We’ll meet you at the airport and drive you to the Four Seasons Moscow. It’s one of Moscow’s most comfortable hotels and ideally located a few steps from Red Square. Meet your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner this evening.
Today starts with a visit to the Kremlin and its State Armoury. The oldest museum in Russia, it’s home to a vast collection of priceless artefacts. You’ll then visit Red Square, Lenin's Tomb and the colourful St Basil's Cathedral, before heading to Moscow Kazansky Station for a glass of Russian champagne and canapes before boarding the Golden Eagle.
Situated on the River Volga, the picturesque city of Kazan has a rich tapestry of history and culture. It’s also the capital of Tatarstan. A highlight of your tour today is the Kremlin Fortress. Within the walls of this ancient citadel, you'll explore its ornate mosque and picture-perfect cathedral. Later, there’s a private concert of Feodor Chaliapin's music. One of Russia's most famous opera singers, he was born in Kazan.
Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg is the capital of the Urals. Today's city tour will take you to the poignant site where Tsar Nicholas II and his entire family were murdered by the Bolsheviks in 1918. The site is now a church dedicated to their memory. Choose between a walk through the city or a visit to Yekaterinburg Military Museum to explore the intriguing Soviet military past.
A modern ‘Soviet' city, you'll experience Novosibirsk's rich culture today, where the arts and science predominate. You can visit Lenin Square where the imposing Opera House is home to two permanent ballet and opera companies. Or, south of the city, visit the Railway Museum showcasing carriages of the Tsars. If you have an interest in art, opt for the State Art Museum with its collections of icons and Siberian art.
Enjoy the peaceful pace on board, as the Golden Eagle climbs through the Sayan Mountains. These dramatic peaks stretch across the landscape for more than 1,000 kilometres. Watch the scenery pass by from the comfort of the train.
Many Russian nobles and artists were sent in exile to Irkutsk in the 19th century, so there’s an intriguing artistic legacy here. Learn to cook traditional Russian dishes and prepare your own lunch, or take a trip a Russian Dacha. You'll also visit the Volkonsky House Museum for a champagne reception and private concert dedicated to the aristocrats who were exiled here after the 1825 uprising.
Few natural sights can surpass the grandeur of Lake Baikal. For five blissful hours, the train winds its way along cliff-hugging tracks, with snow-capped peaks along the far shore. You’ll stop for an invigorating dip in the clear waters. Then, board a boat to Listvyanka and visit the Lake Baikal Museum and Aquarium. Before you rejoin the train, there’s a tasty barbecue of local smoked omul fish.
The ethnic and cultural diversity of Ulan Ude, the capital of the Buryat Republic, offers a unique insight into its heritage. Discover its Mongol-Buddhist culture that lends an exoticism to this Asian region. Today you'll explore the Old Believers' Village to learn about the culture and history of these Buryat people as you enjoy a concert featuring local traditions and folk singing.
Once the centre of an enormous empire led by Genghis Khan, Mongolia is famous for its endless steppes and white, nomadic yurts dotted across the countryside. You'll visit Gandan Monastery before driving to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park to meet a nomadic family or try your hand at horse riding. Later on there will be an enthralling performance of traditional Mongolian throat singing and contortionists.
Unwind on board and enjoy the passing sights as the Golden Eagle continues its journey eastwards. You may wish to join one of the interesting lectures or Russian language lessons on board. The Golden Eagle runs alongside the Shilka and Amur rivers, close to the Chinese border onwards towards remote Vladivostok. Passing directly north of Seoul, Darwin and Osaka, the train reaches the most easterly point of this mammoth journey.
Having passed through eight time zones and covered a staggering 10,000 kilometres, the Golden Eagle draws into Vladivostok. A military port located on the western shores of the Sea of Japan, Vladivostok is home to the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet. You’ll have the opportunity to explore its many military attractions that have been closed to tourists for years, including a visit to a preserved World War II submarine.
At the and of your great Trans-Siberian journey, we’ll drive you to the airport for your homeward flight.
Call us
