WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
All accommodation as per the itinerary, both on board the train and in hotels; all meals starting with dinner on the first day (on some tours this may differ slightly, please refer to the specific itinerary); a generous allowance of wine, beer, soft drinks and tea and coffee with all lunches and dinners both on and off the train (except where stated otherwise); all arrival and departure transfers (providing you arrive/depart on the tour start/end date and except where stated otherwise); guided off train sightseeing excursions; the services of experienced tour leaders; complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water 24 hours a day, all gratuities; the services of a doctor (except where stated otherwise). All visa required for this journey are also included.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
International and domestic airfares; excess baggage charges; insurance. Personal expenses such as drinks in the bar car or laundry are not included. On some tours there may also be an occasional optional activity to be paid for locally.

DO I NEED INSURANCE? DO I NEED VACCINATIONS?

We insist that you have Travel insurance to take any of our trips and indeed Russia requires you to enter your insurance certificate number on your visa application. Please click here for our insurance rates or ask your consultant. Which policy you purchase is your own choice but please be careful about relying on credit card travel insurance as many east European cities ask to see an actual insurance document. No vaccinations are mandatory but you would be well advised to get medical advice (not every GP may be as well informed on the latest health developments in these locations). Particular concerns are Cholera, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Tick-borne encephalitis is a small risk on some Siberian trekking routes but there is a vaccine available. The risk is VERY small and our leaders observe safety procedures. It is a good idea to take a first-aid kit with you however if you need to travel with your own prescription medicine then ensure you travel with sufficient quantities. It is strongly advised that all such clients seek medical clearance prior to travelling. Our on-board doctor must be advised of clients travelling with prescription medication.

CAN YOU ASSIST WITH FLIGHT BOOKINGS?
We have access to a range of flights, in all classes, that fit around all our trips and indeed can also incorporate other destinations if you require them.

HOW DO I GET THE VISAS FOR THESE DESTINATIONS?
You don't - we do. All our rates include the provision of Russian and Mongolian visas (where necessary) and we look after as much of the paperwork as we can. All that our customers need to do is complete the forms that we will send to you and prepare a passport sized photo for each visa. Where possible we arrange for a courier to collect your forms and passports directly from you and return them in the same way. Other Golden Eagle itineraries require more unusual visas such as Belarus, Ukraine, the central Asia Republics etc. Our rates do not include these visas but we will assist with the process required to obtain these visas.

WHAT IS THE STANDARD OF ACCOMMODATION?

Hotel accommodation as described in the tour itinerary is included in the price of the tour. All hotels are of a 4/5 star standard or best available. Room upgrades are available on request, subject to availability and an additional cost.

IS TIPPING INCLUDED?
All gratuities are included in the tour price and we encourage passengers to refrain from offering gratuities to crew/hoteliers/drivers etc. We would prefer passengers to inform our management of any exceptional service received, and GW Travel will reward accordingly.

WHAT CURRENCY SHOULD I BRING?

On board the train passengers will not need much currency, but there are charges for laundry and bar bills. It is possible to run a “tab” on board and make one payment at the end of the tour. If the bill is less than USD100, passengers will be required to make their payment in cash. International credit cards (VISA and Master Card) are accepted for payments over USD100. We recommend passengers travel with small denominations and clean bills. Clients will need money for souvenirs and any shopping they choose to do off the train. They will be advised by their tour Manager and/or guides on how, and if necessary, where to change money.

CAN I USE CREDIT CARDS AND/OR TRAVELLERS CHEQUES?
ATM machines are now available in all large towns and cities along our routes. All the hotels that we use accept major credit cards. Traveller’s cheques are virtually impossible to exchange.

HOW DO I GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE TOUR HOTEL?:
Arrival and departure transfers are included on most of our tours if you arrive on the first day of the tour and depart on the last day. At their point of arrival, clients will be met by one of our representatives who will be waiting with a GW Travel sign. If arriving by air, this will be after immigration, once they have collected all their luggage and cleared customs. Our representative will then assist passengers to their transfer vehicle to their hotel.

HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I TAKE?
There is limited storage space inside the cabin for luggage storage. Soft-topped luggage is easier to store. Clients can have assistance to store their luggage.

IS THERE A DRESS CODE ON THE TRAIN?
During the day, dress is casual both on and off the train. In the evening we suggest smart casual. Since every tour requires some walking we recommend that you pack some comfortable walking shoes. A rubber sole is recommended to avoid possible slipping. 

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE AGE OF OTHER TRAVELLERS?
Although we have no age restrictions on our tours, the majority of our travellers are 55 +. The average age is 66.

ARE THERE MINIMUM NUMBERS REQUIRED FOR THESE TOURS?:
Arrival and departure transfers are included on most of our tours if you arrive on the first day of the tour and depart on the last day. At their point of arrival, clients will be met by one of our representatives who will be waiting with a GW Travel sign. If arriving by air, this will be after immigration, once they have collected all their luggage and cleared customs. Our representative will then assist passengers to their transfer vehicle to their hotel.

HOW MANY TOUR MANAGERS ARE ON BOARD?
There is one senior Tour Manager on board and also a number of assistants depending on the total number of passengers.

IS THERE A DOCTOR ON BOARD AT ALL TIMES?
GW Travel, the operators of the Golden Eagle, provides a doctor, who travels with the train and passengers at all times. Our doctors are available 24-hours a day and are responsible for primary health care. They do carry medicines, but if you are taking prescription medication, please bring sufficient supplies to last for the duration of the trip. We endeavour to ensure that the on board doctor is English speaking but we cannot guarantee this.