Eurasia
the early 19th century, many Russian artists, officers, and nobles were exiled here for A sacred site for Buryat shamans, Lake Baikal’s Shaman Rock is steeped in legend. their involvement in the Decembrist Day 8 Ulan Ude, Russia revolt. Visit the city’s historic sights, and wander The train rolls through the valley of the Selenge through a delightful collection of classic Russian River, which flows into Lake Baikal. Stop in Ulan and Siberian cottages at the Museum of Wooden Ude, the capital of the Buryat Republic and once Architecture. Stop for a private bell-ringing pera major trading post between China and Irkutsk. formance, and then enjoy a private concert and Pay a visit to a village of Old Believers, a group champagne reception at the Decembrist House descended from 17th-century religious exiles Museum. (B, l, D) whose fascinating culture has changed little over the centuries. Watch a performance of their Days 11 and 12 On Train/Novosibirsk unique choral music. (B, L, D) Enjoy a day to relax on board, taking in stunning Day 9 Lake Baikal
Arrive at beautiful Lake Baikal, called the “sacred sea” by locals and named a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The lake basin holds about 20 percent of the world’s unfrozen fresh water. Our train route hugs the rocky shores and passes through 33 tunnels. Take in spectacular views from the train, and stop for a barbecue lunch on the shore. In the afternoon, explore the village of Listvyanka and join a family for tea in their home. (B, L, D) Day 10 Irkutsk
Spend today in Irkutsk, an important Siberian outpost established by the Cossacks in 1652. In
scenery as the vast Siberian taiga unfurls. The following day, stop in Novosibirsk, Siberia’s largest city, to see the opera house and Lenin Square. (B, l, d daily) Day 13 Yekaterinburg
Arrive in Yekaterinburg, where Russia’s last tsar, Nicholas II, and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918. Visit the Romanov execution site—now a church dedicated to their memory— and view the city’s ornately decorated wooden houses. (B, L, D) Day 14 Kazan
Today, explore Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, About the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express (pictured left) is a deluxe, air-conditioned train with comfortable two-berth sleeping compartments. Silver Class cabins measure 60 square feet and Gold Class cabins measure 77 square feet. Both cabin categories feature a private bathroom, a shower, and a sitting/sleeping area. There is a lounge car for daytime relaxation and socializing. The restaurant car serves fine local cuisine, made from the freshest ingredients and complemented with wines from around the world. See our website for additional train details and photos. National Geographic has reserved 20 compartments on each of these departures.
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perched on the banks of the Volga River. Tour the city’s Kremlin, the turquoise-topped Qol Sharif Mosque, and the Peter and Paul Cathedral. Pay a visit to the Kazan Conservatory and enjoy a concert performed by the students. Then set off on a private cruise around the walls of the city’s Kremlin before returning to our train to depart on the final leg of our journey. (B, L, D) Days 15 and 16 Moscow
Disembark in Moscow, and check in to our hotel before an afternoon city tour. After dinner at a local restaurant, take a guided stroll through Red Square at night. The following morning, explore the legendary Kremlin. Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral, and view court regalia from the Romanov dynasty at the Armory Museum. After lunch, head to the monument to the Conquerors of Space, which sweeps some 360 feet into the sky. Delve into the history of space exploration at the recently updated Memorial Museum of Astronautics, and enjoy a specially arranged talk by a Russian cosmonaut. MOSCOW MARRIOTT ROYAL AURORA (B, L, D DAILY) Day 17 Moscow/U.S.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B) i n f o r m at i o n Dates: 2016: Aug. 7–23 • Sept. 3–19 Expedition Cost: Silver Class
$18,695
Gold Class
$22,295
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $7,995 in Silver Class and $10,595 in Gold Class. International airfare to Vladivostok and return from Moscow is not included in the expedition cost. Optional Extension: Add a three-day post-trip extension to St. Petersburg, Russia. Visit our website or call for details.
The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express
call toll-free 1-888-966-8687
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