You can't say you've been in Russia if you haven't stopped in legendary Moscow, and even if you have just one day to spend there, there are a lot of things you can cross from your Russia travel bucket list.
Welcome to the gorgeous capital of Russia - Moscow! Your driver meets you at the airport and transfers you to your centrally located hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day is free so you can relax in your cozy room, dine in one of the nearby restaurants or start exploring the charming city center on your own.
No meals included.
- Optional pre-tour extension available: Begin your journey with an exploration of the legendary Venice of the North and the brilliant Northern capital of Russia - St. Petersburg. Contact your travel specialist for details.
After breakfast, you check out from your hotel and meet your guide who takes you to one of the most outstanding Moscow icons - the Kremlin. During the tour, you explore this world-famous symbol of Russian power and visit one of its brilliant cathedrals.
In the evening you are transferred to the railway station to board your luxurious Tsar’s Gold train and start your voyage across Eurasia.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
We carefully select hotels to ensure amazing stay and experience for you.
Experience the authentic Russian train ride with Trans-Siberian Railway from the capital of Russia, Moscow, to the crown jewel of Tatarstan. There are 1st or 2nd coach classes for you to choose, as well as picturesque panoramas along the road to gaze at.
Kazan, Russia
Known as the third capital of Russia, every year scenic Kazan draws thousands of people from all over the world, attracted to its cultural and historical significance and striking sights, including the majestic Kazan Kremlin.
Today you arrive in Kazan - the beautiful capital of the Republic of Tatarstan and the center of Tatar culture in Russia.
Upon arrival, you have a guided city tour that includes a visit to the white-walled Kazan Kremlin where you will see the famous Kul-Sherif Mosque and the old Peter and Paul Cathedral, a private concert of Feodor Chaliapin’s music and a walking tour through the main pedestrian area of Kazan.
After the tour, you return on board your train and continue traveling.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Today your train arrives in the famous capital of Ural where Europe and Asia meet - Ekaterinburg.
Upon arrival, you have a guided city tour dedicated to the last days of the Russian Imperial Family. During the tour, you visit the Cathedral-on-the-Blood built on the site of the notorious Ipatiev House where the last Russian Emperor, Nicolas II, and his family were assassinated.
Then you are transferred to the obelisk marking the geographical border and can drink a glass of champagne with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia.
- Optional tours: Walking city tour or visit to the Ekaterinburg Military Museum.
After the tour, you return on board your train and continue traveling.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Following breakfast you check out and prepare for a guided tour around the most interesting attractions of Novosibirsk. Together with your private guide you explore the central Lenin Square, the Opera and Ballet Theater, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Ob River embankment.
You are then invited to a particular place that surely enriches your Trans-Siberian experience - the Novosibirsk Open-Air Museum of Railway Technology. The museum is located nearly 30 minutes ride from the city, right next to the local train station where constantly going thains seem to make the museum "come alive". During the tour you explore an amazing collection of trains and engines covering different historical periods. For example, you see the Tsarsky vagon - the one Tsar Nikolay II used to travel in. Some cars are possible to climb aboard!
Please note: the museum is closed on Mondays
After the tour you are transferred to Novosibirsk railway station to continue your journey.
Breakfast included.
In the morning you check out from your hotel and your driver takes you to the train station to beard the train to Moscow.
No meals included.
We carefully select hotels to ensure amazing stay and experience for you.
You have to agree, it's impossible to think of a perfect vacation without a top-notch hotel where you can relax after a long day of exploring the city. And there is no better place to unwind than a high-end 5-star hotel, providing flawless service, a wide choice of in-house facilities to take advantage of, and ample bedrooms, fitted with everything you might need for a great stay.
Enjoy a scenic journey as your make your towards Irkutsk comfortably seated on a train. Providing some spectacular views, the Trans-Siberian Rail Route is undoubtedly one to remember.
Irkutsk, Russia
Irkutsk boasts an amazing location close to China and Mongolia, making it an interesting blend of cultures. The city played a major part in the country's history and is a "must-visit" place for those who want to experience genuine Russia.
Today your train arrives in Irkutsk, informally known as "Paris of Siberia" for its rich architecture and colorful life. During your guided city tour you see some classic Siberian wooden cottages, the statue of Alexander III and the Market Hall.
After lunch you take a trip to the nearby Taltsy village to visit its famous open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture and Ethnography, that consists of a number of buildings representing a traditional Siberian rural life.
After the tour, you are transferred back to Irkutsk and check in to your centrally located hotel for overnight.
Breakfast is included.
Today your train takes you directly alongside Lake Baikal that is the world's deepest freshwater lake known as the Pearl of Siberia.
During two extended photo stops you have a chance to explore and record the scenic beauty of the lake and its setting.
You also enjoy a relaxing boat ride around the lake with a stop at one of the most picturesque places on the route, giving you the chance to experience the natural atmosphere of this unique area. Here you enjoy a traditional local style picnic (if weather permits).
After the tour, you return on board your train and continue traveling.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
We carefully select hotels to ensure amazing stay and experience for you.
Marvel at the vast Lake Baikal as you cross the scenic Buryatia Region on your way from Irkutsk to Ulan-Ude. The Trans-Siberian train-journey boasts not only a comfortable cabin for you to relax at but some picturesque views through the window as well.
Ula-Ude is known to anyone interested in Russia travel as its one of the most fascinating places in East Siberia. Although located in Russia, it feels more like an Asian city but at the same time leaves no doubt about its Russian heritage.
Today after breakfast you check out, meet your guide and driver and head for Ivolginsky Buddhist monastery complex, considered as the center of Buddhism in Russia. Located 40 km from Ulan-Ude in the picturesque valley of the Ivolga River, the complex is home to the Buddhist institute Dashi Choinkhorlin, translated from Tibetan as “the land of happy learning”. Here monks, the future lamas, study oriental and Tibetan culture, medicine, Old Mongolian and Tibetan languages and philosophy of Buddhism. During the tour you make a sacred circle (“goroo”) around the territory, enter the temples, see the altar with many golden statues of Buddha, Buddhist stupas, Buddhist books, tankas and even the sacred Bodhi tree.
Upon return to the city, you take a tour around the most interesting city landmarks.
You enjoy the views from Rinpoche Bagsha Datsan rising high above the city (if time and weather conditions allow), see the world’s largest head statue of Lenin, take a walk at Lenin Street abundant in former merchant houses, explore Soviet Square and admire the beautiful Odigitria Cathedral.
After the tour you have a break for lunch (lunch is not included) and take a transfer to the train station. At the station you board a train running to Khabarovsk.
Breakfast and one meal onboard are included.
We carefully select hotels to ensure amazing stay and experience for you.
You have to agree, it's impossible to think of a perfect vacation without a top-notch hotel where you can relax after a long day of exploring the city. And there is no better place to unwind than a high-end 5-star hotel, providing flawless service, a wide choice of in-house facilities to take advantage of, and ample bedrooms, fitted with everything you might need for a great stay.
Hop onboard the train and start your scenic journey from Ulan-Ude to Ulan Bator! The route traverses some truly picturesque locations and cities for you to admire.
Ulan Bator is an off-the-beaten-path city full of treasures waiting to be discovered, and anyone who is looking for a travel destination with a unique culture and unparalleled atmosphere should put the city on a travel bucket list.
Today you arrive in the capital of Mongolia - Ulan Bator. Upon arrival, you meet your private guide who takes you on a wonderful tour around the most famous city attractions.
During the tour, you see a central Sukhabaatar Square with the monument to Genghis Khan and visit the legendary Gandan Monastery that is considered the most important center for Buddhist learning in all of Mongolia.
Then you take a trip to the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park where you have the chance to visit a traditional ger (yurt), meet a nomadic family, enjoy the beautiful sceneries of wild Mongolia and try your hand at horse-riding.
- Optional tours: Visit to the National Museum or visit to the Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum.
After the tour, you return on board your train and continue traveling.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
After breakfast, you check out from your hotel and enjoy a bus trip to the yurt camp located at the amazing Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.
Today you have the unique chance to meet a nomad family in their traditional yurt and learn more about their culture, lifestyle, and traditions. After lunch you enjoy a specially arranged Mongolian horseback riding show, that takes you back to the days of the Mongolian Horde, demonstrating the skills that have been passed from fathers to children since time immemorial.
After the tour, you return on board your train and continue traveling.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Today you arrive in Erlian - the border town between Mongolia and China. Here you say farewell to your luxurious Tsar’s Gold train and board a traditional Chinese train that takes you to Beijing.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
We carefully select hotels to ensure amazing stay and experience for you.
You have to agree, it's impossible to think of a perfect vacation without a top-notch hotel where you can relax after a long day of exploring the city. And there is no better place to unwind than a high-end 5-star hotel, providing flawless service, a wide choice of in-house facilities to take advantage of, and ample bedrooms, fitted with everything you might need for a great stay.
Wave goodbye to the lavish Tsar’s Gold train and continue your journey onboard another train taking you to exceptional Beijing. Upon arrival, you embark on a sightseeing tour around the city and numerous renowned landmarks, as well as getting acquainted with the local culture.
Boasting a 3000-year history and one-of-a-kind culture, breathtaking Beijing is one of the most remarkable places in the world, bursting with incredible sights, amazing landscapes, and various things to spice up your trip with.
After observing impressive scenes of Chinese rural life, parts of the Great Wall of China and magnificent river valleys where fields are still cultivated and harvested by hand, you finally arrive in the capital of China - Beijing!
Upon arrival, your driver meets you at the railway station and takes you to your centrally located hotel for overnight. The rest of the day is free.
Breakfast and lunch are included.
After breakfast, you meet your guide and go on an amazing sightseeing tour around the most renowned Beijing landmarks.
You start with a visit to the legendary Tiananmen Square, where the mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the National Museum of China, the House of People's Meetings and the monument to the National Heroes are located.
Then you enjoy a guided walking tour through the former residence of the Ming and Qing dynasties - the Forbidden City. You explore its numerous awe-inspiring halls and mysterious temples.
Following lunch, you visit the fantastic ensemble of lakes, gardens and imperial buildings - the Summer Palace, and take a walk at the famous Silk Store, where you can buy some traditional Chinese souvenirs and various silk products.
After the tour, you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.
Breakfast and lunch are included.
Today you visit the real icon of the country - the Great Wall of China. After exploring this majestic man-made miracle of world's architecture you proceed to the famous Ming Tombs - the burial site of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors. After the tour, you return to Beijing and have the rest of the day free. In the evening you enjoy dinner with traditional Beijing duck at one of the downtown restaurants.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
This is the final day of your fantastic Tsar's Gold train tour! Following breakfast, you check out from your hotel and your driver transfers you to the airport for your flight back home. We wish you a safe flight and hope to work on your future trips!
Breakfast is included.
We carefully select hotels to ensure amazing stay and experience for you.
What's included
- Accommodation in remarkable hotels in Moscow (1 night), Irkutsk (1 night), Ulan Bator (1 night) and Beijing (3 nights);
- 8 nights on board the Tsar's Gold train;
- Full Russian visa processing service for US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand citizens. Full Mongolian visa processing service for Australian and New Zealand citizens (not required for US and Canadian citizens). Full Chinese* visa processing service for USA, Australian, and New Zealand citizens. Visa support service (invitation) for customers from all other countries;
- Airport transfers with private drivers and all transportation according to the itinerary;
- Three meals daily on board the train;
- Other meals according to the itinerary;
- Vodka tasting with traditional Russian snacks;
- Rich sightseeing tours according to the itinerary with professional English-speaking guides;
- English Speaking Group Leader throughout the tour;
- Entertainment program on board, including lectures on the Trans-Siberian Railway, regional geography, culture, and history of the countries along the route;
- Doctor on board;
- Porter services at all railway stations;
- Support line during the trip.
Specials for Bolshoi guests: 2 meals to choose from for Lunch and Dinner on board the train, 1 bottle of water per person daily, 1 alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink included for meals on board the train.
Note: We include 1 vehicle for your arrival and departure transfers. If multiple vehicles are required additional transfer costs will apply.
Not included: international flights, optional tours and services, gratuities and all personal expenses, Chinese visa processing service for Canadian passport holders.
Tour Highlights
- Comfort of travelling on a private train combined with a caring tour director, exciting lectures and entertainment onboard;
- Private arrival and departure transfers;
- "City of Lights" tour in Moscow showing the magnificent illumination of this Eurasian metropolis;
- A taste of Russian hospitality during welcome 'Bread and Salt' ceremony in Novosibirsk - the capital of Siberia;
- Grandeur and beauty of the famous lake Baikal, that you have a chance to witness and enjoy a picniс on its shores;
- Insight into Mongolian culture during a performance of traditional folk arts;
- A chance to visit one of the "New" Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Wall of China.
What To Know
- You should bring a few hundred dollars with you on the trip to pay for food as trains do not have ATM machines
- Usual tip size in restaurants is 10% of the check. Recommended tips for guides and drivers is $8-12 per day for a great level of service
- Eurasian climate is unpredictable and weather can be quite harsh even during summers
