Tour Duration: 6 - 9  days
Group Size: 2 - 5 people
Specialty Categories: Sightseeing, Railway Trips, Excursion Tours 
Season: May - October
Price Per Person: 2,100 - 3,170 USD

While in Moscow, you will discover the fascinating city, one of the global capitals which is considered to be a must for everybody who is visiting Russia. Our program will allow you feel the charm of the city and to see the most essential sights of Russia’s capital. After this fully-guided tour to Russian capital you will experience Trans-Siberian railway journey to Irkutsk exploring Russia’s vast territory from European part of the country till Eastern Siberia.

For many years Irkutsk has been a major transit point on the way from Europe to China. Nowadays, it is one of Russia’s cities that possess unique historical heritage. It is located only 40 miles from Lake Baikal which is world famous for being the deepest and the largest in volume fresh-water lake in the world.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Moscow

Arrive Moscow. Our guide will meet you at the airport/railway station and drive you directly to your hotel. Free time to rest.

Day 2: Moscow. City tour, Kremlin tour

Take a panoramic sightseeing tour to see all major historical sights of Moscow. The tour starts with a hiking excursion to the heart of the city, the Red Square and the Kremlin. In the Kremlin visit one of the Cathedrals for an introduction to the Tsars who ruled from Moscow. After observing St. Basil's Cathedral, the State Historical Museum and other sights of the area we move along the Moskva River embankment, continue to the Cathedral of the Christ the Savior, Moscow State University. Visit to the Sparrow Hills observation spot with an outstanding view on Moscow. Then travel through the new and old streets and squares of the largest city in continental Europe. Lunch in Russian cuisine restaurant. Return to your hotel. Includes: (B), (L).

Day 3 (odd dates): Moscow. Novodevichy Monastery, Metro tour, Old Arbat street tour

Visit to the Novodevichy Convent founded in 1524 and considered now to be one of the most beautiful sights in Moscow. Take Moscow State Metro excursion with your local guide. It is the world’s second busiest metro in the world. Moscow metro is well-known for the ornate design of its stations built in 1930s that represent outstanding examples of socialist realism. After a metro ride enjoy a slow pace walk along the Old Arbat pedestrian street. Bargain a good deal with local artists painting right there or explore numerous souvenir kiosks where you can see famous hand-painted matryoshka dolls, baboushka scarves and ushanka fur hats. Transfer to the railway station for Trans-Siberian train departure. "Russija" Express tain No. 002 departs at 9:25 pm. Includes: (B), (L).

Days 4-6: On board of the train.

You will spend 3 days and 3 hours on board of No.002 “Rossija” express train along the famous Trans-Siberian Railway connecting European part of Russia with Siberia and Far East. There is a la carte restaurant car on each train, or you may choose to order meals in advance.

Day 7: Irkutsk. City tour, Decembrist museum

Welcome to Irkutsk! Your guide will meet you at the railway station. Breakfast in a cafe. City tour around all of Irkutsk historical sights including Znamensky Orthodox Cathedral, old-style wooden houses with distinctive hand-carved trims, the Monument to Russian Emperor Alexander III. Guided tour to the Decembrist museum in Prince Volkonsky Mansion. Prince Volkonsky was one of the nobles exiled to Siberia for taking part in December 1825 rebellion against Russian Tsar. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. Lunch. Free time to rest. Includes: (B), (L).

Day 8: Lake Baikal. Taltsy open-air museum, Baikal museum, Chersky viewpoint

Departure to Listvyanka settlement at Lake Baikal waterside. Stop for a two-hour excursion in Taltsy open-air museum of wooden architecture where one can discover the culture and the lifestyle of native Siberians and Russians who lived in this area. Museum funds include over 40 original log buildings. The most valuable of them are the "Tower of our Savior" built in 1667 and the Kazanskya Chapel built in 1669. Check in Listvyanka hotel. Lunch. Visit to Baikal Museum featuring the diverse collection of Baikal flora and fauna. You will see here aquaria with some of Baikal endemic species including Baikal nerpa, the only fresh water seal in the world. Take a chairlift to the top of Chersky peak from where one can enjoy breathtaking views on Lake Baikal, Angara River and peaks of Khamar Daban mountain range on lake opposite side. Return to your hotel. Includes: (B), (L).

Day 9: Lake Baikal. Walking tour, Listvyanka nerpinarium, Boat cruise

Entirely free morning at Listvyanka. Your guide will meet you afternoon for a walking trip around the settlement to see the old St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. Attend a show of Baikal nerpa in Listvyanka nerpinarium next to the main pier. Then enjoy 1-hour boat cruise on Lake Baikal along the disused part of Trans-Siberian track known as Circum Baikal Railway. Car transfer to Irkutsk airport/railway station for departure. Includes: (B).

Prices (per person)

Tour program:
- Deluxe accommodation (4-5* hotels):
* 2 pax: $1,760 p/p
* 3 pax: $1,595 p/p
* 4-6 pax: $1,485 p/p
* Single supplement: $750

- Standard accommodation (3* hotels):
* 2 pax: $1,310 p/p
* 3 pax: $1,065 p/p
* 4-6 pax: $985 p/p
* Single supplement: $300

- Train ticket cost* in USD per person:
* 1-st class (2-berth): No meals - $1,410, Meals included - $1,515
* 2-nd class (4-berth): No meals - $790, Meals included - $895

Price Includes:
- Accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
- All individual transfers by car or tourist coach
- English-speaking guide (except Day 3-7 on board of the train)
- Entry and admission fees to all museums and sites listed
- Russian visa support.

Price excludes:
- Air tickets or train tickets to Moscow/ from Irkutsk
- Health insurance.

Notes: Train ride can be substituted for airflight Irkutsk-Moscow takes approximately 6 hours. Airfare starts from USD 385.