golden eagle luxury trains

VOYAG ES O F A L I FET I ME BY P R I VAT E T R AI N TM

trans-mongolian express

golden eagle

trans-mongolian express
featuring the naadam festival
moscow - kazan - yekaterinburg - novosibirsk - irkutsk
lake baikal - ulan ude - ulaan baatar

For a fuller insight into Mongolia, why not experience our Naadam Festival Trans-Mongolian
departure in July - a journey across Russia onboard the Golden Eagle combined with a visit to the
Mongolian national festival.
Naadam is the one and only Big Event in Mongolia - a spectacularly colourful national festival,
held every year. Naadam literally means three manly games. Known as the worlds second oldest
Olympics, it celebrates what defined civilisation in the Steppes eight centuries ago; archery, wrestling
and horse riding.
For a preview of the festival, our video is available to view on
our website www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com

www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

golden eagle

trans-mongolian express
moscow

Kazan

RUSSIA
Yekaterinburg

Novosibirsk
CASPIAN
SEA

Irkutsk

KAZAKHSTAN

Lake Baikal
Ulan Ude

ulaan baatar

MONGOLIA

CHINA

IRAN

JAPAN

daily tour itineraries

tour schedules
EASTBOUND 2016
July 1 July 13

WESTBOUND 2016
July 10 July 22

EASTBOUND

WESTBOUND

Day 1

Arrive Moscow

Day 1

Arrive Ulaan Baatar

Day 2

Moscow

Day 2

Naadam Festival

Day 3

Kazan

(Ulaan Baatar)

Day 4

Yekaterinburg

Day 3

Naadam Festival

Day 5

Novosibirsk

(Ulaan Baatar)

Day 6

Onboard

Day 4

Ulaan Baatar

Day 7

Irkutsk

Day 5

Ulan Ude

Day 8

Lake Baikal

Day 6

Lake Baikal

Day 9

Ulan Ude

Day 7

Irkutsk

Day 10

Ulaan Baatar

Day 8

Onboard

Day 11

Naadam Festival

Day 9

Novosibirsk

accommodation

Ulaan Baatar)

Day 10

Yekaterinburg

Day 12

Naadam Festival

Day 11

Kazan

1 night in Moscow | 8 nights onboard the Golden Eagle |

3 nights in Ulaan Baatar including two days at the Naadam Festival

Ulaan Baatar)

Day 12

Moscow

Depart Ulaan Baatar

Day 13

Depart Moscow

EASTBOUND 2017
July 1 July 13

WESTBOUND 2017
July 10 July 22

Day 13

moscow - kazan - yekaterinburg - novosibirsk - irkutsk

lake baikal - ulan ude - ulaan baatar
www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com

whats included

finest rail
accommodation

off-train excursions
programme

Private en-suite accommodation

24-hour cabin attendant service
Evening turndown service
Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled
water in-cabin 24 hrs a day
Robes, slippers and LOccitane
toiletries in-cabin
Complimentary bottle of vodka
in your cabin

Full guided off-train excursions programme

Fully included Freedom of Choice touring
options which may vary due to final
train times
Personal Headsets to hear the
professional guides commentary
Bottled water during excursions
Authentic dining experiences in local
restaurants with a generous drinks
allowance, including international wines

golden eagle
difference
Experienced Tour Manager
Onboard Doctor - English speaking
Luggage porterage - from the time you are
met at the airport until your departure
No tipping policy
Arrival and departure transfers
Commemorative DVD with photos of your
tour and tour information
High quality Golden Eagle
embroidered backpack
Detailed Golden Eagle route map
Illustrated Golden Eagle tour brochure

onboard inclusions
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily - starting with dinner on first
day and finishing with breakfast on last day
Generous drinks allowance, including international wine, with
lunch and dinner
Gala Caviar Dinner onboard the Golden Eagle
In-cabin breakfast option to start the day
Afternoon tea and cakes onboard the Golden Eagle

In-suite dining option for Imperial Suite guests

Inclusive drinks packages for Gold Class and Imperial Suite guests
Tea, coffee, bottled water, soft drinks and local beer in the
Bar Lounge Car
Stimulating onboard talks
Resident pianist in Bar Lounge Car
Onboard Russian language lessons
Live musical performances

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

tour highlights

Naadam Festival

Naadam Festival

moscow

Ulaan Baatar

cool in the most unexpected places, like from the rooftop O2 Lounge

0 KM |

with its breathtaking views of Red Square and the rejuvenating

Time zone: Moscow time

surroundings of ESPA, the hotels world class spa.

Our touring programme of Moscow principally takes us to the grandeur

Why not extend your stay in Moscow with additional nights to explore

of the Kremlin the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow

more of the city at your leisure or have time to take in a performance

and to see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber. We

at the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre? Tickets need to be pre-booked

also visit Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russias former military and

and are subject to schedule and availability.

political might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such

as the ornate St Basils Cathedrals magnificent onion-domed spires,

kazan

the beautiful faade of the world famous GUM department store,

820 KM |

constructed in Tsarist times, and the sombre and evocative site of

Time zone: Moscow time

Lenins tomb.
Situated on the River Volga, the picturesque and historic city of Kazan
We will take a tour of the opulent and unique stations of the Moscow

is the capital of Tatarstan. Here we have the opportunity to see for

metro - showpieces of Socialist art furnished with statues, frescoes

ourselves its rich tapestry of history and culture. One of the highlights of

and mosaics, unsurpassed anywhere in the world. We have lunch in

this city tour is our exploration of the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World

Caf Poushkine, a legendary Moscow restaurant with a dcor that

Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel we will explore its

revives the atmosphere of an early 19th century mansion and serves

stunning mosque and picture-perfect onion-domed cathedral.

traditional Russian cuisine.

As Kazan is the birthplace of one of Russias most famous opera singers,
With our Freedom of Choice touring option you may instead wish to

Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938), we honour his memory with a private

visit the famous State Tretyakov Gallery (National Museum of Fine Art).

concert of his music. You will also have time to wander through the main
pedestrian area of Kazan and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of

Your first evening you are invited to a champagne drinks reception

before our exclusive welcome dinner (or farewell dinner if you are
travelling on the Westbound tours). Specially selected international
wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during the tour.

the city.

yekaterinburg
1816 KM |
Time zone: Moscow time + 2 hours

Included in our time spent in Moscow is one night at the five-star RitzCarlton. Located in Moscow city centre, and within a short walking

Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg is the capital of the

distance of Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre, guests will discover

Urals. Known as the Great Divide, the Ural Mountains create the natural

a classic and sophisticated ambience that gives way to contemporary

border between Europe and Asia so that the cultural and architectural

www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com

Voyages of a Lifetime by Private TrainTM | TRANS-MONGOLIAN EXPRESS

influences of European and Asian civilisations come together in this
fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape.

Our city tour takes us to

the poignant site where the Romanov, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, was

lake baikal

Time zone: Moscow time

executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918 following 78 days of

imprisonment. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site provides

Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal

us with a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. We

and is a major highlight on our Trans-Siberian journey. Lake Baikal is

will also drive to the obelisk marking the geographical border and can

the deepest lake in the world and holds 20 per cent of the worlds

drink a glass of champagne with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia.

freshwater. Also known as the Pearl of Siberia it is home to a unique

breed of freshwater seal and over 50 species of fish including omul. For

Our Freedom of Choice programme will also offer activities such as a

five hours we wind our way through tunnels along cliff hugging tracks

walking tour of the city, or explore the intriguing Soviet military past in a

above the lake with a vista of snow capped peaks along the far shore

visit to Yekaterinburg Military Museum which displays fragments of the

forming a picture-perfect backdrop, and gain a full appreciation of the

U2 American spy-plane flown by Gary Powers that was shot down in this

engineering achievement which produced this part of the railway in the

area in 1960 during the Cold War.

early twentieth century. To add to the grandeur of the day our Golden
Eagle train will be hauled by a Soviet Era steam locomotive on this

novosibirsk

beautiful section of line. There will be plenty of opportunities to take

3336 KM |

photographs as the train winds its way along the lake. This will be an
unforgettable part of our journey.

Time zone: Moscow time

A modern Soviet city, we experience the life and character of

For a preview of this beautiful section, a new video is available to view

Novosibirsks rich culture where the arts and science predominate.

on www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com.

The city is located in the heart of Russia and is situated on both banks
of the River Ob. Our city tour takes us to Lenin Square where the

Weather permitting, we stop in an extremely picturesque location by

imposing Opera House is located. An architectural marvel, it houses two

the lake for photographic opportunities and for the brave hearted

permanent ballet and opera companies and is one of the largest opera

there is time for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear and ice-cold

houses in the world. In front of the Opera House, we visit an impressive

waters of Baikal. Travelling onwards to the end of the Baikal branch

statue of Lenin a marvellous opportunity to have our photograph

line, we leave the train and travel by boat on the lake to Listvyanka, a

taken with this iconic political leader.

small Baikal settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding hills

and visit the Lake Baikal Museum and Aquarium where you can learn

Alternatively, south of the city you could visit Novosibirsks excellent

about the flora and fauna of the lake.

Railway Museum on our Freedom of Choice tour. The museum displays

locomotives and rolling stock from the late 1800s, including carriages of

We will enjoy a delicious barbecue prepared by our own chefs, including

the Tsars, through to the Soviet era. Or choose to go to the Mineralogical

freshly smoked omul fish, in the delightful covered dining area on the

Centre with its fine display of Siberian minerals.

shore of Lake Baikal to complete a memorable day.

irkutsk

As part of our Freedom of Choice excursion programme you can choose

5185 KM |

a hiking opportunity up Chersky Mount, or you can choose to take the

Time zone: Moscow time

chair lift, which offers some spectacular and panoramic hillside views
of the grandeur of the lake below.

Our visit to Irkutsk, the Paris of Siberia, takes in the most significant
sites and museums in this fascinating city, including an exploration of the
classic wooden architecture with its intricately carved lace-like decorations
that has given many of this regions buildings such a distinctive and
unique appearance. We also visit the Volkonsky House Museum, which is
dedicated to the memory of the aristocrats who were exiled to this remote
outpost after the failed Decembrists uprising of 1825. We recreate the
atmosphere of that time with a champagne reception and private concert.
You could learn to cook some traditional Russian dishes with a local chef
and prepare your own lunch with our Freedom of Choice option. Or you
might also wish to visit a traditional Russian Dacha (summer house) to get
an insight into the everyday life of an average Russian family.
To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

Lake Baikal

ulan ude
5640 KM | -
Time zone: Moscow time + 5 hours

The ethnic and cultural diversity of Ulan Ude, the capital of the Buryat
Republic, offers a unique insight into its heritage. As we tour the area you
will notice the different faces of these welcoming Buryat people. During
our exploration of the Old Believers Village we have the opportunity to
learn about the culture and history of these religious people as we are
treated to a concert featuring local traditions and folk singing.

ulaan baatar, mongolia

Time zone: Moscow time + 4 hours

Our Trans-Mongolian adventure takes us into Mongolia and a visit to its

Old Believers Village, Ulan Ude

capital, Ulaan Baatar. Mongolia, once the very centre 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 white, nomadic Gers
(Yurts) dotted all across the countryside.
We start the tour at Gandan Monastery, one of Mongolias most important
Buddhist Monasteries housing a community of over 500 monks. The full
name, Gandantegchinlen, translates as the great place of complete joy.
At Sukhbaatar Square we can see the central monument to Genghis
Khan; undoubtedly the most feared and revered Mongol.
Alternatively there is an option to drive out of the city to the GorkhiTerelj National Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery of wild Mongolia
as part of our Freedom of Choice tour, having the opportunity to visit
a traditional Ger and meet a nomadic family or try our hand at horseriding, an intrinsic part of Mongolian life. In the evening we will enjoy a
performance of traditional Mongolian throat singing and contortionists.

Nomadic Gers, Mongolia

signature experiences

Being hauled by a Soviet era steam locomotive on

the beautiful Lake Baikal section

Visit a nomadic family in a Mongolian ger

Private performance of Mongolian throat singing

and contortion

Attend the vibrant Naadam Festival Opening Ceremony

Watch the traditional archery and wrestling competitions

Be at the finish line for the 20km horse race

with over 300 horses

Opening Ceremony, Naadam Festival

www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com

Voyages of a Lifetime by Private TrainTM | TRANS-MONGOLIAN EXPRESS

the naadam festival

ulaan baatar, mongolia

many of whom have been in the saddle since the age of one.
As they race along the plains for 20 kilometres, thousands of
spectators line the remote track to watch over 300 horses
with children sitting confidently astride their small but sturdy

This is a unique opportunity to be among the few non-

Mongolian steed. We have prime seating in the finish line stand

Mongolians to experience the spectacular, but little known,

that gives a fantastic view of the children and their horses as

Naadam Festival and soak up the exciting atmosphere of this

they complete the grueling 20 kilometre race. It is claimed such

national holiday. Once a religious ceremony, the festival now

equestrian skills won Genghis Khan an empire that stretched

formally commemorates the 1921 revolution when Mongolia

from the Sea of Japan all the way to Europe.

declared itself a free country. In recent times, women have

been allowed to enter and they now compete in two of the

On the second day of the festival we will attend the archery,

three events, horse racing and archery.

wrestling and ankle-bone shooting events.

On the first day of the festival, we observe the elaborate

Due to the popularity of the period around the Naadam Festival

opening ceremony which consists of local dancers, athletes,

we reserve accommodation for our guests at a number of

horse riders and musicians, before travelling outside Ulaan

the best hotels in Ulaan Baatar including the Kempinski and

Baatar to watch the national horse race. The competitors in

Ramada. Please note, we cannot guarantee your preferred

the riding events are all children between five and twelve,

choice of hotel.

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com

whats included
in the tour price
As far as possible our tours are all-inclusive with no hidden extras. What follows are all those elements which are
included in the tour price. The only extra items you may need to budget for include personal expenses such as
International and Internal flights that are not included in the itineraries, visa costs, insurance, selected drinks from
the Bar Lounge Car and laundry.

EXPERIENCED TOUR MANAGERS

GUIDED OFF-TRAIN EXCURSIONS

Our experienced Tour Managers are selected for their travel

The history and culture of the places we visit on our rail cruises will

knowledge, and their linguistic and organisational abilities allowing

come alive through our expert local guides. All our tours include a

you to relax and enjoy your rail cruise. We receive exceptional

wide-ranging sightseeing schedule to make the most of the time you

passenger comments about our Tour Managers and their aim is to

have off the train and bring you closer to the culture, people and

ensure you enjoy every minute of your holiday.

history of your destinations. We believe it is the special little touches

that help create magical memories.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Arrival and departure transfers are included.

PERSONAL HEADSETS
On all the offtrain excursions, to enhance your enjoyment

HOTEL AND ONBOARD ACCOMMODATION

and insights into the places you visit, you will be provided with a

Although you will spend much of your time sightseeing or relaxing in

lightweight personal headset on which to listen to your tour guide

the trains public areas, you will find your cabin a welcome retreat at

as you take in the sights. The range of the headset means that you

the end of a rewarding day. All hotels are of five-star standard, or the

do not need to worry about missing any of the guides commentary

best available.

on your excursion, even if you prefer to wander away from the group.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER DAILY

ONBOARD DOCTOR AND MEDICAL FACILITIES

All meals are included, starting with dinner on the first day and

To give you peace of mind our tours are accompanied by a doctor

ending with breakfast on the last day. All departures feature one

who travels with us for the entire journey; so you can rest assured

or two uniquely designed Restaurant Cars where you can enjoy the

that medical assistance is always available. On call 24 hours a day,

excellent waiter-served food and wine. Several times during the tour

the doctor is on hand to give primary care as required. In almost

we will also sample authentic local cuisine with wine and a selection

every case, the doctor will be English-speaking and registered with

of drinks off the train, which is also included in the tour price.

the General Medical Council in the UK.

DRINKS WITH MEALS

PORTERAGE

A generous drinks allowance, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, is

As you only have to unpack once your luggage and belongings will

included with lunch and dinner on and off the train.

stay with you on the train throughout the journey but, wherever
necessary, porterage is included between the hotels and stations.

ONBOARD SERVICE
You can expect service which is attentive, friendly and unintrusive. Your

ALL GRATUITIES

car attendants provide 24-hour housekeeping and bedding turndown

You will not have to worry about tipping on or off the train on your rail

services, with one attendant always on duty to assist you and to ensure

journey with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains as all gratuities are included

you are comfortable in your cabin. Complimentary tea, coffee and

in the tour price.

bottled drinking water are available in your cabin 24 hours a day.

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent