Exploration by rail is an inspiring addition to a Luxury Tailor Made Journey. The Golden Eagle a variety of alternative routings and departure dates. Speak to your A&K Travel Consultant or your travel professional to create a customized journey including a rail experience.
ARRIVE VLADIVOSTOK, RUSSIA
Upon arrival in Vladivostok, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Later this evening, gather for a welcome reception and dinner with your fellow travellers.
RIDING THE GOLDEN EAGLE | THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
Begin with an exploration of Vladivostok’s iconic sights, including a preserved World War II submarine and a massive suspension bridge spanning Golden Horn Bay. Next, enjoy a Champagne reception at Vladivostok Railway Station. A military band plays a rousing chorus as you board the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express for your grand adventure westward.
KHABAROVSK | EXPLORING A PROUD HISTORY
The Golden Eagle pulls into Khabarovsk, where you alight to explore monuments memorializing fallen soldiers of World War II and the city’s namesake explorer, Yerofey Pavlovich Khabarov. Next, take in the collections of the Regional Museum, browsing exhibits spanning cultural and natural history.
RIDING THE GOLDEN EAGLE | SKIRTING THE SHILKA & AMUR RIVERS
Scenic vistas of the Shilka and Amur rivers unfold as the Golden Eagle makes its way across the vast wilderness. If you wish, take in some onboard enrichment with expertly-led discussions or Russian language classes.
RIDING THE GOLDEN EAGLE | MONGOLIA MEETS THE HORIZON
Unwind as more stunning scenery fills your cabin window. Relax with a good book, immerse yourself in onboard enrichment, or socialize with your fellow travellers over cocktails and live music in the elegant Lounge Car. A mood of anticipation builds as the Mongolian capital draws closer.
ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA | ECHOES OF THE KHAN LEGACY
This Trans-Siberian adventure takes you into Mongolia and a visit to its capital, Ulaan Baatar. Start with a tour of the Gandan Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most important Buddhist monasteries, housing a community of over 500 monks. At Chinggis Square (formerly Sukhbaatar Square), see the central monument to Genghis Khan. 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, meet a nomadic family or go horseback riding, an intrinsic part of Mongolian life. Alternatively, you may remain in town to visit the National Museum, where Mongolia’s intriguing history is brought to life through a variety of exhibits.
ULAN-UDE, RUSSIA | MONGOL-BUDDHIST CROSSROADS
The Golden Eagle makes its way back onto Russian soil, pausing to explore the Mongol-Buddhist crossroads of Ulan-Ude, home to the warm and welcoming Buryat people. Delve into the traditions of this distinctive local culture as you take in a live folk music performance in the Old Believers’ Village.
LAKE BAIKAL | SIBERIA’S DEEPEST BEAUTY REVEALED
Today, take in the grandeur of the world’s deepest, most voluminous body of fresh water, Lake Baikal. Bottoming out at an astounding 5,387 feet, Lake Baikal is flanked by sheer cliffs and snow-capped mountains jutting abruptly skyward from its shores. This stunning section of scenic rail is made all the more magical by the addition of a Soviet-era steam locomotive, the Golden Eagle’s special engine for the day. Alight the train at a scenic lakefront siding for a once-in-a-lifetime photo op and the chance to take a frigid plunge, if you dare. Reaching the end of the branch line, continue by boat to the small lakefront settlement of Listvyanka, where you visit the Lake Baikal Museum and Aquarium. You may alternatively opt to explore the surrounding hills with a scenic hike. Finally, enjoy a relaxing evening barbecue on shore, including freshly smoked fish.
IRKUTSK | THE PARIS OF SIBERIA
Alight the Golden Eagle to explore the ornate, 19th-century architecture of Irkutsk. Visit the Volkonsky House Museum to learn about the ill-fated Decembrists uprising of 1825. Next, prepare a traditional Russian lunch guided by a local chef, or meet a local family in their dacha (summer house) for authentic insights into everyday life.
RIDING THE GOLDEN EAGLE | TIME TO UNWIND
Take some time to unwind as the Golden Eagle continues westward to Novosibirsk. Take the opportunity to reflect on your journey, learn a few more words of Russian or chat with your fellow travellers.
NOVOSIBIRSK | A DAY OF DISCOVERY
Delve into Novosibirsk’s rich culture with a visit to Lenin Square. Marvel at the imposing Opera House, an architectural icon housing two permanent ballet and opera companies. Time permitting, browse the Novosibirsk Railway Museum’s collection of locomotives and rolling stock, or visit the Mineralogical Center with its fine display of Siberian minerals.
YEKATERINBURG | EUROPE & ASIA’S GREAT DIVIDE
Today, the Golden Eagle pulls into Yekaterinburg, a Ural capital marking the Great Divide separating Europe and Asia. Take in the poignant site where the Bolsheviks executed Tsar Nicholas II and his family in 1918. You may also opt to visit the Museum of Military Machinery, exploring an amazing collection of tanks, aircraft, boats, armored trains and other vehicles, or make a short stop at the Boris Yeltsin Presidential Center, dedicated to the contemporary political history of Russia and its first president.
KAZAN | JEWEL OF THE VOLGA
Step off the Golden Eagle in Kazan, a picturesque and historic city fronting the River Volga. Explore the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a stunning mosque and ornate, onion-domed cathedral. Next, enjoy a private concert commemorating one of the city’s iconic opera singers, Feodor Chaliapin. Later, stroll the city center, taking in its eclectic mix of church spires and minarets.
MOSCOW | ICONS OF THE CAPITAL
Today, the Golden Eagle makes its final stop, Moscow. Begin your exploration of this grand capital at the Kremlin, the spiritual, historic and political heart of Moscow. Here, browse the treasures of the Tsars in the historic Armory Chamber. Continue on to visit Moscow icons such as Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the GUM Department Store and Lenin’s tomb. Alternatively, you may opt to browse the State Tretyakov Gallery or the Space Museum. Later, enjoy a lavish farewell dinner with your travelling companions.
MOSCOW | A PARTING GLIMPSE
This morning, enjoy a parting glimpse of Moscow, as you are transferred to the airport for return flight or onward to the rest of your Luxury Tailor Made Journey.
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