Traveling the full length of the Trans-Siberian Railway can be the experience of a lifetime. Today train lovers and cultural travelers alike have the chance to traverse this legendary route in the comfort of a private train specially designed and adapted for this ultimate rail adventure.

Russia's far-flung Trans-Siberian rail line has over 6,000 miles of track laid through cities, villages, taiga and mountains. The BAM (Baikal Amur Mainline) route detours north above Lake Baikal, through remote Siberian villages built on permafrost where international travelers are seldom seen.

Following the BAM Route, visit Russia's last frontier, through tiny villages untouched by tourism. Though bracketed by the same two cities as the Classic Route, Vladivostok and Moscow, the BAM line explores more remote stretches of Siberia.

One of the featured stops is Severobaikalsk. The city of Severobaikalsk began in 1974 as a base camp for construction of the BAM railroad line. Cleared from the virgin taiga on the north shore of Lake Baikal, the town was little more than a collection of tents, cabins and railroad cars at first. By 1980 it was declared a city, and today more than 30,000 people live in this remote place, surrounded on three sides by mountains, and on the other by Lake Baikal.

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• Moscow - Immerse yourself in Moscow's rich architectural heritage. Experience St Basil's Cathedral, Red Square and The Kremlin.
• Vladimir - Steeped in antiquity, Vladimir echoes with ancient culture and a rich architectural wealth including the spectacular Uspensky Cathedral.
• Suzdal - Suzdal is Russia's most perfectly preserved walled city and a World Heritage Site. Listen to a private concert by monks in the St Euthymius Monastery.
• Yekaterinburg - Reflect on the poignantly tragic site where the Romanov family were executed by the Bolsheviks - a truly historic moment to the end of Russia's Tsarist period.
• Irkutsk - The 'Paris of Siberia'. Explore its classic wooden architecture and the Decembrist House museum dedicated to the exiled aristocrats who made their home here.
• BAM - A once in a lifetime experience to travel through an outstanding area of untouched natural beauty on the BAM (Baikal-Amur Mainline).
• Also see Komsomolsk na Amur, Tynda, Novaya Chara, Severomuysk, Bratsk, The Sayan Mountains and Abakan.
• 1 night in Moscow
• 12 nights onboard the Golden Eagle
• 1 night in Vladivostok
• New for 2011: Freedom of Choice Touring Options
• Pre-book additional nights in Moscow and Vladivostok
• Imperial City of St Petersburg
• The Golden Ring
• 24 hour service attendent
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
• Drinks with meal
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• Arrival and departure transfers

Days 1-2, MOSCOW - FREEDOM OF CHOICE TOURING
Arrive at Moscow airport, where you are met and transferred to the five-star Marriott Royal Aurora hotel (or similar) located in the heart of the city for a one-night stay. We enjoy a welcome reception dinner at our hotel. The following morning our tour of Moscow takes us to Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia's former military and political might. Here we see a mix of fascinating architecture, such as St Basil's Cathedral with its magnificent onion-domed spires, the grandeur of The Kremlin and the evocative site of Lenin's tomb. With our Freedom of Choice touring options you may instead wish to visit, for example, the Tretyakov Gallery or the Museum of the KGB. We enjoy the sophistication of a Moscow evening as we take dinner in one of the city's many restaurants. Late evening sees us board the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express.

Day 3, VLADIMIR & SUZDA
Today we visit the historic city of Vladimir. Founded in 990, it is one of the Russia's oldest communities with an architectural wealth and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour takes in Uspensky Cathedral, built between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries. It is considered one of the most important and beautiful of Russian cathedrals, where many of the prominent Russian Tsars were crowned. Our excursion moves on to the town of Suzdal, one of Russia's most perfectly preserved walled cities dating back to 1024. Here we visit the atmospheric St Euthymius Monastery to witness an enchanting choral performance by a male choir. No Russian winter experience would be complete without a Troika Sledge Ride. Enjoy the stunning scenery as your open horse drawn sleigh takes you on a captivating journey around Suzdal.

Day 4, YEKATERINBURG
We cross the Europe/Asia divide before arriving in the historic city of Yekaterinburg. Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, this third largest Russian city is also the capital of the Urals. Our tour takes us to the execution site where the Romanov, Nicholas II of Russia was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site offers a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution.

Day 5, NOVOSIBIRSK
A modern 'Soviet' city, we experience the life and character of Novosibirsk's rich cultural city. Our tour takes us to the Novosibirsk Opera House. An architectural marvel, it houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is the largest opera house in the world. In front of the Opera House, we visit an imposing statue of Lenin - a marvellous opportunity to have your photograph taken with this iconic political leader.

Day 6, ONBOARD
Today we relax onboard as our train travels through Siberia. In comfort enjoy the ever-changing views as sweeping panoramas of natural snow-covered beauty unfold before us.

Day 7, IRKUTSK
We arrive in Irkutsk, the 'Paris of Siberia', and take in the most significant sites and museums in this city, including an exploration of the classic wooden architecture that has given many of this region's buildings such a distinctive and unique appearance. Next, we visit the Decembrist House museum which is dedicated to the memory of the exiled aristocrats who were forced to flee to this remote outpost after the failed revolution of 1825. We will enjoy a private concert before leaving for the enchanting wooded encampment of Zaimka (Hunters Lodge) where we will be met by local women dressed in traditional costume. We have the opportunity to explore a Banya (Russian Sauna) in one of the region's authentic wooden houses. Drinks and traditional food can be enjoyed within a series of the cosy timber houses.

Day 8, LAKE BAIKAL
Today offers a real highlight of travelling through Siberia in winter. Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal. For five hours we wind our way through tunnels along cliff hugging tracks above the frozen lake with snow-capped peaks along the far shore forming a picture-perfect backdrop. Completely frozen in winter Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and at this time of year we will visit the shoreside Ice Festival to look at the many intricate works of ice art. We are taken in a hovercraft across the lake for 30 minutes to the place where the ice fishing, dog sledges and snowmobiles are situated and you will enjoy the perfect vantage point to appreciate the magnificence of this unspoilt location. There is also the opportunity to watch the under-ice fishing and try the freshly caught fish which have been smoked in a mobile smokehouse and served warm with ice-cold vodka. Delicious! This is truly a unique day of activities and adventure to experience!

Day 9, ULAN UDE
Today we arrive in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic. The ethnic and cultural diversity of this area offers a unique insight into its heritage. As we tour the area you will notice the different faces and dress styles of these welcoming people. During our exploration of the Old Believer's Village we have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of these religious people as we are treated to a traditional meal and enjoy a concert featuring local dancers and musicians.

Day 10, ULAAN BAATAR, MONGOLIA
Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us to Ulaan Baatar, the capital of Mongolia. Passing the central monument to Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most feared and infamous Mongol, we also visit the National Museum where we explore the country's intriguing history. Lunch is taken Mongol style in a traditional Ger (Yurt) where we experience an authentic local meal and entertainment providing a unique opportunity to encounter this time-honoured nomadic way of life.

Days 11-12, ONBOARD
Enjoy a more leisurely pace today as we travel through the beautiful Russian landscape of this vast and varied country.

Day 13, ONBOARD
Passing directly north of Seoul, Darwin and Osaka, we spend our last full day on board the Golden Eagle as the most easterly point of our journey is reached passing through Khabarovsk, where we cross the River Amur. Tonight, we enjoy our last dinner onboard as we approach our final destination on this unforgettable journey.

Day 14, VLADIVOSTOK
After travelling through 8 time zones and over 6,600 miles (10,600km) along this epic route to the end of the Trans-Siberian line, the Golden Eagle pulls into Vladivostok, a military port located on the western shores of the Sea of Japan. Vladivostok offers visitors an opportunity to explore its principal military attractions including a tour of a restored submarine before we transfer to the four-star Hotel Hyundai for our final evening and the Farewell Dinner.

Day 15, VLADIVOSTOK
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Vladivostok airport to begin your journey home.

This itinerary is also available in reverse.

Customise your journey and enjoy the opportunity to select from an array of Freedom of Choice Touring options that best suits your interests. Your off-train excursions will still take in all the major attractions of the places we are visiting but, in featured locations, you will be presented when you are onboard the train with a variety of activities from which to choose, and enjoy a tailor-made experience. In Moscow for example, you could choose to spend time in the Tretyakov Picture Gallery or visit the Museum of the KGB, which are not part of the standard touring programme in this brochure; or you might choose to go shopping in the local markets and bazaars; or spend a day relaxing in a local spa (*treatments extra). In short, it means that your holiday is just that, your very own, and it's all included in the tour price, with no more for you to pay. It is the ultimate in flexibility. Look at the individual itineraries where we are operating Freedom of Choice Touring. Freedom of Choice Touring options may be subject to variations dependent on finalised train timings and local charges. Touring options available will typically be advised in the evening prior to the day's tour.

Customise your journey and enjoy the opportunity to select from an array of Freedom of Choice Touring options that best suits your interests. Your off-train excursions will still take in all the major attractions of the places we are visiting but, in featured locations, you will be presented when you are onboard the train with a variety of activities from which to choose, and enjoy a tailor-made experience. In Moscow for example, you could choose to spend time in the Tretyakov Picture Gallery or visit the Museum of the KGB, which are not part of the standard touring programme in this brochure; or you might choose to go shopping in the local markets and bazaars; or spend a day relaxing in a local spa (*treatments extra). In short, it means that your holiday is just that, your very own, and it's all included in the tour price, with no more for you to pay. It is the ultimate in flexibility. Look at the individual itineraries where we are operating Freedom of Choice Touring. Freedom of Choice Touring options may be subject to variations dependent on finalised train timings and local charges. Touring options available will typically be advised in the evening prior to the day's tour.

Extend your "Voyage of a Lifetime by Private Train" with one of our fantastic tour extensions. Every tour extension can be tailor-made so it can meet your own individual requirements so whether you are interested in art, history or nature we can create the perfect short-break extension just for you.
MOSCOW
Spend extra time in the beautiful and vibrant Russian capital. In addition to the excursion that we provide as part of the main tour you may want to extend your time in Moscow and perhaps take in a tour of Moscow's underground metro stations, designed by prominent Russian architects, artists and sculptors; visit the famous Tretyakov State Art Gallery; or even spend a cultural evening at the Bolshoi Theatre.

ST PETERSBURG
The Imperial Capital City of St Petersburg is one of the world's most stunning cities. St Petersburg is crowded with splendid palaces, impressive historical monuments, wide boulevards and beautiful bridges. We can arrange for you to spend time in central St. Petersburg visiting the Hermitage Museum and St Isaac's Cathedral plus visits to the Grand Palace and Gardens in Peterhof and Catherine's Palace in Pushkin.

THE GOLDEN RING
The famous Golden Ring is made up of a number of cities north and east of Moscow. These ancient towns, which played a significant role in the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church, preserve the memory of the most important and significant events in Russian history. These towns have been called 'open air museums' and feature unique examples of Russian architecture dating back to the 12th century, including kremlins, monasteries, cathedrals and churches. We visit Sergiev Posad, Vladimir and Suzdal which are among the most picturesque towns in Russia and prominently feature Russia's famous onion-domed churches.

ADDITIONAL NIGHTS
We can easily arrange additional nights accommodation at one of our recommended luxury hotels in Moscow and Kiev and we will still include your airport transfers.