Moscow is your ideal starting point and provides an introduction to Russia that would be difficult to surpass.
At one time, Russia, the birth place of the 'Iron Curtain' appeared to be impenetrable to visitors from the West but since the era of Glasnost, Perestroika, and Mikhail Gorbachev, relationships have thawed and the world's largest country is gradually establishing itself as a must-see destination.
Moscow is your ideal starting point and provides an introduction to Russia that would be difficult to surpass. From the onion-domed skyline of the Kremlin, its cathedrals, churches and museums lined with treasures, to Red Square and Gorky Park, the weight of history is almost palpable in Russia's magnificent capital city.
Russia is also the starting point for what is accepted as the world's greatest rail journey; the odyssey by train along the Trans-Siberian Railway.
We have created a sample itinerary for this epic journey but we know that the beauty of travelling independently is in building your own bespoke holiday that includes all your favourite features; that's why, when you travel with GRJ independent, you'll have the freedom to decide the finer details of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, from the hotels you stay in to the places you visit.
From Moscow, you have a choice of remarkable Russian cities to explore. Kazan, which stands where the Volga and Kazanka Rivers meet is unmissable for its own kremlin which was built upon the orders of the sixteenth-century Tsar, Ivan the Terrible, and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Named after Catherine, the wife of Tsar Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg - one of Russia's first industrial towns - has a long and turbulent history, but in modern times has reinvented itself as a centre of arts and culture.
As a result, the city now boasts an eclectic mix of historic buildings and churches, some fine galleries and museums, and some thoroughly modern cafes, bars, and restaurants.
As you pass from city to city through the world's largest country, your route along the Trans-Siberian Railway reveals an ever-changing rota of scenery. These magnificent rural landscapes are every bit as diverse and unforgettable as the historical, cultural and natural experiences you'll enjoy on an independent rail tour of Russia.
The Itineraries shown are intended to give an overview of what is possible and are by no means the only options available, designed to offer an idea of all the places you could visit and give you an overview of each destination. We arrange holidays to suit all tastes and budgets, so you can pick and choose from below or come up with something completely unique.
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Discover two incredible and powerful cities that have both driven and shaped Russia on this magnificent journey. Starting in Moscow, soak up many iconic attractions including the Kremlin and Red Square, before travelling to St Petersburg - a city so rich in history its entire centre is an UNESCO World Heritage site.
… see more7 days from £1,375 pp
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Travel across Asia on this suggested itinerary from Moscow to Beijing. Visit Irkutsk, Lake Baikal, and cross the Gobi Desert before arriving in China and taking in the sights from the top of the Great Wall. This tour also offers the chance to discover the hidden cultures of Mongolia.
… see more17 days from £6,950 pp
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The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express is arguably one of the finest quality rail experiences offered anywhere in the world. Whilst the route is noted for its diverse, ever-changing and often spectacular landscapes, the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express also visits many special destinations including Irkutsk, an historic city as famed for its distinctive wooden architecture and Lake Baikal on its way from Vladivostok to Moscow.
… see more16 days from £16,275 pp
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