Golden Eagle Train
Photo source: https://vip-trains.com/
The Trans-Siberian Express “Golden Eagle” is a signature train offering an unforgettable journey across Russia and to the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar. This route is rightly considered one of the most exquisite railway tours in the world. Passengers are accommodated in comfortable, premium-class compartments and enjoy a high level of service along with a carefully curated excursion program throughout the journey. The Golden Eagle tourist train departs from Moscow and, after covering more than 10,000 kilometers, concludes its journey in Vladivostok, at the very edge of Eurasia.
The Concept and Philosophy of Travel
The Golden Eagle train was created for those who embrace the philosophy of unhurried travel, surrounded by refined luxury and impeccable service. Every detail is designed to help passengers leave behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life and savor the aesthetics of the journey to the steady rhythm of the wheels.
Throughout the multi-day voyage, guests can admire the breathtaking landscapes of Russia’s vast expanse: from the picturesque banks of the Volga River and the snow-capped peaks of the Urals to the mirror-like surface of Lake Baikal. Each day brings new impressions, with captivating excursions to Russian cities and an introduction to the traditional cuisines of different regions. Mornings on the train greet passengers with ever-changing views outside their windows, while evenings offer atmospheric events in the cozy lounge bar and exquisite dinners in the restaurant car. The journey becomes a graceful ritual of appreciating beauty in an atmosphere of warmth, care, and comfort.
Types of Accommodation
Imperial Suite – the most spacious accommodation on the train, with a total area of 11 m², and only two such compartments per carriage. Each features a bedroom-living room furnished with a spacious 155x190 cm bed, a wardrobe, a private bathroom with a shower, and a minibar. The compartment is equipped with two panoramic windows, air conditioning, underfloor heating, illuminated mirrors, a safe, and a wide-screen TV.
Golden Suite – a cozy room with an area of 7 m², designed to accommodate two passengers. Guests are provided with a 135x190 cm single bed, which functions as a folding sofa during the day, along with a secure upper berth measuring 85x190 cm. The room also includes a bathroom with a shower, a convertible table, air conditioning, a wardrobe, a safe, and an LCD TV.
Silver Suite – a comfortable compartment with an area of 5.5 m² for two guests aboard the Golden Eagle train. The room offers a 115x190 cm sofa bed and a convenient upper berth measuring 85x190 cm. The bathroom is equipped with a shower, a bio-toilet, and underfloor heating. Additional amenities include a TV, air conditioning, a folding table, and built-in shelves for storing belongings.
All three accommodation options come with a standard set of additional amenities, including bed linen, towels, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries, and earplugs. Each compartment is also fitted with a built-in hairdryer and a conductor call button.
Tour Itinerary and Program
A journey on the Golden Eagle train is a unique opportunity to traverse the breadth of Russia and visit the heart of Mongolia – the city of Ulaanbaatar.
The tour begins in Moscow, where travelers explore the rich history and vibrant modern life of the Russian capital while visiting its iconic sights. From there, the train departs for Kazan, a city where Russian and Tatar cultures intertwine, and then continues to Yekaterinburg, a metropolis straddling the border between Europe and Asia. The next stop is Novosibirsk, where Golden Eagle guests will visit the renowned Opera and Ballet Theater. Following a cultural program in the capital of Siberia, the train speeds through miles of taiga forests toward Irkutsk, a city celebrated for its authentic wooden architecture.
The captivating journey across Russia continues along the shores of Lake Baikal and through the vast expanses of the Republic of Buryatia, before heading on a day trip across the Mongolian steppes to visit the serene Buddhist temples of Ulaanbaatar. After crossing eight time zones and covering thousands of kilometers along the Trans-Siberian Railway, Golden Eagle passengers reach their final destination – Vladivostok, perched on the cold shores of the Sea of Japan.
This exhilarating adventure across Russia lasts 15 days, each one filled with remarkable discoveries.
Service
Service aboard the Golden Eagle train meets the highest standards, with a dedicated crew of experienced conductors, chefs, and waiters always ready to accommodate passengers’ needs. The carriages are kept impeccably tidy around the clock, with daily cleaning and linen changes. Guests can enjoy access to a bar, a library, and a lounge area for entertainment throughout the journey. Additionally, a doctor is on duty for the entire route, ensuring the health and well-being of all passengers during their Trans-Siberian journey.
Meals on the Train
Passengers are provided with three meals a day, offering a wide variety of dishes.
The morning begins with a full buffet breakfast. In the early hours after waking, guests can enjoy freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, pastries, hot dishes, salads, cold appetizers, and desserts.
The lunch and dinner menus are crafted to reflect the gastronomic map of the route, featuring specialties from the national cuisines of the regions through which the express train travels. Passengers also have the opportunity to sample authentic Russian delicacies such as red and black caviar, Kamchatka crab meat, and scallops from the Far Eastern coast. Vegetarian and dietary options are available for guests with specific preferences.
Tea and coffee are available in the compartments at any time of the day upon request.
The dining area of the train consists of three sections: a separate kitchen car and two restaurant cars, where guests can enjoy their meals in a comfortable setting, isolated from the smells and noises of the kitchen. Additionally, the train features a separate bar car with a unique interior and furnishings, creating the perfect atmosphere for an intimate gathering with fellow travelers.
Train Interiors
The train interiors offer passengers an atmosphere of refined comfort, blending the elegance of classic design with the conveniences of modern travel. Each compartment is crafted with meticulous attention to detail: natural wood finishes, rich upholstery tones, and sophisticated furniture create an environment of understated luxury. Modern amenities, including adjustable lighting systems, power outlets, and USB ports, ensure maximum convenience without compromising the interior’s elegant aesthetic.
The lounge car exudes a relaxed and inviting ambiance, ideal for unwinding or engaging in conversation. Warm color schemes complemented by vibrant stained glass inserts above wide panoramic windows enhance the sense of openness. In the evening, wall and ceiling lamps bathe the space in soft, ambient light. The restaurant cars are equally distinguished by their décor: decorative moldings, velvet drapes, and gilded framed paintings create a setting that encourages leisurely dining and convivial conversation.
Every space - whether a compartment, lounge bar, or restaurant - is designed in the distinctive style of the Golden Eagle train. The striking interiors combine visual elegance with ergonomic design, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxing and comfortable journey in familiar surroundings.
Traveling aboard the Golden Eagle train offers a rich experience of discovery across the Eurasian continent. As you explore the diverse cultures and landscapes of Russia, you will enjoy the camaraderie of fellow travelers who share a passion for long-distance journeys. Beyond the vivid photographs and unique souvenirs, the experience fosters a deep appreciation for the country’s vast geography and cultural tapestry. Meanwhile, the luxurious VIP-class compartments serve as private sanctuaries, elevating the experience of rail travel to a truly distinguished level.