Trans Siberian Discovery

12 days - from $2470

This is the ultimate rail journey. almost 10,000 kilometers of discovery aboard the train across 7 time zones. This is the rail journey that spans the world, and to travel it is to experience Russia as few travellers ever do.

Itinerary:

Days 1-3. Moscow Moscow will amaze you, its palaces and public buildings restored to their former glory. The echoing vastness of Red Square, the splendid twirled cupolas of St Basil's across the cobblestones, and the Kremlin itself - that fabled palace-fort of gilded domes where the exquisite collection of royal treasures is housed. We ride the palatial underground rail system, adorned with chandeliers, mosaics and baroque bas-relief and perhaps a river cruise or a magical evening at one of Moscow's great theatres or State Circus. Days 4-6. Aboard the Trans Siberian Railway We join the Trans Siberian Express and travel via Ekaterinburg, Omsk and Novosibirsk, booming over the steel bridges spanning Siberia's nerve system of 5,000 rivers. Over the Volga, and on the far side the Ural mountains, the flickering silvers and greens of the birch forests speed past. On into the heart of Siberia the train arrives almost casually on time. Day 7. Irkutsk (Siberia) Almost in the centre of Asia, Irkutsk - 18th century churches, bright painted shutters and log houses decorated with wooden lacework. Modern administrative blocks and soaring bridges reach out across the Angara River in this beautiful town known as the Paris of Siberia. On walking tour will visit the city's major landmarks. Day 8. Lake Baikal (Siberia) By road through the picturesque Siberian countryside to Lake Baikal which contains one fifth of the world's fresh water and as the world's largest has dimensions and scale spectacular in every sense. We also visit the village of Listvyanka with its traditional houses, beautiful wooden church and nearby Limnological Museum. Its small port is often lively with a chance to bargain with the locals and try some smoked Omul, the typical fish of the region. Days 9-11. Aboard the Trans Siberian Railway We settle into life on board once more, getting to know our travelling companions. Relax in the comfortable four-berth compartment that is home for the three days and nights it takes to cross eastern Siberia to the once-secret Pacific port of Vladivostok. Days 12-13. Vladivostok Once a top-secret naval base of the Soviet Union, Vladivostok was sealed off from the outside world. Now its doors are open for business and the city is booming as Russia's gateway to the Far East. For 100 years this has been the legendary eastern terminus of the Trans Siberian Railway, its historic railway station recently restored to its former grandeur. Discover the city and port at the end of this incredible journey; a brilliant and unforgettable experience along one of the world's greatest rail journeys.
Note: This trip also operates in reverse (see tripcode TSDV).

Accommodation: Hotels - 3 nights (twin share). Siberian Guesthouse - 2 nights (shared). Trains - 6 nights (4 berth).
Meals: 5 breakfasts included.
Group Size: Maximum 15, plus group leader.
Transport: Train: Comfortable 4 berth sleepers (optional 2 berth rail supplement also available). There are 2 rail sectors on this journey - Vladivostok to Irkutsk (3 nights), Irkutsk to Moscow (3 nights). Other: For 'Scheduled Sightseeing' we generally use small minibuses, and for 'City Exploring' we use local taxis, public transport, underground metro and go on foot.
Sightseeing: Scheduled Sightseeing is part of the itinerary and includes all transport, entrance fees and English speaking local guide. Vladivostok: City tour and two museums. Irkutsk (Siberia): Walking tour of city, Museum of Wooden Architecture, Lake Baikal and Listvyanka village. Moscow: City tour, St.Basil's Cathedral, Red Square, Kremlin and Armoury Chamber. City Exploring is further sightseeing outside the itinerary guideline but with the Group Leader.
Trip Reference: TSDM