Russia: Moscow to Vladivostok by scheduled trains

Day 1

Departure from Moscow at 13.18 to Yekateninburg.

Day 2

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. Arrival and transfer to hotel.

Day 2

Start half-day tour in Yekaterinburg: city center with a plenty of old brick houses, XVIII century damp on city ponds, walking tour in the historical center — a good opportunity to by handicrafts and to have lunch. 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.  On your wish — visit a mineralogical museum with a large collection of Ural's gems. Visit Europe-Asia division site.
Transfer to the rail station, take a train at 17.39 to Novosibirsk. Night in train. 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 4

Novosibirsk.
A modern ‘Soviet’ city, we experience the life and character of Novosibirsk’s rich culture where the arts, science and literature predominate. The Siberia region’s largest city was founded in 1893. Novosibirsk is the third main cultural and scientific center in Russia (after Moscow and St. Petersburg) and also is home to the famous University of Novosibirsk. The city is developing quite rapidly, and is considered to be the capital of Siberia.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. Arrival to Novosibirsk at 3 p.m., transfer to hotel and start a brief city tour.

Day 5

Morning free. Transfer to the rail station, take a train at 13.29 to Krasnoyarsk. The whole day in train. We are entering the taiga area. Arrival to Krasnoyarsk at deep night — 01.20 a.m. the next day.

Day 6

Krasnoyarsk.
Meeting at the rail station and transfer to hotel.
Krasnoyarsk is turning into one of the most attractive regions in Russia for both Russian and foreign tourists. The region offers a unique combination of beautiful rivers and mountains, clean air, hunting and fishing, architectural sites and the ethnic culture of a unique northern nation. 
At 09.00 a.m. — start a full day sightseeing in Krasnoyarsk. City tour, then we proceed to "Stolby" National Park. Easy trekking in the park (about 3 hours total), visiting a few view points. Continue to Krasnoyarskaya Hydro Power station on Enisey river (visiting from outside). Return to the city in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7

Transfer to the rail station, take a train to Irkutsk at 12.47 p.m. local time. Day and night in train.

Day 8

Irkutsk and Baikal Lake
We arrive in Irkutsk, the ‘Paris of Siberia’, at 08.32 a.m. 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.
It is the starting point for many who adventure to the Lake Baikal area because it is a major point on the Trans-Siberian train route. Founded by Russians in 1652 as a major fort beyond the Ural Mountains, it was populated by exiled political prisoners sent by the tsars and communists.
Continue to Balikal Lake, accommodation.

We stay at Listvyanka, a small Baikal settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding hills.

Day 9

Baikal Lake.
Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal. 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 you can taste at one of the cafes on the Baikal embankment. For the brave hearted, there is even time for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters.
Day free. In the evening — transfer back to Irkutsk. Take a train to Ulan-Ude at 21.10.

Day 10

Ulan-Ude.
This morning we arrive in Ulan-Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic (about 6 a.m.). The ethnic and cultural diversity of this area offers a unique insight into its heritage. As we tour the area you will notice the different faces and dress styles of these welcoming people. We will visit Ivolginskiy Datsan — the center of Russian Bhuddism. Ulan-Ude city tour. Evening — take a train to Chita at about 6.30 p.m.

Day 11

Chita.
Arrival to Chita at 06.00 a.m. Breakfast at local café, city tour for about 2 hours. Then we ascend to one of surrounding hills to see Chita through wonderful scenery of Siberian taiga with its softly rolling uplands covered by larch woods (Lárix sibírica) and groves. Picnic lunch. Transfer back to the city, free time to buy some snacks or/and souvenirs and departure to Blagoveshensk at 6 p.m. Night in train.

Day 12

Enjoy a more leisurely pace today as we travel through the beautiful landscape of theRussian Far East. 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. Arrival to Belogorsk train station about 8 p.m, transfer to Blagoveshensk.

Day 13

Blagoveshensk city tour, return to Belogorsk train station, take at train to Vladivostok at deep night.

Day 14

Day in train.
 

Day 15

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, we arrive to 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. Half-day city tour with a visit to Russkiy Island and local fortifications.

Day 16

Vladivostok.
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Vladivostok airport to begin your journey home.