Travel Trans Siberian in luxury

The Senior newspaper, together with Travelrite International, offer you the chance of a lifetime in September 2018 to travel the amazing Trans Siberian rail route in supreme comfort aboard the Golden Eagle Express.

Travelling the Trans-Siberian rail line as the landscape unfolds outside your window is the only way to truly take in the vastness of Russia, the world's largest country.

Autumn is regarded as a great time to take this journey because of the changing colour of the leaves.

You'll cross the magnificent Russian Steppes, travel alongside the shores of Lake Baikal, the world's largest freshwater lake, and branch off the Trans-Siberian main line for a special visit into Mongolia.

It's a chance to see Russia at its most beautiful and remote.

You will be treated to traditional meals and concerts in far flung areas and visit significant sites and museums providing a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution.

Few natural sites can surpass the beauty of Lake Baikal. For five hours the train will wind its way through tunnels along cliff-hugging tracks around the lake with a vista of snowcapped peaks.

This lake, the deepest in the world, holds a fifth of the world's fresh water and is known as "the pearl of Siberia". Weather permitting there will be time for a stop to allow the bravest on board to take a bracing swim in its crystal-clear and chilly waters.

This journey has not compromised on comfort, with 12 full-ensuite Silver and Gold Class sleeping cars.

Beautifully appointed restaurant cars offer cuisine that, where possible, uses local ingredients such as fresh fish from Lake Baikal. Meals are complemented by wines from around the world, as well as- that Russian staple, vodka.

In the evening guests congregate in the bar, the train's social hub.

There's more in store when it's time to disembark.

Three nights will be spent in Moscow exploring everything the city has to offer before travelling by fast train to beautiful St Petersburg, the glittering city of the tsars, for three more nights.

Here you will visit the famous Hermitage. Originally the winter palace of the tsars, it is now one of the greatest art galleries in the world. There will also be a visit to the new Faberge Museum to admire the amazing craftsmanship of the remarkable Faberge eggs.

The price of the rail journey from September 1-22 next year starts at $24,320 per person twin share for Silver Class including taxes and surcharges. The single supplement is $8925. For Gold Class the price is $28,280 per person twin share with the single supplement $11,130.

For Imperial Class, which offers a king-size bed and personal butler, the cost is $42,330 per person twin share.

This includes return economy airfares from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, accommodation in five-star hotels in Moscow and St Petersburg, and activities specified in the itinerary.

Extra time can be arranged in St Petersburg at the end of the tour if you wish to stay longer.