Train Type:  First-Class

The Tour
The Trans-Siberian Express is the big train ride—an epic journey spanning two continents and seven time zones. Spend fourteen days traveling on the world's most famous railway on board the private Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express. Most days are spent touring cities along the route; there are three, relaxing all-train days. Nights are spent on the train in private train compartments with en-suite bathroom (except in top hotels on first and last nights of the tour). Highlights include Mongolia visit, Lake Baikal outdoor train ride and beach picnic, and Siberian wooden architecture. There’s no better way to see the vastness of Siberia—travel Vladivostok to Moscow or reverse. This is one of IRT members’ favorite journeys.

*NEW lower-priced cabin available on 2011 departures. Click here for details of New Heritage Class.  Some departures wait list only for New Heritage.  Also new: all classic Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express journeys are guaranteed departures. Arrival and departure transfers included, even if you extend your stay. Are you a single? Ask to share, and be guaranteed the per person, double rate. Ask us for details.

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“It was a fine way to see Siberia, a vast land mass of unending field and forest, punctuated by surprisingly vibrant, colorful cities and warm, smiling people. We were like a cruise ship making stops at varied, otherwise inaccessible ports of call.”
— Owen Hardy, Publisher, The International Railway Traveler®

The Itinerary
Westbound Itinerary

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: Mongolia
Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us into Mongolia, home of Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most feared and revered Mongol and we visit the city of SükhBaatar, situated on the Orkhon River. Lunch is taken Mongol style in a traditional Ger (Yurt) where we experience an authentic meal, enjoying excellent local dishes and entertainment providing a unique opportunity to encounter this time-honored nomadic way of life. We board the train in time for dinner as we head back into 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.

2010 Dates:
Aug. 22-Sept. 5 (EB)
Sept. 3-17 (WB)

2011 Dates:
May 8-22 (EB)
May 20-June 3 (WB)
July 16-30 (WB)
July 30-Aug. 13 (EB)
Aug. 11-25 (WB)
Aug. 25-Sept. 8 (EB)
Sept. 6-20 (WB)

The Prices

Other:
All rates are per person.
Deposit amounts:
$1,500 per person, New Heritage / $1,500 per person, Silver / $2,000 per person, Gold

*NEW!  If you've been waiting to do this journey, but the pricing for the big compartments with ensuite facilities -- grand indeed -- is just too much, this cabin is for you. On all 2010 departures, we have special NEW HERITAGE cabins. New Heritage cabins have bunk beds and sink; toilet and shower are down the hall. Rates include all meals, gratuities and off-train touring as per itinerary.  Notice: in 2011, there will be only 4 New Heritage cabins per departure.

Extensions: We are delighted to make arrangements for your extension, and highly recommend adding on St. Petersburg, especially the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the distinguished Orient Express hotels, along with first-class train Moscow to St. Petersburg, special visits to Catherine's Palace and the Hermitage and more. Let us custom-design a package for you.


Double-entry Russian visa required for this trip.
If your departure arrives Moscow on a Thursday, please schedule your air departure next day in the afternoon so you can participate in the early-morning Friday Kremlin visit.

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