BY TRAIN TO THE HEART OF RUSSIA, where grand cities, historic crossroads, and vast wilderness blend into an unforgettable adventure.
Experience the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. This unforgettable adventure takes you from the grandeur of Moscow to the historic beauty of Kazan, the crossroads of Europe and Asia in Yekaterinburg, and the vast wilderness of Siberia. Travel along the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, where each stop unveils a new facet of Russia’s diverse heritage, culminating in the serene majesty of Lake Baikal.
Travel in comfort aboard the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, the longest railway line in the world, stretching over 9,000 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok. Witness the breathtaking contrasts of Russia’s landscapes—from the architectural splendor of imperial cities to the remote, untouched beauty of Siberian forests and mountain ranges.
Begin your adventure in Moscow, the vibrant capital, where centuries of history meet modern innovation. Marvel at the iconic Red Square, the grandeur of the Kremlin, and the onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral before boarding your train eastward.
Next, explore Kazan, the jewel of the Volga River, where Russian and Tatar cultures merge in a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and cuisine. Visit the stunning Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and savor traditional Tatar delicacies.
Continue to Yekaterinburg, the historic gateway between Europe and Asia, where the last Russian Tsar and his family met their fate. Explore its rich cultural scene, museums, and monuments before venturing further into the Siberian wilderness.
As the journey unfolds, traverse the vast expanse of Siberia, where endless forests, rolling steppes, and quaint villages showcase the resilience and traditions of the Russian people. Arrive at the crown jewel of the Trans-Siberian route—Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake.Enjoy the tranquility of nature, visit charming lakeside settlements and villages.
This railway adventure promises an unparalleled experience. Let the rhythm of the train carry you through the heart of Russia, unveiling its many wonders one stop at a time.
Highlights:
♦ Moscow - sights of all themes: history, architecture, art, theatre, museum, the metro, Kremlin with Cathedrals, GUM, Arbat street...
♦ Kazan Kremlin - A visit to the UNESCO-listed Kazan Kremlin and the fascinating blend of Russian and Tatar cultures
♦ Crossing the Europe-Asia Border in Yekaterinburg - at the Eurasia Obelisk, marking the official boundary between Europe and Asia
♦ Lake Baikal & Bolshye Koty Village - the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake,
So many exiting experiences are possible with an E-visa. Easy and simple procedure - and we assist you. For a start: see our TRAVEL GUIDE TO RUSSIA 2025 - link after the itinerary.
Itinerary:
This itinerary is designed for individual travelers including transfers, a lot of sights and exiting stops traveling BY TRAIN TO THE HEART OF RUSSIA.
Day 1: Moscow
After your arrival in Moscow and you have finished the entrance procedure you can enjoy the transfer to the hotel for check-in - available from 14:00. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant capital at your own pace. You may choose to take a stroll along the famous Arbat Street, visit Red Square, or relax at a local café.
Day 2: Moscow
Why not visit the The State Tretyakov Gallery where you can find the best and most impressive Russian art. Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and the Patriarch bridge. Walk along the Patriarchy bridge for a beautiful Kremlin view. The day is at your disposal. Enjoy.
Day 3: Moscow – train to Kazan
Today you have the opportunity to explore Moscow’s iconic landmarks such as the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the GUM Department Store. Go for a scenic cruise on the Moskva River. In the evening, you will be transferred to the train station to board the night train #002 to Kazan, departing at 20:40. First-class tickets are available, and you will spend the night onboard.
Day 4: Kazan – train to Yekaterinburg
Early arrival in Kazan at 08:00, where you will meet your English-speaking guide and store your luggage at the train station. After breakfast at a local café, you will embark on a four-hour city tour, including a visit to the Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Kul Sharif Mosque and the Annunciation Cathedral. Following this, you have free time to explore or take an optional five-hour excursion to Sviyazhsk Island. Later in the evening, you will be transferred to the train station for your 23:59 departure on train #378 to Yekaterinburg, where you will spend another night onboard.
Day 5: Yekaterinburg
You will arrive in Yekaterinburg at 16:06 and have a transfer to your hotel for check-in, which is available from 14:00. The rest of the day is at your leisure, giving you time to wander along Vaynera Street, visit the Church on the Blood, or discover the city’s museums.
Day 6: Yekaterinburg – train to Irkutsk
You start with a five-hour excursion in the morning to the Romanov Monastery, built on the site where the last Russian Tsar and his family were executed. The tour also includes a visit to the Eurasia Obelisk, marking the border between Europe and Asia. Upon returning to Yekaterinburg, you will have free time to explore and provide provisions before boarding train #70 to Irkutsk at 21:42, where you will spend the next two nights onboard.
Day 7 & 8: On the train
The days are spent on the train as you traverse the Siberian landscape, passing major cities like Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk. The scenery shifts between dense forests and remote villages, offering a glimpse into the lesser-seen side of Russia.
Day 9: Irkutsk – Listvyanka
You will arrive in Irkutsk at 08:24 and meet your guide and driver. After breakfast (not included) at a local café or restaurant, you will set off for Listvyanka, a charming lakeside village on Lake Baikal. Here, you will visit the Baikal Museum to learn about the lake’s unique ecosystem. After checking into Krestovaya Pad Hotel at 14:00, you will have the rest of the day free to soak in the breathtaking scenery.
Day 10: Listvyanka – Bolshye Koty
Today you start with breakfast at the hotel before the transfer to the pier at 11:00. At 12:05, you will take a public boat to the remote village of Bolshye Koty, which is accessible only by water. Upon arrival at 12:35, you will check into Koty Chalet, located 600 meters from the pier, with luggage transferred by car. The rest of the day is yours to explore, whether by hiking along the Great Baikal Trail or simply enjoying the peaceful lakeside surroundings.
Day 11: Bolshye Koty - Irkutsk
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Bolshye Koty, with breakfast followed by free time. At noon, you will check out of the hotel but still have the afternoon to explore before your 18:00 boat departure to Irkutsk. Upon arrival at 19:30 at the Raketa Pier, you will meet your driver and be transfered to Angara Hotel, where you will check in for the night.
Day 12: Irkutsk
Today we recommend to explore the pearl of Siberia on foot. Visit the market, go to 130 Kvadrat, get acquainted with the history of the Dekambrist or explore the Ice-Breaker "Angara" museum.
Day 13: Irkutsk – departure flight
Breakfast and transfer to the airport. From Irkutsk you can return by flight to Moscow for your international flight back home or fly directly to China, Vietnam or Thailand. More adventures in Russia? Continue to Sakhalin, Vladivostok or Kamchatka - the far east awaits you.
***
Practical information: ► Hotel examples: Hotel People Loft Tverskaya 2** (or similar) in Moscow for 1 night, Olymp hotel 3* (or similar) in Yekaterinburg for 1 night; Listvyanka village (hotel Krestovaya Pad 3* or similar) for 1 night, Bolshye Koty village (hotel Koty Chalet or Guest house) for 1 night and Angara hotel 3* (or similar) in Irkutsk for 1 night. ► Prices for hotel accommodation are subject to change in periods of exhibitions or other special events. We reserve the right to change the hotels if no availability with hotels of similar standard. ► From Irkutsk you can return by flight to Moscow for your international flight back home or fly directly to China, Vietnam or Thailand. More adventures in Russia? Continue to Sakhalin, Vladivostok or Kamchatka ► This trip is shorter than 16 days and it is possible to complete it with an e-visa.
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