Palace Tours − Luxury Tours Collection The Crimean Express (Northbound) The Crimean Express (Northbound)

Embark on the brand−new Crimean Express journey from Kiev, which debuts in 2010! Spend two days in Kiev, one of Europe's oldest cities, before traveling by air to , where you will stay for two nights and enjoy visits to such places as Palace and the famous fairy−tale castle, the "Swallow's Nest." Travel on board the Golden Eagle private train for seven nights as you head north−west from Balaklava through Moldova, through Lviv, and Belarus' capital of Minsk. This fascinating tour continues as you are taken to several important destinations such as the in Pushkin near St. Petersburg and the Red Square in Moscow, where your epic journey comes to an end.

ITINERARY

• Day 1 − Welcome to

Arrive at Airport, where you are met and transferred to the luxury Hotel in Yalta for a three−night stay.

• Day 2 − Enjoy a full day of Yalta sightseeing

Today there is a guided tour of Yalta including Chekhov's House and the Botanical Gardens, followed by lunch at the Swallow's Nest, a fairy−tale castle breathtakingly perched high above the sea. This restaurant is a world famous location and many world leaders have eaten here. In the afternoon we take a scenic cruise along the picturesque coastline before visiting the Massandra Palace and Imperial Winery, touring the cellars (they have bottles dating back to 1775 and many bottles from the Tsars personal collection).

• Day 3 − Adventure in Yalta

This morning we visit Palace which was built for Count Mikhail Vorontsov, former special envoy to the United Kingdom and friend of the Marlborough Family. The Palace is a strange, but attractive combination of a Scottish castle with Arabian additions. Churchill stayed here during the Yalta conference of February 1945. In the afternoon we enjoy a private tour of the Tsar's Summer Palace at Livadia and the site of the Yalta conference between Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill. A champagne reception in the grounds will be followed by a concert of chamber music and dinner in the restaurant attached to the palace.

• Day 4 − Travel by road from Yalta to Sudak and board the Golden Eagle in

After breakfast we take the spectacularly scenic coastal road from Yalta to Sudak, a popular beachside resort on the Crimean peninsula, with a well−preserved and imposing Genoese Fortress which overlooks the town, and the centre of the Crimean viticulture industry before arriving in the of Feodosiya where we visit the Aivazovsky Gallery. Late afternoon we board the Golden Eagle for our departure to Sevastopol.

• Day 5 − Sightseeing in Sevastopol and Bakhchisarai

Today we arrive into Sevastopol which is home to the Russian Fleet and is a town steeped in the history of the Crimean War and World War II, on both occasions being under siege for almost a year. We visit Balaclava and the Diorama depicting the Word War Two battle and from where there is a fine view of the valley where the Charge of the Light Brigade took place. The valley is now covered in neat rows of vines and in the middle is a white stone memorial to the infamous Charge.

1 • Day 6 − Explore Balaklava

Our tour of Sevastopol this morning includes the Old Town, the Panorama (a 360−degree painting and montage depicting the siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War) and Khersones, reputed to be the most complete ancient Greek settlement in existence, and only opened to foreigners a few years ago. In the afternoon we leave Sevastopol and travel by train and make the short trip to the Bakhchisarai where we visit the sixteenth century Hansaray (or Khan's) Palace and Uspensky Cave Monastery. An early evening departure sees us heading northwards away from the Black Sea.

• Day 7 − Tour Ukraine's elegant city of Odessa

We arrive in the elegant city of Odessa in the morning with its tree−lined Primorsky Boulevard featuring street cafes on the embankment and the Potemkin Steps where we spend a full day. This Black Sea city was immortalised in Einstein's 1925 film 'Battleship Potemkin'. Nearby is the impressive Opera and Ballet Theatre.

• Day 8 − Kishinev city tour

Passing over the Moldovan border during the night, spend the morning travelling through the picturesque Moldovan countryside before we arrive at lunchtime in the of Kishinev. After lunch, our afternoon tour of the city includes a visit to a local winery

• Day 9 − Travel to the capital of the Western Ukraine

We travel back through Moldova and back into Ukraine and have an early afternoon lunchtime arrival in Lvov, capital of the Western Ukraine and an ancient city that has seen many rulers. Named 'Lemberg' during Polish/Austrian rule, and again briefly during Nazi occupation, the old city, with its winding streets has survived almost untouched.

• Day 10 − Full day tour of the ancient city of Kiev

Our full day tour of the ancient city of Kiev includes the beautifully restored Monastery of Caves, Lavra Complex which has the highest bell tower in the former USSR, the huge Mother Ukraina World War Two monument and museum, a stroll along Khreshchatyk Street, Saint Sophia's Cathedral and Independence Square.

• Day 11 − City tour of Minsk

We spend the day in Minsk, capital of Belarus and enjoy a tour of this city which saw fierce fighting during World War Two before rejoining the Golden Eagle in the late afternoon as we travel towards Moscow and enjoy our farewell dinner onboard the train.

• Day 12 − A city tour of Moscow

This morning we arrive in the capital city of . Our city tour of Moscow today takes us to Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia's former military and political might. Here we see an eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate St Basil's Cathedral with its magnificent onion−domed spires, the grandeur of The Kremlin and the sombre and evocative site of Lenin's tomb. With our Freedom of Choice touring options you may instead wish to visit, for example, the Tretyakov Gallery or the Museum of the KGB. After our day's tour, we transfer the five−star Moscow Marriott Royal Aurora, centrally located for a one−night stay.

• Day 13 − Arrive in Moscow and disembark the Golden Eagle

For clients taking the St Petersburg extension, we will take the morning high speed train from Moscow to St Petersburg, where you are transferred to the Kempinski Hotel Moika 22, a luxury five−star hotel in the centre of the city for a

2 two−night stay. For clients leaving the tour in Moscow, transfers will be provided to the airport for onward flight connections.

• Day 14 − St Petersburg (Post−Tour Extension − Optional)

Today we tour this magnificent city and visit Catherine the Great's rococo Summer Palace in Pushkin, including the world−famous Amber Room. Lunch is at the Podvorye Restaurant in Pavlovsk before returning to the imperial capital city of the for an afternoon tour of the key sights including St Isaac's Cathedral and Nevsky Prospect.

• Day 15 − St Petersburg (Post−Tour Extension − Optional) After breakfast, airport transfers are provided for onward international flights.

DESTINATION INFORMATION

• Bakhchisarai Bakhchisaray is a town in Central , centre of the Bakhchisaray district, best known as the former capital of the . Its main landmark is Hansaray, the only extant palace of the Crimean Khans, currently opened as a museum.

• Balaklava

Balaklava is a town in the Crimea, Ukraine which has an official status of a district of the city of Sevastopol. It was a city in its own right until 1957 when it was formally incorporated into the municipal borders of Sevastopol by the Soviet government. Balaklava has changed hands many times during its history, from the Ancient Greeks, to the to the Genoese who conquered it in 1365. Now the ruins of a Genoese fortress positioned high on a clifftop above the entrance to the Balaklava Inlet are a popular tourist. During the Second World War, Balaklava was the southernmost point in the Soviet−German lines. In 1956 Balaklava, together with the whole Crimea, passed from Russia to Ukraine. It became part of the independent state of Ukraine in 1991. Today there are over 50 monuments in the town dedicated to the remembrance of military valor in past wars, including the Great Patriotic War, the Crimean War and the Russian Civil War.

• Feodosiya

Feodosiya is a port and resort city in Crimea, Ukraine, on the Black Sea coast. The city is also for its golden beaches, mineral springs, mud baths and sanatoria. Other popular tourist locations are the Ivan Ayvazovsky Picture Gallery and the Genoese fortress.

3 • Kiev

Kiev is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper River. Kiev is an important industrial, scientific, educational and cultural centre of Eastern Europe. It is home to many high−tech industries, higher education institutions and world−famous historical landmarks. The city has an extensive infrastructure and highly developed system of public transport, including the Kiev Metro. During its history, Kiev passed through several stages of great prominence and relative obscurity.

• Kishinev

Kishinev also known as Chisinau is the capital city and industrial and commercial center of Moldova. It is also the largest city of Moldova and is located in the center of the country, on the river Bîc. Economically, the city is the most prosperous in Moldova and is one of the main industrial centers and transportation hubs of the region. As the most important city in Moldova, Chisinau has a broad range of educational facilities. Additionally, the city has among the highest proportion of green spaces of any major city in Europe.

• Lviv

Lviv is a major city in western Ukraine and is regarded as one of the main cultural centers of Ukraine. The city has many industries and institutions of higher education such as the Lviv University and the Lviv Polytechnic. It has a philharmonic orchestra and The Lviv Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The historic city centre is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Lviv became part of the newly independent Ukraine after the collapse of the U.S.S.R.for which it currently serves as the administrative centre of Lviv Oblast, and designated as its own raion (district) within that oblast.

• Minsk

Minsk is the capital and largest city in Belarus, situated on the Svislach and Niamiha rivers. Minsk is also a headquarters of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). As the national capital, Minsk has a special administrative status in Belarus and is also the administrative centre of Minsk voblast (province) and Minsk raion (district). The earliest references to Minsk date to the 11th century (1067), then a provincial city within the principality of Polotsk. In 1242, Minsk became a part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and it received its town privileges in 1499. From 1569, it was a capital of the Minsk Voivodship in the Polish−Lithuanian Commonwealth. It was annexed by Russia in 1793, as a consequence of the Second Partition of Poland. From 1919™991, Minsk was the capital of the Byelorussian SSR.

4 • 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 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.

• Odessa

Odessa also spelled Odesa is the administrative center of the Odessa Oblast (province) located in southern Ukraine. The city is a major seaport located on the shore of the Black Sea and the fourth largest city in Ukraine. In the 19th century it was the fourth largest city of Imperial Russia, after Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Warsaw. Odessa is a warm water port, but of limited military value. The city of Odessa hosts two important ports: Odessa itself and Yuzhny (also an internationally important oil terminal), situated in the city's suburbs. Another important port, Illichivs'k (or Ilyichyovsk), is located in the same oblast, to the south−west of Odessa. Together they represent a major transportation junction integrated with railways.

• 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.

5 • Sevastopol

Sevastopol is a port city in Ukraine, located on the Black Sea coast of the Crimea peninsula. The city, formerly the home of the Soviet Black Sea Fleet, is now a Ukrainian naval base mutually used by the and Russian Navy. The unique geographic location and navigation conditions of the city's harbors make Sevastopol a strategically important naval point and a popular seaside resort and tourist destination.

• Sudak

Sudak is a small historic town located in Crimea, Ukraine. Today it is a popular resort, best known for its Genoese fortress, the best preserved on the northern shore of the Black Sea.

• Yalta

Yalta is a city in Crimea, southern Ukraine, on the north coast of the Black Sea. The city is located on the site of an ancient Greek colony, said to have been founded by Greek sailors who were looking for a safe shore on which to land. It is situated on a deep bay facing south towards the Black Sea, surrounded by wooded mountains. It enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with many vineyards and orchards in the vicinity. The term "The Greater Yalta" is used to designate a part of the Crimean southern coast spanning from Foros in the west to in the east and including the city of Yalta and multiple adjacent urban settlements (the area of the Greater Yalta is marked dark blue on the map).

Price Chart

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

• 02 Nights hotel accommodation in Kiev • 03 Nights hotel accommodation in Yalta • 07 Nights accommodation on board the Golden Eagle private train • 01 Night hotel accommodation in Moscow • 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

6 • 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

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 . 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.

Trans−Siberian Express: Winter Wonderland (Eastbound) Intriguing, delightful, beautiful, mysterious& all this can be said of Russia, a vast land stretching from the shores of the Baltic to the Sea of Japan and to within sight of Alaska. Undisputedly the world's greatest railway journey, The Trans−Siberian Express runs from Moscow over the Urals, across the imposing 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!

7 This maginficent "Winter Wonderland" rail journey on board the Golden Eagle, which debuts in 2010, takes a leisurely two weeks for the journey, making sure you get plenty of time to take in the scenery and culture of Russia.

Begin your epic journey in Moscow, Russia's vibrant capital, and continue to the historic city of Vladimir, one of Russia's oldest communities. Take a horse−drawn sleigh ride around Suzdal and continue to Irkutsk, the 'Paris of Siberia' and then to Lake Baikal for an unforgettable Troika ride. As another highlight, the train branches off the Trans−Siberian main line 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.

El Transcantabrico Clasico: Journey from Santiago de Compostela to Leon Step aboard El Transcantábrico, Spain's first luxury train, for a marvelous journey of 8 days and 7 nights between Santiago de Compostela and León. Inaugurated in 1983, El Transcantábrico runs along the same railway lines as the old coal trains of the historic La Robla Railway, which took coal from León to Biscay. Experience the history of Spain from prehistoric times to the present day&

Discover the quaint towns and villages of northern Spain as the train winds its way by the Bay of Biscay that lies between steep mountains and green meadows, past beaches and cliffs. These are places full of enchantment and history that over the centuries have become living works of art, places like Santiago de Compostela, Viveiro, Oviedo, Ribadesella, Llanes, Santillana del Mar, Santander, Bilbao, Carrión de los Condes and León.

*Contact us today for special offers!

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 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?

8 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/The Trans−Siberian Express 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 Golden Eagle 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 Golden Eagle 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 virtually identical to Silver class cabins, except they do not have ensuite restrooms; instead there are 2 toilets and a shower room at the end of each carriage, that are shared by all guests in the Heritage class carriage. 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? 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?

9 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 Trans−Siberian Express 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 the toilets eco−friendly or do they flush onto the tracks? All the toilets on the Golden Eagle in Russia are eco−friendly.

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? 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 trains are no longer hauled by steam, but by electric and diesel.

10 Food & Drink

What type of food is provided on−board? Both Western and local Russian food is served on the Golden Eagle. 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

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.

11 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

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.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: 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.

12 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.

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