Arriving at Moscow, you will be transferred into your hotel to rest after a long day of flight.

For those with more time, we recommend adding a few more nights to explore Moscow in further depth and extend to St. Petersburg or the Golden Ring circuit.

Start the day exploring the majestic Kremlin (UNESCO) and an exclusive private viewing of Tsars’ treasures at the Armoury Chamber before it opens to the public. Thereafter, we take a stroll at the world-famous Red Square with its St. Basil’s Cathedral and the ornate façade of the GUM Department Store which also doubled as a sombre site of Lenin’s tomb.

After lunch in the 19th century mansion of Café Pushkin, we tour the incredibly ornate Moscow Metro with its Socialist statues, frescoes and mosaics. Arriving at Moscow Kazanky Station, enjoy some Russian champagne and canapes before embarking on your train journey.

Set amidst the magnificent Volga River is the historic city of Kazan, capital of Tatarstan. Tour the ancient Kremlin Fortress (UNESCO) where you will find stunning mosque and onion-domed cathedrals. After a private concert of  Feodor Chaliapin music, who was born here, you will have some time to explore the pedestrian area before returning to the train.

The Ural Mountains is a natural border between Europe and Asia, and nowhere does the confluence of culture is more evidential than the Urals capital of Yekaterinburg, founded in 1723 by Peter the Great.

Tour the church where Romanov was executed and enjoy champagne with one foot at each continent at the obelisk marking the geographical border.

Alternatively, you can also visit Museum of Military Machinery with its vast collection of tanks, aircrafts, boats, armoured trains and civilian vehicles.

A modern Soviet city with vibrant arts and science scene, we will visit Lenin Square with its architecturally imposing Opera House and Lenin Statue.

Alternatively, you can visit either Railway Museum with its Soviet-era locomotives including the carriages of the Tsars, Mineralogical Centre displaying Siberian minerals, or State Art Museum with extensive art collection from Siberian, Russian and international artists.

As we traverse the vast Siberian landscape with its ever-changing scenery, spend the day unwinding to reflect on the sounds and sights throughout your cultural journey so far.

Perhaps you may want to head to the Bar Lounge area to exchange eye-opening journeys with fellow train passengers or learn a few Russian phrases among some of the hosted bar activities. As evening falls, be serenaded by soothing music courtesy of the resident pianist.

Dubbed the “Paris of Siberian”, stroll along classic wooden architecture with carved lace decorations, Volkonsky House Museum dedicated to exiled aristocrats following the failed Decembrists uprising and enjoy a private concert with champagne recreating the old-school Irkutsk atmosphere.

Thereafter, choose either to learn how to cook traditional Russian lunches or visit a traditional Russian Dacha (summer house) or an urban apartment to learn the everyday life of a Russian family.

Journey across Lake Baikal aboard a Soviet steam locomotive. Dubbed the “Pearl of Siberia”, the world’s deepest lake also holds 20% of Earth’s freshwater reserve. If weather permits, we make a scenic photography stop with time to swim in the ice-cold waters. Hop on a boat to Listvyanka, a small Baikal settlement to visit the Lake Baikal Museum and Aquarium to learn about the lakes’ flora and fauna, including freshwater seal and over 50 fish species. After a freshly-smoked omul fish BBQ, we return to the train. Alternatively, you can also join the train’s panoramic hiking program.

Today’s journey brings us off-the-beaten from classic Trans-Siberian journey into the underappreciated Ulan Ude, the capital of Buryat Republic. Enjoy folk singing concert at the Old Believers’ Village to get acquainted with unique culture and history of these religious Buryat people.

Cross the international border to the Mongolian capital of Ulaan Baatar, once a centre of the Genghis Khan empire. Tour the Gandan Monastery which houses over 500 monks and Chinggis Square with its monument dedicated to the revered Genghis Khan.

Thereafter, you have the option to drive out to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park for a taste of traditional Naadam Festival with its horse-riding, wrestling and archery games. Meet a nomadic family in their traditional GER.

Alternatively, stay within the city to visit National Museum and Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum, followed by traditional Mongolian throat singing and contortionist performance.

You will have free time at leisure before we transfer to airport for your flight to onward destination.

If you have more time, we recommend extension to the Gobi Desert for overnight stay on a traditional yurt while exploring the vast steppes, sand dunes and rugged landscapes.