The Grand Traverse - Trans Siberian via Uzbekistan
The Grand Asian Tour. The classic Trans Siberian. The ultimate adventure. Call it what you will, this is truly one of the ultimate travel experiences.
The stark beauty of Siberia. The grandeur of Baikal, the world’s largest inland lake. The diverse and classic historical city of Moscow with the famed Kremlin, Red Square and Bolshoi Ballet. The quintessential cultural centre of St Petersburg. Add an extensive visit to Uzbekistan with its well preserved relics from a time when Central Asia was the centre of empire, education, and trade. Cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent live in our imaginations as symbols of oriental beauty and mystery.
These are the destinations long dreamed of by travellers throughout the centuries. We have chosen a classic rail journey through Russia and the old Soviet Republics. The train is our ‘village’. We settle in to life on the tracks with a constant stream of companions coming and going. There are communal areas to share a glass of vodka or a hot cup of tea with new friends.
Truly a trip of a lifetime
| 28 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departure: | 2012 | TBA |
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| Price: | AUD$6200 | |
| Plus Local Payment: | USD$300 | (What is this?) |
In order to keep the costs down this trip will go on a minimum of 10 passengers up to a maximum of 15. |
Day 1 - Vladivostok Arrival day, no activities planned. Day 2-4 - Depart Vladivostok on Trans Siberian Railway We settle into our carriages and enjoy the subtle changes and diversity in scenery as we wind our way through the Siberian landscape. The trains are well equipped with restaurant cars and hot water ‘samovars’ at the end of each carriage. Excitement builds as we near our first stop in the wild west town of Irkutsk. Day 5-6 - Irkutsk and Lake Baikal Irkutsk is the lovely outpost that gives us access to the beautiful and expansive Lake Baikal. We have an opportunity to cruise the deepest lake on the planet and enjoy the rustic architecture and lifestyle of this town on the edge of the frontier of Siberia Day 7-8 - Depart Irkutsk on Trans Siberian Railway. We continue westward to the remote city of Novosibirsk. Day 9 - Novosibirsk We stop for a breather and have time to explore Russia’s third largest city. You may choose to visit the Zoo of Novosibirsk which is world renowned. There are over 4000 species of animals, and the zoo actively participates in thirty-two different societies for preserving endangered species. Around 700,000 people visit the zoo each year. Day 10-11 - Depart Novosibirsk on Turkistan-Siberian Railway Day 12 - Almaty The largest city of Kazakhstan literally translates as "rich with apple". The local fruit which grows wild is considered the ancestor of the modern domestic apple. A devastating earthquake struck the city in 1911; the only large building that remained standing was the Russian Orthodox cathedral. This is the Zenkov Cathedral built in the 19th century and is second tallest wooden building in the world. We have the afternoon free to explore. Day 13 - Depart Almaty on Turkistan-Siberian Railway Day 14 - Arrive Uzbek border then to Tashkent We check into our hotel then enjoy an evening stroll and dinner on “Broadway” Day 15-16 - Khiva A short flight takes us to the legendary town of Khiva. The old town brims with over 50 historic monuments as well as 250 old houses, mostly dating from the 18th or the 19th centuries. The Djuma Mosque was established in the 10th century and rebuilt in 1788-89, although its famed hall retains 112 columns taken from ancient structures. A true frontier town, Khiva has a long and nefarious history of slave trading, political double dealings and as a hideaway for barbarians. It is the best preserved stop on the old Silk Road. Day 17-18 - Bukhara We have a long desert drive today of around of 6-7 hrs including a lunch stop. We arrive in Bukhara which is the most secretive of all the Silk Road cities. We stay in traditional family homestays situated in the old city and close to each other. Two nights here gives us an opportunity to get to know our hosts gaining a wonderful insight into Uzbek life.
We will walk to beautifully restored mosques, madrassis and covered markets that make up the old city. A centre for pottery, cloth and Turkmen carpets the old city is centred around the Labi Hauz, a shady pool surrounded by ancient mulberry trees. Sit at cafe tables and let the day drift by dreaming of ancient Silk traders en route to the far East. Day 19-20 - Samarkand We drive east to the beautiful city of Samarkand. The city was created by Uzbekistan's greatest historical figure, the Emir Timur, a tyrannical ruler in the fourteenth century who chose it for his capital. A lover of art, Timur was responsible for the colourful domes and exquisite minarets that now form the city's evocative skyline.
We take a look at some of the city's most impressive structures such as the spectacular Registan. This impressive collection of buildings is probably the most recognisable of all of Central Asia's monuments. Day 21 - Tashkent Returning to Tashkent we have time to enjoy the variety of extravagant Islamic mosques and old Soviet architecture. We plan to visit the huge Chorsu market and the afternoon can be spent in the heart of ‘Broadway’ in one of the outdoor cafes being entertained by the various performing buskers or even sampling a shashlik and vodka. Day 22-24 - Moscow We depart Tashkent by plane and head for the Russian capital of Moscow. The cities architecture and arts culture are world renowned. Red Square is dominated by Saint Basil's Cathedral, with its elegant onion domes. The imposing Kremlin is nearby and with three days planned we have time to take in as much as we can. Don’t forget the huge GUM department store as well as the famed Bolshoi ballet. Day 25 - Depart Moscow by train The last of our train journeys takes us north overnight to St Petersburg. Day 26-27 - St Petersburg This astonishing city enjoys the image of being the most 'European' in Russia. The historic centre of St. Petersburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been Russia's political and cultural center for 200 years. Few cities can offer so many stunning attractions. The Hermitage museum is worth the trip alone. St Petersburg combines its lengthy heritage with a modern European outlook. Comparisons to Venice are justified as there are over 100 islands with a multitude of canals and bridges. St Petersburg will amaze you. Day 28 - St Petersburg - Departure day |
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Trip Options
| Single Travellers: | Sorry single occupency is not available for this trip. | Details |
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| Extra Accommodation: | (Click here to inquire) Single | Details |
| (Click here to inquire) Double |
Global Drift advises that an arrival transfer to your hotel in Vladivostok is extremely expensive. As such in your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and certainly cheaper than we are able to offer it.