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Tsars Gold Trans-Siberian Eastbound
Overview
The Trans-Siberian is the one of the great travel adventures, passing through some of the most remote, and breath-taking, vistas in the world. Travelling in the Tsars Gold private train brings this journey to new heights, thanks to the luxury of your accommodation, and the fully escorted nature of the tour. The Tsar’s Gold itself runs along a branch of the Trans-Siberian called the Trans-Mongolian, passing through Mongolia towards Beijing rather than to the Russian Far East and the Pacific coast. Along the way you will see the vast Siberian forests, Lake Baikal, the largest lake in the world, and innumerable staggering views of natural beauty.
City of Lights evening tour through Moscow
The Kremlin in Kazan (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Welcome ceremony with bread and salt in Novosibirsk
Siberian wooden houses in Irkutsk
Panoramic train route directly alongside Lake Baikal
Picnic on the shores of Lake Baikal (weather permitting)
Mongolian archery demonstration
Beijing’s Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China
Daily talks on the region’s culture and people
Vodka tasting with Russian snacks and red caviar
Itinerary
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 1
Arrival and Excursion in Moscow
Once you arrive in Moscow, your tour guide will welcome you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel to settle in and leave your heavy luggage behind before heading out for your first taste of Russia’s historic capital.
Dinner
Arrival Transfer
Expert Guide
‘City of Lights’ tour
Red Square
Moscow Metro
Scenic Surrounds
Prominent Landscape
Day 2
Excursions in Moscow
Your grand, guided, city tour will begin in the morning, taking in the Kremlin and its marvellous Tsarist-era cathedral.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Expert Guide
Moscow Kremlin
St Basil’s Cathedral
Souvenir Shopping
Scenic Surrounds
Travel to
Kazan
Kazan is the largest city and capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. The city lies at the confluence of the Kazanka and Volga Rivers in the South-East of Russia and was considered a crucial trade and political center from the Late Middle Ages onwards. It has become a popular tourist destination with famous attractions including the Kazan kremlin and Kul Sharif Mosque, known to be one of the largest mosques in Russia.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
New Destination by Train
Kazan Kremlin
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Volga River
Expert Guide
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Travel to
Yekaterinburg
Yekaterinburg stands close to the divide between Russia and Kazakhstan and is known as the ‘window on Asia’ due to its close proximity to the border. The city is commonly referred to as Russia’s ‘third capital’ as it is ranked third for tourism, transport, and economic size. It holds crucial significance in Russian History as the final resting place of the Romanov dynasty.
Day 4
Excursions in Yekaterinburg
Around noon your train will stop in Yekaterinburg, the historical capital of the Urals. The city is well known for being where the Russian tsar Nicholas II spent his last days before his execution.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
New Destination by Train
City Tour
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
Religious Buildings & Monuments
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Travel to
Novosibirsk
Novosibirsk is the largest city in Siberia with the flair and charm of a provincial town. It is an important commercial hub in the region, hosting one of the best and largest universities in Russia which has shaped the identity of the city. The city is home to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Novosibirsk State Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet (NOVAT), considered one of the best musical and theatre groups in Russia.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
New Destination by Train
City Tour
Ob’ River
Trans-Siberian Monument
Scenic Surrounds
Day 6
Across Siberia aboard the Tsar’s Gold
You will cross a large portion of Siberia today, crossing over the Yenisei River along the way. With stunning views of verdant forests and crystal-clear lakes and rivers, it is the perfect day to relax and just enjoy the view.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day on the Train
Food & Drink Experience
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
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.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
New Destination by Train
Cultural Immersive Experience
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Open air museum
Travel to
Lake Baikal
A popular tourist destination situated in the heart of Siberia, Lake Baikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its natural beauty, pristine beaches and scenic walks. The Lake is home to unique wildlife such as the Baikal Seal, the world’s only freshwater seal, and is the both the deepest and largest freshwater lake in the world descending to a depth of 1700m.
Day 8
Exploring Lake Baikal
After a bus journey to Listvyanka, you will be ferried by boat to Port Baikal on the morning of day eight, where the train will be awaiting you, before continuing the journey around the grand Lake Baikal, following the original route of the Trans-Siberian.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Boat Trip
Expert Guide
Transfer
Circum-Baikal Train
Prominent Landscape
Lakeside Picnic
Scenic Surrounds
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Travel to
Ulan-Ude
Located to the East of Russia’s popular tourist destination Lake Baikal, Ulan-Ude is a city bustling with tourist activity and is the gateway for the Trans-Mongolian Railway that travels from Ulan-Ude to Beijing via Ulaanbaatar. The city’s close proximity to the Mongolian border and well-established transport links into Asia have allowed the city to form a unique cultural identity as the center of Buddhism in Russia.
Day 9
Excursions in Ulan-Ude
You will continue along Lake Baikal today, heading towards the home of the Buryat people, Ulan-Ude. A brief tour will take place here before moving onwards towards the border with Mongolia.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Lake Baikal
Cultural Immersive Experience
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
City Tour
Border crossing
Travel to
Ulaanbaatar
The capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, was founded in the 17th century as a Buddhist monastic centre and is the country’s largest city. It is situated in the Tuul River valley, bordering the Bogd Khan Uul National Park and close to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. The city has a rich heritage and is home to many famous tourist attractions including the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Zaisan Memorial, Choijin Lama Temple, and the Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan.
Day 10
Excursions in Ulaanbaatar
Early risers will have the opportunity to see the magnificent landscapes of Mongolia before arriving into Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
City Tour
Expert Guide
Gandan Monastery
Choijin Lama Temple
Optional Extras
Folk Show
Mongolian throat singing performance
Day 11
Trip to the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
You will leave the centre of Ulan Bator today for a trip to the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park to explore a traditional side of Mongolia; nomadic herdsmen with their Ger settlements, horse herds and yaks.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Cultural Immersive Experience
Expert Guide
Meet the local herdsman’s family
Food & Drink Experience
Prominent Landscape
Transfer
Scenic Surrounds
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day on the Train
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Border crossing
Cultural Immersive Experience
Gobi Desert
Travel to
Beijing
The capital of China, Beijing, has a long history stretching back over 3000 years. The city is known for its unrivalled culture and architecture and is home to no less than 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the world-famous Forbidden City complex and the Badaling Great Wall of China. Beijing is one of the ‘Four Great Ancient Capitals of China’ and has been the political centre of the country for 800 years.
Breakfast & Lunch
Transfer
Free Time
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
New Destination by Train
Day 14
Excursions in Beijing
Your first, full, day in Beijing will be split in two. First you will be taken on a tour of the city to see some of the most important and historic sites, including the Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square, as well as some of its more contemporary architectural achievements, including the ‘Birds Nest’ Olympic Stadium and the thoroughly modern skyscrapers now dotting the Beijing skyline.
Breakfast & Lunch
City Tour
Expert Guide
Temple of Heaven
Tiananmen Square
‘Birds Nest’ Olympic Stadium
Forbidden City
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Day 15
The Great Wall of China and Peking Duck
To many, the Great Wall of China is the eighth wonder of the world, stretching, as it does, 6000km through the Chinese countryside, and it is here where your tour will start today. Along your walk you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ming Tombs, the burial place of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors, as well as the impressive Spirit Way.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Great Wall of China
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Expert Guide
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Food & Drink Experience
Souvenir Shopping
Ming Tombs
Day 16
Depart Beijing
This will be your last day on tour. After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport to begin your journey home. If you are not yet ready to journey home, why not try Real Russia’s ‘Dragon City’ Beijing extensions?
Breakfast
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Departure Transfer
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More information
What’s included
All meals according to itinerary- All tours are COVID-19 secure and offer flexible booking options. Visit our Covid-19 information page to find out more
- All transfers and travel: Tsar’s Gold will ensure that you need not worry about any of the travelling involved in your winter adventure, including to and from the airport at either end of your tour
- Drinks (except premium beverages) during meal times on board the train for guests travelling in categories Bolshoi and Bolshoi Premium
- Excursions, activities and entry fees: As laid out in the itinerary
- Hotel and on-board accommodation: Although you will spend much of your time sightseeing or socialising in the trains public areas, you will find your hotel room, or cabin, a welcome retreat at the end of the day
- Local travel guides, and expert tour guides: Each tour group will be no more than 26 people.
- On-board doctor: In order to ensure your health and safety, Tsars Gold ensures you have a doctor on call from Moscow to Ulan Bator
- Porterage: While you will stay on the train for the duration of your journey, when you do arrive at, and the leave, the train, you can be assured that all of your bags will be in safe hands
- Route guide and information pack: One for each reserved cabin.
- Russian Tourist Visa Invitation
- Shower facilities on board
- Talks on local traditions, culture and customs: Informative lectures on the Trans-Siberian Railway, geography and history of the country visited
- Tour manager: An experienced tour manager from Moscow to Ulan Bator throughout, available to answer all your questions
What’s not included
Any flights or travel costs not covered in the itinerary- Gratuities
- Insurance
- 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
Please note that this tour requires a minimum number of passengers in order to go ahead. Prices for 2023 are to be confirmed.
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.
Mongolia
The ultimate guidebook to Mongolia that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s Mongolia is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling to any destination from how to get around the country, the best places to eat in its most popular cities, what you need to see while you are there, cultural highlights and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips about key attractions such as the Winter Palace of Bogd Khan and the Gadan Monastery, this guide includes detailed maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
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.
Visa Information
Single Entry Tourist Visa
Single Entry Tourist Visa
