Connecting the Golden Eagle with the People’s Republic of China, the Shangri-La Express, takes you back to the golden age of rail travel. The trip runs between Moscow and Beijing through a range of landscapes and eight time zones as it covers over a third of the way around the world.
Day 1. Arrive Moscow, Freedom of Choice Touring
On arrival in Moscow be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Then enjoy your Freedom of Choice Touring activity. Perhaps visit the Tretyakov Art Gallery or take a guided city tour, including St Basil’s Cathedral.
Day 2. Moscow
Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the Russian capital, before transferring to the railway station to board the Golden Eagle. Tonight enjoy a delicious dinner and settle in for you first night onboard.
Day 3. Kazan
Today visit the picturesque and historic city of Kazan. Situated on the River Volga, Kazan is the capital of the Tatarstan region. Here enjoy the opportunity to absorb its rich history and culture. One of the highlights of this city tour is a visit to the Kremlin Fortress.
Day 4. Yekaterinburg
Cross the Europe-Asia divide before arriving in the historic city of Yekaterinburg. The cultural and architectural influences of European and Asian civilisations come together in this fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape. Enjoy a guided city tour which includes the site where Romanov, Nicholas II of Russia was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918. A church here is dedicated to their memory, this site provides us with a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution.
Day 5. Novosibirsk
A modern ‘Soviet’ city, experience the life and character of Novosibirsk’s rich culture on a city tour, where you’ll visit the Opera House. An architectural marvel, it houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is the largest opera house in the world. You’ll also visit an imposing statue of Lenin in front of the Opera House - a marvellous photographic opportunity.
Day 6. On Board
Today unwind in luxury on board the luxurious Golden Eagle. Perhaps learn a few words of Russian, socialise with your fellow travellers or just relax and absorb the changing landscapes.
Day 7. Irkutsk
Arrive in Irkutsk today, the ‘Paris of Siberia’, and visit 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. You’ll then 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, enjoy a private concert before returning to your private train for a sumptuous dinner.
Day 8. Lake Baikal, Listvyanka
Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal. It’s the deepest lake in the world and holds 20% of the world’s freshwater. Also known as the ‘Pearl of Siberia’ the lake is home to a unique breed of freshwater seal and over fifty species of fish. Weather permitting, stop at one of Lake Baikal’s picturesque and secluded bays to enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch including freshly smoked fish. In the afternoon, visit Listvyanka, a small rural settlement.
Day 9. Ulan Ude
Today arrive in Ulan Ude and disembark for an incredible tour of the of the Old Believers Village. Take the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of these religious people, whilst being treated to a traditional meal and concert featuring local dancers and musicians.
Day 10. Ulaanbaatar
Today visit the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar. Experience an authentic meal in a Mongolian Ger (Yurt), enjoy excellent local dishes and entertainment providing a unique opportunity to encounter this nomadic way of life.
Day 11. Erlian, Board the Shangri La Express
Leave the Golden Eagle behind this morning and board the Shangri La Express. Enter the People’s Republic of China for your onward journey towards Beijing.
Day 12. Beijing, Freedom of Choice Touring
Arrive in the bustling city of Beijing this morning, disembark your private train and transfer to your hotel. Later, enjoy your Freedom of Choice Touring activity, perhaps visit the famous Tiananmen Square and the magnificently restored Forbidden City. Or, you may prefer to explore Beijing’s architecture on a guided tour.
Day 13. Beijing, The Great Wall of China
Enjoy a full day discovering one of the seven man-made wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China several walls have been built over the last 2000 years to protect the Chinese Empire from various nomadic groups, collectively they are known as the Great Wall. The most famous, and the first section, of the wall to be built was during the Qin Dynasty in approximately 220 BC. It’s also the only man-made structure on earth visible from space. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner at an authentic Peking Duck restaurant.
Day 14. Depart Beijing
Your tour concludes this morning after breakfast with a transfer to Beijing Airport for your onward flight.
