Undisputedly the world’s greatest railway journey, the Trans-Siberian Railway runs from Moscow over the Urals, across the magnificent Russian steppes and alongside the shores of the world’s largest freshwater lake. By the time our train arrives in Vladivostok it will have passed through eight time zones, and traveled over 6,000 miles – one third of the way around the world.

Our Trans-Siberian Express tours take a leisurely two weeks for the journey, making sure you get plenty of time to take in and enjoy this Voyage of a Lifetime.

As well as Moscow, Russia’s vibrant capital, we will also stop at Yekaterinburg – where the Romanovs were executed – Kazan, with its beautiful Kremlin, the ‘Paris of Siberia’ at Irkutsk and Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic. We will also stop off at Lake Baikal, to visit a traditional fishing village – and enjoy a barbeque at the water’s edge.

As another highlight, our train will branch off the Trans-Siberian main line to take a trip into Mongolia for a visit to the capital, Ulaan Baatar, before we return to Russia for the remainder of the trip.

In Vladivostok we will have time to explore and tour round this rarely visited city which until relatively recently was completely closed to foreigners.
Yet the main attraction has to be the gradually changing scenery itself: from the climb through the Ural mountains (the boundary between Europe and Asia), to the wide open steppes and broad rivers we cross, travelling on the Trans-Siberian is the only way to truly take in the vastness and grandeur of the world’s largest country.

Day 01: MOSCOW
Arrive at Moscow airport, where you are met and transferred to the luxurious five-star Marriott Royal Aurora hotel (or similar) located in the heart of this vibrant city for a one-night stay.  We enjoy a welcome reception dinner at our hotel, whilst you meet your fellow travellers and, together, anticipate the epic 15 day voyage that lies ahead.

Day 02: MOSCOW – Freedom of Choice Touring
Our morning city tour of Moscow principally takes us to Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and political might.  Here we see an eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral with its magnificent onion-domed spires, the grandeur of The Kremlin and the somber and evocative site of Lenin’s tomb. With our Freedom of Choice touring options you may instead wish to visit, for example, the Tretyakov Gallery or the Museum of the KGB.  Early afternoon sees us boarding the luxurious Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express.  After settling into our modern, stylish cabins, we enjoy dinner in one of the beautifully designed restaurant cars as our rail adventure eastwards to Vladivostok begins.

Day 03: KAZAN
We arrive at the picturesque and historic city of Kazan by mid-morning.  Situated on the River Volga, Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan.  Here we have the opportunity to see for ourselves its rich tapestry of history and culture.  One of the highlights of this city tour is our exploration of the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel we will explore its stunning mosque and onion-domed cathedral. After enjoying a relaxing dinner on the Golden Eagle, you may wish to retire to our welcoming bar car where you can enjoy drinks with new friends whilst listening to our resident pianist.

Day 04: YEKATERINBURG
We cross the Europe/Asia divide before arriving in the historic city of Yekaterinburg. Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, the third largest Russian city is also the capital of the Urals.  The cultural and architectural influences of European and Asian civilisations come together in this fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape.  Our city tour takes us to the poignant site where the Romanov, Nicholas II of Russia was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918.   Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site provides us with a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution.

Day 05: NOVOSIBIRSK
A modern ‘Soviet’ city, we experience the life and character of Novosibirsk’s rich culture where the arts, science and literature predominate.  Our city tour takes us to the Opera House.  An architectural marvel, it houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is the largest opera house in the world.  In front of the Opera House, we visit an imposing statue of Lenin – a marvellous opportunity to have your photograph taken with this iconic political leader.  

Day 06: ON BOARD
A day to unwind and reflect on the many sights and sounds we have experienced on our journey so far.  Chat to your fellow passengers, perhaps learn a few words of Russian or simply enjoy the ever changing landscape outside your window as it unfolds.

Day 07: IRKUTSK
We arrive in Irkutsk, the ‘Paris of Siberia’, and our visit today takes in the most significant sites and museums in this fascinating city, including an exploration of the classic wooden architecture that has given many of this region’s buildings such a distinctive and unique appearance. Next, we visit the Decembrist House museum which is dedicated to the memory of the exiled aristocrats who were forced to flee to this remote outpost after the failed revolution of 1825.  Here we enjoy a private concert before returning to our waiting train for dinner.

Day 08: LAKE BAIKAL
Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal.  For five hours we wind our way through tunnels along cliff hugging tracks above the lake with a vista of snow capped peaks along the far shore forming a picture-perfect backdrop.  Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and holds 20% of the world’s freshwater.  Also known as the ‘Pearl of Siberia’ it is home to a unique breed of freshwater seal and over fifty species of fish including omul which we will be serving in the dining car for some of our meals. 
Weather permitting, we stop at one of Baikal’s picturesque and secluded bays to enjoy a delicious BBQ of freshly smoked fish prepared by our own chefs.  For the brave hearted, there is even time for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters. In the afternoon, we visit Listvyanka, a small Baikal settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding hills.  

Day 09: ULAN UDE
This morning we arrive in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic.  The ethnic and cultural diversity of this area offers a unique insight into its heritage.  As we tour the area by coach you will notice the different faces and dress styles of these welcoming people.  Our exploration of the Old Believers Village is intimate, informative and engaging.  Here we have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of these religious people as we are treated to a traditional meal and enjoy a concert featuring local dancers and musicians.

Day 10: MONGOLIA
Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us into Mongolia, home of Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most feared and infamous Mongol.  We visit the city of Sukhbaatar, which is situated on the Orkhon River.  Lunch is taken Mongol style in a traditional Ger (Yurt) where we experience an authentic meal and enjoying excellent local dishes and entertaining, which provides us a unique opportunity to encounter this time-honored nomadic way of life.  We board the train in time for dinner as we head back into Russia.

Day 11: ON BOARD
Enjoy a more leisurely pace today as we travel through the beautiful Russian landscape of Russian Far East.  You may like to attend one of the interesting lectures or Russian language lessons.

Day 12: ON BOARD
It is the perfect opportunity to practice your Russian or simply relax as our journey today follows the Shilka and Amur rivers, close to the Chinese border.  Enjoy Russia at its most dramatic and remote, as the Golden Eagle eats up the miles on our way to Vladivostok. 

Day 13: ON BOARD
Passing directly north of Seoul, Darwin and Osaka, we spend our last full day on board the Golden Eagle today as the most easterly point of our mammoth journey is reached passing through Khabarovsk, where we cross the River Amur.  Tonight, we enjoy our final dinner onboard our private train that has been our home for the last twelve days as we approach our final destination on this unforgettable journey.

Day 14: VLADIVOSTOK
After travelling through 8 time zones and covering an amazing 6,600 miles (10,600km) along this epic route to the end of the Trans-Siberian line, the Golden Eagle pulls into Vladivostok, a military port located on the western shores of the Sea of Japan. Vladivostok (literally translated as ‘Ruler of the East’) offers visitors an exciting opportunity to explore its principal military attractions including a tour of a restored submarine before we transfer to the centrally located four-star Hotel Hyundai.  The final evening is spent saying our goodbyes to our fellow travelling companions and friends at the Farewell Dinner.

Day 15: VLADIVOSTOK
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Vladivostok airport to begin your journey home.

For Train Info -Please click here

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Departure Dates
2012 English Speaking Departures May 09, Jul 30 & Aug 25   WESTBOUND: Program will be reversed from Vladivostok to Moscow 2012 English Speaking Departures May 21, Aug 11 & Sep 06
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Train accommodation as mentioned International airfares Hotels as mentioned (or similar) Airport / departure taxes Meals as mentioned with beer, wine or soft drinks during meals Insurance / Visa fees All sightseeing and transfers by private transportation   Services of local English speaking guides   Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure - 2012 Double Occupancy Single Rate Silver Class US $ 14395 US $ 20795 Gold Class US $ 17795 US $ 24995 Special Notes: Deposit for this particular tour will be USD 2000.00 per person for the New Heritage & Silver Classes or USD 2500.00 per person for the Gold Class.  Final tour payment is due no later than 95 days prior.
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast US $ 1300 USA - West Coast US $ 1200 Canada - East Coast US $ 1300 USA - East Coast US $ 1200
Participants
Please call for details - 1.800.663.0844
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.