New luxury train for trans-Siberia route
Long-distance train operator GW Travel is launching a £12.8 million luxury train on the trans-Siberian route – the world’s longest railway line.
The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express is a fully en-suite private train to be named in Moscow by Prince Michael of Kent on April 27.
The train consists of 21 new carriages and will make its first journey on May 6. The 14-night trip will leave from Moscow, travelling more than 6,000 miles to Vladivostok.
Passengers will be accommodated in 12 new sleeping cars that are made up of Gold and Silver classes.
The one-way trip costs £9,595 in the best equipped carriages, or £6,795 per person for two sharing. The Silver class level costs are £7,995 and £5,495 respectively. The cheapest rates start at £5,695 or £3,895 for two sharing a smaller cabin.
The six Gold class carriages feature en-suite amenities including power showers and under floor heating. Cabins are equipped with DVD/CD players, LCD TV screens, audio systems, individual air conditioning, and wardrobe space. Gold class cabins have a cabin area of 77sq ft.
The six Silver carriages also have en-suite facilities but are equipped with smaller shower areas. Silver Class cabins feature similar amenities to those available in Gold class, with a more compact area of 60sq ft.
The introduction of the new train will enable GW Travel to increase its capacity in Russia, by running two trains on the trans-Siberian route from May to November.
The operator’s existing train, which is being re-named Siberian Tiger, will continue to run in conjunction with the Golden Eagle.
It will continue to feature both Gold and Heritage Class accommodation. Heritage Class Cabins are traditional Russian Railway International First Class cars with Trans-Siberian enhancements. The cabins feature two side by side beds, luggage storage and are centrally air conditioned. Located at each end of the carriage are toilet facilities, and a purpose built shower car is included.
Company president and founder Tim Littler said: “After seven years of planning I am delighted that the Golden Eagle project is coming to fruition. Russia’s first luxury train will confirm our Trans-Siberian tour as the ‘Voyage of a Lifetime’ and one of the world’s great travel experiences.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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