Itinerary

After your flight touches down in Moscow, you'll meet a representative holding a Go Russia sign who will drive you to your hotel for an overnight stay.

On the agenda today is a tour of the Russian capital. Accompanied by a guide, you'll begin in Lubyanka Square, which in Soviet times was the centre of operations for the KGB. Nearby is Teatralnaya Square, where you'll find the Bolshoi Theatre. Walking the back lanes and side streets of Moscow, your guide will fill you in on some of the area's rich history and stories. Together you'll stroll along Tverskaya Street, Moscow's equivalent of London's Oxford Street, with plenty of shops and restaurants to distract you. Finally, we will end up in Red Square in front of the colourful domes of St Basil's Cathedral. Nearby is Lenin's Mausoleum, a fascinating (if perhaps a little creepy) chance to see the former Russian leader in his embalmed state. You'll also have the opportunity to shop in GUM department store.

The Kremlin awaits this morning, once home to the Imperial family and now the base of the Russian president. Within its thick walls, you'll find Cathedral Square with its gleaming domes. We’ve arranged a tour of the Armoury Museum, which houses an extensive collection of treasures including Faberge eggs, ancient weaponry and the chalice of Yuri Dolgorukiy. Before you leave, we'll squeeze in a trip on the Moscow Underground. Its stations are ornately embellished with mosaics, sculptures and stained glass - you'll agree they are almost palatial in their opulence. Return to your hotel and connect with our driver who'll deliver you to the train station in good time to catch your overnight service to Yekaterinburg.

The train pulls into Yekaterinburg station late this evening. A driver will be waiting to collect you from the platform and transfer you to the hotel where you can rest.

Yekaterinburg is infamous as the place of execution of the last Russian Tsar and his family. You'll make a pilgrimage to the Memorial Cathedral on the Blood in the name of all Saints. It was built on the site of the execution and a visit is a moving experience. Our next stop is at the Ganina Pit. Here, in the orthodox monastery, the remains of the Imperial family were interred for a time. This ancient pine forest contains seven wooden churches. Pausing at the memorial to victims of Stalin's oppression, we'll continue on to the obelisk that marks the boundary between Europe and Asia. It's customary to toast the spot with a glass of champagne and we will come prepared. Then it's back to the hotel to gather up our luggage before catching a train to Siberia.

Home has been a long distance train for several days but it's time to alight and stretch our legs. Irkutsk is a characterful city in the heart of Siberia. But it's tantalisingly close to Lake Baikal and the delightful village of Listvyanka. After a short journey of 70km by road, you'll reach the shores of this great lake and have free time to explore. We'd recommend the interesting Baikal Lake Museum, the impressive St Nicolas Russian Orthodox Church and the bustle of the village's busy market where you can try omul, the local smoked fish. Whichever you choose, make time for a boat trip on the lake itself.

Today, we will backtrack to Irkutsk, stopping en route to visit the wooden architecture museum at Taltsy. Its picturesque location on the banks of the Angara River, surrounded by coniferous forest, is as captivating as the exhibits. Explore the inside of a Russian fort, step inside a shaman yurt and learn about the lifestyle of the local Buryat and Evenk people. Take in the view from the 15th century watchtower before returning to Irkutsk, dubbed the Paris of Siberia. The city has a curious mix of Parisian style stone buildings and rustic wooden cottages adorned with fretwork shutters and trims. Overnight in a hotel in Irkutsk.

It’s time to take a detour south to the welcoming nation of Mongolia. Our driver meets you at your accommodation and brings you to the train station.

Your guide will be waiting for you as your train pulls into Ulan Bator station. Hop in the car and set off for one of Mongolia’s most famous sights: a 40 metre high gleaming statue of Chinggis Khaan (also known as Genghis Khan). The great warrior sits on horseback in the countryside a short drive from the capital and is currently the largest equestrian statue anywhere in the world. It’s possible to climb to the horse’s head – the reward is a breathtaking panoramic view. From there you’ll travel to Terelj National Park, famous for its Alpine scenery littered with granite outcrops. You’ll visit Turtle Rock, one of the park’s most recognisable landforms and also hike up to Aryabal Monastery. This area is populated with nomads and you’ll find out a little about their way of life as you milk a cow and help the family make dairy products. Overnight accommodation in summer will be a traditional felt tent called a ger and a wooden lodge affording more protection from the cold in winter.

Heading back to the capital by car, you’ll enjoy a city tour of Ulan Bator this morning. Highlights include the Gandan Hiid Monastery – Mongolia’s largest – Sukhebaatar Square and the Museum of Natural History, which exhibits dinosaur remains found in the Gobi Desert and archaeological finds from the Mesozoic Era. Learn about Mongolia's rich cultural heritage from your guide before enjoying an evening at leisure.

Today, you’ll say farewell to Mongolia and transfer to the train station in Ulan Bator. The train will take you north to the Russian city of Ulan-Ude.

You’ll have free time to explore Ulan-Ude a little before you need to catch your train to Vladivostok. Check out the statue of Lenin’s head in the main square, Ploshchad Sovetov, for a selfie. Alternatively, the gilded stupas of Datsan Rinpoche Bagsha, a Buddhist temple a half hour walk north of the station, are another memorable sight. Make your way back to the train station in good time to catch the long distance sleeper to Vladivostok.

The eastern port city of Vladivostok is journey’s end. Our driver will be waiting for you at the platform; look out for a Go Russia sign. Freshen up at your hotel and head out for a city tour. Key sights include the City Fortress, the Intercession Church and the Catholic Church. But this is a maritime city, so the highlight will be a visit to the Korabelnaya Naberezhnaya (Warship Embankment). There, you’ll learn a little about the history of the Soviet fleet and how it was used during the Second World War. Also on the cards is a fascinating visit to a Soviet C-56 submarine. 

Your tour draws to a close this morning and our driver will ensure you reach the airport in good time for your flight home.