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 14 day voyage that lies ahead. Our 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. Late afternoon sees us boarding the luxurious Golden Eagle and after settling into our modern, stylish cabins, we enjoy dinner in the beautifully designed restaurant car as our rail adventure to Beijing 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 Yekateringburg
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 the Golden Eagle
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 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 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. 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 Ulaan Baatar
Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us onto Ulaan Baatar, the capital of Mongolia. This morning we visit the Gandan Monastery, the National History and Natural History Museums where we explore the country’s intriguing history as well as experiencing the city’s Sukhe Baatar Square. Following lunch in a local city restaurant, you are free to spend your afternoon shopping for traditional Mongolian gifts. This evening we will stay at the Hotel Mongolia in a traditional Ger (with private en-suite facilities) and we will enjoy a special dinner with a Mongolian throat singing folk show
Day 11 Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Today we travel to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park where we can enjoy the opportunity of hiking and horse-riding amongst the natural beauty of Mongolia as well as a visit to a local nomadic family. Lunch is taken Mongol-style in a Ger as we experience an authentic meal, enjoying excellent local dishes and entertainment providing a day of unique opportunity to encounter this time-honoured nomadic way of life. Early evening we transfer to Ulaan Baatar airport for our flight to Beijing. Upon arrival in China we transfer to the five-star Regent Hotel for a three-night stay.
Day 12 Beijing, China
This morning our cultural exploration of the heart of Beijing begins with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, the grandest of the four great temples situated in Beijing. Here we experience enchanting displays of traditional dancing, singing and the delicately precise ancient art of calligraphy. We also have a guided rickshaw tour through the narrow Hutongs, the traditional courtyard residences of Old Beijing. After lunch in a local city restaurant we will visit historic Tiananmen Square and explore the magnificently restored Forbidden City.
Day 13 Beijing
We devote our final full day in Beijing to the most awe-inspiring site in the whole of China – The Great Wall. This amazing edifice is perhaps the most evocative symbol of Chinese skill and precision. At Badaling we have the privilege of walking along a portion of the wall – the perfect opportunity to take some memorable photographs with your fellow guests. Our farewell banquet is hosted in an authentic Peking Duck restaurant, where we say goodbye to our farewell travelling companions.
Day 13 Beijing
Breakfast is served in the hotel and transfers are provided to the airport for departing flights or alternative arrangements on to China perhaps?
Beijing to Moscow
16 June - 29 June
Day 1 - Beijing, China
Arrive into Beijing Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the luxurious five-star Regent Hotel (or similar) for a two-night stay. We will enjoy a Welcome Dinner at our hotel, giving you the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.
Day 2 - Beijing
This morning our cultural exploration of the heart of Beijing begins with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, the grandest of the four great temples situated in Beijing. Here we experience enchanting displays of traditional dancing, singing and the delicately precise ancient art of calligraphy. We also have a guided rickshaw tour through the narrow Hutongs, the traditional courtyard residences of Old Beijing. After lunch in a local city restaurant we will visit historic Tiananmen Square and explore the magnificently restored Forbidden City.
Day 3 - Beijing - The Great Wall
We devote our final full day in Beijing to the most awe-inspiring site in the whole of China – The Great Wall. This amazing edifice is perhaps the most evocative symbol of Chinese skill and precision. At Badaling we have the privilege of walking along a portion of the wall – the perfect opportunity to take some memorable photographs with your fellow guests. For our final night in Beijing we enjoy a banquet which is hosted in an authentic Peking Duck restaurant.
Day 4 - Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia
This morning we take a flight from Beijing to Ulaan Baatar. From here we will travel to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park where we can enjoy the opportunity of hiking and horse-riding amongst the natural beauty of Mongolia as well as a visit to a local nomadic family. Lunch is taken Mongol-style in a Ger as we experience an authentic meal, enjoying excellent local dishes and entertainment providing a day of unique opportunity to encounter this time-honoured nomadic way of life. This evening we will stay at the Hotel Mongolia in a traditional Ger (with private en-suite facilities) and enjoy a special dinner with a Mongolian throat singing folk show for entertainment.
Day 5 - Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia
Today we spend our day in Ulaan Baatar, the capital of Mongolia, where we visit the Gandan Monastery, the National History and Natural History Museums as we explore the country’s intriguing history as well as experiencing the city’s Sukhe Baatar Square. Following dinner in a local city restaurant, we will board the Golden Eagle and begin our rail journey towards Russia and the next stage of our journey
Day 6 - Ulan Ude, Russia
After crossing the Mongolia–Russia border, today we arrive in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic. The ethnic and cultural diversity of this area offers a unique insight into its Mongol 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 communities as we are treated to a traditional meal and enjoy a concert featuring local dancers and musicians.
Day 7 - 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. 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 before we visit Listvyanka, a small Baikal settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding hills.
Day 8 - 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 9 - On Board The Golden Eagle
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 more words of Russian or simply enjoy the ever changing landscape outside your window.
Day 10 - 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 11 - Yekaterinburg
Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg is the third largest Russian city and 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. We cross the Europe/Asia divide after we leave Yekaterinburg.
Day 12 - Kazan
We spend our last full day on board the Golden Eagle today. 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 magnificent onion-domed cathedral.
Day 13 - Moscow
After travelling along this epic route we arrive in Moscow. Our 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. At the conclusion of our city tour, we transfer to the luxurious five-star Marriott Royal Aurora hotel (or similar) located in the heart of this vibrant city. Our final evening is spent saying our goodbyes to our fellow travelling companions and friends at the Farewell Dinner.
Day 14 - Moscow
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Moscow airport to begin your journey home.
