A new concept for 2014, experience the iconic Trans-Siberian railway on board a private train which travels attached to selected long distance overnight express trains.  The schedule is designed for you to make the best possible use of your time both on and off the train. This train will comprise of 3-4 sleeping cars and a private restaurant car exclusively for the guests of the Pacific Trans-Siberian Express.  Forget about any hassle of packing and unpacking every day. Your cabin is your “home on wheels” and this will be your “home on wheels” for the train element of the trip.

Map

The Journey

DAY 01 – Arrival in Vladivostok

S Priezdom! Welcome to Vladivostok!” Your tour guide will welcome you at the airport and accompany you to the hotel.  There will be time to relax before this evening’s dinner. 

DAY 02 – Departing Vladivostok

 Vladivostok is situated on what is called Golden Horn Bay by the Sea of Japan. A city sightseeing tour acquaints you with this sea port. Vladivostok is also a major military port and was a “closed city” during Soviet times.  This evening transfer to the station for the start of your 9,258 km journey to Moscow.  The Russian train crew welcomes you on board this private trip. The five bespoke carriages, including the dining car, are attached to standard Russian Rolling stock and this will be your “home on wheels” for the train element of the trip. This area is totally exclusive to your small group maximum size 45. Welcome dinner served on-board this evening.

DAY 03 – Arrival Khabarovsk

Early morning arrival in Khabarovsk, the second largest city of the Russian Far East.  This afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on the mighty Amur River.  

DAY 04 – Khabarovsk

This morning the train departs Khabarovsk and is following the Shilka and Amur Rivers, which are located close to the Chinese border. A relaxed day on-board with lots of time to watch the scenery or join one of the on-board lectures.  

DAY 05 – On board

Full day on-board the train. While enjoying the scenery of Russia’s Far East, you are invited to join one of the lectures being held by your tour escort. You will get a deep insight into history, geography, culture and daily life in Russia. You also have the opportunity to learn some basics of the Russian language. 

DAY 06 – Irkutsk

Almost a full day on-board. Today’s journey crosses a mountain range located between Irkutsk and Lake Baikal. Take advantage of the fantastic photo opportunities as you pass through this beautiful area, which is also a Unesco World Heritage site. For several hours the main line now circumnavigates the shore of Lake Baikal.  Late afternoon arrival in Irkutsk. 

DAY 07 – Lake Baikal

today one of the highlights of the tour; Lake Baikal. This is the largest and deepest fresh water lake in the world and stretches up to 26 miles from east to west and more than 370 miles from north to south with a depth of 1,620 meters. A one hour coach drive brings you to Listvyanka, a small village, situated on the shore of Lake Baikal. A walking tour through the village shows you typical Siberian village life. The legend says after bathing in Lake Baikal your life will become longer. Then Siberian lunch is provided where you can taste the famous Omul fish, the indigenous fish of the lake. This evening return to the hotel in Irkutsk. 

DAY 08 – Irkutsk

Irkutsk is the capital of Eastern Siberia. The city is famous for its trade with Mongolia and China and formally called ”Paris of Siberia”. Today you will visit some of the cities quarters still consisting of wooden houses.  The cultural highlight of the tour is a private classical concert held at the home of former Duke Volkonsky.   A private classical concert that you would never expect in such a remote place.  This evening the train departs for Krasnoyarsk.

DAY 09 – Krasnoyarsk

Arrival to Krasnoyarsk, formerly a “closed city” during Soviet times. The city is located along the Yenissei River which is the greatest river system flowing to the Arctic Ocean. Today’s sightseeing tour takes you to viewpoints offering marvellous views over the city.

DAY 10 – Novosibirsk

Morning arrival in Novosibirsk, with 1.5 million inhabitants this is Russia’s third largest city and the biggest in Siberia, Novosibirsk is regarded as the centre of Siberia. It was founded in 1893 as the future site of the Trans- Siberian railway bridge crossing the Siberian River Ob.  Today’s city tour includes a visit to the Opera House, which is the largest in Russia and situated in Lenin Square. You will also have the opportunity to see some remarkable orthodox churches which survived the Soviet period. The Trans -Siberian open Air Railway Museum situated on the outskirts of the city shows the most remarkable steam locomotives and historic passenger cars, which represent the development of the Trans- Siberian Railway.   

DAY 11 – Novosibirsk

DAY 12 – Ekaterinburg

Today almost a full day travelling through the steppes of Western Siberia towards the Ural Mountains, which divide Europe and Asia. Watching the scenery pass by the window of your compartment, you will find amazing photo opportunities.  Evening arrival in Ekaterinburg, which was named in honour of Tsar Peter`s wife Catherine (Yekaterina) in the year 1723. 

DAY 13 – Ekaterinburg

Today’s extensive sightseeing tour shows historical sites in memory of the last Russian Tsar, Nicholas ll and his family including the “Cathedral on the spilled Blood” which was constructed where the Tsar and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918. You will visit also Ganina Yama, the mine shaft where they were thrown after the execution. This is one of Russia’s new holy places where you will visit the seven chapels, one in memory of each member of the last royal family.  Shortly after departure the train passes the geographical border between Asia and Europe at milepost 1777, which is marked by an obelisk south of the line. From now on you are in Europe! The private train departs for the last leg of its transcontinental journey. 

DAY 14 – Arrival to Moscow

After almost 9,300 km of traveling from Vladivostok, crossing from Asia into Europe the train arrives into Moscow late afternoon. 

DAY 15 –  Moscow

A full day city sightseeing which includes the magnificent Red Square and the grounds of the world famous Kremlin. Other highlights of today’s excursion include the Bolshoi Theatre and Sparrow Hills.  The Moscow you will see today will make you forget the old stories of Russia being grey and dark.  Moscow is now a vibrant city, comparable to Paris or Rome and full of life.  A farewell dinner will be held in one of Moscow’s famous restaurants.

DAY 16 – Journey Ends

This unique and unforgettable experience comes to an end and you start your return journey home.  Transfers to the airport are provide by our service team to connect with your flight departing Vladivostok.