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A journey on the legendary Trans-Siberian Railroad is one of the last great travel adventures in our world. Set this dream of a lifetime on the tracks with the Tsar’s Gold Train and experience Russia and Mongolia in the safest, most comfortable and fascinating manner. The historic route between Moscow, Lake Baikal and Ulaanbaatar is the heart of all travel variants: Lean back to enjoy the dramatic changes of scenery and savour a choice ofEurope’s and Asia’s most superb and splendid winter landscapes!

A fairy tale of snow and ice awaits you!

Itinerary

WELCOME TO MOSCOW

You are greeted at the airport by your friendly tour director and accompanied to the hotel. After settlingin you will take a guided walk to discover the magic of legendary Red Square and enjoy its stunning

illuminations. Overnight at Hotel Azimut Olympisky***** (or similar)

In the morning you take a panorama tour of Moscow. Afterwards relax over lunch in a restaurant themed on Russian history before joining your special carriage to depart from the impressive backdrop

of one of Moscow's major stations. On board enjoy a delicious welcome dinner, meet your fellow travellers and learn more details about your journey. Overnight on board the train

VOLGA AND URAL MOUNTAINS

In the morning take in the landscape of rolling steppes in old Russia's heartlands and cross the impressive bridges over the rivers Volga and Kama before starting the climb to the Ural Mountains –

usually a magical snowy landscape at this time of year. Enjoy insights into Russian life with entertaining on-board talks on the history of the Tartars, Cossacks, Russians and winter life in Siberia,

as well as a film on Russia's last tsar. Overnight on board the train.

Around noon the train stops in Yekaterinburg, the historical capital of the Urals. Yekaterinburg has gone down in history as the place where Tsar Nicolas II, the last tsar of Russia, was murdered with his

family in 1918. A short city tour includes the attractive city centre, restored in 2009, as well as the commemorative Cathedral on the Blood, built in 2003 on the site of the tsar's execution. Back onboard, you continue on your journey, from here the train leaves Europe into Asia. Overnight on board

the train.

The train continues to go across Siberia. Relax and enjoy the magical winter views of snowy birch and larch woods in the sunshine! A vodka tasting with classic Russian snacks in the restaurant car explores some of the less familiar aspects of Russian customs associated with food and drink. An entertaining film offers a fascinating insight into Russian culture. Overnight on board the train.

In the morning the train arrives in Krasnoyarsk, one of the most beautiful cities in Siberia. The short city tour focuses on an overview of Krasnoyarsk's captivating history. The mix of old and new streets

vividly illustrates how the city has grown and changed down the years. Enjoy a view of Peace Square, the city's oldest square, and the stunning vistas across the Yenisei River. There is also a stop at the beautiful Paraskeva Pyatnitsa Chapel, the symbol of Krasnoyarsk. Back on board and train continues on to Irkutsk. Overnight on board the train

Today you arrive in Irkutsk, the capital of Eastern Siberia. You leave your main luggage securely stowed on board and go with the transfer to the hotel located in the village of Listvyanka on Lake

Baikal. After you’ve settled in, you will visit the local open-air museum offering a vivid insight into the history of the region and traditional life and lifestyles in old Siberia. The traditional lifestyle theme continues in the evening with a chance to visit and relax in “banja”, the original Russian sauna.

Overnight at Hotel Mayak****

What could be more romantic than a horse-drawn troika sleigh ride — the next highlight on your programme! From February, this is followed by an exhilarating motorised sledge ride on the frozen

Lake Baikal. Afterwards, it is onwards and upwards by cable car (if already in operation) to a special vantage point with stunning views out across Lake Baikal. This vantage point is also renowned for its

cold temperatures – so this may be the place to experience the lowest temperatures you have ever known! You will visit a local family for lunch which includes a tasty traditional Russian meal. The final stop around the lake is the Baikal Museum, which showcases this area's special ecosystem and the lake itself, the world's largest fresh water reservoir. After an unforgettable day, return to Irkutsk where you spend the overnight at the centrally located Hotel Irkutsk*** (or similar).

Today's guided walking tour includes the fascinating Museum of Architecture and Ethnography, the Trans-Siberian Memorial to Tsar Alexander III, the Drama Theatre and the vibrant and bustling

covered market — just the place to find souvenirs! A city tour takes you to one of East Siberia's largest monastery complexes and to the House of Europe. Back on board in the evening, your train powers on towards Mongolia. Overnight on board the train

After the intensive and varied programme of the last days, a day on board offers an ideal chance to relax and recharge the batteries! The entertaining on-board talks focus on winter travels during the

age of the tsars and the Mongol invasions. Overnight on board.

In the morning you arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Here your train adventure ends, but your voyage is far from over. The porters are already waiting to help with your luggage. You will stay in the mid-class hotel located in the city center. The afternoon you will visit the National Museum of Mongolia and can enjoy an evening programme of Mongolian folklore with throat singing, music

performed on the traditional bowed string instrument, the morin khuur, national costumes, myths and dance (optional). Overnight at Hotel Bayangol**** (or similar) in Ulaanbaatar.

Today you visit the restored Buddhist Gandan Monastery and the architectural masterpiece of Choijin Lama Temple. The temple architecture is unique worldwide for its dramatic depictions of the torments of hell for those leaving the path of righteousness. The afternoon excursion visits a family of cattle breeders just outside the city. You will learn how they and their animals spend the Mongolian winter. Overnight at Hotel Bayangol**** (or similar).

After breakfast your journey through this magical winter landscape has come to an end! Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: B

Notes