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What is included in the price?
As far as possible our tours are all inclusive with no hidden extras. What follows are those elements which are included in the tour price. The only extra items you will need to budget for include personal expenses such as international and internal flights, visa costs, travel insurance, drinks from the Bar Lounge Car and laundry.
Experienced Tour Managers
Our experienced tour managers and their assistants are selected for their travel knowledge and their linguistic and organisational abilities allowing you to relax and enjoy your rail cruise. We receive exceptional passenger comments about our Tour Managers and their aim is to ensure you enjoy every minute of your holiday.
Arrival and Departure Transfers
Arrival and departure transfers are included.
Hotel and Onboard Accommodation
Although you will spend much of your time sightseeing or relaxing in the train’s public areas, you will find you hotel room or cabin a welcome retreat at the end of a rewarding day. All hotels are of 5 star standard or, in certain locations, the best available. Room upgrades are available on request and at extra cost.
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.
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.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Daily
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.
Drinks with Meals and from the Bar Lounge Car
A generous drinks allowance is included with lunch and dinner. For passengers travelling in Gold Class onboard the Golden Eagle, drinks from the Standard Drinks List in the Bar Lounge Car are also included. For Imperial Suite guests, drinks from both the Standard and Premium Bar Lists in the Bar Lounge Car are included.
Onboard Service
You can expect service which is attentive, friendly and unintrusive. 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. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottle drinking water are available in your cabin 24 hours a day.
Guided Off-Train Excursions
The history and culture of the places we visit on our rail cruises will come alive through our expert local guides. 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 Suite guests will benefit from the option of a private car and guide in the majority of places we visit along the route.
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. 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.
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.
Onboard 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 cabin. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled drinking water are available in your cabin 24 hours a day.
Porterage
As you only have to unpack once, your luggage and belongings will stay with you on the train throughout the journey but, wherever necessary, porterage is included between the hotel and stations.
What is not included?
International and domestic airfares; excess baggage charges; insurance. Personal expenses such as drinks in the bar car or laundry are not included. On some tours there may also be an occasional optional activity to be paid for locally.
Do I need insurance? Do I need vaccinations?
We insist that you have Travel insurance to take any of our trips and indeed Russia requires you to enter your insurance certificate number on your visa application. Please click here for our insurance rates or ask your consultant. Which policy you purchase is your own choice but please be careful about relying on credit card travel insurance as many east European cities ask to see an actual insurance document. No vaccinations are mandatory but you would be well advised to get medical advice (not every GP may be as well informed on the latest health developments in these locations). Particular concerns are Cholera, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Tick-borne encephalitis is a small risk on some Siberian trekking routes but there is a vaccine available. The risk is VERY small and our leaders observe safety procedures. It is a good idea to take a first-aid kit with you however if you need to travel with your own prescription medicine then ensure you travel with sufficient quantities. It is strongly advised that all such clients seek medical clearance prior to travelling. Our on-board doctor must be advised of clients travelling with prescription medication.
Can you assist with flight bookings?
We have access to a range of flights, in all classes, that fit around all our trips and indeed can also incorporate other destinations if you require them.
How do I get the Visas for these destinations?
We’ll supply all the necessary paperwork to enable you to obtain the necessary visas for this trip. We also offer a visa processing service where for an additional fee we’ll complete the forms on your behalf and submit your passports to the relevant embassies and consulates via secure courier.
What is the standard of accommodation?
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. Room upgrades are available on request, subject to availability and an additional cost.
Is Tipping Included?
You will not have to worry about tipping on and off the train on your rail journey with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains as all gratuities are included in the tour price.
What currency should I bring?
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 Master Card) are accepted for payments over USD100. 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.
Can I use credit cards and/or travellers cheques?
ATM machines are now available in all large towns and cities along our routes. All the hotels that we use accept major credit cards. Traveller’s cheques are virtually impossible to exchange.
How do I get from the airport to the tour hotel?
Arrival and departure transfers are included on most of our tours if you arrive on the first day of the tour and depart on the last day. At their point of arrival, clients 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 they have collected all their luggage and cleared customs. Our representative will then assist passengers to their transfer vehicle to their hotel.
How much luggage can I take?
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.
Is there a dress code on the train?
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 you pack some comfortable walking shoes. A rubber sole is recommended to avoid possible slipping.
What is the average age of other travellers?
Although we have no age restrictions on our tours, the majority of our travellers are 55 +. The average age is 66.
How many tour managers are on board?
There is one senior Tour Manager on board and also a number of assistants depending on the total number of passengers.
Is there a doctor on board at all times?
Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, the operator of the train, provides a doctor, who 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. We endeavour to ensure that the on board doctor is English speaking but we cannot guarantee this.
Take the trip of a lifetime
Find out more about the Golden Eagle Luxury Train.