golden eagle luxury trains VOYAGES OF A LIFETIME BY PRIVATE TRAIN TM
RAIL CRUISES 2016 - 2017 golden eagle trans-siberian express
moscow - kazan - yekaterinburg - novosibirsk - irkutsk - lake baikal ulan ude - ulaan baatar - khabarovsk (westbound only) - vladivostok
Undoubtedly the world’s greatest railway journey, the Trans-Siberian Railway runs like a steel ribbon across mysterious Russia connecting east and west from Moscow over the Urals, across the magnificent and endless steppe and alongside the shore of the world’s largest freshwater lake. Opened in stages between 1891 and 1916, this extraordinary engineering achievement is a vital link for all the communities that live in close proximity to the line – and to travel along this route is by far the best way to experience the vastness and grandeur of Russia’s rarely visited interior.
The official length of the Trans-Siberian line between Moscow and Vladivostok is 9,288 kilometres, making it the longest single-service railway in the world. As part of our itinerary we will also travel along the branch line at Lake Baikal and away from the main Trans-Siberian line when we head into Mongolia and its capital Ulaan Baatar.
Our classic Trans-Siberian Express tours onboard the Golden Eagle between Moscow and Vladivostok take a leisurely two weeks. By the time your journey ends we will have passed through eight time zones, a third of the world’s total, and travelled an incredible distance of 6,500 miles (11,000 kilometres) through Russia and Mongolia.
As part of our 100th anniversary celebrations to commemorate the opening of the Trans-Siberian line we are offering two unique itineraries for 2016 - a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel by private train through an outstanding area of untouched natural beauty of Siberia in June on the Baikal-Amur Magistral line, an engineering feat of immense proportions built across some of the world’s most inhospitable terrain and a second tour in late July visiting some of the lesser known Siberian places and communities that go to form this iconic route.
As Eric Newby in his 1977 book The Big Red Train Ride succinctly stated, ‘The Trans-Siberian is the big train ride. All the rest are peanuts.’
www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent golden eagle trans-siberian express
moscow
Kazan RUSSIA Yekaterinburg
Novosibirsk
Khabarovsk CASPIAN SEA KAZAKHSTAN Lake Baikal Irkutsk Ulan Ude
MONGOLIA Ulaan Baatar vladivostok IRAN CHINA JAPAN
tour schedules daily tour itineraries
EASTBOUND 2016 WESTBOUND 2016 EASTBOUND WESTBOUND May 5 – 19 May 18 – June 1 Day 1 Arrive Moscow Day 1 Arrive Vladivostok August 22 – September 5 June 18 – July 2 Day 2 Moscow Day 2 Vladivostok August 8 – 22 Day 3 Kazan Day 3 Khabarovsk September 4 – 18 Day 4 Yekaterinburg Day 4 Onboard EASTBOUND 2017 WESTBOUND 2017 Day 5 Novosibirsk Day 5 Onboard May 6 – 20 May 19 – June 2 Day 6 Onboard Day 6 Ulaan Baatar August 20 – September 3 June 17 – July 1 Day 7 Irkutsk Day 7 Ulan Ude August 5 – 19 Day 8 Lake Baikal Day 8 Lake Baikal September 2 – 16 Day 9 Ulan Ude Day 9 Irkutsk Day 10 Ulaan Baatar Day 10 Onboard For Winter Trans-Siberian dates please see p40 Day 11 Onboard Day 11 Novosibirsk Day 12 Onboard Day 12 Yekaterinburg accommodation Day 13 Onboard Day 13 Kazan Day 14 Moscow 1 night in Moscow | 12 nights onboard the Golden Eagle | Day 14 Vladivostok Day 15 Depart Moscow 1 night in Vladivostok Day 15 Depart Vladivostok
moscow - kazan - yekaterinburg - novosibirsk - irkutsk - lake baikal ulan ude - ulaan baatar - khabarovsk (westbound only) - vladivostok
www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent what’s included
finest rail off-train excursions golden eagle accommodation programme difference
Private en-suite accommodation Full guided off-train excursions programme Experienced Tour Manager 24-hour cabin attendant service Fully included Freedom of Choice touring Onboard Doctor - English speaking Evening turndown service options which may vary due to final Luggage porterage - from the time you are Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled train times met at the airport until your departure water in-cabin 24 hrs a day Personal Headsets to hear the No tipping policy Robes, slippers and L’Occitane professional guide’s commentary Arrival and departure transfers toiletries in-cabin Bottled water during excursions Commemorative DVD with photos of your Complimentary bottle of vodka in Authentic dining experiences in local tour and tour information your Golden Eagle cabin restaurants with a generous drinks High quality Golden Eagle allowance, including international wines embroidered backpack Detailed Golden Eagle route map Illustrated Golden Eagle tour brochure
onboard inclusions
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily - starting with dinner on first In-suite dining option for Imperial Suite guests day and finishing with breakfast on last day Inclusive drinks packages for Gold Class and Imperial Suite guests Generous drinks allowance, including international wine, with Tea, coffee, bottled water, soft drinks and local beer in the lunch and dinner Bar Lounge Car Gala Caviar Dinner onboard the Golden Eagle Stimulating onboard talks In-cabin breakfast option to start the day Resident pianist in Bar Lounge Car Afternoon tea and cakes onboard the Golden Eagle Onboard Russian language lessons Live musical performances
To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent tour highlights
Old Believers Village, Ulan Ude GUM department store, Moscow Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia
moscow classic and sophisticated ambience that gives way to contemporary cool 0 KM | Москва in the most unexpected places, like from the rooftop O2 Lounge with its Time zone: Moscow time breathtaking views of Red Square and the rejuvenating surroundings of ESPA, the hotel’s world class spa. Our touring programme of Moscow principally takes us to the grandeur of the Kremlin – the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow – Why not extend your stay in Moscow with additional nights to explore and to see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber. We will more of the city at your leisure or have time to take in a performance enjoy an exclusive private viewing before it opens to the public before, at the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre? Tickets need to be pre-booked visiting Red Square. This iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and and are subject to schedule and availability. political might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral’s magnificent onion-domed spires, the kazan beautiful façade of the world famous GUM department store which 820 KM | Казань was constructed in Tsarist times, is also the sombre and evocative Time zone: Moscow time site of Lenin’s tomb. We will have lunch in Café Pushkin, a legendary Moscow restaurant with a décor that revives the atmosphere of an early Situated on the River Volga, the picturesque and historic city of Kazan 19th century mansion and serves traditional Russian cuisine and end is the capital of Tatarstan. Here we have the opportunity to see for the day with a tour of the opulent and unique stations of the Moscow ourselves its rich tapestry of history and culture. One of the highlights of metro - showpieces of Socialist art furnished with statues, frescoes and this city tour is our exploration of the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World mosaics, unsurpassed anywhere in the world. Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel we will explore its stunning mosque and picture-perfect onion-domed cathedral. With our included Freedom of Choice touring option you may instead wish to visit the famous State Tretyakov Gallery (National Museum of As Kazan is the birthplace of one of Russia’s most famous opera Fine Art). singers, Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938), we honour his memory with a private concert of his music. Your first evening in Moscow you will be invited to a champagne drinks reception before our exclusive welcome dinner (or farewell dinner if you You will also have time to wander through the main pedestrian area of are travelling on the Westbound tours). Specially selected international Kazan and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city. wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during the tour.
Included in our time spent in Moscow is one night at the five-star Ritz- Carlton. Located in Moscow city centre, and within a short walking distance of Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre, guests will discover a
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yekaterinburg 1816 KM | Екатеринбург Time zone: Moscow time + 2 hours
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 Classic wooden architecture, Irkutsk geographical border and we can drink a glass of champagne with one irkutsk foot in Europe and the other in Asia. 5185 KM | Иркутск Time zone: Moscow time + 5 hours Our Freedom of Choice programme will also offer activities such as a walking tour of the city, or explore the intriguing Soviet military past in Our visit to Irkutsk, the ‘Paris of Siberia’, takes in the most significant a visit to Yekaterinburg Military Museum which displays fragments of sites and museums in this fascinating city, including an exploration the U2 American spy-plane flown by Gary Powers that was shot down of the classic wooden architecture with its intricately carved lace-like in this area in 1960 during the Cold War. decorations that has given many of this region’s buildings such a distinctive and unique appearance. We also visit the Volkonsky House novosibirsk Museum, which is dedicated to the memory of the aristocrats who were 3336 KM | Новосибирск exiled to this remote outpost after the failed Decembrists uprising of Time zone: Moscow time + 3 hours 1825. We recreate the atmosphere of that time with a champagne reception and private concert. A modern ‘Soviet’ city, we experience the life and character of Novosibirsk’s rich culture where the arts and science predominate. You could learn to cook some traditional Russian dishes with a local chef The city is located in the heart of Russia and is situated on both banks and prepare your own lunch with our Freedom of Choice option. Or you of the River Ob. Our city tour takes us to Lenin Square where the might also wish to visit a traditional Russian Dacha (summer house) to imposing Opera House is located. An architectural marvel, it houses get an insight into the everyday life of an average Russian family. two permanent ballet and opera companies and is one of the largest opera houses in the world. In front of the Opera House, we visit an impressive statue of Lenin – a marvellous opportunity to have your photograph taken with this iconic political leader.
Alternatively, south of the city you could visit Novosibirsk’s excellent Railway Museum on our Freedom of Choice tour. The museum displays locomotives and rolling stock from the late 1800s, including carriages of the Tsars, through to the Soviet era. Or choose to go to the Mineralogical Centre with its fine display of Siberian minerals.
Novosibirsk Railway Museum
To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent lake baikal Озеро Байкал Time zone: Moscow time + 5 hours
Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of train and travel by boat on the lake to Listvyanka, a small Lake Baikal and is a major highlight on our Trans-Siberian Baikal settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding journey. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and hills and visit the Lake Baikal Museum and Aquarium where holds 20 per cent of the world’s freshwater. Also known you can learn about the flora and fauna of the lake. as the ‘Pearl of Siberia’ it is home to a unique breed of freshwater seal and over 50 species of fish including We will enjoy a delicious barbecue prepared by our own omul. For five hours we wind our way through tunnels chefs, including freshly smoked omul fish, in the delightful along cliff hugging tracks above the lake with a vista of covered dining area on the shore of Lake Baikal to complete snow capped peaks along the far shore forming a picture- a memorable day. perfect backdrop, with a full appreciation of the engineering achievement which produced this part of the railway in the As part of our Freedom of Choice excursion programme early twentieth century. To add to the grandeur of the day you can choose a hiking opportunity up Chersky Mount, our Golden Eagle train will be hauled by a Soviet Era steam or you can choose to take the chair lift, which offers some locomotive on this beautiful section of line. There will be spectacular and panoramic hillside views of the grandeur of plenty of opportunities to take photographs as the train the lake below. winds its way along the lake.
This will be an unforgettable part of your journey. For a preview of this beautiful section, our new video is available to view on our website www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com
Weather permitting, we 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
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signature experiences
Champagne reception and military brass band playing at the station on departure Being hauled by a Soviet Era steam locomotive on the beautiful Lake Baikal section Barbecue on the shore of Lake Baikal Swim in the ice-cold waters of Lake Baikal Visit a nomadic family in a Mongolian ger
To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent khabarovsk 8523 KM | Хабаровск Time zone: Moscow time +7 hours WESTBOUND ONLY
Located 15 miles (25 kilometres) from the border with China, Khabarovsk stretches along the banks of the Amur River. Khabarovsk was founded as a military post in 1858, but the region had been populated by several indigenous peoples of the Far East for many centuries. It is now a busy city with tree-lined streets. We will visit the memorial to Yerofey Pavlovich Khabarov, the Far East explorer the city is named after, and the impressive World War Two memorial to the fallen soldiers. We will also have time at the Regional Museum Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia where the local history has been well-preserved with a rich collection ulan ude of artefacts describing the cultural and natural history of the region. 5640 KM | Улан-Удэ Time zone: Moscow time +5 hours vladivostok The ethnic and cultural diversity of Ulan Ude, the capital of the Buryat 9288 KM | Владивосток Republic, offers a unique insight into its heritage. As we tour the area you Time zone: Moscow time +7 hours will notice the different faces of these welcoming Buryat people. During our exploration of the Old Believers’ Village we have the opportunity to Vladivostok is a military port, located on the western shores of the learn about the culture and history of these religious people as we are Sea of Japan and is home to the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet. Due treated to a concert featuring local traditions and folk singing. to its military importance, the city was closed to foreigners between 1930 and 1992. Vladivostok (literally translated as ‘Ruler of the East’) ulaan baatar, mongolia offers visitors an interesting opportunity to explore its principal military Улан Батор attractions including a visit to a preserved World War Two submarine. Time zone: Moscow time +4 hours Our city tour will also take us to the iconic suspension bridge over Golden Horn Bay, one of the largest of its kind worldwide, which Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us into Mongolia and a visit to its opened in 2012 for the APEC conference. capital, Ulaan Baatar. Mongolia, once the very centre of an enormous empire led by Genghis Khan, is a country of beautiful landscapes, This evening you are invited to our farewell dinner (or welcome dinner nomadic people and rich in culture and history. Mongolia is famous for if you are travelling on the Westbound tours). Specially selected its endless green Steppes, grazing livestock and white, nomadic Gers international wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during (Yurts) dotted all across the countryside. the tour. Our hotel in Vladivostok, where we stay for one night, is the four-star Hotel Hyundai. We start the tour at Gandan Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most important Buddhist Monasteries housing a community of over 500 monks. The full name, Gandantegchinlen, translates as ‘the great days onboard the place of complete joy’. At Sukhbaatar Square we can see the central golden eagle monument to Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most feared and revered Mongol. We then drive out of the city to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and Each Trans-Siberian departure has a number of days onboard enjoy the beautiful scenery of wild Mongolia, having the opportunity the Golden Eagle. These days offer the opportunity to unwind to visit a traditional Ger and meet a nomadic family or try our hand at and reflect on the many sights and sounds we have experienced horse-riding, an intrinsic part of Mongolian life. Alternatively there is or are about to experience on our rail journey so far. an option to stay in the city as part of our Freedom of Choice touring. After Gandan Monastery and Sukhbaatar Square we visit the National Chat to your fellow passengers, take a Russian language Museum where we learn about the country’s intriguing history. We will class, listen to a talk on Soviet or Russian history, learn about also see Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum, the winter residences of the construction of the Trans-Siberian railway or simply relax Bogd Khan, the last Mongolian emperor, built between 1893 and 1903. and enjoy the ever-changing landscape outside your window We can also explore the city and have some free time for shopping for as it unfolds. Mongolian souvenirs, and their specialty cashmere. We will also enjoy a performance of traditional Mongolian throat singing and contortionists.
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Gandan Monastery, Ulaan Baatar
To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent golden eagle trans-siberian express via bam (baikal amur magistral)
moscow
Kamchatka Peninsula
Kazan
RUSSIA Yekaterinburg
Novaya Chara
Novosibirsk Bratsk Tynda Komsomolsk Severobaikalsk Novy Urgal Khabarovsk & Lake Baikal Abakan
MONGOLIA vladivostok
CHINA
tour schedules daily tour itineraries
EASTBOUND 2016 EASTBOUND June 5 – June 19 Day 1 Moscow Day 9 Novoya Chara Day 2 Moscow Day 10 Tynda EASTBOUND 2017 Day 3 Kazan Day 11 Novy Urgal June 4 – June 18 Day 4 Yekaterinburg Day 12 Komsomolsk Day 5 Novosibirsk Day 13 Khabarovsk accommodation Day 6 Abakan & Sayan Mountains Day 14 Vladivostok 1 night in Moscow | 12 nights onboard the Golden Eagle | Day 7 Bratsk Day 15 Depart Vladivostok 1 night in Vladivostok Day 8 Severobaikalsk
moscow - kazan - yekaterinburg - novosibirsk - sayan mountains - abakan - bratsk severobaikalsk - novaya chara - tynda - novy urgal - komsomolsk - vladivostok
www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent tour highlights
The Kremlin, Moscow Lenin Statue, Novosibirsk Qol Sharif Mosque, Kazan
moscow Included in our time spent in Moscow is one night at the five-star Ritz- Москва Carlton. Located in Moscow city centre, and within a short walking distance of Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre, guests will discover Our touring programme of Moscow principally takes us to the grandeur a classic and sophisticated ambience that gives way to contemporary of the Kremlin – the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow – cool in the most unexpected places, like from the rooftop O2 Lounge and to see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber. We will with its breathtaking views of Red Square and the rejuvenating enjoy an exclusive private viewing before it opens to the public before, surroundings of ESPA, the hotel’s world class spa. visiting Red Square. This iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and political might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as Why not extend your stay in Moscow with additional nights to explore the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral’s magnificent onion-domed spires, the more of the city at your leisure or have time to take in a performance beautiful façade of the world famous GUM department store which at the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre? Tickets need to be pre-booked was constructed in Tsarist times, is also the sombre and evocative and are subject to schedule and availability. site of Lenin’s tomb. We will have lunch in Café Pushkin, a legendary Moscow restaurant with a décor that revives the atmosphere of an kazan early 19th century mansion and serves traditional Russian cuisine Казань and end the day with a tour of the opulent and unique stations of the Moscow metro - showpieces of Socialist art furnished with statues, Situated on the River Volga, the picturesque and historic city of Kazan frescoes and mosaics, unsurpassed anywhere in the world. is the capital of Tatarstan. Here we have the opportunity to see for ourselves its rich tapestry of history and culture. One of the highlights of With our included Freedom of Choice touring option you may instead this city tour is our exploration of the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World wish to visit the famous State Tretyakov Gallery (National Museum Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel we will explore its of Fine Art). stunning mosque and picture-perfect onion-domed cathedral.
Your first evening in Moscow you will be invited to a champagne drinks As Kazan is the birthplace of one of Russia’s most famous opera reception before our exclusive welcome dinner (or farewell dinner if you singers, Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938), we honour his memory with are travelling on the Westbound tours). Specially selected international a private concert of his music. You will also have time to wander wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during the tour. through the main pedestrian area of Kazan and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city.
To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent yekaterinburg locomotives and rolling stock from the late 1800s, including carriages of Екатеринбург the Tsars, through to the Soviet era. Or choose to go to the Mineralogical Centre with its fine display of Siberian minerals. Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg, is the capital of the Urals. Known as the Great Divide, the Ural Mountains create sayan mountains & abakan the natural border between Europe and Asia so that the cultural and Абакан architectural influences of European and Asian civilisations come together in this fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape. Our city Heading east we can enjoy the peaceful pace onboard, as the Golden tour takes us to the poignant site where the Romanov, Tsar Nicholas Eagle climbs through the spectacular Sayan Mountains, which stretch for II of Russia, was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918 over 1,000kms. As well as watching the magnificent scenery, there will following 78 days of imprisonment. Now a church dedicated to their be a choice of attending one of the various lectures onboard, socialising memory, this site provides us with a powerful insight into the turmoil in the Bar Lounge Car and we will have a short visit of Abakan. of the Russian Revolution. We will also drive to the obelisk marking the geographical border and we can drink a glass of champagne with one bratsk foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Братск
Our Freedom of Choice programme will also offer activities such as a Overnight we run north-west to Taishet where we officially join the BAM walking tour of the city, or explore the intriguing Soviet military past in a (Baikal – Amur mainline), the new line that runs north and parallel to visit to Yekaterinburg Military Museum which displays fragments of the the original Trans-Siberian. This section of the journey was called The U2 American spy-plane flown by Gary Powers that was shot down in this Road of Courage, after the many natural obstacles that had to be area in 1960 during the Cold War. overcome during its construction; namely the towerlng Sayan Mountains populated with dense Siberian forests, rapid rivers and formidable novosibirsk permafrost. This section between Abakan and Taishet took 23 years to Новосибирск complete. We spend several hours in the city of Bratsk, visiting one of the biggest hydro-electric dams in the world built during the 1960s and A modern ‘Soviet’ city, we experience the life and character of an impressive feat of technological engineering. 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 severobaikalsk of the River Ob. Our city tour takes us to Lenin Square where the Северобайкальск imposing Opera House is located. An architectural marvel, it houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is one of the largest opera We arrive in the morning to the extremely remote location of houses in the world. In front of the Opera House, we visit an impressive Severobaikalsk (North Baikal) where the road network is completely statue of Lenin – a marvellous opportunity to have your photograph isolated from the rest of the country. The BAM is a vital lifeline to this taken with this iconic political leader. beautiful area and we have a full day to explore the unique biodiversity of life here, and meet some of the local inhabitants. On leaving Alternatively, south of the city you could visit Novosibirsk’s excellent Severobaikalsk along the Upper Angara River, we will pass through the Railway Museum on our Freedom of Choice tour. The museum displays four Mysoviye tunnels as we run parallel to the Baikal shoreline.
www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent novoya chara komsomolsk Новая Чара Комсомольск
We spend part of our day in Novoya Chara, a small place lost in Siberia. Komsomolsk reflects the majestic and expansive urban architecture The area is famous for Charoite, a semi-precious lilac coloured gemstone, of the Soviet era, including the stupendous Pervostroitelei Avenue, 80 only found in the Chara area and it is likely traders will be at the station. metres wide and lined with 1970s and 1980s blocks with Soviet store We will visit an interesting small museum that covers the history of the fronts and signage intact, with parks and playgrounds hidden behind area including the Marble Canyon Gulag and also make a stop of the it. The city was also the gulag capital of the Russian Far East, with over unique 6km long Sand Dunes. It is a mystery how they came to be here 900,000 prisoners estimated to have passed through its camps. but they have long been an important site for the indigenous people as artefacts from thousands of years ago have been found buried here. After visiting Komsomolsk at our most easterly point before we turn south-west for the Pacific and we cross the Amur at Khabarovsk where tynda we re-join the Trans-Siberian mainline and head towards Vladivostok. Тында khabarovsk Heading east we visit Tynda. With a population of around 40,000, it is Хабаровск the largest town for over 300 miles in any direction. It was built to be the administrative centre for the construction of the BAM route during the Located 15 miles (25 kilometres) from the border with China, 1970s and our visit to a local museum gives us a fascinating insight into Khabarovsk stretches along the banks of the Amur River. Khabarovsk the building of this line. was founded as a military post in 1858, but the region had been populated by several indigenous peoples of the Far East for many novy urgal centuries. We will visit the memorial to Yerofey Pavlovich Khabarov, Новый Урган the Far East explorer the city is named after, and the impressive World War Two memorial to the fallen soldiers. Travelling through the untouched Tundra we experience Russia at its most remote. The beauty unfolds before us as we enter a region of We will also have time at the Regional Museum where the local history permafrost. Here the vast distances and forbidding geographic and has been well-preserved with a rich collection of artefacts describing climatic conditions render the entire region an extremist environment the cultural and natural history of the region. We enjoy our final dinner for human existence. Novy Urgal is a town situated towards the eastern onboard the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express this evening. end of the BAM line. To come here is to feel transported back in time to the Soviet Union. Little has changed in this isolated place since those vladivostok days and nostalgia for the USSR is strong. Владивосток
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. Vladivostok (literally translated as ‘Ruler of the East’) offers visitors an interesting opportunity to explore its principal military attractions including a visit to a preserved World War Two submarine. Our city tour will also take us to the iconic suspension bridge over Golden Horn Bay, one of the largest of its kind worldwide, which opened in 2012 for the APEC conference.
Our hotel in Vladivostok, where we stay for one night, is the four-star Hotel Hyundai.
Orthodox Church in Khabarovsk
To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent CELEBRATING 100 YEARS golden eagle trans-siberian express siberian discovery
moscow
Kazan RUSSIA Yekaterinburg
Novosibirsk
CASPIAN SEA Sretensk KAZAKHSTAN Abakan Lake Baikal Blagoveshchensk Irkutsk Nerchinsk Ulan Ude
MONGOLIA vladivostok IRAN CHINA JAPAN
tour schedules daily tour itineraries
EASTBOUND 2016 EASTBOUND July 26 – August 9 Day 1 Arrive Moscow Day 9 Lake Baikal Day 2 Moscow Day 10 Ulan Ude EASTBOUND 2017 Day 3 Kazan Day 11 Nerchinsk & Sretensk July 23 – August 6 Day 4 Yekaterinburg Day 12 Onboard Day 5 Novosibirsk Day 13 Blagoveshchensk accommodation Day 6 Abakan Day 14 Vladivostok 1 night in Moscow | 12 nights onboard the Golden Eagle | Day 7 Irkutsk Day 15 Depart Vladivostok 1 night in Vladivostok Day 8 Lake Baikal
moscow - kazan - yekaterinburg - novosibirsk – abakan - irkutsk lake baikal - ulan ude – nerchinsk – sretensk - blagoveshchensk - vladivostok
www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent tour highlights
Lady of Kazan Church Lake Baikal Old Believers Village
moscow Included in our time spent in Moscow is one night at the five-star Ritz- 0 KM | Москва Carlton. Located in Moscow city centre, and within a short walking Time zone: Moscow time distance of Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre, guests will discover a classic and sophisticated ambience that gives way to contemporary cool Our touring programme of Moscow principally takes us to the grandeur in the most unexpected places, like from the rooftop O2 Lounge with its of the Kremlin – the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow – breathtaking views of Red Square and the rejuvenating surroundings of and to see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber. We will ESPA, the hotel’s world class spa. enjoy an exclusive private viewing before it opens to the public before, visiting Red Square. This iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and Why not extend your stay in Moscow with additional nights to explore political might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as more of the city at your leisure or have time to take in a performance the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral’s magnificent onion-domed spires, the at the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre? Tickets need to be pre-booked beautiful façade of the world famous GUM department store which and are subject to schedule and availability. was constructed in Tsarist times, is also the sombre and evocative site of Lenin’s tomb. We will have lunch in Café Pushkin, a legendary kazan Moscow restaurant with a décor that revives the atmosphere of an early 820 KM | Казань 19th century mansion and serves traditional Russian cuisine and end Time zone: Moscow time the day with a tour of the opulent and unique stations of the Moscow metro - showpieces of Socialist art furnished with statues, frescoes and Situated on the River Volga, the picturesque and historic city of Kazan mosaics, unsurpassed anywhere in the world. is the capital of Tatarstan. Here we have the opportunity to see for ourselves its rich tapestry of history and culture. One of the highlights of With our included Freedom of Choice touring option you may instead this city tour is our exploration of the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World wish to visit the famous State Tretyakov Gallery (National Museum of Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel we will explore its Fine Art). stunning mosque and picture-perfect onion-domed cathedral.
Your first evening in Moscow you will be invited to a champagne As Kazan is the birthplace of one of Russia’s most famous opera singers, drinks reception before our exclusive welcome dinner. Specially Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938), we honour his memory with a private selected international wines are included with dinner, as with all concert of his music. You will also have time to wander through the main meals during the tour. pedestrian area of Kazan and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city.
To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent yekaterinburg irkutsk 1816 KM | Екатеринбург 5185 KM | Иркутск Time zone: Moscow time + 2 hours Time zone: Moscow time + 5 hours
Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg, is the capital Our visit to Irkutsk, the ‘Paris of Siberia’, takes in the most significant of the Urals. Known as the Great Divide, the Ural Mountains create sites and museums in this fascinating city, including an exploration the natural border between Europe and Asia so that the cultural and of the classic wooden architecture with its intricately carved lace-like architectural influences of European and Asian civilisations come decorations that has given many of this region’s buildings such a together in this fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape. Our city tour distinctive and unique appearance. We also visit the Volkonsky House takes us to the poignant site where the Romanov, Tsar Nicholas II of Museum, which is dedicated to the memory of the aristocrats who were Russia, was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918 following exiled to this remote outpost after the failed Decembrists uprising of 78 days of imprisonment. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this 1825. We recreate the atmosphere of that time with a champagne site provides us with a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian reception and private concert. Revolution. We will also drive to the obelisk marking the geographical border and we can drink a glass of champagne with one foot in Europe You could learn to cook some traditional Russian dishes with a local chef and the other in Asia. and prepare your own lunch with our Freedom of Choice option. Or you might also wish to visit a traditional Russian Dacha (summer house) to Our Freedom of Choice programme will also offer activities such as a get an insight into the everyday life of an average Russian family. walking tour of the city, or explore the intriguing Soviet military past in a visit to Yekaterinburg Military Museum which displays fragments of the lake baikal U2 American spy-plane flown by Gary Powers that was shot down in this Озеро Байкал area in 1960 during the Cold War. Time zone: Moscow time + 5 hours Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal novosibirsk and is a major highlight on our Trans-Siberian journey. Lake Baikal 3336 KM | Новосибирск is the deepest lake in the world and holds 20 per cent of the world’s Time zone: Moscow time + 3 hours 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. A modern ‘Soviet’ city, we experience the life and character of For five hours we wind our way through tunnels along cliff hugging Novosibirsk’s rich culture where the arts and science predominate. tracks above the lake with a vista of snow capped peaks along the far The city is located in the heart of Russia and is situated on both banks shore forming a picture-perfect backdrop, with a full appreciation of of the River Ob. Our city tour takes us to Lenin Square where the the engineering achievement which produced this part of the railway imposing Opera House is located. An architectural marvel, it houses two in the early twentieth century. To add to the grandeur of the day our permanent ballet and opera companies and is one of the largest opera Golden Eagle train will be hauled by a Soviet era steam locomotive on houses in the world. In front of the Opera House, we visit an impressive this beautiful section of line. There will be plenty of opportunities to statue of Lenin – a marvellous opportunity to have your photograph take photographs as the train winds its way along the lake. This will be taken with this iconic political leader. Alternatively, south of the city you an unforgettable part of your journey. For a preview of this beautiful could visit Novosibirsk’s excellent Railway Museum on our Freedom of section, our new video is available to view on our website www. Choice tour. The museum displays locomotives and rolling stock from goldeneagleluxurytrains.com the late 1800s, including carriages of the Tsars, through to the Soviet era. Or choose to go to the Mineralogical Centre with its fine display of Weather permitting, we stop in an extremely picturesque location by the Siberian minerals. 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 abakan Baikal. Travelling onwards to the end of the Baikal branch line, we leave Абакан the train and travel by boat on the lake to Listvyanka, a small Baikal Time zone: Moscow time + 3 hours settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding hills and visit the Lake Baikal Museum and Aquarium where you can learn about the flora Heading east we can enjoy the peaceful pace onboard, as the Golden and fauna of the lake. Eagle travels away from the main Trans-Siberian line as we climb through the spectacular Sayan Mountains, which stretch for over 1,000kms. We will enjoy a delicious barbecue prepared by our own chefs, including As well as watching the magnificent scenery, there will be a choice of freshly smoked omul fish, in the delightful covered dining area on the attending one of the various lectures onboard, socialising in the Bar shore of Lake Baikal to complete a memorable day. Lounge Car and we will have a short visit of Abakan.
www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent ulan ude vladivostok 5640 KM | Улан-Удэ 9288 KM | Владивосток Time zone: Moscow time +5 hours Time zone: Moscow time +7 hours
The ethnic and cultural diversity of Ulan Ude, the capital of the Buryat Vladivostok is a military port, located on the western shores of the Republic, offers a unique insight into its heritage. As we tour the area you Sea of Japan and is home to the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet. Due will notice the different faces of these welcoming Buryat people. During to its military importance, the city was closed to foreigners between our exploration of the Old Believers’ Village we have the opportunity to 1930 and 1992. Vladivostok (literally translated as ‘Ruler of the East’) learn about the culture and history of these religious people as we are offers visitors an interesting opportunity to explore its principal military treated to a concert featuring local traditions and folk singing. attractions including a visit to a preserved World War Two submarine. Our city tour will also take us to the iconic suspension bridge over Golden Horn Bay, one of the largest of its kind worldwide, which opened in 2012 for the APEC conference.
This evening you are invited to our farewell dinner. Specially selected international wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during the tour.
Our hotel in Vladivostok, where we stay for one night, is the four-star Hotel Hyundai.
Siberia nerchinsk & sretensk signature experiences Нерчинск & Сретенск Champagne reception and military brass band playing Time zone: Moscow time +5 hours at Moscow station on departure Being hauled by a Soviet Era steam locomotive on the Among Russian historians, the name of Nerchinsk is associated with beautiful Lake Baikal section a late 17th century treaty that defined the border between Russia and Enjoy an extended visit to the beautiful environment China. Bypassed by the building of the Trans-Siberian line, Nerchinsk of Lake Baikal leads a forgotten existence with just a few reminders of its more illustrious Visit and meet remote communities along the past. Central to the town’s heritage is the Butin Palace Museum, a Trans-Siberian palace adorned with huge mirrors. Sretensk is also a community that survives far from the beaten track of the main Trans-Siberian line and offers a rare and exclusive opportunity for our guests to see how families exist and livelihoods are maintained despite the isolation from major conurbations in this remotest part of Siberia. days onboard the blagoveshchensk golden eagle Благовещенск Each Trans-Siberian departure has a number of days or parts Time zone: Moscow time +7 hours of the days onboard the Golden Eagle. These days offer the opportunity to unwind and reflect on the many sights and Blagoveshchensk is a distant outpost of the Russian Far East that rests sounds we have experienced or are about to experience on beside the mighty Amur River, one of the world’s longest, and Zeya River our rail journey so far. which separates Russia from China. Directly across the water is the bright lights and bustling commercial Chinese city of Heihe. Chat to your fellow passengers, take a Russian language class, listen to a talk on Soviet or Russian history, learn about The city of Blagoveshchensk itself displays a historic downtown of the construction of the Trans-Siberian railway or simply relax stunning Tsarist-era buildings and offers a charming and picturesque and enjoy the ever-changing landscape outside your window experience by the river. This evening we enjoy our farewell dinner as it unfolds. onboard the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express as we cover our final kilometres of our epic journey into the port city of Vladivostok.
To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent what’s included in the tour price
As far as possible our tours are all-inclusive with no hidden extras. What follows are all those elements which are included in the tour price. The only extra items you may need to budget for include personal expenses such as International and Internal flights that are not included in the itineraries, visa costs, insurance, selected drinks from the Bar Lounge Car and laundry.
EXPERIENCED TOUR MANAGERS GUIDED OFF-TRAIN EXCURSIONS Our experienced Tour Managers are selected for their travel The history and culture of the places we visit on our rail cruises will knowledge, and their linguistic and organisational abilities allowing come alive through our expert local guides. All our tours include a you to relax and enjoy your rail cruise. We receive exceptional wide-ranging sightseeing schedule to make the most of the time you passenger comments about our Tour Managers and their aim is to have off the train and bring you closer to the culture, people and ensure you enjoy every minute of your holiday. history of your destinations. We believe it is the special little touches that help create magical memories. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE AIRPORT TRANSFERS Arrival and departure transfers are included. PERSONAL HEADSETS On all the off–train excursions, to enhance your enjoyment HOTEL AND ONBOARD ACCOMMODATION and insights into the places you visit, you will be provided with a Although you will spend much of your time sightseeing or relaxing in lightweight personal headset on which to listen to your tour guide the train’s public areas, you will find your cabin a welcome retreat at as you take in the sights. The range of the headset means that you the end of a rewarding day. All hotels are of five-star standard, or the do not need to worry about missing any of the guide’s commentary best available. on your excursion, even if you prefer to wander away from the group.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER DAILY ONBOARD DOCTOR AND MEDICAL FACILITIES All meals are included, starting with dinner on the first day and To give you peace of mind our tours are accompanied by a doctor ending with breakfast on the last day. All departures feature one who travels with us for the entire journey; so you can rest assured or two uniquely designed Restaurant Cars where you can enjoy the that medical assistance is always available. On call 24 hours a day, excellent waiter-served food and wine. Several times during the tour the doctor is on hand to give primary care as required. In almost we will also sample authentic local cuisine with wine and a selection every case, the doctor will be English-speaking and registered with of drinks off the train, which is also included in the tour price. the General Medical Council in the UK.
DRINKS WITH MEALS PORTERAGE A generous drinks allowance, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, is As you only have to unpack once your luggage and belongings will included with lunch and dinner on and off the train. stay with you on the train throughout the journey but, wherever necessary, porterage is included between the hotels and stations. ONBOARD SERVICE You can expect service which is attentive, friendly and unintrusive. Your ALL GRATUITIES car attendants provide 24-hour housekeeping and bedding turndown You will not have to worry about tipping on or off the train on your rail services, with one attendant always on duty to assist you and to ensure journey with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains as all gratuities are included you are comfortable in your cabin. Complimentary tea, coffee and in the tour price. bottled drinking water are available in your cabin 24 hours a day.
To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent