Luxury Trans-Siberia Train

[David Morris]

http://uk.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUKL2666645320070426?feedType=RSS

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Once considered the preserve of scruffy
backpackers, hardy adventurers, and vodka swigging businessmen, a new
train on Russia's Trans-Siberian route aims to lure wealthy tourists
with luxury.

British Prince Michael of Kent on Thursday at a Moscow station
unveiled the Golden Eagle which offers passengers ensuite bathrooms,
underfloor heating and plasma screen TVs in every cabin along the
9,300 kilometre (5,778 miles) Moscow to Vladivostok route, one of the
longest train trips in the world.

"Russia and trains are two great passions of mine and I'm looking
forward to travelling on the Golden Eagle," said Prince Michael, a
Russian speaker and related through his grandmother to Tsar Nicholas
II, in a speech.

The Trans-Siberian railway, built between 1891 and 1916, travels from
Moscow through vast pine forests, over the Ural mountains and across
the Siberian tundra to the Pacific Ocean.

A single ticket on the Golden Eagle will cost up to 9,595 pounds for
the 13- to 15-day journey.

A ticket on a normal Russian train costs around 10,000 roubles (200
pounds) for the seven-day non-stop trip. The Golden Eagle, operated by
firm GW Travel, will take double the time from Moscow to Vladivostock
by stopping for excursions.