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Tsar's Gold (Zarengold) Trans-Mongolian Express
12 days, 11 nights
Bucket list rail journey from Ulan Bator to Moscow and reverse
Experience the unique charms of Ulan Bator, the dynamic capital of Mongolia. Then get a taste for the breadth of Russian life, from the solitude of Lake Baikal’s shores to the vibrant bustle of Moscow’s streets. Our trips are accompanied by an experienced multi-lingual tour director and a physician travelling on the train. A sophisticated on-board program complements a comprehensive excursion and sightseeing package to make your journey truly memorable.
Journey highlights:
City of Lights evening tour through Moscow; The Kremlin in Kazan; Welcome ceremony with bread and salt in Novosibirsk; Siberian wooden houses in Irkutsk; Panoramic train route directly alongside Lake Baikal; Picnic on the shores of Lake Baikal (weather permitting); Mongolian archery demonstration; Daily talks on the region’s culture and people; Vodka tasting with traditional Russian snacks and red caviar
The Route:
ULAN BATOR • Lake Baikal • Irkutsk • Novosibirsk • Yekaterinburg • Kazan • MOSCOW (or reverse)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kazan
Situated on the River Volga, Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan famous for its rich tapestry of history and culture. One of its highlights is the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel is a stunning mosque and onion-domed cathedral.
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.
DAY 1, ULAN BATOR
Arrive in Ulan Bator and enjoy the convenience of an airport transfer to your hotel. Relax, refresh and prepare for the adventure ahead. Overnight: Ramada Hotel (or similar).
DAY 2, ULAN BATOR
It’s morning and the city is waiting to be explored. Visit the painstakingly restored Buddhist Gandan Monastery and the historic Choijin Lama Temple. Enjoy evening performances of dynamic and captivating traditional Mongolian music (optional).Overnight: Ramada Hotel or (similar). Upon request: Overnight in a yurt in the Mongolian Alps. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 3, THE MONGOLIAN ALPS
After breakfast you visit the Gandan Monastery, where it is possible to observe a Buddhist religious ceremony. Your bus then takes you to the Mongolian Alps, located some 90 minutes east of Ulan Bator, with their majestic scenery and bizarre rock formations. After a picnic lunch in a yurt camp, you watch a small Mongolian archery demonstration and a traditional wrestling match. Overnight on board. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 4, ULAN UDE
Today, bid farewell to Mongolia, as the Russian part of your adventure begins. Your Trans-Siberian train journeys along the green, picturesque valley of the Selenga River. Soon you arrive in Ulan-Ude, the friendly capital of the Republic of Buryatia, Russia, where you stroll through its city streets on a guided tour. Overnight on board. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 5, LAKE BAIKAL
A day dedicated entirely to enjoying the blissful Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world. The clear, deep, aquamarine and green waters glitter in the sun. The mountains are mirrored in the lake like glass. A near-endless stillness pervades. You arrive directly at Port Baikal. Here, there are plenty of opportunities to capture some perfect shots as you travel the Circum-Baikal Railway. Relax, take a dip, explore the picturesque villages, and soak up the scenery on a ferry ride. On warm nights, dinner is served as a picnic on the elegant shores of this pristine lake. The perfect end to a most relaxing day. Overnight on board. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 6, IRKUTSK
You’ve arrived in popular and historic Irkutsk, one of Siberia’s largest cities. Travel light again and leave your luggage securely stowed in your private train. Tour the city’s colorful market, theater and two-manor site of the Irkutsk local history museum. Have a relaxed dinner in the evening before bed—your hotel room is centrally located. Overnight: Hotel Irkutsk (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 7, SIBERIA
A day of once-in-a-lifetime views enjoyed from the comfort of your private train. Mountains of forest and mist glisten in the sunlight. Rivers crashing along jagged rocky banks. Huge, imposing skies, shifting in rhythm with the tracks. Living art, in real time on your Trans-Siberian railroad tour. Entertaining lectures on local customs and culture double as social get-togethers between now firm friends, complete with Russian canapés and hospitality. Overnight on board. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 8, NOVOSIBIRSK
In Russia, bread is associated with hospitality, and salt with friendship. In the charming city of Novosibirsk, you’re welcomed warmly with bread and salt in this tradition. You arrive in Siberia’s biggest city at noon and take a tour that includes the majestic river Ob. Overnight on board. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 9, YEKATERINBURG
Yekaterinburg is the historic capital of the ancient Ural Mountain region. Its position on the Asian-European border makes for a city of fascinating influences and combined cultures. You visit the painstakingly preserved city center and fairytale-like Church on Blood, which commemorates the site where the Romanovs, Russia’s last Tsar dynasty, were shot by revolutionists. Your train leaves Asia for Europe. Overnight on board. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 10, KAZAN
After breakfast you reach Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, on the banks of the Volga River. On a city tour, you see Tatar mosques and the most famous Russian Orthodox cathedral. You also take a tour of Kazan’s Kremlin, where you learn about the turbulent history between the Tatars, the Cossacks and the Russians. Afterward you enjoy lunch in a city restaurant. Overnight on board. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 11, MOSCOW
Moscow, one of the most vivid, dynamic and richly-historic cities on Earth. Get up close to the otherworldly and world-famous Kremlin grounds and experience its magnificent cathedrals and interiors. After dinner, you take in the opulence and color of Moscow at night on a tour that includes the almost dream-like Red Square and famously palatial subway stations. Relax after your urban adventure in your central and comfortable top-range hotel. Overnight: InterContinental Tverskaya (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 12, MOSCOW, THEN HOME
Wake up to a morning in cosmopolitan Moscow. Today you see the surreal and candy-cane Russian masterpieces of St. Basil’s Cathedral and Novodevichy Convent. You visit the lovingly reconstructed Cathedral of Christ the Savior and pass by the notorious former KGB headquarters, the imposing architecture of the Soviet-era White House and Lomonossov University, before bidding farewell to this bold and charismatic city. Finally, transfer for your flight back home and the time to sit back and reflect. You’ve explored China to Russia by train. Here’s to life-changing journeys. What an incredible adventure it’s been. 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.
Tsar's Gold Trans - Mongolian Journey, 2020
Ulan Bator to Moscow
DEPARTURE 2020 | STANDARD | CLASSIC | SUPERIOR | NOSTALGIC | BOLSHOI | BOLSHOI | |
MAY | 20 to 31 | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out |
| JUN | 17 to 28 | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out |
| JUL | 13 to 24 | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out |
| AUG | 5 to 16 Aug | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out |
| AUG | 31 Aug to 11 Sept | 4017.19 £ | 5867.98 £ | 6187.87 £ | 8278.58 £ | 11077.61 £ | 13088.35 £ |
| SEPT | 23 Sept to 4 Oct | 4017.19 £ | 5867.98 £ | 6187.87 £ | 8278.58 £ | 11077.61 £ | 13088.35 £ |
Moscow to Ulan Bator
DEPARTURE 2020 | STANDARD | CLASSIC | SUPERIOR | NOSTALGIC | BOLSHOI | BOLSHOI | |
| MAY | 9 to 20 | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out |
| JUN | 6 to 17 | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out |
| JUL | 2 to 13 | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out |
| JUL | 25 July to 5 Aug | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out | Sold Out |
| AUG | 20 to 31 | 4017.19 £ | 5867.98 £ | 6187.87 £ | 8278.58 £ | 11077.61 £ | 13088.35 £ |
| SEPT | 12 to 23 | 4017.19 £ | 5867.98 £ | 6187.87 £ | 8278.58 £ | 11077.61 £ | 13088.35 £ |
| Supplement | Price per person | Supplement | Price per person |
| Single for hotel overnights for cat. I STANDARD | 628.35 £ | Single, train and hotel for cat. III (Nostalgic Comfort) | 4318.51 £ |
| 3rd persons, in compartment cat. I Standard | 1051.07 £ | Single, train and hotel for cat. IV (Bolshoi) | |
| Single, train and hotel for cat. II (Classic) | 2319.2 £ | Single, train and hotel for cat. V (Bolshoi Platinum) | 6923.32 £ |
| Single, train and hotel for cat. II (Superior) | 2616.24 £ |
Flight details:
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, please enquire during the booking stage
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
All Tours Include:
• Journey with guaranteed lodging in the booked category aboard the privately chartered train from Ulan Bator to Moscow
• Two nights in mid-range hotels in Ulan Bator and one night in Irkutsk. One night in top-range hotels in Moscow
• Excellent service and a three-guide system: Head guide, group leader (max 26 guests per group) and local guides
• A physician on board the train
• All excursions and sightseeing as per itinerary, including all entry fees
• All transfers and bus tours as per itinerary
• All meals as per itinerary: Fine dining in the dining car and local specialties
• All meals according to itinerary
• On-board shower facilities
• Informational booklet on the region and private train for each compartment reserved
• Entertainment and culture: daily introductions to the country, people and customs
Not Included:
• International flights
• Visa fees paid directly to the Consulate
• Gratitutes
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