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Take an in-depth history lesson of revelatory Russia.
Peer into Russia's past on this in-depth tour through some of Russia’s lesser-known, but no less fascinating cities. Spend 12 days exploring the marvels of this transcontinental nation, travelling east from Moscow to Yekaterinburg and through to the Siberian cities of Tyumen and Tobolsk. Listen to the fascinating stories of a Siberian folk artist, traverse a section of the Trans-Siberian Railway and explore the legends of Tolstoy and the Romanov family with visits to their residences and final resting places. This is the ultimate trip into Russian history for the curious traveller.
- Start
- Moscow, Russia
- Finish
- Moscow, Russia
- Destination
- Russia
- Style
- Peregrine
- Code
- PCRR
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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Discover the Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery and learn about history through the lives of the famous Russians who now rest here.
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Journey to Leo Tolstoy's estate at Yasnaya Polyana where he wrote his masterpieces War and Peace and Anna Karenina, plus enjoy a traditional lunch of his household recipes.
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Visit at town that marks Russia’s transcontinental divide, toasting the Europe-Asia border with a champagne and caviar lunch.
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Stop at Yekaterinburg and visit Ganina Yama, learning about the fate of the Romanovs – the last royal family of Russia.
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Be wowed by the delicate carvings and craft of a Siberian shaman and folk artist in Tobolsk.
Is this trip right for you?
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A highlight for many visitors to Moscow is the Kremlin and Armoury Museum. This trip does not include the Kremlin, so if you are keen to visit during your time in Russia you will need to extend your stay either before or after the trip. Alternatively, our Essential Russia (PCRH) or Splendours of Russia 19-day combination trip (PCRRC) both include the Kremlin and Armoury Museum.
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This trip includes one overnight train journey (approximately 27 hours). Train travel is an essential experience in Russia and a great chance to see the grand scale of the country and interact with its people. You will stay in a comfortable twin share cabin, with shared toilet facilities. Please note there is no shower on board.
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It’s best to pack luggage that you’ll be able to comfortably carry, as you’ll have to do so yourself for the duration of the trip (to-and-from hotel and on-and-off transportation).
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If you would like to see ballet performances in Moscow or St Petersburg, please be advised to book the tickets online well in advance so as not to miss out.
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Itinerary
Accommodation
- Marco Polo Presnja Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Moscow - Moscow Behind the Icons Urban Adventure - EUR56
- Moscow - Moscow Underground Urban Adventure - EUR56
- Moscow - River Cruise - RUB700
- Moscow - Kremlin & Armoury Guided Tour - RUB1650
- Moscow - Red Square & Lenin's Mausoleum - Free
- Moscow - Tretyakov Gallery - RUB500
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. Please also have two copies of your passport, visa and migration cards ready. Your leader will collect one; the other is for you to keep on you at all times whilst on the trip.As there is a lot to do in Moscow, we recommend you spend a couple of extra days before or after your Russia In Depth tour to fully explore the city. You will have tomorrow afternoon and evening free to see more of Moscow, however if you wish to see the Kremlin or one of the acclaimed ballet performances, we suggest you pre-book tickets well in advance.
Accommodation
- Marco Polo Presnja Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Moscow - Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
The Metro is the easiest way to get around the city, although do be warned it can be very busy during peak times. Taxis can be expensive, although rideshare apps are now popular and much better value. Traffic jams can be a big factor in getting around, so underground is often the best option! In the Metro there are escalators in combination with stairs and tunnels (there are no lifts), so using the Metro does still involve a lot of walking. Your leader can give you an orientation to help you feel confident in using the Metro.Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Tula - Yasnaya Polyana (Tolstoy's Estate)
- Tula - Kozlova Zaseka Station Museum
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation
- Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
This is a great chance to experience a train journey in Russia - a quintessential experience. You will stay in twin share cabins on the train. Bedding is provided (sheets, blankets and pillows), hot water is available for making drinks and there is a toilet at the end of each carriage. A restaurant carriage serves simple Russian dishes ordered from the menu for lunch and dinner. Breakfast will be included, other meals and snacks are optional and at your own expense. At peak times we may not be able have all group members in adjacent cabins and may be spread throughout the carriage or different carriages.Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Yekaterinburg - Ganina Yama tour
- Yekaterinburg - Guided city tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Pervouralsk - Picnic at Europe-Asia border
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Pokrovskoye - House-Museum of Grigoriy Rasputin
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Tobolsk - City tour (Kremlin & Castle Prison Museum)
- Tobolsk - Minsalim Folk Art workshop
Optional Activities
- Tobolsk - Governor's House (Museum of the Family of Nicholas II) - RUB600
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Marco Polo Presnja Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Hotel check out time is at 12pm. You will be able to store your luggage at the hotel during the day after check out if your departure isn't until later in the day.Meals
11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinnerTransport
Private vehicle, Overnight sleeper train, Public bus, Metro, Plane, TaxiAccommodation
Feature Stay Moscow Hotel (2 nights), Hotel (8 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)Included Activities
- Moscow - Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery
- Tula - Yasnaya Polyana (Tolstoy's Estate)
- Tula - Kozlova Zaseka Station Museum
- Yekaterinburg - Ganina Yama tour
- Yekaterinburg - Guided city tour
- Pervouralsk - Picnic at Europe-Asia border
- Pokrovskoye - House-Museum of Grigoriy Rasputin
- Tobolsk - City tour (Kremlin & Castle Prison Museum)
- Tobolsk - Minsalim Folk Art workshop
Dates & availability
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There are currently no scheduled departures on our Russia in Depth trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
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Important notes
1. Please note in order for our local operator to book train tickets in Russia, below information must be provided to us no later than 40 days before departure. This information should be exact the same as per your passport. Additional fee will apply for changing train tickets if wrong details are provided.
• Passenger's full name (first, middle and last)
• Full Passport Details (number, expiry, issued)
• DOB
2. A Complimentary Arrival Transfer is included in the cost of the trip. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking or no later than 14 days prior to arrival.
3. A Single Supplement to have your own room is available to book on this trip including all nights except the overnight train.
4. Gratuities included only for the essential services that you will receive as part of your tour package. Please see our Tipping section of these trip notes for more information.
5. Check -in luggage limit for the included domestic flight from Tyumen to Moscow is 20kg.

Essential trip information
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