15 Days

2012 Eastbound Tour Schedule:
09 May - 23 May
30 July - 13 August
25 August - 08 September


2012 Tour Prices:

Silver Class:  

Gold Class: 

 
Note:
Silver & Gold Class - ensuite bathrooms.


Tour Includes:

* 1 night in Moscow
* 12 nights onboard the Golden Eagle
* 1 night in Vladivostok

For complete inclusions please refer to 'What's included in
the tour price'


Tour Extension Options:

~ Golden Ring
~ River Cruising on Russian Waterways
~ Imperial city of St Petersburg
~ Kamchatka Discovery



Itinerary:

Day 1:  MOSCOW
Arrive at Moscow airport, where you are met and transferred to the luxurious five-star Marriott Royal
Aurora hotel (or similar) located in the heart of this vibrant city for a one-night stay.  We enjoy a
welcome reception dinner at our hotel, whilst you meet your fellow travellers and anticipate the epic
15 day voyage that lies ahead. 

Day 2: MOSCOW  - FREEDOM OF CHOICE TOURING
Our morning city tour of Moscow principally takes us to Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia’s
former military and political might.  Here we see an eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such
as the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral with its magnificent onion-domed spires, the grandeur of The
Kremlin and the sombre and evocative site of Lenin’s tomb. With our Freedom of Choice touring
options you may instead wish to visit, for example, the Tretyakov Gallery or the Museum of the
KGB. Early afternoon sees us boarding the luxurious Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express. 
After settling into our modern, stylish cabins, we enjoy dinner in one of the beautifully designed
restaurant cars as our rail adventure eastwards to Vladivostok begins.

Day 3: KAZAN
We arrive at the picturesque and historic city of Kazan by mid-morning.  Situated on the River Volga,
Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan.  Here we have the opportunity to see for ourselves its rich tapestry
of history and culture.  One of the highlights of this city tour is our exploration of the Kremlin Fortress,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel we will explore its stunning
mosque and onion-domed cathedral. After enjoying a relaxing dinner on the Golden Eagle, you
may wish to retire to our welcoming bar car where you can enjoy drinks with new friends whilst
listening to our resident pianist. 

Day 4: YEKATERINBURG
We cross the Europe/Asia divide before arriving in the historic city of Yekaterinburg. Founded in
1723 by Peter the Great, the third largest Russian city is also the capital of the Urals.  The cultural
and architectural influences of European and Asian civilisations come together in this fascinating
and cosmopolitan landscape.  Our city tour takes us to the poignant site where the Romanov,
Nicholas II of Russia was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918.   Now a church
dedicated to their memory, this site provides us with a powerful insight into the turmoil of the
Russian Revolution.

Day 5: NOVOSIBIRSK
A modern ‘Soviet’ city, we experience the life and character of Novosibirsk’s rich culture where the
arts, science and literature predominate.  Our city tour takes us to the Opera House.  An architectural
marvel, it houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is the largest opera house in the
world.  In front of the Opera House, we visit an imposing statue of Lenin – a marvellous opportunity
to have your photograph taken with this iconic political leader.  

Day 6: ON BOARD
A day to unwind and reflect on the many sights and sounds we have experienced on our journey
so far.  Chat to your fellow passengers, perhaps learn a few words of Russian or simply enjoy the
ever changing landscape outside your window as it unfolds.
 
Day 7: IRKUTSK
We arrive in Irkutsk, the ‘Paris of Siberia’, and our visit today takes in the most significant sites and
museums in this fascinating city, including an exploration of the classic wooden architecture that has
given many of this region’s buildings such a distinctive and unique appearance. Next, we visit the
Decembrist House museum which is dedicated to the memory of the exiled aristocrats who were
forced to flee to this remote outpost after the failed revolution of 1825.  Here we enjoy a private
concert before returning to our waiting train for dinner.

Day 8: LAKE BAIKAL 
Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal.  For five hours we wind our
way through tunnels along cliff hugging tracks above the lake with a vista of snow capped peaks
along the far shore forming a picture-perfect backdrop.  Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world
and holds 20% of the world’s freshwater.  Also known as the ‘Pearl of Siberia’ it is home to a unique
breed of freshwater seal and over fifty species of fish including omul which we will be serving in the
dining car for some of our meals. Weather permitting, we stop at one of Baikal’s picturesque and
secluded bays to enjoy a delicious BBQ including freshly smoked fish prepared by our own chefs. 
For the brave hearted, there is even time for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters. In the
afternoon, we visit Listvyanka, a small Baikal settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding hills.   

Day 9: ULAN UDE
This morning we arrive in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic.  The ethnic and cultural diversity
of this area offers a unique insight into its heritage.  As we tour the area you will notice the different
faces and dress styles of these welcoming 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 traditional meal and enjoy a concert featuring local dancers and musicians.

Day 10: MONGOLIA
Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us into Mongolia, home of Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most
feared and revered Mongol and we visit the city of SükhBaatar, situated on the Orkhon River. Lunch
is taken Mongol style in a traditional Ger (Yurt) where we experience an authentic meal, enjoying
excellent local dishes and entertainment providing a unique opportunity to encounter this time-
honoured nomadic way of life. We board the train in time for dinner as we head back into Russia.

Day 11: ON BOARD 
Enjoy a more leisurely pace today as we travel through the beautiful landscape of the Russian Far
East.  You may like to attend one of the interesting lectures or Russian language lessons. 

Day 12: ON BOARD 
It is the perfect opportunity to practice your Russian or simply relax as our journey today follows
the Shilka and Amur rivers, close to the Chinese border.  Enjoy Russia at its most dramatic and
remote, as the Golden Eagle eats up the miles on our way to Vladivostok.   

Day 13: ON BOARD 
Passing directly north of Seoul, Darwin and Osaka, we spend our last full day on board the Golden
| Eagle today as the most easterly point of our mammoth journey is reached passing through
Khabarovsk, where we cross the River Amur.  Tonight, we enjoy our final dinner onboard our private
train that has been our home for the last twelve days as we approach our final destination on this
unforgettable journey. 

Day 14: VLADIVOSTOK 
After travelling through 8 time zones and covering an amazing 6,600 miles (10,600km) along this
epic route to the end of the Trans-Siberian line, the Golden Eagle pulls into Vladivostok, a military
port located on the western shores of the Sea of Japan. Vladivostok (literally translated as ‘Ruler
of the East’) offers visitors an exciting opportunity to explore its principal military attractions
including a tour of a restored submarine before we transfer to the centrally located four-star Hotel
Hyundai.  The final evening is spent saying our goodbyes to our fellow travelling companions and
friends at the Farewell Dinner.

 Day 15: VLADIVOSTOK 
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Vladivostok airport to begin your journey home.