The Trans-Siberian is the big train ride—an epic, 6,500-mile journey spanning two continents and seven time zones. Most days are spent touring; there are three relaxing all-train days. Nights are spent on the train (except in top hotels on first and last nights of the tour). Most meals are served on board, with some lunches taken at local restaurants.
The all-first-class Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express is used for this tour. Most trips include one or two dining cars, comfy lounge with bar/piano, laundry facilities, train doctor, translator, tour manager and staff. Gold Class compartments are 77 square feet, and feature underfloor heating, DVD/CD player, audio system, individual air conditioning and wardrobe space. Full bathroom (shower with sliding glass door) is en-suite to all Gold Class compartments. Silver Class compartments are 60 square feet with similar amenities; the en-suite bathroom is smaller (shower has curtain only).
Westbound Itinerary (tour also runs eastbound):
Day 1: Vladivostok
Passengers are met at Vladivostok airport and transferred to the four-star Hotel Hyundai for a one-night stay. Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome reception dinner this evening.
Day 2: Vladivostok
Today’s city tour includes the major military attractions of this once “closed-to-foreigners” city, including a restored submarine. This afternoon we board our private Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express train; settle into your private compartment as the train departs. Enjoy dinner in one of the beautiful restaurant cars.
Day 3: Khabarovsk
First full day on the Golden Eagle as the train passes directly north of Seoul, Darwin and Osaka. We stop in Khabarovsk, the most easterly point of our journey, for a short city tour. Rejoin the train and head west, crossing the Amur River.
Day 4: On board
Our journey today follows the Shilka and Amur Rivers, close to the Chinese border. Relax on board as the Russian scenery unfolds before you. Perhaps you would like to attend an on-board lecture or take a Russian language lesson.
Day 5: On board
Today offers another opportunity to enjoy the train's service and amenities. Practice your improving Russian or sit back and enjoy a drink (perhaps the local favorite, vodka) in the bar car, where a resident musician entertains.
Day 6: Ulaan Baatar
Morning arrival in the capital of Mongolia, Ulaan Baatar. Visit the National History Museum and lunch in a traditional ger (yurt) restaurant. Free time this afternoon or optional visit to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Evening departure of the train and return to Russia.
Day 7: Ulan Ude
Afternoon arrival in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic, where you’ll notice a fascinating change of people and dress. 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 concert featuring local dancers and musicians.
Day 8: Lake Baikal
A fantastic day’s adventure as we wind our way through tunnels and around cliffs along the shoreline of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal. We stop at one of the bays and have a barbecue at the water’s edge (weather permitting). Some brave souls might take a swim! We then visit Listvyanka, a small Baikal village nestled at the base of the surrounding hills. Evening train departure.
Day 9: Irkutsk
Today we arrive in Irkutsk, the “Paris of Siberia.” Our full-day tour includes an exploration of the classic wooden architecture that is unique to the region. We also visit the Decembrist House museum, where a private concert will be performed for our group. Return to the train for dinner.
Day 10: On board
After several exciting stops, we have a full day on the train to rest and reflect on the sites we've seen. All meals served in the train's restaurant cars.
Day 11: Novosibirsk
Stop in this modern “Soviet” city and visit the world’s largest Opera House, Lenin Square and River Ob, which flows 3,500 miles from its source to the Arctic.
Day 12: Yekaterinburg
Tour Yekaterinburg, last city in Asia and capital of the Urals—including the Romanov execution site/memorial and the Urals Mineralogical Museum. We cross the Europe/Asia divide shortly after departure.
Day 13: Kazan
Mid-morning arrival in Kazan, beautiful capital of Tatarstan located on the Volga River. One highlight of our city tour is Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we'll see the stunning mosque and magnificent onion-domed cathedral.
Day 14: Moscow
Mid-morning arrival in Moscow—the end of our 6,600 mile journey. Full day touring this vibrant city, including Red Square. Here we see an eclectic mix of fascinating architecture: from the ornate St. Basil's Cathedral and grand Kremlin to the somber and evocative site of Lenin's tomb. If there's time, you'll have a tour of Moscow's surprising metro. Transfer to our five-star hotel for a one-night stay, and enjoy a farewell gala dinner.
Day 15: Moscow
Following breakfast, you may explore the city at your leisure. An early-morning Kremlin visit is scheduled this morning if your journey arrived in Moscow on a Thursday, when the Kremlin museums are closed. Transfers to Moscow airport included.
2009 Tour dates:
May 3-17 (EB)
May 15-29 (WB)
May 31-June 14 (EB)
June 12-26 (WB)
June 30-July 14 (EB)
July 12-26 (WB)
July 26-Aug. 9 (EB)
Aug. 7-21 (WB)
Aug. 23-Sept. 6 (EB)
Sept. 4-18 (WB)
EB=Eastbound, Moscow to Vladivostok
WB=Westbound, Vladivostok to Moscow
THE TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:
· Accommodation aboard our private train.
· Hotel accommodation where indicated in the itinerary.
· All meals including a generous allowance of wine or local beer, soft drinks and water with meals on and off the train.
· The services of an experienced Tour Manager, with local guides for scheduled off-train touring.
· Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water around the clock from your car attendant.
· All gratuities to local guides, drivers, tour management and train staff.
THE TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
· Insurance (It is a booking condition that passengers have adequate insurance). We recommend Travelex Insurance.
· International airfare or surface transport to the point of joining/leaving the tour · Double-entry Russian visa
· Charges of a personal nature on the train or at the hotels (laundry, telephone, bar account, etc.).
· Visa or Excess Baggage Charges, Airport Departure Taxes, Vaccination or Medical Costs.
· Alcoholic and soft drinks in the bar outside of meal times
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Accommodations / Pricing:
Silver Class, twin share: $12,795 per person
Silver Class, single occupancy: $18,495
Gold Class, twin share: $15,795 per person
Gold Class, single occupancy: $22,195
Both Silver & Gold Class accommodations aboard the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express have full en-suite facilities (toilet, shower, sink).
On just four departures this summer we can offer you NEW HERITAGE cabins on select dates (listed below), each with upper/lower berth and sink. Shower and toilet are down the hall. Priced at $7,495 per person, double; $9,395 single.
Space very limited.
Dates are: EB June 30-July 14 & July 26-Aug. 9
WB July 12-26 & Aug. 7-21
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Russia
Mongolia
Local Culture
Railway Trips
Cultural Journey
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