15 days / 14 nights from £5,325 pp

The Journey:  Undisputedly the world’s greatest railway journey, the Trans-Siberian Railway runs from Moscow over the Urals, across the magnificent Russian steppes and alongside the shores of the world’s largest freshwater lake. By the time your train arrives in Vladivostok you will have passed through eight time zones, and travelled nearly 10,000 kilometers.

This two week journey gives you plenty of time to take in and enjoy this Voyage of a Lifetime.

As well as Moscow, Russia’s vibrant capital, you will also stop at Yekaterinburg – where the Romanovs were executed – Kazan, with its beautiful Kremlin, Irkutsk and Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic. You will also stop at Lake Baikal, to visit a traditional fishing village – and enjoy a barbeque at the water’s edge. The train will branch off the Trans-Siberian main line to take a trip into Mongolia for a visit to the capital, Ulaan Baatar, before we return to Russia for the remainder of the trip to Vladivostok.

The Train:  The Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express is a brand new train that will serve as your luxurious home over the 10,000 kilometre journey. The 12 new fully en-suite sleeping cars feature state of the art amenities. Gold Class cabins have everything from power showers and under floor heating to a DVD/CD player, LCD screen and individual air conditioning – and at 77sq ft (7 sq m) they are among the largest rail cabins anywhere in the world. Fully en-suite, the bathrooms contain a separate shower cubicle. Silver Class cabins are more compact at 60sq ft (5.5 sq m) and have similar facilities with a fully en-suite wet room.  The Heritage Class cabins are 39sq ft (3.6 sq m) and have comfortable surrounding, but are not en suite.

The Golden Eagle features two beautifully appointed restaurant cars, where the chefs serve carefully-prepared meals using only the finest local ingredients. Whether it be the world-renowned ‘Borsch’, caviar or Omul – a fish unique to Lake Baikal – they offer a culinary experience representing the very best of Russia. Meals are complimented 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… the bar stays open until the last person leaves.

2010 Departure Dates:

* West bound journey

** June 5th departure features John Seargent, BBC Reporter and Former ITN Politcial Editor, as guest speaker.

Package price is:

• Heritage Class - £5,325 pp, single supplement of £2,000
• Silver Class - £8,325pp, single supplement of £3,600
• Gold Class - £10,325pp, single supplement of £3,900

The tour price includes:

• Flights London - Moscow – London and Vladivostok - Moscow on British Airways / Aeroflot
• Airport transfers in Moscow and Vladivostok
• 1 night accommodation at Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel, Moscow
• 12 nights accommodation aboard the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express
• 1 night accommodation at Hotel Hyundai, Vladivostok
• Route guide, itinerary and information pack
• Full board daily
• Laundry facility
• Guided tours as per itinerary
• Tour Managers & Local Guides
• On board doctor
• Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water
• Games, Books, Entertainment
• 24 hour Service Attendant
• All gratuities

Package price is based on availability and accommodation in two berth train compartments (two people sharing), and hotel accommodation in twin / double rooms:

Not included in price are Visas for Russia and Mongolia. 

VISAS FOR RUSSIA AND MONGOLIA We can assist you to arrange all visas for your tour. Please send us your passports and we will forward them to our specialised visa partner for processing. Please notice that the visa processing may take up to two months and therefore all applications should be admitted at least two months before your departure. There is a possibility of a 28 days express service, however any visas applied within 28 days cannot be guaranteed. The prices for the visa processing are:

• Standard service (2 months processing time) £185 per person
• Express Service (28 days processing time) £275 per person

Itinierary

DAY 1 MOSCOW Flights are met at Moscow airport and guests are transferred to the centrally located five star Marriott Roayal Aurora Hotel within walking distance of Red Square, the Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre. You will enjoy a welcome reception and dinner in the hotel and start to get to know fellow travellers with whom you will be sharing this 14 night epic journey.

DAY 2 MOSCOW Today you have a city tour of Moscow, which includes a visit to Red Square and the Kremlin. In the late afternoon we board our Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express private train and have time to settle in to our modern, stylish cabins. You will enjoy dinner on board the train in one of the beautifully designed restaurant cars.

DAY 3 KAZAN After a morning arrival you have a half day to discover Kazan, the picturesque capital of Tatarstan on the Volga river. One of the highlights of today is the visit to the Kremlin fortress, a UNESCO world heritage site, containing a stunning mosque and Russian Orthodox cathedral. After dinner back on board you can listen to the resident pianist in the comfortable bar car whilst enjoying a drink with new friends.

DAY 4 YEKATERINBURG We cross the Europe/Asia divide before arriving into Yekaterinburg, capital of Urals. The city tour includes the Romanov execution site, now a Church dedicated to the memory of the Russian Royal family and a trip to the monument to the Europe/Asia divide where you have the chance to stand with one foot in each continent.

DAY 5 NOVOSIBIRSK Today you visit this modern “Soviet” city where we see the world’s largest Opera House, Lenin Square and visit the Academgorodok minerals museum at this “Academy Town”, the heart of Education and science within Siberia.

DAY 6 ON BOARD Spending the day on board the Golden Eagle as you head east, there is the chance to relax in the bar car, chat to fellow passengers and maybe have your first Russian language lesson.
DAY 7 IRKUTSK You have a morning arrival into the “Paris of Siberia”, Irkutsk. The tour includes a cultural immersion into the major sights and museums of this fascinating city, which include the classic wooden architecture for which this area is renowned. You are also treated to a private concert at the Decembrist House museum, which is dedicated to the memory of the exiled aristocrats, who were forced to make this remote outpost their home after a failed revolution in 1825. These intellectuals are credited with helping to bring culture to Siberia.

DAY 8 LAKE BAIKAL Just one of the many highlights of the journey. You wind your way through tunnels and round cliffs along the shoreline of the world’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal. The scenery you pass is stunning and the snow-covered mountains on the distant shore form a beautiful backdrop to this awe-inspiring lake. Stopping at one of the bays you have a barbeque on the beach (weather permitting). The brave can even go for a swim! In the afternoon you will visit Listvyanka, a small Baikal village nestled at the base of the surrounding hills.

DAY 9 ULAN UDE Morning arrival in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic. A fascinating change of people and faces greet you as you tour the area and travel by coach to the Village of Old Believers. You have time to learn about the local culture and history of these unique people as you are treated to a traditional meal and enjoy a concert featuring local dancers and musicians.

DAY 10 ULAAN BAATAR Today the journey takes you into Mongolia, and you visit the capital, Ulaan Baatar. Passing the central monument to the legendary ruler, Gengis Khan, you will visit the National Museum. Lunch allows you to experience local hospitality and entertainment at its best as you eat in a Ger (Yurt) restaurant. A Ger is a traditional tent dwelling for approximately a third of this nomadic nation. This afternoon there is free time for shopping or an optional visit to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Board the train in time for dinner as you head back into Russia.

DAY 11 – 13 ON BOARD Enjoying the peaceful pace on board the train you have the choice of attending one of the lectures and lessons on offer, relaxing with a DVD, practicing our newly learnt Russian or viewing the beautiful scenery as you travel through this vast country. The final dinner is served on board the Golden Eagle, your home for the last 12 days.

DAY 14 VLADIVOSTOK Today you will arrive into Vladivostok after having travelled over a mammoth 6000 miles (10,600km) along this epic route to the end of the Trans-Siberian line. The city tour includes the principal military attractions of this once “closed” Russian town, including a tour of a restored submarine. Transfer to the four star Hotel Hyundai for a one night stay and say goodbye at the farewell dinner.

DAY 15 VLADIVOSTOK Breakfast is served in the hotel and transfers are provided to the airport for departing flights.