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A journey
of a lifetime on the Trans-Siberian Express
The Trans-Siberian
Railway is a network of railway lines which connect the capital Moscow
with the Russian Far East. The journey between Moscow and Vladivostok,
for example, is the longest in the world at 9,289 km (5,772 mi). This railway
line has joined the two cities since 1916 and it is still being expanded.
Many
describe going on a
journey on the Trans-Siberian Express as being the experience of a
lifetime, but what can travellers expect along the way?
Compartments
and dining
Passengers
can travel in comfort, whether booking an entire compartment to themselves,
or sharing with other passengers. When the train stops in stations, there
are shops to stock up on a few snacks and treats before continuing the
journey. The dining car serves all meals and is a great place to relax
with a good book during the day or a drink in the evening.
There
are various routes to choose from, but here we cover some of the route
from Moscow to Vladivostok, with a couple of interesting stopovers along
the way.
Journey
from Moscow to Vladivostok on the Trans-Siberian Express
The original
Moscow to Vladivostok route spans two continents and runs through a staggering
nine different time zones. There is a direct train, but if travellers have
the time, it is great to enjoy a few stopovers along the way. The following
are some examples of ideal spots to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh
air.
Lake Baikal
Destinations
of interest include Lake
Baikal, an ancient and massive lake in mountainous Siberia, just north
of the border with Mongolia. It is believed to be the deepest lake in the
world. Surrounding the lake is a series of hiking paths, known as the Great
Baikal Trail. On the lakes western shoreline is the village of Listvyanka,
which is a popular starting point for dog sledding and ice skating in winter
and wildlife-spotting tours in the summer.
Ulan-Ude
This historic
city is located in East Siberia and features many fascinating monuments,
including the massive Lenin
Head Monument. The Datsan Rinpoche Bagsha Buddhist temple is an interesting
visit, with its beautiful, gilded stupas and the panoramic views. A visit
to the outdoor Ethnographic Museum reveals the attractive, traditional
Buryat wooden yurts, while the City History Museum is set in the former
home of a tea merchant and outlines the history of the city and its residents.
Saint
Petersburg
Located
on the Baltic Sea, the port city of Saint Petersburg was the imperial capital
of Russia for two centuries and it is well worth stopping off here. It
is still Russia’s main cultural centre with the Mariinsky Theatre offering
ballet and opera and Russian art on display in the State Russian Museum.
Gaze at Peterhof, a seafront royal palace with a beautiful park with many
fountains and museums to explore. The Winter Palace is located on the waterfront
and is the former residence of the emperors of Russia with many extravagant
and gilded state rooms.
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Photo
Winter Palace Saint Petersburg by Tim Adams/Flickr
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Start
your adventure today by booking a ticket on the Trans-Siberian Express
and see Russia in comfort and style.
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