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Russian Winter Fairytale
Tsar's Gold (Zarengold) Trans-Siberian Express
13 days, 12 nights from 3355.2 £
Bucket list rail journey from Moscow to Ulan Bator
Riding the Trans-Siberian Railroad is an amazing adventure any time of the year. But winter brings out the true soul of the Russian taiga. See the crisp sunshine upon a frozen Lake Baikal. Take a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride through a frosty landscape. Enjoy the warm hospitality of a Mongolian nomad camp amidst a landscape of pristine wilderness. Explore Russia and Mongolia during the colder season from your snug, Trans-Siberian train and add a possible three-day extension to China. Hop aboard for a snowy voyage that is captivating, convenient and secure. It’s the winter experience of a lifetime!
- Introduction to Your Journey
- Your Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Departures and Prices
- What's Included
- Book
The Route
MOSCOW • Yekaterinburg • Siberia • Krasnoyarsk • Lake Baikal • Irkutsk • Ulan Bator
St Basil's Cathedral
St Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most recognisable buildings in the world and is an iconic symbol of Moscow. A true architectural wonder, the cathedral was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in the 1500’s and is lavishly decorated with vivid bold colours, striking patterns and shapes. The building is made up of nine churches connected by a web of narrow corridors; each church is lavishly decorated with intricate frescoes; however the exterior of the building is equally as impressive with its famous colourful onion domes! A common myth is that once the building was complete, Ivan had the architects blinded to be sure that they never build anything as beautiful again.
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.
Krasnoyarsk
Is this most beautiful city in Siberia? The writer Anton Chekhov thought so. Krasnoyarsk’s certainly wears winter well, with snow dusting its streets and blue-gold hues coloring the cityscape. See all the sights on a short tour and take in the stunning vista across the Yenisei River. Back on board, your Trans-Siberian tour continues on to Irkutsk.
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.
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.
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.
MOSCOW TO ULAN BATOR
DAY 1, MOSCOW
Welcome to Moscow, one of the most vivid, dynamic and richly-historic cities on Earth. After dinner, experience the opulence and color of Moscow at night on a guided walk that includes the almost dream-like Red Square with its stunning illuminations. Relax after your urban adventure in your central and comfortable hotel. Overnight: Hotel Intercontinental Tverskaya (or similar).. Meals included: dinner.
DAY 2, MOSCOW BY DAY
Explore Europe's most dynamic city on a panorama city tour with its contrast of traditional onion-shaped golden domes decorating small churches and cathedrals and the power centres of the new mega-rich companies such as Gazprom. Afterwards, relax over lunch in a restaurant themed on Russian history before joining your special carriage to depart from the impressive backdrop of one of Moscow's major stations. On board, enjoy a delicious welcome dinner. Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 3, SUZDAL
After breakfast you arrive in Vladimir and drive by bus to the impressive city of Suzdal, which is one of the most impressive cities on the Golden Ring. In the afternoon, take in the landscape of rolling steppes in old Russia's heartlands and cross the impressive bridges over the rivers Volga and Kama before starting the climb to the Ural Mountains – usually a magical snowy landscape at this time of year. Enjoy insights into Russian life with entertaining on-board talks on the Cossacks and winter life in Siberia, as well as a film on Russia's last tsar. Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 4, YEKATERINBURG
Stop in Yekaterinburg, the historical capital of the Ural region. Yekaterinburg has gone down in history as the place where Tsar Nicolas II, the last tsar of Russia, was murdered with his family in 1918. A short city tour includes the attractive city centre, restored in 2009, as well as the commemorative Cathedral on the Blood, built in 2003 on the site of the tsar's execution. Back on board, your train continues across the rolling steppes of western Siberia. Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 5, SIBERIA
Your train, by now a home from home, continues across Siberia. Relax and enjoy the magical winter views of snowy birch and larch woods in the sunshine! A vodka tasting with classic Russian snacks in the restaurant car explores some of the less familiar aspects of Russian customs associated with food and drink. Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 6, KRASNOYARSK
Morning arrival in Krasnoyarsk — according to writer Anton Chekhov, the most beautiful city in Siberia. The short city tour focuses on an overview of Krasnoyarsk's captivating history. The mix of old and new streets vividly illustrates how the city has grown and changed down the years. Enjoy a view of Peace Square, the city's oldest square, and the stunning vistas across the Yenisei River. Naturally, there is also a stop at the beautiful Paraskeva Pyatnitsa Chapel, the symbol of Krasnoyarsk. Back on board your train continues on to Irkutsk. Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 7, IRKUTSK
The train pulls into Irkutsk, one of the largest cities of Eastern Siberia. On a guided city tour, you see the Okhlopkov Drama Theater, the new memorial to Tsar Alexander III and the photogenic market hall. You also see typical wooden Siberian houses and visit one of the largest monasteries in Eastern Siberia. Overnight: Hotel Irkutsk (or similar) Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 8, LAKE BAIKAL
What could be more romantic than a horse-drawn sleigh ride — the next highlight on your programme! Afterwards, it is onwards and upwards by cable car (if already in operation) to a special vantage point with stunning views out across Lake Baikal. This vantage point is also renowned for its cold temperatures – so this may be the place to experience the lowest temperatures you have ever known! Subsequently, a visit to a local family includes a tasty traditional Russian meal and have the chance to enjoy a banya, a traditional Russian sauna. The final stop around the lake is the Baikal Museum, which showcases this area's special ecosystem and the lake itself, the world's largest fresh water reservoir. Back on board in the evening, your train pulls out of Irkutsk station. Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 9, LAKE BAIKAL
Today is spent exploring the remarkable natural phenomenon of Lake Baikal, the largest reservoir of freshwater in the world. Your train travels several hours directly alongside Lake Baikal, on the old route of the Trans-Siberian Railway. Take a walk on the frozen Lake Baikal and enjoy a relaxing day on board. Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 10, ULAN UDE
The journey continues through the snow covered Selenga Valley and the wild solitude of eastern Siberia’s mountainous steppes. You take a tour of Ulan Ude during an intermediate stop there. Border formalities at the Russian-Mongolian border are an easy matter carried out on board. Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 11, ULAN BATOR AND THE MONGOLIAN APLS
Over breakfast, watch the taiga mountain landscape of northern Mongolia slide by with its scattered nomad settlements. As your train pulls into the Mongolian capital city of Ulan Bator in the morning, porters are already waiting to help with your luggage. Your mid-class hotel is conveniently located in the centre of the city. This first night in Ulan Bator also offers the chance to stay in a (preheated) nomad yurt in unspoilt — and probably very frosty! — surroundings (advance booking required). Sleeping in a traditional yurt under the stars in the majestic quiet of nature – a truly unique experience! The afternoon is dedicated to a visit to the National Museum of Mongolia. Those taking hotel accommodation can enjoy an evening programme of Mongolian folklore with throat singing, music performed on the traditional bowed string instrument, the morin khuur, national costumes, myths and dance. The nomad yurt option includes traditional Mongolian tales around an open fire. Overnight: Hotel Bayangol (or similar). Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 12, ULAN BATOR
Today's programme offers such impressive sights as the Buddhist Gandan monastery and the quirky architectural masterpiece of Choijin Lama Temple. The temple architecture is unique worldwide for its dramatic depictions of the torments of hell for those leaving the path of righteousness. The afternoon excursion visits a family of cattle breeders just outside the city. Overnight: Hotel Bayangol (or similar). Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 13, FAREWELL MONGOLIA
Enjoy a final breakfast with your fellow winter travelers before transferring to the airport for your flight home. What a magical journey through snow and ice it’s been! . Breakfast.
Extension to Beijing
While Ulan Bator marks the journey's end for some guests, we offer the option to continue on to Beijing. Your scheduled Chinese train leaves Ulan Bator for Beijing in the morning. The journey to China's capital city takes around 35 hours in total, and crosses the vast Gobi desert. An experienced guide is on hand to assist, for example, with arranging meals on the train. Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 14, ARRIVAL IN BEIJING
The train pulls into Beijing in the afternoon. After settling into your centrally located first-class hotel, there is still enough time to get a first impression of this fascinating city. Overnight: Capital Hotel (or similar). (BD)
DAY 15, THE FORBIDDEN CITY, TEMPLE OF HEAVEN AND PEKING DUCK
Start the day with an extensive guided tour of the legendary Forbidden City. Afterwards, join the city tour for such sights as the magnificent Temple of Heaven. On the last evening, enjoy a delicious speciality dinner in one of Beijing's top Peking Duck restaurants. Overnight: Capital Hotel (or similar). Meals included: breakfastand dinner.
DAY 16, RETURN FLIGHT
It’s been sixteen days through a winter wonderland on the Zarengold private train, and now your journey has come to an end. The sights you have seen and things you have learned will stay with you forever. After breakfast, you transfer to the airport from your hotel for your flight home. Meals included: Breakfast.
The Tsar's Gold (Zarengold) Express
The private Tsar's Gold (Zarengold) 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 to suit every budget. Enjoy dining in the charming restaurant carriages where you are able to try the freshest local cuisine 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 6 different cabin types
- STANDARD COMPARTMENT (CATEGORY I)
- CLASSIC COMPARTMENT (CATEGORY II)
- SUPERIOR COMPARTMENT (CATEGORY II)
- NOSTALGIC COMFORT COMPARTMENT (CATEGORY III)
- BOLSHOI COMPARTMENT (CATEGORY IV)
- BOLSHOI PLATINUM COMPARTMENT (CATEGORY V)
In the STANDARD CATEGORY (I), there are nine compartments per car, each for four guests. On both sides, left and right, there are two berths, one upon the other and each of them sized 27.55 inches x 74.80 inches (70×190cm). In the middle, below the window, you will find a table. Combined toilet/lavatory compartments are located at each end of the car.
In the CLASSIC CATEGORY (II), there are 9 compartments per car. A compartment is shared by two guests. Berths are sized app. 27.5 inches x 75 inches (70 × 190 cm) and arranged facing each other. There is also a table under the window. Combined toilet/lavatory compartments are located at each end of this category’s cars. In every second car there is a shower compartment.
Specification
Compartment height: 100.4 inches (255 cm) Compartment depth: 74.8 inches (190 cm)
Compartment width: 71.6 inches (182 cm)
Bed length: 73.6 inches (187 cm)
Bed width: 26.8 inches (68 cm)
Space between the beds: 16.5 inches (42 cm)
Luggage case under beds: height 14.2 inches (36 cm); width 18.5 inches (47 cm); depth 25.6 inches (65 cm)
Luggage case above door: height 12.2 inches (31 cm); width 58.7 inches (149 cm); depth 21.7 inches (55 cm)
The newly refurbished Category II Superior now presents interiors in a nostalgic look. The compartments have two lower beds, one on each side of the compartment and measuring 67 cm x 187 cm / 26.5 × 73.6 in. The nine compartments in a wagon share two combination wash and toilet facilities located at its ends. Depending on the train configuration, a shower facility is shared by guests from two to four sleeping cars. (The sanitary facilities were also modernised as part of the refurbishment, with the wagons now outfitted with the practical vacuum toilets, which are preferable both for the user and the environment.
This category of compartment offers the opportunity to truly travel in the style of the red tsars. You travel in a nostalgic ambience that would even make past Soviet leaders feel at home – but with all of the 21st century’s modern amenities. Each of these of these rolling hotel rooms offers not only two comfortable beds (ca. 80 × 185 cm / 31.5 × 72.8 in.) placed one above the other, but also an armchair from which to enjoy the passing landscape. Each of two neighbouring compartments shares a semi-private lavatory with wash basin and simple shower located between them. Combination wash and toilet facilities are located at both ends of the wagons.
This category of compartment, with its illustrious name, offers 5.57 m² (almost 60 sq. ft.) of space. It has two beds, with the upper measuring 80 × 176 / 31.5 × 69.3 in. and the lower 110 × 187 cm / 43.3 × 73.6 in. This compartment also offers comfortable seating, a generous-sized table, and a small clothes closet. The Bolshoi category has its own lavatory equipped with a toilet, wash basin, and integrated shower with a full shower curtain. This configuration of wagon has only six compartments.
The Bolshoi Platinum compartment provides 7.15 m² (almost 77 sq. ft.) of space, even more than the Bolshoi compartment. The lower bed measures 120 × 184 cm / ca. 47.2 × 72.4 in., the upper 82 × 174 cm / ca. 32.3 × 68.5 in. Each compartment has a spacious clothes closet and its own lavatory outfitted with a separate shower cabin. This category of wagon offering the highest level of comfort available on the Trans-Siberian Railway contains only five compartments and offers space for a maximum of just 10 guests.
Russian Winter Fairytale Tsar's Gold Trans-Siberian Express
Moscow to Ulaan Bator, 13 days
Price per person from, excluding flight
DEPARTURE 2021 | STANDARD | CLASSIC | SUPERIOR | NOSTALGIC COMFORT | BOLSHOI | BOLSHOI PLATINUM | BEIJING EXTANSION | ||
| DAYS 14-16 | SINGLE room suppl | ||||||||
13 to 25 Februaary, 2021 | 3355.2 £ | 5039.02 £ | 5319.66 £ | 6734.07 £ | 8732.21 £ | 10707.9 £ | 841.91 £ | 123.48 £ | |
Supplements
| Supplement | Price per person | Supplement | Price per person | |
3rd person in the compartment | 920.49 £ | Single use train and hotel for cat II, SUPERIOR | 2290 £ | |
Overnight Yurt Camp | 33.68 £ | Single use train and hotel for cat III, NOSTALGIC COMFORT | 3805.44 £ | |
| Single use for 6 hotel nights cat. I, STANDARD | 415.34 £ | Single use train and hotel for cat IV, BOLSHOI | 5174.96 £ | |
| Single use train and hotel for cat. II, CLASSIC | 2009.36 £ | Single use train and hotel for cat V, BOLSHOI PLATINUM | 6701.62 £ | |
Ulaan Bator to Moscow, 12 days
Price per person from, excluding flight
DEPARTURE 2021 | STANDARD | CLASSIC | SUPERIOR | NOSTALGIC COMFORT | BOLSHOI | BOLSHOI PLATINUM | BEIJING EXTANSION | ||
| DAYA 14-16 | SINGLE room suppl | ||||||||
| 22 Feb to 5 March, 2021 | 3164.37 £ | 4848.19 £ | 5128.83 £ | 6543.24 £ | 8552.61 £ | 10517.07 £ | 841.91 £ | 123.48 £ | |
Supplements
| Supplement | Price per person | Supplement | Price per person | |
3rd person in the compartment | 920.49 £ | Single use train and hotel for cat II, SUPERIOR | 2188.97 £ | |
Overnight Yurt Camp | 33.68 £ | Single use train and hotel for cat III, NOSTALGIC COMFORT | 3704.42 £ | |
| Single use for 6 hotel nights cat. I, STANDARD | 314.31 £ | Single use train and hotel for cat IV, BOLSHOI | 4984.12 £ | |
| Single use train and hotel for cat. II, CLASSIC | 1897.11 £ | Single use train and hotel for cat V, BOLSHOI PLATINUM | 6701.62 £ | |
Flight details:
Please speak with us to get the best prices on flights added to your tour
Please note:
The deposit is payable on the tour: Non-refundable deposit of 15% is due after the reservation
Minimum number of tour participants: 18. Minimum number for the Beijing extension: 10. Excursions and sightseeing with local English-speaking guides for minimum group of at least 6
We use live currency update, price may slightly fluctuate daily
IntoRussia Ltd reserves the right to change hotels to similar ones of the same standard and change the order of excursions
Extras:
If you are a group and want to add extra days or excursions, or you are looking for more independence, contact our Destination Experts for a
tailor-made package
Payment conditions:
Non - refundable deposit of 15% of the land tour is due after the reservation
Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure
Cancellation conditions:*
Up to 92 days prior to departure: 15% of total price
Between 91 and 42 days prior to departure: 45% of total price
Between 41 and 11 days prior to departure: 80% of total price
10 and less days prior to departure/no-show: 90% of total price
* Please note that the above cancellation conditions apply to land only tour. If you add flights to the package booking, these are non refundable.
Included in price:
• Travel in a special carriage with 8 nights in the category booked
• 1 night in a first-class hotel in Moscow, 1 night in a hotel in Irkutsk, 2 nights in Ulan Bator in a good mid-range centrally located hotel
• Experienced tour manager from Moscow to Ulan Bator throughout
• Doctor on board
• All meals as specified in the itinerary
• All transfers in the area of your destination
• Excursions and sightseeing with local English-speaking guides (minimum group of at least 6)
• Vodka tasting with classic Russian snacks
• During the train journey, fascinating on-board talks ranging from "Life in the Siberian winter" and "The Cossacks conquer Siberia" to "From fur traders to energy suppliers"
Not Included:
• Flights (please speak with us to get the best prices on flights added to your tour)
• Visa fees payable directly to the visa centre or consulate
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses
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