Download the extensive Trip Dossier for this tour as a PDF file to read offline or print. The trip dossier contains more details of departures dates and trip inclusions for this tour as well as information on the cabin classes and FAQs.
ARRIVAL IN ST PETERSBURG & A WELCOME RECEPTION & DINNER
Flight arrivals into St Petersburg and transfer to the luxurious Grand Hotel Europe for a two-night stay.
On your first evening you are invited to a champagne drinks reception with the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers before our exclusive welcome dinner. Specially selected international wines are included with dinner, as are all meals during the tour. Included in our time spent in St Petersburg is two nights in the luxurious Grand Hotel Europe, or similar. Why not extend your stay in St Petersburg at the start of your adventure with pre-tour nights to explore more of the city at your leisure?
MEALS: Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Grand Belmond Europa ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
DAY 2 - ST PETERSBURG
EXPLORE RUSSIA’S BEAUTIFUL CULTURAL CAPITAL
St Petersburg is a stunning city, crowded with splendid palaces, impressive historical monuments, wide boulevards and beautiful bridges. It is also renowned as the Ballet Capital of the World.
This morning we have a guided tour of Catherine’s Palace in Pushkin and the Hermitage Museum, the former Winter Palace of the Tsars which houses the royal art collection of over three million works. It is one of the world’s largest and most impressive art museums.
After lunch in a local restaurant overlooking St Isaac’s Cathedral, we continue our exploration of St Petersburg with a city tour featuring the key sights including Kazan Cathedral, St Isaac’s Cathedral and Nevsky Prospect.
Make your evening in St Petersburg extra special by purchasing a ticket for a ballet or opera performance at one of the world-renowned St Petersburg theatres (subject to schedule and availability and pre-booked at least six weeks prior to departure).
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Grand Belmond Europa ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
DAY 3 - ST PETERSBURG
THE HERMITAGE MUSEUM & BOARD YOUR TRAIN
A tour of St Petersburg would not be complete without a visit to the world-famous Hermitage Museum, located in the Winter Palace, which epitomizes Russia’s love affair with art and culture. Dating back to 1764, it is the home to the largest collection of paintings in the world.
After lunch there is the option to make a short visit to either Peter and Paul’s Fortress or the Faberge Museum.
Late afternoon we transfer to the station to board Russia’s premier train, the Golden Eagle, and settle into our modern, stylish cabins to embark upon our rail adventure to the Arctic Circle. We are welcomed on board with a signature Gala Caviar Dinner in the beautifully designed restaurant car and enjoy after dinner drinks and musical entertainment.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Grand Belmond Europa ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
DAY 4 - on the train
HEAD NORTH CROSSING THE ARCTIC CIRCLE
We have a relaxed start to the day as our train crosses the Arctic Circle on our quest to see the Northern Lights. We can reflect on the many sights we are about to experience on our rail journey, maybe listen to a talk or simply relax and enjoy the ever-changing winter landscape outside our window.
Our guest astronomer will host an afternoon tea with freshly baked Russian cakes and talk about the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) in our stylish Bar Lounge Car.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Golden Eagle Train
DAY 5 - KIRKENES
CROSS INTO NORWAY BY BUS FOR A TWO NIGHT EXCURSION
We leave our train with an overnight bag at the Russian border station of Nikel Murmansk and transfer by bus (90 minutes’ drive) across the Russian/Norwegian border to Kirkenes for a two-night stay at the Thon Hotel (or similar). We will visit the magical Snow Hotel just 15 km outside Kirkenes.
We will have a welcome drink in the snow bar and a tour of the Snow Hotel with its ice sculptures and snow paintings by local and international artists. After a traditional meal in the Snow Hotel’s warm lodge restaurant we will take an evening bus tour in search of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). If the sky is clear our guest astronomer will be on hand to advise us during star-gazing and will bring the night sky to life with their extensive knowledge.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Thon Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
DAY 6 - KIRKENES
A DAY OF WINTER ACTIVITIES IN KIRKENES
Today a unique winter experience awaits on our King Crab Fishing adventure. The excursion begins with a snowmobile drawn sleigh across the frozen fjords. Warm clothing and a helmet is provided. Through a hole in the ice you will be shown by your guide a catch of the magnificent Arctic King Crab (which can span two metres and weigh up to 15kgs). We then continue by sleigh to the nearby Fisherman’s Lodge, where your fresh King Crab meal awaits by a roaring log fire.
Also included during your stay in Kirkenes is a one-hour husky dog sledge ride and a visit to the resident reindeers.
Optional Activities in Kirkenes: You may like to book some additional optional activities such as a Snow Shoe Walking Tour (2 hours), go in search of the Northern Lights by snowmobile (3 hours) or take a magical excursion by husky dog sledge (2 hours). Each sledge is pulled by a team of eight dogs and can seat two people as well as a driver called a dog musher. These activities have limited places and should be requested at the time of booking the tour - please contact us for prices.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Thon Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
DAY 7 - MURMANSK
BACK INTO RUSSIA TO REJOIN YOUR TRAIN TO MURMANSK
We cross the border back into Russia and re-join our train, which is waiting for us in Nikel Murmansk. We will spend the afternoon on board travelling through arctic Russia with an early evening arrival into Murmansk. Relax and enjoy the ever-changing winter landscape outside your window, chat to fellow passengers or listen to a lecture by our guest astronomer. Afternoon tea with freshly baked Russian cookies will be served in our stylish Bar Lounge Car.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Golden Eagle Train
DAY 8 - MURMANSK
TOUR RUSSIA’S NORTHERN PORT CITY
Murmansk is a city halfway between Moscow and the North Pole and 120 miles (193 km) north of the Arctic Circle. As the main city of the Kola Peninsula, it started as a tiny settlement and Arctic trading post. In 1916, under pressure from the British to establish a support port, Murmansk was founded.
Thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream, the port is ice-free all year round. As Murmansk is homeport of Russia's nuclear-powered icebreaker, we make a scheduled visit to the Nuclear Icebreaker Museum Ship.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Golden Eagle Train
DAY 9 - PETROZAVODSK
STOP IN PETROZAVODSK AS YOU HEAD SOUTHWARDS
Petrozavodsk is the capital of the Karelia Republic and remains a major cultural and industrial centre of Russia’s North-West. It stretches along the western shore of Lake Onega, the second largest lake in Europe. Today we visit the Art Museum and Kantele House, where we enjoy a local Karelian folk performance.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Golden Eagle Train
DAY 10 - MOSCOW
ARRIVE IN RUSSIA’S CAPITAL OF MOSCOW
This morning we arrive at Moscow Oktyabrskaya railway station.
Our touring programme of Russia’s capital takes us 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 we will enjoy an exclusive private viewing.
Our 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 we offer included Freedom of Choice touring where we show you other sights of Moscow such as the famous State Tretyakov Gallery (National Museum of Fine Art) or the Space Museum.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Four Seasons ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
DAY 11 - VLADIMIR & SUZDAL
VISIT TWO OF RUSSIA’S HISTORICAL CITIES & A FAREWELL DINNER
Today we travel by public train north-west from Moscow to two of the ancient cities that form the Golden Ring.
The historic city of Vladimir was founded in 990 and is one of Russia’s oldest communities. With an architectural wealth, it has been decreed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour takes in Uspensky Cathedral, built between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries. It is considered one of the most important and beautiful of Russian cathedrals, where many of the prominent Russian Tsars were crowned. From Vladimir we travel to Suzdal, one of Russia’s most perfectly preserved walled cities dating back to 1024, located 35 kilometres from Vladimir.
Tonight, we return to Moscow for a Farewell Dinner.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Four Seasons ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
DAY 12 - end of tour
FREE TIME UNTIL A TRANSFER TO YOUR ONWARD TRAVEL
After breakfast our tour comes to a close. Lunch, if required, would be by your own Breakfast in the hotel brings the tour to a close and airport transfers are provided for your departure flights.
Why not extend your stay in Moscow to explore more of the city at your leisure?
MEALS: Breakfast
GOLDEN EAGLE LUXURY TRAIN
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
As far as possible our tours are all inclusive with no hidden extras. What follows are those elements which are included in the tour price. The only extra items you will need to budget for include personal expenses such as international and internal flights, visa costs, travel insurance, drinks from the Bar Lounge Car and laundry.
Experienced Tour Managers
Our experienced tour managers and their assistants are selected for their travel knowledge and their linguistic and organisational abilities allowing you to relax and enjoy your rail cruise. We receive exceptional passenger comments about our Tour Managers and their aim is to ensure you enjoy every minute of your holiday.
Arrival and Departure Transfers
Arrival and departure transfers are included.
Hotel and On Board Accommodation
Although you will spend much of your time sightseeing or relaxing in the train’s public areas, you will find you hotel room or cabin a welcome retreat at the end of a rewarding day. All hotels are of 5 star standard or, in certain locations, the best available. Room upgrades are available on request and at extra cost.
Welcome and Farewell Dinners
Each tour begins with a Welcome Dinner, an ideal opportunity to get to know your fellow passengers; for the Tour Manager to brief you on the trip; and introduce you to the Golden Eagle Luxury Trains team and the Tour Doctor. The Farewell Dinner is the perfect end to your adventure by private train where you can relive the journey and look ahead to future tours.
Route Guide, Itinerary and Information Pack
When you board the train there will be a brochure in your cabin detailing more about your journey and the places en-route. Our Tour Manager will organise a programme of briefings on the cities or places we visit and, each evening, will issue a programme for the next day’s touring schedule.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Daily
All departures feature one or two uniquely designed restaurant cars where you can enjoy the excellent waiter-served food and wine. Several times during the tour we will also sample authentic local cuisine off the train.
Drinks with Meals and from the Bar Lounge Car
A generous drinks allowance is included with lunch and dinner. For passengers travelling in Gold Class on board the Golden Eagle, drinks from the Standard Drinks List in the Bar Lounge Car are also included. For Imperial Suite guests, drinks from both the Standard and Premium Bar Lists (excluding premium wines) in the Bar Lounge Car are included.
On Board Service
You can expect service which is attentive, friendly and unintrusive. Your car attendants provide 24-hour housekeeping and bedding turndown services, with one attendant always on duty to assist you and to ensure you are comfortable in your cabin. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottle drinking water are available in your cabin 24 hours a day.
Guided Off-Train Excursions
The history and culture of the places we visit on our rail cruises will come alive through our expert local guides. All our tours include a wide-ranging sightseeing schedule to make the most of the time you have off the train and bring you closer to the culture, people and history of your destinations. We believe it is the special little touches that help create magical memories.
Imperial Suite guests will benefit from the option of a private car and guide in the majority of places we visit along the route.
Freedom of Choice Touring
Customise your journey and enjoy the opportunity to select from an array of Freedom of Choice Touring options that best suits your interests. Your off-train excursions will still take in all the major attractions of the places we are visiting but, in featured locations, you will be presented when you are onboard the train with a variety of activities from which to choose, and enjoy a tailor-made experience. Look at the individual itineraries where we are operating Freedom of Choice Touring.
Freedom of Choice Touring options may be subject to variations dependent on finalised train timings and local charges. Touring options available will typically be advised in the evening prior to the day’s tour.
Personal Headsets
On all the off–train excursions, to enhance your enjoyment and comprehension of the places you visit, you will be provided with a lightweight personal headset on which to listen to your tour guide as you take in the sights. So you do not need to worry about missing any of the interesting details on your excursions.
On Board Doctor and Medical Facilities
To give you peace of mind our tours are accompanied by a doctor who travels with us usually for the entire journey; so you can rest assured that medical assistance is always available. On call 24 hours a day, the doctor is on hand to give primary care as required. Normally, the doctor will be English speaking and be registered with the General Medical Council in the UK.
24 Hour Service Attendant
Your car attendants provide 24-hour housekeeping and bedding turndown services, with one attendant always on duty to assist you and to ensure you are comfortable in your cabin. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled drinking water are available in your cabin 24 hours a day.
Porterage
As you only have to unpack once, your luggage and belongings will stay with you on the train throughout the journey but, wherever necessary, porterage is included between the hotel and stations.
All Gratuities
You will not have to worry about tipping on and off the train on your rail journey with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains as all gratuities are included in the tour price.
CABIN CLASSES
Full details on the cabin classes available on Golden Eagle.
We hold ATOL license 10287 so booking with us gives you 100% financial protection. We are also members of the Association of British Travel Agents. ABTA has strict membership requirements and we are required to adhere to the associations high standards. Our ABTA number is Y1699.
