Travel Brochure Design 2017

golden eagle luxury trains VOYAG E S O F A L I FET I ME BY P R I VAT E T R AI N TM

RAIL CRUISES 2017 - 2018

golden eagle route map Page

NORWAY

Colour Key

SWEDEN

GERMANY

Kirkenes (Norway)

21 Trans-Siberian Express Moscow - Vladivostok (via Kazan)

Nikel

Vladivostok - Moscow (via Kazan)

Murmansk

FINLAND

31 Trans-Mongolian Express

POLAND

Moscow - Ulaan Baatar

LITHUANIA

LATVIA

st. petersburg

ESTONIA

Ulaan Baatar - Moscow

Petrozavodsk

39 Winter Wonderland

BELARUS

Moscow - Vladivostok (via Vladimir & Suzdal) Vladivostok - Moscow (via Vladimir & Suzdal)

moscow

ROMANIA

47 Arctic Explorer

UKRAINE

Vladimir & Suzdal

St Petersburg - Moscow (via Kirkenes)

57 Land of the Midnight Sun Moscow - St Petersburg (via Kirkenes)

Kazan

63 Silk Road

Yekaterinburg

Moscow - Beijing

Volgograd

Beijing - Moscow

77 Caspian Odyssey Yerevan - Almaty

GEORGIA

Gori, Uplistsikhe & Mtskheta TURKEY

Tbilisi Lake Sevan

ARMENIA

yerevan

AZERBAIJAN

Baku

KAZAKHSTAN

Turkmenbashi

UZBEKISTAN

CASPIAN SEA

Khiva Darvaza

IRAN

Ashgabat Bukhara

Merv TURKMENISTAN

AFGHANISTAN

Tashkent KYRGYZSTAN Samarkand

almaty

Kamchatka Peninsula

RUSSIA

Novaya Chara Tynda Novosibirsk

Novy Urgal

Komsomolsk

Severobaikalsk Khabarovsk

Abakan Irkutsk

Lake Baikal Ulan Ude

MONGOLIA

ulaan baatar CHINA

Turpan

beijing Dunhuang

Xian

vladivostok

JAPAN

welcome to

golden eagle luxury trains Since launching in 1989, we have

A special part of our tours is the

developed a whole range of fully

exceptional level of inclusivity that we

escorted rail cruises across Europe, Asia,

provide, so that you do not have to

Africa and North America, carrying many

worry about which excursion to take,

thousands of delighted passengers.

the level of tipping required, or having that extra glass of wine with your meal

The majority of these tours either

complemented by your own private en-

started or ended in Moscow, from

suite cabin. We want you to ultimately

where we operate the iconic Trans-

enjoy a relaxing and carefree experience.

Siberian and Silk Road journeys on board our exclusive train, the Golden Eagle.

For 2017 we are also offering a collection of rail journeys across Europe, Persia and Asia. All featuring the signature

New for 2017, building on the success of our spectacular

touches of a Golden Eagle rail cruise, these journeys are

winter tours into the Arctic Circle in search of the Northern

highlighted on pages 86-87 or are available to view on our

Lights, we have introduced a summer itinerary, Land of the

website www.getrains.com.

Midnight Sun (p 57), and experience this beautiful part of the world during the White Nights season. A tour not to be missed.

I invite you to look through our 2017 collection and fee certain that you will be inspired by our range of tours.

We are proud to offer these unique range of pioneering rail

On behalf of all the team at Golden Eagle Luxury Trains

journeys to some of the world’s most remote and exotic

we look forward to welcome you on board one of our

destinations, all of which are designed and operated

prestigious Voyages of a Lifetime by Private Train in the

exclusively by us. Each tour is meticulously planned by our

near future and to having the opportunity to share some

vastly experienced and knowledgeable team to offer you a

special travel moments and experiences with you.

wholly unique travel experience.

Tim Littler President & Founder Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Limited

contents

Foreword by Tim Littler, President & Founder

2

Rail Cruising By Private Train

5

What’s Included In The Tour Price

9

Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express – Train Information

Dining On Board Bar Lounge Car On Board Accommodation

12 13 15

Tour Itineraries Trans-Siberian Express – Classic Trans-Mongolian Express – Naadam Festival Trans-Siberian Express – Winter Wonderland Arctic Explorer Land of the Midnight Sun Silk Road Caspian Odyssey

21 31 39 47 57 63 77

Important Information About Our Tours

84

Tour Previews 2017

86

Booking Conditions

88

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rail cruising by private train

Rail cruising is a fantastic way to absorb the rich culture and cinematic landscape of the country. The programmes we offer are carefully designed to balance generous amounts of relaxation, while voyaging across the vast landscapes of Russia, Central Asia and China with sightseeing that opens a window into the soul and spirit of the places and communities we visit.

Thanks to the railway pioneers who drove railroads through some of

We offer our guests first-class customer service, a romantic

the most inaccessible areas on earth, rail cruising uniquely allows

exploration of the world’s most remarkable sites and a room

us access to these remote regions; and whereas ocean cruising

with a view that constantly changes. Aboard this luxury hotel-on-

takes you to the edge of a country, rail cruising takes you to the

wheels you can expect welcoming cabins, fine dining and elegant

very heart of it.

surroundings – no matter where you choose to explore.

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

5

unique itineraries Our rail cruise itineraries are planned and operated exclusively by us and we never lose sight of the little things that really matter to you so that you can experience our Voyages of a Lifetime in a relaxed and informal manner.

Our itineraries are designed to turn dreams of a lifetime into priceless

With Russia and its neighbouring countries changing so rapidly, it

memories and take in some of the most culturally diverse destinations

remains an immensely exciting time to visit and draw back the veil

the world has to offer. Whether you have always wanted to discover

on a part of the world surrounded by intrigue, myth and legend, not to

Siberia’s grand wilderness, Mongolia’s nomadic culture or explore

mention that it also offers some of the most remarkable and iconic rail

China’s ancient history, we have created an exclusive range of

journeys in the world.

extraordinary rail cruises.

unesco world heritage sites visited on our tours

Russia

China

Uzbekistan

• Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow

• Mogao Caves, Dunhuang

• Itchan Kala, Khiva

• Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity

• Mausoleum of the First Qin

• Historic Centre of Bukhara

• Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures

Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad, Moscow

Emperor (Terracotta Warriors), Xian

• Ensemble of the Novodevichy

• Imperial Palaces of the Ming and

Convent, Moscow

Qing Dynasties (Forbidden City)

• White Monuments of Vladimir

in Beijing

• The Great Wall

and Suzdal

• Historic and Architectural Complex of

• Temple of Heaven: An Imperial

the Kazan Kremlin

Sacrificial Altar in Beijing

Turkmenistan • State Historical and Cultural Park

‘Ancient Merv’

• Lake Baikal Georgia

Azerbaijan

Armenia

• Historical Monuments of Mtskheta

• Walled City of Baku with the

• Monastery of Geghard and the

Shirvanshah’s Palace and

Maiden Tower

• Monastery of Haghpat, near

• Gobustan Rock Art

6

Cultural Landscape, near Baku

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Upper Azat Valley, near Yerevan Lake Sevan

Voyages of a Lifetime by Private TrainTM | GOLDEN EAGLE

Historic Centre of Bukhara (UNESCO)

EXPLORING REMOTE LANDS IN STYLE AND COMFORT -

FREEDOM OF CHOICE TOURING

A TYPICAL DAY ON BOARD YOUR PRIVATE TRAIN

Customise your journey and enjoy the opportunity to select from

Each rail cruise is a hand-picked collection of fascinating places, and

an array of Freedom of Choice touring options that best suits your

each day brings a new opportunity for discovery – another chance to

interests. Your off-train excursions will still take in all the major

explore your world in a personal and meaningful way.

attractions of the places we are visiting but, in featured locations, you will be presented with a variety of activities from which to choose,

On a typical day the Golden Eagle will travel through the night, as you

and enjoy a tailor-made experience. In short, it means that your

sleep in your private cabin. Disembarking after breakfast the following

holiday is just that, your very own, and it’s all included in the tour

morning you will be whisked away by coach or minibus to explore, for

price, with no more for you to pay. All Freedom of Choice tours are

example, the sights and sounds of Lake Baikal, Samarkand, Yerevan,

booked on board the train, so you don’t need to decide prior to the

Kremlin and the Red Square or the Terracotta Warriors, and at the end

tour’s departure. It is the ultimate in flexibility.

of the day return to the sanctuary of your hotel-on-wheels, greeted by your cabin attendants with complimentary refreshments.

We have a full range of Freedom of Choice touring to include hiking around Lake Baikal, cookery classes in Irkutsk and visits to the

Enjoy a hot shower in your private en-suite bathroom and then, as we set

military machinery museum of Yekaterinburg.

off again to your next destination, settle down with your travel companions for pre-dinner drinks in the Bar Lounge Car followed by a meal, in one of

Look at the individual itineraries where we are operating Freedom of

the two Restaurant Cars, of local specialities and international cuisine,

Choice Touring. Freedom of Choice options may be subject to variations

accompanied by a selection of fine wines. There is no need to hurry, the

dependent on finalised train timings and local weather conditions.

Restaurant Cars accommodate all the guests in a single sitting – so linger over coffee and reflect on the adventures of the day – or return to the bar

TOUR EXTENSIONS

for a night-cap and listen to the resident pianist.

Extend your Voyage of a Lifetime by Private Train with one of our fantastic tour extensions.

Some days will be spent partly or entirely on board the train providing an opportunity for guests to watch the landscape unfold. The Golden Eagle

Our selection of tour extension options includes St Petersburg,

offers different on board activities and facilities so you might spend

Mongolia and the Gobi Desert, the Imperial City of Beijing, Shanghai

the time taking part in Russian language lessons, attending talks on

and the stunning but remote Kamchatka Peninsula.

the local history and culture, trying your hand at bridge, tasting vodkas, improving your photographic skills, or simply soaking up the atmosphere in the Bar Lounge Car.

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

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what’s included in the tour price As far as possible our tours are all-inclusive with no hidden extras. What follows are all those elements which are included in the tour price. The only extra items you may need to budget for include personal expenses such as International and Internal flights that are not included in the itineraries, visa costs, insurance, selected drinks from the Bar Lounge Car and laundry.

EXPERIENCED TOUR MANAGERS

GUIDED OFF-TRAIN EXCURSIONS

Our experienced Tour Managers are selected for their travel

The history and culture of the places we visit on our rail cruises will

knowledge, and their linguistic and organisational abilities allowing

come alive through our expert local guides. All our tours include a

you to relax and enjoy your rail cruise. We receive exceptional

wide-ranging sightseeing schedule to make the most of the time you

passenger comments about our Tour Managers and their aim is to

have off the train and bring you closer to the culture, people and

ensure you enjoy every minute of your holiday.

history of your destinations. We believe it is the special little touches that help create magical memories.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE AIRPORT TRANSFERS Arrival and departure transfers are included.

PERSONAL HEADSETS On all the off–train excursions, to enhance your enjoyment

HOTEL AND ON BOARD ACCOMMODATION

and insights into the places you visit, you will be provided with a

Although you will spend much of your time sightseeing or relaxing in

lightweight personal headset on which to listen to your tour guide

the train’s public areas, you will find your cabin a welcome retreat at

as you take in the sights. The range of the headset means that you

the end of a rewarding day. All hotels are of five-star standard, or the

do not need to worry about missing any of the guide’s commentary

best available.

on your excursion, even if you prefer to wander away from the group.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER DAILY

ON BOARD DOCTOR AND MEDICAL FACILITIES

All meals are included, starting with dinner on the first day and

To give you peace of mind our tours are accompanied by a Doctor

ending with breakfast on the last day. All departures feature one

who travels with us, where possible, for the entire journey; so you can

or two uniquely designed Restaurant Cars where you can enjoy the

rest assured that medical assistance is always available. On call 24

excellent waiter-served food and wine. Several times during the tour

hours a day, the Doctor is on hand to give primary care as required. In

we will also sample authentic local cuisine with wine and a selection

almost every case, the doctor will be English-speaking and registered

of drinks off the train, which is also included in the tour price.

with the General Medical Council in the UK.

DRINKS WITH MEALS

LUGGAGE HANDLING

A generous drinks allowance, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, is

As you only have to unpack once your luggage and belongings will

included with lunch and dinner on and off the train.

stay with you on the train throughout the journey but, wherever necessary, porterage is included between the hotels and stations.

ON BOARD SERVICE You can expect service which is attentive, friendly and unintrusive. Your

ALL GRATUITIES

car attendants provide housekeeping and bedding turndown services,

You will not have to worry about tipping on or off the train on your rail

with one attendant always on duty to assist you and to ensure you

journey with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains as all gratuities are included

are comfortable in your cabin. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled

in the tour price.

drinking water are available in your cabin 24 hours a day.

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

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welcome on board the

golden eagle

On 26 April 2007 HRH Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO and Dr Vladimir Yakunin, President of Russian Railways unveiled the Golden Eagle, our fully en-suite private touring train that brings unprecedented luxury to the world’s greatest railway journey. The Golden Eagle has been carefully designed with emphasis on your comfort, relaxation and enjoyment.

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

11

dining on board the golden eagle

A WORLD OF CULINARY DELIGHTS A particular delight of the Golden Eagle is our beautifully appointed

Baikal, we offer a culinary experience that reflects the very essence

restaurant cars, a delightful venue in which to enjoy meals skilfully

of Russia, as well as highly accomplished international cuisine.

prepared by our Executive Chef and his on board restaurant team

Vegetarian and other dietary options are also available.

using the very best ingredients, locally sourced wherever possible.

Depending on the number of guests on board, one or two of our

During your tour, you will be personally invited to a special dining

restaurant cars will be on every departure.

occasion, our celebrated ‘Caviar Dinner’, savouring some of Russia’s gastronomic specialities including black sturgeon and red pacific

Enjoy the delights of an on-train breakfast each morning – the

salmon caviar.

wonderful aroma of freshly-baked bread permeates the dining car, a wide selection of pastries, cereals, freshly squeezed orange juice and

All our meals at lunch and dinner are complemented by an excellent

cold plates are available from our bountiful buffet. Alternatively enjoy

choice of wines from around the world, personally selected by our

a cooked breakfast brought to your table by our waiting staff, or try a

Company Founder, Tim Littler, along with mineral water, beer and soft

Russian speciality, such as kasha, all complemented by steaming hot

drinks as well as – naturally – vodka. For that special occasion we also

tea and coffee.

have available to purchase a selection of premium fine wines priced between $50 and $750 per bottle.

If you are in need of a more relaxed start to the day, then opt for our continental breakfast basket with tea or coffee to enjoy at leisure in

Meals on board are a relaxed affair as the restaurant cars can

your cabin.

accommodate all our guests in a single sitting. Throughout the journey there is an informal dress code, so you can enjoy our culinary

For lunch and dinner, you will be welcomed by our resident Guest

experiences in convivial and relaxed surroundings and with our open

Relations Manager and enjoy fine food, great wines and attentive

seating policy you can dine wherever, and with whomever, you please.

service in the welcoming atmosphere of the dining car. Whether it is the world-renowned ‘Borscht’ or Omul, a fish unique to Lake

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Voyages of a Lifetime by Private Train | GOLDEN EAGLE

relax and unwind in our bar lounge car

- SAMPLE DINNER MENU The social heart of the Golden Eagle is the Bar Lounge Car, a great place to relax and settle into the unhurried pace of life on board. Unwind in comfortable surroundings Kamchatka Crab

and watch the world go by as you get to know your fellow passengers and begin long-

Baked and served with a butter, garlic and herb sauce

lasting friendships. Perhaps read a novel from our library to while away the time or challenge your friends to a game of bridge or backgammon.

or

Mushroom Julienne Fresh mushrooms sauteed with cream and onion, topped with cheese and baked in the oven

Enjoy the delights of morning or afternoon tea in the Bar Lounge Car with delicious cookies freshly baked by our chefs.

Pelmeny Traditional Siberian meat dumplings served in an earthernware pot with sour cream and meat broth or

It is here that our Tour Manager will also organise a programme of activities.

Passengers will receive printed daily itineraries throughout the tour detailing train

Savoury Croquettes

arrival and departure timings, latest weather forecasts for the next destination and

Served with a melange of grilled seasonal vegetables

information on the following day’s excursions and activities. The occasional day will be spent entirely on board and the Bar Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars will host an entertaining range of activities such as Russian language lessons, popular local folk

Delicate Sweet Blinis Filled with summer fruit berries and served with lemon dressing

songs and engaging talks by expert lecturers on local history and culture.

or

A selection of Cheeses and Fruit

In the evening enjoy the sounds of the resident pianist playing on the baby grand piano in the Bar Lounge Car. From time to time we also host special concerts and

Tea and Coffee

every night the bar stays open until the last person leaves.

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

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Entry Level Silver Class Cabin

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your on board accommodation

The Golden Eagle is your luxurious hotel-on-wheels. Unpack just the once and settle into your well-appointed and comfortable en-suite cabin as you begin this voyage of a lifetime. One of your cabin attendants, available at all times, will be on hand to look after all of your needs.

The Golden Eagle, comprising three categories of cabins, featuring state-

landscape unfold through the large picture window and the facility to

of-the-art amenities, and all offering en-suite facilities, is the only private

adjust the air-conditioning for your own personal comfort. In your cabin

train of its kind operating in this part of the world.

you will find a copy of the Golden Eagle DVD library list; please inform your cabin attendants what you would like to watch and the DVDs can be

Our Imperial Suites are the most spacious cabins on the Golden Eagle,

delivered to your cabin free of charge.

and on any train in Russia. The Gold and Silver Class accommodation has been cleverly designed to maximise the available space as

All three classes of cabin benefit from an evening turndown service and the

cabins convert from a sitting area by day into comfortable sleeping

services of a cabin attendant who is on call 24 hours a day. The on board

accommodation by night.

cabin attendants are highly regarded by our guests for their impeccable service. In each cabin you will also find an excellent selection of Natura

On the occasions where we travel by day, your cabin provides a calm,

Siberica shower gels and shampoos, complemented by premium bath

personal space in which to read, enjoy a DVD or simply watch the

robes, slippers and a hairdryer.

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

15

imperial suites

Imperial Suites are the most spacious cabins available on board the

Exemplary service starts with a complimentary bottle of Dom Perignon

Golden Eagle measuring 120 sq ft (11.1 sq metres) and benefiting

champagne when you board the train to toast the start of your

from a large and luxurious double bed as well as a lounge area with

wonderful adventure.

dressing table.

Imperial Suite guests will also benefit from the option of a private Imperial Suite facilities include a private en-suite bathroom with power

guide and chauffeured car service in most of the places we visit along

shower and the luxury of underfloor heating, individual air-conditioning,

the route, the inclusion of drinks from the Standard and Premium Bar

wardrobe, DVD/CD player with LCD screen, complimentary fully

List in the Bar Lounge Car, a laundry service and room upgrades to the

stocked minibar, safe, small library and two large picture windows to

next available category at the hotels which are featured in the itinerary.

watch the world go by.

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imperial suite

•

• Towels and linens changed every second Cabin Area: Cabin Length: day or daily on request Cabin Width: Remote controlled air-conditioning and heating • Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral Bed Width: Recessed lighting and wardrobe water available at all times Bed Length: Dressing table • In-cabin dining available on request Cabins per car: Personal safe • Drinks from the Bar Lounge Car included

Private en-suite bathroom with full power from the Standard and Premium Bar List

shower and underfloor heating

• Sleeps 2 in King Size bed • Sitting area • • • •

(excluding Premium Wine List)

• Bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer & Natura Siberica

• Private car and guide options in selected

toiletries provided

• Complimentary minibar

120 sq ft (11.1 sq m) 17ft 4ins (5.3m) 6ft 7ins (2m) 5ft (1.5m) 6ft 2ins (1.9m) 1 Imperial Suite (+ 3 Gold Class Cabins)

cities for off-train excursion programme

• Laundry service included

• DVD/CD player with LCD screens Toilet

Attendant on duty

Attendant off duty

Day Gold Class Cabins

Imperial Suite

Imperial Suite & Gold Class Carriage Floorplan

Night Configuration and styles of all cabins may vary

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

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gold class

At 77 sq ft (7 sq metres) Gold Class cabins are extremely well-proportioned and have everything from a private bathroom with separate power shower cubicle and underfloor heating to a DVD/CD player, LCD screen, safe, individual air-conditioning, wardrobe, large picture window as well as featuring a double lower bed and a single upper bed.

Guests in Gold Class benefit from complimentary drinks off the Standard Bar List in the

Cabin Area: Cabin Length: Cabin Width: Lower Bed Width: Upper Bed Width: Bed Length: Cabins per car:

77 sq ft (7 sq m) 11ft 8ins (3.6m) 6ft 7ins (2m) 4ft 5ins (1.35m) 2ft 9ins (85cm) 6ft 2ins (1.9m) 5

Bar Lounge Car. •

• • • •

•

Sleeps 2 in either lower standard double bed or bunk style Remote controlled air-conditioning & heating Recessed lighting and wardrobe Personal safe Private en-suite bathroom with full power shower and underfloor heating Bathrobes, slippers and Natura Siberica toiletries provided Toilet

Attendant on duty

• •

•

•

•

DVD/CD player with LCD screens Towels and linens changed every second day or daily on request Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water in cabin available at all times Drinks in the Bar Lounge Car included from the Standard Bar List Laundry service available at an additional charge En-Suite Bathroom

Day

Twin/Double Bedroom

Night Attendant off duty

Gold Class Carriage Floorplan

Note: the fifth compartment in Gold Glass is of a slightly different layout but with all the above facilities, is 68 sq ft, and is usually used for single passengers.

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Configuration and styles of all cabins may vary

silver class

Silver Class cabins, which are more compact at 60 sq ft (5.5 sq metres), feature a small double lower bed and a single upper bed as well as DVD/CD player, LCD screen, safe, individual air-conditioning, wardrobe and large picture window.

The Silver Class cabins have a private en-suite wet room with a washbasin, toilet and shower.

•

•

• • •

Sleeps 2 in lower small double bed or bunk style Remote controlled air-conditioning and heating Recessed lighting and wardrobe Personal safe Private en-suite bathroom with ‘wet room’ style shower and toilet

Attendant on duty

Attendant off duty

•

• •

•

•

Cabin Area: Cabin Length: Cabin Width: Lower Bed Width: Upper Bed Width: Bed Length: Cabins per car:

Bathrobes, slippers and Natura Siberica toiletries provided DVD/CD player with LCD screens Towels and linens changed every second day or daily on request Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water available at all times Laundry service available at an additional charge

En-Suite Bathroom

60 sq ft (5.5 sq m) 8ft 8ins (2.6m) 6ft 7ins (2m) 3ft 6ins (1.1m) 2ft 9ins (85cm) 6ft 2ins (1.9m) 6

Day

Twin/Double Bedroom

Silver Class Carriage Floorplan

Night

Configuration and styles of all cabins may vary

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

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8

Golden Eagle by Lake Baikal

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golden eagle

trans-siberian express moscow - kazan - yekaterinburg - novosibirsk - irkutsk - lake baikal ulan ude - ulaan baatar - khabarovsk (westbound only) - vladivostok

Undoubtedly the world’s greatest railway journey, the Trans-Siberian Railway runs like a steel ribbon across mysterious Russia connecting east and west from Moscow over the Urals, across the magnificent and endless steppe and alongside the shore of the world’s largest freshwater lake. Opened in stages between 1891 and 1916, this extraordinary engineering achievement is a vital link for all the communities that live in close proximity to the line – and to travel along this route is by far the best way to experience the vastness and grandeur of Russia’s rarely visited interior.

The official length of the Trans-Siberian line between Moscow and Vladivostok is 9,288 kilometres, making it the longest single-service railway in the world. As part of our itinerary we will also travel along the branch line at Lake Baikal and away from the main Trans-Siberian line when we head into Mongolia and its capital Ulaan Baatar.

Our classic Trans-Siberian Express tours on board the Golden Eagle between Moscow and Vladivostok take a leisurely two weeks. By the time your journey ends we will have passed through eight time zones, a third of the world’s total, and travelled an incredible distance of 6,500 miles (11,000 kilometres) through Russia and Mongolia.

As Eric Newby in his 1977 book The Big Red Train Ride succinctly stated, ‘The Trans-Siberian is the big train ride. All the rest are peanuts.’

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

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golden eagle

trans-siberian express moscow

Kazan

RUSSIA

Yekaterinburg

Novosibirsk Khabarovsk

CASPIAN SEA

Lake Baikal

KAZAKHSTAN

Irkutsk

MONGOLIA

Ulan Ude Ulaan Baatar

vladivostok

IRAN

JAPAN

CHINA

daily tour itineraries

tour schedules EASTBOUND 2017 May 6 – 20 June 4 – 18 July 23 – August 6 August 20 – September 3 EASTBOUND 2018 May 6 – 20 June 9 – 23 July 23 – August 6 August 20 – September 3

WESTBOUND 2017 May 19 – June 2 June 17 – July 1 August 5 – 19 September 2 – 16 WESTBOUND 2018 May 19 – June 2 July 23 – August 6 August 5 – 19

EASTBOUND

WESTBOUND

Day 1

Arrive Moscow

Day 1

Arrive Vladivostok

Moscow

Day 2

Vladivostok

Day 3

Kazan

Day 3

Khabarovsk

Day 4

Yekaterinburg

Day 4

On board

Day 5

Novosibirsk

Day 5

On board

On board

Day 6

Ulaan Baatar

Day 7

Irkutsk

Day 7

Ulan Ude

Day 8

Lake Baikal

Day 8

Lake Baikal

Day 9

Ulan Ude

Day 9

Irkutsk

Ulaan Baatar

Day 10

On board Novosibirsk

Day 2

Day 6

Day 10

For Winter Trans-Siberian dates please see p40

Day 11

On board

Day 11

Day 12

On board

Day 12

Yekaterinburg

accommodation

Day 13

On board

Day 13

Kazan

Vladivostok

Day 14

Moscow

Depart Vladivostok

Day 15

Depart Moscow

1 night in Moscow | 12 nights on board the Golden Eagle | 1 night in Vladivostok

Day 14 Day 15

moscow - kazan - yekaterinburg - novosibirsk - irkutsk - lake baikal ulan ude - ulaan baatar - khabarovsk (westbound only) - vladivostok 22

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what’s included

finest rail accommodation

off-train excursions programme

Private en-suite accommodation 24-hour cabin attendant service Evening turndown service Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water in-cabin 24 hrs a day Robes, slippers and Natura Siberica toiletries in-cabin Complimentary bottle of vodka in your Golden Eagle cabin

Fully guided off-train excursions programme Fully included Freedom of Choice touring options which may vary due to final train times Personal Headsets to hear the professional guide’s commentary Bottled water during excursions Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants with a generous drinks allowance, including international wines

golden eagle difference Experienced Tour Manager On board Doctor - English speaking Luggage porterage - from the time you are met at the airport until your departure No tipping policy Arrival and departure transfers Commemorative DVD with photos of your tour and tour information High quality Golden Eagle embroidered backpack Detailed Golden Eagle route map Illustrated Golden Eagle tour brochure

on board inclusions Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily - starting with dinner on first day and finishing with breakfast on last day Generous drinks allowance, including international wine, with lunch and dinner Gala Caviar Dinner on board the Golden Eagle In-cabin breakfast option to start the day Afternoon tea and cakes on board the Golden Eagle

In-suite dining option for Imperial Suite guests Inclusive drinks packages for Gold Class and Imperial Suite guests Tea, coffee, bottled water, soft drinks and local beer in the Bar Lounge Car Stimulating on board talks Resident pianist in Bar Lounge Car On board Russian language lessons Live musical performances

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

23

tour highlights

Old Believers’ Village, Ulan Ude

GUM department store, Moscow

moscow

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia

within a short walking distance of Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre,

0 KM | Москва

guests will discover a classic and sophisticated ambience that gives

Time zone: Moscow time

way to contemporary cool in the most unexpected places, like from the rooftop O2 Lounge with its breathtaking views of Red Square and the

Our touring programme of Moscow principally takes us to the grandeur

rejuvenating surroundings of ESPA, the hotel’s world class spa.

of the Kremlin – the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow – and to see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber. We will

Why not extend your stay in Moscow with additional nights to explore

enjoy an exclusive private viewing before it opens to the public before

more of the city at your leisure or have time to take in a performance

visiting Red Square. This iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and

at the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre? Tickets need to be pre-booked

political might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as

and are subject to schedule and availability.

the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral’s magnificent onion-domed spires, the beautiful façade of the world famous GUM department store which

kazan

was constructed in Tsarist times, is also the sombre and evocative

820 KM | Казань

site of Lenin’s tomb. We will have lunch in Café Pushkin, a legendary

Time zone: Moscow time

Moscow restaurant with a décor that revives the atmosphere of an early 19th century mansion and serves traditional Russian cuisine and end

Situated on the River Volga, the picturesque and historic city of Kazan

the day with a tour of the opulent and unique stations of the Moscow

is the capital of Tatarstan. Here we have the opportunity to see for

metro - showpieces of Socialist art furnished with statues, frescoes and

ourselves its rich tapestry of history and culture. One of the highlights of

mosaics, unsurpassed anywhere in the world.

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

If you have been to Moscow before we offer included Freedom of Choice

stunning mosque and picture-perfect onion-domed cathedral.

touring where we show you other sights of Moscow such as the famous State Tretyakov Gallery (National Museum of Fine Art) or the Space

As Kazan is the birthplace of one of Russia’s most famous opera

Museum.

singers, Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938), we honour his memory with a private concert of his music.

Your first evening in Moscow you will be invited to a champagne drinks reception before our exclusive Welcome Dinner (or Farewell Dinner if you

You will also have time to wander through the main pedestrian area of

are travelling on the Westbound tours).

Kazan and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city.

Specially selected international wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during the tour. Included in our time spent in Moscow is one night at the five-star Ritz-Carlton. Located in Moscow city centre, and

24

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yekaterinburg 1816 KM | Екатеринбург Time zone: Moscow time + 2 hours

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 the Romanov, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918 following 78 days of imprisonment. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site provides us with a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. We will also drive to the obelisk marking the geographical border and we can drink a glass of champagne with one

irkutsk

foot in Europe and the other in Asia.

5185 KM | Иркутск

Classic wooden architecture, Irkutsk

Time zone: Moscow time + 5 hours

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. You will also see a wide range of civilian vehicles (particularly Russian models). The museum is a real treat for anyone with an interest in the Soviet past, unparalleled by anything else along the route.

novosibirsk

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 also visit the Volkonsky House Museum, which is dedicated to the memory of the aristocrats who were exiled to this remote outpost after the failed Decembrists uprising of 1825. We recreate the atmosphere of that time with a champagne

3336 KM | Новосибирск

reception and private concert.

Time zone: Moscow time + 3 hours

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

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) to get an insight into the everyday life of an average Russian family.

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, we visit an impressive statue of Lenin – a marvellous opportunity to have your photograph taken with this iconic political leader.

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, through to the Soviet era. Or choose to go to the Mineralogical Centre with its fine display of Siberian minerals.

Novosibirsk Railway Museum

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

25

lake baikal Озеро Байкал Time zone: Moscow time + 5 hours

Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of

train and travel by boat on the lake to Listvyanka, a small

Lake Baikal and is a major highlight on our Trans-Siberian

Baikal settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding

journey. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and

hills and visit the Lake Baikal Museum and Aquarium where

holds 20 per cent of the world’s freshwater. Also known

you can learn about the flora and fauna of the lake.

as the ‘Pearl of Siberia’ it is home to a unique breed of freshwater seal and over 50 species of fish including

We will enjoy a delicious barbecue prepared by our own

omul. For five hours we wind our way through tunnels

chefs, including freshly smoked omul fish, in the delightful

along cliff hugging tracks above the lake with a vista of

covered dining area on the shore of Lake Baikal to complete

snow-capped peaks along the far shore forming a picture

a memorable day.

perfect backdrop, with a full appreciation of the engineering achievement which produced this part of the railway in the

As part of our Freedom of Choice excursion programme

early twentieth century. To add to the grandeur of the day,

you can choose a hiking opportunity up Chersky Mount,

our Golden Eagle train will be hauled by a Soviet Era steam

or you can choose to take the chair lift, which offers some

locomotive on this beautiful section of line. There will be

spectacular and panoramic hillside views of the grandeur of

plenty of opportunities to take photographs as the train

the lake below.

winds its way along the lake.

This will be an unforgettable part of your journey. For a preview of this beautiful section, our new video is available to view on our website www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com 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

26

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signature experiences

Champagne reception at the station on departure Private viewing of Kremlin Armoury

Being hauled by a Soviet Era steam locomotive on the beautiful Lake Baikal section

Barbecue on the shore of Lake Baikal and swim in the ice-cold waters of Lake Baikal

Visit a nomadic family in a Mongolian ger

Military brass band playing on Vladivostok Station

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

27

khabarovsk 8523 KM | Хабаровск Time zone: Moscow time +7 hours

WESTBOUND ONLY

Located 15 miles (25 kilometres) from the border with China, Khabarovsk stretches along the banks of the Amur River. Khabarovsk was founded as a military post in 1858, but the region had been populated by several indigenous peoples of the Far East for many centuries. It is now a busy city with tree-lined streets. Located next to the station we will pass the memorial to Yerofey Pavlovich Khabarov, the Far East explorer the city is named after, and see the impressive

ulan ude

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia

World War Two memorial to the fallen soldiers. We will also have time at the Regional Museum where the local history has been well-preserved with a rich collection of artefacts describing the cultural and natural

5640 KM | Улан-Удэ

history of the region.

Time zone: Moscow time +5 hours

vladivostok

The ethnic and cultural diversity of Ulan Ude, the capital of the Buryat

9288 KM | Владивосток

Republic, offers a unique insight into its heritage. As we tour the area you

Time zone: Moscow time +7 hours

will notice the different faces of these welcoming Buryat people. During our exploration of the Old Believers’ Village we have the opportunity to

Vladivostok is a military port, located on the western shores of the

learn about the culture and history of these religious people as we are

Sea of Japan and is home to the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet. Due

treated to a concert featuring local traditions and folk singing.

to its military importance, the city was closed to foreigners between

ulaan baatar, mongolia

1930 and 1992. Vladivostok (literally translated as ‘Ruler of the East’)

Улан Батор

attractions including a visit to a preserved World War Two submarine.

Time zone: Moscow time +4 hours

offers visitors an interesting opportunity to explore its principal military 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

Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us into Mongolia and a visit to its

opened in 2012 for the APEC conference.

capital, Ulaan Baatar. Mongolia, once the very centre of an enormous empire led by Genghis Khan, is a country of beautiful landscapes,

This evening you are invited to our Farewell Dinner (or Welcome Dinner

nomadic people and rich in culture and history. Mongolia is famous for

if you are travelling on the Westbound tours). Specially selected

its endless green Steppes, grazing livestock and white, nomadic Gers

international wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during

(Yurts) dotted all across the countryside.

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

We start the tour at Gandan Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most important Buddhist Monasteries housing a community of over 500 monks. The full name, Gandantegchinlen, translates as ‘the great place of complete joy’.

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

days on board the golden eagle Each Trans-Siberian departure has a number of days on board the Golden Eagle. These days offer the opportunity to unwind and reflect on the many sights and sounds we have experienced or are about to experience on our rail journey so far. Chat to your fellow passengers, take a Russian language class, listen to a talk on Soviet or Russian history, learn about the construction of the Trans-Siberian railway or simply relax and enjoy the ever-changing landscape outside your window as it unfolds.

Mongolian souvenirs, and their specialty cashmere. We will also enjoy a performance of traditional Mongolian throat singing and contortionists.

28

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Gandan Monastery, Ulaan Baatar

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

29

42

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golden eagle

trans-mongolian express featuring the naadam festival moscow - kazan - yekaterinburg - novosibirsk - irkutsk lake baikal - ulan ude - ulaan baatar

For a fuller insight into Mongolia, why not experience our Naadam Festival Trans-Mongolian departure in July - a journey across Russia on board the Golden Eagle combined with a visit to the Mongolian national festival.

Naadam is the one and only Big Event in Mongolia - a spectacularly colourful national festival, held every year. Naadam literally means ‘three manly games’. Known as the world’s second oldest Olympics, it celebrates what defined civilisation in the Steppes eight centuries ago; archery, wrestling and horse riding.

For a preview of the festival, our video is available to view on our website www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

31

golden eagle

trans-mongolian express moscow

Kazan

RUSSIA Yekaterinburg

Novosibirsk CASPIAN SEA

Irkutsk

KAZAKHSTAN

Lake Baikal Ulan Ude

ulaan baatar

MONGOLIA

CHINA

IRAN

JAPAN

daily tour itineraries

tour schedules EASTBOUND 2017 July 1 – July 13

WESTBOUND 2017 July 10 – July 22 WESTBOUND 2018 July 10 – July 22

accommodation

EASTBOUND

WESTBOUND

Day 1

Arrive Moscow

Day 1

Arrive Ulaan Baatar

Day 2

Moscow

Day 2

Naadam Festival

Kazan

(Ulaan Baatar)

Day 4

Yekaterinburg

Day 3

Naadam Festival

Day 5

Novosibirsk

(Ulaan Baatar)

Day 6

On board

Day 4

Ulaan Baatar

Irkutsk

Day 5

Ulan Ude

Day 8

Lake Baikal

Day 6

Lake Baikal

Day 9

Ulan Ude

Day 7

Irkutsk

Day 10

Ulaan Baatar

Day 8

On board

Naadam Festival

Day 9

Novosibirsk

(Ulaan Baatar)

Day 10

Yekaterinburg

Day 12

Naadam Festival

Day 11

Kazan

(Ulaan Baatar)

Day 12

Moscow

Depart Ulaan Baatar

Day 13

Depart Moscow

Day 3

Day 7

1 night in Moscow | 8 nights on board the Golden Eagle | 3 nights in Ulaan Baatar including two days at the Naadam Festival

Day 11

Day 13

moscow - kazan - yekaterinburg - novosibirsk - irkutsk lake baikal - ulan ude - ulaan baatar 32

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what’s included

finest rail accommodation

off-train excursions programme

Private en-suite accommodation 24-hour cabin attendant service Evening turndown service Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water in-cabin 24 hrs a day Robes, slippers and Natura Siberica toiletries in-cabin Complimentary bottle of vodka in your cabin

Full guided off-train excursions programme Fully included Freedom of Choice touring options which may vary due to final train times Personal Headsets to hear the professional guide’s commentary Bottled water during excursions Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants with a generous drinks allowance, including international wines

golden eagle difference Experienced Tour Manager On board Doctor - English speaking Luggage porterage - from the time you are met at the airport until your departure No tipping policy Arrival and departure transfers Commemorative DVD with photos of your tour and tour information High quality Golden Eagle embroidered backpack Detailed Golden Eagle route map Illustrated Golden Eagle tour brochure

on board inclusions Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily - starting with dinner on first day and finishing with breakfast on last day Generous drinks allowance, including international wine, with lunch and dinner Gala Caviar Dinner on board the Golden Eagle In-cabin breakfast option to start the day Afternoon tea and cakes on board the Golden Eagle

In-suite dining option for Imperial Suite guests Inclusive drinks packages for Gold Class and Imperial Suite guests Tea, coffee, bottled water, soft drinks and local beer in the Bar Lounge Car Stimulating on board talks Resident pianist in Bar Lounge Car On board Russian language lessons Live musical performances

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

33

tour highlights

Naadam Festival

Naadam Festival

moscow

Ulaan Baatar

tour highlights cool in the most unexpected places, like from the

0 KM | Москва

rooftop O2 Lounge with its breathtaking views of Red Square and the

Time zone: Moscow time

rejuvenating surroundings of ESPA, the hotel’s world class spa.

Our touring programme of Moscow principally takes us to the grandeur of

Why not extend your stay in Moscow with additional nights to explore

the Kremlin – the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow – and

more of the city at your leisure or have time to take in a performance

to see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber. We also visit

at the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre? Tickets need to be pre-booked

Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and political

and are subject to schedule and availability.

might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral’s magnificent onion-domed spires, the beautiful

kazan

façade of the world famous GUM department store, constructed in

820 KM | Казань

Tsarist times, and the sombre and evocative site of Lenin’s tomb.

Time zone: Moscow time

We will take a tour of the opulent and unique stations of the Moscow

Situated on the River Volga, the picturesque and historic city of Kazan

metro - showpieces of Socialist art furnished with statues, frescoes

is the capital of Tatarstan. Here we have the opportunity to see for

and mosaics, unsurpassed anywhere in the world. We have lunch

ourselves its rich tapestry of history and culture. One of the highlights of

in Café Pushkin, a legendary Moscow restaurant with a décor that

this city tour is our exploration of the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World

revives the atmosphere of an early 19th century mansion and serves

Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel we will explore its

traditional Russian cuisine.

stunning mosque and picture-perfect onion-domed cathedral.

If you have been to Moscow before we offer included Freedom of

As Kazan is the birthplace of one of Russia’s most famous opera singers,

Choice touring where we show you other sights of Moscow such as the

Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938), we honour his memory with a private

famous State Tretyakov Gallery (National Museum of Fine Art) or the

concert of his music. You will also have time to wander through the main

Space Museum.

pedestrian area of Kazan and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city.

Your first evening you are invited to a champagne drinks reception before our exclusive Welcome Dinner (or Farewell Dinner if you are

yekaterinburg

travelling on the Westbound tours). Specially selected international

1816 KM | Екатеринбург

wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during the tour.

Time zone: Moscow time + 2 hours

Included in our time spent in Moscow is one night at the five-star RitzCarlton. Located in Moscow city centre, and within a short walking

Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg is the capital of the

distance of Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre, guests will discover

Urals. Known as the Great Divide, the Ural Mountains create the natural

a classic and sophisticated ambience that gives way to contemporary

border between Europe and Asia so that the cultural and architectural

34

www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com

Voyages of a Lifetime by Private TrainTM | TRANS-MONGOLIAN EXPRESS influences of European and Asian civilisations come together in this

might also wish to visit a traditional Russian Dacha (summer house) to get

fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape. Our city tour takes us to

an insight into the everyday life of an average Russian family.

the poignant site where the Romanov, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918 following 78 days of imprisonment. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site provides us with a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. We

lake baikal Озеро Байкал Time zone: Moscow time

will also drive to the obelisk marking the geographical border and can

Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal

drink a glass of champagne with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia.

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

Our Freedom of Choice programme features a visit to the recently

freshwater. Also known as the ‘Pearl of Siberia’ it is home to a unique

opened Museum of Military Machinery. The museum houses an

breed of freshwater seal and over 50 species of fish including omul. For

amazing collection of different types of military hardware including

five hours we wind our way through tunnels along cliff hugging tracks

tanks, aircraft, boats and even armoured trains. You will also see a wide

above the lake with a vista of snow-capped peaks along the far shore

range of civilian vehicles (particularly Russian models). The museum is

forming a picture-perfect backdrop, and gain a full appreciation of the

a real treat for anyone with an interest in the Soviet past, unparalleled

engineering achievement which produced this part of the railway in the

by anything else along the route.

early twentieth century. To add to the grandeur of the day our Golden Eagle train will be hauled by a Soviet Era steam locomotive on this

novosibirsk

beautiful section of line. There will be plenty of opportunities to take

3336 KM | Новосибирск

photographs as the train winds its way along the lake.

Time zone: Moscow time

This will be an unforgettable part of our journey. For a preview of A modern ‘Soviet’ city, we experience the life and character of

this beautiful section, a new video is available to view on www.

Novosibirsk’s rich culture where the arts and science predominate.

goldeneagleluxurytrains.com.

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

Weather permitting, we stop in an extremely picturesque location by the

imposing Opera House is located. An architectural marvel, it houses two

lake for photographic opportunities and for the brave hearted there is

permanent ballet and opera companies and is one of the largest opera

time for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear and ice-cold waters of

houses in the world. In front of the Opera House, we visit an impressive

Baikal. Travelling onwards to the end of the Baikal branch line, we leave

statue of Lenin – a marvellous opportunity to have our photograph

the train and travel by boat on the lake to Listvyanka, a small Baikal

taken with this iconic political leader.

settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding hills and visit the Lake Baikal Museum and Aquarium where you can learn about the flora

Alternatively, south of the city you could visit Novosibirsk’s excellent

and fauna of the lake. We will enjoy a delicious barbecue prepared by our

Railway Museum on our Freedom of Choice tour. The museum displays

own chefs, including freshly smoked omul fish, in the delightful covered

locomotives and rolling stock from the late 1800s, including carriages of

dining area on the shore of Lake Baikal to complete a memorable day.

the Tsars, through to the Soviet era. Or choose to go to the Mineralogical Centre with its fine display of Siberian minerals.

As part of our Freedom of Choice excursion programme you can choose a hiking opportunity up Chersky Mount, or you can choose to take the

irkutsk

chair lift, which offers some spectacular and panoramic hillside views of the grandeur of the lake below.

5185 KM | Иркутск Time zone: Moscow time

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 also visit the Volkonsky House Museum, which is dedicated to the memory of the aristocrats who were exiled to this remote outpost after the failed Decembrists uprising of 1825. We recreate the atmosphere of that time with 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 To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

Lake Baikal

35

ulan ude 5640 KM | Улан-Удэ Time zone: Moscow time + 5 hours

The ethnic and cultural diversity of Ulan Ude, the capital of the Buryat Republic, 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.

ulaan baatar, mongolia Улан Батор Time zone: Moscow time + 4 hours

Our Trans-Mongolian adventure takes us into Mongolia and a visit to its Old Believers’ Village, Ulan Ude

capital, Ulaan Baatar. Mongolia, once the very centre of an enormous empire led by Genghis Khan, is a country of beautiful landscapes and nomadic people, 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. The full name, Gandantegchinlen, translates as ‘the great place of complete joy’. At Chinggis Square (formerly Sukhbaatar Square) we can see the central monument to Genghis Khan; undoubtedly the most feared and revered Mongol.

Alternatively, there is an option to drive out of the city to the GorkhiTerelj National Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery of wild Mongolia as part of our Freedom of Choice tour, 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. In the evening we will enjoy a

Nomadic Gers, Mongolia

performance of traditional Mongolian throat singing and contortionists.

signature experiences

Being hauled by a Soviet era steam locomotive on the beautiful Lake Baikal section

Visit a nomadic family in a Mongolian Ger

Private performance of Mongolian throat singing and contortion

Attend the vibrant Naadam Festival Opening Ceremony

Watch the traditional archery and wrestling competitions

Be at the finish line for the 20km horse race with over 300 horses

Opening Ceremony, Naadam Festival

36

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the naadam festival ulaan baatar, mongolia

Фестиваль Наадам

As they race along the plains for 20 kilometres, thousands of spectators line the remote track to watch over 300 horses with children sitting confidently astride their small but sturdy

This is a unique opportunity to be among the few non-

Mongolian steed. We have prime seating in the finish line stand

Mongolians to experience the spectacular, but little known,

that gives a fantastic view of the children and their horses as

Naadam Festival and soak up the exciting atmosphere of this

they complete the gruelling 20 kilometre race. It is claimed

national holiday. Once a religious ceremony, the festival now

such equestrian skills won Genghis Khan an empire that

formally commemorates the 1921 revolution when Mongolia

stretched from the Sea of Japan all the way to Europe.

declared itself a free country. In recent times, women have been allowed to enter and they now compete in two of the

On the second day of the festival we will attend the archery,

three events, horse racing and archery.

wrestling and ankle-bone shooting events.

On the first day of the festival, we observe the elaborate

Due to the popularity of the period around the Naadam Festival

opening ceremony which consists of local dancers, athletes,

we reserve accommodation for our guests at a number of

horse riders and musicians, before travelling outside Ulaan

the best hotels in Ulaan Baatar including the Kempinski and

Baatar to watch the national horse race. The competitors in

Ramada. Please note, we cannot guarantee your preferred

the riding events are all children between five and twelve, many

choice of hotel.

of whom have been in the saddle since the age of one.

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

37

42

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golden eagle trans-siberian express

winter wonderland

moscow - vladimir - suzdal - yekaterinburg - novosibirsk - irkutsk - lake baikal ulan ude - ulaan baatar - khabarovsk (westbound only) - vladivostok

Our tours along the Trans-Siberian route in winter are an exceptional and unique experience. Undoubtedly the world’s greatest railway journey, the Trans-Siberian Railway runs like a steel ribbon connecting east and west from Moscow over the Urals, across the magnificent Russian steppe and alongside the shore of the world’s largest freshwater lake. This extraordinary engineering achievement is a vital link for all the communities that live in close proximity to the line – and to travel along this route is by far the best way to experience the grandeur of Russia’s rarely visited interior.

Our special winter programme includes the opportunity to enjoy the iconic winter wonderland scenery by horse-drawn sleigh and the chance to watch ice fishing on Lake Baikal or take a dog-sledge or snowmobile on a captivating winter journey. The displays of ice sculptures at the shore side are a reminder of the constant sub-zero temperatures here.

To keep you warm in the Siberian winter when you are off the train, we provide complimentary hats, Russian traditional felt boots and gloves, specially designed to keep out the worst of the cold and they are yours to keep!

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

39

golden eagle trans-siberian express

winter wonderland

moscow Vladimir & Suzdal

RUSSIA

Yekaterinburg

Novosibirsk Khabarovsk

CASPIAN SEA

Lake Baikal

KAZAKHSTAN

Irkutsk

MONGOLIA

Ulan Ude Ulaan Baatar

vladivostok

IRAN

JAPAN

CHINA

daily tour itineraries

tour schedules EASTBOUND 2017 February 21 – March 7

EASTBOUND 2018 February 21 – March 7

WESTBOUND 2017 March 5 – March 19

WESTBOUND 2018 March 5 – March 19

accommodation 1 night in Moscow | 12 nights on board the Golden Eagle | 1 night in Vladivostok

EASTBOUND

WESTBOUND

Day 1

Arrive Moscow

Day 1

Arrive Vladivostok

Day 2

Moscow

Day 2

Vladivostok

Day 3

Vladimir & Suzdal

Day 3

Khabarovsk

Day 4

Yekaterinburg

Day 4

On board

Day 5

Novosibirsk

Day 5

On board

Day 6

On board

Day 6

Ulaan Baatar

Day 7

Irkutsk

Day 7

Ulan Ude

Day 8

Lake Baikal

Day 8

Lake Baikal

Day 9

Ulan Ude

Day 9

Irkutsk

Day 10

Ulaan Baatar

Day 10

On board

Day 11

On board

Day 11

Novosibirsk

Day 12

On board

Day 12

Yekaterinburg

Day 13

On board

Day 13

Vladimir & Suzdal

Day 14

Vladivostok

Day 14

Moscow (evening arrival)

Day 15

Depart Vladivostok

Day 15

Depart Moscow

moscow - vladimir - suzdal - yekaterinburg - novosibirsk - irkutsk - lake baikal ulan ude - ulaan baatar - khabarovsk (westbound only) - vladivostok 40

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what’s included

Lake Baikal

finest rail accommodation

off-train excursions programme

Private en-suite accommodation 24-hour cabin attendant service Evening turndown service Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water in-cabin 24 hrs a day Robes, slippers and Natural Siberica toiletries in-cabin Complimentary bottle of vodka in your cabin

Full guided off-train excursions programme Fully included Freedom of Choice touring options which may vary due to final train times Personal Headsets to hear the professional guide’s commentary Bottled water during excursions Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants with a generous drinks allowance, including international wines Complimentary Siberian felt boots, hat and scarf

golden eagle difference Experienced Tour Manager On board Doctor - English speaking Luggage porterage - from the time you are met at the airport until your departure No tipping policy Arrival and departure transfers Commemorative DVD with photos of your tour and tour information High quality Golden Eagle embroidered backpack Detailed Golden Eagle route map Illustrated Golden Eagle tour brochure

on board inclusions Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily - starting with dinner on first day and finishing with breakfast on last day Generous drinks allowance, including international wine, with lunch and dinner Gala Caviar Dinner on board the Golden Eagle In-cabin breakfast option to start the day Afternoon tea and cakes on board the Golden Eagle

In-suite dining option for Imperial Suite guests Inclusive drinks packages for Gold Class and Imperial Suite guests Tea, coffee, bottled water, soft drinks and local beer in the Bar Lounge Car Stimulating on board talks Resident pianist in Bar Lounge Car On board Russian language lessons Live musical performances

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

41

tour highlights

Tsar Cannon, Moscow

Ice Fishing on Lake Baikal

moscow

vladimir

0 KM | Москва

193 KM | Владимир

Time zone: Moscow time

Time zone: Moscow time

Mongolian Ger

Our touring programme of Moscow principally takes us to the grandeur of

The historic city of Vladimir was founded in 990 and is one of Russia’s

the Kremlin – the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow – and

oldest communities with an architectural wealth. The whole city was

to see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber. We also visit

decreed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour takes in Uspensky

Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and political

Cathedral, built between the 12th and 15th centuries. It is considered

might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate

one of the most important and beautiful of Russian cathedrals, where

St Basil’s Cathedral’s magnificent onion-domed spires, the beautiful

many of the prominent Russian Tsars were crowned.

façade of the world famous GUM department store, constructed in Tsarist times, and the sombre and evocative site of Lenin’s tomb. We

suzdal

will have lunch in Café Pushkin, a legendary Moscow restaurant with a

Суздаль

décor that revives the atmosphere of an early 19th century mansion and

Time zone: Moscow time

serves traditional Russian cuisine.

The pastoral town of Suzdal is one of Russia’s most perfectly preserved If you have been to Moscow before we offer included Freedom of

walled cities dating back to 1024 and is located 22 miles (35 kilometres)

Choice touring where you can visit other sights of Moscow such as the

from Vladimir. Here we visit the atmospheric St. Euthymius Monastery to

famous State Tretyakov Gallery (National Museum of Fine Art) or the

witness an enchanting choral performance.

Space Museum. Included in our time spent in Moscow is one night at the five-star Ritz-Carlton. Located in Moscow city centre, and within a short walking distance of Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre, guests will discover a classic and sophisticated ambience that gives way to contemporary cool in the most unexpected places, like from the rooftop O2 Lounge with its breathtaking views of Red Square and the rejuvenating surroundings of ESPA, the hotel’s world class spa.

On the Westbound departure, due to an evening arrival on Day 14, the Moscow city tour will take place on Day 15. We recommend you book your departure flight for after 4pm this day or extend your stay in Moscow with an additional night, and have time to take in a performance at the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre. Tickets need to be pre-booked and are St. Euthymius Monastery

subject to schedule and availability.

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yekaterinburg 1816 KM | Екатеринбург Time zone: Moscow time + 2 hours

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 the Romanov, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918 following 78 days of imprisonment. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site provides us with a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution.

novosibirsk 3336 KM | Новосибирск Time zone: Moscow time + 3 hours

A modern ‘Soviet’ city, we experience the life and character of Novosibirsk’s rich culture where the arts and sciences 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

Old Believers’ Village, Ulan Ude

houses in the world. In front of the Opera House, we visit an impressive statue of Lenin – a marvellous opportunity to have your photograph taken with this iconic political leader.

Alternatively, our Freedom of Choice tour goes south of the city to visit Novosibirsk’s excellent Railway Museum, which displays locomotives and rolling stock from the late 1800s, including carriages of the Tsars, through to the Soviet era.

irkutsk 5185 KM | Иркутск Time zone: Moscow time + 5 hours Opera House, Novosibirsk

Our visit to Irkutsk, the ‘Paris of Siberia’, takes in the most significant sites 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 also visit the Decembrist House museum which is dedicated to the memory of the aristocrats who were exiled to this remote outpost after the failed uprising of 1825.

As an additional option for your day in Irkutsk you may wish to visit a traditional Russian Banya (sauna).

Horse-drawn sleigh, Suzdal

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lake baikal Озеро Байкал Time zone: Moscow time + 5 hours

Our day by Lake Baikal offers a real highlight of travelling

Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and during

through Siberia in winter. Few natural sights can surpass

winter is completely frozen. We are taken in a hovercraft

the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal and today will be an

on the frozen lake to the place where the dog sledges and

unforgettable part of our Trans-Siberian journey.

snowmobiles are situated and you will enjoy the perfect vantage point to appreciate the magnificence of this

For five hours we wind our way through tunnels along

unspoiled location.

cliff hugging tracks above the frozen lake with a vista of snowcapped peaks along the far shore forming a picture-

There is the opportunity to watch the under-ice fishing

perfect backdrop.

and try the freshly caught fish which will be smoked in a mobile smokehouse and served warm with ice-cold vodka.

Delicious!

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ulan ude

khabarovsk

5640 KM | Улан-Удэ

8523 KM | Хабаровск

Time zone: Moscow time + 5 hours

Time zone: Moscow time + 7 hours

WESTBOUND ONLY

We are taken in cultural a hovercraft on the lakethe to the placeof the Buryat The ethnic and diversity of frozen Ulan Ude, capital where theoffers ice fishing, sledges and snowmobiles arethe area you Republic, a uniquedog insight into its heritage.

As we tour

Located 15 miles (25 kilometres) from the border with China,

situated will enjoy perfect vantageBuryat point people. to will noticeand the you different faces the of these welcoming During appreciate the magnificence of this unspoilt our exploration of the Old Believers’ Villagelocation. we have the opportunity

was founded as a military post in 1858, but the region had been

to learn about the culture and history of these religious people as we Theretreated is the opportunity watch thelocal under-ice fishingand andfolk singing. are to a concertto featuring traditions

centuries. It is now a busy city with tree-lined streets.

try the freshly caught fish which will be smoked in a mobile

Located next to the station we will pass the memorial to Yerofey

smokehouse and served warm with ice-cold vodka. Delicious!

Pavlovich Khabarov, the Far East explorer the city is named after, and

days on board the golden eagle Each Trans-Siberian departure has a number of days on board the Golden Eagle. These days offer the opportunity to unwind and reflect on the many sights and sounds we have experienced or are about to experience on our rail journey so far.

Chat to your fellow passengers, take a Russian language class, listen to a talk on Soviet or Russian history, learn about the construction of the Trans-Siberian railway or simply relax and enjoy the ever-changing landscape outside your window as it unfolds.

Khabarovsk stretches along the banks of the Amur River. Khabarovsk populated by several indigenous peoples of the Far East for many

see the impressive World War Two memorial to the fallen soldiers. We will also have time at the Regional Museum where the local history has been well-preserved with a rich collection of artefacts describing the cultural and natural history of the region.

vladivostok 9288 KM | Владивосток Time zone: Moscow time + 7 hours

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

ulaan baatar, mongolia Улан Батор

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.

Time zone: Moscow time + 4 hours Please note that our Winter Wonderland tours always operate as small group departures

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

(normally less than 40 guests, compared to up to 100 on summer departures). Reduced numbers mean more intimate groups and a shorter formation of Golden Eagle sleepers with a restaurant appropriate to the number of guests. Russian Railways attach our carriages to the rear of a regular train each day however, your on board experience will be unaffected, there being no connection between our carriages and the main train.

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

signature experiences

See the iconic Winter Wonderland scenery by horse-drawn sleigh

Experience a traditional Russian Banya (sauna)

feared and revered Mongol, and visit the National Museum where we

Watch ice fishing at Lake Baikal and sample the catch

learn about the country’s intriguing history.

Ride a dog-sledge or snowmobile

Witness an enchanting choral performance

in St Euthymius Monastery, Suzdal

monks. The full name, Gandantegchinlen, translates as ‘the great place of complete joy’. At Chinggis Square (formerly Sukhbaatar Square) we can see the central monument to Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most

We also have the opportunity to visit a traditional Ger and meet a nomadic family.

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

45

Northern Lights, 42 36 Kirkenes, Norway

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a quest to see the northern lights

arctic explorer st petersburg - kirkenes (norway) - murmansk petrozavodsk - vladimir - suzdal - moscow

Renowned for its theatrical landscapes and dramatic climate, the Arctic Circle is one of the world’s most mystifying places to explore. Not only that, but its enviable geographical position means it is a prime location for seeing the spectacular Northern Lights at their best.

This compelling 12-day itinerary offers a unique contrast between two of Russia’s most majestic cities and the remote, yet charming communities deep within the Russian and Norwegian Arctic Circle.

Commencing in St. Petersburg, we visit some of the city’s most prominent historical and cultural sites before embarking on this remarkable arctic adventure on board the Golden Eagle.

Our quest to see the Aurora Borealis begins in the small mining town of Kirkenes in Norway, one of the greatest vantage points for seeing this incredible natural phenomenon. This two-night highlight combines our guided Aurora searching with a fantastic daytime activity programme, including a visit to the extraordinary Snow Hotel and a 3-hour Crab Fishing adventure.

As our adventure continues, we experience the culture and lifestyle of those living in the harsh climates of the Russian Arctic Circle, and visit some of Russia’s oldest cities as we travel onwards to our final destination, Moscow.

upgrade to the snow hotel For a really memorable experience why not upgrade to a night in the Kirkenes Snow Hotel in the Arctic Circle?

Book early to avoid disappointment!

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

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a quest to see the northern lights

arctic explorer

Barents Sea

Kirkenes (Norway) Nikel Murmansk

NORWAY

SWEDEN

Arct ic Ci rcle

FINLAND

st petersburg

RUSSIA

Petrozavodsk

ESTONIA LATVIA POLAND BELARUS moscow

Vladimir & Suzdal

daily tour itineraries

tour schedules December 29, 2016 - January 9, 2017 February 11, 2017 - February 22, 2017 December 29, 2017 – January 9, 2018

TOUR ITINERARY

WESTBOUND

Day 1

Arrive St Petersburg

Day 7

On board

St Petersburg

Day 8

Murmansk Petrozavodsk Vladimir & Suzdal

Day 2

accommodation

Day 3

St Petersburg

Day 9

Day 4

On board

Day 10

2 nights in St Petersburg | 6 nights on board the Golden Eagle | 2 nights in Kirkenes (Norway) | 1 night in Moscow

Day 5

Kirkenes (Norway)

Day 11 Moscow

Day 6

Kirkenes (Norway)

Day 12 Depart Moscow

st petersburg - kirkenes (norway) - murmansk petrozavodsk - vladimir - suzdal - moscow 48

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what’s included

finest rail accommodation

off-train excursions programme

Private en-suite accommodation 24-hour cabin attendant service Evening turndown service Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water in-cabin 24 hrs a day Robes, slippers and Natura Siberica toiletries in-cabin Complimentary bottle of vodka in your cabin

Full guided off-train excursions programme Complimentary Siberian felt boots, hat and scarf Personal Headsets to hear the professional guide’s commentary Bottled water during excursions Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants with a generous drinks allowance, including international wines

golden eagle difference Experienced Tour Manager On board Doctor - English speaking Luggage porterage - from the time you are met at the airport until your departure No tipping policy Arrival and departure transfers On board Astronomer High quality Golden Eagle embroidered backpack Detailed Golden Eagle route map

on board inclusions Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily - starting with dinner on first day and finishing with breakfast on last day Generous drinks allowance, including international wine, with lunch and dinner Gala Caviar Dinner on board the train In-cabin breakfast option to start the day Afternoon tea and cakes on board the train

In-suite dining option for Imperial Suite guests Inclusive drinks packages for Gold Class and Imperial Suite guests Tea, coffee, bottled water, soft drinks and local beer in the Bar Lounge Car Stimulating on board talks Resident pianist in Bar Lounge Car Live musical performances

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

49

tour highlights

Reindeer, Kirkenes

st petersburg

DAY 4

DAYS 1-3

St Petersburg

RUSSIA

Gabba Restaurant, Snow Hotel, Kirkenes

on board INSIDE THE ARCTIC CIRCLE, RUSSIA

St Petersburg is a stunning city, crowded with splendid palaces,

We have the opportunity to have a relaxed start to the day as our train

impressive historical monuments, wide boulevards, beautiful bridges

crosses the Arctic Circle on our quest to see the Northern Lights. We

and is renowned as the Ballet Capital of the World. We have a guided

can reflect on the many sights we are about to experience on our

tour of Catherine’s Palace in Pushkin and the Hermitage Museum, the

rail journey, maybe listen to a talk or simply relax and enjoy the ever

former Winter Palace of the Tsars which houses the royal art collection

changing winter landscape outside our window.

of over three million works. It is one of the world’s largest and most impressive art museums. There is also a city tour featuring the key

Our guest astronomer will host an afternoon tea with freshly baked

sights including St Isaac’s Cathedral and Nevsky Prospect. Make your

Russian cakes and talk about the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) in

evening in St Petersburg extra special by purchasing a ticket for a ballet

our stylish bar car. On our February tour today is Valentine’s Day, share

or opera performance at one of the world-renowned St Petersburg

a special dinner with us on board to celebrate!

theatres (subject to schedule and availability and pre-booked at least six weeks prior to departure).

On your first evening you are invited to a champagne drinks reception with the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers before our exclusive Welcome Dinner. Specially selected international wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during the tour. Included in our time spent in St Petersburg is two nights in the luxurious Grand Hotel Europe, or similar.

At the start of your adventure why not extend your stay in St Petersburg with pre-tour nights to explore more of the city at your leisure?

After our tour of St Petersburg, we transfer to the station to board Russia’s premier train, the Golden Eagle and settle into our modern, stylish cabins to embark upon our rail adventure to the Arctic Circle.

We are welcomed on board with a signature Gala Caviar Dinner in the beautifully designed restaurant car and enjoy after dinner drinks and musical entertainment. On our December tour tonight is New Year’s Eve, celebrate in style with us on board the Golden Eagle!

Traditional afternoon tea

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Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg

december tour highlights Day 1 & 2 (St Petersburg) Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Christmas markets and ice skating on the outdoor rink in the central square.

Day 3 (on board) *NEW YEAR’S EVE* Attend an unforgettable New Year’s Eve Party on board.

Day 9 (Petrozavodsk) *RUSSIAN CHRISTMAS EVE* Enjoy a traditional Christmas meal and celebrate Russian-style.

Day 11 & 12 (Moscow) The city is beautifully decorated for Rozhdestvo (Russian Christmas) celebrated in Russia on January 7.

february tour highlights Day 4 (on board) Valentine’s Day Attend a special Valentine’s Dinner on board.

Day 9 (Petrozavodsk) Visit Kizhi Island on Lake Onega (weather permitting) and explore its beautiful open-air museum of wooden architecture.

Northern Lights in Kirkenes

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DAYS 5 & 6

kirkenes in search of the northern lights ARCTIC, NORWAY

We leave our train with an overnight bag at the Russian

The next morning a unique winter experience awaits on our King

border station of Nikel and we transfer by bus (90 minutes’

Crab Fishing adventure. The excursion begins with a snowmobile

drive) across the Russian/Norwegian border to Kirkenes for

drawn sleigh across the frozen fjords. Warm clothing and a

a two-night stay at the Thon Hotel (or similar). We will visit

helmet is provided. Through a hole in the ice you will be shown

the magical Snow Hotel just 15 km outside Kirkenes. We

by your master guide how to catch the magnificent Arctic King

will have a welcome drink in the snow bar and a tour of the

Crab (which can span two metres and weigh up to 15kgs). We

Snow Hotel with its ice sculptures and snow paintings by local

then continue by sleigh to the nearby Fisherman’s Lodge. It is

and international artists. After a traditional meal including a

here by a cosy log fire that your King Crab meal awaits. The crabs

reindeer hot dog in the snow hotel’s warm lodge restaurant we

you catch will be prepared and cooked for you.

will take an evening bus tour in search of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). If the sky is clear our guest astronomer will

Later we return to the Snow Hotel to see the resident reindeers

be on hand to advise us during star-gazing and will bring the

and visit the biggest husky dog farm in eastern Finnmark or

night sky to life with his extensive knowledge.

return to Kirkenes Village for a walking tour.

Kirkenes Snow Hotel

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upgrade to the snow hotel For a really memorable experience why not choose the ‘coolest’ hotel check-in around and stay overnight at the Snow Hotel?

Upgrades to the Snow Hotel are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. The Snow Hotel stays at a constant minus five degrees centigrade and thermal sleeping bags are provided. Showers, toilets and a Scandinavian sauna are provided in a building next to the snow hotel.

Optional Activities in Kirkenes: You may like to book some additional optional activities such as a Snowmobile Safari (2 hours), Snow Shoe Walking Tour (2 hours), take a magical excursion by husky dog sledge (2 hours) or go in search of the Northern Lights by husky dog sledge (4 hours). Each sledge is pulled by a team of eight dogs, and can seat two people and 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.

Snow Suite, Kirkenes Snow Hotel

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DAY 7

on board INSIDE THE ARCTIC CIRCLE, RUSSIA

We cross the border back into Russia and re-join our train which is waiting for us in Nikel. We will spend the afternoon on board travelling through Arctic Russia. Relax and enjoy the ever-changing winter landscape outside your window, chat to fellow passengers or listen to a lecture by our guest astronomer. Afternoon tea with freshly baked Russian cookies

Suzdal

DAY 8

will be served in our stylish Bar Lounge Car.

murmansk INSIDE THE ARCTIC CIRCLE, RUSSIA

Murmansk is a city halfway between Moscow and the North Pole, and 120 miles (193 km) north of the Arctic Circle. As the main city of the Kola Peninsula, it started as a tiny settlement and Arctic trading post.

In 1916, under pressure from the British to establish a support port, Murmansk was founded.

Thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream, the port is ice-free year round. Homeport of Russia’s nuclear-powered icebreakers, visit the Nuclear Icebreaker Museum Ship.

Moscow

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petrozavodsk

DAYS 11&12

DAY 9

Uspensky Cathedral, Vladimir

ARCTIC RUSSIA

moscow RUSSIA

Petrozavodsk stretches along the western shore of Lake Onega –

We arrive at Moscow Kazanskiy station and transfer to the centrally

the second largest lake in Europe. It is one of the major cultural and

located five-star Ritz-Carlton, for a one-night stay.

industrial centres of the North-West of Russia. We take a city tour of this

DAY 10

capital of the Republic of Karelia.

We visit the Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia’s former military

vladimir & suzdal RUSSIA

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

The historic city of Vladimir was founded in 990 and is one of Russia’s

of Lenin’s tomb. Our touring programme also takes us to the grandeur

oldest communities. With an architectural wealth, it has been decreed

of the Kremlin - the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow

a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour takes in Uspensky Cathedral,

and to see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber.

built between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries. It is considered one of the most important and beautiful of Russian cathedrals, where many

Breakfast in the hotel the next day brings the tour to a close and

of the prominent Russian Tsars were crowned. From Vladimir we travel

airport transfers are provided for your departure flights. Why not

to Suzdal, one of Russia’s most perfectly preserved walled cities dating

extend your stay in Moscow to explore more of the city at your leisure?

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.

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

55

FOR 2017

golden eagle

land of the midnight sun

Barents Sea

Kirkenes (Norway) Nikel

NORWAY

Murmansk

SWEDEN

Arct ic Ci rcle

FINLAND

st petersburg

RUSSIA

Petrozavodsk

ESTONIA LATVIA POLAND BELARUS moscow

Vladimir & Suzdal

daily tour itineraries

tour schedules 15 – 26 June, 2017 17 – 30 June, 2018

accommodation

Day 1

Moscow

Day 7

Kirkenes

Day 2

Moscow

Day 8

Kirkenes

Day 3

Vladimir & Suzdal

Day 9

On Board

Day 4

Petrozavodsk & Kizhi Island

Day 10

St Petersburg

Day 5

Murmansk

Day 11

St Petersburg

Day 6

Murmansk

Day 12

St Petersburg

& Nikel Murmansk

2 nights in Moscow | 5 nights on board the Golden Eagle | 2 nights in Kirkenes (Norway) | 2 nights in St Petersburg

moscow - vladimir - suzdal - petrozavodsk (for kizhi island) - murmansk kirkenes (norway) - st petersburg 56

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golden eagle

land of the midnight sun moscow - vladimir - suzdal - petrozavodsk (for kizhi island) murmansk • kirkenes (norway) • st petersburg

Join us on an incredible rail journey during the celebratory White Nights season as we cross deep into the Arctic Circle by private train.

Incomparable cities, remote communities, dramatic fjords, abundant wildlife, serene forests and stories recounting a turbulent history awaits you on this adventure of a lifetime. A tour that will be a photographer’s dream, what better way is there to experience the land of the Midnight Sun than by private train?

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57

tour highlights

moscow

DAY 3

DAY 1

Moscow

RUSSIA

vladimir & suzdal RUSSIA

From Moscow we travel by rail for the day to the historic Golden Ring

similar) for a two-night stay. Located in Moscow city centre, and within

city of Vladimir, which was founded in 990 and is one of Russia’s oldest

walking distance of Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre, guests will

communities. With an architectural wealth, it has been decreed a

discover a classic and sophisticated ambience within this luxury hotel.

UNESCO World Heritage Site.

DAY 2

Flight arrivals into Moscow and transfer to the luxurious Ritz-Carlton (or

moscow

Our tour takes in Uspensky Cathedral, built between the twelfth and

RUSSIA

fifteenth centuries. It is considered one of the most important and beautiful of Russian cathedrals, where many of the prominent Russian

Our touring programme today takes us to the grandeur of the Kremlin -

Tsars were crowned.

the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow. We’ll also see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber where we will enjoy an

From Vladimir we travel onto Suzdal, one of Russia’s most perfectly

exclusive private viewing before it opens to the public. We also visit the

preserved walled cities dating back to 1024, located 35 kilometres

Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and political

from Vladimir. Here we visit the atmospheric St Euthymius Monastery

might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate

to witness an enchanting choral performance by the resident monks.

St Basil’s Cathedral’s magnificent onion-domed spires, the beautiful façade of the world famous GUM Department store constructed in

Returning to Moscow early evening, we board the Golden Eagle and

Tsarist times, and the sombre and evocative site of Lenin’s tomb. We’ll

settle into our modern, stylish cabins to embark upon our rail adventure

also take a tour of the opulent and unique stations of the Moscow

deep into the Arctic Circle.

metro - showpieces of Socialist art furnished with statues, frescoes and mosaics, unsurpassed anywhere in the world.

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DAY 4

Voyages of a Lifetime by Private TrainTM | LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN

petrozavodsk & kizhi island INSIDE THE ARCTIC CIRCLE, RUSSIA

Petrozavodsk stretches along the western shore of Lake

Island on Lake Onega to explore its open-air museum of

Onega - the second largest lake in Europe. It is one of the

wooden architecture. Marvel at wooden churches built

major cultural and industrial centres of the North-West

without the use of a single nail which have survived the

of Russia and is the capital of the Republic of Karelia.

challenges of Russian winters and revolution.

We take a city tour and a hovercraft transfer to visit Kizhi

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DAY 5

Thon Hotel (or similar). Instead of staying at the Thon Hotel, you may

murmansk

also wish to stay for one or two nights in the wooden log cabins of the

INSIDE THE ARCTIC CIRCLE, RUSSIA

Snow Hotel, located in the serene forests of Kirkenes.

Today we have the opportunity to have a relaxed start to the day and

After a traditional meal this evening, we will take a boat cruise in search

look forward to the many sights we are about to experience on our rail

of the Midnight Sun (weather permitting). Starting from Kirkenes central

journey, maybe listen to a talk or simply relax in the Bar Lounge Car

harbour we travel out onto the Bøkfjord and Barents Sea by RIB (rigid

and enjoy the ever-changing summer landscape outside our window.

inflatable boat). It is from the fjord that you will experience the wonder

Our train crosses the Arctic Circle on our quest to see the Midnight Sun

of the Midnight Sun. Your experienced tour guide will describe what life

and we will have a special ceremony on board to mark this occasion.

living by fjord was like during World War Two as Kirkenes was heavily bombed, along with the opportunity to observe the teeming sea life and

This evening we arrive into Murmansk and get the chance to explore

coastal birds.

miles north of the Arctic Circle. As the main city of the Kola Peninsula, it started as a tiny settlement and Arctic trading post. In 1916, under

DAY 7

this city located halfway between Moscow and the North Pole, and 120

kirkenes INSIDE THE ARCTIC CIRCLE, NORWAY

pressure from the British to establish a support port, Murmansk was founded. Thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream, the port is ice-

Today another unique experience awaits you on the water with a King

free year-round and it is here we learn about the perilous missions

Crab Fishing adventure. You will get the opportunity to catch, prepare

of the many Arctic convoys, hunted continually by the German Navy,

and sample these giants of the fjords! An experienced fisherman will

which sailed from the United Kingdom, Iceland and North America to

take you out on a RIB where we will cruise along the Bugøyfjord and the

Murmansk in World War Two to deliver essential supplies to the Soviet

Barents Sea to find the right place to anchor. You will be hands on to

Union. Now homeport to Russia’s nuclear-powered icebreakers we’ll

help pull up the King Crab cages from the depths.

DAY 6

visit the Nuclear Icebreaker Museum Ship.

from nikel murmansk to kirkenes INSIDE THE ARCTIC CIRCLE, NORWAY

Once the catch is safely on board we will return to the shoreline and sample the freshest and most delicious King Crab in a traditional renovated boat house located by the fjord. An amazing and unforgettable day in the Norwegian Arctic Circle.

This afternoon we leave our train with an overnight bag at the Russian

This evening we will celebrate the longest day of the Northern Hemisphere

border station of Nikel and we transfer by bus (90 minutes’ drive) across

year with a Summer Solstice Cocktail Party and Gala Dinner.

the Russian/Norwegian border to Kirkenes for a two-night stay at the

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DAY 8

Voyages of a Lifetime by Private TrainTM | LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN

kirkenes

After dinner, why not make your final White Nights evening in St

INSIDE THE ARCTIC CIRCLE, RUSSIA

Petersburg extra special by purchasing a ticket for a ballet or opera performance at the world-renowned Mariinsky Theatre or take in one of

This morning why not join an optional activity from Kirkenes (additional

the many outdoor concerts (subject to schedule and availability; must

charges apply): You may like to book activities such as Barents Sea

be pre-booked at least six weeks prior to departure).

activities have limited places so are subject to availability and should be requested at the time of booking the tour - please contact us for

DAY 12

Fishing and try and catch coalfish, cod or haddock! These selected

st petersburg RUSSIA

prices. We then say farewell to Kirkenes as we cross the border back into

DAY 9

Russia and re-join our train which is waiting for us in Nikel.

After breakfast our tour to the Land of the Midnight Sun finally comes to a close. Lunch, if required, would be by your own arrangement.

on board INSIDE THE ARCTIC CIRCLE, RUSSIA

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. No other major European city can compete with this experience, nor the

Relax and enjoy the ever-changing landscape outside your window and

atmosphere on the streets of St. Petersburg during these summer

relax in the company of your fellow passengers as we head to our final

months - lively, friendly, romantic and bustling with people throughout

destination, St Petersburg.

the night as well as the day!

DAY 10

We’ll spend today on board travelling south through Arctic Russia.

st petersburg RUSSIA

St Petersburg is a stunning city, crowded with splendid palaces, impressive historical monuments, wide boulevards, beautiful bridges and is renowned as the Ballet Capital of the World. The few brief weeks of 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.

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 and Nevsky Prospect.

We stay for two nights in St Petersburg at the Grand Hotel Europe. The luxurious, 130-year-old establishment with an ornate facade and a prime location has played host to a procession of European monarchs as well as to many great men and women of culture, including Tchaikovsky and Pavarotti. This evening you are invited to a champagne drinks reception with the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers before our exclusive Welcome Dinner. Specially selected international wines are included

DAY 11

with dinner, as with all meals during the tour.

st petersburg RUSSIA

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.

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Terracotta 8 Warriors, Xian 42

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golden eagle & urumqi private train

the silk road

moscow - volgograd - kara kum - khiva - ashgabat - merv - bukhara samarkand - tashkent - almaty - turpan - dunhuang - xian - beijing

Retracing one of the most important trading routes of ancient civilisation, the Silk Road follows in the footsteps of such legendary figures as Alexander the Great and Marco Polo. For centuries, merchants and adventurers journeyed to and from China on ancient routes through some of the most testing landscapes in the world trading silk, spices and perfumes. These ‘highways’ – stretching some 4,000 miles (6,400 km) – collectively came to be called the ‘Silk Road’.

Our epic journey on board the Golden Eagle through Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan and the Urumqi Private Train (and high speed train between Xian and Beijing) from the Kazakh border and across China through an ever changing landscape, will take in some of the most magnificent yet little visited sites and oasis cities from the ancient world.

We travel a total of 6,800 miles (11,000 kilometres) across five countries and six time zones through areas only accessible by train. Whilst the journey may present great difficulties for the independent traveller, our tour provides the opportunity to travel in comfort and safety. A true feeling of adventure and pioneering awaits on this unique tour by private train.

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

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golden eagle & urumqi private train

the silk road

moscow

beijing

RUSSIA MONGOLIA Volgograd

KAZAKHSTAN

Xian Turpan Dunhuang

Almaty UZBEKISTAN

CASPIAN SEA

Khiva TURKMENISTAN

Ashgabat Merv

KYRGYZSTAN

Tashkent Samarkand Bukhara TAJIKISTAN

CHINA

daily tour itineraries

tour schedules EASTBOUND 2017 September 22 – October 12

WESTBOUND 2017 September 26 – October 16

EASTBOUND 2018 September 22 – October 12

WESTBOUND 2018 September 26 – October 16

accommodation 2 hotel nights in Moscow | 10 nights on board the Golden Eagle | 3 nights on board the Urumqi Private Train | 1 hotel night in Xian and Dunhuang | 3 hotel nights in Beijing

EASTBOUND

WESTBOUND

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16 Day 17 Day 18 Day 19 Day 20 Day 21

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16 Day 17 Day 18 Day 19 Day 20 Day 21

Arrive Moscow Moscow Moscow Volgograd Kara Kum Desert Khiva Ashgabat Merv Bukhara Samarkand Tashkent Almaty Border Crossing Turpan Dunhuang Dunhuang Xian Xian - Beijing Beijing Beijing Depart Beijing

Arrive Beijing Beijing Beijing Beijing - Xian Xian Dunhuang Dunhuang Turpan Border Crossing Almaty Tashkent Samarkand Bukhara Merv Ashgabat Khiva Kara Kum Volgograd Arrival into Moscow Moscow Depart Moscow

moscow - volgograd - kara kum - khiva - ashgabat - merv - bukhara - samarkand - tashkent almaty - turpan - dunhuang - xian - beijing

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what’s included

Crescent Lake, Dunhuang

off-train excursions programme

finest rail accommodation Private accommodation (en-suite on the Golden Eagle) Cabin attendant service Evening turndown service Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water in-cabin Robes and slippers in-cabin Natura Siberica toiletries in-cabin on the Golden Eagle Complimentary bottle of vodka in your Golden Eagle cabin

Full guided off-train excursions programme Fully included Freedom of Choice touring options (options may be changed due to final train times) Personal Headsets to hear the professional guide’s commentary and bottled water during excursions Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants with a generous drinks allowance, including international wines

golden eagle difference Experienced Tour Manager On board Doctor - English speaking Luggage porterage - from the time you are met at the airport until your departure No tipping policy Arrival and departure transfers Detailed Golden Eagle route map High quality Golden Eagle embroidered backpack

on board inclusions Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily - starting with dinner on first day and finishing with breakfast on last day Generous drinks allowance, including international wine, with lunch and dinner Gala Caviar Dinner on board the Golden Eagle In-cabin breakfast option to start the day on board the Golden Eagle Afternoon tea and cakes on board the Golden Eagle

In-suite dining option for Imperial Suite guests on board the Golden Eagle Inclusive drinks packages for Gold Class and Imperial Suite guests Tea, coffee, bottled water, soft drinks and local beer in the Bar Lounge Car Stimulating on board talks Resident pianist in Bar Lounge Car

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

65

tour highlights

Volgograd

Uspensky Sobor, Kremlin, Moscow

moscow

Khiva

breathtaking views of Red Square and the rejuvenating surroundings of

Москва

ESPA, the hotel’s world class spa.

RUSSIA

Why not extend your stay in Moscow with additional nights to explore Our touring programme of Moscow principally takes us to the grandeur

more of the city at your leisure or have time to take in a performance

of the Kremlin – the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow –

at the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre? Tickets need to be pre-booked

and to see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber. We will

and are subject to schedule and availability.

enjoy an exclusive private viewing before it opens to the public, before visiting Red Square. This iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and

volgograd

political might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as

Волгоград

the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral’s magnificent onion-domed spires, the

RUSSIA

beautiful façade of the world famous GUM department store which was constructed in Tsarist times, is also the sombre and evocative

Standing on the banks of the Volga, Stalingrad, as the city was known

site of Lenin’s tomb. We will have lunch in Café Pushkin, a legendary

in Soviet times, was the dramatic scene of one of the most important

Moscow restaurant with a décor that revives the atmosphere of an early

Second World War battles. The Russians heroically turned back the

19th century mansion and serves traditional Russian cuisine and end

Nazi advance here to alter the course of the war. We visit the poignantly

the day with a tour of the opulent and unique stations of the Moscow

sobering Mamayev Kurgan war memorial, followed by an informative

metro - showpieces of Socialist art furnished with statues, frescoes and

museum visit.

mosaics, unsurpassed anywhere in the world.

kara kum

If you have been to Moscow before we offer included Freedom of

Кара Кум

Choice touring where you can visit other sights of Moscow such as the

KAZAKHSTAN / DAYS ON BOARD OUR PRIVATE TRAIN

famous State Tretyakov Gallery (National Museum of Fine Art) or the Space Museum. Your first evening in Moscow you will be invited to a

We will enjoy a relaxing day on board the Golden Eagle as we travel

champagne drinks reception before our exclusive Welcome Dinner.

across the vast expanses of the Kara Kum desert. Each Silk Road

Specially selected international wines are included with dinner, as with

departure has a number of days or half days on board our private train

all meals during the tour.

as we travel to our next destination. This time offers the opportunity to unwind and reflect on the many sights and sounds we have experienced

Included in our time spent in Moscow are two nights at the five-star

or are about to experience on our rail journey so far. Chat to your fellow

Ritz-Carlton. Located in Moscow city centre, and within a short walking

passengers, listen to a talk on the history of the Silk Road and its people

distance of Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre, guests will discover a

along the route, simply relax with a good book or enjoy the ever changing

classic and sophisticated ambience that gives way to contemporary cool

landscape outside your window as it unfolds before you.

in the most unexpected places, like from the rooftop O2 Lounge with its

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Voyages of a Lifetime by Private TrainTM | THE SILK ROAD

khiva ХИВА UZBEKISTAN

From Urgench we travel to the ancient city of Khiva, founded 2,500 years ago. As one of the Silk Road’s most important trading posts and now a World Heritage Site, it lies at the crossroads of the routes between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia. A truly magnificent sight to behold, it rises out of the desert to reveal a wealth of impressive architecture.

Stepping back in time, we discover its impressive mosques, madrassas, bazaars and minarets within Khiva’s ancient walls.

darvaza burning gas crater

Darvaza Burning Gas Crater

Газовый Кратер Дарваза TURKMENISTAN

WESTBOUND ONLY

The Golden Eagle makes a brief scheduled stop at Ichoguz, where we have the opportunity to leave the train and make a short journey to Darvaza’s famous burning gas crater, a spectacular sight best seen at night. Located in the middle of the Kara Kum desert where the area is rich in natural gas, the 70-metre-wide crater is known by the locals as the ‘Door to Hell’ and has been burning for over 40 years. A unique experience that is not to be missed.

ashgabat АШХАБАД

Ashgabat

TURKMENISTAN

Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan is known as the ‘Las Vegas of the Kara Kum’. Situated between the Kara Kum desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range, Ashgabat is a relatively modern city built upon the ruins of the Silk Road city of Konjikala and the Soviet city built after the devastating earthquake of 1948.

The city’s extravagant fountains, golden domes and towering modern buildings appear strangely incongruous in this desert setting. Highlights on our visit include a visit to the National Museum and Kipchak Mosque.

merv

Bukhara

Мерв

bukhara

TURKMENISTAN

БУХАРА From Mary we transfer to the ancient and mainly unrestored remains

UZBEKISTAN

of Merv. Once an important stopping point on the Silk Road, it claims to have briefly been the largest city in the world during the 12th century.

Bukhara is quite simply outstanding. Like Khiva, UNESCO sponsored the

1794 saw the demise of Merv, after the Emir of Bukhara destroyed the

renovation of much of the city for its 2,500th anniversary in 1999. The

dam which the population depended on for its water.

highlight of this wonderful tour is a visit to The Ark, a fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara – the despotic and ruthless leaders who ruled until Soviet times. We then travel out of the city to experience the Emir’s enchantingly named, Palace of the Moon and Stars. This evening, weather and time permitting, we will enjoy a barbecue on the station platform before our train departs.

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samarkand САМАРКАНД UZBEKISTAN

Just the mention of Samarkand instantly conjures up

Today we will visit some of its most significant sites

evocative images of the Silk Road, more so than any

including Registan Square, the refined elegance of the

other town.

beautifully proportioned Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Ulag Beg observatory, one of the earliest Islamic

Founded in the 6th century BC, Samarkand’s stunning

astronomical observatories built in 1428.

architecture hints at its former status as one of the most important cities in Asia and is particularly noted for its

Before dinner we will return to the now illuminated and

architectural remains from the 14th to the 17th century,

awe-inspiring Registan Square.

when it flourished as the fabled capital of the Mongol empire of Timur and his successors.

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Voyages of a Lifetime by Private TrainTM | THE SILK ROAD

signature experiences

Evening drinks reception on the beautifully

lit Registan Square, Samarkand

See the world’s oldest Koran in Tashkent

Ride camels through the sand dunes to

Dunhuang’s Crescent Moon Lake

Look in awe at the Terracotta Warriors in Xian

Climb the Great Wall of China

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dunhuang

敦煌 CHINA

In the small oasis city of Dunhuang we will visit the fascinating Mogao Thousand Buddha Cave Complex. This impressive site contains almost 500 grottoes, carved between 700 and 1,700 years ago. Inside we will see an amazing collection of beautiful sculptures and murals depicting the evolution of Buddhist religious art over this 1,000-year period.

In the afternoon we explore the vast natural beauty of the Gobi Desert by camel. Here we discover Crescent Lake. Hidden amongst towering sand dunes, it has sustained life in this region for millennia.

Bukhara

We stay for one night at the Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel and tonight we

tashkent

experience dinner and a local folk performance in this magical setting

ТАШКЕНТ

before waking for breakfast the following morning and experience the

UZBEKISTAN

magnificent sunrise over the sand dunes.

Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan and we spend time touring this modern Soviet-style city which was rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1966. Our tour of the city includes the Old Town, where traditional homes and religious buildings line the narrow streets and here in a small library we’ll be privileged to see one of Islam’s most sacred relics – the world’s oldest Koran. This is followed by a visit to the Railway Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts.

almaty АЛМА-АТЫ KAZAKHSTAN

Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and is notable for its wide tree-

Crescent Lake, Gobi Desert

lined boulevards. Surrounded by the majesty of the Tien Shan Mountains, this beautifully city derives its name from ‘alma’ meaning ‘apple’. Just a short distance from the city, apple orchards thrive in abundance. Our city tour includes a visit to Panfilov Park where we have the opportunity to visit the Zenkhov Cathedral which was built entirely of wood. We’ll also go out of the city to the Chimbulak resort, where a cable car ride will give you spectacular views of Almaty and the mountains.

turpan

吐鲁番 CHINA

Turpan is the location where the Flaming Mountains create a magnificent backdrop. We take a fascinating tour to the ancient underground irrigation system that has successfully fed the rich orchards and vineyards for centuries. We will visit the Museum of Turpan with its 5,000 artefacts detailing the rich history of the area and includes the Ancient Mummy exhibition with exhibits dating back 3,200 years. Our final destination is the elegantly decaying sand fortress city of Jiaohe that was founded in 108 BC and became an important trading route along the Silk Road until it was abandoned in the 13th century following a raid by Genghis Khan.

Mogao Caves, Dunhuang

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City Wall, Xian

xian

西安 CHINA

Our fascinating journey of discovery takes us to Xian. We will have several hours to explore the world famous Terracotta Warriors, discovered by peasants only 40 years ago. The 6,000 terracotta figures and their horses are one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. Alternatively, as part of our Freedom of Choice programme we will offer a visit to the Han Yangling Museum. This tomb, dating back 2,000 years with its adjoining museum, is one of China’s best kept secrets.

Also on our extended visit to Xian, we will admire the city’s historical

Tang Dynasty Show, Xian

architecture on a cycle along the ancient city walls and experience the bustling street culture of the Muslim Quarter with a visit to the Great

Between Xian and Beijing we will take the exhilarating new high speed

Mosque. In the evening we enjoy the Tang Dynasty Dinner, Music and

railway line. Travelling at speeds of up to 300kms per hour (190 miles

Dance Show, a wonderful performance of ancient entertainment. We

per hour) the bullet train will cover the distance of 1,144kms (710

spend one overnight at the Sofitel Xian, located right in the heart of the

miles) in a time of 4 hours and 40 minutes.

city wall district.

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beijing

北京 CHINA

Beijing mixes both ancient and modern and is where we spend three nights staying at the five-star Regent Beijing Hotel, which is located in the historical centre of the city. This luxurious Beijing hotel is minutes from the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Wangfujing shopping, the Oriental Plaza and picturesque hutongs.

In our extensive touring programme of the Imperial City, we visit Tiananmen Square and explore the magnificently restored Forbidden City, which was built in the early 14th century and was home to the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Our cultural exploration continues at the Temple of Heaven, built during the Ming Dynasty to offer sacrifices to the heavens, which is 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. We’ll also explore the small ‘hutong’ lanes of old Beijing by rickshaw and visit a local family in a traditional courtyard house.

Alternatively, with our Freedom of Choice touring programme we offer a tour to Cuandixia ancient village, nestled in the mountains 90kms (56 miles) west of Beijing. Cuandixia is known for its architecture and the natural beauty of the area. It is home to more than 500 well preserved courtyard houses dating to the Ming and Qing dynasties.

the great wall of china During our stay in Beijing we devote time 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.

Originally built to protect the Chinese Empire from raids by nomadic tribes, it is the longest man-made structure in the world and part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. We have the privilege of walking along a portion of the wall – the perfect opportunity to take some memorable photographs with your fellow guests.

We host our exclusive Farewell Dinner (or Welcome Dinner if you are travelling on the westbound tours) in an authentic Peking Duck restaurant. The banquet will be complemented by specially selected international wines, as with all our meals, as well as a glass of local rice wine also known as ‘firewater’ as befitting this special occasion.

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Hutong lanes of old Beijing

Forbidden City, Beijing

Great Wall of China

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73

the urumqi private train

Modern comfort in an ancient country… the Urumqi Private Train, with the option of private en-suite facilities, guarantees you good living even in the remotest of places.

Meals are served in the train’s spacious restaurant car, where our

Please Note - Tours running through both Russia and China on the

dedicated chefs serve a western breakfast followed by a wide range

Silk Road will use the Golden Eagle for the Moscow – Almaty part of

of authentic Chinese specialities at lunch and dinner, using only the

the journey. Imperial Suite passengers will be guaranteed a twin berth

finest local ingredients. As well as soft drinks, tea and coffee, meals are

cabin with private en-suite facilities on the Chinese Private Train, Gold

accompanied by a selection of wines from around the world.

Class passengers will be allocated a twin berth cabin with private ensuite facilities on a first come, first served basis (subject to availability)

Equally special is the unique ambience of the piano bar car, where our

and will be advised at the time of booking. Silver Class passengers will

resident pianist will entertain you during the evenings. Staying open

receive twin berth cabins with shared facilities. Subject to availability

until the last person leaves, the bar is the perfect place to get to know

upgrades to cabins with private en-suite facilities will be offered to Silver

your fellow passengers… or simply while away some time, reading or

Class passengers in order of confirmed bookings received with deposit

taking in the scenery while enjoying your favourite drink.

and final balance paid.

For further details on the train, please visit www.getrains.com/trains

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on board accommodation

urumqi private train Our selection of twin-berth cabins are the perfect private retreat, comfortably furnished and traditionally decorated for your rail journey across China.

Heritage Class

Diamond Class

• Sleeps one or two in lower twin berths • Shared shower, wash basin and toilet facilities in each carriage • Towels, robes and slippers provided • Towels and linens changed regularly • Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water in cabin

• Sleeps one or two in double bed format • Private en-suite facilities (shower, toilet & wash basin) • Towels, robes and slippers provided • Towels and linens changed regularly • Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water in cabin

Cabin Area: 36 sq ft (3.4 sq m)

Cabin Area: 75 sq ft (6.9 sq m)

Configurations, bed width and styles vary for all cabins – see website for full details

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

75

Sehidler Mescidi 42 8 Mosque next to the Flame Towers, Baku

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golden eagle

caspian odyssey yerevan - lake sevan - tbilisi - gori - uplistsikhe - mtskheta - baku cross the caspian sea - ashgabat - darvaza gas crater - khiva - bukhara samarkand - tashkent - almaty

Explore the countries on both the eastern and western shores of the Caspian Sea – Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. With their location at the crossroads of trade, religion, language and the arts, these countries are home to fascinating modern cultures as well as some of the world’s most ancient and timeless architecture.

From our starting point in the historic Armenian capital of Yerevan, we begin our captivating exploration of two halves by exploring the beauty and rich history of the South Caucasus as we weave through Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. Bounded by the Black Sea to the west and Caspian Sea to the east and the Caucasian Mountains to the north with stunning scenery all around, this journey promises to be a unique adventure, all experienced from the comfort of our private luxury train. From the South Caucasus we then cross the Caspian Sea from Baku and continue along the great trading posts of the Silk Road in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, before arriving into our final destination of Almaty.

The Caspian Odyssey is a breathtakingly beautiful and remarkable journey as we discover the mysteries, diversity and traditions of this part of the world.

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77

golden eagle

caspian odyssey GEORGIA TURKEY

Gori, Uplistsikhe & Mtskheta Tbilisi Lake Sevan

RUSSIA

ARMENIA

yerevan

AZERBAIJAN

Baku

Turkmenbashi

UZBEKISTAN KAZAKHSTAN

CASPIAN SEA

TURKMENISTAN

Khiva

Darvaza IRAN

Ashgabat Bukhara

almaty Tashkent

Samarkand

tour schedules

CHINA

KYRGYZSTAN

daily tour itineraries

daily tour itineraries

tour schedules 2017 TOUR October 17 – November 1

EASTBOUND

2018 TOUR October 17 – November 1

accommodation 1 night in Yerevan | 11 nights on board the Golden Eagle | 2 nights in Baku | 1 night in Almaty |

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6

Day 7 Day 8

Arrive Yerevan Yerevan Lake Sevan & Dilijan Tbilisi Tbilisi & Telavi Gori, Uplistsikhe & Mtskheta Baku Baku

WESTBOUND Day 9 Day 10

Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16

Ashgabat On board Visit Darvaza Gas Crater Khiva Bukhara Samarkand Tashkent Almaty Depart Almaty

yerevan - lake sevan & dilijan - tbilisi & telavi - gori - uplistsikhe - mtskheta - baku - cross the caspian sea - ashgabat - darvaza gas crater - khiva - bukhara - samarkand - tashkent - almaty 78

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what’s included

Mount Ararat

off-train excursions programme

finest rail accommodation Private en-suite accommodation 24-hour cabin attendant service Evening turndown service Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water in-cabin 24 hrs a day Robes, slippers and Natura Siberica toiletries in-cabin Complimentary bottle of vodka in your cabin

Full guided off-train excursions programme Personal Headsets to hear the professional guide’s commentary and bottled water during excursions Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants with a generous drinks allowance, including international wines

golden eagle difference Experienced Tour Manager On board Doctor - English speaking Luggage porterage - from the time you are met at the airport until your departure No tipping policy Arrival and departure transfers Detailed Golden Eagle route map High quality Golden Eagle embroidered backpack

on board inclusions Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily - starting with dinner on first day and finishing with breakfast on last day Generous drinks allowance, including international wine, with lunch and dinner Gala Caviar Dinner on board the train In-cabin breakfast option to start the day on board the train Afternoon tea and cakes on board the train

In-suite dining option for Imperial Suite guests Inclusive drinks packages for Gold Class and Imperial Suite guests Tea, coffee, bottled water, soft drinks and local beer in the Bar Lounge Car Stimulating on board talks Resident pianist in Bar Lounge Car Live musical performances

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tour highlights

Lake Sevan

Geghard Monastery, Yerevan

yerevan

Ashgabat

lake sevan & dilijan

ԵՐԵՒԱՆ

ՍԵՒԱՆԱ ԼԻՃ ԵՒ ԴԻԼԻՋԱՆ

ARMENIA

ARMENIA

The Yerevan skyline is dominated by Mount Ararat in nearby Turkey,

Our train takes a scenic route today around the stunning Lake Sevan and

with its snow covered peak towering in the distance. Yerevan has a rich

we make a short stop to walk to the beach for a photo opportunity. Along

history and was occupied as early as 6,000 BC. The fortress of Erebuni

with Lake Van and Lake Urmia, Sevan was considered one of the three

was erected there in the 8th century BC. Seized by a succession of

great lakes of the historical Armenian Kingdom, collectively referred

conquerors, the city later passed back and forth between the Turks and

to as the Seas of Armenia; it is the only one within the boundaries of

the Persians until 1827, when it was taken by Russia. It became the

today’s Republic of Armenia.

capital of Soviet Armenia in 1920 and following the demise of the Soviet Union, the capital of the new nation of Armenia.

We will continue to Dilijan to visit the nearby Monastery of Haghpat, built between the 10th and 14th centuries. Its beautiful location in dense

On arrival we stay for one night at the centrally-located Armenia Marriott

wood in the gorges of two small mountain rivers make an atmospheric

hotel, or similar. Why not extend your stay in Yerevan with additional

backdrop for St. Astvatsatsin Church, its most important building. We

nights before the tour to explore more of the city at your leisure?

will have an Armenian cognac reception at Avan Dzoraget Hotel on the Debed River, nestled among the forest-covered hills and rocky slopes of

Our touring will take us 23 miles (37 km) out of Yerevan to the ancient

the Caucasus Mountains.

Geghard Monastery. The beautiful monastery contains a number of churches and tombs, many of them cut into the rock. The complex of medieval architecture is set into a landscape of great natural beauty, surrounded by towering cliffs at the head of the Azat Valley.

We will also visit the 1st century pagan temple of Garni, built to worship the Sun God Mitra. We will explore the remains of an ancient fortress, palace and baths there. Back in Yerevan city we will visit the Cascade giant stairway and inside it the Casfejian Museum of Modern Art. In the evening we board our Golden Eagle private train and start our adventure to Almaty.

signature experiences Taste Armenian Cognac Private performance of Georgian polyphonic singing at Uplistsikhe Cave City Darvaza Burning Gas Crater lights up the night sky in the Kara Kum desert Evening drinks reception on the beautifully lit Registan Square, Samarkand See the world’s oldest Koran in Tashkent

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Voyages of a Lifetime by Private TrainTM | CASPIAN ODYSSEY

tbilisi & telavi

თბილისი და თელავი GEORGIA

Heading into Georgia, we visit Tbilisi. Hemmed in by the Surami

Avenue. Here we will see the Great Hall of the Georgian

Range, the city extends for 17 miles (27 km) along the banks

Philharmonia, built in 1969-71, which has been acknowledged

of the River Kura. Despite the wars and fires which caused

as one of the finest public buildings since the Second World

innumerable changes in the topography of Tbilisi, the old part

War. We will see the treasures of the city housed in the

of the city still retains much of its original layout, a spider’s web

Janashia Museum of Georgia.

of narrow winding streets and alleyways.

We also explore the beautiful Kakheti region, which borders Historical sites we visit include the 13th century Metekhi

the Great Caucasus Mountain range. This region is known as

church, a cross cupola church which forms part of the Royal

a birthplace of Georgian viticulture and wine-making. We tour

Residential complex, and the 5th century Sioni Cathedral, the

the Tsinandali country estate of the Alexandre Chavchavadze

main church of Tbilisi. We will also visit the recently built Holy

family with a marvellous garden, house-museum, park and

Trinity Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the

winery dating back to the 19th century, located near Telavi, a

world and take a walking tour of the Old Town and Rustaveli

couple of hours’ drive from Tbilisi.

Tbilisi

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gori, uplistsikhe cave city and mtskheta

გორი, უფლისციხე და მცხეთა

Palace of the Shirvan-Shahs, now a museum, the oldest part of which dates from the 11th century. Also of the 11th century is the SynykKala Minaret and Mosque (1078-79). Other notable historic buildings

GEORGIA

are the Law Court (Divan-Khan), the Dzhuma-Mechet Minaret, and the mausoleum of the astronomer Seida Bakuvi. Around the walls of the

Gori is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, founded in the 7th century

fortress, the regular streets and imposing buildings of modern Baku

AD as Tontio. Joseph Stalin, the Soviet leader, was born here in 1879

rise up the slopes of the amphitheatre of hills surrounding the bay.

and he spent his childhood years in the city and later (1888-94) studied at its theological seminary. The small house where Stalin was born

We will offer an alternative tour to Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape.

is preserved under a canopy outside the huge columned palace-like

Located 40 miles (64 km) from Baku on the west bank of the Caspian

building that houses the Stalin Museum. To the side of the museum is

Sea, Gobustan is an outstanding archaeological site of more than 6,000

Stalin’s private railway carriage. The museum is filled with interesting

pre-historic rock engravings. The area also features the remains of

photographs of the man responsible for more deaths and suffering than

inhabited caves, settlements and burials. We stay for two nights at the

any other human being. From the town we will go directly to Uplistsikhe

five-star Four Seasons, Baku, or similar, while our train is loaded on the

where we will have a private performance of traditional Georgian

ferry and transported across the Caspian Sea to Turkmenistan.

polyphonic singing.

cross the caspian sea

The famous cave city of Uplistsikhe dates from the 6th century BC and

FROM AZERBAIJAN TO TURKMENISTAN

is first mentioned in the chronicles of the 1st century AD. Carved into rocky plateau we find huge echoing halls, meandering corridor-streets,

Our empty train is loaded onto a cargo ferry for a 12-14 hour

chambers for pagan worship and even the remains of Georgia’s oldest

crossing of the Caspian Sea from Baku to the town of Turkmenbashi.

theatre, complete with auditorium, stage and orchestra pit. Like the

Formerly known as Krasnovodsk, it is the western terminus of oil

other cave-towns of Georgia, it is rooted in the prehistoric traditions of

and natural gas pipelines and of the Trans-Caspian Railway, which

the peoples of the Near East. On one side the fortress was protected by

links the Caspian region with central Asia. Upon arrival at the port at

the Mtkvari and an almost vertical rock face, on the other, by powerful

Turkmenbashi our train will be offloaded and will travel overnight to

fortifications. Its strategic position on the approaches to Gori and, in

Ashgabat. Meanwhile we will fly from Baku directly to Ashgabat.

particular, its strong defences made it possible to control the surrounding terrain. There were numerous attempts to destroy Uplistsikhe. Only in the 13th century, however, did the hordes of Genghis Khan’s son Khulagu succeed in doing so, after capturing and destroying many fortresses in Transcaucasia with the help of siege machines. The 5,000 inhabitants of Uplistsikhe perished and life ended forever in the fortress.

Late afternoon we visit the city of Mtskheta, Georgia’s Old Capital. Due to its historical significance and numerous ancient monuments, Mtskheta became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

baku

БАКУ

Ashgabat

AZERBAIJAN

ashgabat

Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, lies on the western shore of the Caspian

АШХАБАД

Sea and the southern side of the Apsheron Peninsula, around the wide,

TURKMENISTAN

curving sweep of the Bay of Baku. The bay, sheltered by the islands of the Baku Archipelago, provides the best harbour of the Caspian Sea, while

Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan is known as the ‘Las Vegas of

the Apsheron Peninsula gives protection from violent northerly winds.

the Kara Kum’. Situated between the Kara Kum desert and the Kopet

Baku derives its international importance from its huge oil industry.

Dag mountain range, Ashgabat is a relatively modern city built upon

The core of present-day Baku is the Old Town, or fortress, of Icheri-

the ruins of the Silk Road city of Konjikala and the Soviet city built after

Shekher. Most of the walls, strengthened after the Russian conquest

the devastating earthquake of 1948.

in 1806, survive, as does the 90 ft (27 m) tower of Kyz-Kalasy (Maiden Tower, 12th century). The walled Old Town is highly picturesque, with

The city’s extravagant fountains, golden domes and towering modern

its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings. These include the

buildings appear strangely incongruous in this desert setting.

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Voyages of a Lifetime by Private TrainTM | CASPIAN ODYSSEY Highlights on our visit include a trip to the National Museum and Kipchak Mosque.

darvaza burning gas crater ГАЗОВЫЙ КРАТЕР ДАРВАЗА TURKMENISTAN

The Golden Eagle makes a brief scheduled stop at Ichoguz, where we have the opportunity to leave the train and make a short journey to Darvaza’s famous burning gas crater, a spectacular sight best seen at night. Located in the middle of the Kara Kum desert where the area is rich in natural gas, the 70-metre-wide crater is known by the locals as the ‘Door to Hell’ and has been burning for over 40 years. A unique

Samarkand

experience that is not to be missed.

when it flourished as the fabled capital of the Mongol empire of Timur

khiva

and his successors.

ХИВА

Today we will visit some of its most significant sites including Registan

UZBEKISTAN

Square, the refined elegance of the beautifully proportioned Bibi Our train travels towards Urgench, from where we transfer to the

Khanum Mosque and the Ulag Beg observatory, one of the earliest

ancient city of Khiva, founded 2,500 years ago. As one of the Silk

Islamic astronomical observatories built in 1428. Before dinner we will

Road’s most important trading posts and now a World Heritage Site, it

return to the now illuminated and awe-inspiring Registan Square.

lies at the crossroads of the routes between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia. A truly magnificent sight to behold, it rises out of the desert to reveal a wealth of impressive architecture. Stepping back in time, we discover the impressive mosques, bazaars and minarets within

tashkent

ТАШКЕНТ UZBEKISTAN

Khiva’s ancient walls.

Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan and we spend time touring

bukhara

this modern Soviet-style city which was rebuilt following the devastating

БУХАРА

earthquake of 1966. Our tour of the city includes the Old Town, where traditional homes and religious buildings line the narrow streets and

UZBEKISTAN

here in a small library we will be privileged to see one of Islam’s most Bukhara is quite simply outstanding. Like Khiva, UNESCO sponsored

sacred relics – the world’s oldest Koran.

the renovation of much of the city for its 2,500th anniversary in 1999.

The most enjoyable aspect of this city is to just immerse oneself in

This is followed by a visit to the Railway Museum and the Museum of

the atmosphere of this unique and ancient city and re-live some of its

Applied Arts.

fascinating history at the crossroads of Asia.

The main highlight of this wonderful tour is a visit to The Ark, a fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara – the despotic and ruthless leaders

almaty

АЛМА-АТЫ KAZAKHSTAN

who ruled until Soviet times. We then travel out of the city to experience the Emir’s enchantingly named, ‘Palace of the Moon and Stars’.

We will take a tour of Almaty including a visit to Panfilov Park, located in the heart of the city, and home to the Zenkov Cathedral, a 19th

samarkand

century Russian Orthodox Church made entirely of wood. Overnight

САМАРКАНД

we stay in the InterContinental Hotel, or similar, before transferring to

UZBEKISTAN

Almaty Airport to begin your journey home.

Just the mention of Samarkand instantly conjures up evocative images of the Silk Road, more so than any other town. Founded in the 6th century BC, Samarkand’s stunning architecture hints at its former status as one of the most important cities in Asia and is particularly noted for its architectural remains from the 14th to the 17th century, To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

83

important information about our tours

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE? All accommodation as per the itinerary; both on board the train and in hotels; all meals starting with dinner on the first day; a generous allowance of wine, beer, soft drinks and tea and coffee with all lunches and dinners both on and off the train; all arrival and departure transfers; guided offtrain sightseeing excursions; the services of experienced tour leaders; complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water 24 hours a day; all gratuities; and a doctor travelling with the group.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE? International and domestic airfares (unless part of the itinerary); visa and excess baggage charges; insurance. Personal expenses such as drinks in the Bar Lounge Car or laundry. On some tours there may also be an occasional optional activity that needs to be paid for locally.

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION It is your responsibility to be in possession of a valid passport and visa for your trip. A passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity is required for all our rail tours. Many of the remote and exotic countries we visit require visas. Visa costs are not included in the price of the tour and these must be purchased independently. This can often be an involved and time consuming process and, as this is such an important aspect of your holiday, we can assist you with advice and any supporting documentation. We do not take any responsibility for any passengers in possession of incorrect or invalid visas. Please contact our Customer Services department for help and information. For customers in the United Kingdom we can put you in contact with our recommended visa support agency.

84

ACCESS TO Wi-Fi Wi-Fi is not available on board our trains, but is often available and free to use in the off-train restaurants we use. Our tour manager will advise you in advance when Wi-Fi will be available, and will inform you of any necessary passwords for access.

On the Golden Eagle, we have a small number of SIM cards available to enable internet access for iPads while on board the train, but internet access is dependent on availability of signal. Signal is strongest near to towns and cities and not available when our train travels through remote locations. SIM cards can be borrowed free of charge for short periods from the Tour Manager.

INSURANCE It is a booking condition that you must be fully insured for any medical expenses that may be incurred whilst travelling. Comprehensive travel insurance policies for UK travellers can be obtained from Campbell Irvine.

VACCINATIONS As our rail journeys visit areas of developing countries, we strongly advise that you consult your doctor or a medical centre for specific health advice.

ON BOARD DOCTOR We provide a Doctor on board all our tours who is available 24 hours a day.

They carry a fully stocked medical kit but it is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain any vaccinations, prescribed and precautionary medicine for the countries you are visiting before travelling with us.

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INTERNATIONAL & DOMESTIC FLIGHTS Flights are not included (unless part of the itinerary) but we can advise fares and book them for you if the flights originate in the UK. Please note that we do not advise that you book flights more than 60 days in advance of the tour departure date (see Booking Conditions).

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION Hotel accommodation as described in the tour itinerary is included in the price of the tour. All hotels are of a 5-star standard or best available.

Room upgrades are available on request, subject to availability and at an additional cost.

ITINERARIES Accommodation and tour itineraries are subject to change at any time due to circumstances beyond our control. Every effort will be made to operate tours as advertised and as per the rail timings received.

SPECIAL REQUESTS We pride ourselves on offering you a personalised and knowledgeable service and will make every effort to meet any of your special dietary, room or travel requests. Also we are very happy to cater for any special occasion or anniversary that you are celebrating whilst you are with us.

Please advise us at the time of booking.

SINGLE TRAVELLERS Many of our guests are single travellers and of course passengers travelling as small groups, families, couples or singles are all equally welcome.

GRATUITIES All gratuities are included in the tour price and we strongly encourage passengers to refrain from offering gratuities to crew/hoteliers/drivers etc. We would prefer passengers to inform our management of any exceptional service received, and we will reward accordingly.

LANGUAGE The primary tour language will be English. French, German and Spanish speaking guides are available on selected 2017 departures or on request at an additional cost. Please contact us for more information. Other languages may be available on request.

MEETING POINTS Details of hotel/airport meeting points will be printed on the tour vouchers and departure packs that will be sent to you one month prior to departure.

MINIMUM PASSENGER REQUIREMENTS All our rail tours require a minimum number of passengers to operate.

Should this not be reached, we will run a modified service of carriages attached to regular service trains to accommodate a smaller group or offer an alternative tour. If no alternative is suitable a full refund will be offered. Reduced numbers mean smaller and more intimate groups, and a shorter train, as we leave unfilled cars behind. Occasionally Russian Railways will be combining our Golden Eagle carriages with regular trains departing at similar times. Your on board experience and off-train tours will be unaffected and, as there will be no connection between our carriages and the regular trains, the Golden Eagle carriages will remain totally private and you will not notice any difference to the quality, comfort and enjoyment of your holiday.

TRAVELLER HEALTH CONDITIONS To get the most out of our tours, passengers must be able to walk at least a mile per day at normal walking speed. The traveller represents that neither he/she has any physical or mental condition or disability that could create a hazard to him/herself or other members of the tour.

We reserve the right to refuse travel to anyone who, in the opinion of the tour doctor or tour manager would be incapable of completing the tour or would cause unacceptable delays to the rest of the group. In these circumstances there would be no refund for any unused part of the tour.

If in doubt, please call us for advice.

PROFESSIONAL AND FULLY PROTECTED Air holiday packages that include air booked with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Ltd are ATOL protected with the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 3408. You can be confident that, in the unlikely event of our insolvency, all monies paid to us in advance of booking will be refunded or, if necessary, arrangements made for repatriation if you are already abroad.

BOOKING CONDITIONS Our full booking conditions can be found on pages 88-89 TRAVEL INSURANCE We believe that your safety and holiday enjoyment are very important, therefore travel insurance is a must whenever you travel abroad. You can buy either single trip or annual multi-trip travel insurance through specialist insurance brokers Campbell Irvine, underwritten by AXA Insurance (UK) plc*. To arrange cover or to obtain a quotation please contact Campbell Irvine directly or apply online at www.campbellirvine. com. Tel: 0207 938 1734 or e-mail: info@campbellirvine.com. Full details of the cover provided will be shown on your policy documentation, which will be sent to you by Campbell Irvine. We would ask you to please read the terms of your policy carefully to ensure you understand the cover provided, which includes certain terms, conditions, exclusions and excesses. In common with most travel insurance, cover is excluded for any defined pre-existing medical condition from which you or any person upon whom travel depends are suffering. If in doubt please contact Campbell Irvine’s pre-departure medical helpline in confidence on 0844 826 2686, as additional cover may be purchased directly from the insurer’s medical screening helpline for certain existing medical conditions.

Please note that if you choose not to take insurance from Campbell Irvine then we require confirmation that you have an alternative policy that provides cover which is as wide as Campbell Irvine’s policy. In this case you will be asked to provide us with the name of your alternative insurer and your policy number together with the 24-hour medical emergency assistance contact number. We will require this information at least six weeks prior to travel with us.

Selected photographs in this brochure have been supplied courtesy of Andrew Mills. To view a full catalogue of Andrew’s travel images please visit www.photomills.co.uk

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

85

introducing

TOUR PREVIEWS for 2017

86

balkan odyssey

balkan odyssey

ottoman treasures

Budapest - Venice 9 July - 19 July | 7 September - 17 September

Venice - Budapest 16 July - 26 July

Budapest - Istanbul 24 June - 5 July

Budapest - Lajosmizse - Sighisoara - Brasov - Veliko Tarnovo - Plovdiv - Belgrade - Mostar - Sarajevo Ljubljana - Trieste - Venice

Venice - Trieste - Ljubljana - Sarajevo - Mostar Belgrade - Plovdiv - Veliko Tarnovo - Brasov Sighisoara - Budapest

Budapest - Keszthely - Ljubljana - Sarajevo - Mostar Belgrade - Skopje - Thessaloniki - Sofia - Plovdiv Gallipoli Peninsula - Istanbul

ottoman treasures

treasures of eastern europe

champagne express (westbound)

Istanbul - Budapest 1 July - 12 July

Venice - Budapest 16 August - 29 August

Venice - Paris 8 October - 22 October

Istanbul - Gallipoli Peninsula - Thessaloniki - Skopje Plovdiv - Sofia - Belgrade - Mostar - Sarajevo Ljubljana - Budapest

Venice - Prague - Zittau - Berlin - Gdynia - Gdansk Kaliningrad - Malbork - Krakow - Bratislava - Vienna Keszthely - Budapest

Venice - Bled - Vienna - Melk - Durnstein Verona - Monte Carlo - Grasse - Toulon - Avignon Tain L’Hermitage - Beaune - Epernay - Reims - Paris

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Voyages of a Lifetime by Private TrainTM | 2017 TOURS

In addition to the featured collection of Trans-Siberian and Silk Road itineraries included in this brochure, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains is extending its range of rail cruises for 2017 and beyond to including a number of new and exciting itineraries across Europe and Asia.

For further information on these tours visit the website at www.getrains.com. Alternatively, register your interest now with our Reservations Team on +44 (0)161 928 9410 and we will send you the full itinerary and prices.

sicilian odyssey

persian odyssey (southbound)

persian odyssey (northbound)

Venice - Taormina 14 Sept - 25 Sept

Moscow - Tehran 23 March - 9 April

Tehran – Moscow 17 April - 4 May | 24 Nov - 11 December

Venice - Cremona - Verona - Bologna - San Marino Bari - Naples - Reggio de Calabria - Palermo Agrigento - Caltagirone - Ragusa - Siracusa Catania - Taormina

Moscow - Baikonur - Tashkent - Samarkand Bukhara - Khiva - Ashgabat - Merv - Mashhad Mahan - Rayen - Yazd - Isfahan - Persepolis Shiraz - Tehran

Tehran - Persepolis - Shiraz - Isfahan - Yazd Rayen - Mahan - Mashhad - Merv - Ashgabat Darvaza - Khiva - Bukhara - Samarkand - Tashkent Baikonur - Moscow

heart of persia

china & tibet rail discovery

request or download your brochure

Tehran – Isfahan - Tehran 6 April - 19 April | 2 November - 15 November | 13 November - 26 November

Lhasa - Kashgar - Urumqi 6 October - 17 October

Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 Or visit www.getrains.com

Tehran - Mashhad - Kerman - Rayen - Mahan - Yazd

Lhasa - Xining - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang Turpan - Kashgar - Urumqi

Isfahan - Shiraz - Persepolis - Kashan - Shustar Chogha Zanbil - Susa - Pol-E Safid - Tehran

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

87

BOOKING CONDITIONS In these booking conditions references to ‘we’, ‘our’ and ‘us’ are to Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Limited a company registered in England and Wales (Company Number 02567148) whose registered office is at Denzell House, Dunham Road, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 4QF. Our email address is mail@goldeneagleluxurytrains.co.uk. Our VAT number is 603 554365. Please read carefully the following conditions to which your booking is subject (“Booking Conditions”). Please also ensure that you have carefully read and understood the relevant tour itinerary, and the pre-departure information featured on our website, all of which form the basis of your contract with us. In these Booking Conditions, references to ‘you’ or ‘your’ include the first named person on the booking and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made or any other person to whom a booking is added or transferred.

PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED AN ALTERNATIVE VERSION OF THESE BOOKING CONDITIONS SUCH AS LARGE PRINT, BRAILLE OR CD. 1 QUALITY STANDARDS & FLEXIBILITY 1.1 We aim to avoid surprise or disappointment by informing you of the following matters at this stage and if you have any doubts or concerns please raise these with us.

Most customers acknowledge these matters as part of the travelling experience.

1.2 Please be aware that some of the facilities you encounter on our tours may not be to the standard which you may find on a conventional holiday or at home, except for the hotels and trains we use. We often travel in areas which, relatively speaking, have seen few tourists and the infrastructure is often not fully developed. Whilst services are improving, you should expect to encounter problems with plumbing, bureaucratic service, unpaved and uneven surfaces, the non-availability of public restrooms and similar.

1.3 Please be aware that in operating our tours we rely upon other people and businesses. Tours do not always run as planned and, whilst we will always try our best to stick to the planned itinerary, please treat it as a guide rather than a strict timetable.

Although we cannot always please all parties when changing an itinerary, our clients should anticipate changes being required.

2 CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING 2.1 When you make a booking you guarantee that you have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of your party the terms of these Booking Conditions. We do not accept a booking and no contract exists between us until we receive your deposit (or full payment if booking within 60 days of departure), we confirm your booking in writing (the “Booking Confirmation”) and if appropriate, we receive a signed Booking Form. The Booking Form, these Booking Conditions, and any other written information we brought to your attention before we confirmed your booking, form the basis of the contract between us. If your confirmed arrangements include a flight, we (or if you booked via an authorised agent of ours, that agent) will also issue you with an ATOL Certificate.

2.2 A Booking Confirmation and ATOL Certificate will be sent to you or, if you booked through an agent, to your agent upon receipt of the Booking Form (if appropriate) and deposit. The Booking Confirmation will specify exactly what has been requested by you or your travel agent and it is your responsibility to check the Booking Confirmation and ATOL Certificate and advise us, or your travel agent, immediately in the event of any error as changes cannot be made later.

2.3 Any money paid to an authorised agent of ours in respect of a booking covered by our ATOL is held by that agent on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust at all times, but subject to the agent’s obligation to pay it to us for so long as we do not fail financially. If we do fail financially, any money held at that time by the agent or subsequently accepted from the consumer by the agent, is and continues to be held by that agent on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust without any obligation to pay that money to us.

2.4 Please ensure that we are aware of any special requirements when making your booking (such as those relating to your health and dietary requirements and room types in hotels e.g. twin or double). Whilst every effort will be made by us to try and arrange your reasonable special requests, we cannot guarantee that they will be fulfilled. The fact that a special request has been noted on your confirmation invoice or any other documentation or that it has been passed on to the supplier is not confirmation that the request will be met. Failure to meet any special request will not be a breach of contract on our part unless the request has been specifically confirmed. We do not accept bookings that are conditional upon any special request being met.

2.5 We are not a specialist disabled holiday company, but we will do our utmost to cater for any special requirements you may have. If you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect your stay, please provide us with full details before we confirm your booking so that we can try to advise you as to the suitability of your chosen arrangements. We may require you to produce a doctor’s certificate certifying that you are fit to participate in the tour. Acting reasonably, if we are unable to properly accommodate the needs of the person(s) concerned, we will not confirm your booking or if you did not give us full details at the time of booking, we will cancel it and impose applicable cancellation charges when we become aware of these details.

3 TRAVEL INSURANCE 3.1 It is a condition of your booking and your responsibility to ensure that you have sufficient and valid travel insurance to cover your booking with us. We reserve the right to decline your booking if adequate proof of such current and valid travel insurance is not provided to us when requested in accordance with clause 3.2 below. Please note that we do not check individual policies for suitability. Upon request, we can refer you to an insurance broker for travel insurance, however we make no recommendation as to the suitability of, and accept no liability whatsoever in relation to, such insurance broker and or the travel insurance provided. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance fully covers all your personal requirements including cancellation charges, pre-existing medical conditions, medical expenses and repatriation in the event of accident or illness.

3.2 You must supply us with the name, address and telephone number of your insurers, your policy number and the 24 hour medical emergency telephone number at least six weeks prior to travel. Any pre-existing medical conditions must be declared both to us and to your insurer; failure to do so may invalidate your travel insurance policy.

3.3 If you choose to travel without adequate insurance cover, we will not be liable for any losses howsoever arising, in respect of which insurance cover would otherwise have been available.

4 PAYMENT & PRICE VARIATION 4.1 We reserve the right to alter the prices of tours shown in our brochure and or on our website at any time. You will be advised of the current price of the tour prior to the Booking Confirmation. We also reserve the right to correct errors in the prices of confirmed bookings.

4.2 You must pay the deposit required within 7 days of receiving our initial invoice (or full payment if booking within 60 days of departure). The initial invoice is not a booking confirmation but simply a request from us for payment of the deposit. Deposit amounts may vary dependant on the tour and cabin type. The deposit amounts are indicated for each tour on the price grid, but may be subject to change and you will be notified of the exact deposit amount at the time of booking. If you do not pay the deposit within 7 days of receipt of the invoice, we will not accept your booking.

4.3 We accept payment by cheque, credit card and debit card. If you pay by credit card,

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a charge of 2% will apply for all transactions (no charge will be applied for payments made by cheque or debit card).

4.4 If you do not supply the correct credit or debit card billing address and/or cardholder information, the issue of your tickets may be delayed and the overall costs may increase. We reserve the right to cancel your booking and levy cancellation charges if payment is declined or if you have supplied incorrect credit card information. We also reserve the right to undertake checks (including the electronic roll) in order to minimise credit card fraud.

4.5 We only accept payments in US Dollars with the exception of UK residents (payments in £ Sterling) and residents of the ‘Euro-zone’ countries (payments in Euros).

4.6 We must receive the balance due in relation to your booking at least 60 days prior to the tour departure date or in full, upon receipt of the invoice, if the booking is made 60 days or less from the tour departure date. Please note that we will not send a further invoice for payment of the balance and it remains your responsibility to ensure the balance is paid by the due date. If full payment is not received in cleared funds 60 days prior to the tour departure date then we reserve the right to treat the booking as cancelled and the appropriate cancellation charges will apply.

4.7 We do not expect to make surcharges or partial refunds but we reserve the right to do so in accordance with clauses 4.7, 4.8 and 4.9. When the price of your chosen arrangements has been confirmed, then, subject to the correction of errors, we will only increase or decrease the price due to changes in transportation costs (including the price of fuel); and to changes in the currency exchange rate used to calculate your arrangements; and to dues, taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports.

4.8 However, we will absorb and you will not be charged for any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements. You will be charged for the amount over and above that, plus an administration charge of £1.00 per person together with an amount to cover agents’ commission. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 10% of the cost of your holiday (excluding insurance premiums, amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements), you will be entitled to cancel your booking and receive a full refund of all monies you have paid to us(except for any insurance premiums, amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements) or alternatively purchase another holiday from us as referred to in Clause 7 (major changes). You have 14 days from the issue date printed on the surcharge invoice to tell us if you want to cancel your holiday or choose an alternative holiday. If you do not tell us that you wish to do so within this period of time, we are entitled to assume that you will pay the surcharge. Any surcharge must be paid with the balance of the cost of the holiday or within 14 days of the issue date printed on the surcharge invoice, whichever is the later. Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of your confirmed holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you.

However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place.

4.9 We promise not to levy a surcharge within 30 days of the start of your tour. No refunds will be made within this period either.

of clause 7.2 shall apply.

7.3 If a major change to your tour becomes necessary you may either: (a) accept the changes; (b) accept an alternative tour of a comparable standard from us if we have a suitable tour available (we will refund the price difference if a tour of lower price is taken); or (c) accept an alternative tour of a superior standard from us if a suitable tour is available provided that you pay the price difference; or (d) cancel your reservation and receive a full refund. You must inform us of your decision as soon as possible.

Where you choose option (a), (b) or (c) (you accept the changes) we will inform you of any additional costs before you make your decision and reserve the right to charge you for any additional charges incurred by us in making those changes. Where you choose option (d) the provisions of clause 8.2 may apply (save for the “major change” being an increase in the price of 10% or more in accordance with clause 4).

7.4 Due to changes in airline schedules, or other operating reasons after our tours are booked, it is sometimes necessary to change the airline, airport or aircraft notified to you or your travel agent. Any changes to the actual airline after you have received your tickets will be notified to you as soon as possible and in all cases at check-in or at the boarding gate. Such a change is deemed to be a minor change and the provisions of clause 7.1 (as appropriate) shall apply. Other examples of minor changes include alteration of your outward / return flight by less than 12 hours and or changes to aircraft type.

5 YOUR CHANGES TO A TOUR 5.1 If you wish to alter your booking (for example, a change of date or transfer details) we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible to make changes particularly close to the tour departure date. Certain changes (e.g. flight bookings, extra nights and alterations to train accommodation) may not be made or accepted within 45 days of the tour departure date and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements. Any request for an alteration to a booking must be made in writing by the person who made the booking in accordance with Clause 2.1 or your travel agent. We reserve the right to charge an administration fee of £50 per amendment and any further charge to cover any costs and fees we incur. You should be aware that these costs may increase the closer to the tour departure date that changes are made and therefore any request for a change should be made as soon as possible.

Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

5.2 If any member of your party is prevented from travelling, that person(s) may transfer their place to someone else (introduced by you and satisfying all the conditions applicable to the arrangements) providing we are notified not less than 28 days before departure and you pay an amendment fee of £50 per person transferring, meet all costs and charges incurred by us and/or incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. If you are unable to find a replacement, cancellation charges as set out in clause 6 will apply in order to cover our estimated costs. Otherwise, no refunds will be given for passengers not travelling or for unused services.

8 OUR CANCELLATION OF A TOUR 8.1 We reserve the right in any circumstances to cancel your tour (including but not limited to where the minimum number of travellers required for a particular tour has not being reached) and in this event you will receive a full refund of all the money that you have paid to us in relation to the cancelled tour. We will not cancel your trip less than 60 days before scheduled tour departure date except for reasons of Force Majeure or failure to pay the final balance of the price of the tour.

8.2 We will pay you reasonable compensation for cancelling a tour save where it is done for (i) unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our reasonable control (and which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised), (ii) your failure to pay the final balance of the price of the tour or (iii) (because our tours are based upon an economic minimum number of passengers) if a minimum number of travellers is not reached. We recommend that you take out insurance with cancellation cover and do not make arrangements incidental to the tour more than 60 days prior to scheduled tour departure date.

6 YOUR CANCELLATION OF A TOUR 6.1 A cancellation of a booking must be made without delay, in writing and be signed by the person who made the booking in accordance with Clause 2.1 or your travel agent.

The date of cancellation is the date on which your letter, fax or e-mail is received by us, and it is your responsibility to ensure that we have received your communication.

There will be a cancellation charge to compensate us for making your booking, as we have already incurred costs and the risk that we will be unable to resell your place(s).

The charges are as follows (and exclude travel insurance premiums which are nonrefundable): Period before tour departure date Cancellation charge 61 days or more Loss of deposit paid or due Less than 60 days 100% of the total cost of the holiday Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above. We will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us. If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your travel insurance policy you may be able to reclaim the cancellation charges.

7 OUR CHANGES TO A TOUR Pre-departure 7.1 All the facts in the tour brochure have been checked for accuracy before publication. However, arrangements for our tours are made many months in advance and occasionally changes may have to be made (including but not limited to the cancellation and/or substitution of guest speakers) and we reserve the right to do so at any time. Most of these changes will be minor (e.g. a modified service of carriages attached to a regular service train) and we will advise you or your travel agent of them as soon as possible.

7.2 In the event of any major changes (e.g. a change in price equal to or exceeding 10% (unless such increase is due to events beyond our reasonable control), a change of outward departure time or overall length of time you are away of twelve or more hours, a change to accommodation of a materially lower standard, a significant change of itinerary missing out one or more major destinations substantially or altogether, a change of UK airport (excluding change of London airports) or a change of flight time by more than 12 hours) you or your travel agent will be informed of these at the time of booking or as soon as possible, if there is time before your departure and the provisions

www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com

Post-departure 7.5 On rail tours that include haulage by specific locomotives, travel in specific carriages, or on specific lines, whilst every effort will be made to ensure that these features are provided as advertised, there can be occasions when, for reasons outside of our control, the specific features cannot be provided. In this situation we will endeavour to provide alternative traction, accommodations or routing such as the circumstances allow. If we cannot make suitable alternative arrangements or if you refuse to accept these for good reason, we will arrange to transport you back to your tour departure point or to the point our contracted services commenced as soon as we reasonably can.

7.6 However, we and our agents at all times reserve the right to make such substitutions in relation to aspects of the tour for mechanical, operating or other matters required for reasons beyond our reasonable control (such as any war or terrorist activities (threatened or actual), riot, civil unrest, closure of airports, industrial action (threatened or actual), political conditions, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, changes to or cancellation of air, river, sea or rail services or any other events outside our reasonable control).

7.7 We reserve the right on occasions (at our sole discretion), due to effective load management procedures on the train, to provide cabin upgrades for selected passengers without additional charge. Such cabin upgrades are not guaranteed, cannot be requested and may only be notified on the first day of the tour.

7.8 We and our agents at all times reserve the right, without liability to you, to cancel and or amend any programme of guest speakers without notice to you and this shall always be a minor change. For the avoidance of doubt, you shall not be entitled to cancel your tour and or any refund of monies paid by you, due to the cancellation and or amendment to a programme of guest speakers. In the event that you cancel your tour due to such reasons, the cancellation charges set out in clause 6.1 shall apply.

9 TRAIN SCHEDULES & FLEXIBILITY 9.1 The trains used for our tours usually run on busy main lines, cover huge distances and operate to pre-agreed schedules. Occasionally operational, mechanical or other reasons beyond our control can cause delays resulting in rescheduling, reducing or cancelling parts of the cultural and sightseeing program in order to maintain our overall schedule. On our specialist steam hauled tours delays are not unusual as there are no longer servicing points for these historic locomotives.

9.2 No refunds will be made if time constraints dictate that elements of the cultural and sightseeing program or route are reduced to maintain our overall schedule or if any accommodation, sightseeing, meals or services are not utilised.

10 OTHER CONDITIONS 10.1 International Conventions: You are required to accept the terms and conditions of any relevant international convention, for example, the Montreal Convention in respect of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect of travel by rail and the Paris Convention in respect of the provision of accommodation, which limit the amount of compensation that you can claim for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of compensation contained in these or any other conventions. Copies of international conventions that will apply to your tour are available on request.

10.2 Conditions of Suppliers: Many of the services which make up your holiday are provided by independent suppliers. Those suppliers provide these services in accordance with their own terms and conditions which will form part of your contract with us. Some of these terms and conditions may limit or exclude the supplier’s liability to you, usually in accordance with applicable International Conventions. Copies of the relevant parts of these terms and conditions are available on request from us or the supplier concerned.

11 VISAS, AIR TICKETS & PASSPORTS 11.1 Your specific passport and visa requirements, and other immigration requirements are your responsibility and you should confirm these with the relevant Embassies and or Consulate, however general information about passport and visa requirements which apply to British Citizens is set out in our tour update letter.

11.2 Generally a full passport with at least 6 months validity from the end of the tour is required for all our tours. However, it is your responsibility to check your passport, visas and air tickets to ensure that they have been issued correctly for the correct dates and to advise us, or your travel agent, immediately in the event of any error. Any guidance we provide is provided in good faith however you and other members of your party should ensure that you obtain all the necessary documentation and visas prior to departure as we accept no responsibility if you cannot travel or for the refused or delayed entry of a passenger into a country because of incorrect documentation and/ or you have not complied with any passport, visa or immigration requirements. Any repatriation charges will be the responsibility of the passenger.

12 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS 12.1 Travel documents will be issued after receipt by us of the full price or final balance

for the tour and not normally later than fourteen days prior to departure. Tickets are usually available on departure when a booking is made within 7 days of departure.

Please take your Booking Confirmation with you on departure. It is your responsibility to contact us immediately upon receipt of your travel documents in the event that they contain any errors.

13 BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE 13.1 Airline free baggage allowances can vary depending upon the airline and we recommend that you check your flight tickets and/or contact the relevant airline if in doubt. Baggage maximum weight limits on trains, used for our tours are 50kg per person which should not be exceeded without our prior approval.

13.2 Where private aircraft are included in the tour itinerary there will be a baggage maximum weight limit which will be advised to you approximately 90 days prior to the tour departure date.

14 OUR LIABILITY TO YOU 14.1 We will accept responsibility for the arrangements we agree to provide or arrange for you as an “organiser” under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 as set out below. Subject to these booking conditions, if we or our suppliers negligently perform or arrange the services which we are obliged to provide for you under our contract with you, as set out on your confirmation invoice, taking into consideration all relevant factors (for example following the complaints procedure as described in these conditions and the extent to which ours or our employees’ or suppliers’ negligence affected the overall enjoyment of your tour), we will pay you reasonable compensation. Please note that it is your responsibility to show that we or our supplier(s) have been negligent if you wish to make a claim against us.

14.2 We will not be responsible or pay you compensation for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, expense, cost or other claim of any description if it results from:(a) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected; (b) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party unconnected with the provision of

the services contracted for and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable; or (c) unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond ours or our supplier(s) control,

the occurrence of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had

been exercised; (d) an event which either ourselves or our suppliers could not, even with all due

care, have foreseen or forestalled.

14.3 We limit the amount of compensation we may have to pay you if we are found liable under this clause: (a) loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions and money, The maximum amount we will have to pay you in respect of these claims is an amount equivalent to the excess on your insurance policy which applies to this type of loss per person in total because you are assumed to have adequate insurance in place to cover any losses of this kind. (b) Claims not falling under (a) above and which don’t involve injury, illness or death The maximum amount we will have to pay you in respect of these claims is twice the price paid by or on behalf of the person(s) affected in total. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and you or your party has not received any benefit at all from your booking. (c) Claims in respect of international travel by air, sea and rail, or any stay in a hotel i) The extent of our liability will in all cases be limited as if we were carriers under the appropriate Conventions, which include The Warsaw/Montreal Convention (international travel by air); The Athens Convention (with respect to sea travel); The Berne/Cotif Convention (with respect to rail travel) and The Paris Convention (with respect to hotel arrangements). You can ask for copies of these Conventions from our offices. Please contact us. In addition, you agree that the operating carrier or transport company’s own ‘Conditions of Carriage’ will apply to you on that journey. When arranging transportation for you, we rely on the terms and conditions contained within these international conventions and those ‘Conditions of Carriage’. You acknowledge that all of the terms and conditions contained in those ‘Conditions of Carriage’ form part of your contract with us, as well as with the transport company and that those ‘Conditions of Carriage’ shall be deemed to be included by reference into this contract. ii) In any circumstances in which a carrier is liable to you by virtue of the Denied Boarding Regulation 2004, any liability we may have to you under our contract with you, arising out of the same facts, is limited to the remedies provided under the Regulation as if (for this purpose only) we were a carrier. iii) When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the transport provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question.

14.4 It is a condition of our acceptance of liability under this clause that you notify any claim to ourselves and our supplier(s) strictly in accordance with the complaints procedure set out in these conditions. You agree to co-operate fully with us in respect of any legal proceedings which we may take against a third party in relation to the nonperformance or improper performance of the services involved in providing the tour supplier.

14.5 Where any payment is made, the person(s) receiving it (and their parent or guardian if under 18 years) must also assign to ourselves or our insurers any rights they may have to pursue any third party and must provide ourselves and our insurers with all assistance we may reasonably require.

14.6 Please note, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss or expense or other sum(s) of any description: (a) which on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you; or (b) relate to any business.

14.7 Excursions or other tours not provided by us that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on our tour are not part of the tour provided by us. For any such excursion or tour that you book, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of such excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of the provision by the operator.

14.8 Under EU law you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. However reimbursement in such cases will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your tour cost from us.

15 FLIGHT DELAYS AND HELP & ASSISTANCE 15.1 If you or any member of your party misses your flight or other transport arrangement, it is cancelled or you are subject to a delay of over 3 hours for any reason, you must contact us and the airline or other transport supplier concerned immediately.

15.2 The Package Travel etc Regulations 1992 provide that in the event that you experience difficulty on the occurrence of circumstances described in clauses 14 (2) (a) (b) (c) or (d) of these booking conditions, we will provide you with prompt assistance.

Where you experience a delay which is not owing to any failure by us, our employees or sub-contractors, this prompt assistance is likely to extend to providing help in locating refreshments, accommodation and communications but not paying for them. Any airline or other transport supplier may however pay for or provide refreshments and/or appropriate accommodation and you should make a claim directly to them. Subject to the other terms of these conditions, we will not be liable for any costs, fees or charges you incur in the above circumstances, if you fail to obtain our prior authorisation before making your own travel arrangements. Under EU Law, you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from the airline in cases of denied

boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. If the airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the Civil Aviation Authority at www.caa.co.uk/ passengers. Reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday price from us. If, for any reason, you do not claim against the airline and make a claim for compensation from us, you must, at the time of payment of any compensation to you, make a complete assignment to us of the rights you have against the airline in relation to the claim that gives rise to that compensation payment. A delay or cancellation to your flight does not automatically entitle you to cancel any other arrangements even where those arrangements have been made in conjunction with your flight.

15.3 We cannot accept liability for any delay which is due to any of the reasons set out in clause 16 of these booking conditions (which includes the behaviour of any passenger(s) on any flight who, for example, fails to check in or board on time).

15.4 The carrier(s), flight timings and types of aircraft shown in this brochure or on our website and detailed on your confirmation invoice are for guidance only and are subject to alteration and confirmation. We shall inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of it. The latest flight timings will be shown on your tickets which will be despatched to you approximately two weeks before departure. You should check your tickets very carefully immediately on receipt to ensure you have the correct flight times. If flight times change after tickets have been dispatched we will contact you as soon as we can to let you know.

15.5 Please note the existence of a “Community list” (available for inspection at http:// ec.europa.eu/transport/air-ban/list_en.htm) detailing air carriers that are subject to an operating ban with the EU Community.

15.6 This brochure is our responsibility, as your tour operator. It is not issued on behalf of, and does not commit the airlines mentioned herein or any airline whose services are used in the course of your travel arrangements.

which are rated as moderate to rigorous touring due to the daily walking involved and the overall shortcomings of the tourism infrastructure. You may encounter unpaved sidewalks, uneven surfaces and problems getting on and off trains (perhaps due to low platforms, steep steps and gaps between the platform and the train). On the trains used for the tour, restaurant, bar and shower cars may be some distance from your sleeping car and although we use reasonable endeavours to arrange porterage you may have to carry your luggage for short distances. Flexibility, a sense of humour, the ability to walk at least a mile a day and keep up with your fellow passengers will be essential components to the enjoyment of your tour.

20.3 In the event that we (at our sole discretion) agree to accept a booking from a passenger who uses a wheelchair, due to the poor facilities available to disabled passengers in many countries visited during the tour and the characteristics of the tour facilities set out in Clause 20.2 above, such passengers must be accompanied for the duration of the tour by at least one person who is willing to push that passenger’s wheelchair when required.

20.4 Passengers should refer to guidance published by the Department of Health which is available from travel agents or from the Department of Health and see www. doh.gov.uk. All passengers should check with their doctor before departure as to which inoculations are considered necessary or recommended for the area in which you will be travelling during the tour. Such precautions do not take the place of insurance. In some foreign countries the standard of hygiene and safety may differ from those in the UK. For your own protection you should take particular care with hygiene and to what you eat and drink whilst abroad.

20.5 If in the reasonable opinion of any person in authority (including our Tour Manager acting in accordance with the opinion of a medical practitioner), your physical and or mental condition means that you should not continue with the tour we may require that you leave the tour as soon as practicable. In such circumstances, we will not be liable for any refund, compensation or costs incurred by you whatsoever.

16 FORCE MAJEURE 16.1 Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions we will not be liable or pay you compensation if our contractual obligations to you are affected by any event which we could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. These events can include, but are not limited to war, threat of war, civil unrest, terrorist activity and its consequences or the threat of such activity, riot, the act of any government or other national or local authority, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, chemical or biological disaster and adverse weather conditions and all similar events outside our control (“Force Majeure”). Advice from the Foreign Office to avoid or leave a particular country may constitute Force Majeure. We will follow the advice given by the Foreign Office.

21 DATA PROTECTION 21.1 In order to process your booking we need to use the personal information that you provide. Some of this personal information may be “sensitive personal data” such as details of any disabilities, or dietary/religious requirements. We must pass the personal information we collect to relevant suppliers of your booking such as airlines, hotels and transport companies. The information may also be provided to security or credit checking companies, public authorities such as customs/immigration (if required by them), the Information Commissioner’s Office, and or as required by law. Additionally, where your tour (or part thereof) is outside the European Economic Area (EEA), controls on data protection in your destination may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country. If we cannot pass this information to the relevant suppliers, whether in the EEA or not, we cannot provide your booking. In making this booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons (including but not limited to third parties outside the EEA). You are responsible for ensuring that other members of your party are aware of and consent to this clause.

21.2 We would like to hold information (including email address), where collected by us, for our own future marketing purposes. If you do not wish to receive such approaches in future, please inform us as soon as possible.

21.3 You acknowledge and understand that from time to time photographers and or film makers may be present during the tour, and images produced by such photographers and or film makers may feature you and other passengers (the “Images”). You herby grant to us permission to use such Images throughout the world for any of our commercial or non-commercial purposes in all and any media, in its original format or edited or altered in any way which we deem appropriate. You also confirm that you consent to us storing copies of the Images for the purposes set out in this Clause 21.3 and or transferring such Images to a destination outside the European Economic Area (the “EEA”) or storing them at a destination outside the EEA for the purposes set out in this Clause 21.3.

17 SAFETY ON RAIL TOURS 17.1 Railways are busy and potentially dangerous places. If you alight other than at scheduled stops at recognised stations, or visit any railway installation, whether included or not in the tour, you do so entirely at your own risk and are advised that your travel insurance MAY NOT cover you in case of mishap. Permission to travel on the locomotives, or on any other part of the train not normally accessible, may be given during the tour however you do this entirely at your own risk.

18 BEHAVIOUR 18.1 As the tour involves travelling in a group you agree to accept the full authority of our designated Tour Manager.

18.2 Passengers are expected to behave in a reasonable manner toward other passengers, our personnel and other persons with whom passengers have contact during our tour. We reserve the right at our absolute discretion to terminate without notice the tour arrangements of any passenger whose behaviour is such that it does or is likely to, in our reasonable opinion, or in the opinion of any airline pilot, Tour Manager, accommodation owner or manager, their servants or agents or any other person in authority, cause distress, damage, danger or annoyance to any of our other customers, employees or any other person, or to cause damage to property.

In these circumstances we may require that the relevant passenger leave the tour as soon as practicable. In such circumstances we will not be liable for any refund, compensation or costs incurred by you and or the relevant passenger whatsoever.

19 FINANCIAL PROTECTION 19.1 Where air travel is included in the tour price and where flights are taken as an option in our brochure, you benefit from ATOL protection. We provide this security by way of Air Travel Organiser’s License granted by the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL number 3408. When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists the flight, accommodation, car hire and/or other services that are financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, where you have booked and boarded an international flight from the U.K., the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad or will arrange to refund to you any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk.

The price of our flight inclusive arrangements includes the amount of £2.50 per person as part of the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices. Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL Scheme. ATOL protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL Scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. If you book arrangements other than an ATOL protected flight or package holiday from us, your monies will not be financially protected. Please ask us for further details.

22 SEVERABILITY 22.1 If any provision of these Booking Conditions shall be found by any court or administrative body of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable the invalidity or unenforceability of such provision shall not affect the other provisions of these Booking Conditions and all provisions not affected by such invalidity or unenforceability shall remain in full force and effect. The parties hereby agree to attempt to substitute for any invalid or unenforceable provision a valid or enforceable provision which achieves to the greatest extent possible the economic legal and commercial objectives of the invalid or unenforceable provision.

23 COMPLAINTS 23.1 In the unlikely event that you have any problem or complaint during your tour please bring it to the attention of the Tour Manager immediately so that he or she has the opportunity to find a solution. Should a problem remain unresolved during the tour then please write to us promptly upon your return and, in any event, within 28 days of your return from the tour. In the event that you do not tell us in that period this may affect our ability to investigate complaints and may impact on the way that your complaint is dealt with.

23.2 We strongly recommend that you communicate any complaint to the supplier of the relevant services and our representative without delay and complete a report form during the tour. If you do not follow this simple procedure we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint during the tour and this may affect your rights under these Booking Conditions.

23.3 You can also access the European Commission Online Dispute (ODR) Resolution platform at http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/. This ODR platform is a means of registering your complaint with us; it will not determine how your complaint should be resolved 24 LAW & JURISDICTION These Booking Conditions and any agreement to which they apply are governed in all respects by English law. We both agree that any dispute, claim or other matter which arises between us out of or in connection with your contract or booking will be dealt with by the Courts of England and Wales only.

25 FOREIGN OFFICE ADVICE You are responsible for making yourself aware of Foreign Office advice and State Department warnings in regard to the safety of the countries and areas in which you will be travelling and to make your decisions accordingly. Advice from the Foreign Office to avoid or leave a particular country may constitute Force Majeure. (See clause 16).

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20 HEALTH 20.1 Please ensure that you inform us of any relevant medical conditions or health issues prior to booking a tour. Also inform your Tour Manager at the beginning of the tour. Where possible a doctor will usually be on board during our tours. Please note that our Doctors are fully insured for claims brought within the UK, but not elsewhere.

Foreign citizens must therefore note that any issues or claims arising from medical treatment are therefore subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales and must be brought within the UK in order for them to benefit from the cover under the insurance policy which has been arranged.

20.2 A moderate degree of physical fitness is needed to participate in our tours,

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent

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golden eagle luxury trains Denzell House, Denzell Gardens, Dunham Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4QF, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)161 928 9410 Fax: +44 (0)161 941 6101 Email: mail@goldeneagleluxurytrains.com

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