Golden Eagle Grand Tour of Russia

Golden Eagle Grand Tour of Russia

St. Petersburg - Svir River & Mandrogi - Kizhi Island – Goritsy – Yaroslavl – Uglich – Moscow Kazan – Yekaterinburg – Novosibirsk – Irkutsk – Lake Baikal – Ulan Ude – Ulaan Baatar – Vladivostok

12 July - 6 August, 2017, 26 days

A journey of immense proportions, the Golden Eagle Grand Tour of Russia is the ultimate way to discover the unique cultures and magnificent landscapes of Russia. Cross the river and rail networks of Russia on board the MS Volga Dream and the Golden Eagle.

MS Volga Dream

The Volga river cruise on MS Volga Dream takes you to another place and time. Europe's longest and largest river creates a central artery along which nothing seems to have changed — the churches, villages, people all form scenes from an old painting.

The Volga Dream claims to offer an unprecedented level of luxury, as well as the finest accommodation, delicious food and best level of service in the industry.

With 60 crew members and a capacity for just over 100 passengers, the ship has the lowest passenger-to-crew ratio among Russian river cruise ships. With so few guests amid the ship's spacious arrangement, it feels like sailing aboard a private yacht.

Golden Eagle

This hotel on wheels is a fully en-suite train in Russia and central Asia. The Golden Eagle allows you to travel in splendour amidst opulent décor with panoramic windows ensuring the best views of the passing countryside. The drama that is created by sitting in beautiful surroundings, listening to a pianist playing Tchaikovsky whilst watching the gradually changing scenery could only be Russian. From the climb through the Ural mountains (the boundary between Europe and Asia), to the wide open steppes and broad rivers, travelling on the Trans-Siberian is the best way to absorb the vastness and grandeur of the world's largest country.

Price

Fares start from USD $20,590 per person for a standard Twin Cabin on the MS Volga Dream and Silver Class on the Golden Eagle.

Golden Eagle Grand Tour of Russia Prices on the MS Volga Dream and Golden Eagle. Club discount applies, as usual.

Contact us for availability and to book.

Itinerary

DAY 1 ST PETERSBURG

Upon arrival in St. Petersburg, which Peter the Great transformed from marshland into a vibrant city of islands, canals, bridges and pastel-coloured palaces, transfer to the deluxe Grand Hotel Europe for a three night stay. In the evening gather for the welcome meeting with your guide or spend the rest of the day exploring central St. Petersburg on your own.

DAY 2 ST PETERSBURG

A city tour of St. Petersburg and after lunch a visit to the Faberge museum which contains the world's largest collection of works by Carl Faberge, including 9 Easter eggs commissioned by the Russian royal family.

In the evening, board a small river boat for a sail around the numerous rivers and canals of St. Petersburg.

City tour includes: Split of Basil Island (walking tour), Spilled Blood Church (photo stop), Peter and Paul Fortress (entrance), St. Isaac Cathedral (photo stop), Nevskiy Prospekt drive

DAY 3 ST PETERSBURG

This morning enter the wonderful Hermitage Museum before hours to avoid the main crowds.

After lunch travel to the meticulously restored Peterhof, St. Petersburg’s most famous and spectacular Imperial estate, often cited as the Versailles of Russia. Visit the authentic Bath Cottage and stroll in the vast Lower Park with 176 fountains of various forms and styles and four cascades, majestic palaces and numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes. Return to St. Petersburg by hydrofoil.

DAY 4 ST PETERSBURG

This morning travel to Catherine the Great’s Palace, which houses the extraordinary Amber Room, its six tons of solid amber deftly carved and framed in gold leaf. Once deemed the “eighth wonder of the world,” the room was stripped by the Nazis in 1941, but majestically reconstructed in honour of St. Petersburg’s 300th birthday.

Lunch in Podvorie, a restaurant in a traditional Russian log house, before returning back to St. Petersburg to visit a ‘Russia in Miniature’ Interactive Museum. Done with a great care and attention to detail, this very realistic model of Russia will give you a great picture of this vast country full of stereotypes, generalisations and main attractions of every region.

Then transfer to the awaiting luxurious MS Volga Dream and begin sailing along the Russian waterways. Gather for the Captain's welcome reception and dinner as the cruise begins.

DAY 5 SVIR RIVER & MANDROGI

While cruising along the 139-mile-long Svir River, appreciate the quiet understated beauty of a region that has long inspired artists and poets. The ship passes quaint riverside hamlets before reaching Lake Ladoga. Step ashore for a brief visit to the vacation village of Mandrogi to experience daily life in a quaint wooden village on your own.

DAY 6 GORITSY

In the tiny settlement of Goritsy, visit the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded in 1397 and now home to one of the best collections of Russian icons in the world. After a guided tour, the cruise continues towards majestic Lake Onega.

DAY 7 KIZHI ISLAND

The Kareliya region, which spans the area from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle, is a vast wilderness of forest and water. Discover Lake Onega, fed by 58 rivers and home to 1,369 islands, including Kizhi. See a collection of ancient Russian wooden houses and windmills, and the famous Transfiguration church, built in 1714 without a single nail.

DAY 8 YAROSLAVL

Founded in 1010, Yaroslavl is one of the oldest cities in central Russia and the Volga’s first port. In the Spassky Monastery see the Transfiguration of the Savior and admire the mosaics at the Church of Elijah the Prophet. Take part in a costumed reception at the governor’s house and then board the MS Volga Dream in time for lunch.

DAY 9 UGLICH

After a full day of cruising through forested countryside, dock in the ancient trading town of Uglich, one of the spokes of Russia’s renowned Golden Ring. Explore the impressive Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood, erected on the site where Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible, was murdered in 1591. Attend an enchanting concert of choral music at St. John’s Church.

Volga Dream Experience: Documentary Film “Construction of the Moscow Canal”

DAY 10 MOSCOW

In the afternoon disembark from the MS Volga Dream and transfer to the deluxe St. Regis Moscow Hotel Nikolskaya or Ararat Park Hyatt Hotel.

After lunch, we join a tour of Moscow and visit famous Novodevichy Cemetery which holds the tombs of Russian authors, musicians, playwrights and poets, as well as famous actors, political leaders and scientists.

Late afternoon we visit the excellent Museum of Cosmonautics to learn about Yury Gagarin’s first flight into space and proceed to an outdoor Exhibition of Achievements of the People's Economy – a footprint of Soviet architecture and design.

DAY 11 MOSCOW

This morning enter the Kremlin for a visit to the Armoury Museum to view its collection of opulent coronation finery, hand-forged armour and weapons, royal carriages and sleighs, as well as dazzling Faberge eggs.

View the ornate gems of the Diamond Fund, including Catherine the Great’s diamond-encrusted coronation crown and the 190-carat Orlov Diamond. Continue to the Square of Four Cathedrals.

After lunch walk around the famous Red Square and visit GUM - Moscow’s largest department store. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Moscow on your own.

DAY 12 MOSCOW

This morning the city tour continues and after lunch, we go to the famous State Tretyakov Gallery, the first museum dedicated exclusively to Russian fine art.

The day ends with an enlightening 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.

DAY 13 MOSCOW

Transfers to the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express at Moscow’s Kazansky Station.

Upon arrival at Moscow Kazansky Station, you will be greeted in the magnificent Imperial Waiting Room with a cold glass of Russian Champagne and canapes. The excitement in the waiting room audibly mounts prior to your car attendants escorting you to Platform 1 and the Golden Eagle.

DAY 14 KAZAN

Situated on the River Volga, the picturesque and historic city of Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan. Here we have the opportunity to see for ourselves its rich tapestry of history and culture. One of the highlights of this city tour is our exploration of the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel we will explore its stunning mosque and picture-perfect onion-domed cathedral.

DAY 15 YEKATERINBURG

Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg is the capital of the Urals. Known as the Great Divide, the Ural Mountains create the natural border between Europe and Asia so that the cultural and architectural influences of European and Asian civilisations come together in this fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape. Our city tour takes us to the poignant site where Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site provides us with a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. The we drive to the obelisk marking the geographical border and we can drink a glass of champagne with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia.

Our Freedom of Choice programme features a visit to the recently opened Museum of Military Machinery. The museum houses an amazing collection of different types of military hardware including tanks, aircraft, boats and even armoured trains.

DAY 16 NOVOSIBIRSK

A modern ‘Soviet’ city, we experience the life and character of Novosibirsk’s rich culture where the arts and science predominate. 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 imposing Opera House is located. An architectural marvel, it houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is one of the largest opera houses in the world. In front of the Opera House is an impressive statue of Lenin.

Alternatively, south of the city you could visit Novosibirsk’s excellent Railway Museum on our Freedom of Choice tour. The museum displays locomotives and rolling stock from the late 1800s, including carriages of the Tsars. Or choose to go to the Mineralogical Centre with its fine display of Siberian minerals.

DAY 17 ON BOARD

A day to unwind and relax as you enjoy the ever changing landscapes.

DAY 18 IRKUTSK

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 region’s buildings such a distinctive and unique appearance. We visit the Volkonsky House Museum, dedicated to the memory of the aristocrats who were exiled to this remote outpost after the failed Decembrists uprising of 1825. Here we enjoy 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) or an urban apartment to get an insight into the everyday life of an average Russian family.

DAY 19 LAKE BAIKAL

Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal and is a major highlight on our Trans-Siberian journey. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and holds 20 per cent of the world’s 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 five hours we wind our way through tunnels along cliff hugging tracks above the lake with a vista of snow-capped peaks along the far shore forming a picture-perfect backdrop.

To add to the grandeur of the day our Golden Eagle train will be hauled by a Soviet era steam locomotive on this beautiful section of the line. There will be plenty of opportunities for photographs as the train winds its way along the lake. This will be an unforgettable part of our journey.

Weather permitting, we stop in an extremely picturesque location by the lake for photographic opportunities and for the brave hearted there is time for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear and ice-cold waters of Baikal. Travelling onwards to the end of the Baikal branch line, we leave the train and travel by boat on the lake to Listvyanka, a small Baikal settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding hills and visit the Lake Baikal Museum and Aquarium where you can learn about the flora and fauna of the lake.

We will enjoy a delicious barbecue, including freshly smoked omul fish, prepared by our own chefs on the shore of Lake Baikal to complete a memorable day.

As part of our Freedom of Choice excursion programme you can choose a hiking opportunity that offers some spectacular and panoramic hillside views of the lake below.

DAY 20 ULAN UDE

The ethnic and cultural diversity of Ulan Ude 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.

DAY 21 ULAAN BAATAR - MONGOLIA

Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us into Mongolia and a visit to its capital, Ulaan Baatar. Mongolia, once the very centre of an enormous empire led by Genghis Khan, is a country of beautiful landscapes, nomadic people and 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 Mongolia’s most important Buddhist Monasteries housing a community of over 500 monks. At Chinggis Square (formerly Sukhbaatar Square) we can see the central monument to Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most feared and revered Mongol. We 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 and meet a nomadic family or try our hand at horse-riding, an intrinsic part of Mongolian life.

Alternatively, there is an option to stay in the city as part of our Freedom of Choice touring. After Gandan Monastery and Chinggis Square we visit the National Museum where we learn about the country’s intriguing history. We will also see Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum, the winter residences of Bogd Khan, the last Mongolian emperor, built between 1893 and 1903.

We can also explore the city and have some free time for shopping for Mongolian souvenirs. We will also enjoy a performance of traditional Mongolian throat singing and contortionists.

DAY 22 ON BOARD

Enjoy a more leisurely pace today as we travel through the beautiful landscape of the Russian Far East. You may wish to attend one of the interesting lectures or Russian language lessons

DAY 23 ON BOARD

It's the perfect opportunity to practice your Russian or simply relax as our journey today follows the Shilka and Amur rivers, close to the Chinese border. Enjoy Russia at its most dramatic and remote, as the Golden Eagle travels to Vladivostok.

DAY 24 ON BOARD

Passing directly north of Seoul, Darwin and Osaka, we spend our last full day onboard the Golden Eagle as the most easterly point of this mammoth journey is reached passing through Khabarovsk, where we cross the River Amur. Tonight we enjoy our final dinner onboard our private train that has been our home for the last twelve days.

DAY 25 VLADIVOSTOK

After travelling through 8 time zones and covering a staggering 6,600 miles (10,600kms) along this iconic railway, the Golden Eagle pulls into its final destination, Vladivostok.

Vladivostok is a military port, located on the western shores of the Sea of Japan and is home to the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet. Due to its military importance, the city was closed to foreigners between 1930 and 1992. Vladivostok (literally translated as ‘Ruler of the East’) offers visitors an interesting opportunity to explore its principal military attractions including a visit to a preserved World War Two submarine. Our city tour will also take us to the iconic suspension bridge over Golden Horn Bay, one of the largest of its kind worldwide, which opened in 2012 for the APEC conference.

Our hotel in Vladivostok, where we stay for one night, is the four-star Hotel Hyundai.

DAY 26 VLADIVOSTOK

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Vladivostok Airport to begin your journey home.