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3 Highlights of a Trans-Siberian Journey with Orbridge

Experience one of the world's greatest adventures—a train journey on the Trans-Siberian Railroad. This legendary train route is made even more interesting, comfortable, and entertaining with Orbridge's engaging itinerary on and off the private Tsar's Gold.

Did you know the Trans-Siberian Railroad crosses numerous bridges, travels through 15 tunnels, and traverses 16 major rivers? It also passes through dozens of major cities, three countries, and two continents! This exhilarating, culturally rich experience spans multiple time zones and thousands of miles, well earning its high "bucket-list" ranking.

Filled with authentic activities for local color, cuisine, and hospitality, our Trans-Siberian Railway program features tours, performances, presentations, and the train experience itself for an exceptional trip. Here are three of the many unforgettable highlights.

  1. Riding the rails aboard the Tsar's Gold

Ever since a rail service linking Europe with the Far East was established at the turn of the century, travelers have been drawn to this great adventure. The relaxing Tsar's Gold offers pleasant accommodations, friendly service, beautiful views, and fresh cuisine designed by onboard chefs using locally sourced ingredients. Learn about the region through informational onboard lectures and partake in a vodka tasting with typical Russian snacks and red caviar. It’s a delicious opportunity to join Russia's festive customs of hospitality and clever toasts.

2. Enjoying Mongolian traditions

Vast steppes, untouched deserts, and nomadic, hospitable people—welcome to Mongolia! For over 3,000 years, the Mongolian yurt (or "ger," as they are known in Mongolia), has been used by nomads who move from location to location with grazing livestock. An important part of Mongolian culture and heritage, a traditional dwelling is a cylindrical tent made of a wooden lattice structure and covered with waterproof wool felt or animal skin. At a picnic lunch served in a yurt camp, sample a simple, yet rich meal of iconic dishes which may include Tibetan-style dumplings called buuz, or a dried, flakey textured cheese biscuit known as qurut.

While in Mongolia Orbridge guests also attend a performance of traditional Mongolian folk arts, including dancing, the other-worldly sounds of throat singing, and music from the horse-headed fiddle. Plus, there are demonstrations of three national sports to watch: wrestling, archery, and horse riding. Thousands of hearty descendants of Genghis Kahn compete in such shows of skill and strength every summer.

3. Admiring the beauty of natural and architectural wonders

Set far within the Russian subcontinent, Baikal is the deepest, oldest, and most voluminous of all lakes. The Trans-Siberian railway travels along this immense and breathtaking body of water, and around it live many animal species—about 80 percent of which live nowhere else on the planet. You may even spot seals swimming in their natural habitat. So huge is Baikal that it reportedly takes an average of 330 years for a single water molecule to flow through it, from inlet to outlet! Explore this "Pearl of Siberia" during two extended photography stops and embark upon a boat excursion from Port Baikal out onto the lake where the Angara River flows. Legend has it if you completely submerge yourself in the waters of Lake Baikal—hands, feet, head, and body—you will extend your life by 25 years. Take a bracing dip if you dare, or simply have fun watching others do so. Later, weather permitting, savor a fun barbecue picnic dinner along the shoreline.

Russia's architecture provides an eye-catching and important record of the country's history. It spans a long narrative of differing styles and influences, from Byzantine and Baroque to Continental Europe and Soviet Socialist Classicism. Known for its distinctive look of vibrantly painted domes, sloped roofs, and ornate decoration, there exists a unique mix of opulence and practicality.

Delight in viewing and learning about such structures as the Okhlopkov Drama Theatre, Church of all Saints, Red Square, and more—including the Kazan Kremlin. Built on an ancient site, the UNESCO recognized Kazan Kremlin was conquered by Ivan the Terrible in 1552. As the only surviving Tatar fortress in Russia and an important place of pilgrimage, the Kazan Kremlin consists of an outstanding group of historic buildings, with the most conspicuous landmark being the mysterious leaning Söyembikä Tower, dating back to the reign of Peter the Great.

Appealing to the romantic element in our wanderlust, the Trans-Siberian Railway combines train travel with extraordinary landscapes and absorbing excursions for the journey of a lifetime. Join Orbridge for an opportunity to travel across the largest country on Earth and perhaps challenge preconceived notions by experiencing character, culture, and customs like no other.