Undoubtedly the world's greatest railway journey, the Trans-Siberian Railway runs like a steel ribbon connecting east and west from Moscow over the Urals, across the magnificent Russian steppes and alongside the shore of the world's largest freshwater lake. By the time your journey ends, 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 tours take a leisurely two weeksfor the journey, making sure you get plenty of time to take in and enjoy this Voyage of a Lifetime.

Opened in stages between 1891 and 1916, this extraordinary engineering achievement is a vital national asset - and by far the best way to experience the grandeur of Russia's rarely visited interior.

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Call 877-929-7245 to book your
Trans-Siberian Express Classic rail vacation today!

• Moscow - Immerse yourself in Moscow's rich architectural heritage. Experience St Basil's Cathedral, Red Square and The Kremlin.
• Kazan - Step back in time as you visit the Kremlin Fortress at Kazan - explore its stunning mosque and Russian Orthodox Cathedral at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Yekaterinburg - Reflect on the poignantly tragic site where the Romanov family were executed by the Bolsheviks - a truly historic moment to the end of Russia's Tsarist period.
• Irkutsk - The 'Paris of Siberia'. Explore its classic wooden architecture and the Decembrist House museum dedicated to the exiled aristocrats who made their home here.
• Lake Baikal - The world's largest freshwater lake. Experience a barbeque on the water's edge or in winter a thrilling snowmobile ride across its frozen surface is simply not to be missed!
• Ulan Ude - Capital of the Buryat Republic. Enjoy a traditional meal and experience the intimacy of a local concert in the timeless Village of the Old Believers.
• Ulaan Baatar - Capital of Mongolia and the home of Genghis Khan. Experience the authentic taste of Mongolia in a nomadic Yurt, savouring traditional Mongolian dishes and folk entertainment.
• 1 night in Moscow
• 12 nights onboard the Golden Eagle
• 1 night in Vladivostok
• Freedom of Choice Touring Options
• Pre-book additional nights in Moscow and Vladivostok
• Imperial City of St Petersburg
• River Cruising on Russian Waterways
• The Golden Ring
• Kamchatka Discovery (August and September only)
• Tour available with German Interpreter Services (July 30 - August 13). Terms and Conditions apply.
• 24 hour service attendent
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
• Drinks with meal
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• Arrival and departure transfers

Day 1 - Vladivostok
Arrive at Vladivostok airport, where you will be met and transferred to the centrally located four-star Hotel Hyundai. We will enjoy a welcome reception dinner at our hotel, where you will meet your fellow travelers and anticipate the epic 15-day voyage that lies ahead.

Day 2 - Vladivostok
Today we spend the morning in Vladivostok. This once "closed" Russian port now offers visitors an exciting opportunity to unravel its mysteries as we explore its principal military attractions including a tour of a restored submarine before boarding the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express this the afternoon. After settling into your modern, stylish cabins, enjoy dinner in one of the beautifully designed restaurant cars as our rail adventure westwards to Moscow begins.

Day 3 - Golden Eagle to Khabarovsk
Passing directly north of Osaka, Darwin and Seoul we spend our first full day on board the Golden Eagle today. This is the most easterly point of our mammoth journey passing through Khabarovsk, where we stop for a short city tour. We then rejoin the train and cross the River Amur, as we make our way west.

Day 4 - Aboard the Golden Eagle
Our journey today follows the Shilka and Amur rivers, close to the Chinese border. Enjoy Russia at its most beautiful and remote, as the landscape unfolds outside your window. Or, you may like to attend one of the absorbing lectures or Russian language lessons.

Day 5 - Onboard
Today offers you the perfect opportunity to practice your improving Russian or take advantage of the train's many onboard amenities. For those who like to socialize, the Bar Car is the perfect place to enjoy a chat with your fellow passengers as you listen to our resident musician.

Day 6 - Ulaan Baatar / Mongolia
Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us into Mongolia, home of Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most feared and revered Mongol, and we visit the capital city of Ulaan Baatar. Lunch is taken Mongol-style in a traditional Ger (Yurt) where we experience an authentic meal, enjoying excellent local dishes and entertainment providing a unique opportunity to encounter this time-honored nomadic way of life. We board the train in time for dinner as we head back into Russia.

Day 7 - Ulan Ude
This afternoon we arrive in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic. The ethnic and cultural diversity of this area offers a unique insight into its Mongol heritage. As we tour the area you will notice the different faces and dress styles of these welcoming people. During our exploration of the Old Believers Village we have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of these communities as we are treated to a traditional meal and enjoy a concert featuring local dancers and musicians.

Day 8 - Lake Baikal
Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal. For five hours we wind our way through tunnels along cliff-hugging tracks above the lake with a vista of snow capped peaks along the far shore. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and holds 20% of the world's freshwater. Also known as the "Pearl of Siberia," it is home to a unique breed of freshwater seal and over fifty species of fish including omul which we will be serving in the dining car for some of our meals. Weather permitting, we stop at one of Baikal's picturesque and secluded bays to enjoy a delicious BBQ including freshly smoked fish prepared by our own chefs. For the brave hearted, there is even time for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters before we visit Listvyanka, a small Baikal settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding hills.

Day 9 - Irkutsk
We arrive in Irkutsk, the "Paris of Siberia," and our visit takes in the most significant sites and museums in this fascinating city, including an exploration of the classic wooden architecture that has given many of this region's buildings such a distinctive and unique appearance. Next, we visit the Decembrist House museum, which is dedicated to the memory of the exiled aristocrats who were forced to flee to this remote outpost after the failed revolution of 1825. Here we enjoy a private concert before returning to our waiting train for dinner.

Day 10 - Onboard the Golden Eagle
Today is a day to unwind and reflect on the many sights and sounds we have experienced on our journey so far. Chat with your fellow travelers, perhaps learn a few more words of Russian or simply enjoy the ever-changing landscape outside your window.

Day 11 - Novosibirsk
A modern "Soviet" city, we experience the life and character of Novosibirsk's rich culture where the arts, science and literature predominate. Our city tour takes us to the Opera House. An architectural marvel, it houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is the largest opera house in the world. In front of the Opera House, we visit an imposing statue of Lenin, presenting a marvelous opportunity to have your photograph taken with this iconic political leader.

Day 12 - Yekaterinburg
Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg is the third largest Russian city and the capital of the Urals. The cultural and architectural influences of European and Asian civilizations come together in this fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape. Our city tour takes us to the poignant site where the Romanov, Nicholas II of Russia was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site provides us with a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. We cross the Europe/Asia divide after we leave Yekaterinburg.

Day 13 - Kazan
We spend our last full day on board the Golden Eagle today. We arrive at the picturesque and historic city of Kazan by mid-morning. Situated on the River Volga, Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan. Here we have the opportunity to see for ourselves its rich tapestry of history and culture. One of the highlights of this city tour is our exploration of the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel we will explore its stunning mosque and magnificent onion-domed cathedral.

Day 14 - Moscow - Freedom of Choice Touring
After traveling over an amazing 6,600 miles along this epic route to the end of the Trans-Siberian line, we arrive in Moscow. Our city tour of Moscow principally takes us to Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia's former military and political might. Here we see an eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate St Basil's Cathedral with its magnificent onion-domed spires, the grandeur of The Kremlin and the somber and evocative site of Lenin's tomb. With our Freedom of Choice touring options you may instead wish to visit, for example, the Tretyakov Gallery. At the conclusion of our city tour, we transfer to the luxurious five-star Marriott Royal Aurora hotel (or similar) located in the heart of this vibrant city. Our final evening is spent saying our goodbyes to our fellow traveling companions and friends at the Farewell Dinner.

Day 15 - Moscow
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Moscow airport to begin your journey home.

Customize your journey and enjoy the opportunity to select from an array of Freedom of Choice Touring options that best suits your interests. Your off-train excursions will still take in all the major attractions of the places we are visiting but, in featured locations, you will be presented when you are onboard the train with a variety of activities from which to choose, and enjoy a tailor-made experience. In Moscow for example, you could choose to spend time in the Tretyakov Picture Gallery or visit the Museum of the KGB, which are not part of the standard touring programme in this brochure; or you might choose to go shopping in the local markets and bazaars; or spend a day relaxing in a local spa (*treatments extra). In short, it means that your holiday is just that, your very own, and it's all included in the tour price, with no more for you to pay. It is the ultimate in flexibility. Look at the individual itineraries where we are operating Freedom of Choice Touring. Freedom of Choice Touring options may be subject to variations dependent on finalised train timings and local charges. Touring options available will typically be advised in the evening prior to the day's tour.

Extend your "Voyage of a Lifetime by Private Train" with one of our fantastic tour extensions. Every tour extension can be tailor-made so it can meet your own individual requirements so whether you are interested in art, history or nature we can create the perfect short-break extension just for you.

MOSCOW
Spend extra time in the beautiful and vibrant Russian capital. In addition to the excursion that we provide as part of the main tour you may want to extend your time in Moscow and perhaps take in a tour of Moscow's underground metro stations, designed by prominent Russian architects, artists and sculptors; visit the famous Tretyakov State Art Gallery; or even spend a cultural evening at the Bolshoi Theatre.

ST PETERSBURG
The Imperial Capital City of St Petersburg is one of the world's most stunning cities. St Petersburg is crowded with splendid palaces, impressive historical monuments, wide boulevards and beautiful bridges. We can arrange for you to spend time in central St. Petersburg visiting the Hermitage Museum and St Isaac's Cathedral plus visits to the Grand Palace and Gardens in Peterhof and Catherine's Palace in Pushkin.

THE GOLDEN RING
The famous Golden Ring is made up of a number of cities north and east of Moscow. These ancient towns, which played a significant role in the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church, preserve the memory of the most important and significant events in Russian history. These towns have been called 'open air museums' and feature unique examples of Russian architecture dating back to the 12th century, including kremlins, monasteries, cathedrals and churches. We visit Sergiev Posad, Vladimir and Suzdal which are among the most picturesque towns in Russia and prominently feature Russia's famous onion-domed churches.

ADDITIONAL NIGHTS
We can easily arrange additional nights accommodation at one of our recommended luxury hotels in Moscow and Kiev and we will still include your airport transfers.