The Trans Siberian Express Rail Tour

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.