Experience the ultimate rail journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow aboard the private Golden Eagle train with Seattle-based tour operator MIR Corporation. This 12-day luxury itinerary showcases Russia’s most iconic cultural sites and unforgettable Arctic experiences. In St. Petersburg, explore Catherine Palace and the famed Amber Room, wander the galleries of the Hermitage, and visit the striking St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Take time to stroll along Nevsky Prospekt before boarding the train, where a signature caviar dinner awaits as the route pushes north toward the Arctic Circle.
The expedition blends refined rail travel with immersive Arctic adventures. In the Norwegian town of Kirkenes, guests can enjoy Northern Lights viewing accompanied by a guest astronomer, visit the Snow Hotel, and take part in a dogsledding excursion. In Murmansk, the program includes a guided tour of Lenin, the world’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker. Weather permitting, passengers will cross Lake Onega on a hovercraft from Petrozavodsk to Kizhi Island to explore the open-air museum and its historic wooden churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
On the overland portion, the journey stops in the famed Golden Ring towns of Vladimir and Suzdal, known for their well-preserved medieval churches, monasteries, and traditional architecture. The final days are spent in Moscow, with guided visits to Red Square, the Kremlin and its iconic cathedrals, and the Armory Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of historic Russian treasures and state regalia.
The Arctic Explorer by Private Train blends luxurious onboard amenities, curated excursions, and expert guides to deliver a seamless balance of culture, history, and polar exploration. The expedition dates were scheduled for Dec. 29–Jan. 9, and pricing began at $11,995. This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking a high-end, time-efficient way to experience both Russia’s imperial centers and its dramatic northern landscapes.