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 our train arrives
in Vladivostok it will have passed through
eight time zones, and travelled over 6,000
miles – one third of the way around the world.
Day 1: Moscow
Flights are met
at Moscow airport and guests are transferred
to a five star hotel, centrally located in
the heart of this vibrant city for a
one-night stay. We enjoy a welcome reception
and dinner in the hotel and start to get to
know fellow travellers with whom we will be
sharing this 14 night epic journey.
Day 2: Moscow
Today we 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. We enjoy dinner on board the
train in one of our beautifully designed
restaurant cars.
Day 3: Kazan
After a
morning arrival we have a half day to
discover Kazan, the picturesque capital of
Tatarstan on the Volga river. One of the
highlights of today is our visit to the
Kremlin fortress, a UNESCO world heritage
site, containing a stunning mosque and
Russian Orthodox cathedral. After dinner
back on board we can listen to the resident
pianist in our 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. Our 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 we have the chance to stand
with one foot in each continent.
Day 5: Novosibirsk
Today we
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: Onboard
Spending the day
on board our Golden Eagle as we head east,
there is the chance to relax in the bar car,
chat to fellow passengers and maybe have our
first Russian language lesson.
Day 7: Irkutsk
We have a
morning arrival into the “Paris of Siberia”,
Irkutsk. Our 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. We 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 our journey. We wind our
way through tunnels and round cliffs along
the shoreline of the world’s largest
freshwater lake, Lake Baikal. The scenery we
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 we have a
barbeque on the beach (weather permitting).
The brave can even go for a swim! In the
afternoon we 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 us as we tour the area and travel by
coach to the Village of Old Believers. We
have time to learn about the local culture
and history of these unique people as we are
treated to a traditional meal and enjoy a
concert featuring local dancers and
musicians.
Day 10: Ulaan Baatar
Today our
journey takes us into Mongolia, and we visit
the capital, Ulaan Baatar. Passing the
central monument to the legendary ruler,
Gengis Khan, we visit the National Museum.
Lunch allows us to experience local
hospitality and entertainment at its best as
we 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. We board the
train in time for dinner as we head back
into Russia.
Days 11-13: Onboard
Enjoying the
peaceful pace on board our train we 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 we travel
through this vast country. Our final dinner
is served on board the Golden Eagle, our
home for the last 12 days.
Day 14: Vladivostok
Today
we 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. Our city tour
includes the principal military attractions
of this once “closed” Russian town,
including a tour of a restored submarine. We
transfer to the four star Hotel Hyundai for
a onenight stay and say our goodbyes at the
farewell dinner.
Day 15: Vladivostok
Breakfast
is served in the hotel and transfers are
provided to the airport for departing
flights.
*Itinerary also operates in reverse on selected dates.
