Arctic Rail Explorer – Quest for Northern Lights

Duration12days

Price fromAUD $18,133 ?Currency ConversionConverted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip StyleLuxury Rail journey

Time of yearDecember or February

Renowned for its theatrical landscapes and dramatic climate, the Arctic Circle is one of the world’s most mystifying places to explore.

Experience a train journey unlike any other. An adventure on rails to the top of the world, the lands above the Arctic Circle where the mythical Aurora Borealis performs her breathtaking celestial dance in the velvet black Polar night sky. This compelling 12-day Northern Lights Train Tour showcases the unique contrast between two of Russia’s most majestic cities and the isolated yet charming communities deep within the Russian and Norwegian Arctic Circle. Commencing in St. Petersburg or Moscow, we visit some of the city’s most prominent historical and cultural sites, before embarking on this remarkable Arctic railway adventure in search of the elusive Aurora Borealis.

Northern Lights  - Arctic Rail Explorer Tour Highlights:

  • Admire the architectural splendour of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities on a guided two-day tour of St Petersburg that includes St Isaac’s Cathedral and the Hermitage, as well as a trip to Pushkin to visit the extravagant Catherine Palace
  • In the extreme north of Norway, above the Arctic Circle lies Kirkenes, a tiny frontier town near the Russian border. Ride a snowmobile across the frozen fjords outside town and try your hand at fishing for the Arctic’s most prized seafood, the king crab
  • Hunt for the Northern Lights: We’ll spend a total of five nights above the Arctic Circle, during which time you’ll have an excellent chance of witnessing the Aurora Borealis. Our search will take place on foot and by road as we scope out prime viewing sites in both the Norway and Murmansk in the Russian Arctic
  • In the city of Petrozavodsk and travel by hovercraft to visit Kizhi Island on Lake Onega, an open-air museum home to the world’s finest collection of 17th and 18th-century Russian timber architecture
  • Visit two of the most beautiful cities on Russia’s historic Golden Ring circuit. Vladimir, the former medieval Russian capital and Suzdal, one of Russia’s most perfectly preserved walled cities, home to quiet cobblestone streets and picturesque wooden houses
  • Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world’s biggest metropolises on a guided exploration of Moscow's must-see attractions, including the Red Square, the Kremlin and Armoury Museum, St Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Tomb

Embark on your very own Polar Express adventure on this enchanting train journey from Russia to the Arctic Circle for a rendezvous with Aurora Borealis. Also known as the Northern Lights, this ethereal dance of radiant colours is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful cosmic phenomena visible from earth.

Imagine indulging in caviar and champagne aboard a deluxe private train, barrelling through Russia, crossing the border into far-flung northern Norway and then making your way into the Russian Arctic territories against a backdrop of snow blanketed plains, frozen fjords and pine forests in their crystalline winter dress. This compelling 12-day Northern Lights train tour offers a unique contrast between two of Russia’s most majestic cities and the remote, yet charming communities deep within the Russian and Norwegian Arctic Circle. Commencing in St. Petersburg, we visit some of the city’s most prominent historical and cultural sites on this railway journey before embarking on this remarkable arctic adventure onboard the Golden Eagle.

Our quest to see the Aurora Borealis begins in the small mining town of Kirkenes in Norway, one of the greatest vantage points for seeing this incredible natural phenomenon. This two-night highlight combines our evening searches for Aurora with a fantastic daytime activity program. As our adventure continues on this Northern Lights Russia tour, we experience the culture and lifestyle of those living in the harsh climates of the Russian Arctic Circle. Finally, we visit some of Russia’s oldest and most picturesque rural cities along the legendary Golden Ring circuit as we travel onwards to our final destination, Moscow. On this Arctic adventure, we’ll be travelling on our privately chartered luxury train, the Golden Eagle. Look forward to fine dining, elegant surroundings and first-class service, with a personal cabin attendant available at all times to cater to your every need.

Arrival

St Petersburg / Moscow

Departure

Moscow / St Petersburg

Accomodation

5* Golden Eagle train

Trip style

Luxury Rail journey

Duration

12 days / 11 nights

Action rating?

     

Group size

N/A

Type of tour

Guaranteed Departures

Itinerary View map

Day 1 Welcome to St Petersburg!

Flight arrivals into St Petersburg and transfer to the luxurious Four Seasons Lion Palace. This evening you are invited to a champagne drinks reception with the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers before our exclusive Welcome Dinner. Specially selected international wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during the tour. 

 

Day 2-3 St Petersburg

St Petersburg is a stunning city, crowded with splendid palaces, impressive historical monuments, wide boulevards, beautiful bridges and is renowned as the Ballet Capital of the World.

St Petersburg is a stunning city, crowded with splendid palaces, impressive historical monuments, wide boulevards, beautiful bridges and is renowned as the Ballet Capital of the World. During our time spent in St Petersburg we have a guided tour of Catherine’s Palace in Pushkin and the world-famous Hermitage Museum, the former Winter Palace of the Tsars which houses the royal art collection of over three million works. It is one of the world’s largest and most impressive art museums. There is also a city tour of St Petersburg featuring the key sights including St Isaac's Cathedral and Nevsky Prospect. Make one of your evenings in St Petersburg extra special by purchasing a ticket for a ballet or opera performance at one of the world-renowned St Petersburg theatres (subject to schedule and availability and pre-booked at least six weeks prior to departure).

On the second day, we enjoy a tour of St Petersburg featuring the key sights including St Isaac’s Cathedral and Nevsky Prospect. This afternoon we transfer to the station to board Russia’s premier train, the Golden Eagle and settle into our modern, stylish cabins to embark upon our rail adventure to the Arctic Circle. We have a unique opportunity to celebrate our arrival on board at our signature Gala Caviar Dinner in the beautifully designed Restaurant Car. Enjoy complimentary champagne and international wines with dinner and live musical entertainment.

Day 4 Crossing the Arctic Circle

Today we have the opportunity to have a relaxed start to New Year's Day with a sumptuous breakfast and to unwind after our evening of celebration. We can reflect on the many sights we are about to experience on our rail journey, maybe listen to a talk or simply relax and enjoy the ever-changing winter landscape outside our window as we cross into the Arctic Circle on our quest to see the Northern Lights.

Day 5 Kirkenes

This morning we leave our train with an overnight bag at the Russian border station of Nikel and we transfer by bus (90 minutes drive) across the Russian/Norwegian border to Kirkenes for a two-night stay at the Thon Hotel (or similar). We will visit the magical Snow Hotel just 15 km outside Kirkenes.

We’ll have a welcome drink in the snow bar and a tour of the Snow Hotel with its ice sculptures and snow paintings by local and international artists. After a traditional meal including a reindeer hot dog in the snow hotel’s warm lodge restaurant, we’ll take an evening bus tour in search of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). If the sky is clear our guest astronomer will be on hand to advise us during star-gazing and will bring the night sky to life with their extensive knowledge.

Day 6 Kirkenes

Today a unique winter experience awaits on our King Crab Fishing adventure. The excursion begins with a snowmobile drawn sleigh across the frozen fjords. Warm clothing and a helmet are provided. Through a hole in the ice, you will be shown by your guide a catch of the magnificent Arctic King Crab (which can span two metres and weigh up to 15kgs). We then continue by sleigh to the nearby Fisherman’s Lodge, where it is hereby a roaring log fire that your fresh King Crab meal awaits. Also included during your stay in Kirkenes is a one-hour husky dog sledge ride and a visit to the resident reindeers.

Day 7-8 Murmansk

On day 7, we cross the border back into Russia and re-join our train, which is waiting for us in Nikel, Murmansk. We’ll spend the afternoon on board travelling through arctic Russia. Afternoon tea with freshly baked Russian cookies will be served in our stylish Bar Lounge Car.

On day 8, we will continue to Murmansk is a city halfway between Moscow and the North Pole, and 120 miles (193 km) north of the Arctic Circle. As the main city of the Kola Peninsula, it started as a tiny settlement and Arctic trading post. In 1916, under pressure from the British to establish a support port, Murmansk was founded. Thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream, the port is ice-free year- round. Homeport of Russia’s nuclear-powered icebreakers, we’ll visit the Nuclear Icebreaker Museum Ship.

Day 9 Petrozavodsk

Petrozavodsk stretches along the western shore of Lake Onega - the second largest lake in Europe. It is one of the major cultural and industrial centres of the North-West of Russia and is the capital of the Republic of Karelia. We take a city tour and then celebrate Sochelnik (Russian Christmas Eve) with a Karelian Folk Performance and continue our festivities with a traditional Russian Christmas Eve meal, known as the Holy Supper. As always a generous allowance of international wine and drinks are included with our dinner as we celebrate together.

Day 10 Moscow

This morning we arrive at Moscow station. Included in our time spent in Moscow is two nights at the five-star Four Seasons (or similar). Superbly located in Moscow city centre, and within easy walking distance of Red Square, the Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre, this historic hotel offers spacious and luxurious accommodation.

Today we visit Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and political might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral’s magnificent onion-domed spires, the beautiful façade of the world famous GUM Department store, constructed in Tsarist times, and the sombre and evocative site of Lenin’s tomb. Our touring programme also takes us to the grandeur of the Kremlin - the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow and to see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber.

Day 11 Vladimir and Suzdal

Today we travel by regular train to the historic city of Vladimir, which was founded in 990 and is one of Russia’s oldest communities. The historic city of Vladimir was founded in 990 and is one of Russia’s oldest communities. With an architectural wealth, it has been decreed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour takes in Uspensky Cathedral, built between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries. It is considered one of the most important and beautiful of Russian cathedrals, where many of the prominent Russian Tsars were crowned.

From Vladimir we travel to Suzdal, one of Russia’s most perfectly preserved walled cities dating back to 1024, located 35 kilometres from Vladimir. Here we visit the atmospheric St Euthymius Monastery to witness an enchanting choral performance by the resident monks. No Russian winter experience would be complete either without the horse-drawn sleigh ride through this stunning location.

Day 12 Farewell

After breakfast in the hotel, our tour to Arctic Circle finally comes to a close. Lunch, if required, would be by your own arrangement.

Flights should be booked to depart after 3pm or why not extend your stay in Moscow to explore more of the city at your leisure, go ice skating on the open-air ice rink or enjoy the continuing Russian Christmas celebrations?

Ask a question

Have a question about this tour? Our experts will be happy to help

Inclusions

Arrival and departure transfers

All transportation according to the itinerary with professional drivers

Luxurious 5* hotels

Accommodation onboard comfortable Golden Eagle train in a cabin of a chosen category

Full board, starting with dinner on the first day and ending with breakfast on the last day

Welcome and farewell dinners

English-speaking tour leader throughout the tour

Guided enriching tours with experienced English speaking guides

Wide choice of optional off-train tours

24-hour service attendant and English speaking doctor services

Porter services at all railway stations

All gratuities

Russian visa support documents

Exclusions

Flights

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees.*Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for comprehensive visa service here.

Optional excursions

Individual transfers

Dates & Prices

Dates Availability Price Single sup.  
29 Dec 2022 - 9 Jan 2023 (M to SPB)
Guaranteed Departures
Available AU $21,419 AU $10,516 Reserve
1 Feb 2023 - 12 Feb 2023 (SPB to M)
Guaranteed Departures
Available AU $18,133 AU $8,938 Reserve
29 Dec 2023 - 9 Jan 2024 (M to SPB)
Guaranteed Departures
Available AU $21,419 AU $10,516 Reserve

Arctic Rail Explorer – Quest for Northern Lights

12 days / 11 nights

From
$18,133
AUD

*Guaranteed departures, price is based on twin share

Make an enquiry Detailed itinerary
Click here to subscribe

Arctic Rail Explorer – Quest for Northern Lights

12 days / 11 nights

From
$18,133
AUD

*Guaranteed departures, price is based on twin share

Make an enquiry

Dowlnload comprehansive info-kit for this tour, FAQ’s and extras

Detailed itinerary
Click here to subscribe

Why travel to Russia with 56th Parallel?

Destination Specialists

Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.

Group & Private Tours

The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.

Bonded & Licensed

56th Parallel is a fully licensed, insured and accredited travel provider.

More benefits
+61 412 587 785[email protected]

Arctic Rail Explorer – Quest for Northern Lights

Days 12

From AUD $18,133

Trip Style Luxury Rail journey

Time of year December or February

Day 1: Welcome to St Petersburg!

Flight arrivals into St Petersburg and transfer to the luxurious Four Seasons Lion Palace. This evening you are invited to a champagne drinks reception with the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers before our exclusive Welcome Dinner. Specially selected international wines are included with dinner, as with all meals during the tour. 

 

Day 2-3: St Petersburg

St Petersburg is a stunning city, crowded with splendid palaces, impressive historical monuments, wide boulevards, beautiful bridges and is renowned as the Ballet Capital of the World.

St Petersburg is a stunning city, crowded with splendid palaces, impressive historical monuments, wide boulevards, beautiful bridges and is renowned as the Ballet Capital of the World. During our time spent in St Petersburg we have a guided tour of Catherine’s Palace in Pushkin and the world-famous Hermitage Museum, the former Winter Palace of the Tsars which houses the royal art collection of over three million works. It is one of the world’s largest and most impressive art museums. There is also a city tour of St Petersburg featuring the key sights including St Isaac's Cathedral and Nevsky Prospect. Make one of your evenings in St Petersburg extra special by purchasing a ticket for a ballet or opera performance at one of the world-renowned St Petersburg theatres (subject to schedule and availability and pre-booked at least six weeks prior to departure).

On the second day, we enjoy a tour of St Petersburg featuring the key sights including St Isaac’s Cathedral and Nevsky Prospect. This afternoon we transfer to the station to board Russia’s premier train, the Golden Eagle and settle into our modern, stylish cabins to embark upon our rail adventure to the Arctic Circle. We have a unique opportunity to celebrate our arrival on board at our signature Gala Caviar Dinner in the beautifully designed Restaurant Car. Enjoy complimentary champagne and international wines with dinner and live musical entertainment.

Day 4: Crossing the Arctic Circle

Today we have the opportunity to have a relaxed start to New Year's Day with a sumptuous breakfast and to unwind after our evening of celebration. We can reflect on the many sights we are about to experience on our rail journey, maybe listen to a talk or simply relax and enjoy the ever-changing winter landscape outside our window as we cross into the Arctic Circle on our quest to see the Northern Lights.

Day 5: Kirkenes

This morning we leave our train with an overnight bag at the Russian border station of Nikel and we transfer by bus (90 minutes drive) across the Russian/Norwegian border to Kirkenes for a two-night stay at the Thon Hotel (or similar). We will visit the magical Snow Hotel just 15 km outside Kirkenes.

We’ll have a welcome drink in the snow bar and a tour of the Snow Hotel with its ice sculptures and snow paintings by local and international artists. After a traditional meal including a reindeer hot dog in the snow hotel’s warm lodge restaurant, we’ll take an evening bus tour in search of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). If the sky is clear our guest astronomer will be on hand to advise us during star-gazing and will bring the night sky to life with their extensive knowledge.

Day 6: Kirkenes

Today a unique winter experience awaits on our King Crab Fishing adventure. The excursion begins with a snowmobile drawn sleigh across the frozen fjords. Warm clothing and a helmet are provided. Through a hole in the ice, you will be shown by your guide a catch of the magnificent Arctic King Crab (which can span two metres and weigh up to 15kgs). We then continue by sleigh to the nearby Fisherman’s Lodge, where it is hereby a roaring log fire that your fresh King Crab meal awaits. Also included during your stay in Kirkenes is a one-hour husky dog sledge ride and a visit to the resident reindeers.

Day 7-8: Murmansk

On day 7, we cross the border back into Russia and re-join our train, which is waiting for us in Nikel, Murmansk. We’ll spend the afternoon on board travelling through arctic Russia. Afternoon tea with freshly baked Russian cookies will be served in our stylish Bar Lounge Car.

On day 8, we will continue to Murmansk is a city halfway between Moscow and the North Pole, and 120 miles (193 km) north of the Arctic Circle. As the main city of the Kola Peninsula, it started as a tiny settlement and Arctic trading post. In 1916, under pressure from the British to establish a support port, Murmansk was founded. Thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream, the port is ice-free year- round. Homeport of Russia’s nuclear-powered icebreakers, we’ll visit the Nuclear Icebreaker Museum Ship.

Day 9: Petrozavodsk

Petrozavodsk stretches along the western shore of Lake Onega - the second largest lake in Europe. It is one of the major cultural and industrial centres of the North-West of Russia and is the capital of the Republic of Karelia. We take a city tour and then celebrate Sochelnik (Russian Christmas Eve) with a Karelian Folk Performance and continue our festivities with a traditional Russian Christmas Eve meal, known as the Holy Supper. As always a generous allowance of international wine and drinks are included with our dinner as we celebrate together.

Day 10: Moscow

This morning we arrive at Moscow station. Included in our time spent in Moscow is two nights at the five-star Four Seasons (or similar). Superbly located in Moscow city centre, and within easy walking distance of Red Square, the Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre, this historic hotel offers spacious and luxurious accommodation.

Today we visit Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and political might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral’s magnificent onion-domed spires, the beautiful façade of the world famous GUM Department store, constructed in Tsarist times, and the sombre and evocative site of Lenin’s tomb. Our touring programme also takes us to the grandeur of the Kremlin - the spiritual, historical and political heart of Moscow and to see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber.

Day 11: Vladimir and Suzdal

Today we travel by regular train to the historic city of Vladimir, which was founded in 990 and is one of Russia’s oldest communities. The historic city of Vladimir was founded in 990 and is one of Russia’s oldest communities. With an architectural wealth, it has been decreed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour takes in Uspensky Cathedral, built between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries. It is considered one of the most important and beautiful of Russian cathedrals, where many of the prominent Russian Tsars were crowned.

From Vladimir we travel to Suzdal, one of Russia’s most perfectly preserved walled cities dating back to 1024, located 35 kilometres from Vladimir. Here we visit the atmospheric St Euthymius Monastery to witness an enchanting choral performance by the resident monks. No Russian winter experience would be complete either without the horse-drawn sleigh ride through this stunning location.

Day 12: Farewell

After breakfast in the hotel, our tour to Arctic Circle finally comes to a close. Lunch, if required, would be by your own arrangement.

Flights should be booked to depart after 3pm or why not extend your stay in Moscow to explore more of the city at your leisure, go ice skating on the open-air ice rink or enjoy the continuing Russian Christmas celebrations?

Included

Arrival and departure transfers

All transportation according to the itinerary with professional drivers

Luxurious 5* hotels

Accommodation onboard comfortable Golden Eagle train in a cabin of a chosen category

Full board, starting with dinner on the first day and ending with breakfast on the last day

Welcome and farewell dinners

English-speaking tour leader throughout the tour

Guided enriching tours with experienced English speaking guides

Wide choice of optional off-train tours

24-hour service attendant and English speaking doctor services

Porter services at all railway stations

All gratuities

Russian visa support documents

Not included

Flights

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees.*Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for comprehensive visa service here.

Optional excursions

Individual transfers

Dates & Prices

DatesAvailabilityPriceSingle sup.
29 Dec 2022 - 9 Jan 2023 (M to SPB)
Guaranteed Departures
Available AU $21,419 AU $10,516
1 Feb 2023 - 12 Feb 2023 (SPB to M)
Guaranteed Departures
Available AU $18,133 AU $8,938
29 Dec 2023 - 9 Jan 2024 (M to SPB)
Guaranteed Departures
Available AU $21,419 AU $10,516

Start planning your tour

A destination specialist will follow up on you enquiry shortly.
Prefer to chat? Call us on +61 412 587 785 we will be delighted to be of service.

Arctic Rail Explorer – Quest for Northern Lights

If you have any urgent questions or enquiries, please give us a call +61 412 587 785

AUD