Trans-Siberian Rail Expedition

TRAVELER FAVORITE

16 DAYS FROM $22,495

• Journey across Russia on one of the world’s most legendary railways. • Enjoy a home-cooked meal in an Irkutsk family home. • Learn about the history of Russian space exploration during a talk by a cosmonaut.

Signature Land Light

DAY 1 I VLADIVOSTOK, RUSSIA Arrive in Vladivostok and check in to our hotel. Meet fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. Lotte Hotel Vladivostok | Meals: 1D

DAY 2 I VLADIVOSTOK 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 modern city on a tour that includes the brightly painted railway station, the Pacific Navy War Memorial, and the Monument to the First Settlers. Take in views of the city and its bay from the Eagle’s Nest observation platform, and visit the Vladivostok Fortress. This evening, climb aboard our luxury train and set off on our journey across Russia. Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express through Day 13 | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 3 I KHABAROVSK Explore Khabarovsk’s lively squares and visit the Khabarovsk Regional Museum. Learn about the flora and fauna of the region, and see artifacts from the indigenous tribes of the Goldi and the Gilyak. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAYS 4–5 I SIBERIA/MONGOLIAN STEPPE As the train slips past rolling hills and Siberian villages of log houses, relax with a book, attend a talk by our expert, or simply watch the remote and ever-changing countryside pass by. On our second full day on board, we enter the sweeping Mongolian steppe. Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D

DAY 6 I ULAANBAATAR/GORKHI-TERELJ NATIONAL PARK Depart Mongolia’s capital this morning for nearby Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Enjoy the alpine scenery, watch a demonstration of Mongolian horseback riding, and visit a traditional ger (felt tent). View a colossal equestrian statue of Genghis Khan, then 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. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 7 I ULAN-UDE, RUSSIA The train rolls through the valley of the Selenga River, which flows into Lake Baikal. Stop in Ulan-Ude, the capital of the Buryat Republic and once a major trading post. 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, and watch a performance of their unique choral music. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 8 I LAKE BAIKAL Arrive at beautiful Lake Baikal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 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 to explore the

village of Listvyanka before enjoying a barbecue dinner on the shore of the lake. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 9 I IRKUTSK Spend today in Irkutsk. In the early 19th century, many Russian artists, officers, and nobles were exiled here for their involvement in the Decembrist revolt. Set out on a tour of the city’s historic sites, including a visit to a local synagogue and a private bell-ringing performance. Later, enjoy a private concert and champagne reception at the Decembrist House, and cap off the day with dinner in the home of a local family. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAYS 10–11 I SIBERIA/NOVOSIBIRSK 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. Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D

DAY 12 I YEKATERINBURG Arrive in Yekaterinburg, where Russia’s last tsar, Nicholas II, and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918. Visit the Romanovs’ execution site and the Boris Yeltsin Presidential Center, which preserves the legacy of Russia’s

first president elected by popular vote. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 13 I KAZAN 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 Annunciation Cathedral. Pay a visit to the Kazan Conservatory and enjoy a concert performed by its students. Then set off on a private cruise along the Volga before returning to our train to depart on the final leg of our journey. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAYS 14–16 I MOSCOW Disembark in Moscow and see the city’s iconic sights. Visit the Novodevichy Convent, stroll the Red Square, and set foot in the vibrant, onion-domed St. Basil’s Cathedral. View court regalia from the Romanov dynasty at the Armory Museum. After lunch, head to the Monument to the Conquerors of Space, which sweeps some 350 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. After breakfast the following day, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Ararat Hyatt Park Moscow | Meals: 3B, 2L, 2D

A National Geographic Expert and Expedition Leader will accompany this trip, and local guides will join us along the way.

Andrew Evans Author

Travel writer and TV host Andrew Evans has completed some 50 assignments for National Geographic, reporting live from all seven continents and over a hundred countries. He has journeyed 12,000 miles from National Geographic headquarters to Antarctica using public transportation, and thru-hiked the Jordan Trail. Andrew is a contributor to National Geographic and the author of five books.

INFORMATION

Dates: This expedition is offered in June, August, and September. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice. Please note: A U.S. Department of State travel advisory for Russia is currently in effect (travel.state.gov).

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