Shanghai to St Petersburg

Shanghai to Beijing
11-14 June 2012 (3 days)

Beijing to Moscow on the 'Golden Eagle'
14 June to 1 July 2012 (18 days)

Moscow to St Petersburg
1- 7 July 2012 (6 days)

Pack your bags for an epic journey by rail from Asia to Europe! Covering almost 10,000 km and four time zones, this 'trip of a lifetime' will take you from Shanghai and Beijing, via Mongolia and the heart of Russia, to Moscow and St Petersburg on a combination of high-speed trains and the luxury and comfort of Russia's 'Golden Eagle' private train.

This journey begins with the brand-new and much anticipated high-speed line between Shanghai and Beijing. Scheduled to open in late 2011, a new generation of 'bullet train' currently under development will be the fastest in the world, with speeds of up to 380 kph, covering the 1,318 km in just five hours.

Following four full days in Beijing, embark on a two-week journey to Moscow via Mongolia, Irkutsk and Lake Baikal, Siberia and the Ural Mountains. The highlight will be ten days aboard the 'Golden Eagle', a luxury private train offering the utmost in comfort, service and cuisine as you cross Mother Russia from East to West.

Finish in St Petersburg, the grand imperial capital of the Tsars now linked to Moscow by high-speed train (800 km, approx. 4 hours).

This tour has been designed as a grand journey of 27 days in total – or you may choose shorter trips such as Beijing to Moscow (18 days), Shanghai to Moscow (21 days) or Beijing to St Petersburg (24 days).



The Hermitage

Shanghai to Beijing
11-14 June 2012 (3 days)

ITINERARY
Mon 11 Jun / Australia – Shanghai Depart SYD/MEL/BNE on Qantas flights (via Sydney for passengers from Melbourne and Brisbane) or PER on Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong). Arrive Shanghai on the same day and transfer to your hotel.

Tue 12 Jun / Shanghai Following a welcome breakfast with Scott McGregor and fellow group members, start your exploration of Shanghai with a visit to the Pearl Orient Tower which houses an Observation Tower with spectacular views of the city and the Museum of the History of Shanghai. Originally a fishing village, Shanghai is now China's largest city and the new 'Gateway to the Orient', where Western customs and Chinese traditions intertwine. Enjoy lunch in the Xintiandi area, known for its uniquely Shanghaiese architecture which blends European and Chinese styles.

Afternoon visit of the French Concession, in the past designated as a home for the French traders and businesspeople resident in Shanghai. Thanks to its Art Deco architecture, tree-lined streets and thriving cafe scene, the French Concession is undergoing gentrification into a hip urban quarter. Visit the 400-year old Yu Yuan Garden. Originally constructed in 1559, and badly damaged during the Opium Wars of the 19th century, the meticulously reconstructed garden preserves its classic beauty; it features traditional Chinese architecture, miniature lakes, bridges and rock formations. (BL)


Summer Palace


Wed 13 Jun / Shanghai In the morning visit the Shanghai Museum. This extraordinary building is shaped like a bronze tripod and houses one of the world's top collections of ancient and modern Chinese art and artefacts.
Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Thu 14 Jun / Shanghai – Beijing This morning transfer to the railway station to catch the new high-speed train to Beijing. Due to open in June 2011, the new line will reduce the journey time between Beijing and Shanghai from fourteen hours to just five. An estimated 220,000 passengers per day will use the trains.

Afternoon arrival in Beijing and transfer to your hotel. Evening at leisure. (B)


China's High Speed Rail System

 

Beijing to Moscow on the 'Golden Eagle'
14 June to 1 July 2012 (18 days)

ITINERARY
Thu 14 Jun / Australia – Beijing Depart SYD/MEL/BNE/PER on Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong). Arrive Beijing on the same day and transfer to your hotel.

Fri 15 Jun / Beijing Following a welcome breakfast with Scott McGregor and fellow group members, get an overview of Beijing's extraordinary transformation from walled city to modern metropolis at the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall. Then start your exploration of Beijing at the geographical heart of the city, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Covering over 40 hectares, Tiananmen Square is the largest public square in the world. It is surrounded by the Forbidden City, the Gate of Heavenly Peace, the China National Museum and the Great Hall of the People. In the middle of the square is the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall.

This afternoon visit the Imperial Palace. With some buildings dating back to the 15th century, the palace is an immense and magnificent complex of pavilions, courtyards, gates, ceremonial halls and imperial residences, gardens and lakes, with the Forbidden City at its heart. (BL)

Sat 16 Jun / Beijing Morning visit to the Temple of Heaven. Built between 1406 and 1420 as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Temple of Heaven covers 273 hectares and is a superb example of imperial Chinese architecture; the main structure was built without a single nail or peg. Like the city itself, the temple grounds are laid out according to a sacred geometry based on the requirements of imperial ritual. Continue to the ancient Bell and Drum Towers, used to tell the time during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.

After lunch explore the surrounding hutong district at your leisure. Hutongs are ancient alleyways lined with siheyuan, traditional courtyard residences, which are linked to form delightful historic neighbourhoods dotted with communal squares. (BL)

Sun 17 Jun / Beijing Morning visit to the Summer Palace. Located 10 km north-west of Beijing, the Summer Palace was the summer retreat of the imperial family during the Qing Dynasty. It is renowned for its architectural grandeur and stunning natural beauty. The large man-made Kunming Lake makes up three-quarters of the total area of 290 hectares. Overlooking it on Longevity Hill is a complex of imperial residences rebuilt by the Dowager Empress Cixi in the late 19th century.

After lunch, see some of the stunning new architecture in Beijing including the newly built stadiums for the 2008 Olympic Games – the 'Water Cube' and the 'Bird's Nest' – plus the Olympic Village, the CCTV Building and the National Centre for the Performing Arts (the 'Egg'). (BL)

Mon 18 Jun / Beijing Full day tour to the Great Wall of China at Badaling, 80 km from Beijing. The Great Walls of China are a series of fortifications – walls, beacon towers and watchtowers – erected and maintained between the 5th century BC and the 17th century AD across shifting borders. They stretch over some 7,000 km. In one 10-year period alone, 3,000,000 labourers and 300,000 soldiers worked on the Walls. They are a poignant reminder of the power, territorial aspirations and follies of China's ancient rulers.

Enjoy lunch at the extraordinary Commune by the Wall – a boutique hotel and 12 private contemporary residences designed by 12 leading Asian architects.

Return to the hotel and with dinner at a local restaurant. (BLD)

Tue 19 Jun / Beijing – Terelj National Park, Mongolia Early morning departure for Beijing airport.  Board a flight to Ulaan Baatar (Air China 0835-1050). From here travel to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park  where you are given the opportunity of hiking and horse-riding amongst the natural beauty of Mongolia as well as a visit to a local nomadic family. Experience an authentic lunch in a traditional Ger (Yurt), a unique opportunity to encounter this time-honoured nomadic way of life. Overnight in a traditional Ger (with private en-suite facilities).  Enjoy a special dinner with Mongolian throat singing folk show for entertainment.  (BLD)

Wed 20 Jun / Ulaan Baatar – Board Golden Eagle Today, spend the day in Ulaan Baatar, the capital of Mongolia.  Visit the Gandan Monastery, the National History and Natural History Museums and explore the country’s intriguing history as well as experiencing the city’s Sukhe Baatar Square. Following dinner in a local city restaurant, board the Golden Eagle and begin our rail journey towards Russia and the next stage of the journey.

Experience an authentic lunch in a traditional Ger (Yurt), a unique opportunity to encounter this time-honoured nomadic way of life. This afternoon drive through Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. At an altitude of 1,600 metres, the area is cool and the alpine scenery magnificent.

Re-board the train in time for dinner as you head towards Russia. (BLD)

Thu 21 Jun / Ulan Ude Today cross the Mongolia – Russia border (immigration formalities). Later this afternoon disembark in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic. Founded in 1666, Ulan Ude was a part of the vast Mongolian Empire. The Buryats, indigenous population of this territory, were nomadic herders with cultures and languages similar to the Mongolians. The region was annexed to the Russian Empire in 1783. Buddhism that had been prevailing in this region was officially recognised as a religion in Russia. Unfortunately the Soviet leaders were not so tolerant and by the end of the 1930s the rich and unique Buryat culture was practically totally obliterated. Mongolian script was replaced by Latin and then Cyrillic, and beautiful Buddhist temples were razed to the ground. In the past decades numerous attempts to revive Buryat culture and religion have been made, and Ulan Ude is now a historical and cultural centre where major ethnic groups of Russians, Mongolians, Chinese, and Cossacks live in harmony and peace. Explore the Old Believers Village and learn more about the culture and history of these communities as you are treated to a traditional meal with a concert featuring local dancers and musicians. (BLD)

Fri 22 Jun / Lake Baikal Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal. For five hours wind your way through tunnels along cliff hugging tracks above the lake with a vista of snow capped peaks along the far shore. At 1,642 metres, Lake Baikal is the deepest and among the clearest of all lakes in the world. It holds 20% of the world's freshwater. Also known as the 'Pearl of Siberia', it is home to a unique breed of freshwater seal and over fifty species of fish including omul, which will be served in the dining car for some of the meals.

Weather permitting, stop at one of Baikal's picturesque and secluded bays to enjoy a delicious BBQ including freshly smoked fish. For the brave hearted, there will be time for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters before visiting Listvyanka, a small Baikal settlement nestled at the base of the surrounding hills. (BLD)

Sat 23 Jun / Irkutsk This morning disembark in Irkutsk, also known as the 'Paris of Siberia' due to its wide streets and ornate, continental architecture. Founded in 1661 as a Cossack garrison to control the indigenous Buryats, the city grew fast with the discovery of gold in the 19th century and became Eastern Siberia's trading and administrative centre. Admire the classic wooden architecture that has given many of this region's buildings such a distinctive and unique appearance. Continue to the Decembrist House Museum, dedicated to the memory of the exiled aristocrats who were forced to flee to this remote outpost after the failed revolution of 1825.

Enjoy a private concert before returning to the Golden Eagle for dinner. (BLD)

Sun 24 Jun / On board A day to unwind and enjoy the ever changing landscape outside your window. (BLD)

Mon 25 Jun / Novosibirsk Early morning arrival in Novosibirsk, Siberia's largest city, which owes its very existence to the Trans-Siberian Railway. A modern 'Soviet' city, experience the life and character of Novosibirsk's rich culture where the arts, science and literature predominate. Visit the Opera and Ballet Theatre, an architectural marvel which houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is the largest opera house in the world. In front of the Opera House, see the imposing statue of Lenin.

Return to the train this afternoon and continue your journey towards Yekaterinburg, the economic and cultural capital of the Urals. (BLD)

Tue 26 Jun / Yekaterinburg Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, the cultural and architectural influences of European and Asian civilizations come together in the fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape of Yekaterinburg. This afternoon visit the poignant 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 provides a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution.

Tonight cross the Europe – Asia divide after leaving Yekaterinburg. (BLD)

Wed 27 Jun / Kazan Morning arrival at the picturesque and historic city of Kazan, capital of Tatarstan. Situated on the banks of the Volga River, Kazan is defined by its mighty Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its pristine white walls mirrored by the ivory government buildings and presidential palace.
Within the walls of this ancient citadel explore its stunning mosque. Kul Sharif Mosque is the largest mosque in Europe and home to a rich collection of ancient books. The mosque was reconstructed in 2005, replacing the original façade that was destroyed by Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century. You will also visit the magnificent onion-domed Annunciation Cathedral. Completed in 1561, it is believed to have been designed by Yakovlev, the architect behind St Basil's in Moscow. Return to the train for dinner and your last night aboard the Golden Eagle. (BLD)

Thu 28 Jun / Disembark Moscow After travelling thousands of miles along the Trans-Mongolian route, disembark in Moscow this morning.
Transfer to a local restaurant for lunch, before an afternoon orientation tour which will introduce you to the vibrant capital of Russia. See Red Square and St Basil's Cathedral, the former KGB headquarters, Arbat Street and the Russian 'White House'. Late afternoon check-in at your hotel. (BL)

Fri 29 Jun / Moscow Morning tour of the Kremlin, the historic heart of Moscow. Its many treasures include the sumptuous interior of the Cathedral of the Assumption, the more intimate Cathedral of the Annunciation, the Bell Tower of Ivan the Great and the Armoury Museum, with its famous collection of Fabergé eggs, just one aspect of an astonishing array of glittering jewels, robes, thrones and carriages, a telling reminder of the one time opulence of the Romanov Dynasty.

Afternoon at leisure to explore nearby Red Square, GUM Department store and the Kitay Gorod area. (B)

Sat 30 Jun / Moscow Enjoy a full-day tour of Moscow. Begin at Sparrow Hills near Moscow University for a panoramic view over the city dominated by the famous Stalinist 'skyscrapers'. Continue to the tranquil enclosure of the beautiful Novodevichy Convent. Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and discover Moscow's highly efficient metro system. The metro stations themselves, Stalin's so-called 'Palaces of the People', are surprising gems of art, architecture and design.

This afternoon visit the Old Tretyakov Gallery, devoted to the history of Russian Art and containing works of art ranging from precious medieval icons to the Russian School of the late 19th century.
Tonight enjoy a special farewell dinner with Scott McGregor and fellow travellers. (BD)

Sun 1 Jul / Depart Moscow Transfer to the airport. Depart Moscow on Finnair to Helsinki. Connect in Helsinki for flights to Australia via Hong Kong or Singapore. (B)
 

Mikhailovsky Palace
 

Moscow to St Petersburg
1- 7 July (6 days)

ITINERARY
Sun 1 Jul / Moscow – St Petersburg After a morning at leisure, transfer to the ornate Leningradsky Station and board the high-speed Sapsan train to St Petersburg. This train, named for the mythical Russian firebird, came into operation in December 2009 and travels at a top speed of 200 kph, completing the journey between Moscow and St Petersburg in less than four hours.

Late afternoon arrival in St Petersburg. Transfer to your hotel for check-in, before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. Why not make the most of the White Nights and enjoy a walk along the banks of the city's rivers and canals this evening, in almost broad daylight? No other major European city can rival this experience nor the atmosphere on the streets of St Petersburg during the summer months – lively, friendly and bustling with people throughout the day as well as the night! (BD)

Mon 2 Jul / St Petersburg A morning tour will introduce you to this magnificent city, first planned by Peter the Great and later embellished by the Tsars as a great European capital. Starting from the Bronze Horseman, you will discover the Admiralty and Palace Square. Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, where the city was founded in 1703, and the cathedral, where all the members of the Romanov dynasty are buried. Drive along Nevsky Prospekt, St Petersburg's main artery, lined with former grand palaces and department stores. Remainder of the day at leisure. (BL)

Tue 3 Jul / St Petersburg This morning visit the renowned Hermitage Museum, housed in the former Winter Palace, the primary residence of the Romanov Dynasty. The museum comprises the vast collection of art works accumulated by the Tsars. An exclusive early opening of the museum has been arranged. The morning's guided tour will give you a general overview of the Palace complex and its famous collection, after which you may stay on in the gallery to enjoy its treasures at your own pace. (B)

Wed 4 Jul / St Petersburg Journey out of St Petersburg to Petroverts (Peterhof), located on the Gulf of Finland. Inspired by Versailles, the Great Palace and surrounding park is one of several imperial summer palaces. Avoid the crowds and enjoy another exclusive early opening of the palace. Return to St Petersburg, stopping en route at St Isaac's Cathedral, the largest cathedral in St Petersburg. (BL)

Thu 5 Jul / St Petersburg After a morning at leisure, journey out of the city again and visit the superb Great Palace & Park in Pavlovsk, which was used as a summer residence of the Russian emperor Paul I and his family.

Continue to Pushkin, formerly known as Tsarkoye Selo (Tsar's Village) and visit the magnificent baroque Catherine Palace, set in superb English-style gardens.

Celebrate the conclusion of the tour with a special farewell dinner with Scott McGregor and fellow travellers, before returning to St Petersburg. (BD)

Fri 6 Jul / St PetersburgMorning visit to the Mikhailovsky Palace which houses the Russian Museum, featuring a superb collection of Russian art from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Continue to the Church of the Resurrection, also known as the Church on the Spilled Blood, situated on the spot where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated.

This afternoon, see St Petersburg from a different perspective – on a boat trip along the Neva River and canals. St Petersburg was designed to be seen from the water. Remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

Sat 7 Jul / Depart St Petersburg Transfer to the airport. Depart St Petersburg on Finnair to Helsinki. Connect in Helsinki for flights to Australia via Hong Kong. (B)

Sun 8 Jul / Arrive Australia Evening arrival in SYD/MEL/BNE/PER.


 

Unveiled in April 2007, the Golden Eagle private train brings unprecedented luxury to the world's greatest railway journey. A particular delight of the Golden Eagle is one of the beautifully appointed restaurant cars, where the chefs serve carefully prepared meals using local ingredients wherever possible. The social heart of the train is the bar car, a great place to relax and settle into the unhurried pace of life on board. Unwind in comfortable surroundings and watch the world go by as you get to know your fellow passengers.

The Golden Eagle features full en-suite for Silver and Gold Class cabins with state of the art amenities, providing comfortable surrounds in which to enjoy this legendary journey. All cabins feature remote controlled air-conditioning/heating, recessed lighting and wardrobe, complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water.

Silver Class
• 60 sq ft (5.5 sq metres)
• Sleeps 2 in lower small double bed or bunk style
• Personal safe
• Private en-suite bathroom with 'wet-room' style shower and toilet
• DVD/CD player with LCD screens

Gold Class
• 77 sq ft (7 sq metres)
• Sleeps 2 in either lower standard double bed or bunk style
• Personal safe
• Private en-suite bathroom with full power shower and underfloor heating
• DVD/CD player with LCD screens
• Drinks from the Bar Car included from the Standard Bar List

Your Journey Price Includes Accommodation on board the train; 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; guided off train sightseeing excursions; the services of experienced tour leaders; complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water 24 hours a day, all gratuities; the services of a doctor.
YOUR JOURNEY PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
As far as possible our tours are all inclusive with no hidden extras. The only extra items you may need to budget for include personal expenses such as drinks from the bar car, laundry, spa treatments, hairdressing and occasional optional off-train excursions.

24-Hour Service Attendants Your car attendants provide 24-hour housekeeping and bedding turndown services, with one attendant always on duty to assist you and to ensure you are comfortable in your cabin. On average 2 attendants look after 10 passengers. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled drinking water are available in your cabin 24 hours a day.

Meals All departures feature one or two uniquely designed restaurant cars where you can enjoy the excellent waiter-served food and wine. Several times during the tour we will also sample authentic local cuisine off the train. A generous drinks allowance is included with lunch and dinner. For passengers travelling in Gold Class, drinks from the Standard Drinks List in the Bar Car are also included.

Freedom of Choice Touring 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; 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.

Guided Off-Train Excursions All our tours include a wide-ranging sightseeing schedule to make the most of the time you have off the train and bring you closer to the culture, people and history of your destinations. On the majority of our tours all excursions are included. Occasionally we may offer an optional excursion that requires extra payment. If you do not wish to take an off train excursion you can either stay on board the train or make private arrangements. You will then be responsible for ensuring that you are back at the train by the departure time as the train will not be able to wait and must leave as per the schedule. We provide local English speaking guides. The buses carry up to 35 passengers and tours may be divided into groups to visit specific sights/museums etc.

Experienced Tour Managers Our experienced tour managers and their assistants are selected for their travel knowledge and organisational abilities allowing you to relax and enjoy your voyage of a lifetime.
ROUTE GUIDE, ITINERARY AND INFORMATION PACK
When you board the train there will be a brochure in your cabin detailing more about your journey and the places en-route. Our Tour Manager will organise a programme of briefings on the cities or places we visit and, each evening, will issue a programme for the next day's touring schedule.

Daily Briefings When passengers board the train they will find a brochure specific to their chosen route detailing more about their journey and the places en route. The Tour Manager will organise a programme of briefings on the places included on the tour programme. Passengers will also receive updates throughout the tour detailing timings, weather forecasts and excursion information.

Personal Headsets On all the off-train excursions, to enhance your enjoyment and comprehension of the places you visit, you will be provided with a lightweight personal headset on which to listen to your tour guide as you take in the sights.

Dress Code During the day, dress is casual both on and off the train. In the evening we suggest smart casual. Since every tour requires some walking we recommend that passengers pack some comfortable walking shoes. A rubber sole is recommended to avoid possible slipping.

Currency On board the train passengers will not need much currency, but there are charges for laundry and bar bills. It is possible to run a 'tab' on board and make one payment at the end of the tour. If the bill is less than USD100, passengers will be required to make their payment in cash. International credit cards (VISA and MasterCard) are accepted for payments over US$100. We recommend passengers travel with small denominations and clean bills. Clients will need money for souvenirs and any shopping they choose to do off the train. They will be advised by their Tour Manager and/or guides on how, and if necessary, where to change money.

Credit Cards and Travellers Cheques ATM machines are now available in all large towns and cities along our routes. Traveller's cheques are virtually impossible to exchange.

Tipping All gratuities are included in the tour price and we 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.

Porters There are porters at the station to help us get our luggage on and off the train.

Luggage There is limited storage space inside the cabin for luggage storage. Soft-topped luggage is easier to store. Clients can have assistance to store their luggage.

Average Age of the Passengers Although we have no age restrictions on our tours, the majority of our travellers are 55 +. The average age is 66.

Doctor and Medical Facilities A doctor travels with the train and passengers at all times. Our doctors are available 24-hours a day and are responsible for primary health care. They do carry medicines, but if you are taking prescription medication, please bring sufficient supplies to last for the duration of the trip. Normally, the doctor will be English speaking.

Vaccinations As with all overseas travel, clients will need to contact their GP or local travel clinic to get the most up to date information on what vaccinations, if any, are required.