Epic Trans-Siberian East - West: Vladivostok - Baikal - Yekaterinburg - Moscow - St. Petersburg (TS-25)

Tretiakov Gallery Guided TourA guided tour of the Tretiakov Gallery, the biggest collection of Russian fine art in the world. The core of the museum's collection was assembled in the middle of the nineteenth century by Pavel Tretiakov, a wealthy Moscow merchant whose passion for collecting included violins, birds, and milk cows as well as Russian art. The museum represents the whole history of Russian art from the ancient period until now. There are more than 130 000 unique examples of painting, sculpture and graphics, created throughout the centuries by talented Russian artists.

4 hours | £80 per person

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour Guided TourThis temple was originally constructed on a vow given when banners and keys from conquered cities were brought to the temple. The height of the temple was 103 meters. In December 1931, the temple was blown up. Subsequently, the foundation ditch was used for the construction of a swimming pool. In 1994, the pool was closed and in January 1995 the reconstruction of the temple took place. Today the construction is completed and features both a working church and a museum, where excursions are regularly held.

3 hours | £65 per person

Half Day Guided Tour to Sergiev Posad Monastery - the Heart of Russian Orthodox ReligionThe town located in the suburbs of Moscow grew up in the 15th century around one of the greatest Russian monasteries - the Holy Trinity – St. Sergius Lavra (Troitse-Sergiyeva Lavra) established by St. Sergius of Radonezh. The town also claims to be the birthplace of the Russian nesting doll, or matryoshka. On our way to Sergiev Posad we will enjoy the charming Russian countryside as the highway runs through huge birch forests, hills, as well as past beautifully decorated country homes.

7 hours | £125 per person

Trip to Cosmonaut Training Centre - Star CityStar City is situated to the North-West of Moscow in a beautiful pine and birch forest. See the hall where real space vehicles are used to train astronauts, the hydro laboratory, in which future astronauts learn to live and work in conditions of weightlessness, and the largest centrifuge in the world. You will see unique equipment where cosmonauts train for flight, including the MIR simulator. All the crews on the Vostok and Voskhod missions and the various models of manned “Soyuz” spacecraft, as well as those who worked on the MIR orbiting station, were trained here.

6 hours | £195 per person

Diamond Fund Guided TourThe Diamond Fund is located in the Kremlin Armoury containing the most valuable gems of Russia - a collection of masterpieces of jewellery of the 18th-20th centuries, rare precious stones, gold and platinum nuggets of great artistic, historic and scientific importance. It is one of the few treasuries in the world that house unique crown jewels. The exhibition features such treasures as diamond encrusted Coronation Crown of Catherine the Great, the world-famous 190-carat Orlov Diamond among other stunning examples.

2 hours | £100 per person

Old Arbat Street Guided TourYour guide will take you to the Old Arbat street, famous for its architectural masterpieces and souvenirs. This street became a favorite place of walk of the Muscovites. You will see many improvised shows, poets and entertainers. After the guided tour you will have some free time to browse among the shops selling merchandise and enjoy various Arbat cafes or restaurants.

3 hours | £65 per person

Kolomenskoye Estate - UNESCO Heritage Site and Former Tsar Residence Guided TourKolomenskoye is a former royal estate and one of the most picturesque and enjoyable of Moscow’s out-of-town attractions. This 15-17th century Tsarist estate is preserved in its original layout and comprises of unique architectural monuments, including the Church of the Ascension (1532). Kolomenskoye Estate’s large parkland is open to the public for you to enjoy. Kolomenskoye also hosts traditional festivals during all major holidays.

4 hours | £80 per person

Central Museum of the Armed Forces of Russia Guided TourGuided visit to the Central Museum of the Armed Forces of Russia which contains 24 exhibition halls. The strength of the Museum’s historical collection is in its collection of banners of Soviet and Third Reich Army and personal belongings of Soviet and Nazi leaders (including the General Zhukov and Adolf Hitler). The Museum has a wide range of weapons, military uniforms and decorations. The outside exposition of the Museum presents many armoured vehicles, artillery, antiaircraft systems and battle aircrafts.

4 hours | £80 per person

Day 1 – Tuesday

You’ll board your overnight flight this evening for the Russian port city of Vladivostok.

Vladivostok

Hotel Azimut 4*,
VladivostokAzimut Hotel Vladivostok complex consists of two separate blocks: Vladivostok and Amur Bay and is conveniently located close to the city centre with all its attractions within easy reach. The hotel is an ideal place for business and leisure travelers. There are 624 comfortable rooms at the hotel. All rooms are equipped with modern furniture, satellite TV and phone, free internet access. The hotel restaurant for up to 200 persons offers fabulous panoramic views of the city. There are also Azimut Café - a neat cozy café at the fourth floor of the Vladivostok building, and Azimut Bar offering soft and alcoholic drinks, light snacks, both open 24 hours.

Ferry Eastern Dream: Russia - Korea - JapanM.V. Eastern Dream offers regular sea connection between Russia, South Korea and Japan. This is an optimal choice for you if you would like to continue your Trans-Siberian tour further east or alternatively you can arrive from Japan and join our trip from Vladivostok to Moscow.

£295 per person

Day 2 – Wednesday

Transfer from the airport to your accommodation

On arrival our driver will be waiting to take you to the hotel; look for the signboard bearing Go Russia logo.

Vladivostok

Day 3 – Thursday

Vladivostok City Tour & Visit to the Submarine Museum

Transfer from the hotel to the railway station

Vladivostok is a fascinating city with many sights that will leave their mark. You'll take in the City Fortress, the Intercession Church and also the Catholic church. In the Korabelnaya Naberezhnaya (the Warship Embankment) you'll learn more about the history of the Russian Fleet, including the period of the Second World War, and have the chance to visit a Soviet C-56 submarine. Later, our driver will collect you from your hotel for your transfer to the railway station where you'll be travelling on a fast train.

Train: Vladivostok - Irkutsk

Day 3 – Thursday

Night train: Vladivostok - Irkutsk

Comfortable train to Irkutsk. Arrival in Irkutsk in the evening three days later.

Irkutsk - Listvyanka

Mayak Hotel 4*,
ListvyankaThe Hotel Mayak in Listvyanka occupies an enviable waterfront position giving its guests panoramic views over Lake Baikal. Many of the rooms have large windows from which you can watch boats come and go at the boat dock. The hotel itself is well equipped with the facilities you would expect from a property of its class, with a pool, sauna and Russian banya for guests. There’s free WiFi throughout the hotel, room service and assistance with document registration.

Olkhon Island Extension - 4 daysWe invite you to visit the heart of the lake Baikal - the island of Olkhon, glorified in many legends. It is the largest of the lake's 30 islands and it contains 143 unique archaeological objects – graves, remains of ancient settlements, ruins, shaman worship monuments and many others. You will also be able to enjoy magnificent natural views, sandy beaches and even swim in the lake (average water temperature in July – August 18 degrees C).

£475 per person

Circum-Baikal Railway Guided Tour by TrainThe Circum-Baikal is not just a railway, but a unique museum of history and nature, combining architecture with zoology, mineralogy and geology. Go Russia invites you to join us on the breathtaking journey around Lake Baikal, on the Circum-Baikal Railway, which runs along the North shore of the Southern part of the lake, from the village of Slyudyanka to the Port Baikal settlement. This is a full-day guided tour, which may start from either Irkutsk or the village of Listvyanka.

11 hours | £225 per person

Trekking at Baikal with PicnicNote: you need to be fit to participate in this trek. This is a circular route hike which starts and ends in Listvyanka. First half of the walk goes through the Taiga forest, then the trail leads down to the shore of Lake Baikal. On the lake shore the guide will cook for you a delicious lunch on camp-fire. After sunbathing and swimming in the lake, we continue our walk on the hillside enjoying the panorama of Lake Baikal along the way. You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

6 hours | £65 per person

Ride a Quad in ListvyankaRide a quad in Listvyanka village, enjoy stunning views of Lake Baikal and experience taiga forest. You will be riding a quad with another person (in total 2 persons per quad) accompanied by an English speaking guide. A picnic lunch will be served on the lake shore.

2 hours | £125 per person

Circum-Baikal Railway Walking TourEnjoy a walking tour along the Circum-Baikal railway – a truly historic line - starting from Port Baikal to the first or second tunnel. You’re bound to be impressed by the stunning views of Lake Baikal, its magnificent beauty and the surrounding hills. This is a circular route, which starts and ends in Listvyanka village.

6 hours | £65 per person

Listvyanka Tour & Visit to the Baikal MuseumEnjoy a guided walk in the village including a visit to the Baikal museum. Your guide will also show you the famous Shaman Rock and tell you the legend about the naughty Angara River. Take a cable lift to get to a nearby view point from where you’ll get a chance to take panoramic pictures of Baikal. Enjoy your visit to a local 19th century wooden St. Nicolas church and a local fish market where you’ll see a great variety of fish and different ways of cooking it. Price includes services of an English-speaking guide, entrance tickets to the Baikal museum, transport from the village centre to the Baikal museum and back, cable car (one way).

4 hours | £125 per person

Horse Riding in TaigaEnjoy horse-riding along the largest lake on our planet or deep in Taiga forest. Before the horse riding session you will receive a short briefing and your instructor will show you how to get on a horse and how to control it. Please note, there will be no English – speaking guide with you, only an instructor who speaks basic English.

3 hours | £95 per person

Day 6 – Sunday

Transfer by car / minibus: Irkutsk - Listvyanka

At leisure at Baikal

After several days in the train, Baikal's expansive waters are just the tonic. We'll make an included transfer from Irkutsk railway station to the little village of Listvyanka which perches on the lakeshore. There, you'll have plenty of free time to spend as you please, for example by taking a boat trip out on this, the world's deepest freshwater lake.

Day 7 – Monday

At leisure at Baikal

Today we provide another opportunity for Baikal relaxation and sightseeing. Occupy your time as you please, perhaps with a visit to the St. Nicolas Russian Orthodox Church or the Baikal Lake Museum where you will learn Siberian traditions, history, flora and fauna of the lake.

Listvyanka - Irkutsk

Itinerary Optional Dates and prices

£475 per person

Day 8 – Tuesday

Transfer by car / minibus: Listvyanka - Irkutsk

Open-air Wooden Architecture Museum in Taltsy

Irkutsk City Tour

Our guide will meet you at your accommodation and transfer to Irkutsk via the open air Wooden Architecture Museum. Located in a picturesque forest in the bank of the River Angara in Taltsy, you'll be able to browse the wooden houses and tents once typical of this area. You can learn about the lifestyles of the local Buryat and Evenk people, go inside a Russian fort and a 15th Century watchtower and see a shaman's yurt. We'll finish up the day with a city tour of beautiful Irkutsk before boarding the train that will take us all the way to Yekaterinburg.

Hotel Novotel Center 4*,
YekaterinburgThe Novotel Yekaterinburg Centre is one of the best hotels in the city. It is conveniently located right in the heart of the capital of the Urals, within walking distance of the city's main attractions and the business and shopping centres of Yekaterinburg. All rooms feature climate control and free WIFI, combining modern decor, ergonomics and high-tech equipment. The hotel is fully equipped with new-generation Novotel rooms meaning MediaHub panel allowing to charge Mac, iPhone and plug laptop to TV, watch movies and make video-calls. Standard rooms have air conditioning, rain shower, satellite TV, tea/coffee amenities, laptop safe, minibar.

Train: Irkutsk - Yekaterinburg

Day 8 – Tuesday

Night train: Irkutsk - Yekaterinburg

Comfortable train to Yekaterinburg. Arrival in Yekaterinburg in the evening two days later.

Yekaterinburg

Itinerary Accommodation Dates and prices

Day 10 – Thursday

Transfer from the railway station to the hotel

It's a two-day trip across Siberia to Yekaterinburg but on arrival our driver will meet you at the carriage with a Go Russia sign board. Transfer to the hotel this evening and settle in.

Day 11 – Friday

Ganina Yama & Cathedral on the Blood Guided Tour

Guided Visit to the Europe - Asia Border

Yekaterinburg is infamous as the site of the execution of the last Russian Tsar Nikolay II and his family. We shall pay our respects with a visit to the Memorial Cathedral on the Blood in the name of all Saints, which was built on the execution site itself. We'll continue to Ganina Pit, an orthodox monastery constructed where the remains were originally interred and also visit seven wooden churches in the heart of a centuries-old pine forest. Lastly, given our proximity, we won't want to miss the opportunity of seeing the obelisk that marks the boundary between Europe and Asia.

Day 12 – Saturday

Transfer from the hotel to the railway station

Our driver will meet you at the hotel lobby, ready to transfer to the railway station. Our fast train departs after breakfast and carries us to Moscow.

Train: Yekaterinburg - Moscow

Day 12 – Saturday

Night train: Yekaterinburg - Moscow

Fast train 015. Departs Yekaterinburg at 09:19, arrives in Moscow at 09:23 next day (all times are local).

Moscow

Hotel Ibis Centre Bakhrushina 3*,
MoscowPart of the Ibis collection, the Moscow Centre Bakhrushina Hotel is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a value hotel with facilities you can trust. Situated within the meander of the Moskva River, it’s centrally located a half hour stroll from Red Square or the Kremlin and within easy reach of the Paveletskaya metro station.

3 hours | £75 per person

4 hours | £80 per person

3 hours | £65 per person

7 hours | £125 per person

6 hours | £195 per person

2 hours | £100 per person

3 hours | £65 per person

4 hours | £80 per person

4 hours | £80 per person

Day 13 – Sunday

Transfer from the railway station to the hotel

Moscow City Tour by Car

Red Square, St. Basil`s & Lenin Mausoleum Guided Tour

After our overnight train journey, we arrive in Moscow the following morning where our driver will be waiting to transfer us to the hotel. Later, we'll wander through the streets of the Russian capital at a leisurely walking pace, our tour leading us to such sights as the world-famous KGB centre of the Soviet epoch in Lubyanka Square and Teatralnaya Square where we'll find the Bolshoi Theatre. Continuing through the heart of Moscow's shopping and restaurant district, we will reach Red Square. This iconic square is where we can see St Basil's Cathedral with its colourful domes, GUM department store, Kazan Cathedral and the Kremlin towers. Lenin is also interred here and you can get up close to his embalmed body in the Mausoleum standing at the foot of the Kremlin's walls.

Day 14 – Monday

Kremlin Grounds & the Armoury Guided Tour

Moscow Metro Guided Tour

Transfer from the hotel to the railway station

Today we focus on the Kremlin. Beginning in Cathedral Square, we move on to the Armoury Museum. Its fabulous array of treasures includes such exhibits as the chalice of Yuri Dolgorukiy, the helm and armour of Boris Godunov, a collection of over fifty Faberge eggs, as well as golden and silver works of applied art by Russian, European and Oriental masters, invaluable weapons and other works made of precious metals and stones. Lastly, we’ll dip underground to see the glitz and glamour of Moscow’s famous metro. Unlike other city transit systems, this one features adornments of marble, mosaics, stained glass panels and bronze sculptures and has to be seen to be believed. Afterwards, our driver will transfer you from the hotel to the train station to take you to St Petersburg.

Train: Moscow - St. Petersburg

Day 14 – Monday

Grand Express: Moscow - St. Petersburg

For demanding travellers who prefer to travel in particular comfort, Russian railways now offer a luxury travel option to discover a style fit for a Tzar! Indeed, the “Grand Express” is a real hotel on wheels that features spacious sleeping compartments with toilets, showers, air-conditioning, wide sofas (in luxury compartment categories), LCD TV, DVD-players and WI-FI. “Grand Express” train also has standard 9 compartments carriages of 2nd and 1st class. More details.

St. Petersburg

Hotel Nevsky Grand 3*,
St. PetersburgHotel Nevsky Hotel Grand is ideally located in the centre of St. Petersburg, and within easy walking distance of the famous landmarks of St. Petersburg - such as Hermitage; Kazan, St. Isaac's and Savior on Spilled Blood Cathedrals; Russian museum. The hotel features elegant interior and cozy homelike atmosphere. The hotel’s 135 guest rooms and 5 suites are designed in the modern style with a touch of antique, complimented by the technological amenities, including telephone, free WiFi, interactive satellite television, safe, air-conditioning system. There is a hall on every floor with soft drinks, coffee and tea, open 24 hours a day.

M-Hotel 3*,
ST. PETERSBRUGLocated in the Golden Triangle District, the 3 star M-Hotel is convenient for many of St Petersburg’s attractions including being just a twenty minute walk from the Hermitage Museum. In addition, it is well connected to public transport; the nearest Metro station, Nevsky Prospect, is only a two minute walk away. The hotel’s rooms and suites are bright and airy, furnished in a comfortable fashion. WiFi is available throughout the hotel at no additional cost.

Half Day Guided Tour to Tsarskoe Selo (Catherine Palace & Amber Room)Guided visit to one of the major architectural treasures of the Royal St. Petersburg - settlement of Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin) located 25km south of the city. This small town has two gigantic palaces, set amidst huge and beautiful parkland: the glorious Catherine Palace, a Baroque masterpiece by the Italian architecture Bartolomeo Rastrelli, and the Alexander Palace, where the last tsar family dwelt. We will visit the Catherine’s Palace with the Amber Room. It features splendid interiors, designed by eminent architects Rastrelli, Cameron, Stasov and Monighetti.

5 hours | £110 per person

Folk Show at Nikolaevsky PalaceThe folk show "Feel Yourself Russian" is comprised of the bright performances of St. Petersburg professional folk companies. During two hours of this dynamic colourful and picturesque show you will hear tuneful folk songs - romantic, and full of life, watch sparkling dances of different provinces of Russia, and learn that some items - such as saws, wooden spoons, and other traditional household appliances - can also be used as musical instruments! The national colour of the performance is enriched with the bright dresses made in accordance with Russian traditions.

2 hours | £55 per person

Russian Museum Guided TourRussian museum features the largest collection of Russian art no other museum in the world can boast of. Over 400,000 exhibits reflect history of Russian fine art from the ancient icons to the 20th century avant-garde, presenting all the stages, schools and genres. The permanent exhibition of the State Russian Museum presents the works of Russian and Soviet artists and covers the period from the 11th century till nowadays. Along with paintings, the museum boasts unique collections of works of folk art, decorative and applied art, and numismatics.

4 hours | £60 per person

Museum of Political History of Russia Guided TourThe State Museum of the Political History of Russia, former the State Museum of Revolution, was created on October 9, 1919, by decree of the Petrograd Soviet of Workers and the Red Army Deputies. Among the initiators were prominent figures in the Bolshevik Party and the narodnik (populist) movement, and representatives of the intelligentsia. By the mid 1920s it had a unique collection of revolutionary banners, an extremely valuable collection of leaflets of the different political parties, posters, and objects from that period.

3 hours | £60 per person

Day 15 – Tuesday

Transfer from the railway station to the hotel

St. Petersburg City Tour by Car

After arriving in St. Petersburg, our driver will meet you with a Go Russia sign board on the platform. After transferring to the hotel, we’ll take a sightseeing tour of this beautiful city, one with a calm and unhurried pace in stark contrast to bustling Moscow. Our guide will reveal the city’s highlights, including the Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Church of Christ's Resurrection (The Saviour of the Blood) and the famous cruiser Aurora.

Day 16 – Wednesday

Yusupov Palace Guided Tour

The Yusupov Palace is the setting for today’s guided tour. It once belonged to the noble family of Prince Yusupov and is considered to be one of the most beautiful palaces in St. Petersburg. During the tour you will see the lavishly decorated 19th century interior: murals, carvings, marble, mirrors, gilded chandelier, expensive silk clothes and refined furniture. This elegant palace hides a dark secret, however. Its cellar was the location of scandalous Rasputin’s murder.

Day 17 – Thursday

Hermitage Museum (Winter Palace) Guided Tour

Amongst St Petersburg’s myriad museums, the Hermitage stands out by a mile, an architecturally stunning building housing an enormous collection of the art world’s finest works, including those by Leonardo Da Vinci, Titian, Raphael, French impressionists, sculptures and treasures icons, coins and Tsar’s jewellery. We think you’ll agree, the Hermitage is an unforgettable place to visit and the perfect place to round off this epic tour.

Day 18 – Friday

Transfer from the hotel to the airport

Our driver will meet you with a Go Russia sign board at the hotel lobby to take you to the airport for your return flight.