The Trans-Siberian Express -
Winter Wonderland

Itinerary - 14 Days
Eastbound - Moscow - Vladivostok

Marriott Royal Aurora hotel (or similar) located in the heart of this vibrant city for a one-night stay. We enjoy a welcome reception dinner at our hotel, whilst you meet your fellow travellers and anticipate the epic 14 day voyage that lies ahead.

Our morning city tour of Moscow principally takes us to Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia's former military and political might. Here we see an eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate St Basil's Cathedral with its magnificent onion-domed spires, the grandeur of The Kremlin and the sombre and evocative site of Lenin's tomb. As night falls, we enjoy the sophistication of a Moscow evening as we take dinner in one of the city's many restaurants. You may wish to take advantage of our optional excursion to the Bolshoi Theatre - a classical architectural masterpiece completed in 1825. Late evening sees us board the luxurious Golden Eagle Trans- Siberian Express and settle into our modern, stylish cabins.

Today we visit the historic city of Vladimir. Founded in 990, it is one of the Russia's oldest communities with an architectural wealth and a World Heritage Site it attracts tourists from across the globe. Our tour takes in Uspensky Cathedral, built between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries. It is considered one of the most important and beautiful of Russian cathedrals, where many of the prominent Russian Tsars were crowned. Our excursion moves on to the pastoral town of Suzdal, one of Russia's most perfectly preserved walled cities dating back to 1024. Here we visit the atmospheric St Euthymius Monastery to witness an enchanting choral performance by the resident monks. No Russian winter experience would be complete without a romantic Troika Sledge Ride. There really is no more exhilarating way to travel across Russia's snowbound landscapes. Enjoy the stunning scenery as your open horse drawn sleigh takes you on a captivating journey around Suzdal.

We cross the Europe/Asia divide before arriving in the historic city of Yekaterinburg. Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, the third largest Russian city is also the capital of the Urals.  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, 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.

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

Today we relax onboard as our train travels through the Sayan Mountains. In comfort enjoy the ever changing views as sweeping panoramas of natural beauty unfold before us. If time and weather conditions permit, we may stop at Abakan located at the confluence of the Yenisei and Abakan rivers.

We arrive in Irkutsk, the ‘Paris of Siberia’, and our visit today takes in the most significant sites and museums in this fascinating city, including an exploration of the classic wooden architecture that has given many of this region’s buildings such a distinctive and unique appearance. Next, we visit the Decembrist House museum which is dedicated to the memory of the exiled aristocrats who were forced to flee to this remote outpost after the failed revolution of 1825.  Here we enjoy a private concert before returning to our waiting train for dinner.

Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal. For five hours we wind our way through tunnels along cliff hugging tracks above the frozen lake with a vista of snow capped peaks along the far shore forming a picture-perfect backdrop. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and holds 20% of the world's freshwater. Also known as the 'Pearl of Siberia' it is home to a unique breed of freshwater seal and over fifty species of fish including omul which we will be serving in the dining car for some of our meals. Frozen in winter, Lake Baikal is the perfect location to experience the thrill of an ice ride. You will have the choice of taking an exciting snowmobile ride or experience a Dog Troika Ride taken at a slightly more sedate pace. Either way you will enjoy the perfect vantage point to appreciate the magnificence of this unspoilt location. Also there is the opportunity to try under-ice fishing and the freshly caught fish are then smoked in a mobile smokehouse and served warm with ice-cold vodka. Delicious!

Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us onto Ulaan Baatar, the capital of Mongolia.  Passing the central monument to Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most feared and infamous Mongol, we visit the National Museum where we explore the country’s intriguing history.  Lunch is taken Mongol style, in a traditional Ger (Yurt) restaurant where we experience an authentic meal, enjoying excellent local dishes and entertainment providing a unique opportunity to encounter this time-honoured nomadic way of life. You are free to spend your afternoon shopping for traditional Mongolian gifts or there is the option to drive through Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. We board the train in time for dinner as we head back into Russia.

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

It 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 eats up the miles on our way to Vladivostok.  

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 our mammoth journey is reached passing through Khabarovsk, where we cross the River Amur.  Tonight, we enjoy our final dinner onboard our private train that has been our home for the last twelve days as we approach our final destination on this unforgettable journey.

After travelling through 8 time zones and covering an amazing 6,600 miles (10,600km) along this epic route to the end of the Trans-Siberian line, the Golden Eagle pulls into Vladivostok, a military port located on the western shores of the Sea of Japan. Vladivostok (literally translated as ‘Ruler of the East’) offers visitors an exciting opportunity to explore its principal military attractions including a tour of a restored submarine before we transfer to the centrally located four-star Hotel Hyundai.  The final evening is spent saying our goodbyes to our fellow travelling companions and friends at the Farewell Dinner.