Classic Snow Train via Ekaterinburg - St. Petersburg to Beijing
With husky dog sledding, skiing and one of the world’s most iconic events at its heart, if it’s a real “Russian Experience” you’re after nothing beats this trip. Travelling in the depths of winter you’ll journey across Russia, taking the Manchurian route, to China via Harbin and the world famous Ice Festival, held annually between western and Chinese new years. With a grand opening ceremony, fireworks, a series of theatrical performances and, as its centerpiece, a stunning collection of exhibits crafted from gigantic slaps of frozen water, Harbin is a winter wonderland the likes of which you won’t find anywhere else. Wrap-up well and marvel at the spectacle surrounding you before travelling on to Beijing. This trip offers the opportunity to start your journey in St. Petersburg, where you will see the contrast between the imperial splendour and the soviet simplicity that existed both then and now.
Itinerary Hide all details
“S Priezdom” Welcome to St. Petersburg. Our driver will be there to meet you from whichever flight, train or boat you arrive. You’ll then be transferred to the Vesta 3★ Hotel. (We can obtain rates for superior hotels ask a member of the reservations team for details.) Your complimentary InfoPack is full of ideas for getting the most out of your free time.
After breakfast one of our local experts will meet you at your hotel in the lobby for a three hour walking and familiarisation tour. The rest of the day is your own.
A full day for you to pack in the best of the rest. Own transfer this evening to Moskovsky Station where you will board the Moscow bound train.
Early morning arrival in Moscow. You’ll then be transferred to the Panorama 3★ Hotel. (We can obtain rates for superior hotels ask a member of the reservations team for details.) One of our local expert staff will meet you at the hotel around 10am to take you on a three hour walking tour round the highlights – you’ll use public transport around the centre to avoid the traffic jams and get the hang of the system for when you come to use it independently. Our staffers are full of ideas for this walk but are flexible about other ideas if you have your own. Your walk ends in the city centre around lunchtime. The rest of the day’s your own.
This morning you can continue sightseeing the Lenin Mausoleum is only open in the mornings, and getting there early (it’s in Red Square) helps beat the queues. If you haven’t pre-booked any of our range of city excursions the rest of the day is your own to explore further. Some of our top suggestions (please check opening times/days before setting off) would include visiting the Moscow Kremlin, the Tretyakov Gallery, the Pushkin Fine Arts Museum, or a boat trip along the Mosvka River?
A morning free to pack in any last minute sightseeing. Afternoon transfer to Kazansky Station where you will board your Ekaterinburg bound train.
Your first full day on board The Trans-Sib…travelling through the Ural Mountains. There will be plenty of time to meet fellow travellers and hang out in the dining car which serves a variety of meals and snacks reasonably priced. Evening arrive in Ekaterinburg where our driver will meet you at the end of the platform, and will be holding a meeting-board with your name on. Transfer to the Chekhov 3★ Hotel, which is centrally located.
After breakfast there’s a walking tour around the well-known and less obvious attractions of Ekaterinburg, with a local expert guide. You’ll visit the historical centre of the city, including the scene of the assassination of the Romanov Royal Family, on which a Cathedral now stands to mark the event. You’ll also see something of Ekaterinburg’s involvement in Russia’s military history. The last half-hour will be spent at The Museum of Gems. The tour ends in the downtown area (we make sure you know the way back!), where you are poised for multiple lunch choices and a free afternoon to explore independently.
Please make a choice of one of the day trip options, it’s all included in the trip price.
A. Romanov Graves & Europe Asia border
B. Skiing
C. Ice-fishing
D. Siberian Husky dog sledding (min 2 persons for Husky dog sledding)
Private car to the station, where you will board the Harbin bound train.
The dining car is the heart of social life on the train. It functions as bar, lounge, and take-out snack store, as well as a café serving reasonably-priced meals. It is a great place to meet fellow travellers and locals alike, sharing your experiences of your journey so far with a few drinks, which no doubt will include some Vodka – and maybe smoked salmon and caviar too!
After a night time border crossing (with a layover while the wheels are switched to Chinese gauge), you’ve entered China and the area known as Manchuria -once a separate Chinese Kingdom, and home to the Manchu (after whom the Manchu Dynasty, the last in Imperial China, was named). Early afternoon arrival in Harbin, the regional capital. We have not provided a transfer as the Kunlun 4★ Hotel is directly opposite the Rail Station on the other side of the square. Harbin is sometimes called “The St Petersburg of China”, and its extraordinary pedestrian main street built entirely in European art nouveau style is a must-see in your free time this afternoon if you can tear yourself away from the temptation to buy “top-end clones” of European fashion in the city’s huge number of high end clothing outlets, that is. Don’t miss the hearty local Manchurian cuisine tonight either!
The Harbin Ice Festival is held at Zhaolin Park which is approximately 5 km from the hotel. The festival is open from 10am – 10pm daily. Sculptors travel from all over the world to display their carvings, but this is very much a local festival. We strongly recommend your visit to include viewings after dusk, which is known locally as the “Lantern Garden Party” when the carvings are bought to life by the amazing lighting. Remember to dress warmly, as temperatures will be well below zero!
Own transfer to the station where you will board the Beijing bound train.
Arriving into Beijing West Station at the end of your Trans-Siberian journey.
What's included
Full On | No Frills |
Train
St. Petersburg
Moscow
Ekaterinburg
Harbin
|
Train
St. Petersburg
Moscow
Ekaterinburg
Harbin
|
1 person |
2 people |
3+ people |
|
Full On |
|||
Extra night St. Petersburg from | $84 | $45 | $45 |
Extra night Moscow midweek | $103 | $58 | $58 |
Extra night Moscow weekend | $77 | $52 | $52 |
Extra night Harbin | $96 | $52 | $52 |
Extra night Beijing | $103 | $52 | $52 |
2-berth upgrade St. Petersburg-Moscow | $96 | $96 | $96 |
2-berth upgrade Moscow-Beijing | $569 | $569 | $569 |
Seasonal Supplement May-Sept | $77 | $77 | $77 |
No Frills |
|||
Extra night St. Petersburg from | $45 | $32 | $32 |
Extra night Moscow from | $77 | $52 | $52 |
Extra night Harbin | $96 | $52 | $52 |
Extra night Beijing | $64 | $39 | $39 |
2-berth upgrade St. Petersburg-Moscow | $96 | $96 | $96 |
2-berth upgrade Moscow-Beijing | $569 | $569 | $569 |
Seasonal Supplement May-Sept | $77 | $77 | $77 |
Extras
The journey you have chosen has some “extras” that are necessary and then “extras” that will enhance your trip. We cannot re-iterate too much that we pride ourselves on making the trip you have chosen the best it can be – so if we don’t mention something you want, ask us and we’ll try our best to make it happen! In return, we try to inform you about any great “extras” along the way, so that you have the chance to try them if you want! Visas are a necessary extra and needed for all the countries you travel through and the current costs and what is needed can be found under Visas.
Upgrading to 2- berth compartment
Upgrading to 2- berth compartment on the train is also an option, you will see under Prices. This service is becoming more popular every year and not helped by the train operators only confirming this request 30 days or less prior to your departure. We have however devised a workaround for this that’s proving very reliable. We request a 2-berth at the time of booking but if this comes back not possible we block out a 4-berth compartment for 2 person occupancy. The standard of these cabins remains the same, and you get the extra space and privacy one way or the other.
Price
Price package | Price per person | |
---|---|---|
1 person (full on)Price per person | Book now | |
1 person (no frills)Price per person | Book now | |
2 people (full on)Price per person | Book now | |
2 people (no frills)Price per person | Book now | |
3+ people (full on)Price per person | Book now | |
3+ people (no frills)Price per person | Book now |
Tour Reservation
Ready to buy? To complete your purchase, please select travel dates, travelers and click Purchase button.
Contact us
Just browsing or have a question? We will be happy to assist! Send a message to one of our awesome destination specialists.
Email usJust browsing or have a question? We will be happy to assist! Send a message to one of our awesome destination specialists.
Back to bookingVisa
Russian visa support (Russian visa invitation letter) is included.
Sights included in program
Thanks ! We will reply you in less than 24 hours (usually within 1-2 hours).
Thanks ! We will reply you in less than 24 hours (usually within 1-2 hours).
Our flexible payment options allow you to pay 20% of a deposit first and the remaining 80% in 14 days prior to your tour date - payment can be done both online or over the phone. This gives you the peace of mind knowing your spaces are booked on the tours and that you do not miss out on making the most of your time in Russia.
Also you get the best, top-rated and most experienced and knowledgeable hand-picked tour guide appointed on a priority basis.
In our experience, exceptional travel experiences are almost always delivered by exceptional people. With that in mind, we utilize a comprehensive approach to select and employ the best tour guides only. Multilingual and well travelled, each possesses deep insight into the diverse attractions and cultural patterns throughout the region. With us guides undergo a rigorous selection process, achieving outstanding knowledge of local culture and language. Rest assured that the best tour guides only will be working on the tours to give you excellent opportunity to explore the best of the sights during both short and long-term stay in Russia.
Speak to an expert
Call us now
+1 (888) 845-8877
- Home
- |
- Tours
- |
- Day tours
- |
- Rail tours
- |
- Shore excursions
- |
- My trip
- |
- About
Group Tour Packages
Company Information
US office
3422 Old Capitol Trail Suite 1252,
Wilmington DE, 19808 USA.
US toll-free: 1-888-845-8877
Russian office
Ligovsky pr. 57, Office 19,
191040, St. Petersburg, Russia
tel: +7-812-309-5339
© 2001 – 2024 by Northern Crown, Ltd. uVisitRussia and uVisitRussia.com are registered trademarks. Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy
Why Do You Need Our Travel Expert
Contact our experts, and they will help you to plan your best trip to Russia, with attention to every detail!
Our Experts have been in the travel industry for many years, guarantee to offer first class customer service, excellent value for money and unbiased advice. They are standing by to find and build your dream holiday to one of the world's most fascinating destinations - Russia.
Your personal Travel Expert will guide you through each stage of the travel process, from choosing a program that fits you best to support during your trip.
Just tell us your e-mail, and we'll take care of everything!
Ask a Travel Expert
Leave your phone number
Your tour request has been received. Thank you !
We have sent you the confirmation message to [email]
Please make sure that you receive this message (sometimes e-mail messages may go to the spam/junk mail).
If you did not get this message, it means you will not get message with the tours' selection as well. If you use a Yahoo!, Gmail, AOL or Hotmail, we recommend to add request@uvisitrussia.com to your address book.
We recommend to leave your phone number. If we will not heard back that you received the e-mail with the tours' selection, we will contact you by phone.
And you will not miss the best tour for you.
Thank you ! Your request for Travel Expert assistance has been sent. We will e-mail you within 1 hour.