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NIGHTS
Vladivostok is one of the great harbour cities of the world and during Soviet times was closed to all foreigners.
NIGHTS
The epic journey begins… the next three nights are spent aboard the train.Break out that copy of Dr Zhivago or War and Peace, or set up a travel chess set! Expect to share a vodka or two with your Russian fellow travellers, too.
The Trans Siberian route opens up great visual swathes of Siberia. You will see and thus feel, the immensity of this geographic region, passing sparsely populated village enclaves, interspersed with an occasional large city.
NIGHTS
From Irkutsk it is a short drive to Lake Baikal, the largest fresh water lake in the world, where you are based for the next two nights.
In both Irkutsk and at the lake we often use homestay accommodation. This allows you the chance to experience contemporary Russian life, and by using homestays we gain access to a true village environment.
Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world, will astound you with both its wilderness and immensity. You can enjoy the natural wonder of this gigantic lake and partake in some walking or simple relaxation. You can enjoy the natural wonder of this gigantic lake and partake in some walking or simple relaxation. Back to Irkutsk for a final night before boarding the train.
Irkutsk offers a range of sightseeing options. Perhaps a suburb with its characteristically Siberian wooden houses, or the Decembrist Museum to see how exiled nobility fared in the 19th century! For those with a technical bent there is the museum featuring the old Lake Baikal Ice Breaker.
NIGHTS
Next two nights are spent aboard the train. Books and chess, vodka and cheer! Expect to share a vodka or two with your Russian fellow travellers, too.
NIGHTS
On day 2, guided vehicle tour of Romanoff history points of interest and to the Asia/Europe monument, both of which are outside the city of Yekaterinburg.
On day 3, check out from accommodation to board overnight train to Moscow.
You can extend this stopover if desired.
NIGHTS
The introductory walking tour could be undertaken next day if time/daylight does not permit on arrival.
NIGHTS
NIGHTS
Don’t miss our suggestions for optional sightseeing excursions!
NIGHTS
Well, we can extend your stay, or perhaps a train to Helsinki or the Baltic States?
These itineraries utilise the standard trains, and are suitable for more independent travellers.
The Trans Siberian route opens up great visual swathes of Siberia. You will see and thus feel, the immensity of this geographic region, passing sparsely populated village enclaves, interspersed with an occasional large city.
Vladivostok is one of the great harbour cities of the world and during Soviet times was closed to all foreigners.
Lake Baikal, the largest fresh water lake in the world, will astound you with both its wilderness and immensity. Eventually you will pass through the Ural Mountains and notice the changes as you enter Europe, leaving Asia behind.
When you finally reach St Petersburg you will struggle to compare the experiences you now have with what you saw in the Russian Far East!
We have been operating a wide variety of independent programmes and tours into Russia since 1989, starting with university language study groups. As Russia opened up we introduced Trans Siberian train journeys at a real price. We were the first to introduce homestay accommodation. Others were paying high costs while our clients were paying low cost! Same bed, same cabin!
All this experience results in
You will also notice our name is referenced in most of the guidebooks relating to these areas. In fact we have helped many of the Lonely Planet guidebook authors travel around Russia.
