Zarengold: The Original Trans-Siberian Experience
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Zarengold: The Original Trans-Siberian Experience
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Included
- Hotel Overview
An unforgettable 14-day train journey from Vladivostok to Moscow in a private carriage
Your route takes in: Vladivostok – Khabarovsk – Ulan-Ude – Lake Baikal – Irkutsk – Novosibirsk – Yekaterinburg – Kazan – Moscow
Experience the Trans-Siberian Railroad in all its glory, travelling the full length of this legendary route from Vladivostok to Moscow. From the wave-lashed shores of the Pacific Ocean to Russia’s bustling capital, experience the country’s true majesty on what many consider to be the world's greatest train journey.
Highlights
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Travel the original route of the Trans-Siberian Railroad between Vladivostok and Moscow;
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The Pacific harbour and Oceanarium in Vladivostok;
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Buddhist temple near Ulan-Ude;
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Typical Siberian villages;
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Unique, authentic journey in a private train unit attached to a regular train;
Day 1 - Welcome to Vladivostok
Arrive in Vladivostok in the morning. The afternoon offers a guided bus tour of the city, including the Submarine Museum, with fantastic views over Vladivostok from Eagle's Nest Hill.
Overnight: Versailles Best Eastern (or similar). Meals included: Lunch (L) and dinner (D).
Day 2 - Vladivostok and start of your Trans-Siberian adventure
In the morning, there’s a visit to the Oceanarium, where you’ll learn all about the Pacific’s amazingly varied sea life. There’s a boat excursion around Russia’s largest Pacific port before boarding your group’s private train carriage for the start of your Trans-Siberian adventure. Overnight on board (breakfast (B), lunch (L) and dinner (D)).
Day 3 - Khabarovsk, on the Amur River
Today, we arrive in Khabarovsk. A guided bus tour of the city takes in the Regional Museum and the bluff overlooking the Amur River with its sweeping, sandy beaches. Overnight: Parus Best Eastern (or similar) (BLD).
Days 4 and day 5 - Across Siberia
Your journey continues west, crossing the Amur River over one of Russia’s longest bridges. Along the way, you’ll pass the town of Svobodny (once home to a Gulag prison camp) and the junction with the Baikal-Amur Mainline and the Trans-Manchurian Railroad in Chita. 2 overnights on board (2x BLD).
Day 6 - Ulan-Ude
Arriving in Ulan-Ude in the morning, there’s an informative city tour followed by a visit to a Buddhist temple close to Ulan-Ude. In the evening, continue on towards Irkutsk. Overnight on board (BLD).
Day 7 - Lake Baikal
Arriving in Irkutsk in the morning, you’ll be driven to Lake Baikal, the world’s largest freshwater reservoir and a truly awesome natural phenomenon. There’s a short boat excursion out onto the lake, and you can go for a swim and visit the picturesque village of Listvyanka. If the weather allows, dinner takes the form of a Baikal-style picnic on the lakeshore amid incredible natural surroundings. Overnight: Hotel Mayak (or similar) (BLD).
Day 8 - Irkutsk
In the morning, we visit an open-air museum of life and work in historical Siberia. Then, it’s time to head off to Irkutsk, the capital of Eastern Siberia in tsarist times. Your city tour takes in the Okhlopkov Drama Theatre, the new memorial to Tsar Alexander III and the photogenic market hall. In the evening, it’s time to board your train for Novosibirsk. Overnight on board (BLD).
Day 9 - Across Siberia
In the late afternoon, your train pulls into Novosibirsk, Siberia’s largest city. There’s time to enjoy a fascinating tour of this most Soviet of cities, including views of the mighty Ob River. Overnight: Azimut Hotel (or similar) (BLD).
Day 10 - Novosibirsk
Today’s brief city tour includes the market and opera house. Then, in the afternoon, it’s time to get back on the train to continue your journey. Overnight on board (BLD).
Day 11 - Yekaterinburg
Your train stops in the afternoon in Yekaterinburg, the capital of the Ural Federal District, where Tsar Nicholas II and his family were murdered in 1918. Yekaterinburg stands on the border between Europe and Asia, and you’ll visit the obelisk that marks the boundary. Back on board, enjoy amazing views of the Urals as you head deeper into Europe. Overnight on board (BLD).
Day 12 - Kazan
After breakfast, our train reaches Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, on the banks of the mighty Volga. Your city tour includes Tatar mosques and Russia’s most famous Orthodox cathedral. There’s also a tour of Kazan’s Kremlin, where you’ll learn all about the turbulent history of the Tatars, Cossacks and Russians. We round off our day with lunch in a city restaurant. Overnight on board (BLD).
Day 13 - Welcome to Moscow
In the late morning, we reach Russia’s capital, Moscow, a thriving, prosperous city, where you’ll check into your hotel. Around noon, we visit the Kremlin grounds and their magnificent cathedral, with the opportunity to see inside some of the amazing buildings that make up the Kremlin complex. After dinner, it’s time to discover Moscow’s magic during a one-hour City of Lights tour, which includes a stop at Red Square and a ride on the underground to view two of Moscow’s most beautiful metro stations. Overnight: InterContinental Tverskaya (or similar) (BLD).
Day 14 - Tour of Moscow and flight home
After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, your tour of the city takes in such amazing sights as the reconstructed Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Lomonosov University, the Novodevichy Convent, Red Square with its colorful St Basil’s Cathedral, the former KGB headquarters and the White House. This marks the end of an unforgettable journey. We’ll take you to the airport and see you safely on your way back home. (B).
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8 nights in a Classic category private car attached to a regular train along the route from Vladivostok to Moscow (single occupancy or Superior car available on request);
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5 nights in hotels along the route;
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English-speaking tour guide with knowledge of the region throughout the journey;
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Local travel guides;
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All transfers and bus tours as per the itinerary;
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All excursions and sightseeing as per the itinerary, including all entrance fees;
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All meals as per your itinerary. Meals are served in the restaurant car of the regular train or in local restaurants at stops along the way;
Travel documents and vaccinations:
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Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa;
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No vaccinations required;
Not included:
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Visa fees;
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Gratuities;
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International flights;
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Personal expenses;
Important notes:
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Due to the complex logistics of this tour, changes to the itinerary are sometimes necessary;
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Minimum number of tour participants per attached car of Classic/Superior category: 12;
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Maximum number of tour participants per attached car of Classic/Superior category: 16;
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Minimum number of tour participants per attached car of Bolshoi category: 10;
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Maximum number of tour participants per attached car of Bolshoi category: 12;
Hotels along the way:
Vladivostok |
1 night |
Versailles Best Eastern |
Khabarovsk |
1 night |
Parus Best Eastern |
Listvyanka |
1 night |
Hotel Mayak |
Novosibirsk |
1 night |
Azimut Hotel or similar |
Moscow |
1 night |
InterContinental Tverskaya/Grand Marriott or similar |