Trans-Siberian Mongolian Route

From the Moscow Kremlin to the Siberian taiga and the Mongolian steppe, this private train journey celebrates three different cultures: that of the modern Muscovite, hailing a taxi in front of an 800-year-old palace; the Baikal Siberian, proud heir of Cossacks, indigenous Buryats and czarist political exiles; and the Mongolian nomad, drawn to the capital, UlaanBaatar, for the beloved Naadam Festival. Join the crowd singing the praises of the country's best in wrestling, archery and horse-racing.

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Days 1-2: Moscow

Spend a night in Russia's capital, Moscow, at a five star hotel with a reception and welcome dinner. Explore Moscow's 800-year-old Kremlin and spacious Red Square with St. Basil's Cathedral, the brilliantly decorated onion-domed Orthodox church. Board the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express luxury private train for departure to the east.

Day 3: Kazan

The first stop is in Kazan, the beautiful capital of the Republic of Tatarstan on the Volga River.

Day 4: Ekterinburg

The train crosses from Europe into Asia prior to arrival in Ekaterinburg. This is the place where, in 1918, Bolsheviks executed the last czar, Nicholas II, along with his wife and children.

Day 5: Novosibirsk

Stop in Novosibirsk to visit the enormous Opera House, Lenin Square and the Ob River, which flows 3,500 miles from its source to the Arctic.

Day 6: Aboard Train

Enjoy the relaxed pace onboard the train heading east through the Sayan Mountains, passing Novokuznetsk and Abakan.

Day 7: Irkutsk

Morning arrival in Irkutsk, the "capital" of Siberia. The tour includes the major museums and sights of this fascinating city, as well as examples of the classic wooden architecture for which Siberian towns are known.

Day 8: Lake Baikal

A spectacular part of the journey today is spent winding our way through tunnels and cliffs along the edge of Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake. Stop en route for a barbeque at the lake's edge, and continue to the village of Listvyanka to learn about the lake’s ecosystem and its indigenous creatures.

Day 9: Ulan Ude

Arriving in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic, visit a village of Old Believers, a sect of Orthodox Christians who fled the czar’s repressions many years ago.

Days 10-13: UlaanBaatar

Arriving in the capital of Mongolia, UlaanBaatar, visit the Gandan Monastery before checking in to the hotel for a three-night stay. Admire alpine Gorkhi-Terelj National Park from horseback if you choose. Attend the celebrated Naadam Festival, including the Opening Ceremony, archery and wrestling competitions (for more information on the Naadaam Festival, visit MIR's Travel Log). Explore the excellent National History Museum and celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner.

Trip Details

Departures in 2009 1 Length of Trip: 13 Days Dates: June 30-July 12 Feature the Naadam Festival in Mongolia, 4 nights hotels, 8 nights aboard the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express. Land Tour Cost Per Person:   Silver Class, twin share $12,795 Silver Class, single $18,495 Gold Class, twin share $15,795 Gold Class, single $22,195

MIR Signature Features

• Appreciate the metropolis of Moscow, brimming with life and honoring its 850 years of history
• Discover the "Holy Sea," great Lake Baikal
• Roll through the high Mongolian steppe where Genghis Khan's armies once roamed on horseback
• Thrill to the spectacle and athletic feats of the Naadam Festival, Mongolia's favorite celebration

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

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