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Trans-Siberian Railway

Sun, 2 Aug 2026 – Mon, 10 Aug 2026

9 Days 8 Nights

About this expedition

Get ready to experience one of the world’s most iconic rail journeys: the Trans-Siberian  Railway. This extraordinary Expedition takes you across two continents, from Moscow to  the heart of Russia in Irkutsk, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and fascinating history of this vast region. What Awaits You:

  • Moscow: Start your journey in thecapital of Russia before boarding the train.

  • The Rich Tatar Culture of Kazan: Discover the unique blend of Russian and Tatar traditions at the Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • The Crossroads of Europe and Asia in Ekaterinburg: Visit the Ural Mountains’ gateway city, steeped in Romanov history and bordered by two continents.

  • The Siberian Metropolis of Novosibirsk: Explore the largest city in Siberia, renowned for its rich culture and iconic Opera and Ballet Theatre.

  • Lake Baikal: Stand in awe of the world’s deepest freshwater lake, its pristine waters and surrounding landscapes offering unparalleled natural beauty.

Itinerary

Day 1: Moscow

  • Welcome lunch in Moscow, where we will have the chance to meet athe group. In the evening, we’ll board a sleeper train, embarking on our Trans-Siberian railway toward our first destination: Kazan.

  • Overnight: Sleeper train

Day 2: Kazan

  • We’ll arrive in Kazan early in the morning and head straight to the city's highlight: the Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, we’ll explore the vibrant city and its rich blend of Tatar and Russian cultures. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a hearty dinner before boarding a night train to Ekaterinburg.

  • Overnight: Sleeper train

Day 3: Kazan - Ekaterinburg (Yekaterinburg)

  • We’ll arrive in Ekaterinburg by afternoon, with time to explore this fascinating city situated at the Ural Mountains in the asian part of Russia. We’ll visit key landmarks, including the Church on the Blood, built on the site of the Romanovs' execution.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Ekaterinburg

Day 4: Ekaterinburg - Novosibirsk

  • After a morning exploring more of Ekaterinburg, including its historical and cultural sights, we’ll take a train in the late afternoon, continuing our journey to Novosibirsk.

  • Overnight: Sleeper train

Day 5: Novosibirsk

  • We expect to arrive in Novosibirsk just past Midday, allowing us a full day to explore this city, the largest in Siberia. The main highlights of the city  will include the stunning Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre, Lenin Square, and the iconic Trans-Siberian monument.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Novosibirsk

Day 6: Novosibirsk - Irkutsk

  • Enjoy the morning wandering through Novosibirsk at your own pace, perhaps visiting the vibrant Central Market or strolling along the Ob River embankment. After midday, we’ll board our next train for Irkutsk, starting one of the longest legs of our railway journey.

  • Overnight: Sleeper train

Day 7: Train to Irkutsk

  • Spend the day aboard the train, and do  not miss the vast, mesmerizing landscapes of Siberia. Watch the scenery change as we cross dense forests, rolling hills, and quaint villages. We’ll arrive in Irkutsk late at night, ready for the next chapter of our journey.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Irkutsk

Day 8:Irkutsk- Lake Baikal

  • We’ll begin the day exploring Irkutsk, often referred to as the “Paris of Siberia” for its charming wooden architecture. Afterward, we’ll travel to Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake. Our visit includes a stop at the picturesque Listvyanka Village, where we’ll enjoy the stunning views.

  • Overnight: Guesthouse at Lake Baikal

Day 9: Lake Baikal

  • Today we’ll continue our exploration of Lake Baikal, including a trip to Bolshiye Koty, a serene and less-visited village known for its peaceful trails and crystal-clear waters. In the evening, we’ll return to Irkutsk to prepare for the final leg of our Trans-Siberian adventure.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Irkutsk

Day 10: Good Bye

  • It will be the saddest moment of our Expedition and say goodbye but it could also be the beginning of a new Expedition: Continue your journey to Vladivostok or join us on the Altai Mountains Mongolia Expedition for even more unforgettable experiences! (Additional information about these add-ons will be provided upon booking.)

 

What's included

  • Train Tickets — Trans-Siberian Railway tickets
  • Accommodation — Sleeper train (shared cabins), Shared rooms in 3*/ 4* star and guest house.
  • Transport — Russian Railway and for Lake Baikal: Private van, or 4WD and driver.
  • Expedition Leader — Wander Expeditions Leader and the best Travel Fam!

Things to know

HOW DO I GET A VISA FOR RUSSIA?

Russia you will need to apply for a Visa at your nearest emabssy. (We will support you during the process).

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO GET THERE?

Wander Expedition doesn't book flights for you and is ultimately not responsible for your flight connection, but we can offer guidance and support when you research the best options for you. You will be flying to Moscow and back from Irkutsk.

IS RUSSIA SAFE FOR TOURISTS?

Russia, like any large and diverse country, offers varying levels of safety depending on the region and current circumstances. In major cities such as Moscow and other urban hubs, tourists can expect a well-organized environment with a strong police presence, particularly in areas frequented by visitors. These cities are well-prepared to welcome travelers, offering rich cultural and historical experiences. Popular routes, like the Trans-Siberian Railway, are well-traveled by international visitors each year. As with any travel, it’s important to remain vigilant with personal belongings, especially on long train rides.

WHO IS THIS EXPEDITION FOR?

This Expedition is perfect for travelers looking to step off the beaten path and immerse themselves in the vast, diverse landscapes of Siberia and beyond. It is designed for those who value authentic experiences, cultural connections, and the thrill of exploring unique destinations.

WHAT IS THE PRICE?

Wander Expeditions is not a traditional travel agency where the first to pay is the first to go. We take you to stunning destinations, but we know the people you share it with is even more important when you travel. That’s why we have a refined selection process where we filter and vet candidates to ensure that groups are fun, balanced, diverse and interesting! We make sure candidates are on the same page and share our values of being fun, flexible and fearless, so we can guarantee everyone will have an amazing experience. We create travel families, so #trusttheprocess. Halfway through our process, we share the price with all pre-selected applicants. It only takes 5 min to apply, so you literally have nothing to lose! What are you waiting for to join the Wander Fam?

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Experience unforgettable group trips with Wander Expeditions! Discover unique destinations while forming lasting connections. Our curated travel families ensure a fun, flexible, and fearless adventure for all.

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