Day 1 - Arrival in Moscow
Arrive in Moscow and transfer to the 5-star Four Seasons Moscow where you meet the rest of your group and Tour Manager for a welcome reception and dinner at 7:30pm. Overnight Moscow. (D)
Day 2 - Moscow
We spend Day 2 in Moscow, where we take a tour of its famous sights, including Red Square, on which you can find the Kremlin as well as Lenin's Mausoleum, the final resting place of the Communist leader, and we also view the marvelous multi-colored domes of St Basil's Cathedral.
This afternoon we join the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, for our fabulous 12-night adventure to Vladivostok. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 3 - Kazan
Our first stop on our Trans-Siberian adventure is Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan on the River Volga. The city is renowned for its ornate buildings, including the colorful onion-domed cathedral, the inspiring Kul Sharif Mosque on the grounds of the impressive Kazan Kremlin, and the classical style buildings of the university, which we see on an informative sightseeing tour. After a delectable lunch of traditional Kazan cuisine, we continue our tour, before returning to the Golden Eagle for the journey towards Yekaterinburg. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 4 - Yekaterinburg
Today we cross the Europe-Asia divide and arrive in Yekaterinburg, founded in 1723 by Peter the Great. Here we visit the site where the Romanov family, headed by Tsar Nicholas II, was murdered in 1918, now marked by a church dedicated to their memory. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
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, presenting a marvelous opportunity to have your photograph taken with this iconic political leader. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Days 6 - 7 - To Irkutsk
We spend Day 6 on the train enjoying the passing scenery as we travel through the Sayan Mountains. On Day 7 we arrive in Irkutsk, founded by Cossacks. The city is affectionately known as 'the Paris of Siberia'. Much of the city's cultural heritage came from the Decembrist exiles, and today many of their wooden houses have survived. During a sightseeing tour, we take in this fascinating wood-carved architecture and visit the city's most significant sights and museums including the Decembrist House Museum. Overnight train. (Days 6 & 7 – B, L, D)
Day 8 - Lake Baikal
Today we experience one of the true highlights of our journey through Siberia. The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express will be steam-hauled, as we skirt the shores of vast Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world. We continue onward to visit the small village of Listvyanka, nestled at the foot of the surrounding hills. We stop off later tonight for a barbecue dinner on the lakeside including freshly smoked fish. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Ulan Ude
Today we arrive in Ulan Ude, the capital of the Buryat Republic. Here we visit the Old Believer's Village, where 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 musicians and dancers. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Ulaan Baatar
We arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Passing the Genghis Khan monument, we visit the National Museum before enjoying a traditional lunch. We then drive out of the city to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery of wild Mongolia, having the opportunity to visit a traditional Ger and meet a nomadic family or try our hand at horse-riding, an intrinsic part of Mongolian life. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 11 - On Board
Enjoy a more leisurely pace today as we travel through the beautiful landscape of the Russian Far East. You may wish to attend one of the interesting lectures or Russian language lessons. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Days 12 - 13 - Remote Siberia
The train follows the Shilka and Amur Rivers close to the Chinese border today. Our route takes us across an area of permafrost, as remote as it is dramatic.During Day 13 we reach the most easterly point of our journey and as we head towards the Pacific coast, we enjoy a farewell dinner on board. Overnight train. (Days 12 & 13 – B, L, D)
Days 14 - Vladivostok
After traveling across 11 time zones and over 8,000 train miles, our epic journey concludes today, as the Trans-Siberian Express arrives in Vladivostok. Our city tour will also take us to the iconic suspension bridge over Golden Horn Bay, one of the largest of its kind worldwide, which opened in 2012 for the APEC conference. This evening you are invited to our farewell dinner. Specially selected international wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during the tour. Our hotel in Vladivostok, where we stay for one night, is the five-star Lotte Hotel Vladivostok. Overnight Vladivostok. (B, L, D)
Day 15 - Departure
You are free to make your way home after breakfast today. Airport transfers are provided. (B)