We are delighted to have joined forces with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains to offer a selection of cabins for one of the most romantic journeys of all – Russia by private train, a remarkable 6500-mile journey from Moscow to Vladivostok. The world’s longest railway line, the Trans-Siberian Express was completed in 1916 and runs like a steel ribbon connecting east and west from Moscow to the Urals, across the magnificent Russian steppes and alongside the shore of the world’s largest freshwater lake.
Covering eleven time zones, Russia, the largest country in the world, stretches from the Baltic to the Pacific and from the Arctic to the deserts bordering the Caspian Sea. To put its vastness into perspective, as the sun rises in Moscow it has already set on the lands bordering the Bering Sea. The country is steeped in cultural heritage, wonderful architecture and dramatic history with prominent figures including Peter the Great, Catherine the Great and the stringent communist regime leaders, Lenin and Stalin to name just a few. During our journey east across this vast country, we will enjoy ever changing landscapes of countryside and city, of towns and villages, passing small hamlets of wooden houses, fabulous kremlins and glorious cathedrals.
With Russia changing so rapidly, it is an immensely exciting and rewarding time to visit and draw back the veil on a part of the world surrounded by myth and legend and what better way to do so than whilst experiencing this remarkable journey aboard the luxurious Golden Eagle.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Golden Eagle
In 2007 HRH Prince Michael of Kent unveiled the Golden Eagle, a private train that brings unprecedented luxury to the world’s greatest railway journey. The Golden Eagle has been carefully designed with comfort and enjoyment in mind and provides the ideal base from which explore this fascinating region.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Moscow, Russia.
Fly by scheduled flight. Upon arrival transfer to the five-star Four Seasons Hotel, located in the historic building of Moskva Hotel in the heart of Moscow. This evening enjoy a champagne drinks reception followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 2 Moscow.
Today’s tour of Russia’s capital takes us to the Kremlin – the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow – and to see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber where we will enjoy an exclusive private viewing. Our exploration of the city continues with a visit to Red Square, the iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and political might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture. Here we visit the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral’s magnificent onion-domed spires and marvel at the beautiful façade of the world-famous GUM department store which was constructed in Tsarist times. Lunch is served in Café Pushkin, a legendary Moscow restaurant with a décor that revives the atmosphere of an early 19th century mansion and serves traditional Russian cuisine. We will also take a tour of the opulent and unique stations of the Moscow metro - showpieces of Socialist art furnished with statues, frescoes and mosaics. If you have been to Moscow before, the Freedom of Choice programme allows for you to visit other sites such as the famous State Tretyakov Gallery (National Museum of Fine Art) or the Space Museum. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Moscow Kazansky Station where we board our private train, the Golden Eagle.
Day 3 Kazan.
Situated on the River Volga, the picturesque and historic city of Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan. Here we 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 the stunning mosque and picture-perfect onion-domed cathedral. As Kazan is the birthplace of one of Russia’s most famous opera singers, Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938), we honour his memory with a private concert of his music. You will also have time to wander through the main pedestrian area of Kazan and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city.
Day 4 Yekaterinburg.
Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg is the capital of the Urals. Known as the Great Divide, the Ural Mountains create the natural border between Europe and Asia so that 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, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918 following 78 days of imprisonment. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site provides us with a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. We will also drive to the obelisk marking the geographical border where we can drink a glass of champagne with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Time permitting, the Freedom of Choice programme will feature a visit to the recently opened Museum of Military Machinery. The museum houses an amazing collection of different types of military hardware including tanks, aircraft, boats and even armoured trains. Alternatively, we will make a short stop at the Boris Yeltsin Presidential Centre, recently opened in Yekaterinburg, which is dedicated to the contemporary political history of Russia and its first president.
Day 5 Novosibirsk.
A modern ‘Soviet’ city, we experience the life and character of Novosibirsk’s rich culture where the arts and science predominate. The city is located in the heart of Russia and is situated on both banks of the River Ob. 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. Time permitting, south of the city we will visit Novosibirsk’s excellent Railway Museum. The museum displays locomotives and rolling stock from the late 1800s, including carriages of the Tsars, through to the Soviet era. Alternatively, as part of the Freedom of Choice programme, you may choose to visit the Mineralogical Centre with its fine display of Siberian minerals.
Day 6 On Board.
Relax on board and 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 that has given many of this region’s buildings such a distinctive and unique appearance. 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 recreate the atmosphere of that time with a champagne reception and private concert. With the Freedom of Choice programme, you could learn to cook some traditional Russian dishes with a local chef and prepare your own lunch or you may wish to visit a traditional Russian Dacha (summer house) to get an insight into the everyday life of an average Russian family.
Day 8 Lake Baikal.
Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal, 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. Also known as the ‘Pearl of Siberia’, it is home to a unique breed of freshwater seal and over 50 species of fish including omul. 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, we gain a full appreciation of the engineering achievement which produced this part of the railway in the early twentieth century. To add to the grandeur of the day, the Golden Eagle train will be hauled by a Soviet Era steam locomotive on this beautiful section of the line. Weather permitting, we will 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. Here we 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 prepared by the onboard chefs, including freshly smoked omul fish, in the delightful covered dining area on the shore of Lake Baikal. As part of the Freedom of Choice programme, you can choose to hike up Chersky Mount or to take the chairlift, which offers some spectacular and panoramic hillside views of the lake below.
Day 9 Ulan Ude.
The ethnic and cultural diversity of Ulan Ude, 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 the 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 Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia.
Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us into Mongolia and a visit to its capital, Ulaan Baatar. Mongolia, once the very centre of an enormous empire led by Genghis Khan, is a country of beautiful landscapes and nomadic people, rich in culture and history. Mongolia is famous for its endless green Steppes, grazing livestock and white, nomadic Gers (Yurts) dotted across the countryside. We start our tour at Gandan Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most important Buddhist Monasteries housing a community of over 500 monks. At Chinggis Square (formerly 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. Alternatively, there is an option to stay in the city as part of the Freedom of Choice touring. After Gandan Monastery and Chinggis Square, we visit the National Museum where we learn about the country’s intriguing history. We will 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 shopping for Mongolian souvenirs and their speciality cashmere. We will also enjoy a performance of traditional Mongolian throat singing and contortionists. Please note that, depending on final timings provided by the railway authorities, we may substitute the railway journey from Russia into Ulaan Baatar with a private jet charter from Irkutsk or Ulan Ude. This information will be advised to you in your final documentation.
Day 11 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 12 On Board.
Today is the perfect opportunity to practice your Russian or simply relax as our journey today follows the Shilka and Amur rivers, close to the Chinese border. Enjoy Russia at its most dramatic and remote, as the Golden Eagle journeys towards Vladivostok.
Day 13 On Board.
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, Russia.
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 but now offers visitors the chance to explore its principal military attractions. Upon arrival into Vladivostok we will disembark and enjoy a city tour before transferring to the five-star Lotte Hotel Vladivostok for an overnight stay and farewell dinner this evening.
Day 15 Vladivostok to London.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to London via Moscow.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE TOURING
In select locations, in addition to the main excursions, it is possible to choose from a range of activities or tours at no extra cost. Please note that these options are subject to availability, minimum numbers, local conditions and timings.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 30 April to 14 May 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Silver Class | £14295 | |
| Gold Class | £17795 | |
| Imperial Suite | On Request | |
| Silver Class Sole Occupancy | £20995 | |
Tour Reference Code: LATRANSIBERIAN
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation in Moscow • 12 nights aboard the Golden Eagle • Overnight hotel accommodation in Vladivostok • Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily • Wine with lunch and dinner • Excursions • Train Tour Manager • Onboard Doctor • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Porterage.
Not Included: Travel insurance, visas.
Please note: A 20% deposit is required when booking this tour. Please also note that a visa is required for Russia and Mongolia. Golden Eagle Luxury Trains will provide all supporting documentation needed although the process to apply for the Russian visa cannot be started until three months before departure and in some instances can take up to six weeks. To obtain a Russian visa it will be necessary for passengers to attend application centres in London, Manchester or Edinburgh. The Mongolian visa can be obtained through a visa agency or applied for directly with the consulate. This information is correct at the time of printing and should the information change, we will be in touch with booked passengers with updated guidelines.
Flights: Please note that upon the release of the flight schedules it may be necessary to amend the itinerary based on flight timings.
Golden Eagle
In 2007 HRH Prince Michael of Kent unveiled the Golden Eagle, a private train that brings unprecedented luxury to the world’s greatest railway journey. The Golden Eagle has been carefully designed with comfort and enjoyment in mind and provides the ideal base from which explore this fascinating region.
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Train Directory
Train Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the train or click on the booklet to download.
Golden Eagle Luxury Trains are a leader in exclusive private train tours and we are delighted to offer a selection of cabins aboard their private train, the Golden Eagle, that brings unprecedented luxury to the world’s greatest railway journeys.
The Golden Eagle has been carefully designed with an emphasis on comfort, relaxation and enjoyment and all of the beautifully appointed cabins and communal carriages underwent a soft refurbishment in 2018. There are three accommodation categories consisting of Silver Cabins, Gold Cabins and Imperial Suites, all featuring private en-suite bathrooms, state-of-the-art amenities, and the services of a cabin attendant who is on call 24 hours a day.
The public areas include the Restaurant Car where you can enjoy a meal of local specialities and international cuisine, accompanied by a selection of fine wines, and the wonderful Bar Lounge Car which is the ideal place for a pre-dinner drink, to relax after the day’s excursion or simply to soak up the atmosphere and watch the landscape unfold through the large picture windows.
From the ease of this wonderful private train you will discover fascinating places that would otherwise not easily be reached and, after a day of exploration, you can relax amid the comfortable surroundings, enjoying fine cuisine and discreetly attentive service.
ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation has been cleverly designed to maximise the available space as cabins convert from a sitting area by day into a cosy sleeping area by night. The train offers three categories of sleeping compartment as follows:
IMPERIAL SUITES
The Imperial Suites are the most spacious cabins available, measuring 120 square feet and benefiting from a large and luxurious king size bed, lounge area with dressing table and two large picture windows. The facilities include private en-suite bathroom with power shower, underfloor heating, individual air-conditioning, wardrobe and a DVD/ CD player with LCD screen. Bathrobes, slippers and toiletries are also provided. Guests will also benefit from a complimentary fully stocked minibar, including drinks from the standard and premium bar list from the Bar Car (excluding premium wine list), a complimentary laundry service, the option of in-suite dining and hotel room upgrades.
GOLD CLASS
At 77 square feet, Gold Class cabins are well proportioned and have everything from a private bathroom with power shower and underfloor heating to a DVD/ CD player with LCD screen. The cabins also feature individual air-conditioning, wardrobe, large picture window and a double lower bed or the option to use the upper bunk bed. Bathrobes, slippers and toiletries are also provided. Guests in Gold Class enjoy included drinks from the standard bar list from the Bar Car.
SILVER CLASS
Silver Class cabins are more compact at 60 square feet but have similar facilities to those of Gold Class. The Silver Class cabins have their own en-suite wet room with washbasin, toilet and shower. The cabins feature a small double lower bed and single upper bed as well as DVD/CD player with LCD screen, individual air-conditioning, wardrobe and large picture window. Bathrobes, slippers and toiletries are also provided.
AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
All public cars are fitted with air-conditioning. Each cabin/suite features individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. BED LINEN Bed linen is changed every third day. Your car attendant will make up your bed each evening during dinner.
DAILY PROGRAMME
Passengers will receive printed daily itineraries throughout the tour detailing train arrival and departure times, the latest weather forecasts for the next destination and information on the following day’s excursions and activities.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department at Noble Caledonia. Once on board, please speak with the Chef on arrival to reconfirm and the onboard staff will endeavour to accommodate your needs. We regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed.
DINING & DRINKING
Meals are skilfully prepared by the Executive Chef and his onboard restaurant team using the very best ingredients, locally sourced wherever possible. Every morning the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread permeates the dining car and a wide selection of pastries, cereals, freshly squeezed orange juice and cold plates are available from the buffet. Alternatively, enjoy a cooked breakfast brought to your table by the waiting staff, all complemented with tea and coffee. For lunch and dinner, enjoy fine food, great wines and attentive service in the welcoming atmosphere of the dining car. The onboard cuisine reflects the very essence of Russia and highly accomplished international cuisine is also on offer. Two meal choices are offered at lunch and dinner and these meals are complemented by a generous drinks allowance with a choice of wines, mineral water, beer and soft drinks. Meals on board are a relaxed affair. The restaurant cars can accommodate all guests in a single sitting and, with the open seating policy, you can dine wherever, and with whomever, you please.
DISABLED FACILITIES
We regret that the train is not suitable for wheelchair dependent passengers as wheelchairs, even collapsible ones, cannot manoeuvre along the train or between some carriages where there are 90- degree turns. Noble Caledonia should be notified of any mobility impairments.
DRESS CODE
Throughout the journey there is an informal dress code. You may experience varying temperatures so please pack clothes for warm and cooler weather.
ELECTRICITY
The sockets on the train, and in your compartment, accept standard two-pin European plugs, with electricity operating on 220 volts. Hairdryers are provided in each compartment. We recommend that you bring a universal adaptor with you.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event that an emergency should occur during your journey, please remain calm and follow the instructions of the train staff. The train will be brought to a halt for any required action. Do not jump from a moving train.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
A laundry service is available at an additional charge. Most items (except heavy materials, such as jeans) are delivered to your cabin within 24 hours. For Imperial Class passengers, the laundry service is included at no extra charge. There are no dry-cleaning facilities en-route or on board the train.
LUGGAGE STORAGE
Luggage storage is available in your cabin/suite. However, since space on board is limited, we do recommend taking soft-sided luggage rather than hard-side cases.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you leave the train, please check your compartment carefully to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and any costs incurred will be at your own expense.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
A Doctor is available 24 hours a day.
ONBOARD ACCOUNT
Any extra expenses can be settled directly on the train. Please note that debit and credit cards are not accepted on board and that payment must be made in cash in US Dollars or Euros.
PASSPORTS
All passports are collected by the Train Manager upon embarkation. Passports are necessary to facilitate immigration formalities between borders. If required, your Train Manager will provide the necessary forms for you to fill out.
PUBLIC AREAS
Unwind in the comfortable surroundings of the Bar Lounge Car and watch the world go by. Perhaps read a novel from the library or partake in a game of bridge or backgammon. Morning and afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the Bar Lounge Car with delicious cookies freshly baked by the chefs. The occasional day will be spent entirely on board and the Bar Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars will host an entertaining and enlightening range of activities such as Russian language lessons, popular local folk songs and engaging talks by expert lecturers on local history and culture.
END OF STAY QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us, therefore, we ask that you fill in the questionnaire sent with your final documents. We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and in order to do this we request feedback from our guests.
SECURITY & SAFE
Each car has two car attendants, one of whom is always on duty. All cabins on the Golden Eagle have a safe which is located inside the wardrobe. The attendants remain with the train during the city tours.
SERVICE
You can expect service on board which is attentive, friendly and unintrusive. 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/suite. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled drinking water are available in your cabin/suite 24 hours a day.
SMOKING POLICY
On board the train, smoking is only allowed in the last sleeping car’s end vestibule. Smoking is allowed off the train during stops however please be mindful of other passengers.
TRAIN TOUR MANAGER
The Train Tour Manager is there to coordinate all elements of the tour and, if you encounter any problems, you should approach him/her directly and they will do their best to assist. Your Train Tour Manager will greet you when you arrive and travel with you throughout the tour.
TELEPHONE CALLS
There is no telephone system on board.
TELEVISION
A DVD/CD player with LCD screen is available in all cabins/suites.
TOILETRIES
All cabins and suites are supplied with the following complimentary amenities:
• Shower gel • Conditioning Shampoo • Body Lotion • Soap • Shower caps • Tissues/Cotton buds
WI-FI
There is a Wi-Fi box on board, powered by a 4G sim. Coverage may be limited when travelling through more remote locations. On touring days off the train, internet access will be provided at a local hotel or restaurant when possible. The Tour Manager will keep you informed of all opportunities to use Wi-Fi and provide password access when necessary.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000