My Tour Favourites (0)
Classic Trans-Siberian Westbound


This 13-day experience includes several days in Vladivostok and around Lake Baikal, while offering a truly authentic Trans-Siberian Railway experience.
Overview
Embark on a memorable rail adventure across Asia, Siberia and beyond with our Classic Trans-Siberian Westbound. Starting in the pacific city of Vladivostok, you will follow the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway all the way to Moscow. Our Classic Trans-Siberian is perfect for friends, families or couples of all ages, offering a balanced travel experience between train travel, city break and leisurely retreat. This 13-day experience includes several days in Vladivostok and around Lake Baikal, while offering a truly authentic Trans-Siberian Railway experience.
All relevant Trans-Siberian, Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian rail tickets
Transfers for all departures and arrivals at each city
A transfer with a personal guide to accompany you to the train on the start of your journey
Breakfast at all hotels, homestays and other accommodation
Russian Tourist Visa Invitation
Itinerary


Vladivostok
The administrative centre of Primorsky Krai, Vladivostok meaning ‘Rule in the East’ in Russian, is situated in the far east of Russia around Golden Horn Bay. The city is famous for its harbour location as the home port of the Russian Pacific Fleet and being the final stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Tourists are attracted to its many military sites left over from the Russo-Japanese War and the beautiful Russky Island.
Day 1
Arrival in Vladivostok
Welcome to Vladivostok! Your driver will meet you at your arrival point and take you to your hotel ready for check-in.
You will have the rest of the day to explore the city for yourself or relax in your hotel.
Arrival Transfer
Free Time
Day 2
Sightseeing tour of Vladivostok
Today your adventure starts with a half day city tour taking in all of the major sights of Vladivostok including Sveltlanskaya Street, Russky Bridge, the Triumphal arch for Tsar Nicholas II, as well as many parks and churches dotted around the city.
The rest of the day will be free for you to carry on exploring the city for yourself.
Breakfast
City Tour by car
Free Time
Souvenir Shopping
Day 3
Departure from Vladivostok
In the morning, you will check out of your hotel and have some free time to do any last-minute exploring, before meeting your driver for the transfer to Vladivostok’s railway station.
Our guide will advise, and assist, in purchasing provisions for the train if desired, accompany you to the platform, and answer any last-minute questions. You will then leave Vladivostok for Irkutsk.
Breakfast
Day on the Train
Scenic Surrounds
Travel to


Trans-Siberian
Stretching 5772 miles from Moscow to the naval port of Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East, the Trans-Siberian is Russia’s principal railway route. The original route was constructed in the 20th century and has since been expanded to include several new branches to Ulaanbaatar, Harbin, and Beijing, via the Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian railways.
Day 4
Depart Vladivostok and travel on the Trans-Siberian Railway
For the next three days, sit back and relax as you travel on the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Your first full day on the train takes you through Khabarovsk, the largest city and the administrative centre of the vast region and home of many natural wonders including the famous White Siberian Tiger and the Amur River. The next couple of days will take in the incredible views of Lake Baikal and Siberia, skimming the border with China, after a brief stop in Chita.
Day on the Train
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Travel to


Listvyanka
A small settlement on the Western shore of Lake Baikal, Listvyanka is a highly popular tourist area known for its distinct local culture, fish market, and breathtaking hiking trails that venture around the edges of the lake. The settlement was formed near the point where the Angara River leaves Lake Baikal and is home to the Baikal Museum, with dedicated exhibits to the fauna and wildlife that can be found in the area.
Day 6
Arrival in Irkutsk
After arriving in Irkutsk, your driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel in nearby Listvyanka village on the shores of Lake Baikal.
You will have some free time in the afternoon to settle in and explore the village. The day will be rounded off with a traditional Baikal dinner, followed by an optional banya (Russian sauna) experience.
Dinner
Food & Drink Experience
Day on the Train
Scenic Surrounds
Day 7
Free time in Listvyanka
Today, you are free to explore Listvyanka for yourself. The village has plenty to offer from picturesque nature hikes, to relaxing by the lakeside, or visiting one of the regional markets of museums.
If you are stuck for choice, we have a range of optional excursions in Listvyanka that are the perfect way to spend your day.
Breakfast
Free Time
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Travel to


Irkutsk
Irkutsk is one of the largest cities in Siberia and the most important hub for tourism in the Lake Baikal region. As opposed to many of the more industrially shaped cities in Siberia, Irkutsk has a long history as a cultural centre and has been home to scientists, writers, artists, and political activists such as the Decembrists. It is also a key destination on the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Day 8
Irkutsk city tour by car
After a relaxing couple of days in Listvyanka, your driver will pick you up from your hotel for a brief city tour of Irkutsk by car. You will get to see the most interesting locations in the city, including the beautiful Russian Orthodox churches, the Polish Cathedral (the only Siberian Gothic-style building), traditional hand-crafted wooden houses, and the infamous Decembrists’ House.
At the end of the tour, you will check into your hotel in Irkutsk.
Breakfast
City Tour by car
Free Time
Souvenir Shopping
Day 9
Departure from Irkutsk
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel at 12 noon and meet your driver at the agreed time who will take you to the train station where you will continue your journey along the Trans-Siberian Railway through Siberia and on to Moscow.
Breakfast
Day on the Train
Scenic Surrounds
Day 10
Travelling along the Trans-Siberian Railway
You will spend the next few days on the train continuing through the seemingly limitless tracks and incredible forests of Siberia, you will pass through the mighty Altai region, crossing the River Yenisei at Krasnoyarsk. You will continue through Novosibirsk and the Ural Mountains, crossing the border between Asia and Europe, before heading on the final stretch of this epic journey through the beautiful cities of the Golden Ring to Moscow.
Day on the Train
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Travel to


Moscow
Russia’s official capital, Moscow, is the political and religious heart of the country. The city has the highest density of billionaires, is the world’s most populated inland city and boasts six out of Europe’s ten tallest buildings. It continues to be a major tourist destination in Europe growing year on year with famous attractions including Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, and the Kremlin.
Day 13
Arrival in Moscow
You will finally arrive in Moscow around 5 am, where your transfer will take you to your hotel if you wish to stay in Moscow for a few more days, the airport, or the railway station.
Departure Transfer
Scenic Surrounds
Where you can stay
A hotel can be the make or break of any experience, and we understand that choosing the right hotel is important to our travellers. Check out our range of hotels ahead of time, and learn more about our standard 3-star options and the luxury 5-star upgrades that are available in the destinations you will be visiting.
Please note that the selection of hotels included here are examples of where you may stay on your tour, we will pick the best option for you based on your travel requirements.
You may also like
Not quite found what you are looking for? Real Russia are committed to finding you the best tour for your needs. Whether you are after an activity-packed immersive experience or a relaxing vacation with plenty of free time, we have you covered. Here, is a list of tours you may also like, hand-picked by us based on your chosen theme and dates.
from per person
from per person
from per person
from per person
from per person
from per person
Dates & Rates
Please select the amount of travellers in your group and language requirement of your guide.
Please select a date
£
-
£
per person
-
£
per person
-
£
per person
*This tour’s total cost is an estimate, based on travel costs prior to tickets being released. The price is subject to fluctation of up to 10%.† Based on 2 people sharing a twin room.
More information
What’s included
3* comfortable hotels close to the heart of the city
A transfer with a personal guide to accompany you to the train on the start of your journey
All relevant Trans-Siberian, Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian rail tickets
All tours are COVID-19 secure and offer flexible booking options. Visit our Covid-19 information page to find out more
Half day guided tour with excursions: Irkutsk
Half day guided tour with excursions: Vladivostok
Meals: Breakfast at all Hotels, plus a dinner at Listvyanka / Baikal and other meals , which are dependent on your preferred excursions
Russian Tourist Visa Invitation
Transfers for all departures and arrivals at each city
What’s not included
Flights or other travel arrangements prior to tour joining point
Meals, unless specified in the itinerary
Personal expenses such as souvenir shopping, or extra food and drink not included in the itinerary
Visa processing and service costs
Travel Tips
All travellers are asked to check the vaccination requirements before travel. Visit our Vaccines and Health page to find out more
Any dietary or allergy requirements will need to be disclosed before the start of the tour
Carrying a water bottle with you is recommended
Medication should always be taken with you and kept on your person
Please ensure that you keep any personal documents and valuables on your person at all times
WIFI will be available at most of the hotels, although mobile coverage may vary in rural areas
Your local guides will recommend stops where you can go souvenir shopping during your tour
Special notes
There are no special notes for this tour
Suggested reading
Enrich your travel experience with our list of top recommended books from specialist travel guides to compelling novels. Whether you are looking for something to pass the time on the train, or want to get to grips with the local history, reading is essential to turning your trip into a fully-fledged experience.
Moscow
The ultimate guidebook to Moscow that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s Moscow is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling to any destination from how to get around the city, the best places to eat, what you need to see while you are there, cultural highlights and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips, this guide includes detailed maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
Russia: Lonely Planet
The ultimate guidebook to Russia that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s Russia is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling to this vast country from how to get around, the best places to eat in its most popular cities, what you need to see while you are there, cultural highlights, currency and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips about key attractions such as the Moscow Kremlin, Lake Baikal and the Romanov sites, this guide includes detailed maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
Trans-Siberian Adventures: Life on and off the rails from U.K. to Asia
Embarking one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys’, the Trans-Siberian Railway, Matthew Woodward sets off to rekindle his childhood passion for train travel. Trans-Siberian Adventures offers a personal insight into the highs, lows and expectations of long-distance train travel and is a must-read for anybody looking to embark on this mammoth journey from Moscow to Beijing and beyond.
Extras & Upgrades
Extras
Customise your experience with our spectacular range of tailor-made tour extras. If you have some free time during your tour and are unsure how to spend it, then our extras may be just what you are looking for, with various activities ranging from an hour long to a full day. Simply, let us know when booking your tour and we can arrange this for you.
Upgrades
Enhance your travel experience with one of our available tour upgrades. Whether you are looking to go first class on the train or swap your standard hotel for a luxury 5-star option, our Sales team are on-hand to help. Simply, let us know when booking your tour and we can arrange this for you.
View Map
Visa Information
