Tibet may have the highest, and Australia and Switzerland the steepest, but Russia most certainly takes the prize when it comes to sheer depth of history and legend in a train trip. Embark on a beautiful winter adventure on the great Trans-Siberian Railway, one of the great journeys of modern times. Travelling in winter adds a dramatic dimension to Russia’s vast landscapes, as Lake Baikal shimmers with a deep speckled blue, the wooden Romanov monasteries outside Yekaterinburg take on a sombre, snowy profile, and the time-capsule scenes of the Old Believers village near Ulan Ude are given a fairy-tale dusting. With the must-see historical sites of Moscow revealed before you set off, and the spirit of the new year alive throughout, this Tran-Siberian itinerary pulls out all the stops for an unforgettable expedition.Highlights
Experience one of the most legendary bucket-list journeys ever in the magic of the Russian winter
A sobering but essential excursion to the Romanov family resting place shines light on one of the Russian Revolution’s major tragedies
Encounter a way of life that has changed little since the 18th century on a visit to the Old Believers Village near Ulan Ude
Lake Baikal is astounding at any time of year, but in winter it’s next-level. Marvel at its sheer size (like sea) and enjoy the tranquility of the lake under winter sunshine.
Russia is one of the best places in which to celebrate New Year’s Eve. With our hosting family at lake Baikal, get into the spirit of things and toast the old year with a shot of vodka and the new one with a glass of champagne
- You will visit the following places:
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Vladivostok
Vladivostok is a major Pacific port city in Russia. Some travellers arrive here at the end or the beginning of a trip on the Trans-Siberian. But it has enough attractions and atmosphere to support a couple of days. The city held the APEC summit in September, 2012 and is under huge renovations and construction now.
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Moscow
Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the world. A global city, Moscow is the most populous city on the continent of Europe and the seventh largest city proper in the world. Its population, as of 1 January 2010, is 10,563,038. For many, the sight of the Kremlin complex in the centre of the city is still loaded with symbolism and history. It was the capital of the former Soviet Union and signs of its previous life are very visible even now. Yet, there's more to Russia and its capital than just memories of the USSR.