Highlights

  • Take in the majestic architecture of Russia's world-renowned cities, St. Petersburg and Moscow
  • Indulge in a luxury rail journey aboard the Golden Eagle that will whisk you through incredible rolling winter scenery
  • Marvel at the Northern Lights in snow-laden Norway
  • Experience all that Kirkenes' winter wonderland has to offer, from snowmobiling to husky sledding
  • Soak up the history of Russia's lesser-known cities from Murmansk to Vladimir

This once-in-a-lifetime rail journey allows you to sample three iconic attractions: Moscow, a fascinating world city and Europe’s largest; St Petersburg, a treasure trove so great that its entire historic core has been designated a World Heritage Site; and the wild dance of the Northern Lights. Bookended by luxury city stays, this journey aboard the elegant Golden Eagle will see you negotiate Russia’s vast wilderness with a highlight border-crossing into Norway’s winter wonderland. The mid-journey Kirkenes stopover will see you fully embrace the Arctic at its adventurous core with various optional excursions from snowmobiling and husky sledding, to ice fishing and Northern Lights spotting. And, if days of adrenaline fuelled activities don’t tick every box for you, there’s always the option to bed down in a room built up from the icy surrounds at Kirkenes’ popular Snowhotel. Back on board, the Golden Eagle will journey back into Russia’s vast landscapes where you can revel in the sophisticated luxury of the on-board amenities as you discover more of this enigmatic country’s varied delights.


Day 1

St. Petersburg, Russia

After a short flight from the UK, touch down in St. Petersburg – a city of fairytale domed cathedrals, opulent palaces and dreamy canals. Upon arrival, you will be transferred by a private chauffeur to one of the city's leading hotels, Belmond Grand Hotel Europe. A self-proclaimed gateway to Russia's illustrious past, this luxury hotel will see you settling down in any one of its stately suites that all come complete with elegant furnishings, lofty ceilings, marble bathrooms and tasteful artworks. Make yourself at home here before freshening up in time to join your fellow passengers for a warm Golden Eagle welcome. This evening, your trip begins as it means to go on as you are invited to a champagne reception and exclusive gourmet dinner.

Stay: Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St Petersburg

Dinner included

St Petersburg, Russia

St. Isaac's Cathedral, St. Petersburg


Day 2

St. Petersburg, Russia

Today will be your first real taste of Russia. Begin with a guided tour of the fabulously rococo Catherine Palace in Pushkin before continuing on to the State Hermitage Museum, the former Winter Palace of the Tsars which houses the royal art collection of over three million works. This evening embrace your setting entirely by sampling some of the culture the city is famous for, with an optional trip to the ballet, opera or theatre. Being a guest of the Belmond Grand will even give you the extra special opportunity to view any Mikhailovsky Theatre performances from the best seats in the house—the hotel’s private box.

Stay: Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St Petersburg 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Catherine Palace, St. Petersburg

Catherine Palace, St. Petersburg

The Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, St Petersburg

The Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, St Petersburg


Day 3

Board the Golden Eagle

This morning, spend your last few hours in St. Petersburg discovering the rest of the cities many historical sights with an optional tour that will take you to the likes of St. Isaac's Cathedral and Nevsky Prospect. After lunch, you will be transfer to the station where you will witness the Golden Eagle for the first time in all its opulent glory. Settle into your stylish suite ready to embark on your rail adventure to the Arctic's winter wonderland. Celebrate your first evening on board with a caviar dinner, complimentary champagne and live musical entertainment. 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Golden Eagle, winter scenery

Golden Eagle

Golden Eagle

Golden Eagle


Day 4

Golden Eagle

As the Golden Eagle rolls through the vast wintry wilderness of Russia's remote landscapes, unwind and relax on-board whilst indulging in the sumptuous, ever-changing views through the train window. Revel in the comfort of your personal suite with a lazy morning, or head out to the bar car to chat with other passengers, listening to the on-board pianist play Chopin on a baby grand. Later, settle in and feel the excitement in the car heighten as everyone listens to a guest astronomer talk about the elusive Northern Lights. Whilst they talk, you will be treated to a glorious afternoon tea, complete with authentic, freshly baked Russian cakes. 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Golden Eagle

Enjoy the winter scenery from the comfort of the Golden Eagle


Day 5

Kirkenes, Norway

And so the Arctic adventure truly begins. The excitement will be tangible on-board today as the Golden Eagle crosses the Norweigan border and chugs its way into Kirkenes, a remote, snow-laden town in the far northeastern part of the country. This Arctic wilderness is to be your first port of call on this rail journey to remember. From one homely abode to another, you will disembark from the luxury train and take a private transfer to your warm and welcoming hotel. Then head to the magical ice-hewn Snowhotel – which is everything that its name promises it to be – for a drink in the snow bar before enjoying some traditional Arctic delicacies in a cosy lodge. Your first night in Scandinavia will be topped off by an evening trip with an astronomer out in search of the Northern Lights.

Stay: Thon Hotel Kirkenes 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Kirkenes Snowhotel, Kirkenes

Northern Lights, Kirkenes


Day 6

Kirkenes, Norway

Begin today like no other before it as you snowmobile over frozen fjords with an expert guide who will lead you to the perfect spot for some ice fishing. Following in his demonstrative footsteps,  you'll have the chance to try your hand at catching a magnificent Arctic King Crab through a hole in the dense ice. Catch in hand, you'll then make your way to a nearby Fisherman's Lodge where your delicious crab will be cooked up ready to be enjoyed for lunch in a splendidly traditional, log-fire setting. The afternoon is all about reindeer and huskies with optional sleigh rides or sledding available if a simple meet and greet won't cut it. And, for a truly unforgettable experience in Norway's snow laden lands why spend your last night here in Kirkenes' coolest accommodation, the Snowhotel? Snug within thermal clothing and a sleeping bag, a night in one of the freshly sculpted boutique Ice Suites, surrounded by stunning frozen furniture and art, is real bucket-list experience.

Stay: Thon Hotel Kirkenes, or Snowhotel Kirkenes

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Ice Fishing, Norway

Ice Fishing

Husky Sledding

Husky Sledding

Kirkenes Snowhotel, Kirkenes

Kirkenes Snowhotel


Day 7

Golden Eagle

Back on track you'll return to Russia as the Golden Eagle coasts through the frozen countryside. Settle in as the train rides the rails to play cards with your new-found companions or simply soak in the stunning scenery. Later in the day, afternoon tea with freshly baked Russian cookies will be on offer in the stylish Bar Lounge Car.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Golden Eagle

Imperial Suite, Golden Eagle

Golden Eagle

Bar Lounge Car, Golden Eagle


Day 8

Golden Eagle: Murmansk, Russia

Murmansk is the stop of the day, halfway between Moscow and the North Pole, this is the largest city in the Arctic Circle. Your pursuit of the Northern Lights continues here. And, thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream, the city's port remains ice-free year-round making the other star attraction of Murmansk the fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers that its port is home to. You'll be able to get up close to these immense beasts with an included trip to a museum ship but if that doesn't float your boat then don't fear as this lively and fast modernising city, has plenty more to explore. 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Murmansk

Murmansk

Murmansk

Murmansk


Day 9

Golden Eagle: Petrozavodsk, Russia

Today, you will head south to Petrozavodsk and take a tour of the city. Stretching along the western shore of Lake Onega, the second largest lake in Europe, Petrozavodsk is one of the major cultural centres of the North-West of Russia. Although often missed by tourists, this remote city is definitely worth a wander. The countless neoclassical buildings, buzzing student culture and pretty waterfront create quite a distinct European feel. Back on board your final Golden Eagle dinner will be yet another gourmet affair, with many a delightful offerings for you to revel in. Enjoy a final night-cap in the sophisticated Bar Lounge Car as you fondly reminisce on the past weeks adventures. 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Petrozavodsk

Petrozavodsk, Lake Onega

Saint Panteleimon church, Petrozavodsk

Saint Panteleimon church, Petrozavodsk


Day 10

Golden Eagle: Moscow, Russia

Upon arrival in the journey's pièce de résistance – Russia's cosmopolitan capital Moscow – you will bid farewell to the Golden Eagle as you disembark for one final time. Here, you will be treated to a five star stay at the elegant and centrally located Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Just minutes from the Red Square, this decadent accommodation offers height of luxury amenities so that you can round off your trip in style. After check-in, there is an optional tour to guide you around all of the city's must-see sights including the iconic Red Square, the ornate St. Basil's Cathedral and the evocative site of Lenin's tomb. The tour will also take you to grandiose Kremlin – the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow – and to see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber.


Stay: Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Moscow

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Winter view of the Kremlin in Izmailovo district of Moscow, Russia

Moscow

St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow, Russia

St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow


Day 11

Vladimir & Suzdal, Russia

Today you will have the chance to visit Vladimir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site city that was once more important to Russia than Moscow. Rich in history, this is a city well worth the visit, even if for the beautiful Russian architecture alone. From there you will move on to take in Suzdal, a true bucolic gem of the Golden Ring route. This walled city is one of Russia's most perfectly preserved and dates back to 1024 - a highlight is visiting the atmospheric St Euthymius Monastery to witness an enchanting choral performance by the resident monks. And, no Russian winter experience would be complete without a horse-drawn sleigh ride through this stunning location. This evening you will return to Moscow to toast your Arctic experience with a commemorative farewell dinner.

Stay: Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Moscow

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Vladimir

Vladimir


Day 12

Moscow, Russia

Breakfast in the hotel brings this mesmerising tour to a close and a private chauffeur will be on hand to transfer you to the airport in time for your departure flights. But remember, if you'd like to spend more time exploring this magical city, Moscow is your oyster as we will tailor-make the perfect holiday for you.

Breakfast included

Ritz-Carlton Moscow

Ritz-Carlton Moscow


About the itinerary

"Combining luxury rail with Russia's vast frozen landscapes and a pioneering, snow laden Norwegian town is most definitely a winning combination. An adventure into the Arctic like no other, this itinerary embraces the wilderness whilst still indulging in all-inclusive comfort. This is an expedition-like trip for those who only travel in style. "

Sue McAlinden

Destination Specialist

Pricing information

Please enquire if you are interested in this itinerary.

Enquire