2013 - APT Europe River Cruising

15 Day Trans-Siberian Express Moscow to Vladivostok 1 Night Moscow | 12 Night Rail Journey from Moscow to Vladivostok | 1 Night Vladivostok Moscow | Kazan | Yekaterinburg | Novosibirsk | Ulaanbaatar | Vladivostok Enjoy almost a full day travelling alongside the edge of massive Lake Baikal TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF OUR FLEET ONLINE www.aptouring.com.au Freedom of Choice InclusionsTM Signature Experience DISCOVER THE RUSSIAN CAPITAL Day 1. Moscow. On arrival in Moscow, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is then at your leisure, before a Welcome Reception and dinner this evening. Stay: Moscow, Marriott Royal Aurora. BOARD THE TRANS-SIBERIAN EXPRESS Day 2. Moscow, Freedom of Choice Touring. Today perhaps embark on a tour of the Russian capital, including a visit to Red Square, where you'll also see the coloured domes of St Basil's Cathedral. Alternatively, visit the Tretyakov Art Gallery, Russia's National Gallery. After your activity, transfer to the railway station and board the Golden Eagle. Twelve Night Stay: the Golden Eagle. CROSSING THE EUROPE-ASIA DIVIDE Day 4. Yekaterinburg. Cross the Europe-Asia divide and the Ural Mountains this morning then arrive in Yekaterinburg, where the influences of European and Asian civilisations come together in a cosmopolitan landscape. Disembark for a tour that will take you to the site where Nicholas II, the last Emperor of Russia, was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site provides great insight into the Russian Revolution. D THE WORLD'S DEEPEST FRESHWATER LAKE Day 8. Lake Baikal, Listvyanka. BLD Day 5. Novosibirsk. Today experience the rich culture of Novosibirsk. Disembark for a tour that includes the opera house, an architectural marvel that houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is one of the largest opera houses in the world. In front of the opera house is an imposing statue of the famous Russian leader, Vladimir Lenin, which provides you with a great photographic opportunity. BLD BLD Day 3. Kazan. Today, the Golden Eagle will arrive in the picturesque and historic city of Kazan, situated on the Volga River. Here, you'll disembark for a tour that takes in a selection of the city's major sights, including the World Heritage-listed Kremlin Fortress. Within the walls of this ancient citadel, explore the mosque and onion-domed cathedral. Later, re-board your train and continue your journey east towards Russia's third largest city, Yekaterinburg. 172 Day 6. On Board. Today unwind in luxury on board your train. Perhaps learn a few words of Russian or sit back and absorb the ever-changing landscape outside your window. BLD BLD Day 7. Irkutsk. Today your train will arrive in Irkutsk, often referred to as the Paris of Siberia. On a guided sightseeing tour, admire the city's distinctive wooden architecture and visit the Decembrist House museum, dedicated to the exiled aristocrats who were forced to flee after the failed revolution of 1825. Afterwards, enjoy a private concert then return to the Golden Eagle for dinner. This morning, absorb the grandeur of Lake Baikal, the world's deepest freshwater lake. Wind through tunnels and along cliff-side tracks above the lake, which is framed by snow-capped peaks. Weather permitting, your train will stop at one of Lake Baikal's tranquil bays, where you'll enjoy a BBQ of smoked fish. You may even choose to take a swim. Afterwards, visit Listvyanka, a settlement nestled at the base of the surrounding hills. BLD Day 9. Ulan Ude. Today arrive in Ulan Ude and disembark for a tour. Enjoy an engaging exploration of the Old Believers Village, where you'll learn about the culture and history of the local people. After indulging in a traditional meal, enjoy a concert featuring local dancers and musicians before rejoining your train. BLD A TASTE OF MONGOLIA Day 10. Ulaanbaatar. Today, cross the border into Mongolia and visit the country's capital Ulaanbaatar. Pass the monument to Genghis Khan, and visit the National Museum of Mongolian History, then enjoy lunch in a Ger (Yurt). Indulge in a Mongolian meal of local dishes and enjoy local entertainment. You'll then return to your train for dinner. BLD BLD RUSSIA'S FAR EAST Day 11. On Board. Relax on board as your train travels through the beautiful landscape of Russia's remote far eastern provinces, skirting the border of China. BLD

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