A journey on the legendary Transsiberian Railroad is one of the last great travel adventures in our world. Set this dream of a lifetime on the tracks with our Private Train and experience Russia, Mongolia and China in the safest, most comfortable and fascinating manner.

The historic route between Moscow, Lake Baikal and Beijing is the heart of all travel variants: The exciting days of your journey are delivering three of the world’s largest countries directly to your compartment. Lean back to enjoy the dramatic changes of scenery and savour a choice of Europe’s and Asia’s most superb and splendid landscapes!

Day 1 Welcome to Moscow
After having arrived in Moscow, your tour guide welcomes you at the airport and accompanies you to your hotel. (Please note: it is recommended your flight arrives into DME between 13.00 and 16.00. If your flight arrives outside this time or to another airport there will be an additional charge).

The Russian capital presents itself in wonderful illumination on your "Moscow by Night" city lights tour. Afterwards you can stroll across the famous Red Square with your tour guides and experience Moscow’s Metro stations in all their splendour and beauty. At night, the beds in your first class hotel spread comfort. (D)

Day 2 Sightseeing Moscow
Your grand city tour starts in the morning with the Kremlin, including one of the magnificent cathedrals still left from the time of the Tsars. Towards evening, your train departs from the Kazan Station. (BLD)

Day 3 Kazan
In the morning arrival in Kazan, ancient capital of the Tartars, where you visit the city’s Kremlin. A boat trip will make you familiar with Europe's greatest river, the Volga. Your Private Train resumes its journey in the evening. (BLD)

Day 4 Ekaterinburg
In the afternoon halt in Ekaterinburg and short tour of the city centre which was just restored in 2009. In the course of the city tour you will see the newly erected Cathedral-on-the-blood, built in memorial of that tragic historical event. Back on the train your journey through the vast steppes of Western Siberia continues. (BLD)

Day 5 Novosibirsk
You reach Novosibirsk, heart of Siberia, where you will be welcomed in the traditional Russian manner with bread and salt. Your city tour includes a visit of the Transsiberian monument and the mighty Ob River. After dinner, the train continues its ride eastwards.  (BLD)

Day 6 Across Siberia
Your Private Train, by now your second home, proceeds onward over the Yenisei River through Siberia. The on-board restaurant cooks once again demonstrate their skills with the speciality meal "Tsar’s Feast". Enjoy Russian hospitality during the vodka and caviar tasting while passing by impressive landscapes. (BLD)
 
Day 7 Irkutsk
Today the train reaches Irkutsk, capital of Eastern Siberia. During a city tour you will see beautiful Siberian wooden cottages, the new statue of Alexander III and the lively market hall. After lunch, you undertake an excursion to the open-air museum "Life and Work in the Time of the Tsars”. Spend the night in a centrally located hotel in Irkutsk.(BLD)

Day 8 Lake Baikal
Today you will visit a Siberian village by bus. A boat takes you across the deep waters to Port Baikal, where your Private Train awaits you. On ancient tracks it takes you directly along the shore of Lake Baikal for several hours. Dinner is served in typical local style as a picnic on the shores of the lake (weather permitting). (BLD)

Day 9 From Lake Baikal to Ulan Ude on to Mongolia
This day takes you along a different part of the shore of the mystical Lake Baikal, and then onwards through the magnificent valley of Selenga passing by wild and lonely mountain steppes of Eastern Siberia. On the way to the Mongolian border the train will stop in Ulan Ude, where you attend the city tour. Afterwards the train departs for Mongolia. (BLD)

Day 10 Ulan Bator and Gandan Monastry
In the morning you arrive in Ulan Bator. In the course of a city tour you will see the impressive Buddhist Gandan Monastery, the open air railway museum and the Lama Museum. In the evening, your tour guides show you the best beer garden in the city. You spend the night in a centrally located hotel in Ulan Bator. (BLD)

Day 11 Ulan Bator and the Mongolian Alps
Today you attend a tour to Mongolian Switzerland. After breakfast, a bus trip reveals the beautiful countryside. You take lunch within the typical tent settlements of nomadic herdsmen. A Mongolian horseback riding show will be performed especially for you. In the evening your Private Train will travel onward to the Chinese border. (BLD)

Day 12 Through the Gobi desert
In the early morning your train halts in the middle of the Gobi Desert, some time ago one of the favourite settlements of dinosaurs. Towards noontime, you reach the Chinese border, where due to the different Chinese track gauge your Chinese train is ready for departure. The Chinese train has no Nostalgic Comfort and Bolshoi cars, only two bed or 4 bed cabins. You will reach China’s capital Beijing in about 16 hours. (BLD)

Day 13 Welcome to Beijing
After observing impressive scenes of Chinese rural life from your compartment window, you arrive in Beijing in the morning, where you will spend three nights in a first class hotel. (BL)

Day 14 Beijing–Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City
A four-hour city tour will show you the Temple of Heaven and its park as well as Tiananmen Square. A guided tour through the interior of the Forbidden City follows in the afternoon. (BL)

Day 15 The Great Wall and Peking Duck
Today you enjoy a day trip to the Great Wall. Your programme also includes a tour of a pearl cultivation farm, the Ming Tombs and the avenue of the spirits. In the evening you enjoy a meal featuring the world-famous Chinese dish, Peking Duck. (BLD)

Day 16 Beijing and back home
Today a wonderful trip filled with unique and unforgettable experiences comes to its end and you start your return home. (B) (Please note: it is recommended your departure flight is between 10.00AM and 14.00. If your flight departs outside this time, there will be an additional charge)

Departures (eastbound from Moscow)

2013: 4 May, 1 Jun; 20 Jul
2014: 10 May, 7 Jun, 26 Jul 

 

A journey on the legendary Transsiberian Railroad is one of the last great travel adventures in our world. Set this dream of a lifetime on the tracks with our Private Train and experience Russia, Mongolia and China in the safest, most comfortable and fascinating manner. The historic route between Beijing, Lake Baikal and Moscow is the heart of all travel variants: The exciting days of your journey are delivering three of the world’s largest countries directly to your compartment. Lean back to enjoy the dramatic changes of scenery and savour a choice of Europe’s and Asia’s most superb and splendid landscapes!

Day 1 Beijing–Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square
Arrive Beijing. Friendly and knowledgeable travel guides await you at the airport to take you to your first class hotel in the centre of town (please note: it is recommended your flight arrives between 8.00AM and 12.00PM. An additional charge will apply for flights arriving outside this time).

After a brief rest the itinerary starts off with a tour of Beijing. Highlights include Beijing’s most stunning sights: the Temple of Heaven as well as the famous Tiananmen Square. The day concludes in a relaxed manner with drinks and dinner. (D)

Day 2 Great Wall and Peking Duck
The Great Wall of China is the 8th Wonder of the World; this is your chance to experience it up close. On your way there you stop at a pearl farm as well as at the famous Ming Tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Sacred Way, a boulevard lined with carved stone animals. Wrapping up the day is a feast featuring what is surely the world’s best-known Chinese delicacy, Peking Duck, at one of China’s most famous theme restaurants. (BLD)

Day 3 Forbidden City and departure for Mongolia
For centuries the doors to the former Emperor’s Palaces have been closed to the public. Today the glorious halls and mysterious temples of the Forbidden City are open for you.
In the evening, the rail part of the journey begins. A modern Chinese train will pull out from Beijing’s station, en route to Mongolia, a 16-hour trip (Nostalgic Comfort and Bolshoi cars are not available for this one night). Meanwhile, China’s busy rural life unfolds outside your window: people working in the fields, donkey-drawn carts on dusty roads, and the great steppes of the Gobi desert. (BLD)
 
Day 4 Through the Gobi desert
At noon you arrive at the Chinese-Mongolian border and change to your Private Train. Formalities are easily dispatched in your compartment. In Erlian you can explore the colourful border market. Afterwards, your Private Train takes you through the vast expanse of the Gobi desert, then through the great green steppes of Mongolia. (BLD)

Day 5 Ulan Bator
In the morning you arrive in the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator. Major luggage can be left on the train while you check into the centrally located standard hotel and then enjoy a tour of the city. You will see the Choijin Lama temple; at night you will have the unique opportunity to watch traditional Mongolian music performances. (BLD)

Day 6 Gandan Monastery and the Mongolian Alps
After breakfast you will visit the Buddhist Gandan Monastery and undertake an excursion to a mountainous area with stunning rock formations, known as the Mongolian Alps (about 90 minutes east of Ulan Bator). Along the way, an open-air railroad museum puts the Mongolian railway in context. A picnic lunch in a yurt is followed by a demonstration of Mongolian horsemanship and the traditional wrestling match. Try some lamb in milk, a culinary specialty of Mongolia. Or, for the brave of heart, there’s always kumys (fermented mare’s milk), the beer of the nomads. (BLD)

Day 7 Ulan Ude
Bid farewell to the Mongolian steppes as the train rolls on through the valley of Selenga, the largest river of Mongolia. In Ulan Ude your train joins the main route of the Transsiberian Railroad. Here you can stroll through the city streets or join the guided tour of the city. (BLD)
 
Day 8 Lake Baikal
The entire day is dedicated to Lake Baikal. Before noon you will arrive at the old station of Port Baikal, located directly on the shore. During two long photo stops on the ancient tracks running parallel to the shore you will have the chance to capture the beauty of the lake on film and explore the wonderful scenery. Take a moment to have a dip in the lake or visit a picturesque Baikal village. You will also enjoy a short boat ride on the lake. If the night is warm, your dinner will be served as a picnic on the shores of the spectacular lake before re-boarding the train. Next stop: Irkutsk. (BLD)

Day 9 Irkutsk
In the morning you will check into a centrally located standard hotel in Irkutsk. You can safely leave your bags on the train. A tour of the city includes the lively market hall, the drama theatre and a rather spectacular oddity, a newly erected statue of the Tsar. The afternoon features an excursion to an open-air museum displaying Siberian life in the old days. Spend the night at your centrally located hotel in Irkutsk. (BLD)

Day 10 Across Siberia
After breakfast the train takes you through the landscapes of Eastern Siberia with its mountains, crystal-clear rivers and verdant slopes. On board of the train you enjoy entertaining lectures about Siberia. A social get-together complete with caviar and vodka tasting makes you familiar with Russian hospitality. (BLD)

Day 11 Novosibirsk
At noon you pull into Novosibirsk, Siberia’s biggest city, and are greeted in the traditional Russian way: with bread, salt and balalaika music. Your city tour includes a visit of the Transsiberian monument and the mighty Ob River. After dinner, the train continues its ride westwards. (BLD)

Day 12 Ekaterinburg
In the afternoon the train stops in Ekaterinburg, the capital of the Ural Mountains and the border between Asia and Europe, where you enjoy a short tour of the city centre which was just restored in 2009. In the course of the city tour you will see the newly erected Cathedral-on-the-blood, built in memorial of that tragic historical event. From now on your train is on European ground. (BLD)

Day 13 Kazan
After breakfast you arrive in Kazan, the old Tartar capital on the banks of the Volga. Plenty of history here: on a guided tour of the Kremlin you will learn about the wild and often bloody relations of the Tartars, Cossacks, and Russians. Afterwards you can enjoy a boat ride and have lunch on the Volga. The evening offers you one last chance to be pampered in the onboard restaurant. (BLD)
 
Day 14 Moscow
Before noon you arrive in Moscow, Russia’s capital and one of the world’s richest and most dynamic cities. After the long rail journey, your first class hotelB offers comfort and convenience. At noon, your first stop is the Kremlin with its glorious cathedrals. You can also check out the interiors of some of the buildings. After dinner you go on a magical evening trip through the city. This special tour includes a stop at Red Square as well as a subway ride with a visit of two beautiful old stations. (BLD)

Day 15 Tour of Moscow and return home
After a savoury breakfast at your hotel you go on a guided tour of Moscow to see the reconstructed Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Lomonossov University, the New Virgin Monastery, and Red Square with its colourful St. Basil’s Cathedral, but also the notorious former KGB headquarters and the White House. Bid your fantastic journey farewell before your departure to the airport. (B)

Please note: it is recommended your flight departs between 14.00 and 18.00 from DME airport. If you are departing to another airport or outside this time, an additional charge will apply)

Departures (15 days):

Westbound from Beijing

2013: 12 May, 9 Jun, 05 Jul, 28 Jul, 23 Aug, 15 Sep
2014: 18 May, 15 Jun, 11 Jul, 3 Aug, 29 Aug, 21 Sep

These departures listed guarantee English-speaking guides.
Please note that there are other departures available not listed which guarantee French, Spanish and Italian guides 

Highlights of the tour

• Train ride on the otherwise closed route of the Trans Siberian Railroad along Lake Baikal with 2 extensive photo stops
• 40 hours at Lake Baikal
• Your Private Train: safe, clean and comfortable
• Authentic: Mongolian horse show
• Boat ride on Lake Baikal
• Pristine: typical Siberian villages
• Ulan Bator, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, Ekaterinburg and Kazan
• Moscow, Russia's proud new capital
• Glorious: Icons and Cathedrals
• Boat trip on the Volga
• Entertaining and informative: Daily lectures about countries, people and cultures
• Traditional: greeting with bread, salt and balalaika
• For connoisseurs: vodka and caviar tasting

Excursions and specialties

Erlian

• Visit to the local market

Ulan Bator

• Visit to the Choijin-Lama temple
• Tour of the Gandan Monastery
• Visit to Alpine Mongolia including horse-riding demonstration

Lake Baikal

• Follow the ancient tracks along the shores of Lake Baikal, including village visit
• Boat trip on Lake Baikal

Ulan Ude

• City tour

Irkutsk

• City tour with visit to the market hall
• Visit to open-air museum

Novosibirsk

• City tour and traditional welcome with bread and salt

Ekaterinburg

• City tour with visit to the Church of the Ascension

Kazan

• City tour including guided visit of the Kremlin
• Boat trip on Volga River

Moscow

• Kremlin
• Night tour
• Tour of the subway
• City tour including Church of the Redeemer

Culinary Specialties

• Caviar and vodka tasting
• Picnic on Lake Baikal
• Tsar's feast

Benefits of travelling on The Tsar's Gold Private Railroad:

• Obtain profound insights into Russian, Mongolian and Chinese culture – in just one epic journey
  Dine in the award winning designed restaurant wagons and enjoy finest local cuisine and drinks served by courteous waiters
• 32 meals included during the tour according to itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
  More than 15 excursions and performances included as well as all entrance fees
  
• Professional threefold tour guide-system: Knowledgeable and dedicated tour director, a competent group guide as well as local guides, all equipped with expert knowledge of the region
  
• Individual special requests possible: Access to forbidden zones and extra opening hours
  
• Alternating overnights in your train compartment and in first class and standard hotels
  
• Choose from 5 different compartment categories:
  • Standard (4-bed birth)
  • Standard Plus (2-bed birth)
  • Nostalgic Comfort (these newly built cars are nostalgically furnished in the Soviet Government Train style of the 50's)
  • Bolshoi (2-bed birth with en-suite facilities)
  • Bolshoi Platinum (even larger than Bolshoi cabins featuring the best available comfort on the Trans-Siberian Railway)
• Nostalgic Comfort (these newly built cars are nostalgically furnished in the Soviet Government Train style of the 50's)
  
• Bolshoi (2-bed birth with en-suite facilities)
  
• Bolshoi Platinum (even larger than Bolshoi cabins featuring the best available comfort on the Trans-Siberian Railway)
  
• Travel with guaranteed accommodation in the category booked onboard the Private Train from Erlian to Moscow; single accommodation is possible
  
• From Beijing to Erlian (about 16 hours) accommodation in comfortable sleeping quarters (the
• Chinese train does not carry sleeping cars of the Nostalgic Comfort and Bolshoi category; single and double accommodation aren't guaranteed except for categories Nostalgic Comfort and Bolshoi / Bolshoi Platinum)
  
• Extensive trip on the ancient rail lines of the Trans Siberian Railway directly on the banks of Lake
• Baikal with photo stop
  
• One night in Moscow in a first class hotel (Bolshoi guests reside either in standard rooms of deluxe hotels (5 star) or in deluxe rooms or suites of first class hotels (4 star)
  
• One overnight each at centrally located standard hotels in Ulaan Bataar and Irkutsk (Bolshoi guests reside in deluxe rooms or suites of standard hotels)
  
• All transfers at your travel destinations (on arrival and departure day only during specific times)
  
• Luggage service at all train stations
  
• Detailed travel documents, travel guides and personal log book
  
• Sophisticated on-board programmes: Entertaining lectures on local culture, history and everyday life
  
• Caviar and vodka tasting on board the train
  
• Doctor on board (from the Chinese border to Moscow)
  
• Showers on board
  
• Traditional Russian welcoming ceremony with bread, salt and Balalaika music

We regret that due to the intricate logistics of this tour, changes are sometimes unavoidable.

Prices include:

train and hotel accommodation, excursions, meals & transfers according to the itinerary

Not included: flights, fees for visa, tips and own expenses

The Private Train Compartments

Choose from 6 different cabin types, according to your personal requirements, and dine in our beautiful restaurant waggons. Enjoy fine cuisine and drinks. The restaurant car also serves as a bar waggon, so before and after meals you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and have a nice conversation with fellow travellers as you collect unique impressions.

Between Moscow and the Chinese-Mongolian border in Erlian (and vice versa) your Private Train offers five different compartment categories ranging from the the budget-minded category I with shared facilities to the best possible comfort available on the Transsiberian with private facilities: category V. No matter which compartment type you choose, all of them are about twice as large as typical European sleeping car compartments.

Category V: "Bolshoi Platinum Category"

The newly introduced BOLSHOI PLATINUM CATEGORY (V) features the highest possible comfort on the Transsiberian. Each compartment is 7,15 m² large and provided with full shower cabin, WC and washing basin. Each waggon of the PLATINUM CATEGORY contains just about 5 of these magnificent cabins.

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Category IV: "Bolshoi Category"

The BOLSHOI CATEGORY (IV) is equipped with two beds, one of which measures 1,10 m x 1,90 m, even providing room for two people if required. Furthermore, the 5,57 m² large compartments offer a cosy seating bench, a commodious table and a wardrobe. The compartment’s exclusive en suite bathroom does not only contain a washing basin, WC and shower, but also enough storage space for your personal belongings. Each car of the Bolshoi category has only six compartments.

Measures:

Compartment height: 255 cm
Compartment depth: 205 cm
Compartment width: 269 cm

Bed 1 length: 187 cm
Bed 1 width: 110 cm
Bed 2 length: 176 cm
Bed 2 width: 80 cm

small wardrobe: width 35 cm; height 46 cm; depth 85 cm
big wardrobe: width 35 cm: height 158 cm; depth 85 cm

Luggage case above the door: width 118 cm; heigth 22 cm; depth 207 cm

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Category III: "Nostalgic Comfort Category"

If you want to travel like the red tsars, the NOSTALGIC COMFORT CATEGORY (III) is a must. The newly built cars of our Category III are nostalgically furnished, but also provide modern amenities. You’ll be travelling in an ambiance, in which even former Soviet leaders would have felt at home – although with the comfort of the 21st century. Each of these rolling hotel rooms offers two large berths (app. 80 × 185 cm) and an armchair for an especially comfortable view of the changing landscapes. Two compartments share one bathroom, located in a small lavatory between every two compartments.

Measures:

Bed length: 187 cm
Bed width: 80 cm

Luggage case above the door (no case available under beds): width 160 cm; height 30 cm; depth 60 cm

Corridor's width 85cm
Corridor's height 207 cm

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Category II: "Standard Plus Category"

In the STANDARD PLUS CATEGORY (II), there are 9 compartments per car. A compartment is shared by two guests. Berths are sized app. 70 × 190 cm and arranged facing each other. There is also a table under the window. Combined toilet/lavatory compartments are located at each end of this category’s cars. In every second car there is a shower compartment.

Measures:

Compartment height: 255 cm
Compartment depth: 190 cm
Compartment width: 255 cm

Bed length: 190 cm
Bed width: 70 cm
Space between the beds: 42 cm

Luggage case under beds: height 36 cm; width 47 cm; depth 95 cm
Luggage case above door: height 32 cm; width 159 cm; depth 68 cm

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Category I: "Standard Category"

In the ”STANDARD” CATEGORY (I), there are nine compartments per car, each for four guests. On both sides, left and right, there are two berths, one upon the other and each of them sized 70×190cm. In the middle, below the window, you will find a table. Combined toilet/lavatory compartments are located at each end of the car.

IN ALL CATEGORIES, there are power outlets (both 110 and 220 Volts) as well as ”smoker’s corners” at one end of each car.