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Golden Eagle Winter Wonderland Eastbound
Overview
Travelling the Trans-Siberian Railway on the Golden Eagle luxury private train is a one of a kind experience, especially in winter. You will have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful snowy landscapes, go ice fishing on Lake Baikal or travel by dog-sledge and snowmobile. The displays of ice sculptures at the shore side are a reminder of the constant sub-zero temperatures here. Complimentary hats, Russian traditional felt boots and gloves are there to keep you warm! The Golden Eagle luxury private train will take you along the traditional Trans-Siberian route, with a slight detour along the newer Trans-Mongolian Railway, as the adventure takes in northern Mongolia and its capital city, Ulaanbaatar. By the time you have completed this epic journey, you will have travelled a staggering 6,500 miles (11,000 km), having visited eight cities across two continents.
Champagne reception on departure with a military brass band performance
Private viewing of the Kremlin armoury in Moscow
Discover traditional nomadic life at Mongolia’s Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Private performance of Mongolian throat singing and contortionists
VIP seating at the spectacular opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival
Experience the Naadam Festival’s major sporting events
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 luxury five-star Four Seasons hotel located in the very heart of Moscow, overlooking Red Square. The Four Seasons offers a grand experience with awe-inspiring views of Moscow’s glorious sights.
Dinner
Arrival Transfer
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Free Time
Souvenir Shopping
Exclusive welcome dinner
Day 2
Excursions in Moscow
While in Moscow, you will explore the city centre, 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 the legendary Café Pushkin.
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.
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.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Church on the Blood of All Russian Saints
Religious Buildings & Monuments
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
Novosibirsk is situated in the heart of Russian Siberia. Nowadays it is one of the ten most promising Russian megalopolises.
Novosibirsk Theatre, Novosibirsk
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
City Tour
Lenin Square
Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre
Optional Extras
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Day 6
On the Train
You can take a day to unwind and recharge your batteries after several jam-packed days. Share your experiences with your fellow travellers. perhaps learn a few words of Russian or simply watch the snowy scenery to go by.
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 corner of Siberia after the failed Decembrists uprising of 1825. As an additional option for your day in Irkutsk you may wish to experience a traditional Russian Banya (Sauna).
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
City Tour
Volkonsky House Museum
Champagne reception and private concert
Optional Extras
Food & Drink Experience
Travel to
Lake Baikal
A popular tourist destination situated in the heart of Siberia, Lake Baikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its natural beauty, pristine beaches and scenic walks. The Lake is home to unique wildlife such as the Baikal Seal, the world’s only freshwater seal, and is the both the deepest and largest freshwater lake in the world descending to a depth of 1700m.
Day 8
Winter activities in Lake Baikal
One of the major highlights of any journey along the Trans-Siberian, is the part alongside the majesty that is Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hovercraft
Winter activities
Food & Drink Experience
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
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.
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
Excursion in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Your Trans-Siberian adventure takes you into Mongolia and its capital Ulaanbaatar (literally meaning Red Hero) by short charter flight. Mongolia is a country of stunning landscapes and nomadic people, rich in culture and history. The country is famous for its endless green steppes, the Gobi Desert, its grazing livestock and the iconic white Gers that are dotted across the landscape.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Private air charter
Gandan Monastery
Sukhbaatar Square
Museum of National History
Genghis Khan Statue Complex
Mongolian Ger
Cultural Immersive Experience
Prominent Landscape
Day 11
On the Train
Chat to your fellow passengers, take a Russian language class, listen to a talk on Soviet or Russian history, learn about the construction of the Trans-Siberian railway or simply relax and enjoy the ever-changing winter landscape outside your window.
Exterior of Golden Eagle Train, Russia
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day on the Train
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Day 12
On the Train
Today offers the perfect time to relax as your journey follows the Shilka and Amur rivers, close to the Chinese border. Chat to your fellow passengers or simply enjoy the ever-changing winter landscape outside your window.
Golden Eagle Train Exterior with Winter Sunset
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day on the Train
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Day 13
On the Train
Today you will spend your last full day on the Golden Eagle, passing through Khabarovsk, you will cross the River Amur and approach your final destination on this unforgettable journey. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Russian countryside before enjoying a final evening meal aboard the train.
Golden Eagle Train Exterior in Winter
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
Excursion in Vladivostok
After travelling through eight time zones and covering a staggering 6,500 miles along this iconic railway (including the Mongolian detour!), the Golden Eagle train pulls into its final destination, Vladivostok.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Military History
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Free Time
Souvenir Shopping
Submarine museum
Zolotoy Bridge
Breakfast
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Departure Transfer
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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
- 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
- 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.
Trans-Siberian Railway
The ultimate guidebook to the Trans-Siberian Railway that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s Trans-Siberian is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling this spectacular railway from the important cities found on the line, the best places to eat in its most popular cities, what you need to see on your journey, cultural highlights and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips about key destinations such as Moscow, Irkutsk and Vladivostok, this guide includes detailed maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
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.
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.
Visa Information
Single Entry Tourist Visa
