Remarkable Russia with Trans Siberian Express - Summer 2023 With Trans-Siberian Express

Welcome to St. Petersburg, where decadence and modernity meet. Once you have arrived at Pulkovo Airport, a transfer will take you to your luxurious accommodation, the Grand Hotel Europe. This cultural and culinary landmark stands on Nevsky Prospekt adjacent to Arts Square amongst the city's great architectural treasures and is an ode to the country's unique appreciation of arts. At 19:00, join your Travelling Concierge for your Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Get to know your fellow travellers over your first taste of Russian cuisine. Later you'll set off on a private sunset cruise as you take in Russia's White Nights. A unique natural phenomenon caused by St. Petersburg's geographical location, the sky remains bright after midnight.

Delve into St. Petersburg's religious history, with a trip to Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral. Once a prison, but currently used as a museum, this wonderfully ornate building was designed by Domenico Trezzini in the 18th century. Continue your exploration of the city with your Travelling Concierge before enjoying some free time for lunch and shopping. Why not head back to your hotel for a relaxing evening? It offers a therapeutic sauna, plunge pool and beauty salon for its guests.

In the morning, visit the Church of our Saviour on the Spilled Blood, where Tsar Alexander II was fatally wounded in 1881. The Church of the Resurrection provides a stark (some would say jarring) contrast to its surroundings of Baroque, Classical and Modernist architecture. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to take part in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a relaxing bike ride to New Holland, a popular city park undergoing an extensive urban regeneration program, and aiming to become a platform for the young and creative crowd of the city. Alternatively, visit the Fabergé Museum, and see the imperial Easter eggs created for the last two Russian tsars, along with the museum's striking collection of other decorative pieces. In the evening, head to the esteemed Hermitage Museum after hours, and explore the venue with your Local Expert. Founded in 1764, the collection of the State Hermitage includes over three million works of art and world culture artefacts. In the evening you are invited for an after hours visit of the Hermitage Museum. Join your Local Expert to enter the Winter Palace which was once the official residence of the Russian Tsars and is now one of the world's largest and most prestigious museums.

Prepare for your visit to Peterhof Palace in style with a hydrofoil boat ride to the Russian Versailles. Formerly serving as a grand summer residence for Russian royalty, Peterhof has undoubtedly played a strong role throughout Russian history. After Russia gained access to the Baltic Sea during the Great Northern War, Peterhof was constructed in the early 1700s as a symbol of triumph, grandiosity, and great national pride. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll explore its palaces and gardens filled with spectacular fountains and marble statues. Discover the character of Russian cuisine at Tsar restaurant and taste exquisite dishes filled with charm and tradition.

In the morning, find out more about the history of matryoshka dolls at a workshop on how the Russian nesting dolls are created. The simplicity and originality of matryoshka dolls attract the fans of Russian folk art from around the world. You'll then begin your journey to Moscow. Relax in modern luxury and business-class comfort as you travel to the founding city of Russia in just a few hours onboard the high-speed Sapsan train. A cultural and political hub, you'll be impressed by its sheer size, as it holds the title of the largest city in Europe. Head to a lecture by a local historian on the KGB, the main spy agency of the former Soviet Union.In the evening you'll enjoy a delicious menu of local specialities at your hotel.

Your Journey, Your Way. hoose to join your Local Expert to discover the ornate Moscow Metro, known for its extravagant interior design and displays of the Soviet past in the halls. Alternatively, visit the Mausoleum of Lenin in the Red Square, where his body is still on public display as it has been since his death in 1924. With your afternoon, why not delve into more of Russia's unique history on a trip to the State Historical Museum? Or check out Tretyakov Gallery, which houses one of the largest collections of Russian art in the world? For outdoor enthusiasts, there is the beautiful Gorky Park, which holds a number of fitness activities in the summer. Step back in time at your Celebration Dinner as you dine at the elegant Café Pushkin, a luxurious finale for your journey through remarkable Russia. The upscale Franco-Russian den is a favourite among the city’s glitterati. Chef Andrei Makhov creates flawless dishes inspired by history and adapted for modern times.

Your journey continues as you move to the luxe Four Seasons hotel, Moscow, located in the city centre, and within a short walking distance of Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre. In the evening, you and your new travelling companions will be invited to a champagne drinks reception before an exclusive Welcome Dinner, complete with specially selected international wines.

Enjoy a Relaxed Start to your day, another opportunity to make the most of your hotel's fine facilties. Later, you'll have lunch at a legendary Moscow restaurant. Its décor revives the atmosphere of an early 19th century mansion, while its menu serves traditional Russian cuisine. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to visit the famous State Tretyakov Gallery, Russia's National Museum of Fine Art. Alternatively, travel out of the city centre to Sergiev Posad, home to one of the most beautiful monasteries in Russia and the historical and spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church. In the evening, you'll be transferred to the train station to board the Golden Eagle and settle into your traditional-style train cabin. Undoubtedly the world’s greatest railway journey, the Trans-Siberian Railway runs like a steel ribbon across mysterious Russia connecting west and east from Moscow over the Urals, across the magnificent and endless steppe and alongside the shore of the world’s largest freshwater lake.

Your first stop, situated on the River Volga, is the picturesque and historic city of Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan. Once here you'll have the opportunity to delve into its rich tapestry of history and culture. One of the highlights of this city tour is exploring the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel you'll see its stunning mosque and picture-perfect onion-domed cathedral. As Kazan is the birthplace of one of Russia’s most famous opera singers, Feodor Chaliapin, you'll honour his memory with a private concert of his music. You will also have time to wander through the main pedestrian area of Kazan and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city.

Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg is the capital of the Urals. Known as the Great Divide, the Ural Mountains create the natural border between Europe and Asia, creating a fascinating mix of both civilisations. The trip takes you to the poignant site where Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site provides a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. You'll also head to the obelisk, which marks the geographical border between the two continents. You can share champagne with your fellow travellers with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to visit the Yekaterinburg Military Museum, where you can learn more about the intriguing history of the Soviet military. The museum also displays fragments of the U2 American spy-plane flown by Gary Powers that was shot down in the area in 1960, during the Cold War. Alternatively, visit the Boris Yeltsin Presidential Centre, dedicated to the contemporary political history of Russia and its first president.

A modern Soviet city, you'll experience the life and character of Novosibirsk’s rich culture of arts and science. The city is located in the heart of Russia and is situated on both banks of the River Ob. The city tour will take you to Lenin Square where the imposing Opera House is located. An architectural marvel, it houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is one of the largest opera houses in the world. In front of the Opera House, you'll find an impressive statue of Lenin – a marvellous opportunity to have your photograph taken with this iconic political leader. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to visit the excellent Railway Museum, which displays locomotives and rolling stock from the late 1800s through to the Soviet era. Alternatively, you may choose to go to the Mineralogical Centre with its fine display of Siberian minerals.

Spend a full day relaxing onboard your opulent and historical train. Enjoy fine dining, mingle with fellow passengers in the bar car, or simply take in the passing scenery. The Trans-Siberian railway was opened in stages between 1891 and 1916 and this extraordinary engineering achievement has become a vital link for all the communities that live in close proximity to the line. To travel along this route is by far the best way to experience the vastness and grandeur of Russia. The official length of the Trans-Siberian line between Moscow and Vladivostok is 9,288 kilometres, making it the longest single-service railway in the world.

Welcome to the Paris of Siberia, where you'll check out the most significant sites and museums in this fascinating city. You'll visit the Volkonsky House Museum, which is dedicated to the memory of the aristocrats who were exiled to this remote outpost after the failed Decembrists uprising of 1825. You'll recreate the atmosphere of that time with a champagne reception and private concert. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to learn to cook some traditional Russian dishes with a local chef and prepare your own lunch. Alternatively, you might also wish to visit a traditional Russian Dacha, or summer house, to get an insight into the everyday life of a Russian family.

Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal - a major highlight on your Trans-Siberian journey. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and holds 20 percent of the world’s freshwater. Also known as the Pearl of Siberia, it is home to a unique breed of freshwater seal and over 50 species of fish including omul. For five hours you'll make your way along cliff hugging tracks above the lake as snow-capped peaks along the far shore form the perfect backdrop for your travels. To add to the grandeur of the day the Golden Eagle train will be hauled by a Soviet Era steam locomotive. There will be plenty of opportunities to take photographs as the train winds its way along the lake. This will be an unforgettable part of your journey. Weather permitting, you'll stop in an extremely picturesque location by the lake and for the brave-hearted there is time for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear and ice-cold waters of Baikal. Travelling onwards to the end of the Baikal branch line, you'll leave the train and travel by boat on the lake to Listvyanka, a small Baikal settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding hills. Once here visit the Lake Baikal Museum and Aquarium where you can learn about the lake's flora and fauna.Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to join an included hike. Alternatively, embark on a chair lift ride, both offering spectacular and panoramic hillside views of the lake below. In the evening, enjoy a delicious barbecue of freshly smoked omul fish, in the delightful, covered dining area on the shore of Lake Baikal.

The ethnic and cultural diversity of Ulan Ude, the capital of the Buryat Republic, offers a unique insight into its heritage. During an exploration of the Old Believers’ Village you'll have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of these religious people as you are treated to a concert featuring local traditions and folk singing.

Head on to Mongolia and visit its capital, Ulaan Baatar. Mongolia, once the very centre of an enormous empire led by Genghis Khan, is a country of beautiful landscapes and nomadic people. Famous for its endless green Steppes, grazing livestock and white, nomadic Gers, also known as Yurts, it’s a destination rich in history and culture. Start at Gandan Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most important Buddhist Monasteries, housing a community of over 500 monks. The full name, Gandantegchinlen, translates as ‘the great place of complete joy’. At Chinggis Square, formerly Sukhbaatar Square, you'll see the central monument to Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most feared and revered Mongol. You'll then drive out of the city to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery of wild Mongolia. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to visit a traditional Ger and meet a nomadic family or try horse-riding, an intrinsic part of Mongolian life. Alternatively, you can continue to explore the city. After seeing Gandan Monastery and Chinggis Square, you'll visit the National Museum and learn about the country’s intriguing history. You will also see Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum, the winter residences of Bogd Khan, the last Mongolian emperor. Explore the city and enjoy some free time shopping for Mongolian souvenirs, and its specialty cashmere. Later, enjoy a performance of traditional Mongolian throat singing and contortionists.

Enjoy a more leisurely pace and relax today as you travel through the beautiful landscape of Far East Russia. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to attend one of the interesting lectures or Russian language lessons provided on board. Sumptuous meals will be served in the restaurant carriages and include some of Russia’s gastronomic specialities such as black sturgeon and red pacific salmon caviar.

Wake to an exquisite breakfast buffet before enjoying a day relaxing on board your luxury transportation. It's the perfect opportunity to practice your Russian with your new friends or simply relax as you journey along the Shilka and Amur rivers, close to the Chinese border. Enjoy Russia at its most dramatic and remote, as the Golden Eagle approaches the east coast of Russia.

Passing directly north of Seoul, Darwin and Osaka, spend your last full day on board the Golden Eagle as the most easterly point of this mammoth journey is reached passing through Khabarovsk and crossing the River Amur. Tonight, enjoy your final dinner on board the private train that has been our home for the last twelve days as you approach your final destination on this unforgettable journey.

Vladivostok is a military port, located on the western shores of the Sea of Japan and the home to the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet. Due to its military importance, the city was closed to foreigners between 1930 and 1992. Vladivostok, which literally translates to Ruler of the East, offers visitors an interesting opportunity to explore its principal military attractions including a visit to a preserved World War II submarine. You'll also head to the iconic suspension bridge over Golden Horn Bay, one of the largest of its kind worldwide, which opened in 2012 for the APEC conference. In the evening you'll enjoy a farewell Celebration Dinner, offering the chance to toast new friends and reminiscence on your journey of a lifetime.

Your travels come to an end with an included transfer to Vladivostok airport.