Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, originally founded as GW Travel Ltd in 1989 by Tim Littler and rebranded in 2012, is widely regarded as one of the world's leading operators of exclusive long-distance rail tours. Based in Altrincham, Cheshire, the company made history in May 1996 when it ran the very first private Trans-Siberian Express tour, covering over 13,000 kilometres using 72 steam locomotives in 28 days. Its fleet includes purpose-built private trains such as the flagship Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express – a 21-car, $25-million train launched in 2007 – designed to deliver the highest levels of comfort on epic rail journeys. The Arctic Explorer itinerary showcased the company's ability to combine classic Russian city culture with genuine Arctic wilderness adventure, guided by expert tour leaders and an on-board astronomer.
The Arctic Explorer was a 12-day rail journey linking two of Russia's most celebrated cities with the remote Norwegian Arctic. The tour began in St. Petersburg, allowing two days to explore iconic landmarks including the Hermitage museum, Catherine's Palace, St. Isaac's Cathedral, and Nevsky Prospect. Guests then boarded the luxury Golden Eagle private train for the journey north, crossing into the Arctic Circle and arriving at Kirkenes in Norway, a small mining town situated just 15 kilometres from the Russian border and deep within the Northern Lights belt. The return leg passed through some of Russia's oldest communities, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Vladimir, before concluding with an exploration of Moscow – Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral, and the Kremlin.
The centrepiece of the Arctic Explorer was the two-night stay in Kirkenes, Norway, where guests had the opportunity to search for the Northern Lights led by Golden Eagle's resident guest astronomer. Activities in the region included:
Travel on the Golden Eagle train was designed to match the drama of the landscapes outside. Guest cabins featured en-suite facilities with underfloor heating, double beds, L'Occitane toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. A 24-hour cabin attendant service was provided throughout the journey. Dining took place in an ornate dining coach, with gala dinners accompanied by fine wines and gourmet cuisine. The tour package included all guided sightseeing excursions, the services of experienced tour leaders, complimentary refreshments around the clock, gratuities, and the presence of an on-board doctor. The Golden Eagle train accommodated a maximum of 100 passengers, ensuring an intimate and personalised experience. Prices for the Arctic Explorer started from £9,695 per person.
Golden Eagle Luxury Trains continues to operate, though its current programme does not include the Arctic Explorer Russia itinerary. Since the imposition of international travel restrictions affecting Russia from 2022, the company has focused its private train journeys on Central Asia, China, India, and Europe via its Danube Express and Silk Road Express trains. Check the company's official website for its current schedule.
The Arctic Explorer was a signature Golden Eagle itinerary running through Russia to the Norwegian Arctic. Following the closure of Russia to most international tour operators from 2022, this specific routing is no longer offered. The brochure archived on Catalink dates from the period when the tour was actively sold.
The flagship Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express accommodates a maximum of 100 passengers across its 66 guest cabins. This deliberately limited capacity is central to the company's promise of a personalised, boutique luxury experience rather than a mass-market cruise-style product.
Golden Eagle Luxury Trains (formerly GW Travel Ltd) operated as a fully bonded UK tour operator. Passengers booking package holidays including flights would typically have been covered by ATOL protection. For definitive information on financial protection for any current booking, contact the company directly or consult your travel agent.
The Kirkenes region of Norway, which sits well above the Arctic Circle, offers the best Northern Lights viewing between late September and late March, when nights are long and skies are darkest. The Arctic Explorer tour operated during winter months specifically to take advantage of these conditions, and Golden Eagle provided a guest astronomer on board to maximise guests' chances of witnessing the aurora borealis.
The company was founded in 1989 by Tim Littler, who serves as Company President. Littler's passion for rail travel began in childhood watching steam trains at Altrincham station. Under his leadership, GW Travel – as it was originally known – ran the world's first private Trans-Siberian Express tour in May 1996 before rebranding as Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Limited in 2012.
This travel brochure is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes Golden Eagle Luxury Trains and their former Arctic Explorer itinerary. For current details, visit the company's official website.
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