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Tour Date: 07 Jun 2013 - 04 Jul 2013
Tour Cost ($AUD): $16,787.00
A variation on our popular 'Legendary Trans-Siberian' route, this tour includes the entire Trans-Siberian rail journey from Vladivostok to Moscow, plus a stopover in Seoul and a superb cruise along the famous 'Waterways of the Tsars' from Moscow to St Petersburg. We explore majestic Vladivostok before boarding Russia's most famous train, the Rossiya, for the great journey west. We break the journey in Irkutsk to enjoy magnificent Lake Baikal before heading to Moscow. Our cruise ship is extremely comfortable and the voyage north to St Petersburg is a delight, with daily visits to famous cities and towns along the way. As with our other Trans-Siberian tours, we finish with the short train journey to the Finnish capital, Helsinki, where a night's accommodation is included.
Train No 1, the Rossiya
Vladivostok to Irkutsk
07/06/2013 Australia - Singapore - Seoul
Check-in at your chosen Australian airport for the flight to Singapore. On arrival we connect with our flight to Seoul.
Depart Singapore SQ 882, 23.50
Korean women in the traditional jeogori
08/06/2013 Arrive Seoul (D)
Arrive Seoul 07.15
After clearing customs we transfer to our hotel in the trendy district of Itaewon. Almost flattened during the Korean War, Seoul has risen from the ashes to become one of Asia’s great cities. As the political, financial, and cultural hub of South Korea, Seoul’s busy streets are lined with boisterous nightclubs, trendy stores and budget-friendly restaurants. Yet reminders of Seoul’s patrician past still cling on beneath the high rises and 12-lane freeways. Centuries-old royal palaces, imposing gateways and ornate pagodas provide visitors with an inside peek into Seoul’s
aristocratic society. Our city tour this afternoon takes in all the major sights of this bustling city.
Crown Hotel
Itaewon-Dong Yongsan-Ku
Seoul
Ph: 0011-82-2-7974111
Joint Security Area, DMZ North Korea
09/06/2013 Seoul - DMZ (BLD)
Perhaps one of the most exciting trips in the world today is a visit to Panmunjon, the Demilitarised Zone with North Korea. North and South Korea are the last two divided countries in the world and armies totalling two million men line this border. Tensions are always high here.
We enter the Joint Security Area and even walk around the negotiating table into North Korea!
10/06/2013 Seoul - Vladivostok (BD)
Vladivostok
We transfer to the airport for our flight to Vladivostok.
Depart Seoul Korean Airlines KE 981, 10.00
Arrive Vladivostok 14.20
After completing customs and immigration formalities we transfer to our hotel in the heart of Vladivostok. During the years of Soviet rule, Vladivostok was a closed city. For that reason, tourism in this far east Russian city is still in its infancy. The city was discovered in 1859 and quickly became a military outpost protecting Russia's eastern frontier. The port is a natural inlet
called Golden Horn Bay, due to its resemblance to Turkey's Golden Horn in Istanbul.
Versailles Hotel
Svetlanskaya Ulitsa 10
Vladivostok
Ph: 0011-7-4232-264201
Fx: 265124
11/06/2013 Vladivostok (BLD)
Sunset over the harbour, Vladivostok
In the morning we explore this beautiful city, which has often been likened to Naples and San Francisco. After lunch we take a boat ride around the harbour. There are three distinct harbour areas: the fishing harbour, naval base and the commercial port, which stretches along Golden Horn Bay. Afterwards we head to Amursky Bay for a panoramic view of Vladivostok.
12/06/2013 Vladivostok - Irkutsk (BLD)
Vladivostok Station
Today we travel out of Vladivostok to a typical village, where we experience true Russian culture. We share lunch with a local family, maybe drink a little vodka and get a feel for life outside the big city. In the evening we transfer to the railway station for the start of our great journey west on the legendary Trans-Siberian Express.
Depart Vladivostok Train No. 1, 20.10
 13/06/2013 Onboard the Trans-Siberian Express
Train No. 1, also known as the Rossiya, is perhaps the most famous long-distance train in Russia. Our route takes us north to Khabarovsk, before heading west across the vast plains of Siberia.
 14/06/2013 Onboard the Trans-Siberian Express
A day simply to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery as the train winds through river valleys, mountain passes and through the great Russian taiga forests.
Irkutsk, Eastern Siberia
15/06/2013 Arrive Irkutsk (D)
The train skirts the shore of mighty Lake Baikal signalling its approach to Irkutsk, the capital of Eastern Siberia. On arrival we transfer to our hotel. Once known as the 'Paris of Siberia', Irkutsk dates back to 1661. Founded as a Cossack outpost, it continued to develop as a fur and gold trading city with access routes to Mongolia and China. Today Irkutsk is a regional cultural centre with theatres, museums and a symphony orchestra.
Arrive Irkutsk 16.47
Hotel Intourist
44 Gagarin Boulevard
Irkutsk
Ph: 0011-7-3952-250168
Fx: 250162
Lake Baikal
16/06/2013 Irkutsk (BLD)
This morning we drive out of Irkutsk to the world's greatest expanse of fresh water, Lake Baikal. More than 25 million years old, the lake contains 20 per cent of the earth's fresh water. We visit the impressive Limnological Museum and take a cruise on the lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The Trans-Siberian Express
17/06/2013 Irkutsk - Moscow (BL)
After lunch we transfer to the railway station and board the Trans-Siberian Express for the second leg of our great journey.
Depart Irkutsk Train No. 1, 17.50
The Trans-Siberian is the busiest railroad in the world
18/06/2013 Onboard the Trans-Siberian Express
As the train heads west towards Moscow, we can sit back and enjoy the fabulous scenery. The dining car is the hub of the train where westerners and Russians mingle, share a meal and have a drink or two.
Kymlee Seymour, Di Parker and Hans Koning onboard the Trans-Siberian
19/06/2013 Onboard the Trans-Siberian Express
The train now cuts through the foothills of the Ural Mountains. We pass through great cities such as Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg, where Tsar Nicholas and his family were murdered.
St Basil's Cathedral, Moscow
20/06/2013 Moscow (D)
Finally, the train pulls into Yaroslavsky Station at the end of our momentous journey.
Arrive Moscow 17.58
On arrival we transfer to our hotel.
Budapest Hotel
2/18 Petrovski Linni
Moscow
Ph: 0011-7-495-6211060
Fx: 6215290
Inside the Kremlin walls
21/06/2013 Moscow (BLD)
Our tour of Russia's magnificent capital begins with a morning in the famous Kremlin. We also visit the great Armoury Museum, which houses Russia's crown jewels including a fabulous collection of Faberge eggs. After lunch we explore some of the palatial stations of Moscow's underground system.
The Moscow embankment by night
22/06/2013 Moscow (BLD)
This morning we stroll into Red Square. Dating back to 1493, the magnificent square is flanked on one side by the red walls of the Kremlin and on the other by the majestic GUM department store. At one end is the imposing history museum and at the other is one of the world's most famous buildings, the unique St Basil's Cathedral. The square also houses Lenin's mausoleum. After lunch we walk along Arbat Street, Moscow's famous pedestrian mall, with its busy market stalls, street performers and fine shops and cafes.
Kolomenskoye Park under a summer sky
23/06/2013 Moscow (BLD)
On our final day in Moscow we travel outside the city to the beautiful estate of Kolomenskoye on the banks of the Moskva River. This tranquil park was once the summer residence of Alexei Romanov. The estate dates back to the 14th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon we return to Moscow and board our ship for the journey north to St Petersburg.
Onboard entertainment
24/06/2013 Cruising the Waterways (BLD)
This afternoon we visit Uglich. Founded in AD 937, it is one of the oldest cities on the upper Volga and was once part of the famous 'Golden Ring' of Russian cities.
Yaroslavl, nestling on the Volga
25/06/2013 Cruising the Waterways (BLD)
Early this morning our ship reaches Yaroslavl, an ancient city rich in monuments and stunning churches. We disembark for a full city tour of this glorious settlement.
Goritsy
26/06/2013 Cruising the Waterways (BLD)
Just south of White Lake our ship pulls into the tiny settlement of Goritsy. This was where many women were exiled and the legendary Boris Gudunov sent his daughter for protection.
Church of the Transfiguration
27/06/2013 Cruising the Waterways (BLD)
Today's highlight is a visit to Kizhi Island on Lake Onega. We visit the magnificent Church of the Transfiguration, which has no fewer than 22 grey domes arranged in three tiers. This amazing wooden building was constructed without the use of a single nail.
Mandrogi
28/06/2013 Cruising the Waterways (BLD)
Around midday we arrive at the small village of Mandrogi. Walking around the cosy log cabins is like stepping into Russia's past.
St Petersburg,
The 'Venice of The North'
29/06/2013 St Petersburg (BLD)
Today we disembark in St Petersburg and start to explore this magnificent city. Formerly known as Petrograd and Leningrad, this most European of Russian cities is the country's intellectual and cultural heart. Perched on the banks of the Neva River, it is often referred to as the 'Venice of the North' because of its glorious canal system. We enjoy such sights as St Isaac's Cathedral, the Winter Palace and Peter and Paul's Fortress, where the bodies of Tsar Nicholas and his family are interred.
Sokos Palace Bridge
V.O. Birzhevoi pereulok 2-4 (Vasily Island)
St Petersburg
Ph: 0011-7-812-335-2200
Fx: 335-2201
The Summer Palace
30/06/2013 St Petersburg (BLD)
Today we board a hydrofoil for a trip down the Neva River to Peterhof. This is the site of the magnificent Summer Palace, playground of the tsars and tsarinas. The beautiful gardens are comparable with those at the palace of Versailles and the amazing fountains provide a great spectacle.
The Hermitage and Palace Square
01/07/2013 St Petersburg (BLD)
This morning we visit the famous Winter Palace. Completed in 1762, the palace was the residence of the tsars until the Russian Revolution of 1917. It now houses the Hermitage Museum, the world's greatest art collection. The afternoon is at leisure, with the option of spending more time in the Hermitage or maybe strolling along the city's great boulevard, Nevsky Prospekt.
Helsinki's vibrant harbour
02/07/2013 St Petersburg - Helsinki (BLD)
Depart St Petersburg Allegro Train, 06.40
Arrive Helsinki 09.15
Our final train journey takes us to Helsinki, the delightful capital of Finland. On arrival we are introduced to Helsinki by way of a city tour including lunch before we transfer to our hotel and enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the end of our momentous tour.
Hotel Anna (or similar)
Annankatu 1
Helsinki 00120
Ph: 0011-358-9-616621
Fx: 602664
03/07/2013 Helsinki - London - Singapore (B)
If returning to Australia immediately, our flight departs from Helsinki today.
04/07/2013 Singapore - Australia
If returning immediately from Helsinki, our flight arrives back in Australia today.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Easy
JUNE 2013 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: $16,787
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $2,918
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* All flights between Australia and Vladivostok/Europe and Australia
* All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
* All accommodation (twin share)
* All transfers except Helsinki hotel to airport
* All train travel to Moscow (quad-share)
* Cruise on the Waterways of the Tsars
* All meals as specified
* All local guides
* Travel Directors tour escort
* All sightseeing/entrance fees as specified
* All visas and courier fees
* All tips and gratuities (except on cruise boat)
NOTE: Dates may be subject to change due to cruise schedules
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Travel insurance
* Personal expenses
* Flight from Helsinki to chosen European exit point (if not travelling via London)
Please note that while every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final costs.
A booking form must be completed by each traveller and accompanied by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 per person, at the time of booking.
All tours are based on a minimum of 10 people travelling.
Red Square
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