour of Moscow principally takes us to Red Square. Here we see a mix of fascinating architecture, such as St Basil’s Cathedral with its magnificent onion-domed spires and the sombre and evocative site of Lenin’s tomb. At the conclusion of our city tour, we transfer to the five-star Marriott Royal Aurora hotel (or similar). Our final evening is spent saying our goodbyes to our travelling companions at the Farewell Dinner. The following morning you will be transferred to Moscow airport to begin your journey home.

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 ameneties, (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 facilites 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

For more information on the Trans Siberian Express & Golden Eagle, please call us on 020 8956 2756 or email us at enquiries@exeterinternational.co.uk