Connecting the People’s Republic of China, the Shangri-La Express with the Golden Eagle, takes you back to the golden age of rail travel. The trip runs between Beijing and Mosacow through a range of landscapes and eight time zones as it covers over a third of the way around the world.
Day 1. Beijing
Arrive into Beijing Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the luxurious five-star Regent Hotel (or similar) for a two-night stay. We will enjoy a Welcome Dinner at our hotel, giving you the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.
Day 2. Beijing - Freedom of Choice Touring
Today in the heart of Beijing we offer a range of touring options in our Freedom of Choice touring programme. Choose to visit Tiananmen Square and then explore the magnificently restored Forbidden City. Our cultural exploration continues across the Temple of Heaven, the grandest of the four great temples situated in Beijing. Here we experience enchanting displays of traditional dancing, singing and the delicately precise ancient art of calligraphy. Alternatively, take a tour looking at Beijing’s modern architecture with visits to the Olympic Village including the Bird’s Nest Stadium, the National Centre for Performing Arts, colloquially known as The Egg, the CCTV Tower and the National Museum.
Day 3. Beijing - The Great Wall of China
We devote our final day in Beijing to the most awe-inspiring site in the whole of China - The Great Wall. This amazing edifice is perhaps the most evocative symbol of Chinese skill and precision. At Badaling we have the privilege of walking along a portion of the wall - the perfect opportunity to take some memorable photographs with your fellow guests. This evening we transfer to our Chinese private train as we depart from Beijing and head north-west through the Chinese countryside towards the Mongolian border.
Day 4. Border Crossing from Erlian, China to Dzamin Uud
Today we will cross the China - Mongolia border at the Chinese border town of Erlian. It is here that we will transfer to the waiting Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express private train waiting in Dzamin Uud for the rest of our journey. We will also have the time and opportunity to visit Erlian, with its charming local market and museum.
Day 5. Ulaanbaatar
Our Trans-Mongolian adventure takes us to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Passing the central monument to Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most feared and revered Mongol, we visit the National Museum where we explore the country’s intriguing history. Lunch is taken Mongol style in a traditional Ger (Yurt) where we experience an authentic meal, enjoying excellent local dishes and entertainment providing a unique opportunity to encounter this time-honoured nomadic way of life. You are free to spend your afternoon shopping for traditional Mongolian gifts or there is an option to drive through Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. We board the train in time for dinner as we head towards Russia.
Day 6. Ulan Ude
After crossing the Mongolia-Russia border, today we arrive in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic. The ethnic and cultural diversity of this area offers a unique insight into its Mongol heritage. As we tour the area you will notice the different faces and dress styles of these welcoming people. During our exploration of the Old Believers Village we have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of these communities as we are treated to a traditional meal and enjoy a concert featuring local dancers and musicians.
Day 7. Lake Baikal
Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal. 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. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and holds 20% of the world’s freshwater. Also known as the ‘Pearl of Siberia’ it is home to a unique breed of freshwater seal and over fifty species of fish including omul which we will be serving in the dining car for some of our meals. Weather permitting, we stop at one of Baikal’s picturesque and secluded bays to enjoy a delicious BBQ including freshly smoked fish prepared by our own chefs. For the brave hearted, there is even time for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters before we visit Listvyanka, a small Baikal settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding hills.
Day 8. Irkutsk
We arrive in Irkutsk, the ‘Paris of Siberia’, and our visit today takes in the most significant sites and museums in this fascinating city, including an exploration of the classic wooden architecture that has given many of this region’s buildings such a distinctive and unique appearance. Next, we visit the Decembrist House museum which is dedicated to the memory of the exiled aristocrats who were forced to flee to this remote outpost after the failed revolution of 1825. Here we enjoy a private concert before returning to our waiting train for dinner.
Day 9. Onboard
A day to unwind and reflect on the many sights and sounds we have experienced on our journey so far. Chat to your fellow passengers, perhaps learn a few more words of Russian or simply enjoy the ever changing landscape outside your window.
Day 10. Novosibirsk
A modern ‘Soviet’ city, we experience the life and character of Novosibirsk’s rich culture where the arts, science and literature predominate. Our city tour takes us to the Opera House. An architectural marvel, it houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is the largest opera house in the world. In front of the Opera House, we visit an imposing statue of Lenin - a marvellous opportunity to have your photograph taken with this iconic political leader.
Day 11. Yekaterinburg
Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg is the third largest Russian city and the capital of the Urals. 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 the Romanov, Nicholas II of Russia was executed with his family 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. We cross the Europe/Asia divide after we leave Yekaterinburg.
Day 12. Kazan
We spend our last full day on board the Golden Eagle today. We arrive at the picturesque and historic city of Kazan by mid-morning. Situated on the River Volga, 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 magnificent onion-domed cathedral.
Day 13. Moscow - Freedom of Choice Touring
After travelling thousands of miles along the Trans-Mongolian route, we arrive in our final destination, Moscow. Our city tour of Moscow principally takes us to Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and political might. Here we see an eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral with its magnificent onion-domed spires, the grandeur of The Kremlin and the sombre and evocative site of Lenin’s tomb. With our Freedom of Choice touring options you may wish instead to visit the Tretyakov Gallery (National Museum of Russian Fine Art). At the conclusion of our city tour, we transfer to the luxurious five-star Marriott Royal Aurora hotel (or similar) located in the heart of this vibrant city. Our final evening is spent saying our goodbyes to our fellow travelling companions and friends at the Farewell Dinner.
Day 14. Moscow
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Moscow airport to begin your journey home.
