Highlights of Trans-Siberian: Moscow - Kazan - Yekaterinburg - Novosibirsk - Irkutsk (TS-27)

Airport arrival at Moscow where our driver will be waiting with a Go Russia sign and transfer to the hotel.

Today’s orientation tour of the Russian capital is designed to give you a sense of what makes the capital tick. We’ll begin with a a walking tour that visits Lubyanka Square, home to the KGB in the Soviet era, and to Teatralnaya Square where you’ll find the famous Bolshoi Theatre. From bustling Tverskaya Street, we’ll stroll to Red Square where we’ll take a guided tour of the 16th century St Basil’s Cathedral. Its colourful domes will already be familiar but you’ll learn a lot from our knowledgeable guide.

On our second full day of sightseeing in Moscow, we begin with the Kremlin. Once the residence of the Tsars, it’s now the office of the Russian president. We’ll take a tour of its grounds in which stand beautiful orthodox cathedrals and also the Armoury Museum. It houses many treasures dating from the reigns of the Tsars. Once a storehouse, it’s held its current function since 1813 and inside, you’ll discover precious works of art, Faberge eggs and ancient suits of armour. We will also visit the Moscow Underground. One of the undisputed masterpieces of Soviet times, its ornate decoration of mosaics, murals and stained glass windows will leave you feeling that you’re in a museum rather than a working transit system. Later, you’ll return to the hotel and from there, make a transfer with our driver to the train station where you’ll pick up an overnight train that will take you to Kazan.

Kazan lies in the heart of Tatarstan, equidistant from Moscow and Yekaterinburg. Its location has led to its development as a melting pot between Christian and Muslim populations and it’s a fascinating and vibrant city. Its Kremlin is the focal point for our first guided tour during our stay; a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, it was built on the orders of Ivan the Terrible and houses many different structures. Among them are the Annunciation Cathedral, built between 1554 and 1562, and the leaning Soyembika Tower dating from the reign of Peter the Great. The city is also home to the Kazan Marjani, the oldest acting mosque in Tatarstan, and the Kul Sharif Mosque, which was built inside the Kremlin in the 16th century. After we conclude our sightseeing programme, you’ll transfer to the train station where you’ll connect with overnight train which will take you to Yekaterinburg.

Our driver will meet you at the carriage with a Go Russia sign board and transfer you to the hotel.

Our first port of call this morning will be to a memorial which honours the victims of Stalin’s repressions of the 1930s to 1950s. We’ll then visit the obelisk which marks the border of Europe and Asia. It’s traditional to toast this iconic location with a glass of champagne. Afterwards, we’ll return to the city to visit the Memorial Cathedral on the Blood in the Name of All Saints, constructed on the site of the execution of Tsar Nicholas and his family. We’ll continue to Ganina Pit, an orthodox monastery built where the imperial remains were initially discovered. We’ll visit seven wooden churches located deep in the pine forest that characterises this area. Following our excursion, we’ll return to the hotel where you’ll await our driver who will deliver you to the train station for your connection on an overnight train to Novosibirsk.

Our driver will meet you at the carriage carrying a sign board and transfer you to your accommodation.

Novosibirsk has a population of over 1.5 million, making it the third most populous city in the country after Moscow and St Petersburg. Today we offer a choice of sightseeing. Train buffs will want to opt for a visit to the West Siberian Railway Museum, which is located close to the Ob River just outside the city. It houses a large collection of steam locomotives and is a popular location for wedding photographs. Alternatively, you might prefer to relax with a boat trip down the Ob River (in Summer) or take a walking tour through the historic city centre. Later, we’ll meet our driver at the hotel and then it’s over to the train station to pick up our train once more.

On arrival at Irkutsk railway station after our long train journey from Novosibirsk, our driver will be waiting to transfer you to the pretty lakeshore village of Listvyanka. It’s located about 70 km from Irkutsk but is well worth the journey. Once there, you’ll be able to enjoy the serene setting of the world’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal. A choice of activity awaits: you could visit St Nicholas’ Russian Orthodox Church or the Baikal Lake Museum, for instance, take a boat trip on the water or simply relax and enjoy this delightful little place.

Today, you’ll be collected from your accommodation and taken to the Open Air Wooden Architecture Museum at Taltsy. Located on the bank of the River Angara, this collection of typical wooden structures offers a fascinating glimpse into what life was once like in this part of Russia. Highlights include the interior of a Russian fort, a shaman yurt and a 15th century watchtower. You’ll learn a lot about the culture and lifestyle of the Buryat and Evenk people who lived here. After our visit, you’ll be transferred back to Irkutsk where we have laid on a city tour. Irkutsk is known as the “Paris of Siberia” and once you lay eyes on its many imposing stone buildings you’ll understand why. But the city also has a plethora of quaint log houses featuring attractive fretwork shutters and a clutch of 18th century churches to explore.

Our driver will meet you with a Go Russia sign board at the hotel lobby and transfer you to Irkutsk airport for your onward flight.