Compare Trans-Siberian Rail Journey by National Geographic Expeditions vs Russia in Depth - Small Group, 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations

Days 1 & 2: U.S./Vladivostok, Russia

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Hyundai

Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Vladivostok. Check into our hotel and gather for a welcome dinner tonight.

Day 3: Vladivostok

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As a strategic naval outpost, Vladivostok was closed to most of the world from World War II until the end of the Cold War. Get acquainted with this now-thriving city on a tour that includes the brightly painted railway station and Our Lady Grieving Orthodox Church, the only one of its kind allowed to remain in the city during Stalin’s reign. See the Pacific Navy War Memorial and the Krasny Vympel steamboat, take in views of the city and its bay from the Eagle’s Nest observation platform, and stroll the historic Vladivostok Naval Cemetery. This evening, climb aboard our luxury train and set off on our journey across Russia.

Day 4: Khabarovsk

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore the lively squares of Khabarovsk and visit the Natural History Museum by the Amur River. Learn about the flora and fauna of the region, and see artifacts from the indigenous tribes of the Goldi and the Gilyak.

Days 5 & 6: On Train/Siberia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As the train slips through rolling hills and Siberian villages of log houses, relax with a book, attend a talk by our expert, or simply watch the wild and remote countryside pass by. On our second day on board, we enter the sweeping Mongolian steppe.

Day 7: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

During a morning in Mongolia’s capital city, visit the National Museum to trace the history of Genghis Khan and explore the culture of the steppe nomad. Then head for nearby Gorkhi-Terelj National Park to enjoy the alpine scenery, watch a demonstration of Mongolian horseback riding and visit a traditional ger (felt tent). This evening, enjoy dinner and a performance of Mongolian throat singing and traditional dance before we reboard our train and continue on our way back into Russia.

Day 8: Ulan Ude, Russia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The train rolls through the valley of the Selenge River, which flows into Lake Baikal. Stop in Ulan Ude, the capital of the Buryat Republic and once a major trading post between China and Irkutsk. Pay a visit to a village of Old Believers, a group descended from 17th century religious exiles whose fascinating culture has changed little over the centuries. Watch a performance of their unique choral music.

Day 9: Lake Baikal

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive at beautiful Lake Baikal, called the "sacred sea" by locals and named a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The lake basin holds about 20 percent of the world's unfrozen fresh water. Our train route hugs the rocky shores and passes through 33 tunnels. Take in spectacular views from the train, and stop for a barbecue on the shore. In the afternoon, explore the village of Listvyanka and join a family for tea in their home.

Day 10: Irkutsk

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend today in Irkutsk, an important Siberian outpost established by the Cossacks in 1652. In the early 19th century, many Russian artists, officers, and nobles were exiled here for their involvement in the Decembrist revolt. Visit the city’s historic sights, and wander through a delightful collection of classic Russian and Siberian cottages at the Museum of Wooden Architecture. Stop for a private bell-ringing performance atop a bell tower, and then enjoy a private concert and champagne reception at the Decembrist House Museum.

Days 11 & 12: On Train/Novosibirsk

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a day to relax on board, taking in stunning scenery as the vast Siberian taiga unfurls. The following day, stop in Novosibirsk, Siberia’s largest city, to see the opera house and Lenin Square.

Day 13: Yekaterinburg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive in Yekaterinburg, where Russia's last tsar, Nicholas II, and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918. Visit the Romanov execution site—now a church dedicated to their memory, and view the city's ornately decorated wooden houses.

Day 14: Kazan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, explore Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, perched on the banks of the Volga River. Tour the city’s Kremlin, the turquoise-topped Qol Sharif Mosque, and the Peter and Paul Cathedral. Pay a visit to the Kazan Conservatory and enjoy a concert performed by the students. Then set off on a private cruise around the walls of the city’s Kremlin before returning to our train to depart on the final leg of our journey.

Days 15 & 16: Moscow

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Moscow Marriott Royal Aurora

Disembark in Moscow, and check into our hotel before an afternoon city tour. After dinner at a local restaurant, take a guided stroll through Red Square at night. The following morning, explore the legendary Kremlin. Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral, and view court regalia from the Romanov dynasty at the Armory Museum. After lunch, visit the monument to the Conquerors of Space, which sweeps some 360 feet into the sky. Delve into the history of space exploration at the recently updated Memorial Museum of Astronautics, and enjoy a specially arranged talk by a Russian cosmonaut.

Day 17: Moscow/U.S.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Day 1: Welcome to St. Petersburg

Airport transfers depart from St. Petersburg airport at 14:30 and 17:00. Meet your Travel Director and travel companions at 19:00 for a friendly Welcome Dinner served with wine.

Day 2: St.Petersburg Sightseeing

Morning sightseeing with your Local Expert includes views of St. Isaac's Cathedral, the fortress of St. Peter and Paul and Decembrists' Square. Travel along Nevsky Prospekt for views of the great Cathedral of Kazan and the iconic, onion-domed Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit a local ceramist workshop supporting vulnerable youth. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Perhaps join an Optional Experience and visit the beautiful Catherine Palace in the small town of Tsarskoe Selo, now called Pushkin? Or, if you prefer, relax at your hotel where you can make the most of its luxury facilities.

Day 3: Petrodvorets by Hydrofoil Relaxed Start

Cruise by hydrofoil along the Baltic shore to Peter the Great’s summer residence of Petrodvorets. For over 200 years it was used for official ceremonies, lavish feasts and formal receptions. Explore the perfectly manicured gardens and see the cascading fountains. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the world-famous Alexandrinsky Theatre with a member of the production team. Visit the royal box and see an exhibition of authentic costumes. Later you are at leisure, or perhaps visit the former residence of the Yusupov family and the scene of Rasputin's murder?

Day 4: The Hermitage Museum Relaxed Start

Located in the Winter Palace, the Hermitage is one of the world’s greatest museums. Marvel at this fabulous collection of paintings and ornaments, ranging from Egyptian carvings to Impressionist masterpieces.The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore, shop or relax.

Day 5: High Speed Sapsan Train to Moscow Relaxed Start

Enjoy a relaxed start in the morning, or perhaps visit the former residence of the Yusupov family and the scene of Rasputin's murder? Board your high speed Sapsan train and relax in modern luxury and comfort as you swoop to Moscow in just a few hours. On arrival in this fascinating city, you are transferred to your hotel for a leisurely three-night stay. Famous for its unique history and colourful architecture, explore Moscow’s enchanting city centre and get lost in its captivating Modern art scene. For those wanting to take a pretty stroll, why not head to Gorky Park? Designed in the 1920s by Konstantin Melnikov, the park is famous for its outdoor activities and art exhibitions.

Day 6: Moscow, a Russian Revelation Relaxed Start

Begin your exploration of the Russian capital with a Local Expert. Start in Red Square, lined by Moscow's landmark buildings. At one end rises the onion-shaped domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, in front of the Kremlin stands Lenin's Mausoleum, while on the opposite side, the grand GUM department store offers a variety of glamorous goods. Explore Moscow with Insight Choice. Choose to visit an ornate metro station with your Local Expert. Alternatively, take a stroll through the popular Zaryadye Park and enjoy great views of your surroundings.

Day 7: Moscow and The Kremlin Relaxed Start

In the morning you are at leisure to relax or explore the Russian capital as you wish. Perhaps visit the Borodino Panorama Exhibition or take an Optional Experience to the renowned centre of ancient Russian art and architecture, Zagorsk? In the afternoon, walk within the walls of the Kremlin Fortress to visit one of the cathedrals. Learn more about Russia’s famous Tsars, the history of the Fortress and how its role has changed over the years. Join your travelling companions at a local restaurant for a freshly prepared meal, rich with traditional flavours and accompanied with wine.

Day 8: To Sergiev Posad, Rostov-the-Great and to Yaroslavl

This morning, depart Moscow to Sergiev Posad. Visit some of the colourful churches of the Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra. Journey to Rostov-the-Great and explore its ivory towered Kremlin and the Museum of Enamel. Continue to Yaroslavl where a delicious dinner is served at a riverside restaurant.

Day 9: Kostroma and Suzdal Experience

During your sightseeing of Yaroslavl, see the domed Church of Elijah the Prophet and the Holy Transfiguration Monastery. Travel to Kostroma to see the fabulous Trinity Cathedral. Continue to charming Suzdal.

Day 10: Exploring Suzdal

Explore Suzdal with Insight Choice. Choose to meet an Orthodox priest and learn about the ancient art of icon painting. Alternatively, visit the Monastery of the Saviour St. Ethimius. Dine like a local as you enjoy an authentic Home-hosted lunch with a meal typical of the region.

Day 11: On to Vladimir and return to Moscow

Journey to Vladimir to see the carved stone walls of the Cathedral of St. Demetrius, and visit the Museum of Crystal and Varnished Miniatures. Visit a Matryoska doll-making workshop and try your hand to decorate your own. Return to Moscow where you are at leisure for the rest of the day.

Day 12: Farewell Moscow

Departure transfers will arrive at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport at 05:00, 08:00 and 11:00 and at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport at 05:00, 10:00 and 13:00.