FAQ

On all of our tours an extensive excursion programme is 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 some private arrangement. 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.

Yes, the local guides speak English as well as the on-board Tour Manager. If you wish to have a guide in a language other than English, you need to ensure that this request is made at the time of booking and we will aim to provide one (charges may apply).

When you board the train there will be a brochure specific to you chosen route detailing more about their journey and the places en route in your cabin. The Tour Manager also organises a programme of briefings on the cities we visit throughout the journey.

The buses carry up to 35 passengers and tours may be divided into groups to visit specific sights/museums etc.

If you need a wheelchair this must be arranged at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate the request. However, it may not be possible to go on all of the excursions.

You can make your own arrangements but you will need to advise the Tour Manager and it is your responsibility to ensure 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 expert English speaking guides

Our secure payment page can be found here – all payments are made via secure server for complete peace of mind.

There is limited storage space inside your cabin. We recommend taking soft-topped luggage as it is easier to store.

Arrival and departure transfers are included if you arrive on the first day of the tour and depart on the last day.

Visas are NOT included within the price and it is essential that they are obtained well in advance of departure. You may require a visa support letter, this will be sent to you upon receipt of your passport information, which we will ask you for. IMPORTANT: For passengers in the UK only, we provide a low cost full visa service. Please contact us for more information.

If you would like us to make local arrangements for pre or post tour stays, please contact us with your requirements for our proposal.

ATM machines are now available in all large towns and cities along our routes, however, we do NOT recommend that you rely on ATMs alone for money. We also do NOT recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are virtually impossible to exchange.

As with all overseas travel, you should contact your GP or local travel clinic to get the most up to date information on what vaccinations if any are required.

You need to ensure you have the correct quantities of prescription medication and carry in hand luggage in case of delayed or lost baggage. We strongly advise that you seek medical clearance prior to travelling. Our on-board doctor must be advised if you are travelling with prescription medication.

We provide shampoo and shower gel; but you may wish to bring your preferred brands with you.

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 GW Travel will reward accordingly.

Flights are NOT included. Please note that we do not advise that you book flights more than 60 days in advance.

This all depends on the individual departure. Our maximum capacity is 120, but some departures it could be around 20 to 80.

For most tours we recommend taking US$ with you as they can be changed easily. You should only need money for bar and laundry bills and any souvenirs you would like to purchase along the way. On board you may make one payment at the end of the tour for extras onboard. If the bill is less than USD100 you will be required to make this payment in cash. International credit cards (VISA and Mastercard are both accepted) for payments over USD100. The Tour Manager will advise where you can exchange money along the way.

Prior to departure you will receive final documentation which will include a 24-hour Emergency Contact Card. This displays the telephone numbers of our representatives in both the country of arrival as well as our offices in the UK. If you have any problems you can call the appropriate person detailed on the card.

If you have an arrival transfer, you will be met by one of our representatives who will be waiting with a Golden Eagle sign. If arriving by air, this will be after immigration, once you have collected all of your luggage and cleared customs.

All accommodation as per the itinerary; both on board the train and in hotels; all meals starting with dinner on the first day (on some tours this may differ slightly, so please refer to the specific itinerary); a generous allowance of wine, beer, soft drinks and tea and coffee with all lunches and dinners both on and off the train (except where stated otherwise). Local beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee & mineral water are complimentary on board the train at all times; all arrival and departure transfers (providing you arrive/depart on the tour start/end date and except where stated otherwise); guided off train sightseeing excursions; the services of experienced tour leaders; complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water 24 hours a day, all tips/gratuities; a doctor (except where stated otherwise). Gold Class Passengers: All drinks from the Standard Bar Tariff are free of charge for the duration of the tour. Drinks from the Premium Bar Tariff will be charged and payment due at the end of the tour. Imperial Suite Passengers: There is a complimentary mini bar in the suite, plus all drinks in the Bar Car are included (excluding Premium wine list).

International and domestic airfares; visa and excess baggage charges; insurance. Personal expenses such as drinks in the bar car or laundry. On some tours there may also be an occasional optional activity that needs to be paid for locally.

Although we have no age restrictions on our tours, the majority of our travellers are 55 +. The average age is 64.

During the day dress is casual both on and off the train. In the evening we suggest smart casual.

Hotel accommodation as described in the tour itinerary is included in the price of the tour. All hotels are of a 4/5 star standard or best available. Imperial Class passengers receive upgraded room types where possible. Room upgrades are available on request, subject to availability and an additional cost.

Since every tour requires some walking we recommend you pack some comfortable walking shoes. A rubber sole is recommended to avoid possible slipping. On the Winter Wonderland tour, we provide traditional Russian Felt Boots

This depends on the actual train, but on average 2 attendants look after 12 passengers.

There is one senior Tour Manager on board and also a number of assistants depending on the total number of passengers

Under normal circumstance we always provide an English speaking doctor, however there may be exceptional circumstances when that will not be possible.

GW Travel provides a doctor, who travels with the train and passengers at all times (apart from on our Canadian tours). The 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 enough supplies to last for the duration of your trip.

We will make every effort to ensure that you receive the highest possible level of care and , will get in touch with your insurers and relatives at home, if required.

All of our trains are powered by electric or diesel engines.

For safety reasons we can not allow passengers to drive the train, however when we are stopped in the stations it is possible to see the engine. Please ask the Tour Manager who will be able to make the request on your behalf.

For the comfort of the passengers a NO SMOKING policy applies throughout all trains (cabins, bars, restaurants, lounge cars).