Eastern Trans-Siberian: Lake Baikal to Vladivostok

Start your journey in Listvyanka, a short distance from the famous glittering waters of Lake Baikal. Stand in front of the famous Shaman Rock, tuck into a local fish lunch, pay a visit to the Museum of Lake Baikal (known for its aquarium of lacustrine flora and fauna) and immerse yourself in a "video excursion" to the bottom to discover the mysteries of the world's oldest and deepest lake. Once you reach the shore there are some fantastic photography opportunities, as there are when you browse the colorful selection of wares at the fish market and enjoy a boat trip on the lake's serene waters. Take a chair-lift up to the Stone of Chersky observation point for the most breathtaking panorama of Baikal and the source of the Angara River. After an action-packed first day, unwind at your hotel in Irkutsk.

In the morning, you'll hop aboard another vessel for a boat trip around Baikal, then visit the Taltsy Museum to learn about traditional Siberian "izba" houses, which date back to 18th and 19th centuries and are noted for their charming wooden architecture. The museum was opened in the early 1980s to save the collection of houses from the encroaching waters of Bratsk Reservoir. 

Returning to Irkutsk after an eventful morning, take a leisurely lunch and continue your explorations with a city tour of major historical sites, such as the Znamensky Orthodox Cathedral, old-style log houses with distinctive hand-carved trims, the Monument to the Pioneers of Siberia topped with the bronze statue of Russian Emperor Alexander III, and the Decembrists’ Museum, which is devoted to the unsuccessful revolt of December 14, 1825, its participants, and their subsequent life in Siberian exile.

After dinner, transfer to the railway station to board the night train to Ulan-Ude.

Arriving in the early hours into Ulan-Ude, your first stop is the Buddhist temple of Ivolginsky Datsan, where lamas (monks) reside and receive visitors. Established in 1945, this is the residence of Pandito Khambo Lama, the Head of Russian Buddhists, and the complex has an impressive collection of Buryat art, such as thangkas, sculptures and ritual objects.Next, you'll meander along the M55, considered to be one of the most picturesque highways in the country. Your next stop is the Old Believers’ village of Tarbagatai, where you will join a local family in their traditional log house for a quintessential lunch. The UNESCO-recognized Old Believers of Buryatia are a colorful branch of Orthodox Russians who were exiled in Siberia in the 16th century. They are known for their unique folk games, polyphonic singing and hearty food.

Returning to Ulan-Ude, the capital of the Republic of Buryatia, learn about the complex history of the city, which has roots extending back hundreds of years to the Hunnic Empire. A more modern and unmissable feature of the city is the giant monument of Vladimir Lenin's head - a bizarre example of Soviet Art. Optional: Accept an invitation to dine with an English-speaking Buryat family this evening, where you can learn how to make (rather boozy) Buryat meat dumplings.

After spending the morning at leisure, depart Ulan-Ude for Khabarovsk in the afternoon via the fast train - a journey that takes two days, two hours and 11 minutes.

Spend the day and night aboard the train, watching Siberian landscapes pass by your window.

Arriving into Khabarovsk in the afternoon or evening, depending on your train time, check into your hotel and relax.

Spend the morning exploring the city of Khabarovsk, stopping at notable sights such as Muraviev-Amursky Street (the main city street), Lenin Square, Komsomolskaya Square with its Orthodox Cathedral and Regional Park, the Amur Cliff observation point, and either the Khabarovsk Regional Museum or the Amur River via a cruise.

Later in the day, venture out into the countryside to visit a dacha (summer house) in a rustic location. Tuck into a BBQ lunch, or traditional dishes if you prefer, learning about local life from the family that spends the warmer months here.

Before you head to the railway station for your overnight train to Vladivostok, refresh yourself at a banya (Russian sauna) to relieve weary muscles. 

You'll reach your end destination of Vladivostok and cast your eyes out to the Pacific Ocean early in the morning. Take a tour of the city, stopping at local landmarks such as Central Square, The Arch of Triumph, the historical Arbat Street ending by the Sea of Japan, the famous S-56 Submarine, the Museum of the Vladivostok Fortress and Russky Island with its panoramic ocean views.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transfering to the airport in plenty of time for your onward international flight back west to Moscow, or onward to Seoul, Tokyo, or Beijing.