Our Trips

Golden Eagle

Moscow to Vladivostok

Undoubtedly the world’s greatest railway journey, the Trans-Siberian Railway runs like a steel ribbon across mysterious Russia connecting east and west from Moscow over the Urals, across the magnificent and endless steppe and alongside the shore of the world’s largest freshwater lake.

As part of our itinerary we will also travel along the branch line at Lake Baikal and away from the main Trans-Siberian line when we head into Mongolia and its capital Ulaanbaatar. Our Trans-Siberian Express tours onboard the Golden Eagle between Moscow and Vladivostok take a leisurely two weeks. By the time your journey ends we will have passed through eight time zones, a third of the world’s total, and travelled an incredible distance of 6,500 miles (11,000 kilometres) through Russia and Mongolia.

Map

The Journey

DAY - 1 Moscow

Arrival to Moscow, where you are met and transferred to the five-star Marriott Royal Aurora (or similar). Located in Moscow city centre, and within walking distance of Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre, this luxury hotel offers spacious accommodation with butler service for each guest room – the only hotel in Moscow to offer this fine service. We enjoy a welcome reception dinner in the hotel, whilst you meet our fellow travellers and anticipate the epic 15 day voyage that lies ahead.

DAY - 2 Moscow sightseeing

Our touring programme of Moscow principally takes us to the grandeur of the Kremlin – the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow – and to see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber. We also visit Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and political might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral’s magnificent onion-domed spires, the beautiful facade of the world famous GUM department store, constructed in Tsarist times, and the sombre and evocative site of Lenin’s tomb (freedom of choice touring options available) Upon arrival at Moscow Kazansky Station, you will be greeted in the magnificent Imperial Waiting Room with a cold glass of Russian Champagne and canapes as you mix with the other guests and are welcomed by the train staff. The excitement in the waiting room audibly mounts and, 30 minutes before departure, your car attendants will escort you to Platform 1 where a military brass band is playing and the Golden Eagle awaits.

DAY - 3 Kazan

Situated on the River Volga, the picturesque and historic city of Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan. One of the highlights of this city tour is our exploration of the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As Kazan is the birthplace of one of Russia’s most famous opera singers, Feodor Chaliapin we honour his memory with a private concert of his music.

DAY - 4 Ekaterinburg

Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Ekaterinburg, is the capital of the Urals. Our city tour takes us to the poignant site where the Romanov, Tsar 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. (freedom of choice touring options available)

DAY - 5 Novosibirsk

A modern ‘Soviet’ city, we experience the life and character of Novosibirsk’s rich culture where the arts and science predominate. Our city tour takes us to Lenin Square where the imposing Opera House is located. An architectural marvel, it houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is one of the largest opera houses in the world. In front of the Opera House, we visit an impressive statue of Lenin – a marvellous opportunity to have your photograph taken with this iconic political leader. (freedom of choice touring options available)

DAY - 6 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 words of Russian or simply enjoy the ever changing landscape outside your window as it unfolds.

DAY - 7 Irkutsk

Our visit to Irkutsk, the ‘Paris of Siberia’, takes in the most significant sites and museums in this fascinating city, including an exploration of the classic wooden architecture with its intricately carved lace- like decorations. We also visit the Volkonsky House Museum, which is dedicated to the memory of the aristocrats who were exiled to this remote outpost after the failed Decembrists uprising of 1825, and we recreate the atmosphere of that time with a champagne reception and private concert. (freedom of choice touring options available)

DAY - 8 Lake Baikal

Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal and is a major highlight on our Trans-Siberian journey. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and holds 20 per cent of the world’s freshwater.

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.

Weather permitting, we stop in an extremely picturesque location by the lake for photographic opportunities and for the brave hearted there is time for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear and ice-cold waters of Baikal. Travelling onwards to the end of the Baikal branch line, we leave the train and travel by boat on the lake to Listvyanka, a small Baikal settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding hills and visit the Lake Baikal Museum and Aquarium where you can learn about the flora and fauna of the lake. We will enjoy a delicious barbecue, including freshly smoked omul fish, prepared by our own chefs on the shore of Lake Baikal to complete a memorable day. (freedom of choice touring options available)

DAY - 9 Ulan-Uday

The ethnic and cultural diversity of Ulan-Uday, the capital of the Buryat Republic, offers a unique insight into its heritage. As we tour the area you will notice the different faces of these welcoming Buryat people. 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 concert featuring local traditions and folk singing.

DAY - 10 Ulaanbaatar

Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us into Mongolia and a visit to its capital, Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia, once the very centre of an enormous empire led by Genghis Khan, is a country of beautiful landscapes, nomadic people and rich in culture and history. We start the tour at Gandan Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most important Buddhist Monasteries housing a community of over 500 monks. At Sukhbaatar Square we can see the central monument to Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most feared and revered Mongol. We then drive out of the city to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery of wild Mongolia, having the opportunity to visit a traditional Ger and meet a nomadic family or try our hand at horse-riding, an intrinsic part of Mongolian life. After Gandan Monastery and Sukhbaatar Square we visit the National Museum where we learn about the country’s intriguing history. We’ll also see Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum, the winter residences of Bogd Khan, the last Mongolian emperor, built between 1893 and 1903. We can also explore the city and have some free time for shopping for Mongolian souvenirs, and their speciality cashmere. We will also enjoy a performance of traditional Mongolian throat singing and contortionists. (freedom of choice touring options available)

DAY - 11–12 On board

Enjoy a more leisurely pace today as we travel through the beautiful landscape of the Russian Far East. You may wish to attend one of the interesting lectures or Russian language lessons.

DAY - 13 Khabarovsk

Passing directly north of Seoul, Darwin and Osaka, we spend our last full day on board the Golden Eagle today as the most easterly point of this mammoth journey is reached passing through Khabarovsk, where we cross the River Amur. Tonight we enjoy our final dinner on board our private train that has been our home for the last twelve days as we approach our final destination on this unforgettable journey.

DAY - 14 Vladivostok

After travelling through 8 time zones and covering a staggering 6,600 miles (10,600kms) along this iconic railway, the Golden Eagle pulls into its final destination, Vladivostok. Vladivostok is a military port, located on the western shores of the Sea of Japan and is home to the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet. Due to its military importance, the city was closed to foreigners between 1930 and 1992. Our city tour will also take us to the iconic suspension bridge over Golden Horn Bay, one of the largest of its kind worldwide, which opened in 2012. Our hotel in Vladivostok, where we stay for one night, is the four-star Hotel Hyundai.

DAY - 15 Voyage ends

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Vladivostok Airport to begin your journey home.

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Golden Eagle 15 days Moscow-Vladivostok	Single	Twin
*Low season May*
Imperial Suite Cabin	on request	£19.485 pp
Gold Class Cabin	£17,975	£12,350 pp
Silver Class Cabin	£14,745	£ 9,945 pp


Golden Eagle 15 days Moscow-Vladivostok	Single	Twin
*High season Jun-Sep*
Imperial Suite Cabin	on request	£22,285 pp
Gold Class Cabin	£19,485 pp	£12,955 pp
Silver Class Cabin	£15,665	£ 10,645 pp