Lake Baikal is an astounding 30 million years old, which makes it the world's oldest lake. It was created by a rift valley, formed when part of the Earth's crust pulled apart. It is also the deepest lake in the world, averaging a depth of 2,442 feet (744 metres). The massive size of the lake is difficult to comprehend; around 20% of the world's surface freshwater can be found here. According to ancient Chinese texts, people of the time believed it to be a part of the North Sea. This is not that surprising, as the lake is an incredible 395 miles (636 kilometres) long and 49 miles (79 kilometres) wide.
Ecological diversity
Lake Baikal, along with its immediate vicinity, is home to
more than 1,700 species of plants and animals - and about
two-thirds of these species cannot be found anywhere else in the
world. Due to its immeasurable ecological importance, Lake Baikal
was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, ensuring both
the lake and its wildlife are protected for many years to come.
Step on board the Golden Eagle and be transported back to the romantic age of travel as we wend our way across Russia, Mongolia and Siberia in unprecedented luxury. This rail adventure takes you on a journey of over 8,000 miles; a true odyssey to the other side of the world.
… see more19 days from £11,195 pp
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Witness the true splendour of Dr Zhivago landscapes from the warmth of your luxurious carriage, enjoying sleigh rides and choirs, saunas and yurts en-route to Vladivostok. Travel on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express train for an unforgettable 8,000-mile winter adventure. The maximum group number for this tour will be capped at 20, allowing for a more intimate, personal experience.
… see more19 days from £10,995 pp
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Let the Tsar's Gold Train take you on an incredible adventure across almost half of the surface of the world from the ornate splendor of Moscow to the bustling beauty of modern Beijing, through remote Siberia, beautiful Mongolia and the vast landscapes of the Gobi Desert.
… see more21 days
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A brilliant experience - enjoyed every minute of it - except at border controls !
There is no need to say more - this holiday was excellent and exceeded our very high expectations.
By Sukie Chapman
29 November 2018
The idea of travelling aboard a night train holds an almost mysterious allure, conjuring images of moustachioed Hercule Poirot aboard the Orient Express or stepping into the high heels of Jack Lemon and Tony Curtis as they bunk down with Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot.
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By Jack Stacey
27 June 2018
Boy have we got some stats for you! The travel industry is one of the largest in the world, shifting millions of people around the world every single day.
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By Jack Stacey
18 April 2018
There's nothing which quite imbues us with existentialist wonder as an ancient monument from a lost civilisation.
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By Sukie Chapman
5 April 2018
When I started working for Great Rail Journeys, I could never have guessed how much train knowledge and expertise I would pick up over the course of four short years.
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All activities were well planned out. Our tour manager was wonderful.