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TRANS-MONGOLIAN EXPRESS

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GOLDEN EAGLE TRANS MONGOLIAN EXPRESS - FEATURING THE NAADAM FESTIVAL

MOSCOW - KAZAN - YEKATERINBURG - NOVOSIBIRSK - IRKUTSK

LAKE BAIKAL - ULAN UDE - ULAAN BAATAR

For a fuller insight into , why not experience our Naadam Festival Trans-Mongolian departure in July - a journey across Russia on board the Golden Eagle combined with a visit to the Mongolian national festival.

Naadam is the one and only Big Event in Mongolia - a spectacularly colourful national festival, held every year. Naadam literally means ‘three manly games’. Known as the world’s second oldest

Olympics, it celebrates what defined civilisation in the Steppes eight centuries ago; archery, wrestling and horse riding.

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GOLDEN EAGLE TRANS-MONGOLIAN EXPRESS

MOSCOW

Kazan RUSSIA Yekaterinburg

Novosibirsk

CASPIAN SEA Lake Baikal KAZAKHSTAN Irkutsk Ulan Ude ULAAN BAATAR MONGOLIA

CHINA IRAN JAPAN

TOUR SCHEDULES DAILY TOUR ITINERARIES

EASTBOUND 2017 WESTBOUND 2017 EASTBOUND WESTBOUND

July 1 – July 13 July 10 – July 22 Day 1 Arrive Moscow Day 1 Arrive Ulaan Baatar

Day 2 Moscow Day 2 Naadam Festival

WESTBOUND 2018 Day 3 Kazan (Ulaan Baatar)

July 10 – July 22 Day 4 Yekaterinburg Day 3 Naadam Festival

Day 5 Novosibirsk (Ulaan Baatar)

Day 6 On board Day 4 Ulaan Baatar

ACCOMMODATION Day 7 Irkutsk Day 5 Ulan Ude

Day 8 Lake Baikal Day 6 Lake Baikal 1 night in Moscow | 8 nights on board the Golden Eagle | Day 9 Ulan Ude Day 7 Irkutsk 3 nights in Ulaan Baatar including two days at the Naadam Festival Day 10 Ulaan Baatar Day 8 On board

Day 11 Naadam Festival Day 9 Novosibirsk

(Ulaan Baatar) Day 10 Yekaterinburg

Day 12 Naadam Festival Day 11 Kazan

(Ulaan Baatar) Day 12 Moscow

Day 13 Depart Ulaan Baatar Day 13 Depart Moscow

MOSCOW - KAZAN - YEKATERINBURG - NOVOSIBIRSK - IRKUTSK

LAKE BAIKAL - ULAN UDE - ULAAN BAATAR

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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 On board 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 Natura Siberica 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 Authentic dining experiences in local tour and tour information in your 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

ON BOARD INCLUSIONS

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily - starting with dinner on In-suite dining option for Imperial Suite guests first day and finishing with breakfast on last day Inclusive drinks packages for Gold Class and Imperial Suite guests Generous drinks allowance, including international wine, Tea, coffee, bottled water, soft drinks and local beer in the

with lunch and dinner Bar Lounge Car Stimulating Gala Caviar Dinner on board the Golden Eagle on board talks

In-cabin breakfast option to start the day Resident pianist in Bar Lounge Car Afternoon tea and cakes on board the Golden Eagle On board Russian language lessons Live musical performances

To Book Call +7 (921) 374 36 30 or Visit Web Site TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Naadam Festival Naadam Festival Ulaan Baatar

MOSCOW tour highlights cool in the most unexpected places, like from the 0 KM | Москва rooftop O2 Lounge with its breathtaking views of Red Square and the Time zone: Moscow time rejuvenating surroundings of ESPA, the hotel’s world class spa.

Our touring programme of Moscow principally takes us to the grandeur of Why not extend your stay in Moscow with additional nights to explore the Kremlin – the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow – and more of the city at your leisure or have time to take in a performance to see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber. We also visit at the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre? Tickets need to be pre- Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and political booked and are subject to schedule and availability. might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral’s magnificent onion-domed spires, the beautiful KAZAN façade of the world famous GUM department store, constructed in 820 KM | Казань

Tsarist times, and the sombre and evocative site of Lenin’s tomb. Time zone: Moscow time

We will take a tour of the opulent and unique stations of the Moscow Situated on the River Volga, the picturesque and historic city of Kazan is metro - showpieces of Socialist art furnished with statues, frescoes the capital of Tatarstan. Here we have the opportunity to see for and mosaics, unsurpassed anywhere in the world. We have lunch in ourselves its rich tapestry of history and culture. One of the highlights of Café Pushkin, a legendary Moscow restaurant with a décor that this city tour is our exploration of the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World revives the atmosphere of an early 19th century mansion and serves Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel we will explore its traditional Russian cuisine. stunning mosque and picture-perfect onion-domed cathedral.

If you have been to Moscow before we offer included Freedom of As Kazan is the birthplace of one of Russia’s most famous opera Choice touring where we show you other sights of Moscow such as singers, Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938), we honour his memory with the famous State Tretyakov Gallery (National Museum of Fine Art) or a private concert of his music. You will also have time to wander the Space Museum. through the main pedestrian area of Kazan and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city. Your first evening you are invited to a champagne drinks reception before our exclusive Welcome Dinner (or Farewell Dinner if you are YEKATERINBURG 1816 KM | Екатеринбург travelling on the Westbound tours). Specially selected international wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during the tour. Time zone: Moscow time + 2 hours

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 Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg is the capital of the distance of Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre, guests will discover Urals. Known as the Great Divide, the Ural Mountains create the natural a classic and sophisticated ambience that gives way to contemporary border between Europe and Asia so that the cultural and architectural

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influences of European and Asian civilisations come together in this might also wish to visit a traditional Russian Dacha (summer house) fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape. Our city tour takes us to the to get an insight into the everyday life of an average Russian family. poignant site where the Romanov, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918 following 78 days of LAKE BAIKAL Озеро Байкал imprisonment. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site provides Time zone: Moscow time us with a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. We will also drive to the obelisk marking the geographical border and can Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal drink a glass of champagne with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. and is a major highlight on our Trans-Siberian journey. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and holds 20 per cent of the world’s Our Freedom of Choice programme features a visit to the recently freshwater. Also known as the ‘Pearl of Siberia’ it is home to a unique opened Museum of Military Machinery. The museum houses an breed of freshwater seal and over 50 species of fish including omul. For amazing collection of different types of military hardware including five hours we wind our way through tunnels along cliff hugging tracks tanks, aircraft, boats and even armoured trains. You will also see a above the lake with a vista of snow-capped peaks along the far shore wide range of civilian vehicles (particularly Russian models). The forming a picture-perfect backdrop, and gain a full appreciation of the museum is a real treat for anyone with an interest in the Soviet past, engineering achievement which produced this part of the railway in the unparalleled by anything else along the route. early twentieth century. To add to the grandeur of the day our Golden Eagle train will be hauled by a Soviet Era steam locomotive on this NOVOSIBIRSK beautiful section of line. There will be plenty of opportunities to take 3336 KM | Новосибирск photographs as the train winds its way along the lake.

Time zone: Moscow time

This will be an unforgettable part of our journey. For a preview of this

A modern ‘Soviet’ city, we experience the life and character of beautiful section, a new video is available to view on www. Novosibirsk’s rich culture where the arts and science predominate. goldeneagleluxurytrains.com. The city is located in the heart of Russia and is situated on both banks of the River Ob. Our city tour takes us to Lenin Square where Weather permitting, we stop in an extremely picturesque location by the the imposing Opera House is located. An architectural marvel, it lake for photographic opportunities and for the brave hearted there is houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is one of the time for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear and ice-cold waters of largest opera houses in the world. In front of the Opera House, we Baikal. Travelling onwards to the end of the Baikal branch line, we leave visit an impressive statue of Lenin – a marvellous opportunity to the train and travel by boat on the lake to Listvyanka, a small Baikal have our photograph taken with this iconic political leader. settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding hills and visit the Lake Baikal Museum and Aquarium where you can learn about the flora Alternatively, south of the city you could visit Novosibirsk’s excellent and fauna of the lake. We will enjoy a delicious barbecue prepared by our Railway Museum on our Freedom of Choice tour. The museum displays own chefs, including freshly smoked omul fish, in the delightful covered locomotives and rolling stock from the late 1800s, including carriages of dining area on the shore of Lake Baikal to complete a memorable day. the Tsars, through to the Soviet era. Or choose to go to the Mineralogical Centre with its fine display of Siberian minerals. As part of our Freedom of Choice excursion programme you can choose a hiking opportunity up Chersky Mount, or you can choose to take the chair lift, which offers some spectacular and panoramic IRKUTSK 5185 KM | Иркутск hillside views of the grandeur of the lake below.

Time zone: Moscow time

Our visit to Irkutsk, the ‘Paris of Siberia’, takes in the most significant sites and museums in this fascinating city, including an exploration of the classic wooden architecture with its intricately carved lace-like decorations that has given many of this region’s buildings such a distinctive and unique appearance. We also visit the Volkonsky House Museum, which is dedicated to the memory of the aristocrats who were exiled to this remote outpost after the failed Decembrists uprising of 1825. We recreate the atmosphere of that time with a champagne reception and private concert.

You could learn to cook some traditional Russian dishes with a local chef and prepare your own lunch with our Freedom of Choice option. Or you Lake Baikal

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5640 KM | Улан-Удэ

Time zone: Moscow time + 5 hours

The ethnic and cultural diversity of Ulan Ude, the capital of the Buryat Republic, offers a unique insight into its heritage. As we tour the area you will notice the different faces of these welcoming Buryat people. During

our exploration of the Old Believers’ Village we have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of these religious people as we are

treated to a concert featuring local traditions and folk singing.

ULAAN BAATAR, MONGOLIA

Улан Батор

Time zone: Moscow time + 4 hours

Our Trans-Mongolian adventure takes us into Mongolia and a visit to

Old Believers’ Village, Ulan Ude its capital, Ulaan Baatar. Mongolia, once the very centre of an enormous empire led by , is a country of beautiful

landscapes and nomadic people, rich in culture and history. Mongolia is famous for its endless green Steppes, grazing livestock

and white, nomadic Gers (Yurts) dotted all across the countryside.

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

place of complete joy’. At Chinggis Square (formerly Sukhbaatar Square) we can see the central monument to Genghis Khan; undoubtedly the most feared and revered Mongol.

Alternatively, there is an option to drive out of the city to the Gorkhi-Terelj

National Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery of wild Mongolia as part of our Freedom of Choice tour, having the opportunity to visit a traditional

Ger and meet a nomadic family or try our hand at horse riding, an intrinsic part of Mongolian life. In the evening we will enjoy a Nomadic Gers, Mongolia performance of traditional Mongolian throat singing and contortionists.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES

Being hauled by a Soviet era steam locomotive on the beautiful Lake Baikal section

Visit a nomadic family in a Mongolian Ger

Private performance of Mongolian throat singing and contortion Attend the vibrant Naadam Festival Opening Ceremony Watch the traditional archery and wrestling competitions

Be at the finish line for the 20km horse race with over 300 horses

Opening Ceremony, Naadam Festival

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THE NAADAM FESTIVAL

ULAAN BAATAR, MONGOLIA As they race along the plains for 20 kilometres, thousands of Фестиваль Наадам spectators line the remote track to watch over 300 horses with children sitting confidently astride their small but sturdy This is a unique opportunity to be among the few non- Mongolian steed. We have prime seating in the finish line Mongolians to experience the spectacular, but little known, stand that gives a fantastic view of the children and their Naadam Festival and soak up the exciting atmosphere of horses as they complete the gruelling 20 kilometre race. It is this national holiday. Once a religious ceremony, the festival claimed such equestrian skills won Genghis Khan an empire now formally commemorates the 1921 revolution when that stretched from the Sea of Japan all the way to Europe. Mongolia declared itself a free country. In recent times, women have been allowed to enter and they now compete On the second day of the festival we will attend the archery, in two of the three events, and archery. wrestling and ankle-bone shooting events.

On the first day of the festival, we observe the elaborate Due to the popularity of the period around the Naadam opening ceremony which consists of local dancers, athletes, Festival we reserve accommodation for our guests at a horse riders and musicians, before travelling outside Ulaan number of the best hotels in Ulaan Baatar including the Baatar to watch the national horse race. The competitors in Kempinski and Ramada. Please note, we cannot guarantee the riding events are all children between five and twelve, your preferred choice of hotel. many of whom have been in the saddle since the age of one.

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