A rail route that covers a third of world
The Trans-Siberian rail route is a well-known and historical one, and certainly one of the best ways to experience the vast landscape of Russia. Crossing volumes of diverse terrain, the trip makes for beautiful and scenic views, which often prove to romanticise the journey. You can start your trip in Moscow, home to the historic Bolshoi Ballet, one of the oldest and greatest ballet and opera companies of the world. The Bolshoi Theatre has been the site of many historic premieres including some of Tchaikovsky’s works.
The 5,752-mile voyage ends in the Pacific port of Vladivostok and along the way you can expect to capture scenes of the magnificent Russian steppe and tick a few things off your list of geographic must-sees. Views that are up for grabs include the Barguzin mountains and the Volga, the longest river in Europe. It also offers the opportunity to travel along the shores of the “Pearl of Siberia”, Lake Baikal, which is the world’s largest freshwater lake by volume.
A feast for culture vultures – with a luxurious option included
Russia is most definitely not devoid of the things that get culture vultures excited and the sights, sounds and smells begin as soon as you’re on board. If and where you decide to stop off along the way determines the length of your trip, but the journey itself lasts six days, whether it be to the sound of the Russian balalaika, or the scent of hot Russian black tea.
Having researched an option for a couple who were after a bit of luxury and decadence (those who tend to prefer first class travel rather than “slumming it”!) there is of course the option of travelling on the “Golden Eagle”. The private train underwent a refit of £22 million and is the Trans-Siberian Express’s answer to the also romanticised Orient Express. Bona fide authenticity meets what is claimed as optimum comfort, with features such as underfloor bathroom heating.
With soft pillows at night and being greeted in the mornings with porridge, jam and coffee in silver-leaf glasses on cream linen, the Eagle aims to provide luxury without denying passengers the authentic views of the voyage. The “Winter Wonderland” trip also allows explorers to experience the splendour of landscapes in Dr Zhivago.
You can expect the route to leisurely take you on a journey that lasts up to 15 days, where you’re given the opportunity to stop off in Russia’s vibrant capital as well as glide through the Ural mountains and experience the sights of Siberian tundra.
Architecture
For those interested in the architecture and places of worship, past Baikal you travel into Ulan Ude. It is the capital city of the Republic of Buryatia and the focal point of Russian Buddhism, offering the opportunity to see some beautiful temples. The city’s rich architecture was closed to foreigners until 1991, where buildings like old merchant’s mansions with decorative wood carvings which exemplify Russian classicism can now be showcased.
It is also home to one of the largest ethnographic museums in Russia, covering an area of 37 hectares. The museum’s collection of architectural monuments exceeds 40 and there are over 11,000 exhibits. The final leg of your journey dips into Mongolia, back into frosty Siberia to the Sea of Japan.
By the time you arrive in Vladivostok, you will have passed through eight time zones and travelled a third of the world. When it comes to romance-filled trips, this is hard to beat!
[Photo by mikeemesser]