Explore the Trans-Siberian Railway Aboard the Golden Eagle
The Trans-Siberian Express: a unique rail travel experience.
For more than 100 years the Trans-Siberian Railway has connected west and east Russia, its network branching off into Mongolia, China and North Korea. Construction commenced in the late 1800s, under the supervision of Russian ministers who were personally appointed by Tsar Alexander III. In 1916, the main bulk of the railway was complete, but it is still being continually expanded.
At its time of construction, the Trans-Siberian line was being built across some of the world’s most challenging territory, and to this day is it considered one of the greatest ever engineering feats. Stretching from Moscow to Vladivostok, this impressive steel ribbon has provided an essential link for travellers for well over a century. Through bouts of war and revolution, the Trans-Siberian never ceased to operate, transferring troops, delivering supplies, transporting refugees and liberating escapees… though its single track is still considered a contributing factor to the country’s loss of the Russo-Japanese War in 1905!
Perhaps the greatest railway journey that the world has to offer, the Trans-Siberian’s 10,000km offers a diverse blend of cityscapes, mountains, tundra, lakes and coastline. No other railway offers the stark contrasts of Europe and the Orient, making this journey a once in a lifetime experience.
When you holiday with Planet Rail, you can immerse yourself in the wonders of the Trans-Siberian railway aboard the coveted Golden Eagle. Your seventeen day adventure will take you across 8,000 miles and through eleven different time zones. Cruising through Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and more, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views, historical gems, delicious food and drink, and luxury accommodation that’s fit for a Tsar.
Aboard the Golden Eagle
No other train offers gourmet cuisine, en-suite amenities and impeccable service quite like the Golden Eagle. This locomotive is the ultimate in luxury, and it’s no surprise that it is considered amongst the best in the world. The little touches really make a difference, such as the complimentary Dom Perignon when you first board, and the delightful L’Occitane toiletries you’ll discover in the bathroom.
This hotel on wheels is Russia and central Asia’s only fully equipped train. With en-suite cabins, elegant decor and cuisine to rival five star establishments, it’s certainly an extra special treat. Suites boast large double beds, lounge areas and a dressing table, along with a private bathroom with power shower and underfloor heating. Air conditioning, a fully stocked minibar and music and television facilities complete the 5* experience, ensuring your journey aboard is as relaxing and comfortable as possible.
The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express – The journey
Of course, when you undertake the Trans-Siberian voyage with Planet Rail, your journey commences prior to Moscow. You’ll begin your travels at London St Pancras, where you’ll board the Eurostar for a speedy service to Brussels. Here, you’ll change onto the Thalys service to Cologne, and then the Jan Kiepura service to Warsaw. The penultimate change is to the Ost-West sleeper, which continues the journey east into Russia. Make the most of your night in one of Moscow’s most luxurious hotel, enjoying a great night’s sleep before the real adventure begins.
A day in Moscow allows you to absorb the sights and sounds of Russia’s exquisite capital. In the late afternoon, you’ll finally discover the Golden Eagle. Settle into your opulent cabin before socialising with the other passengers aboard, and then sit down for a delicious dinner in a beautifully designed restaurant car.
The Golden Eagle’s first stop is Kazan, the largest city of the Republic of Tatarstan. Kazan is known for its strong cultural heritage, exemplified by ornate buildings such as the Kul Sharif Mosque and the Kremlin fortress. The next day, you’ll cross into the Urals, and explore Yekaterinburg’s awe-inspiring cityscape, famed for the Romanov family murder. Novosibirsk in Siberia is the next stop of the journey, and you’ll be treated to a guided tour around this fascinating city.
After three busy days of exploring some of Euroasia’s most prominent cities, a day aboard the Golden Eagle will be much appreciated. Enjoy some leisure time in your cabin, relax in the bar with a drink, and gaze out of the windows watching stunning landscapes stream by. Service is second to none, and the train’s polite and professional staff will ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible, as well as offering expert insight.
Days nine and ten are spent in Irkutsk and Lake Baikal, which offer a lovely contrast of a classical city and lakeside location. You’ll then journey on to Ulan Ude, the capital city of the Buryat Republic, where you’ll be treated to a fantastic tour that highlights Russia’s Buddhist epicentre. The Golden Eagle then enters Mongolia, where you’ll witness the charm and creativity of this dynamic nation.
Your adventure is now approaching its two week mark, and you can enjoy two more days on the rails, observing the changing landscapes of Siberia. This vast, unspoilt countryside is a sight to behold, and you’ll observe a peacefulness that can only be offered by the globe’s most remote locations. Arriving in Vladivostok on the sixteenth day, take a moment to appreciate the 8,000 miles that you’ve completed. A night in a cool, contemporary hotel is the perfect time to reflect on the excitement and beauty of your Trans-Siberian adventure, before bidding farewell to your holiday and boarding the aeroplane home.
Learn more about the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express by clicking here. You can also discover the full collection of luxury train holidays available at Planet Rail by visiting our full site, or contacting one of our friendly experts on 01437 82 52 92.
