TRANS-SIBERIAN & MOSCOW

DAY 01

ARRIVE MOSCOW

Airport arrival at Moscow, our driver will be waiting at the arrival hall for your private transfer to your hotel.

DAY 02

MOSCOW CITY TOUR (B)

Today, we get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights on a full-day tour. We will take a stroll along the pedestrian zone near the Red Square, where you’ll be able to admire the colorful domes of St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s mausoleum, and GUM department store. Head to Sparrow  Hills for a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Then, drive to the refined New Maiden Convent, one of Moscow’s most beautiful sights, for opportunities to snap some photos. Admire the grand architecture of Christ the Savior Cathedral and the views from the Patriarch bridge. The tour will then proceed to Old Arbat street, famous for its architectural masterpieces and souvenirs. This street became very popular among street musicians and artists. You will have some free time to browse the shops selling merchandise and enjoy various Arbat cafes or restaurants. In the afternoon, delve deeper into Russia’s fascinating history with a guided tour of the Kremlin’s grounds and cathedrals. Once the home of the Tsars and now the residence of the Russian president. Inside the Armoury Museum, marvel at such treasures as Faberge’s fabulously decorated eggs, the chalice of Yuri Dolgorukiy, and weaponry dating back centuries.

DAY 03

MOSCOW/YEKATERINBURG (B)

Today our driver will take us to the train station for our overnight train to Yekaterinburg, situated near the Ural Mountains, the border of Europe and Asia.

DAY 04

YEKATERINBURG (B)

After your evening arrival in Yekaterinburg, our local guide will meet you at the train platform to transfer you to the hotel.

DAY 05

YEKATERINBURG/NOVOSIBIRSK (B)

Found in 1723 by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg is the Urals’ capital situated in the central part of the Europe-Asia continent, on the border between Europe and Asia. The cultural and architectural influences of European and Asian civilizations come together in this fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape.

Our sightseeing in Yekaterinburg includes a visit to the Memorial Cathedral on the Blood in the name of all Saints, built on the site of the last Russian Tsar Nikolay II and his family’s execution. Explore the historical center of Yekaterinburg, see the main post office, the President’s Residence, and the monument to the city’s Founders. In the afternoon, we take an excursion to the obelisk on the border between Europe and Asia. You will have an opportunity to step one foot in Europe and one foot in Asia, tie a ribbon to make a wish, and see a massive wall made of champagne bottles. In the evening, we board an overnight train to Novosibirsk.

DAY 06

NOVOSIBIRSK (B/D)

We arrive in Novosibirsk in the southwestern part of Siberia. Meet your guide for your transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit a traditional wooden banya. A professional attendant will walk you through all the stages of this ancient Spa. Finally, you will participate in the samovar tea ceremony, and the hosts will treat you with Siberian honey and homemade berry jams. Tonight, We will have a home-cooked meal at a local family home.

DAY 07

NOVOSIBIRSK/IRKUTSK (B)

Novosibirsk has a population of over 1.5 million, making it the third-most populous city in the country after Moscow and St Petersburg. A city tour is a great way to get to know Novosibirsk. On this tour, you will visit the Novosibirsk Railway Station – the largest in Siberia; the Ascension Cathedral, the largest Cathedral in the region. Proceed to Krasny Prospect street, and then to Lenin Square, where you’ll see the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre, the largest theatre in Russia. Before concluding your tour, your guide will lead you to the oldest part of the city, Gorkogo Street, then on to St Nicolas Chapel, the Ob River embankment, and, finally, to the Siberian farmers market, where you will discover an array of Russian delicacies. In the afternoon, transfer to the train station to board an overnight train to Irkutsk.

DAY 08

IRKUTSK (B)

We spend the day on board the train as you continue your travel through Siberia. Relax in the restaurant car and enjoy the beautiful landscapes from the window along the way.

Irkutsk is a transportation and trading center of Eastern Siberia and a hub of the Tea Road between China and India and European Russia. In the evening, we arrive at Irkutsk railway station. Your guide will meet you at the train station for your transfer to the hotel.

DAY 09

IRKUTSK/LISTVYANKA (B)

Irkutsk has preserved many historical buildings and monuments. We will visit the Decembrists museum and learn about the failed uprising that sent these Russian aristocrats to exile in this city. Then, we drive to the pretty lakeshore village of Listvyanka, about 43 miles from Irkutsk. Once there, you’ll be able to enjoy the serene setting of the world’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal. This old-style Siberian village situated at the source of Angara River is famous for its trade history. From the 18th century, a ferry took merchants across the lake to Mongolia, China, and the Far East. The Museum of Lake Baikal provides information about the origin and wildlife of the lake. A video film allows you to see the deepest point of the lake’s bottom from the submarine boat.

DAY 10

LISTVYANKA DEPARTURE (B)

All good things must come to an end. Our driver will meet you at the hotel lobby for your transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Meals: B= Breakfast          D= Dinner