My Tour Favourites (0)
Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Eastbound


Travelling from Moscow to Vladivostok direct through Mongolia you will experience amazing views over this incredible 15 day journey
Overview
The most famous railway journey of them all, the Trans-Siberian railway is a historic line that firmly connects Europe, the remote, and stunning, Siberia, and Asia. It has proven to be a steel lifeline for the Russian people since its completion a century ago. Travelling through the cities of the Golden Ring, across the Ural Mountains, around the famous Lake Baikal and alongside the stunning Amur River, you can experience new cultures and new ways of looking at the world every day you are travelling.
The Golden Eagle tour will take you along the traditional route of the Trans-Siberian, with the added bonus of a slight detour along the, newer, Trans-Mongolian railway, as the adventure takes in northern Mongolia and its capital city, Ulan Bator. By the time you have completed his epic journey, you will have travelled a staggering 6,500 miles (11,000km), visiting nine cities (ten if you travel westbound!) and have crossed two continents.
Winston Churchill famously said that Russia was a, ‘riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma’. This is your opportunity to solve it … or at the very least explore the possible answers!
A Golden Eagle embroidered backpack for use during excursions (one per cabin)
Drinks with meals and from the Bar Lounge Car
Experienced tour managers
On-board doctor and medical facilities
Personal headsets
Route guide, itinerary and information pack
Russian language courses
Souvenir CD upon finishing the tour, containing photos, itineraries, distances travelled and menus
Welcome and farewell dinners
Itinerary


Moscow
Russia’s official capital, Moscow, is the political and religious heart of the country. The city has the highest density of billionaires, is the world’s most populated inland city and boasts six out of Europe’s ten tallest buildings. It continues to be a major tourist destination in Europe growing year on year with famous attractions including Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, and the Kremlin.
Day 1
Arrival in Moscow
Once you have arrived in Moscow, you will be picked up and taken to the stylish, five-star Four Seasons hotel. Located in the heart of Moscow, and a short five minute walk to Red Square or the Bolshoi Theatre, this hotel offers a grandeur experience with awe-inspiring views of Moscow’s glorious sights.
An exclusive welcome dinner will be held, offering you the chance to get yourself acquainted with your travelling companions for the next 15 days.
Dinner
Arrival Transfer
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Free Time
Souvenir Shopping
Exclusive welcome dinner
Day 2
Excursions in Moscow
While in Moscow, the tours primary destination will be the centre of Moscow itself, including the iconic Red Square, an evocative symbol of Russia’s political and military might throughout the 20th Century. You can marvel at the incredible architecture surrounding the square, including St Basils Cathedral, with its gorgeously ornate onion domes, and the famous, and historic, GUM department store. Not only will you visit Red Square, you will also have the opportunity to step inside the Kremlin, the seat of Russia’s government, while visiting the Armoury Chamber. You will have lunch in a legendary Café Pushkin, which serves traditional Russian cuisine.
An essential part of any visit to Moscow is a tour of the Moscow metro – you will see highly-decorative socialist art furnished with statues, frescoes and mosaics, that you cannot find anywhere else in the world.
If you have been to Moscow before, we offer included Freedom of Choice touring where we show you other sights of Moscow such as the famous State Tretyakov Gallery (National Museum of Fine Art) or the Space Museum.
At the end of the day you will be taken to Moscow Kazansky station, where you will be greeted in the ornately decorated Imperial Waiting Room.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Red Square
GUM (Main Universal Store)
Kremlin with Tsar Bell, Tsar Cannon and Armoury Chamber
Cafe Pushkin
Moscow Metro
Souvenir Shopping
Transfer to Train
Optional Extras
Travel to


Kazan
Kazan is the largest city and capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. The city lies at the confluence of the Kazanka and Volga Rivers in the South-East of Russia and was considered a crucial trade and political center from the Late Middle Ages onwards. It has become a popular tourist destination with famous attractions including the Kazan kremlin and Kul Sharif Mosque, known to be one of the largest mosques in Russia.
Day 3
Excursions in Kazan
Situated on the Volga River, the picturesque and historic city of Kazan is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. You will have the opportunity to experience its unique history and culture, with free time to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city, as well as a tour of the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel are a stunning mosque as well as a picture-perfect onion-domed cathedral.
To top off your day, in memory of one of Russia’s most famous opera singers, born in Kazan, Feodor Chaliapin, you will be invited to a private concert of some of his music.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Kazan Kremlin
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Free Time
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Private concert
Travel to


Yekaterinburg
Yekaterinburg stands close to the divide between Russia and Kazakhstan and is known as the ‘window on Asia’ due to its close proximity to the border. The city is commonly referred to as Russia’s ‘third capital’ as it is ranked third for tourism, transport, and economic size. It holds crucial significance in Russian History as the final resting place of the Romanov dynasty.
Day 4
Excursions in Yekaterinburg
Founded nearly 300 years ago by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg is the fourth largest city in Russia and holds a very important place in the history of Russia, as it is here that, in 1918, the last Tsar, Nicholas II, and his family were executed.
Our primary tour will take you to the site of the execution, now the Church on Blood in Honour of All Saints Resplendent in the Russian Land. The tour will offer an insight into the turmoil that surrounded the Russian Revolution. You get to visit the obelisk marking the geographical border, where celebrations take place with a glass of champagne, while standing with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia.
Your ‘Freedom of Choice’ tour includes a chance to explore recently opened Military Machinery Museum, which houses an amazing collection of different types of military hardware. Alternatively, we will make a short stop at the Boris Yeltsin Presidential Centre, recently opened in Yekaterinburg, which is dedicated to the contemporary political history of Russia and its first president.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Church on the Blood of All Russian Saints
Religious Buildings & Monuments
Europe-Asia border marker
Food & Drink Experience
Optional Extras
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Travel to


Novosibirsk
Novosibirsk is the largest city in Siberia with the flair and charm of a provincial town. It is an important commercial hub in the region, hosting one of the best and largest universities in Russia which has shaped the identity of the city. The city is home to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Novosibirsk State Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet (NOVAT), considered one of the best musical and theatre groups in Russia.
Day 5
Excursions in Novosibirsk
The most populous city in Asian Russia (at the time that it hit 1 million inhabitants, it was the youngest city ever to do so), located on the banks of the Ob River, Novosibirsk is a thoroughly modern ‘Soviet’ city. Art and science are prominent in the city and it is on this basis that your tour options have been created.
You could take a city tour, taking in Lenin Square and its Soviet era statue of this iconic political leader, where you will find the imposing, and beautiful, Opera House, one of the largest opera houses in the world.
Time permitting, south of the city we will visit Novosibirsk’s excellent Railway Museum. The museum displays locomotives and rolling stock from the late 1800s, including carriages of the Tsars, through to the Soviet era. Alternatively, as part of our Freedom of Choice programme, choose to visit the Mineralogical Centre with its fine display of Siberian minerals.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
City Tour
Lenin Square
Optional Extras
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Day 6
On Board
You can take a day to unwind and recharge your batteries after several jam-packed days. Watch the breath-taking scenery go by, share your experiences with your fellow travellers or, perhaps, learn a few words of Russian.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day on the Train
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Travel to


Irkutsk
Irkutsk is one of the largest cities in Siberia and the most important hub for tourism in the Lake Baikal region. As opposed to many of the more industrially shaped cities in Siberia, Irkutsk has a long history as a cultural centre and has been home to scientists, writers, artists, and political activists such as the Decembrists. It is also a key destination on the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Day 7
Excursions in Irkutsk
Irkutsk is often called the ‘Paris of Siberia’ due to its wide streets and ornate architecture, and we are sure you will see why as you take the city tour upon arrival. Exploring the city, you will have the opportunity to take in the beauty of the intricate, lace-like, decorations carved into the classical wooden architecture, that make the regions buildings so distinctive and unique. There will also be time to visit the Volkonsky House Museum, which is dedicated to the aristocrats who were exiled to this, at the time, far flung, corner of Siberia after the failed Decembrists uprising of 1825. We recreate the atmosphere of that time with a champagne reception and private concert.
If adding to your culinary repertoire is something that excites you, the ‘Freedom of Choice’ option is an opportunity to learn how to cook some traditional Russian dishes. If you would rather gain an insight in to the day to day lives of an average Russian family, the alternative ‘Freedom of Choice’ option is a visit to a traditional Russian Dacha (summer house).
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
City Tour
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Volkonsky House Museum
Champagne reception and private concert
Food & Drink Experience
Optional Extras
Travel to


Listvyanka
A small settlement on the Western shore of Lake Baikal, Listvyanka is a highly popular tourist area known for its distinct local culture, fish market, and breathtaking hiking trails that venture around the edges of the lake. The settlement was formed near the point where the Angara River leaves Lake Baikal and is home to the Baikal Museum, with dedicated exhibits to the fauna and wildlife that can be found in the area.
Day 8
Travelling by Lake Baikal
One of the major highlights of any journey along the Trans-Siberian, is the time travelling along the majesty that is Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world; holding around 20% of the world’s freshwater. Building the railway around Lake Baikal was one of the toughest challenges faced by the original architects, and you will see why as the train spends around five hours following the shoreline, across bridges and through tunnels. Look out for Baikal’s most unique residents, the Baikal seal, the only, exclusively, freshwater seal in the world. To top the experience off, the train will be pulled by a Soviet-era steam locomotive along this incredible section of the line.
Weather permitting, the train will stop in an extremely picturesque part of the coastline for some fantastic photo opportunities. For those brave enough, there will also be the chance to take a quick swim in the crystal clear waters.
Towards the end of the Trans-Baikal line, the tour will board a boat towards Listvyanka, a small Baikal settlement, in order to visit the Lake Baikal Museum and Aquarium, where you can become acquainted with the flora and fauna of the Baikal region.
Before leaving, everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious barbeque by the lake, including freshly smoked omul fish, a species endemic to Lake Baikal and a local specialty.
The ‘Freedom of Choice’ excursion for the day will offer you the opportunity to take the chair lift or go hiking in the hills surrounding Lake Baikal, offering unparalleled views and some breath-taking scenic photo spots.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Prominent Landscape
Lake Baikal Museum and Aquarium
Steam train experience
Barbeque by Lake Baikal
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Optional Extras
Travel to


Ulan-Ude
Located to the East of Russia’s popular tourist destination Lake Baikal, Ulan-Ude is a city bustling with tourist activity and is the gateway for the Trans-Mongolian Railway that travels from Ulan-Ude to Beijing via Ulaanbaatar. The city’s close proximity to the Mongolian border and well-established transport links into Asia have allowed the city to form a unique cultural identity as the center of Buddhism in Russia.
Day 9
Excursions in Ulan-Ude
Ulan-Ude is a unique place, with a unique heritage; it is the capital of the Buryat Republic and home to the native Buryat people.
You will be taken on a tour of the Old Believers’ Village, and have the opportunity to learn more about the culture and history of these deeply religious people. Following this you will be treated to a concert featuring local traditions and folk singing.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Old Believers Village
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Concert of local traditions and folk singing
Cultural Immersive Experience
Travel to


Ulaanbaatar
The capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, was founded in the 17th century as a Buddhist monastic centre and is the country’s largest city. It is situated in the Tuul River valley, bordering the Bogd Khan Uul National Park and close to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. The city has a rich heritage and is home to many famous tourist attractions including the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Zaisan Memorial, Choijin Lama Temple, and the Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan.
Day 10
Excursions in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Our detour along the Trans-Mongolian railway takes us to the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar (literally meaning Red Hero). Once the centre of one of history’s largest empires (second only to the British Empire) led by Genghis Khan, Mongolia is a country of stunning landscapes and nomadic people, rich in culture and history. Mongolia is famous for its endless green steppes, the Gobi desert, its grazing livestock and the iconic white Gers that are dotted across the landscape.
Your time in Ulan Bator will begin at the Tibetan-style Gandan Monastery, one of the most important Buddhist Monasteries in Mongolia, home to a community of over 500 monks. The full name, Gandantegchinlen, translates as ‘the great place of complete joy’.
Visiting Sukhbaatar Square, you will have the opportunity to gaze upon the central monument to Genghis Khan, probably the most famous, and certainly the most feared and revered, Mongol.
Once you have had time in the square, you will be driven out of the city to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park to enjoy the breath-taking scenery, visit a traditional Ger and meet a nomadic family to see how they live, or try your hand at horse riding; an intrinsic part of Mongolian life across the steppe.
Alternatively, there is an option to stay in the city as part of our Freedom of Choice touring. After Gandan Monastery and Chinggis Square we visit the National Museum where we learn about the tumultuous, fascinating and eye-opening history of Mongolia. We will also see Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum, the winter residences of Bogd Khan, the last Mongolian emperor. Any time remaining will be free to explore the city some more, or purchase souvenirs.
To cap it all off, you will be performed for by contortionists and traditional Mongolian throat singers. A truly unique vocal style.
Please note: depending on the final timings provided by the railway authorities, Golden Eagle may substitute the railway journey from Russia into Ulaanbaatar with a private jet from Irkutsk or Ulan-Ude so that we can maintain the advertised programme for Mongolia. If this is likely to occur, this will be advised in your final documentation.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Gandan Monastery
Sukhbaatar Square
Free Time
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Mongolian Ger
Cultural Immersive Experience
Mongolian throat singing performance
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day on the Train
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Day 12
On Board
It’s perfect time to relax as our journey today follows the Shilka and Amur rivers, close to the Chinese border. Chat to your fellow passengers or simply enjoy the ever-changing landscape outside your window as it unfolds.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day on the Train
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day on the Train
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Travel to


Vladivostok
The administrative centre of Primorsky Krai, Vladivostok meaning ‘Rule in the East’ in Russian, is situated in the far east of Russia around Golden Horn Bay. The city is famous for its harbour location as the home port of the Russian Pacific Fleet and being the final stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Tourists are attracted to its many military sites left over from the Russo-Japanese War and the beautiful Russky Island.
Day 14
Excursions in Vladivostok
Vladivostok (literally translated as ‘Ruler of the East’) is a military port that was once off limit to foreigners, only reopening in 1992. Located on the western shores of the Sea of Japan, it is home to Russia’s Pacific Navy Fleet.
You will have the opportunity to visit its principal military attractions, including a visit to a preserved Wold War Two submarine. You will also be taken to one of the largest suspension bridges in the world over the Golden Horn Bay, which opened in 2012 for the APEC conference in the city.
Your hotel for the night in Vladivostok is the centrally located, thoroughly modern, five-star Lotte Hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Military History
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Free Time
Souvenir Shopping
Submarine museum
Zolotoy Bridge
Day 15
Departing Vladivostok
Time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers and to Russia. You will be transferred to Vladivostok Airport to begin your journey home. If you are not yet ready to journey home, why not try one of Real Russia’s Vladivostok extensions?
Breakfast
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Departure Transfer
Where you can stay
A hotel can be the make or break of any experience, and we understand that choosing the right hotel is important to our travellers. Check out our range of hotels ahead of time, and learn more about our standard 3-star options and the luxury 5-star upgrades that are available in the destinations you will be visiting.
Please note that the selection of hotels included here are examples of where you may stay on your tour, we will pick the best option for you based on your travel requirements.
You may also like
Not quite found what you are looking for? Real Russia are committed to finding you the best tour for your needs. Whether you are after an activity-packed immersive experience or a relaxing vacation with plenty of free time, we have you covered. Here, is a list of tours you may also like, hand-picked by us based on your chosen theme and dates.
from per person
from per person
from per person
from per person
from per person
from per person
Dates & Rates
Please select the amount of travellers in your group and language requirement of your guide.
Please select a date
£
-
£
per person
-
£
per person
-
£
per person
*This tour’s total cost is an estimate, based on travel costs prior to tickets being released. The price is subject to fluctation of up to 10%.† Based on 2 people sharing a twin room.
More information
What’s included
A Golden Eagle embroidered backpack for use during excursions (one per cabin): A handy way to ensure that you never leave anything behind on your day to day excursions, and to carry any souvenirs that you may pick up
After-dinner live musical entertainment on-board: A variety of traditional and popular music to keep you entertained into the night
All gratuities: You will not have to worry about tipping while travel with the Golden Eagle as any, and all, gratuities are covered in the tour price
All tours are COVID-19 secure and offer flexible booking options. Visit our Covid-19 information page to find out more
Arrival and departure transfers: Golden Eagle will ensure that you need not worry about travelling from, or to, your Trans-Siberian adventure once you are in Russia
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, daily: All departures feature Golden Eagles uniquely designed restaurant cars, it is here you will be served your meals
Daily newspapers (printed on-board): Keep up to date on the comings and goings of the outside world
Drinks with meals and from the Bar Lounge Car: A generous drinks allowance is included with lunch and dinner. For those travelling Gold Class, all drinks on the Standard Drinks List are included
Experienced tour managers: Golden Eagle tour managers are selected for their linguistic and organisational capability, allowing you to sit back and relax on your Trans-Siberian adventure
Freedom of Choice touring: In many of the places that you visit, Golden Eagle guides will offer you a selection of different tours to take, to best suit your interests
Guided Excursions: Imperial Suite travellers will have the added benefit of the option of a private car and guide in many of the places visited en-route
Hotel and on-board accommodation: Although you will spend much of your time sightseeing or socialising in the trains public areas, you will find your hotel room, or cabin, a welcome retreat at the end of the day
Lectures on Russian history, life under Communism vs today and the Trans-Siberian Railway: Golden Eagles’ local experts will insure that you will come away from your adventure with a deeper understanding of Russia, Mongolia and their people
On-board doctor and medical facilities: For your peace of mind, Golden Eagle tours are always accompanied by a doctor for the whole journey. They will be on call 24 hours a day, and are generally English speaking
On-board service: You can expect service that is attentive, friendly and unobtrusive. Your car attendants provide 24-hour housekeeping and bedding turndown services. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water are available in your cabin 24 hours a day
Personal headsets: On all excursions, a lightweight headset will be provided to ensure that you hear your guide clearly, and do not miss out on any of the fascinating information them are imparting
Porterage: While you will stay on the train for the duration of your journey, when you do arrive at, and the leave, the train, you can be assured that all of your bags will be in safe hands
Route guide, itinerary and information pack: Once you have boarded the train, a brochure will be available in your cabin outlining the journey ahead
Russian language courses: Get an overview of the Russian language that will help you interact with people you may meet along your adventure!
Russian Tourist Visa Invitation
Souvenir CD upon finishing the tour, containing photos, itineraries, distances travelled and menus: The perfect way to remember your adventure along the most famous railway in the world
Welcome and farewell dinners: Golden Eagle welcome dinners offer all travellers the opportunity to make friends with one another before the adventure ahead
What’s not included
Any flights or travel costs not covered in the itinerary
Any laundry services not included in your travel class
Drinks from the Bar Lounge Car not included in your travel class
Excess baggage charges
Insurance
Personal expenses such as souvenir shopping or extra food and drink not included in the itinerary
Visa processing and service costs
Travel Tips
All travellers are asked to check the vaccination requirements before travel. Visit our Vaccines and Health page to find out more
Any dietary or allergy requirements will need to be disclosed before the start of the tour
Carrying a water bottle with you is recommended
Medication should always be taken with you and kept on your person
Please ensure that you keep any personal documents and valuables on your person at all times
WIFI will be available at most of the hotels, although mobile coverage may vary in rural areas
Your local guides will recommend stops where you can go souvenir shopping during your tour
Special notes
Please note that this tour requires a minimum number of passengers in order to go ahead.
Suggested reading
Enrich your travel experience with our list of top recommended books from specialist travel guides to compelling novels. Whether you are looking for something to pass the time on the train, or want to get to grips with the local history, reading is essential to turning your trip into a fully-fledged experience.
Mongolia
The ultimate guidebook to Mongolia that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s Mongolia is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling to any destination from how to get around the country, the best places to eat in its most popular cities, what you need to see while you are there, cultural highlights and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips about key attractions such as the Winter Palace of Bogd Khan and the Gadan Monastery, this guide includes detailed maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
Moscow
The ultimate guidebook to Moscow that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s Moscow is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling to any destination from how to get around the city, the best places to eat, what you need to see while you are there, cultural highlights and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips, this guide includes detailed maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
Moscow: A Traveller’s Reader
A masterful anthology documenting Moscow’s turbulent growth through the lives of its people from the bloody reprisals of Peter the Great to the literary greats of the 19th century. The city spent much of its early life in turmoil from being the subject to much greater empires including the Tatars, to being burnt down numerous times, yet rising from the ashes twice as magnificent each time. Kelly’s compelling narrative covers all of Moscow’s major milestones over 700 years in engaging detail. A must-read for anyone interested in the history of Russia.
Russia: Lonely Planet
The ultimate guidebook to Russia that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s Russia is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling to this vast country from how to get around, the best places to eat in its most popular cities, what you need to see while you are there, cultural highlights, currency and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips about key attractions such as the Moscow Kremlin, Lake Baikal and the Romanov sites, this guide includes detailed maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
Trans-Siberian Adventures: Life on and off the rails from U.K. to Asia
Embarking one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys’, the Trans-Siberian Railway, Matthew Woodward sets off to rekindle his childhood passion for train travel. Trans-Siberian Adventures offers a personal insight into the highs, lows and expectations of long-distance train travel and is a must-read for anybody looking to embark on this mammoth journey from Moscow to Beijing and beyond.
Extras & Upgrades
Extras
Sorry, we currently do not have any extras readily available for this tour. However, if you are interested in customising your travel experience, please contact our Sales team at travel@realrussia.co.uk for assistance.
Upgrades
Enhance your travel experience with one of our available tour upgrades. Whether you are looking to go first class on the train or swap your standard hotel for a luxury 5-star option, our Sales team are on-hand to help. Simply, let us know when booking your tour and we can arrange this for you.
View Map
Visa Information

Single Entry Tourist Visa
