The Trans-Siberian Express (Rail-Only)

Arrive at the airport in Moscow. If your journey includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the Four Seasons Hotel Moscow. Located in the historic building of the old Hotel Moskva and occupying an enviable address at the heart of the city, the hotel is a short walk from the Kremlin, Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre.

Your tour of Russia’s capital takes you to the grandeur of the Kremlin—the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow—and to see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber where you will enjoy an exclusive private viewing. Your exploration of the city continues with a visit to Red Square, the iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and political might, with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture. Here we visit the ornate St. Basil’s Cathedral’s magnificent onion-domed spires and marvel at the beautiful façade of the world-famous GUM department store which was constructed in Tsarist times. Lunch is served in Café Pushkin, a legendary Moscow restaurant with a décor that revives the atmosphere of an early 19th century mansion and serves traditional Russian cuisine. An essential part of any visit to Moscow is a tour of the opulent and unique stations of the Moscow Metro—showpieces of socialist art furnished with statues, frescoes and mosaics, unsurpassed anywhere in the world. If you have been to Moscow before, you can choose an alternate tour of Moscow’s other sights, such as the famous State Tretyakov Gallery (National Museum of Fine Art) or the Space Museum (all subject to opening times). Upon arrival at Moscow Kazansky Station in the late afternoon, you will be greeted in the ornately decorated Imperial Waiting Room with a cold glass of Russian champagne and canapes as you mix with the other guests and are welcomed by the train staff. From here, your car attendants will escort you to Platform 1 where the Golden Eagle awaits ready for departure.

Situated on the River Volga, the picturesque and historic city of Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan. Here you’ll discover a rich tapestry of history and culture. One of the highlights of this city tour is your exploration of the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel, you will explore the stunning mosque and picture-perfect onion-domed cathedral. Kazan is the birthplace of one of Russia’s most famous opera singers, Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938). Today, you’ll honor his memory with a private concert of his music. Enjoy some free time to wander through the main pedestrian area of Kazan and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city before returning to the train.

Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg is the capital of the Urals. Known as the Great Divide, the Ural Mountains create the natural border between Europe and Asia. The cultural and architectural influences of European and Asian civilizations come together in this fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape. Savor a glass of champagne at the obelisk marking the geographical border with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Visit the poignant site where the Romanov, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918 following 78 days of imprisonment. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site provides powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. Time permitting, you’ll have the option to visit the recently opened Museum of Military Machinery. The museum houses an amazing collection of different types of military hardware including tanks, aircraft, boats and even armored trains. The museum is a real treat for anyone with an interest in the Soviet past, unparalleled by anything else along the route.  Alternatively, make a short stop at the Boris Yeltsin Presidential Centre to learn about the contemporary political history of Russia and its first president.

A modern ‘Soviet’ city, Novosibirsk has a rich culture where the arts and science predominate. The city is located in the heart of Russia and on both banks of the Ob River. Here, you’ll visit Lenin Square, where the imposing Opera House is located. An architectural marvel, it houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is one of the largest opera houses in the world. Time permitting, you’ll tour Novosibirsk’s excellent Railway Museum. The museum displays locomotives and rolling stock from the late 1800s, including carriages of the Tsars, through to the Soviet era. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the Mineralogical Centre with its fine display of Siberian minerals.

Enjoy a day to unwind onboard and reflect on the many sights and cultures you have experienced thus far. Chat with your fellow passengers, perhaps learn a few words of Russian or simply enjoy the ever-changing landscape outside your window as it unfolds.

Your visit to Irkutsk, the ‘Paris of Siberia’, takes in the most significant sites and museums in this fascinating city, including an exploration of classic wooden architecture with intricately carved, lace-like decorations. Learn about the aristocrats who were exiled to this remote outpost after the failed Decembrist Revolt of 1825 at the Volkonsky House Museum. Enjoy a champagne reception and private concert. You could learn to cook some traditional Russian dishes with a local chef and prepare your own lunch on an alternative excursion, or you might wish to visit a traditional Russian Dacha (summer house) to get an insight into the everyday life of an average Russian family.

Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal, a major highlight on your Trans-Siberian journey. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and holds 20% of the world’s freshwater. Also known as the ‘Pearl of Siberia’, it is home to a unique breed of freshwater seal and over 50 species of fish. For five hours, wind your way through tunnels along cliff-hugging tracks above the lake. With a vista of snow-capped peaks along the far shore forming a picture-perfect backdrop, you’ll gain a full appreciation of the engineering achievement which produced this part of the railway in the early twentieth century. To add to the grandeur of the day, the Golden Eagle train will be hauled by a Soviet Era steam locomotive on this beautiful section of line. Weather permitting, stop in an especially picturesque location by the lake for photography opportunities. For the brave hearted, there is time for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear and ice-cold waters of Baikal. Travelling onwards to the end of the Baikal branch line, you’ll leave the train and travel by boat on the lake to Listvyanka, a small Baikal settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding hills, and learn about the lake’s flora and fauna at the Lake Baikal Museum and Aquarium. Enjoy a delicious barbecue prepared by the Golden Eagle’s chefs, including freshly smoked local fish, in the delightful covered dining area on the shore of Lake Baikal. If you’d like to ascend higher up the mountain, you have the option to either hike or take a chairlift up Chersky Mountain for panoramic views of the lake below.

The ethnic and cultural diversity of Ulan Ude, the capital of the Republic of Buryatia, offers a unique insight into its heritage. During our exploration of the Old Believers’ Village, we have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the area’s religion as we are treated to a concert featuring local traditions and folk singing.

Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us into Mongolia and a visit to its capital, Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia, once the very center of an enormous empire led by Genghis Khan, is a country of beautiful landscapes and nomadic people, rich in culture and history. Mongolia is famous for its endless green steppes, grazing livestock and the white Gers (yurts) dotted across the countryside. Visit “The Great Place of Complete Joy”, Gandan Monastery. One of Mongolia’s most important Buddhist monasteries, it houses a community of over 500 monks. At Chinggis Square (formerly Sukhbaatar Square) you’ll see the central monument to Genghis Khan, before driving out of the city to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, where you’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery of wild Mongolia. Take the opportunity to visit a traditional Ger and meet a nomadic family or try your hand at horse-riding, an intrinsic part of Mongolian life. Alternatively, there is an option to stay in the city and visit the National Museum, where you can learn about the country’s intriguing history. You’ll also see Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum, the winter residences of the last Mongolian emperor, built between 1893 and 1903. You can also take some free time to explore the city shop for Mongolian souvenirs (we recommend their specialty cashmere) before rejoining the group for a performance of traditional Mongolian throat singing and contortionists. Please note, depending on final timings provided by the railway authorities, the railway journey from Russia into Ulaanbaatar may be substituted with a private jet charter from Irkutsk or Ulan Ude.

Enjoy a more leisurely pace today as the Golden Eagle winds through the beautiful landscape of the Russian Far East. You may wish to attend one of the interesting lectures or Russian language lessons.

It's the perfect opportunity to relax as our journey today follows the Shilka and Amur rivers, close to the Chinese border. Enjoy Russia at its most dramatic and remote, as the Golden Eagle eats up the miles on our way to Vladivostok.

Passing directly north of Seoul, Darwin and Osaka, we spend our last full day on board the Golden Eagle today as we pass through Khabarovsk to cross the River Amur, the most easterly point of this mammoth journey.

Vladivostok is a military port located on the western shores of the Sea of Japan and is home to the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet. Due to its military importance, the city was closed to foreigners between 1930 and 1992. Vladivostok (literally translated as ‘Ruler of the East’) offers visitors an interesting opportunity to explore its principal military attractions, including a visit to a preserved WWII submarine. Your city tour will also take you 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.  Arrive at the Lotte Hotel Vladivostok. Tonight, you are invited to a Farewell Dinner to commemorate the end of your luxury train adventure.

Following breakfast, spend the remaining time in Vladivostok at your leisure. If your journey includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Vladivostok International Airport for your flight home.