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Imperial Russia Classic Trans-Siberian Journey
15 days, 14 nights from 5745 £
Bucket list rail journey from Moscow to Beijing
Experience one of the greatest travel adventures. Your journey along the Trans-Siberian Railway, one of the world’s most fascinating and safest train routes, is even more interesting, comfortable, and entertaining on board the grand Private Imperial Russia Train. This private train journey from Moscow to Beijing via Lake Baikal and Mongolia is your chance to fulfil the dream of a lifetime.
Our trips are accompanied by an experienced English speaking tour leader and a physician travelling on the train. An interesting on-board program complements a comprehensive excursion and sightseeing package to make your journey truly memorable.
- Introduction to Your Journey
- Your Itinerary MOSCOW TO BEIJING
- Accommodation
- Departures & Prices
- What's Included
- Booking conditions
The Route
MOSCOW • Kazan • Ekaterinburg • Novosibirsk • Irkutsk • Lake Baikal • Ulan Ude • Ulan Bator • Erlian • BEIJING
Moscow
A truly iconic, global city, Moscow is the 860 year-old capital of Russia. There are dozens of reasons to come. Being one of the most breathtaking capitals in the world, Moscow has a wide range of cultural landmarks. We suggest exploring them all.
Moscow Kremlin
Discover the treasures that lie in wait for you behind the walls of Moscow’s most famous landmark: the almighty Kremlin! Home to a myriad of the city’s most exquisite cathedrals and monuments, as well as the official residence of President Putin himself, the Kremlin remains a political landmark in Russia and is visited by thousands of tourists every year.
Moscow Metro
Intricately decorated, the Moscow Metro is an immense museum in itself. Your guide will lead you on a tour of the most magnificent stations, adorned with marble, mosaics and chandeliers.
Kazan
Yekaterinburg
Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg is the third largest Russian city and the capital of the Urals. The cultural and architectural influences of European and Asian civilisations come together in this fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape. The last Russian Emperor, Nicolas II Romanov and his family spent their last days here. On 19th July 1918 the whole family was executed by the Bolsheviks in the basement room of the Ipatiev’s estate. Nowadays there is the Cathedral On Spilt Blood which provides a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution.
Novosibirsk
Novosibirsk is situated in the south part of West Siberia, on the banks of Ob River. The city takes the third place by population in Russia after Moscow and St Petersburg. It's a center of Russian arts, science and literature. 14 most prestigiuos universities of the country are located here. In the heart of the city there is an architectural marvel -the largest opera house in the world.
Irkutsk
Irkutsk, capital of South Baikal, is one of the largest Siberian cities and was a key stop for caravans from Buchara and even China. Today Irkutsk became a center of gold-mining production and is developing fast. In the city you can discover unique examples of Irkutsk architectural heritage, such as “White house”, which was first a palace of the merchants Sibiryakovs, then a residence of East Siberia governor-general.
Lake Baikal
Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of the Pearl of Siberia. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and holds 20% of the world’s freshwater. It stretches for 636 km longwise and 80 km widthwise. The Baikal’s maximum depth is 1,637 m. It is known as a "laboratory of biodiversity" as it is home to nearly 3,000 species of animals and plants, many of which are found nowhere else, such as a unique breed of freshwater seal.
Ulan-Ude
The Buryat capital is one of Eastern Siberia’s most fascinating cities. From 1934 to 1980s it was a closed city due to its secret military plants - in fact, there are still mysterious blank spaces on city maps. Today it offers a variety of cultural hot spots, a chance to visit working Buddhist monasteries and sample a taste of the steppes.
Ulaanbataar
Ulaanbataar is a Mongolia's economic, cultural and political center. Located on the bank of the Tuul River and surrounded by sacred mountains and pine forests on the North and grassy steppes on the South. Ulaanbaatar is a city of contrast where modern life comfortably blends with Mongolian traditional lifestyle.
Terelj National Park
Terelj National Park is arguably the most popular destination in Mongolia. Be awestuck by Turtle Rock, an amazing, unique natural rock formation, and take in the breathtaking surrounding alpine scenery.
Gobi Desert
Beijing
Beijing guarantees its visitors an unforgettable adventure. Being the nation's political, economic and cultural center, and having its history stretching back 3 millennia, Beijing offers a myriad of cultural hot spots. It is truly a place where you can stand right on the crossroads of time.
Great Wall of China
Maps
Video
Gallery
The Imperial Russia train also travels from Beijing to Moscow: 15 days / 14 nights. Please contact us for the details of the reverse itinerary.
Welcome to Moscow, the mesmerizing Capital of Russia! You are met at the airport and transferred to the hotel for a 1 night stay.
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a grand city tour. Visit to the Moscow Kremlin which is a symbol of the Russian State, one of the greatest architectural complexes in the world, a treasure house of magnificent relics and monuments of art. Walk along the Arbat Street, visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and sightseeing tour of Moscow metro stations. Take a stroll along Arbat Street in the historic centre of Moscow before transferring to the railway station to board the private chartered Imperial Train to Beijing. (B, L, D)
Welcome to Kazan, capital of the Tatarstan Autonomous Republic. Enjoy a city tour of the city including the impressive Kremlin with its sparkling onion domes and tall minarets. At Lunch, take a master class in the Tatar cuisine.( B, L, D)
Today you arrive in Yekaterinburg, the capital of the Urals. Enjoy a great city tour dedicated to the last days of last Russian tsar. As part of the excursion you will see the Church on Blood erected to commemorate a tragic historical event, the orthodox monastery with temples that are considered to be pearls of Russian construction. Visit the memorial built at the boundary of Asia and Europe. (B, L, D)
Today the train arrives in Novosibirsk, Russia's third largest city, located in the southwestern part of Siberia on the banks of the Ob River. Embark on a city tour and join an excursion to the open air Museum of Railway Machinery. (B, L, D)
Today relax on board while the train crosses the vast Russian landscape on way to Irkutsk. You can chose to join in many activities that are offered on the train and get to know your fellow passengers. (B, L, D)
Welcome to Irkutsk, the capital of Siberia! Tour to the historical city center including a visit to the Decembrists’ Museum, the «wooden lace» house, also called the «House of Europe», the most beautiful and amazing streets of the city — Bolshaya Prospektnaya, today — Karl Marx street. Enjoy linch at teh city restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Taltsy Museum of Architecture and Ethnography which is located in a picturesque place on the right bank of the Angara River. (B,L,D)
Welcome to Port Baikal. Take a ferry to to the lakeside village of Listvyanka. Visit the Chersky Stone observation point with beautiful view on the southern part of the lake and the source of the Angara River; it is undoubtedly one of the most favorite places for tourists and photographers. Visit the Baikal Museum which displays the flora and fauna of the lake.Before lunch, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the village of Listvyanka. Afterwards, visit the local fish and souvenir market. Return to Port Baikal to relax and enjoy a picnic dinner on the shore of the lake. (B,L,D)
In the morning, the train arrives in Ulan Ude. Formerly a closed city for foreigners, it is now the capital of the Buryat Autonomous Republic and home to the largest statue of Lenin's head! Buryatia is also the centre of Buddhism in Russia. Ethnic and cultural diversity of this area offers a unique understanding of its heritage of the world’s religions.Whilst here visit a Buryat family who will teach you how to cook the traditional Buryat dish pozy, how to play dice, use a bow, wear a traditional Buryat costume, assemble and disassemble a felt yurt. Later in the afternoon, transfer back to the train and head for the Russia-Mongolia border at Naushki. (B,L,D)
Welcome to Ulan Bator, the Capital of Mongolia. On the way to the camp of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, visit the main square and Zaisan. Upon arrival to the camp some time will be given to settle yurt and freshen up prior to lunch. After lunch, enjoy an excursion to the Turtle Rock and take in the beautiful scenery of the surrounding area. Highlight of the day will be hiking tour to the top of overlooking hill from where you can admire the view of the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. You will visit a nomadic family and get introduced to the authentic lifestyle and culture of Mongolian nomads and try traditional dairy food. You may chose to take part in the traditional Mongolian Horse riding (optional) or disassembling and building of a smaller Mongolian yurt. Spend the night in the ger camp. (B,L,D)
After Breakfast at the camp, transfer back to Ulan Bator. Visit Gandan Monastery, Mongolian Natural History Museum and Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan. Enjoy a Mongolian BBQ lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional Folk show before boarding the train for the journey to Beijing, China. (B,L,D)
Today, arrive at the Mongolian/Chinese border and connect with the private Chinese train for the final leg to Beijing. (B,L,D)
Welcome to China! Today the train arrives in Beijing; embark on a city tour to visit the capital's highlights: the Tiananmen Square — the world's largest urban area that can fit about a million people; the Forbidden City - imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Continue to the mesmerizing Summer Palace. Check into Hotel Beijing Jianguo (or similar) for two nights and in the evening enjoy a traditional Beijing Duck Banquet. (B,L,D)
Today take an excursion to the Great Wall and the Summer Palace. In the evening enjoy the farewell dinner in one of Beijing's restaurants. (B,L,D)
Transfer to the airport for your journey home. (B)
The Imperial Russia train
The private Imperial Russia train is designed to provide you with a comfortable experience as you embark on the adventure of a lifetime and offers a range of cabins.
Enjoy dining in the charming restaurant carriages and relax with fellow passengers. Also, take the time to get involved in several lectures on board the train where you can learn about the history, people and cultures of the countries you travel through.
Choose from 5 different cabin types
- COMFORT CLASS CAR
- First Class Sleeping Cars (1 to 2 passengers per compartment)
- First Class Plus Sleeping Cars (1 to 2 passengers per compartment)
- Business Class Cars (1 to 2 passengers per compartment)
- VIP Cars (1 to 2 passengers per compartment)
The car consists of 8 passenger compartments, 2 lower berths in each. Each compartment is equipped with LCD TV set. In compartment 9 there is a shower booth. Two water closets: in the beginning and the end of the car. The air conditioning system is general, with an option of additional temperature control in each compartment. (±3°C).
Consists of 8 passenger compartments, 2 seats in each. Berths: all lower ones. A table. An LCD TV set. In compartment 9 there is a shower booth with a washbowl. Two water closets: in the beginning and the end of the car. The air conditioning system is general, with an option of additional temperature control in each compartment.
Consists of 8 passenger compartments, 2 seats in each. Berths: one upper, one lower one. A table with an armchair. An LCD TV set. An inbuilt clothes cabinet. Between compartments there are four rooms with washbowls and shower cans. In compartment 9 there is an auxiliary room for storing luggage. Two water closets: in the beginning and in the end of the car. The air conditioning system is general, with an option of additional temperature control in each compartment.
Consists of 6 passenger compartments, 2 seats in each. Berths: one upper, one lower one. A table with an armchair. An LCD TV set. A private en-suite bathroom with a wash-basin, toilet and wet shower. An individual air conditioner for heating and cooling the cabin. Business Class cars have two-seat compartments with an area of 5.5 sqm. A compartment has a comfortable transformable sofa and a foldaway upper berth.
Consists of 5 passenger compartments, 2 seats in each. Berths: one upper, one lower one. A table with an armchair. An LCD TV set. An inbuilt cabinet for clothes and luggage. An individual water closet with a shower booth and a washbowl. An individual air conditioner for heating and cooling the cabin. VIP cars have two-seat compartments with an area larger than two ordinary ones. A compartment has a comfortable transformable sofa and a foldaway upper berth, also en-suite there is a shower cabin and an environmentally friendly toilet.
2019 DEPARTURES AND PRICES
PRICE PER PERSON, STARTING FROM
| Departures 2019, Moscow to Beijing, 15 days | COMFORT from | FIRST CLASS from | FIRST CLASS PLUS from | BUSINESS CLASS FROM | VIP CLASS from | ||||||
| per person sharing | single use supplement | per person sharing | single use supplement | per person sharing | single use supplement | per person sharing | single use supplement | per person sharing | single use supplement | ||
| JUN | 23 to 7 July | 5417.13 £ | 2179.76 £ | 5417.13 £ | 2179.76 £ | 5853.08 £ | 2402.19 £ | 8900.3 £ | 6005.47 £ | 9549.78 £ | 6405.83 £ |
AUG | 18 to 1 Sept | 5417.13 £ | 2179.76 £ | 5417.13 £ | 2179.76 £ | 5853.08 £ | 2402.19 £ | 8900.3 £ | 6005.47 £ | 9549.78 £ | 6405.83 £ |
PRICE PER PERSON, STARTING FROM
| Departures 2019, Beijing to Moscow, 15 days | COMFORT from | FIRST CLASS from | FIRST CLASS PLUS from | BUSINESS CLASS FROM | VIP CLASS from | ||||||
| per person sharing | single use supplement | per person sharing | single use supplement | per person sharing | single use supplement | per person sharing | single use supplement | per person sharing | single use supplement | ||
| JUL | 1 to 15 | 5417.13 £ | 2179.76 £ | 5417.13 £ | 2179.76 £ | 5853.08 £ | 2402.19 £ | 8900.3 £ | 6005.47 £ | 9549.78 £ | 6405.83 £ |
AUG | 26 to 9 Sept | 5417.13 £ | 2179.76 £ | 5417.13 £ | 2179.76 £ | 5853.08 £ | 2402.19 £ | 8900.3 £ | 6005.47 £ | 9549.78 £ | 6405.83 £ |
All Tours Include:
*onboard the Imperial Russia Train in Russia and Mongolia, Chinese train — in China;
*1 night at Moscow hotel, 2 nights at Beijing hotel;
*full board, tea/coffee on board throughout the day;
*towels, bathrobe and slippers onboard of the Imperial Russia Train;
*excursions with local guides according to the program (excursions will be conducted in English, German, French and Spanish, other languages are possible upon request);
*pick-up at the airports, transfer to hotels and train stations, transfer to the airport;
*services of the porter at the hotel and the railway station;
*brief informative lectures on the Trans-Siberian Railroad, geography and history of the country visited;
*doctor on board, English speaking group leader and tour managers.
Not Included:
*flights international and domestic;
*the cost of entry visas (Russian Railway Tours is not responsible for passengers who have incorrect or expired visas);
*all drinks ordered in the bar car;
*«tailor made» excursions (you have possibility to extend your tour, we offer additional excursions in every city within the tour and in other cities of Russia);
*meals on the day of arrival, departure;
*tips and personal expenses;
*insurance (every passanger is oblighed to have a medical insurance for the whole duration of the tour);
*vaccination (consult your doctor or medical center for specific health advice due to visit of different countries in terms of this tour).
+44(0)207 603 50 45