Military band performing by the Golden Eagle train
Guests sitting on the Golden Eagle train
Views of Lake Baikal on the Golden Eagle train
Two women looking out the window on the Golden Eagle train
Four women sitting in the Golden Eagle train

Golden Eagle

Asia, Europe
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Overview

The Golden Eagle train was launched in 2007 to much fanfare in Moscow. It is one of the world’s top luxury trains.

The Golden Eagle plies the famous Trans-Siberian route between Moscow and Vladivostok, as well as making special tours of the Silk Road, Mongolia, and the Caspian region.

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The train travels with one or two dining cars and a lounge car. It offers three types of accommodation, all with en-suite bathrooms. The five sumptuous Imperial Suites are the ultimate in luxury, with fixed, king-sized bed, separate sitting area and two large picture windows. Its Gold and Silver Class accommodations also are quite comfortable.

A maximum of 75 passengers can be accommodated on board, though most departures travel with fewer people. A typical number is around 56 passengers — the maximum for the train’s lovely dining cars.

The train’s “Freedom of Choice” program includes options for those who may prefer an alternate program. This appeals to two types: travelers who, for example, have already been to Moscow and don’t want to tour the Kremlin for a second time; and people who’d simply like a range of activities from which to choose.

Latest News: Read owner and IRT President Eleanor Hardy’s blog on the fantastic Imperial Suites aboard the Golden Eagle.

Dining

The two 54-seat, sumptuously-appointed restaurant cars were renovated in 2012.

The “Gold” diner is decorated with a surfeit of brass, elaborate indirect lighting, gleaming wood and glowing overhead lights. The “White” diner is arrayed in shades of white and cream. Highlighted with gold medallions, mirrors and intricate carvings, it’s like a rococo wedding cake on wheels.

Travelers can choose to sit wherever they like in either car at tables for two or four.

The restaurant cars’ maitre d’ and executive chef ensure a high standard of communication and on-board service and food. Menus include locally sourced, fresh produce as much as possible. Guests enjoy bread and pastries made fresh on board as well as a selection of meal choices for all courses. Vegetarian and vegan options also are available.

Fine wines are served at lunch and dinner. The dress code is smart casual.

Golden Eagle china and crystal exude the air of a fine hotel dining room, as do the staff’s crisp uniforms.

Lounge Car

The ornate bar car is the train’s social center. It has no official closing hours and includes a piano and pianist.

Bar drinks are included in Gold & Silver (standard bar list) and Imperial Class (premium bar list excluding premium wines). Non-alcoholic drinks are inclusive for all guests.

We especially enjoy the bar car at dusk. Nothing beats watching the sun set over Siberia’s endless steppes as the pianist plays Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in C-sharp minor.

IRT Insights

If the train seems unusually spacious, it is.

It’s amazing what an extra three-and-a-half inches of track gauge can do to enlarge a passenger compartment. (Russian railways operate on a five-foot gauge, unlike the U.S. and most other countries’ 4-foot, 8 1/2-inch gauge).

Most trips include one or two dining cars, comfy lounge with bar/piano (and pianist), laundry facilities (and laundress), English train doctor, translator, train/tour manager, day and night staff (who are friendly but speak just a few words of English).

On Golden Eagle tours, everything is included except bar liquor (included for Gold & Imperial travelers; additional for Silver travelers). In all, 64 staff members cater to the needs of up to 94 passengers.

Begin Your Journey

Talk to an expert about journeys on this train.