What’s included in our Golden Eagle luxury private rail tours?

As far as possible our tours are all inclusive with no hidden extras. The only extra items you may need to budget for include: Your international flight to join the tour, further personal expenses such as visa costs, travel insurance, drinks from the bar car* (see drinks with meals), laundry* (see drinks with meals), spa treatments, hairdressing and occasional optional off-train excursions.

Arrival and departure transfers

Arrival and departure transfers are included.

Hotel and on board accommodation

Although you will spend much of your time sightseeing or relaxing in the train’s public areas, you will find your hotel room or train compartment a welcome retreat at the end of a rewarding day. Hotel and onboard accommodation as described in your individual tour itinerary is included in the tour price. All hotels are of 5 star standard or, in certain locations, the best available. Room upgrades are available on request and at additional cost.

Imperial Class passengers receive an upgraded room in hotels.
Your name will appear on a specially commissioned plate outside your train compartment. If you prefer anonymity, this can be requested before arrival or removed at your request.
All Golden Eagle train compartments have private shower and wc.
Please see notes about compartments on Shangri-La Express (Silk Road tour only).

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily

All departures feature one or two uniquely designed restaurant cars where you can enjoy the excellent waiter-served cuisine and wine. During the tour, one evening, chef prepares a ‘Tsar’s Platter with caviar’ Several times during the tour we will also sample authentic local cuisine off the train. Afternoon tea is served on days when guests are the train.

Drinks with meals

A generous drinks allowance is included with lunch and dinner (on and off the train) for all our passengers.

Gold Class passengers: Complimentary Standard Drinks List in the Bar Car
Imperial Class passengers: Complimentary Standard and Premium Bar List in the bar car (excluding Premium wine list) plus personal minibar included.
All guests have complimentary tea, coffee and water.
Imperial Class passengers can request this from their personal butler:

Welcome and farewell dinners

Each tour begins with a Welcome Dinner, an ideal opportunity to get to know your fellow passengers; for the Tour Manager to brief you on the trip; and introduce you to the Golden Eagle Luxury Trains team and the Tour Doctor. The Farewell Dinner is the perfect end to your adventure by private train where you can relive the journey and look ahead to future tours./p>

On board service

Throughout your tour you can expect service which is attentive, friendly and un-intrusive. The high ratio of staff to guests means there is always someone available should you need assistance.

Route guide, itinerary, and information pack

When you board the train there will be a brochure in your compartment 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. You will have received a travel wallet before your departure containing an outline itinerary.

Freedom of choice touring

Customise your journey and enjoy the opportunity to select from a selection of Freedom of Choice touring options that best suit 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. 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.

Experienced tour managers

Our experienced tour managers and their assistants are selected for their travel knowledge and organisational skills allowing you to relax and enjoy your Voyage of a Lifetime. We receive many exceptional passenger comments about our Tour Managers and their aim is to ensure you enjoy every minute of your holiday.

Guided off-tour 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. We believe it is the special little touches that help create magical memories.

Imperial Class passengers have the option of taking the included excursions privately with their own guide and transportation. Of course, they may join the other guests if they prefer.

Winter wonderland

To experience the Siberian winter in true Russian style, we offer you complimentary Russian hats, Valenki – traditional felt boots, a Golden Eagle embroidered scarf and woollen mittens on arrival, to help keep out the cold. You are welcome to take these home as souvenirs too.

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. So you do not need to worry about missing any of the interesting details on your excursions./p>

On board doctor and medical facilities

To give you peace of mind our tours are accompanied by a doctor who travels with us for the entire journey; so you can rest assured that medical assistance is always available. On call 24 hours a day, the doctor is on hand to give primary care as required. Normally, the doctor will be English speaking and be registered with the General Medical Council in the UK.

24 hour service attendant

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 compartment. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled drinking water is available 24 hours a day.

Porterage

Porterage is included between the hotels and stations.

All gratuities

All gratuities are included in the tour price.

Internet access

Internet is available via mobile dongles, available for use in the bar car. There are 5 of these available on a first come first served basis. Guests must have their own personal laptop to be able to use the dongles. Internet coverage is not available in some of the more remote places the tour passes through.

Not included

International Flights

Visas
Travel Insurance
Porterage at airports and on arrival at hotel
Drinks from the Bar Car (see DRINKS WITH MEALS)
Laundry Service (included for Imperial class passengers)