Trans-Siberian tour «Winter adventure»

Highlights

The Trans-Siberian railway is 9288 kilometers of railroad, 146 railway stations, and 146 hours and 22 minutes ride on a train, but for you it would become the greatest journey of a lifetime that will be filled with your own numbers and emotions.

During this travel you’ll be able to:

• get acquainted with the Trans-Siberian Railway - the most important of Russia's modern wonders
• learn about cultures and religions of 5 nationalities living on the territory of Russia
• explore Moscow city through the eyes of local residents
• have an adventure in Altai, its stunning pristine nature and breathtaking landscapes.
• get amazed by charming Baikal lake

Itinerary

Day 1. Welcome to Russia!

We will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel, where you'll get some rest before you start your Trans-Siberian journey!

Day 2. Moscow

Discover the enchanting winter wonders of Moscow with our exclusive tour that begins at the historic heart of Russia, the Moscow Kremlin. Adorned with snow, it stands as a proud symbol of the nation's storied past and present governance.
As the former residence of Russian Tsars and now the official residence of the President, the Kremlin offers a fascinating glimpse into Russia’s imperial and modern history. Wrapped in a winter blanket, the surrounding architectural marvels present a picturesque scene straight out of a Russian classic.
We will guide you through these snow-laden streets to a cozy local restaurant where you can warm up with traditional Russian dishes, experiencing the heartwarming flavors of local cuisine.
Post-lunch, our journey continues through Moscow's city center. You’ll marvel at the snow-dusted Red Square, the solemn grandeur of Lenin's Mausoleum, and the colorful domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, viewed from outside. Not to be missed is the famous GUM department store, and the State Historical Museum, which offers insights into the vast epochs of Russian history. As we weave through the charming alleyways and courtyards, you’ll experience the vibrant city life of Moscow, wrapped in the quiet of winter, offering a peaceful yet invigorating exploration of this majestic city.

Day 3. Moscow

Embark on a captivating winter journey through Moscow, starting with an inspiring visit to the Tretyakov Art Gallery. Here, amidst the serene ambiance, you can marvel at Russia's most celebrated artworks and masterpieces. Your guide will conveniently meet you at your hotel, setting the stage for a day filled with deep cultural immersion.
Next, experience the architectural splendor of the Moscow metro stations, renowned globally for their ornate designs. These underground art galleries are particularly striking against the backdrop of winter, offering warm respite and stunning photo opportunities. Throughout the day, we will intermittently surface to admire the majestic Stalin-era skyscrapers, their imposing structures dusted with snow, creating a striking contrast against the winter sky.
As evening falls, enjoy a heartwarming dinner with a local family. This intimate experience allows you to savor traditional Russian dishes made from local ingredients, engage in friendly conversations, and gain authentic insights into Moscow life in winter.
The day concludes with a comfortable drive to the railway station, where you will board a night train to Kazan, continuing your winter adventure across Russia. This transition not only adds an element of excitement but also efficiently connects you to the next destination on your travel itinerary.

Day 4. Kazan

Embark on a remarkable segment of the Trans-Siberian journey that showcases the tranquil beauty and cultural diversity of winter in Russia. Yesterday, you experienced the Slavic charm of Moscow with its golden-domed Orthodox churches. Today, you'll explore Tatar Russia under a blanket of snow, revealing the stunning architecture of its Muslim mosques and distinct Tatar traditions.
Upon your arrival, our guide will meet you at the station and assist you with checking in. Your tour of Kazan starts here, transforming the chilly weather into a captivating backdrop. You’ll stroll down the snow-covered Baumana Street, its multicolored bricks hidden beneath a soft white layer, creating a picturesque winter walk.
Next, you’ll visit the Kazan Kremlin area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Don’t be surprised—Kazan has its own Kremlin, and it's a fascinating one. Surrounded by icy silhouettes of historic buildings like the Suyumbike Tower, Kul-Sharif Mosque, and Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral, these sites take on a striking beauty in winter. Illuminated against the snow, they offer a breathtaking view that contrasts sharply with the warmer tones of their summer appearance.
Our guide will narrate the history of these landmarks, helping you to understand the unique historical path of Tatarstan as you witness its winter wonderland transformation. This seasonal perspective adds a layer of enchantment to the already rich cultural tapestry of the region.

Day 5. Kazan — TransSiberian

Constructed by Ivan the Terrible in just four weeks, the Sviyazhsk fortress on the island at the confluence of the Sviyaga and Volga rivers served as the strategic base for the Tsar's conquest of Kazan. This historical place, played an important role in the accession of Tatarstan to Russia. Attractions to explore:

• John the Baptist (Ioanno-Predtechenskiy) Monastery from 1551: Traverse the monastery grounds to visit the temple of St Sergius of Radonezh, home to the cherished icon of the Mother of All Sorrows.
• The Uspensky Monastery and the Chapel of St. Nicholas.
• Monument to the Victims of Political Repression: The solemnity of this memorial is offering a poignant reminder of the island’s darker history under Soviet rule.
• Lazy Torzhok amusement park: While typically vibrant, the park takes on a festive atmosphere in winter. Here you can savor warming local dishes, all amidst the brisk air and snowy landscape.

In the evening we will take you to the railway station. Here, you will board a train for the next stop on your Trans-Siberian adventure: Yekaterinburg.

Day 6. Yekaterinburg — Trans-Siberian

Today you cross the invisible line that divides Europe from Asia, placed in Yekaterinburg.

Our tour begins at the Church on the Blood. Wrapped in a blanket of snow, these sites looks very still and quiet, unless you know they were erected in the place where Tsar Nicholas II (the last Russian Tsar) and his family were tragically assassinated. The church is surrounded by seven wooden chapels built in their memory.

As the day progresses, you’ll discover Yekaterinburg’s various iconic sites:

• The Iset River: admire its winter panorama.
• The historic Grand Square of 1905: the heart of Yekaterinburg’s festivities.
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Holy Trinity Cathedral.
• The Europe-Asia Monument.

In the evening you will be escorted to the railway station to board your Trans-Siberian train to Krasnoyarsk

Day 7. Trans-Siberian day

The next stop is Krasnoyarsk city. But a train will arrive there only tomorrow morning. So today you enjoy a whole day of Trans-siberian railway ride.

Day 8. Krasnoyarsk

We will pick you up at the railway station and after breakfast you will start your Krasnoyarsk city tour. You'll explore the origins of the city, visit the site of its founding and discover the landmarks associated with its notable citizens.

The highlights of the tour are adapted for the winter season.
You'll see Peace Square with its stunning snow-covered view of the Yenisey River and the monument to Andrei Dubenskoy.
Your walk will take you through the well-preserved historic streets of the city, transformed into a winter wonderland.

In the afternoon, we will go to the Stolby Mountains, famous for its natural rock pillars. We'll take a walk that will allow you to experience the unique beauty of Siberian nature under a blanket of snow.

In the evening we will bring you to the railway, from where you will go to Irkutsk.

Day 9. Trans-Siberian - Irkutsk

You will arrive in Irkutsk in the evening.
We will take you to the hotel in Listvyanka village, located on the shore of Lake Baikal.

Day 10. Baikal

In the morning we will visit the architectural and ethnographic museum "Taltsy" - a truly unique collection of architectural and historical monuments of the peoples of Eastern Siberia.
For lunch we will recommend you a cafe where you will taste delicious soup from Baikal fish.
After a short rest we will have an excursion to the Baikal Limnological Museum, where we will be able to see some unusual inhabitants of the lake.
After that we will go to the viewing point of the mountain peak "Chersky Stone", the height of which reaches 728 metres. From here we will have a stunning view of Lake Baikal and the source of the Angara River.

Tonight you'll stay in Listvyanka.

Day 11. Baikal - Trans-Siberian

Today we will go on a trip on a hovercraft - a hovercraft will take us around the lake and you will see all the famous patterns of Baikal ice.
We will visit 3 protected bays that are not accessible by land.

In the evening we'll take you to the railway station where you'll catch a train to Ulan-Ude.

Day 12. Ulan-Ude - Trans-Siberian

We'll meet you early in the morning and drive you for the breakfast. Ulan-Ude area is populated by Buryats - another nationality in multi-ethnic Russia.
The most interesting objects of Buryat culture and religion are located in the countryside.
Today we will guide you to the Ivolginsky Datsan and the village of Tarbagatay. The patron of the Datsan is Lama Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov.
In 1927, Lama Itigelov fell into deep meditation and reached nirvana. He sat in the Lotus position and abandoned his body, telling his disciples to bury him, but to take him out of the grave 70 years later. The disciples followed his instructions and now, so many years after the "death", Lama Itigelov’s mummified body still sits in the Lotus pose in the main Dugan (temple) of the Ivolginsky datsan.

In the evening we will bring you to the railway, from where you will go to Vladivostok city.

Day 13, 14 Trans-Siberian days

You'll spend two days on a train travelling through the eastern part of Russia. There will be many villages and small towns along the way. The largest are Khabarovsk and Chita.

Day 15 Vladivostok

A train arrives in Vladivostok in the morning. This is the last stop on your Trans-Siberian journey (today you'll visit "the last milestone of the Trans-Siberian Railway"). The city is located in the hills on the coast of the Sea of Japan.

During the day tour you’ll see the Central Square and the Monument to the Fighters for Soviet Power in the Far East. You’ll visit the S-56 Submarine and Pacific Navy War Memorials, Arsenev Regional Museum, Yul Brynner’s House and the Public Garden. The last sight of the day will be the Eagle’s Nest Hill (the highest point in the city). From here you’ll take a look at Vladivostok in all its glory!

Day 16 Depart

Your Trans-Siberian Express journey is over.
We hope that our tour has helped you to explore the diversity of Russian culture and that the memories and emotions will stay with you for many years to come.
We will drive you to the airport according to your flight departure time.

In case of severe frosts, the street part of the tour programme can be replaced by visits to museums or other warm places.

The cost includes:

• Rail tickets (2nd class compartments, 4 people per compartment),
• 3* or 4* hotel accommodation with breakfast,
• Private guide services ,
• Cultural visits,
• Transfers as per programme.

The tour price is per person for a group of 4 people.

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