- 14 days
- 5 cities
- Private rail tour to Mongolia, Russia
This itinerary is shown for reference only and is not currently available.
Take in the adventure spirit of traveling along the world's longest railway! Start your journey from discovering the unique vibe of Mongolia, then board a comfortable train to continue to Irkutsk and the true gem of Siberia, gorgeous Lake Baikal. Passing Ekaterinburg, travel through the European part of Russia with a grand finale in unsurpassed Moscow.
Ulan Bator, Mongolia (4 days)
Ulan Bator, meaning "Red Hero," is the capital of Mongolia. With a population of around 1.2 million, it is also the largest city in the country.
Day 1: Arrival in Ulan Bator
Welcome to the gorgeous capital of Mongolia - Ulan Bator! Your driver meets you at the airport or train station and transfers you to your centrally located hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day is free so you can relax in your cozy room, dine in one of the nearby restaurants or start exploring the city center on your own.
No meals included.
Day 2: Visiting the Gandan Monastery & Trip to Gorkhi-Terelji National Park
Following breakfast you check out from your hotel, meet your guide and explore the legendary Mongolian Buddhist Gandan Monastery in Ulan Bator.
In the afternoon you arrive to the camp and enjoy traditional lunch.
Later you take the tour of the picturesque Gorkhi-Terelji National Park and visit its most popular attractions, including the famous Turtle Rock and the Aryabal Temple located on a steep hill. At the entrance to the temple’s grounds there is a long walking path leading to the set of 108 steep stairs that symbolize the elephant’s elongated trunk. You can rise up to the temple and enjoy the magnificent view of surrounding valleys.
In the afternoon you visit a nomadic family to learn more about their culture, authentic lifestyle and traditions. Later you enjoy dinner at the camp. You spend this night in a traditional Mongolian yurt.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 3: Exploring the Genghis Khan Statue & Folk Show in Ulan Bator
Following breakfast at the ger camp, you meet your guide and depart to Ulan Bator.
You stop at the banks of the Tuul River where an iconic 40-meters tall equestrian statue of Genghis Khan is located. During the tour, you explore the interiors of the statue, see a replica of Genghis Khan’s legendary golden whip and walk through the chest and neck of the statue's horse up to its head. At the top, you enjoy an excellent view of the complex area and the surrounding scenery.
After a break for lunch, you make your way to the famous Zaisan Hill which offers the best panorama of Ulan Bator and then to the cashmere factory where you learn how raw materials are being transformed into a thread and then into clothing.
In the evening you attend an amazing Mongolian folk show at the National Academic Drama Theatre (transfers are included). After the show the rest of the evening is free.
Breakfast is included.
Day 4: Ulan Bator Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast, you check out from the hotel and go on an exciting walking city tour around the most interesting attractions of Ulan Bator.
During the tour you visit the National Museum of Mongolia, one of the leading museums in the whole country and the one which is responsible for preserving Mongolian cultural heritage. You also stroll along the main streets of the city, see the Parlament house and walk through the central Sukhbaatar Square formerly known as Genghis Khan Square.
After the tour you return to the hotel for your baggage, and your driver takes you to the train station to start your rail journey.
Hotels
Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel, Ulan Bator
The luxurious Best Western Premier boasts an amazing central location, just near the State Government House, Sukhbaatar Square and National Museum of Mongolian History. The property provides elegant air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, 3 on-site restaurants, great spa and fitness facilities, and even a nightclub.
By train: Ulan Bator → Irkutsk (22 hrs 40 min)
Travel the Trans-Mongolian Railway, cross the Russian-Mongolian border and head to the marvel of Siberia, Lake Baikal. Enjoy the changing panoramas from Mongolian steppes to Russian countryside onboard a comfortable train.
Listvyanka Village, Russia (2 days)
Tucked beneath the rolling wooded hills that surround Lake Baikal, Listvyanka is a culturally rich and relaxing place.
Day 5: Arrival in Irkutsk & Transfer to Listvyanka Village
In the afternoon you arrive in Irkutsk. Upon arrival, you are transferred right to the Lake Baikal shore to check in to your hotel.
The rest of the evening free to have rest after your trip.
Day 6: Listvyanka Village Tour & Trip to Taltsy Village
Following breakfast you check out, meet your guide and driver and enjoy a tour around Listvyanka Village. During the tour you visit the Baikal Limnological Museum and Aquarium that houses an interesting display of the unique flora and fauna of the lake.
You also take a chair-lift to the nearby viewpoint to take some magnificent panoramic pictures of Baikal, view the Chersky Rock and visit the 19th century wooden St. Nicolas church and spend some time at a local fish market where you see a great variety of fish and different ways of cooking it.
Then you say "Good-bye" to Lake Baikal and take a trip to the open-air museum of wooden architecture located in Taltsy Village.
This reconstructed Siberian village consists of a number of buildings that were threatened with flooding when the Irkutsk Dam was constructed on the Angara River. All the buildings at the Taltsy museum were rescued from the rising waters and brought here to serve as models of Irkutsk regional architecture.
After the tour you are transferred to Irkutsk.
Hotels
Anastasia Hotel, Listvyanka
Set gracefully in a picturesque location near the gorgeous gem of Siberia, Lake Baikal, cozy Anastasia Hotel is a nice property to stay at.
By car: Listvyanka Village → Irkutsk (Enjoy your short car ride with a trusted driver from the petite town, standing on the shores of Lake Baikal to the heart of Siberia, Irkutsk. Along the way, you enjoy the countryside views and pass numerous beautiful riverside areas.)
Irkutsk, Russia (2 days)
Irkutsk - the former residence of exiled artists and nobles is a real architectural and cultural treat.
Day 7: Irkutsk City Tour
After breakfast you check out from your hotel and have morning at leisure. After lunch you meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby and have a guided tour around the most remarkable city's attractions.
You first walk along Angara River embankment - the most popular meeting place among the locals - to an eternal flame and the monument to explorer Yakov Pohabov, the founder of the city. You proceed to the only Catholic Cathedral in Irkutsk, the beautiful Polish Roman Church, located in the historical part of Irkutsk.
You are then driven to one of the main monasteries in Siberia - Sign Monastery also known as the Znamensky Monastery. You also explore the Kazan Church, which with its Byzantine style decorations looks like a fairy tower, and Block 130, the historical zone with many colorful wooden houses and buildings constructed in the 17th century.
After the tour you are transferred to the train station.
Day 8: On Board the Train
You spend this day on board your train enjoying fantastic scenery passing by your window.
Hotels
Marriott Courtyard Irkutsk City Center, Irkutsk
The elegant hotel Marriott Courtyard is located in the city center of Irkutsk just near the embankment. Guests are welcome to stay in modern rooms equipped with modern facilities.
By train: Irkutsk → Ekaterinburg (2 days 4 hrs)
Enjoy the adventurous ride along the Trans-Siberian railway. Spend a relaxing time onboard a regular Russian train, meet new people and get inspired by the beautiful scenery passing by your window.
Ekaterinburg, Russia (3 days)
Ekaterinburg is a key-city to endless and rich Siberia and "a window overlooking Asia". Resting in the Ural region, Ekaterinburg is a thriving city where East meets West.
Day 9: Arrival in Ekaterinburg
You spend this day on board your train enjoying fascinating scenery passing by your window.
In the evening you arrive in Ekaterinburg. Your private driver meets you at the station and transfers you to your centrally located hotel for overnight.
Breakfast box and one meal onboard are included.
Day 10: Last Days of Russian Imperial Family Tour
After breakfast you meet your guide and enjoy a guided sightseeing tour around the most remarkable city landmarks.
During the tour you take a walk through the historical city center, visit Ural Craftsman Lane where you can buy some traditional hand-made souvenirs, see the magnificent architectural ensemble of the Rastorguev - Haritonov’s House, admire at Sevastyanov House - symbol of the city, and take a trip to the famous Europe-Asia monument where you can happily experience being at two places at once putting one foot in Europe and the other in Asia.
The second part of your tour is dedicated to the last days of the Russian Imperial Family. You visit the Church on Blood built on the site of the notorious Ipatiev House, where the last Russian Emperor, Nicolas II, and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918.
The last stop for today is the first burial place of the tsar’s family - the Monastery Complex “Ganina Yama” that now consists of seven chapels - one for each member of the royal family.
After the tour you return to your hotel and have the rest of the evening free.
Day 11: On Board the Train
Today you check out from the hotel in Ekaterinburg very early in the morning. You are transferred to the railway station to board the train to the final destination of your Trans-Siberian journey, Moscow.
You spend this day on board the train enjoying fantastic scenery passing by your window.
Hotels
Four Elements Hotel, Ekaterinburg
Set in the heart of the city, the charming Four Elements Hotel welcomes all guests with open arms. It promises excellent service and comfortable rooms, equipped with modern amenities, including spacious Suite Dreams beds, ergonomic desks, 37-inch TVs, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.
By train: Ekaterinburg → Moscow (25 hrs 40 min)
Set off on a picturesque ride from the capital of Ural, Ekaterinburg to stunning Moscow, traveling on a regular Russian train along the Trans-Siberian Railway. Take in the authentic spirit of Russia and admire the views of the Russian countryside.
Moscow, Russia (3 days)
Moscow is unlike any other city on Earth, it is diverse and vibrant, an adventure waiting to happen!
Day 12: Exploring the Kremlin, Armoury Chamber & the Heart of Moscow
Early in the morning your train arrives in the legendary capital of Russia - Moscow. Your driver meets you at the train station and takes you to your centrally located hotel for check-in and breakfast.
After lunch you meet your guide in the hotel lobby and walk to the Kremlin territory where you have a chance to explore the gems hidden behind the Kremlin walls such as the Cathedral Square and the Assumption and Annunciation cathedrals.
Then you visit the famous Armoury Chamber that houses a unique collection of crown jewels, stunning coronation finery, hand-forged armor and weapons, royal carriages and sleighs, and world-famous Fabergé eggs.
After a short break for coffee you take a walk through the beautiful Red Square, go inside the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral and explore the famous GUM department store.
After the tour you walk back to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.
Day 13: Visiting the Tretyakov Gallery & Moscow Subway Ride
Following breakfast you meet your guide and driver and enjoy a tour of the world-famous treasure trove of the Russian fine art, the Tretyakov Gallery, where you have amazing time viewing the gems of its collection, including the famous masterpieces of Ivan Aivazovsky, Mikhail Vrubel, and Viktor Vasnetsov.
After the tour of the Tretyakov Gallery you have a quick subway ride to explore the most beautiful stations of Moscow Subway, which is known to be one of the most beautiful and efficient metro systems in the world. Then you see the spectacular Cathedral of Christ the Savior and learn the story of its destruction and reconstruction.
Today you also have a chance to enjoy one of the best city views at Sparrow Hills and see the grand building of Moscow State University, the highest of seven Stalinist skyscrapers of Moscow.
After the tour you are transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.
Day 14: Departure from Moscow
This is the final day of your amazing Trans-Siberian train tour! Following breakfast, you check out from the hotel and your driver transfers you to the airport for your flight back home. We wish you a safe flight and hope to work on your future trips!
Hotels
Courtyard by Marriott Moscow City Center, Moscow
Located on a picturesque 18th-century street not far from the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square, this remarkable 4-star hotel offers a great combination of charm and quality.
What's included
- Accommodation at remarkable hotels in Ulan Bator, Listvyanka Village, Irkutsk, Ekaterinburg, and Moscow;
- Overnight at a traditional Mongolian ger camp;
- 1st or 2nd class tickets for Ulan-Bator - Irkutsk, Irkutsk - Ekaterinburg, Ekaterinburg - Moscow trains;
- Full Russian visa processing service for US and Canadian citizens (Mongolian visa is not required). Full Russian and Mongolian visa processing service for Australian and New Zealand citizens. Visa support service (invitation) for customers from all other countries;
- Airport transfers with private drivers and all transportation according to the itinerary;
- Breakfasts at the hotels;
- Other meals according to the itinerary;
- Rich sightseeing tours according to the itinerary with professional English-speaking guides;
- Entrance tickets to Aryabal Temple and National Museum of Mongolia, Baikal Limnological Museum and Aquarium, Ganina Yama, Kremlin territory & Amber Chamber, St. Basil's Cathedral, Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow subway;
- Folk show in Ulan Bator;
- Ride on a chair-lift to the Baikal viewpoint;
- Support line during the trip.
Note: we include 1 vehicle for your arrival and departure transfers. If multiple vehicles are required additional transfer costs will apply.
Note: hotels availability is subject to change. In case current hotels are booked out we will provide alternative hotels of an equal value for you.
Tour Highlights
- Professional local guides
- Guided sightseeing tours of Ulan Bator, Listvyanka Village, Irkutsk, Ekaterinburg, and Moscow
- Baikal Exploration
- Included Russian visa processing
Not included: international flights, multiple arrival/departure transfers, other meals not mentioned in the program, optional tours and services, all personal expenses.
What To Know
- The currency used in Russia is the Russian Ruble, in Mongolia - Mongolian tugrik. Although debit cards are widely accepted, it is good to have some cash on you for minor purchases.
- Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes as you'll spend many hours exploring major Russian sights on foot.