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Trans-Siberian Tailor - Made
Build the unforgettable Trans - Siberian adventure of a lifetime
with IntoRussia.
IntoRussia offers a large selection of tours along the Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian railway as well as on other rail tracks across Asia. As choosing the perfect holiday may be a daunting task, we have created a short guide to help you choose the right rail journey for you.
 | KAZAN Visit the capital of Tatarstan. Known for its unique cultural blend, Kazan Kremlin has both a Mosque and a Cathedral side by side within its walls. Also, having undergone considerable development for modern day sporting events, the city still retains clear evidence of its fascinating history - the perfect blend of modern and ancient Russia. UNMISSABLE EXCURSIONS: Kazan Kremlin (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Kazan Ski Resort Complex, Raifskiy Monastery |
 | PERM This friendly city provides a fresh mix of tradition and contemporary culture as it is home to the annual White Nights Festival (June-July) and the interesting Kungur Ice Caves, as well as the harrowing Perm 36 Gulag. UNMISSABLE EXCURSIONS: Perm 36 Gulag, Kungur Ice Caves, Khokhlovka Open Air Ethnographic Museum |
 | EKATERINBURG The centre of the Ural Mountains and the natural divide between Europe and Asia, Ekaterinburg is a flourishing hub, rich in natural resources and a colourful history. It was here where the last Tsar and his family spent their final days. UNMISSABLE EXCURSIONS: Tsar Execution site, Europe-Asia Border, Ekaterinburg Opera and Ballet Theatre |
 | NOVOSIBIRSK The lively city of Novosibirsk is situated where the Trans Siberian crosses the River Ob. Now one of the largest cities in Russia and the biggest one east of the Urals, Novosibirsk is a fascinating city to discover the history and ethnic diversity of Siberia. UNMISSABLE EXCURSIONS: Novosibirsk Zoo, State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral |
 | IRKUTSK The capital of eastern Siberia, Irkutsk developed its unique cultural heritage after many Russian artists, officers and nobles were exiled here after the Decembrist Revolt of 1825. It is the natural stopover en route to reach Lake Baikal, one of Russia's greatest wonders. UNMISSABLE EXCURSIONS: Museum of Decembrists, Open Air Ethnographic Museum |
 | LAKE BAIKAL The largest, deepest and cleanest freshwater source in the world is considered a natural treasure by the Russian people. Located in Siberia near the Mongolian border, and surrounded by mountains, forests and wild rivers, Baikal is an immense and breathtaking area of physical beauty. For the best views of Lake Baikal, we recommend you stay overnight in the village of Listvyanka. UNMISSABLE EXCURSIONS: Lake Baikal Cruise (Summer), Snowmobiling (Winter) |
 | ULAN UDE Situated amidst the vast Siberian steppe, this is a truly intriguing stop on the journey, offering a rare mix of Asian and Russian styles. UNMISSABLE EXCURSIONS: City Tour, Ivolginsky Monastery |
 | VLADIVOSTOK Once created as a defensive outpost against invasions, for many years Vladivostok stood guard defending the Motherland on the Pacific coast of the Far East of Siberia. The city is now vibrant with an extraordinary mixture of culture and history, and was enriched even further in 2012 with its fabulous 150th Anniversary celebrations. UNMISSABLE EXCURSIONS: Seaside Oceanarium, Vladivostok Fortress |
 | ULAAN BAATOR Ulan Bator is situated on the banks of the Tuul River encircled by four mystical mountains. Mongolia was once the greatest empire under Genghis Khan, and is now one of the most enigmatic and romantic destinations on earth. UNMISSABLE EXCURSIONS: Terelj National Park, Horse Riding |
 | BEIJING A truly remarkable destination, the mysterious and mesmerising capital provides an intriguing combination of ancient and modern style that captivates to all visitors. In particular, the Great Wall is one of the highlights outside Beijing, not to be missed. UNMISSABLE EXCURSIONS: Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Imperial Palace, Ming Tombs |
Tailor-Made Trans-Siberian Rail Journeys Itineraries
The classic Trans-Siberian Moscow to Vladivostok route is just one part of the massive Russian railway network. There are many other routes to choose from. Not only can you choose to travel on the Trans-Siberian, Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian railway routes but you could also combine destinations from two different railway routes, for example, Ulan Bator to Harbin.
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TRANS-SIBERIAN
TRANS-MANCHURIAN
TRANS-MONGOLIANTRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY (Russia only)
Moscow • Kazan • Ekaterinburg • Omsk • Novosibirsk • Krasnoyarsk • Irkutsk • Ulan Ude • Khabarovsk • Vladivostok
Stretching for 6560 miles the Trans-Siberian railway was built between 1890 and 1905 to connect Moscow with the coastal city of Vladivostok. There are many wondrous places to explore along the way including Ekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains, Irkutsk the capital of eastern Siberia and the natural treasure, Lake Baikal.
TRANS-MONGOLIAN RAILWAY (Russia, Mongolia and China)
Moscow • Kazan • Ekaterinburg • Omsk • Novosibirsk • Krasnoyarsk • Irkutsk • Ulan Ude • Ulan Bator • Beijing
This is the most popular route as it offers a great opportunity to explore three of the greatest cultures in the world as you journey through ancient Europe, Mongolia and Asia. The Trans-Mongolian railway allows you to enjoy the enchantment of Russia and discovering the wonders of Mongolia including the intriguing Ulan Ude and exciting capital city of Ulan Bator. If that’s not enough, you can then travel on to China. The line follows the same route as the Trans-Siberian from Moscow to Ulan Ude where it branches off and journeys forward to Ulan Bator and finally, Beijing.
You can tailor make your own trip with many stops along the way or embark on a group tour, stopping in Irkutsk, where you will see the impressive Baikal Lake and then in Ulan Bator in Mongolia and Terelj National Park, where you will get a chance to overnight in the traditional Mongolian ger and meet a Nomad family.
TRANS-MANCHURIAN RAILWAY (Russia and China)
Moscow • Kazan • Ekaterinburg • Omsk • Novosibirsk • Krasnoyarsk • Irkutsk • Ulan Ude • Harbin • Beijing
Following Russia and passing by Mongolia, the Trans-Manchurian railway transports you to the vast lands of China where you can visit Harbin. Known, as the Oriental St Petersburg, it is thought to be one of China’s most beautiful cities. The line follows the same route as the Trans-Siberian from Moscow to Ulan Ude, it then branches off at the town of Tarskaya and heads through Harbin to the mesmerising capital city of Beijing.
BAM, BAIKAL AND AMUR RAIL TRACK (Russia only)
Moscow • Krasnoyarsk • Severobaikalsk • Tynda • Komsomolsk-on-Amur • Khabarovsk • Vladivostok
SILK ROAD
Almaty • Turkestan • Samarkand • Shakhrisabz • Khiva • Bukhara • Mary • Kokand • Khujand • Tashkent
This route traditionally includes Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan (the 5 Stans) and China. Our longest route on board the private trains will cover 4 Stans (except Turkmenistan).
Trans - Siberian Trains
The Trans-Siberian is not just a single train; it’s a mix of various trains that run along the Trans-Siberian Rail track across Russia and into Mongolia and China. The trains are used by locals as well as tourists. On our tours by PUBLIC TRAINS, we use the standard commuter trains that offer good quality and comfort. We also create the best possible TAILOR MADE ITINERARIES, based on convenient departure and arrival times to your destination.
For anyone looking for a different experience, we offer journeys by PRIVATE TRAINS. These are only for tourists and could be compared to a cruise as they all include full board meals and excursions, as well as tour leader throughout the entire journey. We offer tours by GOLDEN EAGLE, TSAR'S GOLD and IMPERIAL RUSSIA trains.
Advantages of journeys by Public Trains
• Flexible departures: we can tailor make the tour to start on any day of the week *except the group tours with set departure dates
• Flexible add-on: we can add as many excursions as you wish or if you are an independent traveller, we can also offer train tickets only
• Hotel stays: during stopovers we offer good quality accommodation in hotels or home stays
• Trains: good quality and for any budget from 3rd to 1st class
• Perfect for better experience of local culture and traditions
• Great social experience: you will meet fellow travellers from different countries as well as many locals
• Prices to fit any budget
• Frequent departures all year round
Disadvantages of journeys by Public Trains
• Limited facilities on the trains (no showers on the train)
• Limited upgrade options: some train offer 1st class cabin with 2 berths (however the bathroom facilities are still shared with the whole carriage)
Advantages of journeys by Private Train
• Tour leader present during the whole tour
• Great comfort and better facilities
• Showers available in higher travel classes
• Different cabin types from 4 berth sharing to a luxury private room
• Entertainment program on the train included
• Full board on the train
• Frequent stops and land excursions included
Disadvantages of journeys by Private Train
• Limited departure dates
• Expensive packages
• Tours operated by the Luxury train companies and not possible to amend
• Most of the tour is spend on the train only (very few hotel overnights)
• Large groups
• Limited opportunity for independent exploration
Russian Train Tickets*:
As the Russian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet, the train tickets can often be difficult to understand. The diorgam bellow will help you to understad the most important parts of the typical Rusian Train Ticket.
1. Train number
2. Day and month of departure
3. Departure time (note that Moscow time is used on all train tickets throughout Russia)
4. Number and class of carriage: П - simple reserved berth in an open sleeping carriage ("platzkartnyi vagon") К - soft-seated carriage ("myagkyi vagon")
Л - first-class carriage ("SV vagon")
5. Cost of platzkart (place in a carriage without compartments)
6. Supplement for class of ticket above platzkart
7. Number of people travelling on the ticket
8. Type of passenger
9. From/To
10. Bed number
11. Passport number and name (entered when purchased in Russia)
12. Total cost of ticket
13. Tax and service fee
14. Date of arrival
15. Arrival Time (note that Moscow time is used on all train tickets throughout Russia)
*The information was provided by Russian Railways (rzd.ru)
PUBLIC TRAIN, TICKET PRICES*
| Routes | 1st Class 2 Berth | 2st Class 4 Berth | Approximate Duration |
| Moscow - Vladivostok | 732.2 £ | 429.77 £ | 7 days |
| Moscow - Beijing | 923.2 £ | 557.11 £ | 7 days |
| Moscow - Ulaan Baator | 604.86 £ | 318.35 £ | 6 days |
| Moscow - Irkutsk | 429.77 £ | 159.17 £ | 4 days |
| Moscow - Novosibirsk | 302.43 £ | 143.26 £ | 3 days |
| Moscow - Ekaterinburg | 155.99 £ | 79.59 £ | 1 day |
| Ulaan Baator - Beijing | 308.57 £ | 214.48 £ | 1.5 days |
| Irkutsk - Beijing | 477.52 £ | 286.51 £ | 2.5 days |
| Irkutsk - Ulaan Baator | 178.27 £ | 114.6 £ | 1.5 days |
| Novosibirsk - Irkutsk | 175.09 £ | 63.67 £ | 1.5 days |
| Ekaterinburg - Irkutsk | 326.3 £ | 130.52 £ | 2 days |
*Rail Ticket prices fluctuate according to season and are subject to unforeseen increases by Russian Railways. The above rates should be used as a guide only. Your travel consultant will advise the latest rates when making your reservation.
TAILOR MADE JOURNEY BY PUBLIC TRAINS*
| Route | Duration | Stops | Approximate price per person |
| Moscow - Vladivostok | 14 days | St Petersburg, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Lake Baikal, Vladivostok | from 3600 £ |
| 19 days | Rostov Veliky, Murom, Vladimir, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Lake Baikal | from 2800 £ | |
| 30 days | Vladimir, Nizhy Novgorod, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, | from 5545 £ | |
| Moscow - Beijing | 17 days | Ikrutsk, Lake Baikal, Ulan Bator | from 3650 £ |
| 20 days | Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Lake Baikal, Ulan Bator | from 3035 £ | |
| 23 days | Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Olkhon, Listvyanka, Ulan Ude | from 3525 £ |
*Price includes: Departure/arrival private transfer; Accommodation: Twin; Meal plan: Breakfast; Excusions: City tour in each stop; Train tickets: 2nd class, 4 berth compartment for Twin use.
VISAS
A visa is required for all the countries you pass through, even if you are only in transit. Visas for Russia, Mongolia and China are all obtainable through our visa service.
FLIGHTS
Some people do not complete the whole journey by rail and prefer to fly from Moscow to Irkutsk before continuing to Vladivostok, Ulan Bator or Beijing by train. We can arrange this aspect of your trip as well as providing your international flights departing from and to the UK. Please contact us for a competitive quote for your international and domestic flights.
EXCURSIONS
There is a range of guided optional excursions which you can take. From city tours at each stop-off to open air museums, cultural experiences such as dining with Mongolian nomads and staying in ger camps.
PRE AND POST DESTINATIONS
IntoRussia offers you a variety of pre and post Trans-Siberian destinations. Ask us about the 2 night ferry service from Vladivostok to Japan.
HOTELS ALONG THE ROUTE
We have a host of hotels to offer for any stage of your trip, for as many nights as you wish. We can recommend 3, 4 and 5 star hotels in every city along the Trans-Siberian, Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian, routes.
TRAVEL PERIOD
Unlike in the UK, there is a big difference between seasons in Russia. Summer temperatures can be quite high and in the far north you will be able to experience white nights when the sun doesn’t set for a few weeks. You will get a chance to swim in the Baikal Lake or ride horses in Mongolian steppe. In winter, the country is enveloped in a thick blanket of snow. This can be a very good time to visit Russia as museums are less crowded and prices are also lower.
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