My Tour Favourites (0)
‘Yermak Trail’ History Tour from Yekaterinburg to Moscow
Overview
Follow in the footsteps of 16th century Cossack conqueror, Yermak Timofeyevich. A military general who led the fight against the vast Mongol Tatar hordes in a bid to take Siberia and unite the region under one banner. If you are interested in Russian history or would love to experience the rich culture of Siberia from a different angle, then look no further!
Moscow Kremlin and Red Square
Visit to Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
Visit to the Hermitage Museum
City tours of Yekaterinburg, Tobolsk, Tyumen, St Petersburg and Moscow
Explore the ‘street of four religions’ in Tyumen
Stay over in a traditional Cossack campsite
Visit to Abalak Monastery complex
Enjoy picture perfect views at Sysert Village and Ganina Yama
Itinerary
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 1
Arrival in Yekaterinburg
Welcome to Yekaterinburg! Your driver will pick you up from the airport before taking you to your hotel for check-in and an evening meal.
Dinner
Arrival Transfer
Free Time
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Day 2
City Tour of Yekaterinburg
Starting bright and early, you will have time for breakfast in your hotel before meeting your guide at 9:00am to begin your city tour where you will get to see all the major sites including the Yekaterinburg Dam and the Ice Town on the main square. After your city tour, you will head over to the Europe-Asia borderline before heading over to the Vysotskiy Restaurant for lunch where you will get to see panoramic views of the city.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
City Tour by car
Expert Guide
Iset River Dam
Ice Town
Europe-Asia border marker
Vysotskiy Restaurant
Scenic Surrounds
Baden-Baden Hot Springs
Travel to
Sysert
A town and administrative centre in Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia, Sysert is located just South of the popular Russian city of Yekaterinburg on the Sysert River. The settlement was founded in the late 18th century and was granted town status in 1946.
Day 3
Visiting Sysert Village
After breakfast you will meet your guide in the hotel before setting out on your journey to Sysert Village, a prime relaxation spot with postcard picture views. There are plenty of things to do in Sysert and you will have the option to visit the Holsan Birdwatcher Centre or go ice skating should you prefer something fast-paced.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sysert Village
Holsan Birdwatcher Centre
Expert Guide
Ice Skating
Food & Drink Experience
Free Time
Scenic Surrounds
Day 4
Visiting the Sites of the Romanovs
After having breakfast surrounded by nature, you will head back to Yekaterinburg where you will have the chance to take part in a range of activities hosted in the grounds of the Komatek Hotel with a choice of husky riding, fishing or an option to ride a snowmobile.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Winter activities
Ganina Yama
Free Time
Scenic Surrounds
Evening train to Tobolsk
Travel to
Tobolsk
The historic capital of Siberia, Tobolsk, has endured a long and tumultuous history of conflict dating back to the 16th century. In 1580, a group of Yermak Timofeyevich’s Cossacks initiated the Russian conquest of Siberia in a quest to take Khanate of Sibir’s capital city, Qashliq. After Qashliq was almost completely destroyed by Yermak’s Cossacks in 1590, Tobolsk was founded nearby. The city remains a popular tourist destination and is home to the Tobolsk Kremlin.
Day 5
City Tour of Tobolsk
After an evening of travelling, you will arrive in Tobolsk early in the morning where you will be taken for a well-deserved breakfast. The morning will include a full city tour of Tobolsk, taking in the most popular sites including the Kremlin and the Decembrist places. Your tour of the city will continue with a visit to several houses of some of Russia’s most influential people over time including Mendeleev and Nikolai II before heading over to the Abalak Monastery Complex for beautiful views over the Irtysh River.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
City Tour
Expert Guide
Decembrist place
Tobolsk Kremlin
Abalak Monastery
Food & Drink Experience
Scenic Surrounds
Travel to
Tyumen
Located on the Tura River, Tyumen, is the largest city in Tyumen Oblast. Tyumen was the first Russian settlement in Siberia, with the Cossack ataman Yermak Timofeyevich annexing the Tyumen area, originally part of the Siberia Khanate, to the Tsardom of Russia in 1585. The city has developed a unique cultural heritage and has been dubbed the ‘Capital of Villages’ as most of the buildings have been built as quaint homesteads using timber.
Day 6
Visiting Pokrovskaya Village the home of Rasputin
After breakfast, you will say goodbye to Tobolsk and head over to Pokrovskaya village, the hometown of the notorious Rasputin. A lasting icon known worldwide, Rasputin became a favourite of Tsar Nikolai’s wife, Alexandra Feodorovna. Here, you will stop at a local museum to hear the story of this extraordinary personality.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Pokrovskaya Village
Local museum for Rasputin stories
Transfer
Free Time
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Day 7
City Tour of Tyumen by Car
Enjoy a laid-back morning with free time and breakfast before checking out of the hotel and meeting your guide. You will then be taken on a city tour of Tyumen.
Breakfast & Lunch
City Tour
Guided History Tour
Prominent Landscape
Religious Buildings & Monuments
Scenic Surrounds
Night on the Train
Day 8
Onboard the Train to St Petersburg
Today you will experience a full day of train life. Take the time to relax and watch the world pass by your window, plan out your free time, or spend the time reading and catching up on any lost sleep.
Day on the Train
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Travel to
St Petersburg
The pinnacle of art and culture in Russia, St Petersburg, is one of the country’s most visited destinations and former capital city. Nicknamed the ‘Venice of the North’ due to its elaborate system of canals, the city lies on the Neva River. It is popular with tourists and includes several of Russia’s most famous attractions including the Hermitage Museum, Catherine Palace and the Peterhof.
Day 9
Free Time in St Petersburg
Welcome to St Petersburg! Your driver will meet you on arrival and take you to your centrally located hotel for an early check-in. Today you will be free to explore the wonders of St Petersburg yourself.
Arrival Transfer
Free Time
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Day 10
City Tour of St Petersburg by Car
After breakfast, you will meet your guide and driver at 10:00am for a full city tour of St Petersburg by car. As part of the tour, you will see many of St Petersburg’s most famous sites and will have inside visits to St Isaac Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress and the Spilled Blood Cathedral.
Breakfast & Lunch
City Tour by car
Expert Guide
St Isaac’s Cathedral
Peter and Paul Fortress
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
Free Time
Optional Extras
Scenic Surrounds
Day 11
Visiting the Hermitage Museum
After a leisurely breakfast, you will have time to pack and check-out of your hotel before being meeting your guide and driver for a visit to the world-renowned Hermitage Museum.
Breakfast & Lunch
Hermitage Museum
Guided Museum Tour
Winter Palace
Scenic Surrounds
Transfer to Train
New Destination by Train
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 12
City Tour of Moscow with Kremlin and Armoury Visit
After breakfast, you will meet your driver and guide for a city tour of Moscow by car. You will see all of Moscow’s most famous landmarks and even stop at Sparrow Hill for panoramic views of the city, before enjoying lunch. You will continue your tour on foot visiting Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, and the Kremlin.
Breakfast & Lunch
City Tour by car
Expert Guide
Red Square
Moscow Kremlin
Armoury Chamber
Poklonnaya and Sparrow Hills
Free Time
Scenic Surrounds
Day 13
Free Time in Moscow
A full day of doing exactly what you want in Moscow guide-free! Breakfast will be available at your hotel as usual; however, you will be able to spend the day exploring, relaxing, shopping, or possibly taking another optional excursion if you are stuck for things to do.
Breakfast
Free Time
Optional Extras
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Day 14
Departure from Moscow
After having breakfast at your hotel, you will have a bit of free time before checking out at 12 noon to do some last-minute shopping. Our driver will pick you up from your hotel at the agreed time and take you to your scheduled departure point (airport or train station).
Breakfast
Departure Transfer
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.
More information
What’s included
Airport / Railway Station Transfers- All tours are COVID-19 secure and offer flexible booking options. Visit our Covid-19 information page to find out more
- English, German or French speaking guide
- Entrance fees to museums (as part of the tour)
- Food and drink (as mentioned in the tour itinerary)
- Russian Tourist Visa Invitation
- Transport (as specified in the tour itinerary)
What’s not included
International train / plane tickets- Personal costs (souvenirs, additional snacks etc)
- Tips for drivers/guides/in restaurants
- Travel / medical insurance
- Visa processing
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
Don’t forget to pack a Bathing suit if you would like to enter the Hot Springs. The dates and prices for this tour will be confirmed on request.
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.
A Gentleman in Moscow
A best-selling novel with over 1.5 million readers worldwide, A gentlemen in Moscow is a fascinating novel that observes the life of Count Alexander Rostov, a Russian aristocrat sentenced to life-long house arrest in a luxury hotel for his Bolshevik connections. As Rostov’s life gets smaller and smaller a much larger world of emotional discovery begins to unravel.
Ekaterinburg: The Last Days of the Romanovs
A story detailing the last moments of the Romanov dynasty ending 300 years of rule and beginning a brutal era of state terror and repression. Rappaport’s Ekaterinburg: Last days of the Romanovs offers a harrowing insight into the events that led to the imprisonment and execution of the Russian Imperial family: the former Tsar Nicholas, his wife Alexandra, and their children, Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia and Alexey.
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.
Russia: A 1000-Year Chronicle of the Wild East
A spectacular chronicle following the history of Russia over the course of a thousand years from humble beginnings to a vast empire spanning thousands of miles from Europe to Asia. Russia is a complex and contradictory phenomenon that pits cultural refinement and artistic expression against iron-fisted politics and a focus on the collective over the individual. Sixsmith delves into the national consciousness of this great nation offering first-hand experience from his time reporting in the 1980s and 90s, witnessing a critical moment in Russian history during the fall of the Soviet Union.
The Cossacks: Their History and Country
Known for their ferocity in battle, the Cossacks are a group of predominantly East Slavic-speaking people who became known as members of democratic, self-governing, semi-military communities, predominantly located in the lower Dnieper area around Ukraine and Russia. These influential people were known to have a lasting effect on the cultural and historical development of these great nations, becoming a special military class, similar to the knights of medieval Europe and the samurai of Japan. Cresson documents the history of these legendary warriors and how they would come to establish their own unique cultural identity.
Visa Information
