Palace Tours − Luxury Tours Collection Arctic Circle by Steam Arctic Circle by Steam

This incredible predominantly steam−hauled 7,000km annual journey during the Russian "White Nights" takes you round−trip from Moscow to Imperial St Petersburg and to Murmansk, inside the Arctic Circle. Followers of rail travel will delight to the sight and sound of steam engines and the re−creation of a bygone era of rail travel combined with modern−day onboard facilities and comfortable accommodation on this unique 16−day voyage.

ITINERARY

Please note that there are no departure dates for this tour in 2010. • Day 1 − Welcome to Moscow

Flight arrivals into Moscow and transfer to the 5 star Marriott Royal Aurora hotel (or similar) for a one−night stay. We enjoy a welcome reception dinner at our hotel and meet your fellow travellers.

• Day 2 − Your "White Nights" adventure begins

We transfer this morning to Moscow's Yaroslavski station to join our private sleeping car train, the Golden Eagle that will be our home for the next 14 days. There will be a welcome reception and introduction to the train staff in the bar car, followed by dinner, as we depart eastwards towards Yaroslavl; Be warned, there will not be many hours of darkness in the next two weeks as this is the time of year the Russians call 'White Nights'

• Day 3 − Tour Kungor and Yekaterinburg

Kungor, located in the Urals, is famous for its Ice Caves which date back some 12,000 years. One of the biggest caves in the world, the network of 100 grottoes and 60 lakes are connected by nearly 6 kilometres of underground passages. Late evening we continue our journey towards 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 short 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.

• Day 4 − The historical Perm−36 Gulag and Museum

This morning, arrive in the town of Kalino and visit the preserved Perm−36 Gulag and Musuem. This site was one of the harshest Soviet Gulag prison camps for political opponents during the communist Soviet period, only closing in 1990.

• Day 5 − Ded Moroz or "Father Frost"

In Slav culture the traditional character of Ded Moroz plays a role similar to that of Santa Claus as the literal English translation of the name is "Father Frost". Visit the official residence of Ded Moroz, which is located close to the town of Veliky Ustyug and tour the once important and beautiful city in the bank of the Sukhona River.

• Day 6 − Explore the coal−mining town of Vorkuta

The train arrives the coal−mining town of Vortuka in the afternoon, where one of the most notorious forced labor camps is located. The sight was established in 1932 and was closed down in the 1980s.

1 • Day 7 − Prosperous and modern town of Salekhard

Today, cross the River Ob from Labitnagi to the prosperous and modern town of Salekhard, believed to be the only town in the world that is located right on the Polar Circle. After leaving Labitnagi, make a stop at the Europe and Asia monument en route to your next destination.

• Day 8 − Kotlas, an important river port

Explore Kotlas, found in the south of Arkhangelsk Oblast and situated at the confluence of the Northern Dvina and Vychegda Rivers. The town is an important river port as the Nortern Dvina is one of the largest and most important waterways of the northern European portion of Russia. It flows 462 miles (744 km) in a generally northwestern direction and enters the Dvina inlet of the White Sea.

• Day 9 − Explore the pleasant town of Archangel

Spend the morning touring Archangel, a pleasant town located on the banks of the White Sea and the chief seaport of medieval Russia. Today, you have the opportunity to visit the British and American Arctic Convoy War Graves and the Wooden Architecture Museum.

• Day 10 − Take a boat trip to Solovetsky Monastery

After breakfast in Kem, transfer to a small boat bound for Solovetsky Monastery on Solovetsky Islands in the White Sea. Founded in the 15th century, the monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Solovetsky Island is also famous for its 'Special Purpose Camp' set up by Stalin and is the location used as the basis for Solzhenitzyn's Gulag Archipelago. Late this evening in the daylight, cross the Arctic Circle and head to the most northerly part on the journey.

• Day 11 − Travel to Nikel and Murmansk

In the mid−morning the train arrives into Nikel, which is on the border with Norway. The station is close to the Nikel smelting plant which in part has caused the devastation to the surrounding countryside that is evident for about 20 miles before the train's arrival. It is an eerie place, but remains one of the highlights of the tour. Later this evening, arrive in Murmansk for a city tour and a visit to the Nuclear Icebreaker Musuem Ship.

• Day 12 − Relaxing day on board en route to Pavlovsk

Enjoy a relaxing day on board the train as the journey returns south from the Arctic Circle.

• Day 13 − Discover Catherine Palace and the city of Saint Petersburg

After breakfast, alight in Pavlovsk and visit Catherine The Great's Summer Palace in Pushkin, including a visit to the famous Amber Room. Enjoy lunch at the Podvorye Restaurant and rejoin the train which continues to St Petersburg hauled by Russia's oldest working steam locomotive Ov. 324 running built in 1905. Take an afternoon tour of the city of St. Petersburg and visit the Imperial Waiting Room at Vitebski. An optional visit to the Railway Musuem is available (not included) before boarding the main train for dinner as it heads southwest out of the city.

• Day 14 − Tour Novgorod and Pskov This morning, tour Novgorod, one of the oldest towns in Russia, to see the impressive five−domed St. Sophia Cathedral. Continue on to Pskov with it's ancient and well restored center on the Latvian border and in whose station Tsar Nicholas II abdicated on 15th March 1915.

2 • Day 15 − Travel back to Moscow Your final morning on the train is spent speeding down the St Petersburg − Moscow main line with a light lunch being served before arrival at Moscow Leningradski station. The afternoon is yours at leisure. Say farewell to your fellow passengers and friends at tonight's farewell dinner, served in the hotel.

• Day 16 − Farewell, Moscow Check out of your hotel this morning after breakfast and receive a transfer to the airport for your departure flight home or to your next exciting destination.

DESTINATION INFORMATION

• Archangel

Arkhangelsk, formerly called Archangel in English, is a city and the administrative center of Arkhangelsk Oblast. It lies on both banks of the Northern Dvina River near its exit into the White Sea in the far north of European Russia. Arkhangelsk was the chief seaport of medieval Russia.

• Kem

Kem is a historic town located on the railroad leading from Petrozavodsk to Murmansk. The town is located on the shores of the White Sea, where the Kem River enters it. The town has a remarkable wooden cathedral, built in 1711™717. It is a fine example of the tented roof−construction that was popular in the old Russian architecture. The cathedral's iconostasis features precious 17th−century century icons from Novgorod. Kem was used as departure place for boats headed to Solovki carrying political prisoners from 1926 to 1939. During the Cold War, the town has been the site of Poduzhemye air base, a key interceptor aircraft airfield covering Karelia.

• Kotlas Kotlas is a town in the south of Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia, situated at the confluence of the Northern Dvina and Vychegda Rivers. The town is a center of timber industry and an important river port and a railroad center.

• Kungur Kungur is a town in the southeast of Perm Krai, Russia, and is the administrative center of Kungursky District. It was founded in 1663 and granted town status in 1781 and is situated in the Urals at the inflowing of the Iren and Shakhva Rivers into the Sylva River (Kama's basin). Kungur is an old Russian town with historic architecture. It is a trade, industrial, and transport center.

• Labitnangi Labytnangi is a town in Yamalo−Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located on the left bank of the Ob River, 20 kilometres (12 mi) northwest of Salekhard. It is known since the beginning of the 19th century. It was granted the status of urban−type settlement in 1952 and that of a town in 1975.

3 • Moscow

Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia, with its metropolitan area ranking among the largest urban areas in the world. Moscow is the country's economic, financial, educational, and transportation centre. It is located on the Moskva River in the Central Federal District, in the European part of Russia. Moscow is the largest city in Europe. Historically, it was the capital of the former Soviet Union and the Grand Duchy of Moscow, the pre−Imperial Russian state. It is the site of the Kremlin, which now serves as the ceremonial residence of the President of Russia. Moscow is rated as a beta world city for its global influences in media, politics, education, entertainment and fashion. It also remains a major economic centre and is home to a large number of billionaires; in 2007 Moscow was named the world's most expensive city for the second year in a row. It is home to many scientific and educational institutions, as well as numerous sport facilities. It possesses a complex transport system that includes the world's busiest metro system, which is famous for its architecture.

• Murmansk

Murmansk is a city and seaport in the extreme northwest part of Russia, on the Kola Bay, 12 km from the Barents Sea on the northern shore of the Kola Peninsula, not far from Russia's borders with Norway and Finland. The port remains ice−free year round due to the warm North Atlantic drift ocean current and is an important fishing and shipping port. Murmansk is set to be the Russian terminus of the Arctic Bridge (or Arctic Sea Bridge), a sea route that would link it to the Canadian port of Churchill, Manitoba.

• Nikel Nikel is an urban−type settlement in Murmansk Oblast, Russia, located on the shores of Lake Kuets−Yarvi some 196 km northwest of Murmansk and 7 km from the Norwegian border. It is the administrative center of Pechengsky District.

• Novgorod

Veliky Novgorod is the foremost historic city of North−Western Russia and the administrative center of Novgorod Oblast. Its name means roughly "The Great New City" or "The Big New City". The city lies along the Volkhov River just below its outflow from Lake Ilmen. No other Russian or Ukrainian city can compete with Novgorod in the variety and age of its medieval monuments. The foremost among these is the St Sophia Cathedral the best preserved of

4 11th century churches, probably the oldest structure still in use in Russia and the first one to represent original features of Russian architecture. Also some of the other famous sights is the Novgorod Kremlin, traditionally known as the Detinets.

• Perm Perm is a city and the administrative center of Perm Krai, Russia. The city of Perm is located on the bank of the Kama River upon hilly terrain. The Kama is the main tributary of the Volga River and one of the deepest and most picturesque rivers of Russia.

• Pskov

Pskov is an ancient city located in the north−west of Russia about 20 kilometers (12 mi) east from the Estonian border, on the Velikaya River. The city of Pskov serves as the administrative center of Pskov Oblast. Pskov still preserves much of its medieval walls, built from the 13th century on. Pskov is exceedingly rich in history between medieval citadels, ancient Cathedrals, picturesque churches and historic mansions.

• Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a city in Russia located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea. It is a major European cultural center, and an important Russian port on the Baltic Sea. Saint Petersburg is often described as the most Western European styled city of Russia. The Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Russia's political and cultural center for 200 years, the city is sometimes referred to in Russia as the northern capital.

• Veliky Ustyug Veliky Ustyug is a town in Vologda Oblast, Russia, located at the confluence of the Sukhona and Yug Rivers. Downstream from this convergence the two rivers form a single waterway known as the Northern Dvina. By the late fifteenth century the community had acquired the title Great − Veliky.

• Vorkuta Vorkuta is a coal mining town in the Komi Republic, Russia, situated just north of the Arctic circle in the Pechora coal basin at the Usa river. In 1941 the town and the labor camp system based around it were connected to the rest of the world by a prisoner−built railroad linking Konosha and Kotlas, and the camps of Inta. Vorkuta became a city on 26 November 1943.

• Yekaterinburg

5 Yekaterinburg is the 5th largest city in Russia after Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and is the capital of the Urals region. It was founded in 1723 by Peter the Great as the metallurgical factory and by the 20th century it had become one of Russia's largest and most important financial, industrial and cultural centers. Between 1924 and 1991, the town was known as Sverdlovsk. The city is often said to be situated on the border of Europe and Asia (on the Asian side) and two symbolic monuments of this can be found near the city.

Price Chart

All prices quoted in U.S. Dollars ($) per person The following is included in your tour cost:

• All accommodation as per the itinerary, on board the Siberian Tiger train and in the hotels • All meals starting with dinner on the first day • A generous allowance of wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee with all lunches and dinners both on and off the train (except where stated otherwise) • All arrival and departure transfers, providing you arrive/depart on the tour start/end date, except where stated otherwise • Guided off−train sightseeing excursions as specified in the itinerary • Services of experienced English−speaking tour leaders • Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water 24 hours a day • All gratuities

The following is excluded from your tour cost:

• International and domestic airfare • Visa and excess baggage charges • Travel insurance • Personal expenses such as drinks in the bar car or laundry • Optional activities on certain tours that would need to be paid for locally; please see itinerary for details • Any items not specifically mentioned as "included"

HOTELS AND RESORTS

• Holiday Inn , Moscow (4 −Star)

Plot No. 1, Golimar Garden Scheme Amber road, Jaipur

6 Lesnaya Hotel is well equipped for business and social gatherings. The meeting areas provide flexible rooms sizes and seating arrangements. The business centre is open throughout the business day and evening. The mini Gym is available to all hotel guests. Safety and security of the hotels guests are ensured by the 24 hour security service. You will find everything you expect from a hotel: a Great Nights Sleep, Great Value Breakfast and Priority Club Rewards.

Facilities Room Service 24 hours " Restaurant " Dedicated Lounge " Kids Eat Free " Health & Fitness Center (On−Site) " Daily Housekeeping " Dry Cleaning Pickup/Laundry " Rental Car Desk(s) " Foreign Currency Exchange " Newsstand " Gift Shop " Business Center " E−mail & Internet " Executive Floors " Executive Suites " Facsimile " Private Limousine " High Speed Internet Access " ATM/Cash Machine " Ice Machine " Safety Deposit Box available at Front Desk " Dedicated Lounge (or 24 Hour Lounge) " Porter/Bellman " Room Facilities: Cable / Satellite TV " Color TV " In Room Movies − Pay Per View " Coffee Maker " Mini Bar " Plates/Glassware " Tea Maker " Work Desk w/ Lamp " Spare Electrical Outlet at Desk " Phone with Voice Mail " Direct Dial Phone " In Room Safe " Individually Controlled Air Conditioning " Separate Hanging Closet.

• Holiday Inn , Moscow (4 −Star)

Airport Road

The Holiday Inn Moscow Lesnaya Hotel is perfectly situated in the heart of Moscow. It is an excellent choice for business travelers coming to Moscow to participate in Agroprodmash 2008 the main Russian agricultural trade show held in Expocentre. The Hotel is a short distance from the Red Square, Kremlin, and other Moscow attractions. The hotel is a 45 minute drive from the Moscow International Airport Sheremetyevo. Two central underground stations, providing easy access to all major Moscow Metro lines are within a short walking distance from the hotel. All the rooms are designed with comfort in mind. High speed Internet Access is available in all rooms. The lobby area and meeting rooms are equipped with Wi Fi. The restaurant "Red & White" serves an international cuisine. The "Red & White" Lounge Bar offers a friendly relaxing atmosphere. 24 hour room service is available. The hotel offers Kids Eat Free programme. The Holiday Inn Moscow Lesnaya Hotel is well equipped for business and social gatherings. The meeting areas provide flexible rooms sizes and seating arrangements. The business centre is open throughout the business day and evening. The mini Gym is available to all hotel guests. Safety and security of the hotels guests are ensured by the 24 hour security service. You will find everything you expect from a hotel: a Great Nights Sleep, Great Value Breakfast and Priority Club Rewards.

SUGGESTED EXTENSION TOURS

Trans−Siberian Express Classic Route (Eastbound) Undisputedly the world's greatest railway journey, The Trans−Siberian Express Golden Eagle train runs from Moscow over the Urals, across the magnificent Russian steppes and alongside the shores of the world's largest freshwater lake. By the time the train arrives in Vladivostok it will have passed through eight time zones, and traveled over 6,600 miles one third of the way around the world!

Our Trans−Siberian Express tours take a leisurely two weeks for the journey, making sure you get plenty of time to take in the scenery and culture of this voyage of a lifetime.

In addition to Moscow, Russia's vibrant capital, the train also makes a stop in Yekaterinburg where the Romanovs were executed, Kazan with its beautiful Kremlin, the 'Paris of Siberia' at Irkutsk and Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic.

7 Also enjoy an off−train excursion to Lake Baikal to visit a traditional fishing village and have a barbeque at the water's edge.

As another highlight, the train branches off the Trans−Siberian main line to take a trip into Mongolia for a visit to Sukhbaatar before returning to Russia for the remainder of the trip. In Vladivostok, there is time to explore and tour this rarely visited city which until relatively recently was completely closed to foreigners.

Yet the main attraction has to be the gradually changing scenery itself: from the climb through the Ural mountains (the boundary between Europe and Asia), to the wide open steppes and broad rivers, traveling on the Trans−Siberian is the only way to truly take in the vastness and grandeur of the world's largest country.

The Naadam Festival (Eastbound) Join Palace Tours as we combine the excitement of two days at the Naadam Festival with an amazing overland journey from Moscow on board the Golden Eagle Trans−Siberian Express private train.

Naadam is the one and only Big Event in Mongolia a lively national festival held every year from the 11th 13th of July. Naadam means "three manly games". Known as the world's second−oldest Olympics, it celebrates what defined civilization in the Steppes eight centuries ago; archery, wrestling and horse riding. The competitors in the riding events are all children aged between five and twelve, many of whom have been in the saddle since the age of one. As they race along the plains for 20 kilometers, thousands of spectators line the remote track to watch up to 650 children sitting confidently astride their small but sturdy Mongolian steed. It is claimed that such equestrian skills won Genghis Khan an empire that stretched from the Sea of Japan all the way to Europe.

In recent times, women have been allowed to enter and they now compete in two of the three events, horse racing and archery. Once a religious ceremony, the festival now formally commemorates the 1921 revolution when Mongolia declared itself a free country.

This is a unique opportunity to be among the few non−Mongolians to experience this spectacular but little known festival and soak up the exciting atmosphere of this national holiday.

TRAVEL TIPS & FAQ's

Preparing for your journey

What are the visa requirements? Most visas need to be applied for well in advance, and may require a visa support letter. It is vital that visa requirements are checked in good time as entry requirements vary depending on nationality. It is also important to check if a single, double or multiple entry visa is required for a specific tour.

Is travel insurance required? Yes. We do stress that all guests must have a valid travel insurance policy that covers them for all eventualities. Please contact us for details on available policies or visit http://www.palacetours.net/insurance.

What currency is utilized? On board the train, you will not need much currency, but there are charges for laundry and bar bills if traveling in Silver or Heritage class. It is possible to run a "tab" on board and make one payment at the end of the tour. If the bill is less than USD $100 you will be required to make your payment in cash. International credit cards (Visa and Mastercard are both accepted) for payments over USD $100. We recommend that you travel with small denominations and clean bills, as you

8 will need money for souvenirs and any shopping you choose to do off the train. You will be advised by the tour Manager and/or guides on how, and if necessary, to change money.

Can I use/pay with credit cards and travelers checks? ATM machines are now available in all large towns and cities along our routes. All the hotels that we use accept major credit cards. Traveler's checks are virtually impossible to exchange.

When will I receive my tickets and finalized itinerary? A month before departure, you should receive a final update letter which will include all the additional information that you will need to know. Tickets are sent out approximately 4 weeks before departure.

What happens when I arrive at the airport or train station? You will be met by one of our representatives who will be waiting with a Palace Tours sign. If arriving by air, this will be after immigration, once you have collected all of your luggage and cleared customs. Our representative will then assist you to your transfer vehicle to the hotel.

What happens if I miss my flight, or am delayed? Prior to departure you will receive a 24−hour Emergency Contact Card with your final documentation. This card displays the telephone numbers of our representatives in the country of your arrival. If you have any problems you can call the appropriate person detailed on the card.

What clothing is required for the various climates? Please prepare your packing list according to the regional temperatures. In general, Russia's climate features four seasons with Moscow and St Petersburg reaching 28 degrees Celsius in the summer and well below 0 degrees in the winter. Since every tour requires some walking we recommend that you pack some comfortable walking shoes. A rubber sole is recommended to avoid possible slipping.

Do I need to take my own toiletries? Shampoo and shower gel are provided, however we do say that you would probably prefer to bring along your favorite toiletries.

Are children permitted on the tour? Children ages 12 and up are allowed on the tours. They pay the full adult fare. However, there is no triple accommodation option available.

The Siberian Tiger Train

What are the main differences between each of the cabin types? There are three cabin types: Gold, Silver and Heritage. All types of cabins on the Siberian Tiger feature bunk−style beds, the lower of which is converted from a double bed to a sofa during the day, a wardrobe, and ensuite bathroom (except Heritage class). All cabins also feature CD/DVD player, LCD screen and individually controlled air−conditioning. Please see our "Photo Gallery" for pictures. Gold class cabins (77 sq. ft) have approximately 30% more space than Silver (60 sq. ft) and a more spacious private bathroom with a separate shower cabin. Silver class cabins have a private wet room with a combined shower, toilet and sink area. Heritage class cabins (39 sq ft) are Traditional Russian Railway International First Class cars with Trans−Siberian enhancements. The cabins feature two side by side beds, luggage storage and are centrally air conditioned. Located at the each end of the carriage are toilet facilities, and a purpose built shower car is included for the use of our heritage class guests.

Gold class clients also receive complimentary drinks from the bar throughout their tour, including beer, wine and spirits. Silver and Heritage class clients receive complimentary wine at meal times only, and all other drinks are at their own expense. Laundry (maximum number of items) is complimentary for Gold class clients whereas Silver and Heritage class clients pay per item.

Can I book a specific cabin? We do our best to try to accommodate all requests, but we can not guarantee them. Please ensure you make any requests at the time of booking and please also inform the Tour Manager of your request upon embarkation.

What is the dress code on board the train? During the day dress is casual both on and off the train. In the evening we suggest smart casual.

What electric chargers will I need?

9 The train in Russia is equipped with a 220v European plug socket. Please ensure that you have the correct adaptor for any electrical items that you may wish to charge while on board the train. There is a shaver socket in the bathroom and a plug point in your cabin. Hairdryers are provided in the bathroom of Gold and Silver class cabins.

Is there a safe in the cabin / onboard the train? All cabins have a safety deposit box located inside the wardrobe. It is also safe to leave your belongings in your cabin during the day, as each car has two attendants, one of whom is always on duty and they remain on the train during the city tours. However, all passengers should take their passport with them whenever they leave the train.

What sundries are available on the train? A sewing kit, iron, shoe polish and trouser press are available. We do not provide these items within the cabins, however, the laundry lady is able to accommodate small repairs and provide an ironing service. Also available are board games like Scrabble and Chess, as well as a selection of books and DVDs.

Is there a shop on board where I can buy newspaper, books, stationery, toiletries or snacks? There's no such shop on board but most of these items can be purchased in the cities during the stops. Foreign newspapers are hardly available anywhere except Moscow but we provide news print outs from the internet. Snacks, as well as tea and coffee, are available free of charge from the bar or from your cabin attendant.

Is smoking permitted? Smoking in the cabins is strictly prohibited. You may only smoke in specific designated areas at the ends of the train.

Is there a laundry facility? There is a laundry service on board. Gold class passengers have a certain number of items cleaned complimentary. Silver and Heritage class passengers are charged per item at the end of the trip. Payment can be made by cash or credit card.

Is there an internet and fax facility on the train? There is no internet or fax facility aboard the trains; however it is possible to check e−mails and send faxes during certain stops en route. This may mean missing the excursion program for that day. The train's printer and copier can only be used in urgent cases. Please see the train manager for details.

Are there communication links while we are on board? Mobile phone coverage can now be found virtually along the entire route, however it is not continuous. We do not have a satellite phone on board the train, but the Tour Manager can be contacted in emergencies on the mobile telephone number provided on the 24 hour emergency card provided in the travel wallets.

How often is the cabin cleaned during the tour? Car attendants clean the cabins and windows daily. Towels are changed every three days.

Is it noisy on the train? Are ear plugs required? If you are not used to traveling by train, the sounds of the moving train can slightly disturb you, more so during the first night. However we have not had any comments about guests finding it difficult to sleep while on board.

Are cabins checked on the border crossings? Crossing the border is usually a formality; however it is theoretically possible that cabins can be checked by border officials.

What sort of on−board entertainment / educational talks are provided? A variety of lectures and entertainment is provided during the journey. We have a pianist in the bar car. The evenings also provide the opportunity to socialize with other passengers.

Is it safe to stand up in the shower while the train is moving? Yes it safe to stand up. As this train has been built to our specifications we also provide grab handles in the shower for stability. We can also provide a stool if you would feel more comfortable sitting down while showering.

Are there any restrictions on the size and number of pieces of luggage? There is limited storage space inside your cabin. Soft−topped luggage is easier to store and lighter to lift to the above head storage areas. You can have assistance to store your luggage. Additional storage for luggage is available at the ends of the train, however, access to this is limited.

What is the breakdown of staff on board?

10 There is one senior Tour Manager on board and also a number of assistants depending on the total number of passengers. There are 2 attendants in each carriage who look after a maximum of 10 passengers in Gold class, 12 passengers in Silver class, and 16 passengers in Heritage class. There is also 1 executive chef and 5 sous chefs. There are porters at each of the hotels and at the station to help you get your luggage on and off the train.

How is the train powered? The 2009 journey covers 4,200 miles (6,760 km), of which about 75% is scheduled to be steam−hauled using 8 different historic locomotives of classes P36 (4−8−4), Su (2−6−2), L (2−10−0), SO (2−10−0), Er (0−10−0), Eu (0−10−0) and Ov (0−8−0). For 2010 onwards, the train will be hauled only by electic and diesel.

Food & Drink

What type of food is provided on−board? Both Western and local Russian food is served on the Siberian Tiger. The menu is decided by the Head Chef. Breakfast is continental style and passengers choose from a 4−course menu for dinners. Please advise upon booking if you have any special dietary needs, requests, or allergies. Please also advise the train manager of these special requests upon boarding the train.

Are meal times set? Yes. Breakfast is normally between 08:00 and 10:00. If however there is an off train tour leaving the train before 10:00 the Tour Manager will advise all passengers so that they have eaten prior to the off−train excursion. Lunch is scheduled around the off−train excursion arrangements, however it is normally between 12:30 and 14:00. Dinner is served at 19:00 most evenings.

Are all drinks free? All alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks are complementary for Gold Class passengers. Tea, coffee, draft beer, fruit juices and drinking water are free for Silver and Heritage class passengers. We have a tariff in the bar car that details the full drinks price list. There is a fully−stocked bar at all times. Wine is complimentary for all passengers at meal times.

Is the water safe to drink? The water on all trains is not drinking water. Your attendants, who are on duty 24 hours a day, will provide you with fresh bottled water around the clock. There is also bottled water in the bathrooms for brushing your teeth. Food on board is washed with bottled water so please don't worry about compromised standards of hygiene.

The Tour

How many passengers will be on the tour? This all depends on the individual departure. Our maximum capacity is 120, but some of our departures will leave with less than that. The coaches utilized for sightseeing and transport off the train can accommodate a maximum of 35 passengers each.

Do the tour guides speak English? Yes, the local guides speak English as well as the on−board Tour Manager. If you have group who wish to have a guide in a language other than English, you need to ensure that this request is made at the time of booking and we will aim to provide one (charges may apply).

Are there daily briefings on the places we pass through / visit? When you board the train you will find a brochure specific to your chosen itinerary detailing more about the journey and the places en route. The Tour Manager also organizes a program of briefings on the cities visited.

Are all off train excursions included in the price? Yes. If however, you do not wish to take an off train excursion, you can either stay on board the train or make some private arrangement. There is no discount for those who choose not to take the off train excursion/s. If you choose to make your own private arrangements, you will need to ensure that you are back at the train by the departure time as the train will not be able to wait and must leave as per the schedule.

Which hotels are utilized before and after the train portion of the tour? All the hotels used are 4 and 5 star hotels. All passengers will be accommodated in the very best rooms available and this is not dependent on their cabin class. Please see the "Accommodation" tab for details.

Medical Questions

11 Can clients with limited mobility be accommodated on the train? The passage inside the carriage is too narrow for a wheelchair to pass through, but one is kept on board if needed for off−train tours. Please advise upon booking if you require a wheelchair and we will do our best to accommodate the request. However, it may not be possible to go on all of the excursions, as some are not wheelchair−accessible.

Is there a doctor or first aid kit on board? Yes, a doctor travels with the train at all times. The doctors are available 24 hours a day and are responsible for primary health care. They do carry medicines, but if you are taking prescription medication, please bring enough supplies to last for the duration of your trip. We have a designated "Doctors Surgery" on board the train and this will contain a fully stocked first aid kit. There is also a first aid kit in each carriage.

Do I need to make any prior arrangements if I am traveling with medication? You need to ensure that you are traveling with the correct quantities of prescription medication. It is strongly advised that all clients seek medical clearance prior to traveling. Our on−board doctor must be advised of clients traveling with prescription medication. Also, It is highly unusual for anyone to suffer motion sickness whilst on the train, however if you would prefer to take some, you can do so.

Do I need any vaccinations? As with all overseas travel, we recommend that you contact your General Practitioner or local travel clinic to get the most up to date information on what vaccinations, if any, are required.

Palace Tours Contact Information

IndiaTours.com is a brand of Palace Tours, a leader in tours to India, Spain and South Africa.

If at any time you have questions, concerns or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us via any of the below methods:

On the Web: www.indiatours.com or www.palacetours.com

By e−mail: [email protected]

By phone: 1−800−724−5120 India Desk : 1−877−GO−INDIA (877−464−6342)

USA: Princeton, NJ: 609−683−5018 New York, NY: 212−920−2543 Houston, TX: 832−446−2709

International: United Kingdom: 800−8456−201 Hong Kong: (852) 30518159 South Africa : (+27)11−46133299 Australia: 1800−156−671 New Zealand: 0800−442−510

By FAX: 1−609−683−9772

By postal mail: Palace Tours Ltd. 20 Wall Street Princeton, New Jersey 08540 USA

DIRECTIONS TO OUR CORPORATE OFFICE Please call ahead for hours and appointments!

By Car:

From Princeton area:

12 Our office is located on the north side of Route 206 in Princeton, New Jersey. We are in the Research Park office complex, directly opposite from the Princeton Airport.

From points North: Via Route 1: Take Route 1 South towards Trenton. After you pass Forrestal Village Campus, you will begin to see signs for "Downtown Princeton &Shopping". Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) &follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street.

Via Route 287: Take Route 287 South towards Somerville. Take exit 17 for Route 206 South (Somerville). You will pass through a traffic circle follow signs for Route 206 South. Follow Route 206 South for approximately 12 miles. Turn left onto Wall Street.

From points South: Via the Garden State Parkway: Take the Parkway North/South to exit 98 for Route 138 West toward Trenton. Route 138 West becomes Route 195 West. Follow 195 West for approximately 17 miles. Merge onto Route 295 North toward Trenton. Follow directions below.

Via Route 95/ 295: Take Route 95 North until it becomes Route 295 North toward Trenton. Take exit 67A and merge onto Route 1 North. Follow Route 1 North for approximately 5 miles. Take the exit for Washington Road. Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) &follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street.

By train: Princeton Junction is the main train station along the Northeast Corridor for Amtrak and New Jersey Transit. Visitors can take a cab from here to Princeton or transfer to a one−car train to Princeton called the "Dinky". The train ride takes about 5 minutes, and drops you at University Place across from McCarter Theatre. If you choose this option, be sure to purchase a rail ticket to "Princeton" for presentation upon boarding the Dinky.

Our office is a 10−minute cab ride from Princeton station (approx. 4.5 miles).

By bus: Several buses arrive and depart daily from Princeton Research Park (i.e., New Jersey Transit's 605 Montgomery Line). From the bus station, walk into the Research Park office complex. We are located at #20 Wall Street.

For emergencies while traveling within India, you may contact our Jaipur office. Details will be provided in your travel vouchers, which are issued upon full payment.