Tsars Gold – A Trans-Siberian Railway Adventure

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Tsars Gold – A Trans-Siberian Railway Adventure

Day 1: Beijing: Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square

You arrive in China, home to one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating civilizations. Before setting out to explore the city, you receive a warm welcome at your first-class hotel and have the chance to relax and freshen up.

Later your friendly, knowledgeable guides show you the stunning sights of the city, from the Temple of Heaven to the infamous Tiananmen Square.

Day 2: Beijing: The Great Wall of China and Ming Tombs

Today is a day filled with beauty and awe. You visit the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China — the world’s largest piece of ancient architecture — and its legendary scenery up close. You also stop at the equally iconic Ming Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the exquisite Sacred Way necropolis.

In the evening, you get to know your fellow travellers over a feast of Peking Duck at one of China’s impressive themed restaurants. The perfect end to an unforgettable day.

Day 3: Beijing: The Forbidden City

As the former Chinese imperial palace, the Forbidden City is one of the most renowned palaces on Earth. For centuries, the glorious, ancient halls and temples were all but inaccessible. Today it is yours to explore.

In the evening, you board a special Chinese train in Beijing and begin the journey to Mongolia. On the way, you take in the fascinating landscapes of rural China and the surreal, sweeping sands of the Gobi Desert.

Day 4: Mongolia: The Gobi Desert

At noon, you arrive at the Mongolian border and board your private train—the Tsar’s Gold!

At the border crossing in the city of Erlian, you enjoy a brief visit to a local market, and then you set off on your private train through the dramatic expanses of the Gobi Desert and the epic green steppes of Mongolia.

Day 5: Mongolia: 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 jewel-like Choijin Lama Temple and enjoy evening performances of dynamic and captivating traditional Mongolian music (bookable in advance).

Day 6: Mongolia: Gandan Monastery

Today you experience the stunning natural beauty of the Mongolian Alps. Amid its picture-book landscapes, you discover the impressive Buddhist Gandan Monastery. At the open-air railroad museum, you learn about the origins of the Trans-Siberian Railroad.

Later you picnic in a yurt in the beautiful outdoors—the perfect way to dine. You have the opportunity to try the Mongolian lamb speciality Khorkhog and Airag - a drink made from fermented mare’s milk, known as the beer of the Mongols.

Afterwards, you watch performances featuring horseback riding, wrestling and archery that offer insight into the culture of Mongolia.

Day 7: Ulan-Ude

Your private train continues along the green and picturesque valley of the Selenga River, the largest in Mongolia. Soon you arrive in Ulan-Ude, the bustling and friendly capital of the Republic of Buryatia, Russia, and stroll through its city streets or enjoy a guided tour. Here your private train joins the main route of the Trans-Siberian Railroad.

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 pervades.

You arrive directly at Port Baikal. There are plenty of opportunities to capture some perfect shots as you travel the Circum-Baikal Railroad. Relax, take a dip, explore the scenery and picturesque villages, and even take a boat ride.

On warm nights, dinner is served as a picnic on the elegant shores of this pristine lake, the perfect end to a most relaxing day.

Day 9: Irkutsk

When you arrive in Irkutsk, one of Siberia’s largest cities, you leave your larger luggage safe in your private train compartment and set out to explore this historic city. You see its colourful market, the theatre and the City History Museum of Irkutsk.

Later you have a relaxed dinner in the evening before heading off to bed at your centrally located hotel.

Day 10: On train

Your next day in Siberia is filled with once-in-a-lifetime views, which you enjoy from the comfort of your private train. Mountains, forests and rivers sprawl as far as the eye can see, shifting in rhythm with the tracks.

Entertaining onboard lectures about Russian history and culture double as get-togethers for you and your fellow travellers, complete with Russian drinks and snacks.

Day 11: Novosibirsk

In Russia, the word bread is associated with hospitality, and salt with friendship. In the charming 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.

Day 12: Yekaterinburg

Yekaterinburg is known as the capital of the ancient Ural Mountain range. Its position on the Asia–Europe border gives the city a unique character.

Here you visit the painstakingly preserved city centre and fairytale-like Church of All Saints, which commemorates the site where the Romanovs, Russia’s last Tsar dynasty, were assassinated by revolutionaries. In the evening, your train leaves Asia and heads into Europe.

Day 13: Kazan

Today is dedicated to the picturesque and historic city of Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan on the banks of the Volga River. You take in the traditional Russian architecture and the fascinating stories of the Kazan Kremlin. You learn about the turbulent history of the region and the clashes between the Tatars, Cossacks and Russians.

Day 14: Moscow: Kremlin and Red Square

Moscow—one of the most vivid, dynamic and historic cities on earth. Here, you see the world-famous Kremlin and its magnificent cathedrals.

After dinner, you experience the richness and colour of Moscow at night, which includes the dreamlike Red Square and the city’s palatial subway stations. After your urban adventure, you relax in your comfortable, centrally located hotel.

Day 15: Moscow: Panoramic tour and departure

It’s the last day of your journey, and you wake up to a lovely morning in cosmopolitan Moscow. Today you see the Russian architectural masterpieces of St. Basil’s Cathedral and Novodevichy Convent.

You visit the beautifully reconstructed Cathedral of Christ the Savior and pass by the notorious former KGB headquarters, the imposing Soviet architecture of the Russian White House and Lomonosov Moscow State University.

Later in your private airport shuttle service, you sit back and reflect on the immense journey you’ve just completed. It’s a bittersweet farewell, but the memories will last forever.

Included