Example Itinerary

Journey to the East: Moscow to Vladivostok on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Duration
16 days / 15 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Luxury Trains
Destinations
Siberia & Russian Far East

Please note: Due to international sanctions, we are currently unable to accept bookings for Russia.

Spanning two world continents and eight different time zones, the Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest on the globe and undoubtedly one of the most epic journeys of them all. It stretches right across Asia, connecting Moscow with the Far East, crossing through an array of awe-inspiring lands in between. Nowhere else in the world can travelers pass through vastly diverse landscapes and glistening cities within a such short space of time. It's an exhilarating way to travel across Russia's enchanting land and covers a third of the globe, passing natural wonders, including magnificent verdant steppes and the shores of Lake Baikal, also known as the Sapphire heart of Siberia. This 16-day itinerary takes you along the original Trans-Siberian route on a journey of contrasts. Starting off in the bustling city of Moscow, travel through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, stopping off at a number of developing cities en-route before your journey culminates in the traditional city of Vladivostok on Russia's Pacific coast. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Most Famous Train Journey on Earth: From the comfort of a private compartment, travelers take the Trans-Siberian Railway. This early 20th century marvel of engineering and travel is on the bucket list of travelers the world over and can be experienced at a leisurely pace with Remote Lands over 16 days.
  • Lake Baikal: The deepest lake on the planet, a Siberia must-see, and an adventure playground, Lake Baikal also offers wildlife and culture. Depending on the season, travel by dogsled and drive over the ice in a van or swim in its rich, clear waters.
  • Hotels on the Rails: Take a break from riding the Trans-Siberian railroad to see sights along the way, staying in hotels in major cities and on the shores of Siberia’s most famous lake.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Moscow

After arriving into Russia’s bustling capital city of Moscow, check into your hotel to recuperate after your flight. You will have some free time in the afternoon to walk around this intriguing city and anticipate the exciting adventure that lies ahead before a good night's rest at the hotel.

Hotel Options
About

Well placed just five minutes from Moscow’s famous Red Square and popular shopping areas, this five-star hotel belongs to an international brand that guests can trust. Renovated only in 2012, the range of 206 rooms and suites here come warmly decorated and elegantly designed, many offering splendid city views.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Actually a modern-day replica of Moscow’s classic Hotel Moskva which first opened in 1935, this five-star hotel provides a range of luxurious rooms and suites, numerous dining and entertainment options, not forgetting a first-class spa and spacious indoor swimming pool. The total of 180 rooms here comprise 139 guest rooms, 39 suites, one Presidential Suite and a final Royal Suite reserved only for the very wealthy.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Moscow

Start the day with an early morning breakfast before commencing a cultural tour of the city. Your guide will take you past Moscow’s most spectacular sights, including the stunning Novodevichy Convent and the beautiful Kremlin with its glistening roof. The tour will take approximately eight hours and you will have the opportunity to look around the Kremlin and Armory, one of Moscow’s oldest museums, before returning to your hotel for the night.

Moscow
Moscow

Day 3

Moscow

Awakening in the luxurious surrounds of your hotel, enjoy some time to explore the elegant Kremlin and Red Square at your leisure. After some time to marvel at the crimson buildings of Russia’s most distinctive and culturally important landmarks surrounding the square, a transfer will take you to the station where you will jump aboard your train to ride the Trans-Siberian Railway towards Yekaterinburg.

Day 4

Yekaterinburg

Today is reserved for relaxing in the train and enjoying remarkable Russian scenes as they pass by your window. The cabins are well-appointed and possess all the amenities necessary for a more than comfortable ride between stations. The train gets into Yekaterinburg in the evening. After dinner, check into your hotel.

Hotel Options
About

The Atrium Palace building, home to one of the city’s financial centers and an impressive solarium, is also home to a first-class hotel with over 130 rooms. Whether you opt to stay in one of the double or twin rooms here, you’ll be guaranteed comfort and convenience with free WiFi access, air conditioning, cable TV and spacious en-suite bathrooms which come with plenty of facilities and toiletries.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Located in the city center, the huge range of 293 smoke-free rooms come well-appointed with large comfy beds, cable TV, air conditioning, spacious en suite bathrooms and a separate seating areas. Yekaterinburg’s Hyatt Regency boasts no less than two restaurants and three different bars for guests to relax in, and there’s also an impressive indoor swimming pool, health club, 24-hour reception desk and spa.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 5

Yekaterinburg

Begin the day with a city tour, where your guide will take you around the town’s modern side, followed by a trip to its main historical attractions, including the Historical Square and the traditional merchant houses of the “gold rush” era. From here, it’s on to the majestic Memorial Cathedral, a complex of six wooden churches surrounded by a centuries-old pine forest. Then, onto the European and Asian border, where an obelisk marks the two joints of the world, with a stop at a memorial along the way that pays tribute to victims under Stalin’s rule. Enjoy some free time before boarding the train in the evening for Novosibirsk.

Yekaterinburg
Yekaterinburg

Day 6

Novosibirsk

Reflect on the sights of the previous day while relaxing in the comfort of your cabin. The train is also a great place to meet fellow travelers and share the experiences of your journey. In the evening, the train will arrive into Novosibirsk station, the largest on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Enjoy dinner in the city, or take a trip out to the countryside to diner with a local family (optional).

Hotel Options
About

This luxurious five-star hotel was only opened in 2014, and now stands as one of the top places to stay in the central Russian city of Novosibirsk. Marriott really is a global name you can trust, and this Novosibirsk branch is no exception; expect a great location, stylish and spacious rooms and a whole host of onsite facilities and amenities.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 7

Novosibirsk

Start your day with an excursion to the scientific city of Akademgorodok, featuring the famous Geology Museum, Open-Air Museum and the artificial Ob reservoir. Then, return to the city for lunch before embarking on a tour of Novosibirsk's main attractions, including the railway station, the magnificent Ascension Cathedral, Lenin Square and a visit to the Local Lore Museum or a boat trip down the Ob river. Enjoy some free time to explore Novosibirsk before boarding the train in the evening onward to Irkutsk, a long journey.

Day 8

Novosibirsk

Spend the day unwinding on the train and enjoying the Trans-Siberian experience while watching the world pass by. The scenery from Novosibirsk and Irkutsk changes dramatically and rapidly. Tonight, enjoy a surreal night on the train, where the gentle to-and-fro motion will send you into a tranquil sleep.

Novosibirsk
Novosibirsk

Day 9

Listvyanka

Arriving in the Siberian town of Irkutsk in the morning, you'll re-energize with breakfast with your guide before heading to the stunning Lake Baikal. En route, you will visit the open-air museum of wooden architecture Taltsy, which is dedicated to preserving historic houses that were at risk of sinking into the Bratsk reservoir. Arriving into the village of Listvyanka, you'll enjoy a fish lunch, visit the Museum of Lake Baikal, then take a boat trip across the water. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, unwinding at your hotel or taking a walking tour of the surroundings.

Hotel Options
About

Situated on the picturesque shoreline of Lake Baikal and lying in the shadow of the legendary Shaman Stone, this modern hotel really is one of the most impressive places to stay in Listvyanka. The hotel is also near the Angara River affluence, which is rich in fresh air, green pine trees, and secluded shorelines along the perimeter of the lake.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 10

Irkutsk

Returning to Irkutsk, you'll take a city tour of the main attractions and historic sites including the Znamensky Orthodox Cathedral, the Monument to the Pioneers of Siberia and the Decembrists' Museum, which details the Revolt of December 14, 1825. You'll overnight in Irkutsk, ready for your morning train the next day.

Hotel Options
About

Irkutsk is a city full of aging and rundown hotels, but thankfully the recent opening of Courtyard by Marriott addressed this problem, offering modern and comfortable rooms alongside a range of facilities and amenities. Heralded as the best hotel in the city, this three-star hotel has a globally-recognized name that all travelers can trust.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Irkutsk
Irkutsk

Day 11

Irkutsk

First thing this morning, transfer to the railway station in Irkutsk for the onward journey to Khabarovsk. The train departs early and you will have the day on the train to reflect on your journey with the fellow passengers, before spending the night in the comfort of your cabin.

Day 12

Irkutsk

Take this day to refuel and become submerged in the sights along the Trans-Siberian Railway. Uninterrupted scenes of unspoilt landscapes will become a common trend as you take time to relax and enjoy the experience. Relive the journey as it was done the first time in 1916 before retiring for another peaceful evening in your cabin.

Day 13

Khabarovsk

Upon arrival to the picturesque city of Khabarovsk, you'll enjoy dinner before transfering to your hotel for a welcome break from the train journey. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure, recuperating in the hotel or exploring the city, where pretty Tsar-era buildings and scenic walkways lined with multi-colored tiles and sculptures make for a charming end to the day.

Hotel Options
About

This prominent Khabarovsk hotel really impresses on two fronts; firstly, it is housed inside an delightful 19th-century Russian mansion, and the much of the original architecture and design features remain today. Secondly, Parus Hotel’s location is nothing short of superb, enjoying a picturesque spot on the banks of the Amur River and surrounded by nature.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Khabarovsk
Khabarovsk

Day 14

Khabarovsk

After breakfast, enoy a full day city tour with lunch, which covers all the town’s highlights. One of these highlights is the Khabarovsk Regional Museum, which provides insights into the city’s history and local traditions. Later, you'll take an early dinner, then jump aboard the train to head towards the final stop at Vladivostok.

Day 15

Vladivostok

Pulling into Vladivostok station early in the morning, you will have the full day to enjoy the sights in the city. Discover its hidden gems with an introductory tour, featuring the Central Square, S-56 Submarine, Triumph Arc, Vladivostok Fortress, Fokin Street walk and a viewpoint with stunning panoramic views over the iconic Summit 2012 buildings and the new bridge over Gold Horn Bay. After lunch, you will have some time to yourself to enjoy the city’s sights before heading to your hotel for your final night in Russia.

Hotel Options
About

Modern in design and wonderfully located on the shores of the Amur Bay in Vladivostok, this four-star stay is one of the most convenient hotels in the city, both for business and leisure guests. Azimut Hotel Vladivostok offers a choice of standard double, standard twin, deluxe or suite rooms, and guests can choose between a city or sea view.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 16

Departure

As your exciting journey comes to an end, check out of your charming city hotel and transfer to the airport to catch your plane back to the enticing capital city of Moscow or next destination.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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