Itinerary

Day 1.Moscow.On arrival in Moscow you'll be met by a representative and driven to your hotel to meet your fellow guests and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 2.- Moscow.Your captivating full-day tour of this magnificent city begins this morning with a visit to the Kremlin Territory and its State Armoury; the oldest museum in Russia and home to a vast collection of precious stones and other priceless artefacts. You'll also see Red Square, Lenin's Tomb and the vibrant St. Basil's cathedral, before making your way to Moscow Kazansky Station where you can enjoy a cold glass of Russian Champagne and canapes before embarking on the Golden Eagle.

Day 3 - Kazan.Situated on the River Volga, the picturesque and historic city of Kazan - the capital of Tatarstan - has a rich tapestry of history and culture. One of the highlights of your tour today is the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel, you'll explore its stunning mosque and picture-perfect cathedral. Later, you'll enjoy a private concert of Feodor Chaliapin's music - one of Russia's most famous opera singers who was born in Kazan.

Day 4 -Yekaterinburg.Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg is the capital of the Urals. Today's city tour will take you to the poignant site where the Romanov, Tsar Nicholas II, was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918 that is now a church dedicated to their memory. You can choose to walk through the city or explore the intriguing Soviet military past in a visit to Yekaterinburg Military Museum.

Day 5 - Novosibirsk.A modern 'Soviet' city, today you'll experience the life and character of Novosibirsk's rich culture where the arts and science predominate. You can visit Lenin Square where the imposing Opera House - one of the largest in the world - is home to two permanent ballet and opera companies. Alternatively, south of the city you could visit the Railway Museum showcasing carriages of the Tsars, or for those interested in art, choose the State Art Museum with an extensive collection including icons, Siberian art and numerous distinctive mountainscapes by celebrated Russian painter Nicholas Roerich.

Day 6 - On board.You'll have a full day to relax, unwind and reflect on the many sights and sounds you've experienced while enjoying the ever changing landscape from the comfort of your seat as it unfolds outside your window.

"Day 7 - Irkutsk

Your next stop is the 'Paris of Siberia', where you can take in the most significant sites and museums in this fascinating city, including exploring the classic wooden architecture with its intricately carved lace-like decoration. You'll also visit the Volkonsky House Museum dedicated to the memory of the aristocrats who were exiled after the uprising of 1825, and recreate the atmosphere with a champagne reception and private concert. Later, you can learn how to cook some traditional Russian dishes with a local chef and prepare your own lunch or visit a traditional Russian Dacha to get an insight into the everyday life of an average Russian family."

Day 8 - Lake Baikal.Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world holding 20% of the world's freshwater. For five blissful hours, you'll wind your way through tunnels along cliff hugging tracks with perfect vistas of snow-capped peaks along the far shore forming a picture-perfect backdrop, before stopping for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear ice-cold waters. Continuing onwards to the end of the line, you'll travel by boat to Listvyanka and visit the Lake Baikal Museum and Aquarium to learn about the flora and fauna before enjoying a delicious barbecue including freshly smoked omul fish on the shores of Lake Baikal.

Day 9 - Ulan Ude.The ethnic and cultural diversity of Ulan Ude, the capital of the Buryat Republic, offers a unique insight into its heritage. Today you'll explore the Old Believers' Village to learn about the culture and history of these Buryat people as you enjoy a concert featuring local traditions and folk singing.

Day 10 - Ulaan Baatar,.Mongolia

Once the very centre of an enormous empire led by Genghis Khan, Mongolia is famous for its endless green Steppes, grazing livestock and white, nomadic Gers (Yurts) dotted across the countryside. You'll visit Gandan Monastery, one of Mongolia's most important Buddhist Monasteries - don't miss the monument to Genghis Khan - before driving to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park where you'll visit a traditional Ger, meet a nomadic family or try your hand at horse-riding. Later, you'll enjoy a performance of traditional Mongolian throat singing and contortionists."

Day 11 to 13 - On board.Travelling through the beautiful landscape of the Russian Far East at a more leisurely pace, you may wish to attend one of the interesting lectures or Russian language lessons. You'll travel alongside the Shilka and Amur rivers, close to the Chinese border and experience Russia at its most dramatic and remote, as the Golden Eagle eats up the miles on your way to Vladivostok. Passing directly north of Seoul, Darwin and Osaka, you'll spend your last full day onboard the Golden Eagle as you reach the most easterly point of this mammoth journey, passing through Khabarovsk and crossing the River Amur. You'll enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow guests in the evening.

"Day 14 -Vladivostok,Russia

After travelling through eight time zones and covering a staggering 6,600 miles, you'll arrive into Vladivostok. A military port located on the western shores of the Sea of Japan, it is home to the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet. You'll explore its principal military attractions that have been closed to tourists for many years, including a visit to a preserved World War Two submarine."

Day 15 - Moscow.You'll fly to Moscow today where you will have the whole day free to relax or explore the city.

Day 16 - Moscow.Today is the end of your epic adventure as you're driven to the airport for your flight home.