Known as the world’s greatest rail adventure, the Trans-Siberian Express rail journey is sure to capture your imagination of millions of people over the years. The trip runs between Moscow and Vladivostok through a range of landscapes and eight time zones as it covers over 10,600 kilometres - a third of the way around the world.
Day 1. Moscow
On arrival in the Russian capital, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Moscow. The rest of the day is at your leisure, before getting to know your Tour Director and fellow passengers at a Welcome Reception and dinner this evening.
Day 2. Moscow, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today enjoy a choice of activities from our range Freedom of Choice Touring options. Perhaps embark on a guided tour of the Russian capital, including a visit to Red Square. This famous landmark is often considered the central square of Moscow and all of Russia. Red Square play’s host to many official ceremonies, concerts and large public events. Here you’ll also see the brightly coloured domes of one of Russia’s most recognised structures, St Basil’s Cathedral, a Russian orthodox church built in Red Square between 1555 and 1561. Alternatively, visit the famous Tretyakov Art Gallery, Russia’s National Gallery. Later, transfer to Moscow’s Kazansky Railway station where you’ll enjoy a special champagne reception in the Imperial Room before boarding the Golden Eagle for your epic 13 day Trans-Siberian rail journey. As you leave Moscow a steam engine will guide the train away from the platform before a modern locomotive takes over.
Day 3. Kazan
After breakfast, the Golden Eagle will arrive at its first stop on the journey in the picturesque and historic city of Kazan. Here, you’ll disembark for a tour that takes in a selection of the city’s major sights, including the World Heritage-listed Kremlin Fortress. The Kazan Kremlin dating back to the Golden Horde in the 12th century, it’s the oldest surviving Tartar fortress in Russia and was conquered by Ivan the Terrible in 1552. The Kremlin complex consists of a group of buildings dating back as far as the 16th century, as well as remains of 10th century structures. Within the walls of this ancient citadel, explore the mosque and spectacular onion-domed cathedral. Later, reboard the Golden Eagle and continue your journey east towards Russia’s third largest city, Yekaterinburg.
Day 4. Yekaterinburg
Cross the Europe-Asia divide and the Ural Mountains this morning, before arriving in Yekaterinburg. Here, the influences of European and Asian civilisations come together in a fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape. This beautiful city is surrounded by many small lakes and forests, the skyline is a mix of modern sky scrappers and wooden and stone buildings, preserving the legacy of a bygone era. Disembark for a tour that will take you to the site where Nicholas II, the last Emperor of Russia, was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918, during the Russian civil war between the Soviets and Allied forces. Now a church is dedicated to their memory, this site provides great insight into the history of the Russian Revolution.
Day 5. Novosibirsk
Today, disembark and experience the rich culture of the large Russian city of Novosibirsk, which means new Siberian city when translated to English. Disembark for a tour that includes the Opera House, an architectural marvel that houses two permanent ballet and opera companies. In front of the opera house is an imposing statue of the famous Russian leader, Vladimir Lenin, providing you with a great photographic opportunity. Vladimir Lenin was the instigator of the Soviet Communist Party. His leadership during the successful October Revolution of 1917 led to the world’s first official soviet state, which was the beginning of the now famous USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics).
Day 6. On Board
After five days of exploration and discovery in some of Russia’s most unique and fascinating destinations, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to unwind today in luxury on board your private train. Perhaps learn a few words of Russian or sit back and absorb the ever-changing scenery outside your window with a drink in the lounge and bar car. Or simply relax in your well-appointed private cabin, while the train continues towards Irkutsk.
Day 7. Irkutsk
Starting out as a trading town on a new overland trading route between China and Moscow, Irkutsk earned a reputation as the Paris of Siberia due to its tree lined avenues, complete with ornate lampposts, museums and pretentious mansions. All this infrastructure was possible following the arrival of a train line in 1898 and many years of industrialisation. On a tour here, admire the distinctive wooden architecture and visit the Decembrist House museum, dedicated to the exiled aristocrats who were forced to flee St Petersburg after the failed revolution of December 1825. Following the abolition of the death penalty, those who were exiled to Siberia were sent here, to Irkutsk, for years of hard labour where thousands of men and woman were forced to work Siberia’s mine’s and build the railroads. Your visit to the museum will tell the stories of the Decembrist’s. Later, this afternoon enjoy a private concert before returning to the Golden Eagle for a delicious dinner, as your journey continues further east overnight through the remote Siberian countryside.
Day 8. Lake Baikal, Listvyanka
This morning, absorb the grandeur of Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake. The bottom of the lake is 1.3 kilometres below sea level. Wind through tunnels and along cliff-side tracks above the lake, which is framed by snow-capped peaks. Weather permitting, your train will stop at one of Lake Baikal’s tranquil bays, where you’ll enjoy a delicious BBQ of smoked fish. Lake Baikal is situated in a rift valley known as the Baikal Rift Zone. This is where the crust of the earth is stretching apart, the lake has the largest surface area of any freshwater lake in Asia and you may even choose to take a swim. Afterwards, visit Listvyanka, a small settlement nestled at the base of the surrounding hills and approximately 70 kilometres down stream from Irkutsk. Despite its small population it’s the most popular tourist town on the shores of Lake Baikal, this is due to its accessibility from Irkutsk.
Day 9. Ulan Ude
Today arrive in Ulan Ude, located approximately 100 kilometres south east of Lake Baikal on the Uda River. Here, disembark for a city tour and discover a city that has a distinctive Asian feel, largely because of its location to nearby Mongolia and the cultural mix of the 400,000 inhabitants. During your time here you’ll enjoy an informative and engaging exploration of the Old Believers Village, where an exhibition tells stories of the lifestyles of those exiled to Siberia following reforms in the Russian Orthodox church in the 17th century, which separated Old Believers from the church. Later, indulge in a traditional Russian meal and enjoy an entertaining concert featuring local dancers and musicians, before reboarding the Golden Eagle.
Day 10. Ulaanbaatar
This morning, cross the border into Mongolia and visit the capital and largest city of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar. Pass the monument to Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most feared and revered Mongol. Genghis Khan came to power by unifying many of the nomadic tribes in north east Asia. With the man power, he started the Mongol invasions ,and conquered a large percentage of Europe and Asia, creating the largest contiguous empire in the world after his death. On your visit to this fascinating city you’ll visit the National Museum of Mongolian History, where exhibitions and collections cover the small country’s pre-history right through to the 20th century. Then enjoy lunch in a traditional Mongolian Ger (Yurt). Indulge in a Mongolian meal of local dishes and enjoy local entertainment. A Mongolian Ger is a portable hut made of a wooden lattice frame and a felt-lined outer covering. These traditional dwellings have been used by nomadic tribes in Mongolia for over 2,500 years. You’ll then return to your train for dinner, as it heads back across the border into Russia.
Day 11. On Board
Once again, relax on board today as your train travels north west through the beautiful landscape of Russia’s remote far eastern provinces, skirting the border with the People’s Republic of China. During Russia’s Soviet occupation, there were regular conflicts between Russia and the Chinese. During the 1960’s, Sino-Soviet border conflicts had a significant impact on international relations between China, Russia and the United States. When China threatened nuclear action against Russia, the USA opened dialogue with China about a joint action. This was at the heart of the Cold War.
Day 12. On Board
Today you’re able to spend the entire day at leisure on board. Sit back and relax while you pass by the changing Russian landscapes and enjoy the onboard life as your train follows the Shilka River, which feeds the larger Amur River. The tenth longest river in the world, the Amur River forms a natural border between Russia’s Far East and Northeastern China.
Day 13. On Board
Today pass north of Seoul, Darwin and Osaka, as you spend your last day on the train. Pass the city of Khabarovsk, located 30 kilometres from the Chinese border, and the administrative centre of the Khabarovsk Krai region of south eastern Russia. Cross the Amur River, which empties into the Sea of Japan, a small sea between Mainland Russia and the Japanese archipelago. It’s a marginal sea in the Western Pacific Ocean. Tonight, enjoy a final evening on board the Golden Eagle.
Day 14. Vladivostok, Disembark Golden Eagle
After travelling over 10,500 kilometres along this epic route to the end of the Trans-Siberian Railway line, you’ll arrive in the military port city of Vladivostok. With a population of approximately 500,000, Vladivostok was established to provide Russia with a major naval presence in the Pacific region due to the strong Japanese and US presence, as well as giving the country confidence that it can hold onto its far eastern empire. A fortress still exists around Vladivostok that was built to protect the city and the Trans-Siberian Railway line, the main access route to the western cities of Russia such as Moscow and St Petersburg, from sea and land attack. The fort is built on the hills surrounding the city and was constructed in the late 19th century.It’s often claimed that the land Vladivostok was built on was claimed by the Chinese and handed over to Russia with the signing of the Treaty of Aigun from the Chinese Qing Empire in 1858, following a request from Russia. On arrival in Vladivostok disembark the Golden Eagle and transfer to your hotel before enjoying a guided tour. Here you’ll explore the city’s principal military attractions, including a restored submarine, and Zolotoy Rog Bay. The bay is more commonly known as Golden Horn Bay, due to a similarly shaped bay in Istanbul, Turkey. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner and say farewell to your fellow travellers and crew.
Day 15. Depart Vladivostok
After breakfast this morning, your Russian adventure draws to a conclusion as you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
