The Golden Eagle Arctic Explorer

Holiday overview

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 Northern Lights, a hypnotic display of natural pyrotechnics.

Holiday itinerary

Day 1: St Petersburg

Touch down in St. Petersburg, a city of fairytale domed cathedrals, opulent palaces and dreamy canals.

Meals: Dinner included

Day 2: St Petersburg

Take a tour starting at the fabulously rococo Catherine Palace, continuing on to the State Hermitage Museum. Then, sample some of the culture the city is famous for, with an optional trip to the ballet, opera or theatre.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 3: Board the Golden Eagle

Spend the morning discovering more of St. Petersburg’s many historic and beautiful sights. After lunch, it’s time to board the luxurious Golden Eagle and head for the Arctic. Your first evening on board is celebrated with a caviar dinner and complementary champagne.

Stay: Golden Eagle

Breakfast, lunch & dinner included

Day 4: Golden Eagle

Indulge in the sumptuous delights on offer aboard the train, and on the view through the windows, as you steam north over the Arctic Circle

Stay: Golden Eagle

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 5: Kirkenes

Cross the Norwegian border to Kirkenes and check in to your hotel. Then head to the magical ice-hewn Snowhotel for a drink before, taking an evening trip with an astronomer in search of the Northern Lights.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 6: Kirkenes

Ride a snowmobile across frozen fjords, where you’ll cut a hole and fish for King Crab, to be eaten for lunch at a nearby lodge. Return to Kirkenes, and spend the afternoon at the Snowhotel or visiting huskies.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 7: Golden Eagle

Get back on track and return to Russia as the Golden Eagle coasts through the wintry countryside.

Stay: Golden Eagle

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 8: Golden Eagle

The train arrives in Murmansk, the largest city in the Arctic Circle and home to Russia’s fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers, which you’ll be able to see on a visit to a museum ship.

Stay: Golden Eagle

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 9: Golden Eagle

South to Petrozavodsk, on the shores of Lake Onega, and take a tour of the city.

Stay: Golden Eagle

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 10: Golden Eagle

Next stop is Vladimir, an ancient city and World Heritage Site, and near to Suzdal, another historic city.

Stay: Golden Eagle

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 11: Moscow

Disembark for the final time as you arrive in Russia’s magnificent capital. Head for an afternoon tour that takes in St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin.

Stay: Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Moscow

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 12: Moscow

Time to leave Russia and head to the airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast included