Classic Trans Siberian

Departing: Moscow - 13 days
Countries visited: Russia

This is the ultimate rail journey. Almost 10,000 kilometres 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 worlds 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.

Essentials

Group Size
15 maximum, plus Group Leader.

Accommodation
Hotels - 4 nights (twin share). Siberian Guesthouse - 1 night (twin share) Trains - 7 nights
(4 berth).

Meals
5 in total. Breakfast (5).

Travel by
Train: Comfortable 4 berth sleepers. There are 2 rail sectors on this journey - Moscow to Irkutsk (4 nights) - Irkutsk to Vladivostok (3 nights)

2 Berth Rail (Optional)
Available for a supplementary price only when two people book and travel together. Available on all rail sectors.

Sightseeing
Scheduled Sightseeing is part of the itinerary and includes all transport, entrance fees and English speaking local guide.

Moscow: City tour, St.Basil's Cathedral, Red Square, Kremlin and Armoury Chamber.

Irkutsk (Siberia): Walking tour of city, Museum of Wooden Architecture, Limnological Museum, Lake Baikal.

Vladivostok: City tour and museums.

Local Payment
Your Local Payment is the final balance payment of your tour price and is to be paid directly to your Group Leader at the Pre Departure Meeting on day 1 of your tour. The Local Payment is utilised by your Group Leader to pay for various locally provided services.

Visas
Required for Russia. Sundowners Overland will provide all required invitation letters and full visa support including detailed visa guidelines.