ULTIMATE TRANS-SIBERIAN

VLADIVOSTOK ● IRKUTSK ● ULAANBAATAR ● KRASNOYARSK ● EKATERINBURG ● KAZAN ● MOSCOW

TOUR OVERVIEW

DURATION, PRICE, TOUR TYPE & DEPARTURES

24 nights from UK £ 4,395 / US $ 6,160 per person*

*Price based on 2 people travelling in a shared 4 berth second class cabin. Upgrade to your own cabin from UK £ 975 / US$ 1,370 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 - May to september WITH WEEKLY DEPARTURES

TOUR CODE : TS-V-BT-03

MAP & DESTINATIONS

THE STOPS VISITED ON THIS TOUR

?? VLADIVOSTOK - 1 night

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

?? IRKUTSK & BAIKAL - 4 nights

Forward looking Siberian city and gateway to Lake Baikal.

?? ULAANBAATAR - 3 nights

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

?? KRASNOYARSK - 2 nights

Busy Siberian city located on the banks of the mighty Yenisey River.

?? EKATERINBURG - 3 nights

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

?? KAZAN - 1 night

Prosperous Capital of the Republic of Tatarstan with a superb Kremlin.

?? MOSCOW - 2 nights

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

ON THE TRAINS - total 9 nights

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

TSVBT03 map

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 - VLADIVOSTOK

ARRIVAL IN RUSSIA’S FAR EAST PORT CITY OF VLADIVOSTOK

Arrival in Vladivostok, the legendary end (or beginning) of the true Trans-Siberian line. A driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. For years this city was closed to foreigners being the home base of the Russian Pacific Fleet. It has a fantastic location on the Amursky Gulf. Free time for the rest of the day to relax or start to explore the city with the help of your personalised Trip Guidebook we send you before the trip.

MEALS: None Today.

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

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DAY 2 - on the train

FULL DAY CITY TOUR INCLUDING RUSSKY ISLAND & VOROSHILOVSKAYA BATTERY WITH AN EVENING DEPARTURE

A full day tour of Vladivostok today covering the main attractions and more including Vladivostok Railway Station - always worth a pre-look - and the C-56 submarine as well as passing many historic, cultural and architectural landmarks and view points. After lunch (own arrangement) we delve into Vladivostok's military history visiting its Fortress including two of the old batteries which now serve as museums. We also visit the Voroshilovskaya Battery located inside a real military base on Russky Island. This 80 year old building is a fantastic example of military architecture with it's rational organisation and efficient functioning. We also see the Pacific Navy warships stationed in the heart of the city which demonstrate the continuing importance of this port to Russia.

Finish the tour at Vladivostok’s beautiful station where you board the train westwards.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

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DAY 3 - on the train

ENJOY THE SCENERY OF RUSSIA’S WILD & REMOTE FAR EAST

Early this morning reach Khabarovsk crossing its 2.6 km bridge over the Amur river. There is some good scenery today following the Ingoda and Shilka rivers into a wild land of taiga forest and hills. The train is still stopping quite frequently so make good use of these stops to stretch the legs, take some photos and stock up on food and drink from the small kiosks and independent sellers.

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

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

DAY 4 - on the train

CONTINUE THROUGH RUSSIA’S VAST FAR EAST ENTERING BURYATIA

Today notice a change in the people with many more Asian faces as you reach Buryatia which has strong cultural ties to Mongolia.

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

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

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DAY 5 - IRKUTSK

PASS MONGOLIAN INFLUENCED ULAN UDE & THE SHORE OF LAKE BAIKAL TO ARRIVE IN IRKUTSK

In the morning pass Ulan Ude before reaching Lake Baikal and travelling along its southern shore. 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 from the station to your hotel in Irkutsk with free time for the rest for the day.

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

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

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DAY 6 - LAKE BAIKAL

TRANSFER TO BOLSHOE GOLOUSTNOE ON THE SHORES OF BAIKAL

After breakfast a transfer 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. Ask us for more information.

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

OVERNIGHT: Siberian Guesthouse - click to learn more.

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DAY 7 - LAKE BAIKAL

A DAY EXPLORING THE LAKE SHORE VILLAGE OF BOLSHOE GOLOUSTNOE & SURROUNDS

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 is bad your guide will make other suggestions). A leisurely return to the house for lunch. Free time in the afternoon to relax back at the house or further explore the village and surrounding forest and hills or enjoy another invigorating Banya.

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

OVERNIGHT: Siberian Guesthouse - click to learn more.

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DAY 8 - IRKUTSK

RETURN TO IRKUTSK WITH A CITY TOUR AND FREE TIME TO RELAX

After breakfast drive the 2 hours back to Irkutsk arriving late morning at your hotel.

Once settled in you will 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.

Free time for the rest of today.

MEALS: Breakfast at the Guest House.

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

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DAY 9 - on the train

JOURNEY ALONG THE SHORE LAKE BAIKAL INTO BURYATIA & MONGOLIA

Early morning transfer to the station to catch your onward train. Today is usually the scenic highlight of the journey - a day of lake, forest and mountain views. After Irkutsk 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: Hotel Breakfast.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

DAY 10 - ULAANBAATAR

ARRIVAL IN ULAANBAATAR & OVERNIGHT IN A COMFORTABLE GER ON THE STEPPE

Early morning arrival in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia and a truly unique destination that is for many a real highlight of the trip. Outside of the chaotic capital of Ulaanbaatar this is a land of endless grassland, deserts, pristine lakes and nomads whose way of life has changed little over the years offering a truly rewarding travel experiences.

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.

During your time here 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.

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DAY 11 - 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.

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DAY 12 - ULAANBAATAR

RETURN TO ULAANBAATAR FOR A CITY TOUR & FREE TIME

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.

Free time for the rest of the day, perhaps to delve into the city’s surprisingly vibrant eating and drinking scene.

MEALS: Breakfast at the Ger Camp.

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

DAY 13 - on the train

FREE TIME TO EXPLORE THE CITY BEFORE DEPARTURE TOWARDS RUSSIA

Free time in Ulaanbaatar to further explore the city, shop for souvenirs, visit some of the museums or catch up on coffee and correspondence! Transfer to the station for your onward train through the grasslands back 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 this time. Note that train times in timetables from now are all Moscow time.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

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DAY 14 - on the train

PASS ULAN UDE & TRAVEL ALONG THE SHORES OF LAKE BAIKAL

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. Irkutsk itself is reached in late afternoon before the train continues on through Siberia during the night.

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

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

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DAY 15 - KRASNOYARSK

ARRIVAL IN & CITY TOUR OF KRASNOYARSK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Morning arrival in Krasnoyarsk where you will be met at the station to start an half day city tour. This prosperous city located on the Yenisey River is highly regarded for it’s cultural life as well as the beautiful scenery of the Stolby Nature Reserve a short distance from the city.

As a hotel room is unlikely to be ready this early we start with a city tour which begins with the monument to Andrey Dubensky, the founder of the city, which also offers superb views and Karaulnaya Hill where Paraskeva Pjatnitsa Chapel built in 1855 is located. Move on to the Annunciation temple, Intercession Cathedral and Catholic church as well as Mira Avenue, the Drama Theatre, Opera and Ballet House and Yenisey quay.

After the tour continue to your hotel to check-in with free time for the rest of the day.

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

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

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DAY 16 - KRASNOYARSK

DAY TRIP TO STOLBY NATURE RESERVE & KRASNOYARSK’S DAM

Today we head out of the city firstly visiting the Hydro Power Station and Dam, Russia’s second largest. Here you can see the mighty Yenisey river which, at 4,092 km is the longest in Russia. The dam is an extraordinary feat of engineering as it had to be designed to cope with the intense cold and ice pressure of winter. Enjoy a picnic lunch before visiting the Stolby Nature Reserve and make a short walk of about 2-3 km round trip to the centre of the reserve where there are beautiful views and unusual rock formations. Time to enjoy the scenery and nature before returning to the city and a free evening.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast & Picnic Lunch.

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

DAY 17 - on the train

FREE MORNING TO EXPLORE THE CITY BEFORE CONTINUING YOUR JOURNEY

Free time this until a transfer to the station for your onward train. The scenery this afternoon has many rivers and ponds as you continue westwards.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

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DAY 18 - EKATERINBURG

LAST DAY IN SIBERIA BEFORE ARRIVAL IN EKATERINBURG

The scenery today is flat, often swampy or forested and with few major settlements except for Omsk. In the evening you enter the rolling hills of the Ural's before arriving at Ekaterinburg, historic capital of this mineral rich region with a rich and fascinating history and surrounded by beautiful, rolling countryside dotted with traditional Siberian villages. Transfer by private car to your hotel to overnight.

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

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

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DAY 19 - EKATERINBURG

TOUR TO BEAUTIFUL NEVYANSK & TAVOLGI & STOPS AT THE 300 YEAR OLD VILLAGES OF KUNARA & BYNGI

Today we head 80 km out of the city to the traditional Ural town of Nevyansk, a showcase of the history and culture of the Ural region and in particular the local dynasty of the Demidovs, a well known industrialist family. We visit the Nevyansk “leaning tower” and the recently restored Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral. For lunch we move on to Tavolgi village stopping at a craft centre (closed on Mondays). Here and you have a chance to make pottery, something this area is well known for in Russia. We will also visit the 300 year old villages of Kunara and Byngi to experience rural life in the Urals. Drive back to Ekaterinburg with a free evening.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast & Restaurant Lunch.

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

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DAY 20 - EKATERINBURG

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

This morning your guide will take you on 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. We also see views of the city 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 20 km west of the city. On the way we make 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 the city with free time before a late evening departure to Kazan.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

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DAY 21 - KAZAN

AFTERNOON WALKING TOUR OF THE CITY’S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDING THE KREMLIN

Late morning arrival in Kazan a wealthy city considered the “Third Capital of Russia” that successfully manages to blend both Islamic and Christian culture - even its Kremlin has both an Orthodox Cathedral and Mosque within its walls. With this blend the city has a colourful past and an optimistic future.

Check in to your hotel before a 4 hour walking tour of the city focusing on some of the Kremlin and some of the oldest streets including the Bauman, Karl Marx and what is known as the Big Red Street to see the Peter & Paul Cathedral. You will also see Mardzhani Mosque, Sultal-Galeev Square and the Virgin Monastery where the Kazan Virgin icon is housed.

Return to your hotel with free time for the rest of the day.

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

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

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DAY 22 - on the train

FREE MORNING BEFORE AN AFTERNOON TOUR TO TIMELESS SVIYAZHSK ‘ISLAND’ BY CAR & AN EVENING DEPARTURE

Free time this morning before checking out of your hotel. Your guide will meet you for a trip to Sviyazhsk ‘Island’ about an hour from the city centre. Located at the strategically important confluence of the Volga and Sviyaga Rivers, Sviyazhsk was founded in 1551 as a fortress. Today a visit here is like stepping back in time to an older, pre-Soviet Russia.

Return to Kazan with free time before an evening transfer for the train on to Moscow.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

DAY 23 - moscow

ARRIVAL IN MOSCOW & A WALKING TOUR OF THE CITY

Wake to Moscow’s sprawling suburbs arriving at the city’s handsome Kazanskaya station. Transfer by private car to your hotel. Please note that hotel check-in time is 2pm although if a room is available you can go to it straight away. Guaranteed early check-in is not included. If you would like to add this please ask us.

Later this morning you will have 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.

MEALS: None Today.

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

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DAY 24 - moscow

FREE DAY TO EXPLORE RUSSIA’S CAPITAL & ITS MANY WORLD CLASS SIGHTS

A free day 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. Of course, if the weather is not so good Moscow is one of the few cities where a day spent on the metro is a tourist attraction with many beautiful stations to visit and all for the price of a single ticket! For relaxing we recommend the bars, galleries and cafes of the Red October district or the fabulous Gorky Park.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast.

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

DAY 25 - end of tour

DEPART MOSCOW & RUSSIA AFTER YOUR EPIC TRANS-SIBERIAN ADVENTURE

Today is a free until a transfer to your onward travel from Russia. We sincerely hope that you will have enjoyed your epic journey as much as we have many times already and we look forward to welcoming you back on another one of our trips!

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast.

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Train tickets in second class – ask us about upgrades.
All accommodation as specified above.
All private transfers and transport as described.
All meals as specified in the itinerary.
All tours as specified including entrance fees.
24 hour emergency assistance
Visa Paperwork you need in order to obtain the visas.
Financial Peace of Mind as your trip is protected.
Our exclusive 200+ page trip guidebook.
International Airfare to / from the start / finish of your trip – we can book these flights on request.
The Russian (double entry) and Mongolian visas – we can advise and partner with VisaCentral.
Travel insurance to cover any medical treatment – we canadvise on options.
Discretionary gratuities to drivers and guides.

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