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Golden Eagle Winter Wonderland Westbound
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!
See the iconic winter wonderland scenery by horse-drawn sleigh
Experience a traditional Russian Banya (sauna)
Dog sledding and snowmobile rides across a frozen Lake Baikal
Observe local ice-fishing at Lake Baikal and sample the freshly caught and smoked fish
Itinerary
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 1
Arrival in Vladivostok
You have arrive at Vladivostok Airport, where you will be met by your driver who will take you to the five-star Lotte Hotel Vladivostok. You will have a welcome reception dinner at the hotel while meeting your fellow travellers who will accompany you for the next 15 days.
Dinner
Arrival Transfer
Scenic Surrounds
Free Time
Day 2
Excursions in Vladivostok
Vladivostok is a military port, located on the western shores of the Sea of Japan and is home to the Russian Navy’s Pacific 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.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Golden Horn Bay
City Tour
Scenic Surrounds
Prominent Landscape
Souvenir Shopping
Travel to
Khabarovsk
A large city situated on the Amur River in South-eastern Russia, Khabarovsk is the largest city and the administrative center of Khabarovsk Krai. It lies just 14 miles from the border with China and was named “Boli” when it was part of the Chinese Empire. The city has a rich history and culture and is best known for the dazzling Cathedral of the Assumption and the popular Komsomolskaya Square.
Day 3
Excursions in Khabarovsk
Located just 15 miles from the border of China, Khabarovsk stretches along the banks of the huge Amur River, the tenth-longest river in the world. During your time here, you will visit the memorial to Yerofey Pavlovich Khabarov, the Far East explorer after whom the city is named, as well as the impressive World War Two memorial to fallen soldiers.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
City Tour
Regional Museum
Cultural Immersive Experience
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Day 4
On the Train
The journey today follows the Shilka and Amur rivers, close to the Chinese border. You can take a day to unwind and recharge your batteries after several jam-packed days. Watch the snowy scenery go by, share your experiences with your fellow travellers or attend one of the interesting lectures on the train.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day on the Train
Lectures on Russian and Trans-Siberian history
Food & Drink Experience
Prominent Landscape
Souvenir Shopping
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.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day on the Train
Scenic Surrounds
Prominent Landscape
Optional Extras
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Old Believers Village
Cultural Immersive Experience
Concert of local traditions and folk singing
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
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 7
Winter activities in Lake Baikal
On the first day in Baikal you will head deep into the countryside for more spectacular views, snow activities and photo opportunities.
Lunch & Dinner
Hovercraft
Winter activities
Food & Drink Experience
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Day 8
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. You will have the day to explore around Lake Baikal and take part in a range of winter activities such as dog sleding or snowmobiling.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Winter activities
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Free Time
Optional Extras
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 9
Excursion in Irkutsk
Irkutsk is often called the ‘Paris of Siberia’ due to its wide streets and ornate architecture. 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.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
City Tour
Religious Buildings & Monuments
Decembrists’ House
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Private concert
Day 10
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.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day on the Train
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.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
City Tour
Lenin Square
Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Optional Extras
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 12
Excursion 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
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 13
Excursion 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 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
Free Time
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Kazan Kremlin
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Private concert
Travel to
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 14
Arrival in Moscow
In the morning the Golden Eagle train pulls into its final destination, 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 opportunity to step inside the Kremlin, the seat of Russia’s government, while visiting the Armoury chamber with its treasures of the Tsars.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Red Square
GUM (Main Universal Store)
Kremlin with Tsar Bell, Tsar Cannon and Armoury Chamber
Expert Guide
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Breakfast
Free Time
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
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.
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.
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.
A Short History of Russa: From Pagans to Putin
A vast country with a long heritage stretching back to the Viking Rus and beyond, Galeotti’s short history of Russia is the perfect introduction to one of the world’s most secretive nations. Learn more about Russia from the lives of its poets and revolutionaries, to its many faiths, communities and diverse landscapes.
Visa Information
