Trans-Siberian by Private Train (Eastbound)

DAY 1 – MOSCOW BY NIGHT

Moscow, one of the most vivid, dynamic and richly-historic cities on Earth. After a welcoming dinner, you experience the opulence and color of Moscow at night on a tour that includes the almost dream-like Red Square and famously palatial subway stations.

Relax after your urban adventure in your central and comfortable top-range hotel.

Overnight: InterContinental Tverskaya (or similar). Meals included: dinner (D).

DAY 2 – MOSCOW BY DAY

Wake up to morning in cosmopolitan Moscow.

Visit the otherworldly Kremlin and experience the magnificent interiors of its glorious cathedrals.

See the surreal and candy-cane Russian masterpieces of St. Basil’s Cathedral and Novodevichy Convent.

You visit the lovingly reconstructed Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and pass by the notorious former KGB headquarters, the imposing architecture of the Soviet-era White House and Lomonossov University, before bidding farewell to this bold and charismatic city.

Towards the evening, your train departs from the Kazan Station.

Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast (B), lunch (L) and dinner (D).

DAY 3 – KAZAN

Today is dedicated to the picturesque and historic Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, on the banks of the Volga.

Tour the city’s traditional Russian architecture and take in the fascinating stories of the local Kremlin. You learn about the wild and bloody relations that played out between the Tatars, Cossacks and Russians, exactly where you’re standing.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 4 – YEKATERINBURG

Yekaterinburg is the capital of the ancient Ural Mountain range. Its position on the Asian-European border makes for a city of fascinating influences and combined cultures. You visit the painstakingly-preserved city center and fairy-tale-like Church on Blood, which commemorates the site where the Romanovs, Russia’s last Tsar dynasty, were shot by revolutionists.

Your train leaves Europe into Asia.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 5 – NOVOSIBIRSK AND HOSPITALITY

In Russia, the word bread is associated with hospitality, and salt with friendship. In the city of Novosibirsk, you’re welcomed warmly with bread and salt in this tradition.

You arrive in Siberia’s biggest city at noon and take a tour that includes the majestic river Ob.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 6 – SIBERIA

A day of once-in-a-lifetime views enjoyed from the comfort of your private train.

Mountains of forest and mist in the sunlight. Rivers crashing along jagged rocky banks. Huge, imposing skies, shifting in rhythm with the tracks. Living art, in real time on your Trans-Siberian railroad tour.

Entertaining lectures on local customs and culture double as social get-togethers between newfound friends, complete with Russian canapés and hospitality.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 7 – IRKUTSK

You’ve arrived in popular and historic Irkutsk. Travel light again and leave your luggage securely in your private train.

Tour the city’s colorful market, theater and two-manor site of the Irkutsk local history museum, before enjoying a relaxed dinner in the evening.

Overnight: Hotel Irkutsk (or similar). (BLD)

DAY 8 – LAKE BAIKAL

A day dedicated entirely to enjoying the blissful Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world. The clear, deep, aquamarine and green waters glitter in the sun. The mountains are mirrored in the lake like glass, a near-endless stillness.

You arrive directly at Port Baikal by boat. There are plenty of opportunities to capture some perfect shots as you travel the Circum-Baikal Railroad. Relax, take a dip and explore the scenery or picturesque villages. On warm nights, dinner is served as a picnic on the elegant shores of this unspoiled lake, the perfect end to a most relaxing day.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 9 – ULAN-UDE

Today, your private train is journeying along the green and picturesque valley of the Selenga River. Soon you arrive in Ulan-Ude, the bustling and friendly capital of the Republic of Buryatia, Russia, and enjoy a guided tour through the city.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 10 – ULAN BATOR

It’s morning and the vibrant Mongolian capital, Ulan Bator, awaits. Travel light and leave your luggage securely on your private Trans-Siberian train.

You visit the meticulously-restored Buddhist Gandan Monastery and jewel-like Choijin Lama Temple. Enjoy evening performances of dynamic and captivating traditional Mongolian music (optional).

Overnight: Ramada Hotel (or similar) in Ulan Bator. Upon request: overnight in a yurt in the Mongolian Alps. (BLD)

DAY 11 – THE MONGOLIAN ALPS

Today you experience the stunning natural beauty of the Mongolian Alps. Picnicking in a yurt in the beautiful outdoors is the perfect way to dine. Try the local specialty of Khorhog, a Mongolian barbecued lamb dish, cooked in a traditional metal milk jug. Those feeling brave can also sample Kumys, a drink made of fermented mare’s milk and known as the beer of the nomads.

Performances offer insight into the horsemanship so central to Mongolian culture, as does a traditional wrestling match and archery display.

In the evening, your private train travels onward to the Chinese border.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 12 – THE GOBI DESERT

Around noon you arrive at the border, where you switch to your Chinese private train.

But first experience Erlian, the authentic border market town trading in your heart’s desires at old world prices. Then sit back, as you travel through dramatic expanses of stunning Gobi Desert.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 13 – BEIJING

You’ve arrived in Beijing, the thriving capital of one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating civilizations. Settle into your first class hotel and freshen up before having the afternoon and evening free.

Overnight: Capital Hotel (or similar). (BL)

DAY 14 – TEMPLE OF HEAVEN AND THE FORBIDDEN CITY

Beautiful Beijing. Your friendly, knowledgeable guides have stunning sights to show you, from the Temple of Heaven, the medieval masterpiece of architecture and landscape design, to the still infamous Tiananmen Square.

In the afternoon, explore the home of twenty-four emperors that required over a million workers to build—the Forbidden City is one of most renowned palaces on Earth. For centuries, the glorious, ancient halls and temples were all but inaccessible.

Overnight: Capital Hotel (or similar). (BL)

DAY 15 – THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA AND MING TOMBS

A day filled with beauty and awe. Today you experience the Great Wall of China, the world’s largest piece of ancient architecture, and see its legendary scenery up close.

You also stop at the equally iconic, and UNESCO World Heritage site, Ming Tombs and see the exquisite Sacred Way necropolis.

In the evening, share stories over a feast of Peking Duck at one of China’s impressive themed restaurants.

An unforgettable day.

Overnight: Capital Hotel (or similar). (BLD)

DAY 16 – FAREWELL CHINA

Finally, transfer for your flight back home and the chance to reflect.

You’ve explored Russia to China by train. Here’s to life-changing journeys. What an incredible adventure it’s been. (B)

Highlights of the Journey

• The Great Wall of China, Beijing’s Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven.

• Outstanding Natural Beauty: Overnight stay in a traditional yurt in the Mongolian Alps on request.

• The cities of Ulan Bator, Ulan Ude, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, and Kazan.

• Open-air museum in Irkutsk and the Mongolian Alps.

• Moscow, one of the greatest cities on Earth. Russia’s proud capital, complete with tours of its world-famous icons and cathedrals, including the Kremlin grounds and Red Square.