TRANS-SIBERIAN ADVENTURE

ST PETERSBURG ● MOSCOW ● EKATERINBURG ● ULAANBAATAR ● IRKUTSK & LAKE BAIKAL ● VLADIVOSTOK

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TOUR OVERVIEW

DURATION, PRICE, TOUR TYPE & DEPARTURES

22 nights from UK £ 3,580 / US $ 5,020 per person*

*Price based on 2 people travelling in a shared 4 berth second class cabin. Upgrade to your own cabin from UK £ 950 / US$ 1,330 per person. These prices are based on 2021 rates and are here to give guidance. Final quotes vary by date, exchange rates and are subject to availability.

PRIVATE TOUR - NOT A GROUP TOUR - CAN BE TAILORED

SEASON - YEAR ROUND WITH WEEKLY DEPARTURES

TOUR CODE : TS-SP-BT-05

MAP & DESTINATIONS

THE STOPS VISITED ON THIS TOUR

?? ST PETERSBURG - 3 nights

This beautiful and cultural city is a completely different experience to Moscow.

?? MOSCOW - 2 nights

Russia’s vast and iconic capital and the start of this railway adventure.

?? EKATERINBURG - 3 nights

City in the beautiful Ural Mountains where the Romanovs met their fate.

?? IRKUTSK & BAIKAL - 2 nights

Forward looking Siberian city and gateway to Lake Baikal.

?? ULAANBAATAR - 2 nights

Remote capital of Mongolia and the start of a steppe adventure.

?? VLADIVOSTOK - 1 night

Russia’s Eastern Port city is a heavily influenced by nearby China & Japan.

ON THE TRAINS - total 9 nights

We use the most comfortable and reliable trains possible for each leg.

OUR EXCLUSIVE TRIP GUIDEBOOK

This trip includes our exclusive 200+ page guidebook personalised to your trip with sections about the trains, destinations, timetables and emergency contacts and allowing you to be fully prepared for your trip of a lifetime - an invaluable resource!

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

DAILY DESCRIPTIONS OF ACTIVITIES, MEALS & OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION

DAY 1 - ST PETERSBURG

YOUR TRANS-SIBERIAN HOLIDAY STARTS IN BEAUTIFUL ST PETERSBURG

Welcome to St Petersburg, Russia’s cultural centre and arguably one of the world’s most beautiful cities - an architectural wonder often referred to as the “Venice of the North.” An English speaking driver will meet you for a transfer by private car to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start exploring this stunning city.

MEALS: None Today.

OVERNIGHT: Cronwell Inn ★ ★ ★ click to view hotel.

DAY 2 - ST PETERSBURG

AN IDEAL 3 HOUR INTRODUCTORY WALKING TOUR OF THE CITY BEFORE A FREE AFTERNOON

Begin your time in St Petersburg with this superb introduction to this beautiful city with your private guide, learning about the history and architecture as well as life in today’s St Petersburg. The tour focuses on Nevsky Prospect including the Palace Square, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Winter Palace and the Admiralty amongst many other points of interest. The tour will usually finish on arrival at the Peter and Paul Fortress where you can visit the burial place of all the Russian Tzars from Peter the Great to Nicholas II.

Free time for the rest of the day, perhaps to explore the Peter & Paul Fortress or some of the many other sights. Alternatively, St Petersburg is an excellent place to walk and admire the architecture stopping at the occasional cafe!

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast.

OVERNIGHT: Cronwell Inn ★ ★ ★ click to view hotel.

DAY 3 - ST PETERSBURG

A FREE DAY TO EXPLORE THIS MAGNIFICENT CITY

A free day to explore St Petersburg. This city has so much to offer so it is a good idea to plan a little in advance if there are specific places you want to visit. However, this is also a fantastic city to aimlessly wander, exploring side streets, canals and the beautiful parks that feature across the city. Don’t forget there are also excellent sights outside the city including the opulent palaces of Peterhof and Pushkin.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast.

OVERNIGHT: Cronwell Inn ★ ★ ★ click to view hotel.

DAY 4 - MOSCOW

HIGH SPEED “SAPSAN” TRAIN TO MOSCOW IN JUST 4 HOURS

Free time before a late morning transfer by private car with an English speaking driver to the “Sapsan” train to Moscow. The journey takes just 4 hours with an early evening arrival in Moscow, the political and economic centre of this vast country. Moscow has many of Russia’s most famous sights, not least Red Square and St Basil’s Cathedral and with over 800 years of history there is also a wealth of architecture, museums and monuments to its colourful past. Transfer from the station by private car with an English speaking driver to your hotel. Free time for the rest of the day.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast.

OVERNIGHT: Budapest Hotel ★ ★ ★ click to view hotel.

DAY 5 - MOSCOW

A FASCINATING 3 HOUR WALKING TOUR OF CENTRAL MOSCOW WITH A FREE AFTERNOON

The perfect introductory walking tour of central Moscow designed to orientate and open up its hidden treasures. Your guide will take you along the main streets and less visited back roads to see the diversity of architectural styles from the austere and restrained Russian style to richly decorated Moscow Baroque, elegant Empire, fascinating Art Nouveau and even Pseudo-Chinese and Moorish. Hear stories and legends not found in the guidebooks as well as passing the most important sites in the city including the Bolshoi Theatre, Tverskaya street, GUM Department store, Red Square and St Basil’s Cathedral.

The rest of the day is free to further explore Moscow. The exclusive Trip Guidebook we send you before your trip is full of ideas and useful information to ensure you get the most out of your time in this iconic city.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast.

OVERNIGHT: Budapest Hotel ★ ★ ★ click to view hotel.

DAY 6 - on the train

DEPART MOSCOW ON YOUR FIRST TRAIN LEG TO EKATERINBURG

Free time until early afternoon to explore Moscow. The city has much to offer whatever the weather from the famous museums such as Pushkin Fine Arts and Tretyakov Art Gallery to more outdoor areas including the Park of the Fallen Idols and Novodevitchy Convent.

Transfer to the station for a late afternoon departure from Moscow’s Kazanskaya station. Settle into your compartment as the suburbs of Moscow are replaced by forest and countryside.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

DAY 7 - EKATERINBURG

FULL DAY ON THE TRAIN BEFORE AN EVENING ARRIVAL IN EKATERINBURG

With luck the gentle rhythm of the train led to a good night’s sleep! A full day on the train through a region of farms, small towns and villages interspersed with birch forests. Towards the end of the day you cross the Europe-Asia continental border arriving in Ekaterinburg a short time afterwards. Ekaterinburg is a more representative experience of a Russian city than, say, Moscow and has a rich and fascinating history. It is surrounded by beautiful, rolling countryside dotted with traditional Siberian villages. Transfer to your hotel to overnight.

MEALS: None today - however the train does have a dining car.

OVERNIGHT: Chekhov Boutique Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ click to view hotel.

DAY 8 - EKATERINBURG

FULL DAY COUNTRYSIDE & SIBERIAN VILLAGE EXPERIENCE

Today we drive out of the city to one of the photogenic country villages* that are scattered across the rolling scenery of the Ural mountains. Here we see a traditional Siberian “izba” house - a style suited to the often extreme environment - that can be seen right across Siberia. We also visit the local museum to learn about everyday life in this part of Russia and listen to a concert of local folk music. There will be time to explore the village with your guide and you will also enjoy a traditional Siberian homestyle lunch often using locally produced and seasonal ingredients. Return to Ekaterinburg late afternoon with a free evening.

*Depending on the day of your visit this trip will be to either Koptelovo, Nizhnyaya Sinyachikha or Mironovo village all approximately 150 km from Ekaterinburg.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast & Restaurant Lunch.

OVERNIGHT: Chekhov Boutique Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ click to view hotel.

DAY 9 - EKATERINBURG

CITY TOUR, VISIT THE ROMANOVS SECRET GRAVE & STAND ASTRIDE THE EUROPE-ASIA BORDER

Start with a 3 hour walking tour of the city’s highlights. Stop at the central square and see statues of Ekaterinburg’s founders and leaders and learn local stories, legends (and a few jokes!) related to them. Continue to the 1905 Revolution square before the most compelling story will be told at the beautiful Church of Spilled Blood located at the Romanovs’ Death Site and Chapel of St Elizabeth. See views from the Hill of Ascension and visit the powerful Afghanistan memorial at the Square of the Red Army.

After lunch (own arrangement) drive 15 km north-west to a monastery dedicated to the Romanov’s family located on the spot where the Bolsheviks tried to hide the corpses of the Tsar and his family in a secret grave. Continue on to the continental border of Europe and Asia making a short stop at the Memorial of Victims of the GULAGs. The Main Obelisk “Between Europe & Asia” allows you to straddle the continental divide and you also get a Certificate with a glass of sparkling wine!

Return to your hotel (and additional night has been booked) with free time until a very early - or very late depending on your perspective - transfer to the station for your onward train to Ulaanbaatar.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast.

OVERNIGHT: Chekhov Boutique Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ click to view hotel.

DAY 10 - on the train

YOUR FIRST DAY IN SIBERIA & ON THE ASIAN CONTINENT

Hopefully you had some sleep after your very early transfer to the station this morning to join this train. Once light, the scenery today is flat, often swampy or forested with few major settlements. This is a day for relaxing, socializing and getting into a good book!

MEALS: None today - however the train does have a dining car.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

DAY 11 - on the train

PASS KRASNOYARSK AND ENJOY A DAY OF BEAUTIFUL SCENERY

In the morning you pass prosperous Krasnoyarsk and the scenery gets better from this point consisting of gently rolling hills and dense forests of larch, pine and birch trees. There are many rivers and ponds and if it hasn’t happened before now you will start to comprehend just how vast and untouched Russia is as the sun sets on the endless taiga of Siberia.

MEALS: None today - however the train does have a dining car.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

DAY 12 - on the train

JOURNEY ALONG THE SHORE LAKE BAIKAL INTO BURYATIA & MONGOLIA

Today is usually the scenic highlight of the journey - a day of lake, forest and mountain views. After Irkutsk, which you reach very early in the morning, the train rumbles around the Southern shore of the stunning Lake Baikal often passing within a matter of meters of the lake and providing endlessly changing vistas. You will also notice a change in the people with many more Asian faces as you enter Buryatia which has strong cultural ties to Mongolia. This is a remote and pretty section of the trip with a hint of an old Asian culture ever present. Eventually you arrive at the Russia-Mongolia border at Naushki passing through the border formalities before continuing into the grasslands of Mongolia.

MEALS: None today - however the train does have a dining car.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

DAY 13 - ULAANBAATAR

GENGHIS KHAN STATUE & COMFORTABLE ELSTEI GER CAMP

Early morning arrival in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia and a truly unique destination that is for many a real highlight of the trip. Before heading out to Elstei ger camp you have breakfast and a chance to shower.

Transfer on to Elstei Ger camp located 55 km outside of the city in the open steppe stopping at the 40 meter high Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue (a further 25 km from Elstei) that sees that most famous of Mongols survey the grasslands. Elstei offers comfortable and spacious ger accommodation with separate toilet, showering and dining facilities. Click here to learn more about ger camps in Mongolia.

A range of options are available including visits to local nomads and learning about their way of life and hiking the grasslands. There are also opportunities to for horse riding (payable locally) and, for much of the year, activities such as archery, ger building and even the opportunity to learn how to wrestle Mongolian style! Of course, you can simply relax and take in this extraordinary landscape.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at the Ger Camp.

OVERNIGHT: Elstei Ger Camp - click to learn more.

DAY 14 - ULAANBAATAR

ENJOY THE STEPPE FURTHER OR RELAX AT THE GER CAMP

A full day at Elstei Ger camp to enjoy this unique experience with assistance from your guide when required. Today is a good opportunity to range further into the steppe from the ger camp either by foot or horseback (local hire fees apply) and, if the guide is notified the night before, the kitchen can arrange a packed lunch.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at the Ger Camp.

OVERNIGHT: Elstei Ger Camp - click to learn more.

DAY 15 - on the train

CITY TOUR & FREE TIME BEFORE DEPARTURE TOWARDS RUSSIA

After breakfast return to Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia’s capital is home to around a third of the entire population and has experienced a major boom in the last 10 years. There is much of cultural interest here and the this morning’s city tour includes Gandan Lama Monastery, impressive Sukhbaatar square and the views and Soviet monuments of Zaisan Hill.

After the tour some free time before a transfer to the train station to catch your onward train through the grasslands up to the Russian border.

Evening arrival at the Mongolia-Russia border at Sukhe-Bator. The stops on each side are long but manageable as Mongolia’s track is the same gauge as Russia so the bogies do not need to be changed.

MEALS: Breakfast at the Ger Camp.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

DAY 16 - IRKUTSK

PASS ULAN UDE & TRAVEL ALONG THE SHORES OF LAKE BAIKAL & ARRIVE AT IRKUTSK

Today is usually the scenic highlight of the entire journey, a day of lake, forest and mountain views. Early in the morning you reach Ulan Ude before joining the main Trans-Siberian line on to Moscow. Later in the day the train rumbles around the Southern shore of stunning Lake Baikal often passing within a matter of meters of the lake and providing endlessly changing vistas.

Afternoon arrival in Irkutsk, regarded as the modern day cultural capital of Siberia, famed for its traditional wooden architecture, complimented by a vibrant cafe and restaurant culture.

Transfer to your hotel and once settled in have a 2 hour walking tour of the city centre including the park and War Memorial, some of the beautiful churches along the Angara river, the main city centre streets and the statue of Alexander III - the Tzar responsible for the Trans-Siberian railway.

Return to your hotel with a free evening.

MEALS: None today - however the train does have a dining car.

OVERNIGHT: Boutique Marussia Hotel ★ ★ ★ click to view hotel.

DAY 17 - LAKE BAIKAL

TRANSFER TO BOLSHOE GOLOUSTNOE ON THE SHORES OF BAIKAL

After breakfast transfer from the station the 2 hour drive through dense forest to the remote village of Bolshoe Goloustnoe located inside Pribaikalsky National Park. The setting is quintessential Siberia with almost all the village's houses made of wood running up to the lakeshore of beautiful Baikal, among the deepest in the world at 1,642 meters. Many of the 700 residents have lived their entire lives in the village which dates back to 1673.

Your accommodation here is in a Siberian house in the heart of the village. Once settled in take a walk with your guide through the village including a visit to the church. We walk along the lakeshore and can also climb into the forests and hills for views of Lake Baikal (good shoes or walking boots advisable).

Return to the house for a pre-dinner Banya - the traditional Russian Sauna. Your guide will explain the procedure and after a hearty Siberian homestyle meal should set you up for a great nights sleep!

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT THIS LAKE BAIKAL STOPOVER
Bolshoe Goloustnoe is a small village on the shores of Baikal and provides a genuine Siberian experience in beautiful surroundings. The village is far enough from the Irkutsk to keep day trippers to a minimum and has retained it charm. However, this does mean accommodation is in the traditional Siberian style of log cabins, separate, outside buildings for drop (not flush) toilets and a Russian banya (sauna) for washing. For many this is all part of the experience and feedback is overwhelmingly positive. If you would prefer more comfort we can arrange a higher level guesthouse in Bolshoe Goloustnoe or a different stopover in the more built up village of Listvyanka.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at the Guest House.

OVERNIGHT: Siberian Guesthouse - click to learn more.

DAY 18 - LAKE BAIKAL

EXPLORE THE LAKE SHORE VILLAGE OF BOLSHOE GOLOUSTNOE BEFORE RETURNING TO IRKUTSK TO DEPART

There is no rush to wake this morning. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading off for a walk up a nearby mountain ascending 400 meters for panoramic views of Baikal (if this is too strenuous or the weather bad your guide will make other suggestions).

Later this afternoon drive the 2 hours back to Irkutsk with free time in the city before an evening transfer to the station for your train on Eastbound.

MEALS: Breakfast & Lunch at the Guest House.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

DAY 19 - on the train

PASS THE IMPORTANT JUNCTION OF ULAN UDE & ENTER RUSSIA’S FAR EAST

Early this morning you reach Ulan Ude, the capital of Buryatia with its strong cultural ties to Mongolia. This city is a major junction on the railway where the line splits with the Trans-Mongolian route heading south and your route to Vladivostok continuing eastbound. From here the route is remote and with a hint of an older Asian culture ever present.

MEALS: None today - however the train does have a dining car.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

DAY 20 - on the train

CONTINUE THROUGH THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST PASSING KHABAROVSK

Settle in to remote towns and lots of uninhabited scenery in between them. This afternoon pass vibrant Khabarovsk with its 2.6km bridge which crosses the Amur river just before the lengthy stop in this pleasant city.

MEALS: None today - however the train does have a dining car.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

DAY 21 - on the train

YOUR LAST DAY ON THE TRAIN AS VLADIVOSTOK IS APPROACHED

A day of many stops as the Trans-Siberian rumbles on towards Vladivostok. Much of the route is close to the Chinese border and you can feel the proximity to China from the faces on the platforms at many of the stops.

MEALS: None today - however the train does have a dining car.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

DAY 22 - VLADIVOSTOK

EARLY MORNING ARRIVAL WITH TIME TO FRESHEN UP & A 4 HOUR TOUR OF THE CITY’S HIGHLIGHTS

Early morning arrival at Vladivostok’s attractive station with the satisfaction of knowing you have completed the longest single train journey in the world - you have finally arrived!

Transfer to your hotel where we have booked early check-in and breakfast for you so you will have the opportunity to freshen up and eat before starting to explore the city.

Today you have a 4 hour city tour of Vladivostok covering the main attractions and more including the historic Vladivostok Railway Station and the C-56 submarine as well as passing many historic, cultural and architectural landmarks and view points.

After the tour return to your hotel with free time this evening.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast.

OVERNIGHT: Lotte Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ click to view hotel.

DAY 23 - end of tour

DEPART RUSSIA’S FAR EASTERN PORT CITY OF VLADIVOSTOK

Free time today until a transfer to the airport, station or ferry terminal for your onward travel from Vladivostok and the end of your trip across Russia!