Itinerary
With all tours originating in the Pacific city of Vladivostok you are guaranteed a memorable journey through Asia, Siberia and European Russia passing breathtaking landscapes such as the Ural Mountains and the awe-inspiring Lake Baikal. For a detailed breakdown of this tour, please download our free Trans-Russian tour brochure which includes a day to day account of what you will see and do, along with tour prices and information regarding your accommodation.
Day 1 - Arrival in Vladivostok
Your tour starts in Vladivostok, where your transfer will be waiting for you at the airport, or train station, to take you to your accommodation.
Day 2 - Vladivostok Excursion
Today your adventure starts, a half day city tour taking in all of the major sights of Vladivostok as well as a visit to your choice of two, of the many, museums.
Day 3 - Depart Vladivostok
Pack, and prepare to check-out, then make the most of what Vladivostok has to offer on your final day in the city before you are provided with a transfer to the railway station, where our guide will advise, and assist, in purchasing provisions for the train if desired, accompany you to the platform, ensure that everyone is settled into their cabins and answer any last minute questions.
Day 4 - Into the Far East
Your first full day on the train takes you through Khabarovsk, the largest city and the administrative centre of the vast region that is twice the size of Germany, but with a population of only around 1 million people. It is the second largest city in the Far East after Vladivostok and home of many natural wonders including the famous White Siberian Tiger and the Amur River.
Day 5 - Siberian Hinterlands
You will spend all day on the train heading towards Lake Baikal, winding through the Siberian hinterlands, along the border with China, after a brief stop in Chita.
Day 6 - Arrive in Irkutsk
Following your arrival in Irkutsk, you will be taken to the shores of Lake Baikal to enjoy some free time before relaxing in a traditional Russian Banya and having dinner.
Day 7 - Taltsy Excursion
Today you will take a step back in time as you visit the Taltsy open air museum, home to an incredible variety of wooden buildings from the last few hundred years of Russian history, detailing how Russians lived and worked in Siberia and beyond.
Day 8 - A Choice of Excursions
On day eight, you can select from one of the following incredible excursions!
Option one - Following the route of the original Trans-Siberian line around Lake Baikal, the Circum-Baikal railway is a definite highlight of the Trans-Siberian. Starting early, you will travel along the south-west shoreline of Lake Baikal, with many stops for breath-taking photos. You can even dip a toe or two into the lake if you are feeling brave!
Option two – Great for those who wish to immerse themselves in local culture, you will be taken to a settlement belonging to the indigenous Buryat people, 70km outside of Irkutsk on the remote Siberian plain. There are many activites available here, such as visiting the local lore museum, being ‘cleansed’ by the local Shaman, and taking part in a traditional Buryat feast.
Option three – If you wish to learn more about Lake Baikal then this is the perfect opportunity. You will be taken on a guided tour of the local Baikal museum and aquarium (home to two of the indigenous Baikal seals), followed by a chair lift ride to one of the highest points in the Listvyanka area, offering panoramic views across Lake Baikal and beyond. Following lunch, you will be guided around a local Russian orthodox church, offering the chance to learn about the history of Orthodoxy, before checking out a local fish market. You will even have the chance to practice your bartering skills!
These excursions will finish back in Irkutsk quite late, so pack accordingly!
Day 9 - Tour and Depart Irkutsk
First up is a fascinating half day city tour to see some of the best sights in Irkutsk, the Polish cathedral, Russian Orthodox churches and the Decembrist’s House. Once your tour comes to an end it will be time to depart Irkutsk for Siberia!
Day 10 - Venturing into Siberia
Through the seemingly limitless tracks and incredible forests of Siberia (the largest forest in the world), you will be passing through the mighty Altai region, crossing the River Yenisei at Krasnoyarsk.
Day 11 - Heading into Eurasia
After passing through Novosibirsk, the largest city in Siberia, the train will head for the historic Yekaterinburg and the Ural Mountains, crossing the border between Asia and Europe, around 1,000 miles east of Moscow.
Day 12 - European Russia
Spending the day on the train, you will head past the ex-military city of Perm, the great industrial city of Kirov, and the beautiful cities of the Golden Ring.
Day 13 - Arrive in Moscow
At the end of this day you will reach your destination, the Russian Capital of Moscow, where your transfer will be waiting to pick you up.
Explore, Discover, Experience
Real Russia has drawn on years of experience in the region to create three ranges of our tours and a wide selection of options to give you maximum choice and flexibility in choosing your Trans-Siberian adventure.
This tour is in the Experience Range - this premium range takes care of all travel arrangements including trains, transfers, full day excursions accompanied by a professional guide and the finest 4* hotels.
To view this tour in the other ranges, then please select from the options shown below, or, if you are ready to start your adventure with Real Russia, then simply press “Request Tour” and we will get started!