12-day, 11-night itinerary
Explore Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway
Traverse Russia’s wild, vast tundra on a Trans-Siberian Railway tour. Roll along some of Russia’s most iconic cities and interesting, historic locales — all while enjoying stunning scenery and frozen landscapes from the comfort of the train. Enjoy remarkable city tours, history, architecture, arts and culture along one of the last epic rail journeys.
As the longest train journey in the world, get the most of your trip with a 12-day tour, including stops in Moscow, Irkutsk and Vladivostok.
Itinerary
Day 1-2 Explore Moscow
Day 3-5 Depart Moscow for Irkutsk, explore Vladimir, pass through Siberia to Novosibirsk for a break before heading to Krasnoyarsk
Day 6-7 Arrive in Irkutsk, explore Lake Baikal and take a city tour
Day 8-10 Depart Irkutsk for Khabarovsk, then Vladivostok
Day 11 Arrive at Vladivostok, explore the Pacific Coast
Day 12 Check-out, explore city on your own time before flying home!
Highlights of the trip
- Explore the capital city of Moscow
- Delve into the heart of Siberia in Irkutsk
- Take in the views of Lake Baikal
- Visit Vladivostok
Day 1-2
Begin in Moscow, the Russian Federation’s capital and largest city. Home to more than 10 million citizens, Moscow’s vast population is almost as grand as its history, dating back to medieval times. Explore the city’s unique architecture, including the Kremlin and Red Square; giant skyscrapers; and modern advances thanks to a recent economic boom. Rest overnight, enjoy breakfast at the hotel and head back out in the city — there is so much to see and do, you’re going to want to maximize your time before departing by rail for Irkutsk.
© Marsia16 | Dreamstime.com
Day 3-5
Look out your window for 11th–13th-century views before stopping in Vladimir, a Golden Ring city, boasting incredible history and gold-domed churches. Back onboard, head to Nizhny Novgorod’s Volga River location before passing the Vyatka River at night. By morning, the train will stop in Perm, a notable city for Russian ballet and literature. Head on a six-hour stretch to Yekaterinburg for a break before passing through Siberia, visiting Novosibirsk, Tyumen and Omsk before crossing the Ob River for Novosibirsk. Enjoy stunning vistas with a full day riding the rails, passing the Kam, Chuna, Lya, Oka and Angara rivers, before a stop in Krasnoyarsk.
© Maksershov | Dreamstime.com
Day 6
Arriving in Irkutsk, visit Lake Baikal, the largest body of fresh water in the world. Take in the view from the Cherskiy Peak observation point, visit the Limnological Museum for more natural beauty and spot wildlife at the aquarium, before paying a visit to St. Nicolas the Miracle-Worker Orthodox Church.
© Alexei Kolganov | Dreamstime.com
Day 7
Explore Irkutsk for the day, visiting the Cathedral of the Holy Sign (Znamensky Cathedral), the graves of the Decembrists and the Museum of the Decembrists — Russian aristocracy banished to Siberia after attempting to overthrow the Russian Tsar in 1825. Needless to say, there is more history and intriguing stops than you’ll know what to do with in this city.
© Saiko3p | Dreamstime.com
Day 8-10
Leave Irkutsk for Khabarovsk — get comfortable, it’s a long, scenic ride. Expect seemingly unending views of Siberian taiga (snow forests), rivers, lakes and vast natural beauty. After a pause for a quick break, head to Vladivostok, known as the Lord of the East.
© Rich1974 | Dreamstime.com
Day 11
Arrive in Vladivostok, a Pacific Coast city and one of the largest ports in Russia. At the head of the Golden Horn Bay, near the Chinese and North Korea border, the city is home to the Russian Pacific Fleet and so much naval history.
© Natalia Volkova | Dreamstime.com
Day 12
Tour the city on your free time and explore at your own pace before heading to the airport for your flight home!
© Aleksei Nikolaev | Dreamstime.com
