Flights are met at Moscow airport and guests are transferred to a five star hotel, centrally located in the heart of this vibrant city for a one-night stay. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner in the hotel and meet the fellow travellers with whom you will be sharing this 14 night epic journey. Overnight - Moscow hotel (D)

Today enjoy a city tour of Moscow, which includes a visit to Red Square and the Kremlin. In the late afternoon board the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express private train and have time to settle in to your modern, stylish cabin. Enjoy dinner on board the train, in one of the beautifully designed restaurant cars.

The Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express is a new train offering unprecedented luxury on this famous two week rail journey from Moscow to Vladivostok or vise versa. The train has 12 fabulous Gold and Silver twin/double private sleeper cabins, all with private en suite bathrooms. The Gold Cabins are 77 sq ft and fully equipped with all of the creature comforts you could wish for; bathroom with a separate power shower cubicle, under floor heating, dvd/cd player with LCD screen and individual air conditioning. The Silver cabins have all of the same mod cons, but are slightly smaller (60 sq ft), with an en suite wet-room.

The train has two luxury restaurants cars, with chefs offering a range of culinary delights, using all local ingredients and a choice of world wines. Once you've had your fill, you can relax and socialise in the train's elegant bar car, where you can while away as many hours as you'd like. The bar remains open until the last person leaves! Overnight - train (B, L, D)

After a morning arrival you have a half day to discover Kazan, the picturesque capital of Tatarstan on the Volga river. One of the highlights of today is the visit to the Kremlin fortress, a UNESCO world heritage site containing a stunning mosque and Russian Orthodox cathedral. After dinner back on board listen to the resident pianist in the comfortable bar car whilst enjoying a drink with new friends. Overnight - train (B, L, D)

Cross the Europe/Asia divide before arriving into Yekaterinburg, capital of Urals. The city tour includes the Romanov execution site, now a Church dedicated to the memory of the Russian Royal family and a trip to the Europe/Asia divide where you have the chance to stand with one foot in each continent. Overnight - train (B, L, D)

Today visit Novosibirsk - a modern 'Soviet' city and see the world's largest Opera House, Lenin Square and visit the Academgorodok minerals museum at this 'Academy Town', the heart of education and science within Siberia . Overnight - train (B, L, D)

Spending the day on board the Golden Eagle as you head east, there is the chance to relax in the bar car, chat to fellow passengers and maybe have your first Russian language lesson! Overnight - train (B, L, D)

Morning arrival into the "Paris of Siberia", Irkutsk. A tour includes a cultural immersion into the major sights and museums of this fascinating city, which include the classic wooden architecture for which this area is renowned. You will also be treated to a private concert at the Decembrist House museum, which is dedicated to the memory of the exiled aristocrats, who were forced to make this remote outpost their home after a failed revolution in 1825. These intellectuals are credited with helping to bring culture to Siberia. Overnight - train (B, L, D)

Just one of the many highlights of the journey. Wind your way through tunnels and round cliffs along the shoreline of the world's largest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal. The scenery is stunning and the snow-covered mountains on the distant shore form a beautiful backdrop to this awe-inspiring lake. Stopping at one of the bays, have a barbeque on the beach (weather permitting). The brave can even go for a swim! In the afternoon visit Listvyanka, a small Baikal village nestled at the base of the surrounding hills. Overnight - train (B, L, D)

Morning arrival in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic. A fascinating change of people and faces greet you as you tour the area and travel by coach to the Village of Old Believers. There is time to learn about the local culture and history of these unique people as you are treated to a traditional meal and enjoy a concert featuring local dancers and musicians. Overnight - train (B, L, D)

Today journey into Mongolia, and visit the capital, Ulaan Baatar. Passing the central monument to the legendary ruler, Genghis Khan, visit the National Museum. Lunch allows us to experience local hospitality and entertainment at its best as you eat in a Ger (Yurt) restaurant. A Ger is a traditional tent dwelling for approximately a third of this nomadic nation. This afternoon there is free time for shopping or an optional visit to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Board the train in time for dinner and head back into Russia. Overnight - train (B, L, D)

Enjoying the peaceful pace on board the train and have the choice of attending one of the lectures and lessons on offer, relaxing with a DVD, practicing your newly learned Russian or viewing the beautiful scenery as you travel through this vast country. Your final dinner is served on board the Golden Eagle, your luxury home for the last 12 days. Overnight - train (B:1, L:1, D:1)

Today arrive into Vladivostok after having travelled over a mammoth 6000 miles (10,600km) along this epic route to the end of the Trans-Siberian line. A city tour includes the principal military attractions of this once 'closed' Russian town, including a tour of a restored submarine. Transfer to the four star Hotel Hyundai for a one night stay and say your goodbyes at the farewell dinner. Overnight - Vladivostok hotel (B, L, D)

Breakfast is served in the hotel and transfers are provided to the airport for departing flights. (B)