Trans-Siberian Trains Russia

Trans-Siberian Trains - Luxury Russian train destinations

This article is an introduction to the cities and towns that are visited by the Luxury Trans Siberian trains and Imperial Russian Trains - Moscow, Vladivostok, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Lake Baikal and Ulan Ude.

History of the Trans-Siberian trains

The Russian Railways are a state-owned railway company and is one of the biggest railway companies in the world with 0.95 million employees. The total length of line used by the Russian Railways is 85,500 km - one of the largest in the world, exceeded only by the United States. One of the most famous railways in the world, the Trans-Siberian Railway is 9,289 km long, running from the shores of the Baltic Sea to the shores of the Pacific Ocean, with an important junction to the Trans-Mongolian Railway.

The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, begun in April 2007, takes passengers on a 6,000 mile trip (the world's longest train journey) across two continents and eight time zones. The Golden Eagle follows the Trans-Siberian Railway, which connects Moscow and European Russia with the Russian Far East, Mongolia, China and the Sea of Japan.

Travelling in the luxury of the Imperial Russia Trans-Siberian Train offers escorted group tours in both East and Westbound directions along the main railroad routes of Moscow to Beijing and Moscow to Vladivostok, visiting many of the largest historical and cultural centres of the vast Russian Empire, is an incredible way to journey through the heart of Russia.

The Tsars Gold offers a flexibility not found in other private trains travelling along the Trans-Siberian railway. The Tsar's Gold Trans-Siberian offers seven classes, Standard, Classic, Superior, Superior Plus, Nostalgic Comfort, Bolshoi and Bolshoi Platinum. With sumptuous views at every stage along the journey, and ample activities on the train, including food and drink tasting, as well as historical, and cultural talks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Full details of the luxury trains on the Trans-Siberia railway itinerary are here.

Information on the Golden Eagle here.

Information on the Imperial Russia here.

Information on the Tsar's Gold Trans-Siberian here.

Trans-Siberian Trains - Cities to explore

Image taken from Wikivoyage website

Russian City - Moscow

Photo by Jaunt and Joy on Unsplash

From Moscow in the west you’ll see the stunning city architecture of Saint Basil’s Cathedral rise majestically overlooking Red Square and the iconic and equally feared Kremlin. It has also been the spiritual home of the Orthodox Church for over 600 years which is evident from the number of Orthodox Churches which also sit cheek by jowl with Synagogues and Mosques.

Russian City - Vladivostok

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The administrative capital of Primorsky Krai and busy seaport. Located on Zolotoy Rog or Golden Horn Bay, it was originally a Russian military outpost in 1860 and was also known as Lord of the East or Conqueror of the East. Vladivostok has of huge military importance and is home to the Pacific Fleet which was vastly bolstered during the Cold War.

It is extremely important as a port, welcoming goods from Asia, China and Japan.

You will see the amazing Primorksy Oceanarium and the Vladivostock Fortress with its military history and guided tours. The Russky Bridge is also a spectacular tourist attraction.

Russian City - Kazan

Capital and largest city of the Republic of Tatarstan, which has grown up around the Volga River.

See the beautiful temple of all religions with its fusion architecture representing all religious faiths.

There are many festivals in the city from February through to August. Hop aboard a river boat to see the city from a different perspective and try some Tartar food and Ukha fish soup for a tasty dip into Kazan cuisine

Russian City - Yekaterinburg

Photo by Stanislav Kondratiev on Unsplash

Yekaterinburg is the fourth city in the country and the place where Europe and Asia meet. It is historically known to be the place where in 1918 the Bolsheviks murdered Tsar Nicholas II and his wife Katherine and their children.

There is also a simple wooden memorial church dedicated to the family’s aunt nearby called the Chapel of the Revered Martyr Grand Princess Yelizaveta Fyodorovna.

The Vysotoskiy viewing platform is also worth a visit to see the panoramic view of the city 52 floors up.

Russian City - Novosibirsk

Photo by Sergey Isakhanyan on Unsplash

Novosibirsk is home to the state art museum and the Novosibirsk museum. There is also a multitude of pretty architectural buildings, such as the Opera and Ballet house in Lenin Square.

The west Siberian Rail museum is definitely worth a visit, as is the Chapel of St Nicholas built in 1915.

Novosibirsk is also great for doing some shopping before you travel to your next destination.

Russian City - Irkutsk

One of the largest cities in Siberia, Irkutsk is the administrative capital. 1440 feet above sea level, Irkutsk was the place of exile for many Russians during the revolt of 1825. It’s growth was largely down to the Trans-Siberian railway after 1893.

You will find a monument to Alexander III and see the impressive Glazowski Bridge half a mile from the railway station.

One of the most charming parts of Irkutsk is the city centre with its green boulevards and the ensemble of the central square. You will see many small wooden houses or cabins that are decorated with “wooden laces” as well as modern constructions of the 20th century.

Russian Lake - Lake Baika

Frozen from January to May, Lake Baikal is one of the largest and oldest deep water, freshwater lakes on earth. It holds 20 percent of the world's fresh water It is also 31,500 square kilometres and 636 km long with a width of 48 km. Surrounded by mountains, the lake has steep slopes and flows out through the Angara River. Industries in the area are mica and marble mining and there are concerns about industry polluting the lake.

The Luxury Train Club can arrange tailored fishing expeditions on Lake Baikal.

The railway line is an extraordinary achievement in engineering, known as the ‘gold belt’ of Siberia, it was one of the grand projects of Tsarist times. Built between 1896 and 1900 and designed by architects and engineers summoned from all over Europe, the rail was laid along the edge of the coast through the dramatic slopes of the Primorsky Range.

Russian City - Ulan Ude

Ulan Ude is a pretty city in Eastern Siberia, with modern architecture and wide-open green parkland spaces with cooling fountains, memorials and fascinating Mongolian Buddhist culture are evident in the cosy heart of the city. The Buryat State academic opera and ballet theatre is definitely worth a visit as is the Holy Odigitrievsky Cathedral.

Trans Siberian Luxury Train Experiences

The Golden Eagle travels through Russia, Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and more. The tours vary, some taking a leisurely two weeks and crossing eight time zones, making sure you have plenty of time to take in and enjoy these voyages of a lifetime.

Travelling in the luxury of the Imperial Russia train, visiting many of the largest historical and cultural centres of the vast Russian Empire, is an incredible way to journey through the heart of Russia.

Being a luxury Trans-Siberian train, the Tsar's Gold Trans-Siberian is all about experiences: you will have a dedicated tour director throughout your entire journey. Daily onboard classes on Russian history and language will keep you entertained during your pan-continental commute, and select local guides will be taking you on city tours during your stops. The Tsar's Gold Trans-Siberian train tour is truly a once-in-a-lifetime journey!

Contact for Booking a Trans Siberian Luxury Train

Please contact us to book on a luxury Russian train or to ask any questions about Trans Siberian Trains.