21 Apr 2016
Tuesday 26 April marks 50 years since the legendary film Doctor Zhivago was originally released in the UK. Starring silver screen icons, Julie Christie and Omar Sharif, it tells the story of the Russian revolution and gave many Brits their first insight into life in the Soviet Union at a time when travel to the country was virtually impossible. The original movie, was released during the Cold War and now, half a century later, it is possible to explore the real setting of the classic novel by journeying through the mesmerising frozen landscapes along the Trans-Siberian Express on board the luxurious, private train, the Golden Eagle.
The Winter Wonderland tour reflects the journey taken by Victor Komarovsky and Lara Antipova during the original movie (released in London on April 26, 1966). Travelling with the leading operator of long-distance luxury rail tours, the trip from Moscow to Vladivostok can be taken in absolute style with fine dining and Russian language classes en route. See up close the real setting of the masterpiece by the Nobel Prize for Literature winner, Boris Pasternack, along with other hidden, former Soviet Union gems of historical importance. Banned from the USSR, Doctor Zhivago, the book, was smuggled to Italy for publication in 1957, before being translated and published worldwide. The film, which had to be mostly filmed in Spain and featured several trains, went on to make a huge impact on popular culture.
The Trans-Siberian line is the longest single-service railway in the world and undoubtedly the greatest rail journey on the planet. Celebrating its centenary this year, the Trans-Siberian Express weaves its way from East to West, travelling through Russia, over the Urals and across the endless Steppe.
Journeying eastbound from Moscow to Vladivostok, passengers pass through eight time zones and cover a distance of over 10,000kms, watching the cinematic snowy wilderness scenes from the large picture windows of the Golden Eagle. Highlights include a visit to the Kremlin; the pastoral town of Suzdal, where guests can enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride and watch a choral performance by the resident monks at St. Euthymius Monastery; Irkutsk, the 'Paris of Siberia' to enjoy a champagne reception and private concert at the Decembrist House Museum; Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world which is completely frozen in winter and provides a great spot for a range of snowy activities including snowmobiling, dog sledding and ice fishing; a folk performance in the Old Believers Village at Ulan Ude; and a tour of Gandan Monastery in Ulaan Baatar, home to 500 monks.
Once aboard the hotel-on-wheels, passengers can relax in the knowledge that every need will be taken care of, from cabin attendants on hand 24 hours a day to fine dining menus and even an onboard doctor. Private en-suite cabins, some with double beds, provide a comfortable haven while the elegant Bar Lounge Car is the social hub. A variety of on-board activities is on offer such as lectures on local history and vodka tasting sessions.
Price: from £9,895pp based on 2 sharing, including 12 nights onboard the Golden Eagle in Silver Class, 2 nights' hotel accommodation, all meals, wine, beer and soft drinks, fully guided off-train excursions programme, porterage throughout, arrival and departure transfers, the services of a Tour Manager and gratuities with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains (www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com, 0161 9289410). Flights are extra.
Full list of destinations visited: Moscow – Vladimir – Suzdal – Yekaterinburg – Novosibirsk – Lake Baikal – Ulan Ude – Ulaan Baatar - Vladivostock
Departures in 2017: Eastbound departs 21 Feb 2017, or Westbound departs 5 March 2017.
For further information contact Golden Eagle Luxury Trains (+44 (0)161 9289410, goldeneagleluxurytrains.com).
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Julia Spence or Natalie Postlethwaite
Julia Spence Public Relations
+44 (0)1491 824524 / 07802 443113
