Itinerary Include flights Expand all Day 1 Fly to Moscow; transfer to city centre Arrive in the early evening and transfer to our centrally located hotel in Moscow. The journey takes approximately 1 hour from Sheremetyevo Airport yet during peak season this can be longer due to traffic. The closest subway station to our hotel is Arbatskaya on the blue line (the only station where four lines meet).After dinner we recommend an evening walk onto Red Square. Arbat House Hotel or similar Day 2 Full day sightseeing tour of Moscow. Evening train to Suzdal This morning we enjoy a walking tour of Moscow, surely one of the most iconic cities in the world. Our route takes us across Red Square, with time to visit Lenin's Mausoleum and the ornate GUM Shopping Centre. We then hop aboard the marvellous, efficient Metro system, for a short tour of some of the most beautiful stations. Many are lined with marble, stained glass and adorned with chandeliers.After lunch, we will explore the Kremlin - a city within a city. It is still the seat of political power in Russia and contains many of its greatest treasures. We visit the magnificent cathedrals of St. Michael the Archangel, the Annunciation and the Assumption, as well as the Tsar Bell and the golden domes of Ivan the Great Bell Tower.In the early evening, we transfer to Kurskaya train station for the train to Vladimir, with an onward transfer to Suzdal. It's an interesting run, firstly through the suburbs of Soviet apartment blocks and then pretty countryside that surrounds the Russian capital. Hotel Sokol or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Guided tour of Suzdal and wooden architecture museum Suzdal is sometimes called the 'diamond in the Golden Ring' - referring to the ring of ancient towns and cities of historic and religious importance surrounding Moscow. This small town of wooden cottages and fine churches once served as the capital of Russia, when Moscow was not much more than a cluster of cowsheds. It transformed into a major monastic centre in the times of Ivan the Terrible and also became an important commercial hub. Our morning walking tour will take in all the main sights, including the Kremlin and the Nativity of the Virgin Cathedral. After a lunch stop, we'll visit the Museum of Wooden Architecture, where buildings from all over the region were bought to protect them from redevelopment. The museum really gives us an idea of how people in the past lived. The 'village' includes houses, workshops and even two whole churches. Today we visit a local family and enjoy a traditional meal at their home. Hotel Sokol or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 4 Transfer to Vladimir; sightseeing and free time. Evening train to Nizhny Novgorod Today we return to Vladimir, somewhat more industrial than Suzdal, due to its location on the Trans-Siberian line, but no less significant. The town is another former capital of Russia and home to several UNESCO protected architectural masterpieces, including the Golden Gates, St Demetrius’ Cathedral and the Dormition Cathedral. In the late afternoon, we board the eastbound Trans-Siberian Express for Nizhny Novgorod arriving in time for a late dinner.Gorky Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 City tour of Nizhny Novgorod; Overnight train to Kazan Nizhny Novgorod, known as Gorky until 1991, was once a 'closed city' to foreigners to safeguard the security of Soviet military research and production facilities. It was also home to the exiled nuclear physicist Andrei Sakharov an activist for disarmament, peace and human rights. With these dark days behind it, Russias fifth largest city is now home to a beautiful restored cliff-top Kremlin overlooking the confluence of the Volga and Oka rivers. After a morning tour of the main sights, there is free time.After an early dinner back in the city, we once again board the Trans-Siberian Express, this time in 4 berth cabins for the overnight journey to Kazan the capital of the Tatarstan Republic. Sleeper train Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Full day in Kazan, Russia's Tartar Capital Kazan is sometimes referred to as 'Istanbul on the Volga', a city where East meets West, and the Orthodox domes and spires compete with the minarets to form the most unique skyline of any Russian city. This is the capital of the Tatarstan Republic, autonomous, oil-rich, but still firmly under Moscow's control. Since 2000 vast sums of money have been spent cleaning up the city, adding bilingual street signs and building a stunning new mosque. Kazan really is like no other city in Russia. Our morning tour includes the Kremlin, The Qul Sharif Mosque, Khan’s Mausoleum and the Temple of All Religions. The afternoon is free to enjoy the city at your leisure. Maksim Gorky Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 From Europe to Asia, cross the Ural Mountains After breakfast, we start our final journey by rail to Yekaterinburg. Boarding the Trans-Siberian Express we head east, leaving Europe behind and moving into the Asian region of the colossal nation that is Russia. Our 14.5hr journey passes through dense forests of pine, small industrial towns, wooden villages and the rolling foothills of the Urals. The journey really gives us a sense of what the rest of the country is like and an idea of just how vast and remote some parts are. Station stops are a real highlight of the day as there is time to leave the train, buy home cooked snacks from locals and meet some of our fellow passengers. This is a day to relax and watch the world go by, before reaching our final destination of Yekaterinburg late in the evening. Green Park Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Morning tour of Yekaterinburg; free afternoon Yekaterinburg is our final destination on this epic journey, a city that has played a huge part in the recent history of Russia. Here, on the 17th July 1918, the Romanov Family met their fate, having been taken here from St Petersburg (then Petrograd) in April of the same year. In a dark cellar of a modest house, they were shot and stabbed by Bolshevik troops, changing the course of European history forever. The house no longer stands, having been pulled down in 1977 on the orders of Boris Yeltsin. Today the new Church on the Blood sits on the same site. As well as a city tour we visit the Museum of The Royal Family. We then have a free afternoon to enjoy the city and you may choose to visit the Museum of Military Glory, or maybe just relax with a coffee in one of the cities many cafes. Marins Park Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 9 Fly to London via Moscow Morning transfer to Yekaterinburg, fly to London via Moscow. Meals included: Breakfast
St Petersburg Extension Extend your adventure with our perfectly designed 2 night pre-extension to Russia's cultural capital, St Petersburg. Prior to the Russian Revolution of 1917, St Petersburg (or Petrograd as it was known then), was the capital of Imperial Russia and seat of power of the Romanov Family. It was here that revolution began, the Winter Palace was stormed by the Bolsheviks and Tsar Nicolas II abdicated. Starting in St Petersburg allows us to follow the full journey of both the revolution itself Romanov family all the way to the sight of their execution, two thousand kilometres away in Yekaterinburg. The detailed itinerary can be found here. Please ask your sales consultant for more details.
Russia All nationalities require a visa for Russia. These requirements will vary depending on your nationality. For British nationals visa applications must now be made in person at a visa processing centre, located in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. At the time of application, fingerprints will be taken. We will be providing a new type of service to assist with the application process; however we will no longer be able to submit the application on your behalf. It is your responsibility to arrange a visa prior to travel, but we will provide you with more information after booking to help and advice with this. The cost of the visa is currently GBP108.40. For more information please click here Please note: The visa application takes approximently 20 working days. You can arrange for your passport to be posted back to you or returned to the visa processing centre to collect it in person. There is a £20pp charge to create an invitation letter if any pre or post tour accommodation is not booked with Exodus.
Russia There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever.
Hotels and sleeper train You will spend 7 nights in comfortable 3 star hotels and 1 night on a sleeper train. All accommodation is offered on a twin share basis with private facilities. Our properties in all five cities are in central locations, within walking distance of the main sights (no more than 20 minutes). Wi-Fi is available free of charge but may only be accessible in public areas and is often temperamental. Each hotel offers a buffet breakfast. The sleeper train is based on 4 berth cabins. Linen is provided. If you have trouble getting into an upper bunk, please let Exodus know at the time of booking. Single supplement excludes sleep train between Nizhny Novgorod and Kazan.
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Reviewed September 2019 christine midgley Trip: Russia: Last Journey of the Tsars Russia by trans Siberia railway Excellent holiday with really good guides. A great group and as always with exodus holidays, all good company. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? In Yacatherinburg at the church of the spilled blood What did you think of your group leader? Very good Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Great holiday, Russia is far more advanced than we in the West tend to think Is there anything else you would like to add? No
Reviewed June 2019 Peter Craig Trip: Russia: Last Journey of the Tsars Don't know what I am meant to review! I would recommend this Tour to anyone with a remote interest in Russia and its history. The Journey (from St Petersburg in our case) to Ekaterinburg unfolded the story of Russia old and new. We were staggered by the churches, some built less than ten years ago. The trains were excellent except the Kazan to Ekaterinburg 14 hour journey, where the train had no buffet or trolley service for food. You have to stock up at the occasional 20-30 minute stop at stations. Fine, it added to the fun. We were recommended not to eat anything unwrapped from the stations but I couldn't exist on biscuits and crisps so had a Russian version of a cheese and potato pasty. No problems. Hotels very good. A really well put together tour which I would strongly recommend. Russians much nicer and much more helpful than their normal image in the west. The cities were very impressive in a classical 19th century way. Come on Exodus, why not a trip starting in Ekaterinburg and going eastwards... What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The Moscow Kremlin. But too many highlights to list really. What did you think of your group leader? Artem was excellent, fluent and helpful. 100% except he didn't really get over to us in time that the 14 hour Kazan to Ekaterinburg train had no food on board. It wouldn't have mattered except he discouraged us (on hygiene grounds) from buying at the station kiosks. Personally I would judge the station food safe. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? No, relax and enjoy it. It doesn't live down to its Cold War image Is there anything else you would like to add? Just that small point re the 14 hour journey; decide if station kiosk food is okay or not. I think its okay. But if Exodus want to be cautious tell everyone to stock up with wrapped sandwiches the night before.
Reviewed June 2019 Katherine Morgan Trip: Russia: Last Journey of the Tsars A great trip full of variety. A very busy trip with so much to see, it was my first time in Russia and this trip is an excellent introduction into its history. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I enjoyed Suzdal and Vladimir, a pleasant change from the big cities, a great opportunity to see some of the old Russia. The churches were all amazing. What did you think of your group leader? Artem was excellent, very well organised, thorough and extremely patient ensuring all our needs were met. Local guides were also good. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Travel light! The hotels never offer assistance with bags etc. Would also suggest an extra day in Moscow which we did, the group day was a bit rushed as there was so much to see. Is there anything else you would like to add? If you do the St Petersburg extension, which I highly recommend, make sure you take a direct flight there. We didn't and our luggage didn't come with us so we spent the first three days in our travel clothes.
Reviewed October 2018 Paul Roberts Trip: Russia: Last Journey of the Tsars A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma This was an outstanding trip with a great itinerary expertly led by the Russian tour manager. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Suzdal with its Chekovian impressionist atmosphere. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Nizhny Novgorod. Tran-Siberian rail journey. What did you think of your group leader? Outstanding leader. Relaxed but utterly efficient. Eager to engage with all members of the group and willing to share real insights into the developments in Russia over the last 30 years. He made a great contribution to the success of the tour. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Enjoy the Russian Standard vodka - it seems to ward off germs!
Reviewed October 2018 Peter Heywood Trip: Russia: Last Journey of the Tsars A Russian journey from Europe to Asia A very busy trip with plenty to see and much to experience. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Visiting the locations where major events in Russian history occurred, e.g. siege of Vladimir, execution of Royal Family. What did you think of your group leader? Very helpful and efficient. He dealt well with sickness amongst group members and made sure that everybody kept good time during what was a tightly-scheduled trip. Very open and informative about Russian society and traditions. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Always dress for cold weather. I arrived in Moscow to 25degC heat which dropped to 16degC on Day 2 and, in Kazan, became 6degC with a sub-zero wind chill. Is there anything else you would like to add? Artem was very quick to follow up after the trip with contact details of group members.
Reviewed June 2017 Catherine Jones Trip: Russia: Last Journey of the Tsars Russia: Last Journey of the Tsars Just returned from the first departure of a new trip venturing to parts of Russia where foreign tourists are few and far between, travelling on sections of the Trans-Siberian route - but without the endurance test of days on end on a train. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I'm not sure I'd describe moments as inspirational as much as very enjoyable and sometimes unexpected. Visiting Red Square at night on our first evening together as a group. The peace of small-town Suzdal after the tourist hoardes of the Moscow Kremlin. Seeing where the Romanovs were murdered in Yekaterinburg, and hearing conflicting theories about their fate. The attractiveness of Kazan. Hopping off the train to buy food from women selling meals on the platform at stations in the middle of nowhere. Eating great plov, khachapuri and shashlik all over the place.... What did you think of your group leader? Yvgeny was calm and organised, and I had absolute confidence he would get us safely from one destination to the next. He was happy to talk about the ins and outs of everyday Russian life, and it was interesting to hear about his plans for his family dacha - a welcome escape from the pressures of Moscow living. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't change too much money into roubles all in one go. Prices are a lot more reasonable once you leave Moscow, and there are money exchanges in every town/city. Take insect repellent, particularly for Suzdal where we we all fell victim to mosquito bites. And don't overpack. The trip involves a lot of getting on and off trains and carrying your bag up and down numerous flights of stairs. Is there anything else you would like to add? This is a great trip if you want to see a slice of 'real' Russia and travel with real Russians, away from the main tourist route between Moscow and St Petersburg.
Reviewed June 2017 Simon Clifford Trip: Russia: Last Journey of the Tsars There's more to Russia than Moscow and St. Petersburg! This trip is the perfect opportunity to explore Russia beyond the usual Moscow to St Petersburg tourist trail. Traveling east on the route of the Trans-Siberian railway we got to experience lovely towns and cities that welcome very few foreign tourists. The trip really changed my perspective of what Russia is actually like. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Nizhny Novogord probably surprised me the most. I was expecting a pretty dank, industrial city. However it was actually a lovely place with a real European vibe, great cafes, a small Kremlin with a good modern art museum and a fascinating history, especially during the Soviet period, when it was a closed city.The pretty town of Suzal was also lovely and a total contrast to Moscow. What did you think of your group leader? Our guide was cool, calm and organsied. Considering this was a first depart all went very well. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Travel light, carrying cases on and off the train, over bridges and through tunnels isn't easy. Don't forget mosquito repellent, around Suzal was particularly bad. Is there anything else you would like to add? Go with an open mind about Russia and you'll be plesently surprised.
Reviewed June 2017 Helen Porter Trip: Russia: Last Journey of the Tsars Last Journey of the Tsars Just back from this very enjoyable trip. So interesting to see parts of Russia not on the usual tourist trail and experience the Trans-Siberian railway without spending multiple days and nights on the train. So few tourists, other than Russians, outside of Moscow, which was good. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? No single moment but the day on the train from Kazan was very interesting as we were the only tourists on the train and it was fascinating to see the country side rolling by (despite the huge number of trees) and get off the train to purchase food from vendors at stations. What did you think of your group leader? Very organised and helpful Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Wi-Fi is hit and miss so don't rely on it. More mosquitos around than I expected so take some repellent.
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