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.
Flight arrivals into Moscow and transfer to your luxurious hotel for a two-night stay. This evening a welcome reception and dinner where you can meet your travel companions for the next 12 days.
MEALS: Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Four Seasons Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
DAY 2 - MOSCOW
TOUR THE HIGHLIGHTS OF RUSSIA’S CAPITAL
During our stay in Moscow we visit the Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and political might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral’s magnificent onion-domed spires, the beautiful façade of the world-famous GUM Department store, constructed in Tsarist times, and the sombre and evocative site of Lenin’s tomb. Our touring programme also 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.
Included in our time spent in Moscow is two nights at the stylish five-star Four Seasons Hotel Moscow. Located in the historic building of Moskva Hotel and occupying one of the most enviable addresses in the very heart of Moscow, the hotel is a short walk from the Kremlin, Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Four Seasons Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
DAY 3 - VLADIMIR & SUZDAL
VISIT TWO OF RUSSIA’S HISTORICAL CITIES & BOARD YOUR TRAIN
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. Here we visit the atmospheric St Euthymius Monastery to witness an enchanting choral performance. No Russian winter experience would be complete either without the horse-drawn sleigh ride through this stunning location.
We have a unique opportunity to celebrate New Year’s Eve on board at our signature Gala Caviar Dinner on board the Golden Eagle in the beautifully designed restaurant car, specially decorated tonight for our New Year’s Eve Party. Enjoy complimentary champagne, international wines and live musical entertainment for a New Year’s Eve you won’t forget as we begin our rail journey northwards to the Arctic Circle.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Golden Eagle Train
DAY 4 - on the train
CROSS THE ARCTIC CIRCLE AS YOU HEAD TO MURMANSK
On each of our Arctic Explorer itineraries we have the opportunity to have a relaxed day on board the Golden Eagle 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 car.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Golden Eagle Train
DAY 5 - MURMANSK
RUSSIA’S NORTHERN PORT CITY
On each of our Arctic Explorer itineraries we have the opportunity to have a relaxed day on board the Golden Eagle 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 car.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Golden Eagle Train
DAY 6 - 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.
Upgrade To The Snow Hotel: For a really memorable experience why not choose the ‘coolest’ hotel check-in around and stay for one night at the Snow Hotel - or perhaps in one of the stunning (and slightly warmer) wooden log-style Gamme Cabins? Upgrades to the snow hotel are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. The Snow Hotel stays at a constant minus four degrees centigrade and thermal sleeping bags are provided. Showers, toilets and a Scandinavian sauna are provided in a building next to the Snow Hotel.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Thon Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
DAY 7 - 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 8 - MURMANSK
CROSS BACK INTO RUSSIA
Today we cross the border back into Russia and re-join our train which is waiting for us in Nikel Murmansk.
We’ll spend the afternoon on board travelling through Arctic Russia. Relax and enjoy the ever-changing winter landscape outside your window or chat to fellow passengers. 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 9 - PETROZAVODSK
STOP IN PETROZAVODSK IN ARTIC RUSSIA
Petrozavodsk stretches along the western shore of Lake Onega – the second largest lake in Europe. It is one of the major cultural and industrial centres of the North-West of Russia. We take a city tour of this capital of the Republic of Karelia. Today, enjoy a traditional Christmas meal and celebrate Russian Christmas Eve in style.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: On the Golden Eagle Train
DAY 10 - ST PETERSBURG
ARRIVE IN RUSSIA’S 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.
The White Nights (Beliye Nochi) – those remarkable, luminous northern mid-summer evenings when the high latitudes are drenched all night in a pearlescent glow and warm summer days - are an enchanting time lasting just a few weeks. By day, locals revel in the heat and the outdoors; by night, there are the Stars of the White Nights festivals and concerts to indulge in.
Upon arrival into the city we orientate ourselves with a short touring programme of central St Petersburg featuring the key sights, including St Isaac’s Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral and Nevsky Prospect.
We stay for two nights in St Petersburg.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Grand Belmond Europa ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
DAY 11 - ST PETERSBURG
CONTINUE TO EXPLORE THIS BEAUTIFUL CITY
Today we have a guided tour of Catherine’s Palace in Pushkin and the spectacular 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 dinner, why not make your final White Nights evening in St Petersburg extra special by purchasing a ticket for a ballet or opera performance at the world-renowned Mariinsky Theatre or take in one of the many outdoor concerts (subject to schedule and availability; must be pre-booked at least six weeks prior to departure).
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Grand Belmond Europa ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 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 arrangement.
At the end of your adventure why not extend your stay in St Petersburg with post-tour nights 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.
