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Trans-Siberian Express Classic Route 2008
Undisputedly the world’s greatest railway journey, the Trans-Siberian Railway runs from Moscow over the Urals, across the magnificent Russian steppes and alongside the shores of the world’s largest freshwater lake. By the time our train arrives in Vladivostok it will have passed through eight time zones, and travelled over 6,000 miles – one third of the way around the world.
Our Trans-Siberian Express tours take a leisurely two weeks for the journey, making sure you get plenty of time to take in and enjoy this Voyage of a Lifetime.
As well as Moscow, Russia’s vibrant capital, we will also stop at Yekaterinburg – where the Romanovs were executed – Kazan, with its beautiful Kremlin, the ‘Paris of Siberia’ at Irkutsk and Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic. We will also stop off at Lake Baikal, to visit a traditional fishing village – and enjoy a barbeque at the water’s edge.
As another highlight, our train will branch off the Trans-Siberian main line to take a trip into Mongolia for a visit to the capital, Ulaan Baatar, before we return to Russia for the remainder of the trip.
In Vladivostok we will have time to explore and tour round this rarely visited city which until relatively recently was completely closed to foreigners.
Yet the main attraction has to be the gradually changing scenery itself: from the climb through the Ural mountains (the boundary between Europe and Asia), to the wide open steppes and broad rivers we cross, travelling on the Trans-Siberian is the only way to truly take in the vastness and grandeur of the world’s largest country.
Included: All inclusive.
Not Included: Items of a personal nature - International flights - Passport and Visas - Insurance.
Departure Dates: 2008: Eastbound: May 4 - May 18 ; Jun 1 - Jun 15* (Spanish) ; Aug 24 - Sep 7. Westbound: May 16 - May 30 ; Jun 13 - Jun 27 ; Aug 8 - Aug 22 ; Sep 5 - Sep 19.
2009: Eastbound: Feb 15 - Mar 1 ; May 3 - May 19 ; May 31 - Jun 14 * (French) ; Jun 30 - Jul 14 * (German) ; Jul 26 - Aug 9 ; Aug 23 - Sep 6. Westbound: May 17 - May 31; Jun 12 - Jun 26 * (Spanish) ; Jul 12 - Jul 26 ; Aug 7 - Aug 21 ; Sept 4 - Sept 18.
Day by day Itinerary - 15 Days Moscow - Vladivostok:
- Day 1 Moscow - Flights are met at Moscow airport and guests are transferred to a five star hotel, centrally located in the heart of this vibrant city for a one-night stay. We enjoy a welcome reception and dinner in the hotel and start to get to know fellow travelers with whom we will be sharing this 14 night epic journey.
- Day 2 Moscow - Today we have a city tour of Moscow, which includes a visit to Red Square and the Kremlin. In the late afternoon we board our Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express private train and have time to settle in to our modern, stylish cabins. We enjoy dinner on board the train in one of our beautifully designed restaurant cars.
- Day 3 Kazan - After a morning arrival we have a half day to discover Kazan, the picturesque capital of Tatarstan on the Volga river. One of the highlights of today is our visit to the Kremlin fortress, a UNESCO world heritage site, containing a stunning mosque and Russian Orthodox cathedral. After dinner back on board we can listen to the resident pianist in our comfortable bar car whilst enjoying a drink with new friends.
- Day 4 Yekaterinburg - We cross the Europe/Asia divide before arriving into Yekaterinburg, capital of Urals. Our city tour includes the Romanov execution site, now a Church dedicated to the memory of the Russian Royal family and a trip to the monument to the Europe/Asia divide where we have the chance to stand with one foot in each continent.
- Day 5 Novosibirsk - Today we visit this modern “Soviet” city where we see the world’s largest Opera House, Lenin Square and visit the Academgorodok minerals museum at this “Academy Town”, the heart of Education and science within Siberia.
- Day 6 On Board - Spending the day on board our Golden Eagle as we head east, there is the chance to relax in the bar car, chat to fellow passengers and maybe have our first Russian language lesson.
- Day 7 Irkutsk - We have a morning arrival into the “Paris of Siberia”, Irkutsk. Our tour includes a cultural immersion into the major sights and museums of this fascinating city, which include the classic wooden architecture for which this area is renowned. We are also treated to a private concert at the Decembrist House museum, which is dedicated to the memory of the exiled aristocrats, who were forced to make this remote outpost their home after a failed revolution in 1825. These intellectuals are credited with helping to bring culture to Siberia.
- Day 8 Lake Baikal - Just one of the many highlights of our journey. We wind our way through tunnels and round cliffs along the shoreline of the world’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal. The scenery we pass is stunning and the snow-covered mountains on the distant shore form a beautiful backdrop to this awe-inspiring lake. Stopping at one of the bays we have a barbeque on the beach (weather permitting). The brave can even go for a swim! In the afternoon we visit Listvyanka, a small Baikal village nestled at the base of the surrounding hills.
- Day 9 Ulan Ude - Morning arrival in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic. A fascinating change of people and faces greet us as we tour the area and travel by coach to the Village of Old Believers. We have time to learn about the local culture and history of these unique people as we are treated to a traditional meal and enjoy a concert featuring local dancers and musicians.
- Day 10 Ulaan Baatar - Today our journey takes us into Mongolia, and we visit the capital, Ulaan Baatar. Passing the central monument to the legendary ruler, Gengis Khan, we visit the National Museum. Lunch allows us to experience local hospitality and entertainment at its best as we eat in a Ger (Yurt) restaurant. A Ger is a traditional tent dwelling for approximately a third of this nomadic nation. This afternoon there is free time for shopping or an optional visit to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. We board the train in time for dinner as we head back into Russia.
- Day 11-13 On Board - Enjoying the peaceful pace on board our train we have the choice of attending one of the lectures and lessons on offer, relaxing with a DVD, practicing our newly learnt Russian or viewing the beautiful scenery as we travel through this vast country. Our final dinner is served on board the Golden Eagle, our home for the last 12 days.
- Day 14 Vladivostok - Today we arrive into Vladivostok after having travelled over a mammoth 6000 miles (10,600km) along this epic route to the end of the Trans-Siberian line. Our city tour includes the principal military attractions of this once “closed” Russian town, including a tour of a restored submarine. We transfer to the four star Hotel Hyundai for a one night stay and say our goodbyes at the farewell dinner.
- Day 15 Vladivostok - Breakfast is served in the hotel and transfers are provided to the airport for departing flights.
Day by day Itinerary - 15 Days (Westbound) :
- Day 1 Vladivostok (arrivals) - As above.
- Day 2 Vladivostok - As above.
- Day 3 Khabarovsk - As above.
- Day 4 On Board - As above.
- Day 5 Ulan Ude - As above.
- Day 6 Ulaan Baatar - As above.
- Day 7 On Board - As above.
- Day 8 Lake Baikal - As above.
- Day 9 Irkutsk - As above.
- Day 10 On Board - As above.
- Day 11 Novosibirsk - As above.
- Day 12 Yekaterinburg - As above.
- Day 13 Kazan - As above.
- Day 14 Moscow - As above.
- Day 15 Moscow (departures) - As above.
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