The Molotov

The Molotov

The classic Trans Siberian journey which spans the breadth of Russia. The journey commences in the cultural capital of St Petersburg and offers you the best that this country has to offer. Some of the most stunning scenery can be seen in the far flung east, on route to the port of Vladivostok. From here Japan can easily be reached by ferry. This journey can be undertook in either direction.

    

or call:

0845 344 7635

Product Details

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Vodkatrain is different, there’s no ‘Tour Leader’ or ‘Road Crew’ to lead the way, but a local Honcho in each city stop. With no set activities you can choose to do your own thing, or hang out with your Honcho and do the group thing. They don’t take you to their cousin’s brother’s uncle’s carpet shop, just the places you ask to see or the ones they’d love to show you. What better way to get to the heart of a city than being shown around by a local?

En-route you simply travel on trains between cities as any local or foreign traveller would, and meet a new Honcho at each city stop. You have the benefit of being with a small group (max 15) but none of the restrictions that a tour, with it’s fixed daytime schedule, might bring. It’s a nifty combination of backpacking and small group travel at budget do-it-yourself prices, Whatever your destination it’s an unforgettable hassle free journey, with company (and a company) you can have fun with.

Intinerary

St Petersburg to Vladivostok

• Day 01: Arrive St Petersburg
• Day 02: St Petersburg
• Day 03: St Petersburg and overnight to Moscow
• Day 04: Early morning arrival to Moscow
• Day 05: Moscow
• Day 06: Moscow and evening departure to Irkutsk
• Day 07: Train
• Day 08: Train
• Day 09: Train
• Day 10: Morning arrival in Irkutsk and to Lake Baikal
• Day 11: Lake Baikal
• Day 12: Return to Irkutsk
• Day 13: Early morning departure to Vladivostok
• Day 14: Train
• Day 15: Train
• Day 16: Early morning arrival in Vladivostok
• Day 17: Vladivostok and end of interary

Vladivostok to St Petersburg

• Day 01: Arrive Vladivostok
• Day 02: Vladivostok and evening departure to Irkutsk
• Day 03: Train
• Day 04: Train
• Day 05: Afternoon arrival Irkutsk and Lake to Baikal
• Day 06: Lake Baikal
• Day 07: Return to Irkutsk and departure to Moscow
• Day 08: Train
• Day 09: Train
• Day 10: Afternoon arrival is Moscow
• Day 11: Moscow
• Day 12: Moscow
• Day 13: Moscow and overnight to St Petersburg
• Day 14: St Petersburg
• Day 15: St Petersburg and end of interary

What you get:

• Overland journey with other young like-minded travellers from across the globe
• Small groups of no more than 15 people commencing on a pre-set date following the same itinerary
• Honchos - a friendly face in each city there to share their city and their life with you for a couple of days. Included in St Petersburg,Moscow, Irkutsk and Vladivostok. Honchos are available from 9am to 9pm each day and some choose to stay out later for a drink.
• Freedom and flexibility to do what you want in each city
• Pay local prices for your choice of food, sightseeing and entertainment.
• Accommodation included every night of the itinerary (share basis twin, triple or dorm rooms)
• Comfortable 4 berth rail compartments. Train tickets St Petersburg-Moscow-Irkutsk-Vladivostok or Vladivostok -Irkutsk-Moscow-St Petersburg
• No single supplements to pay
• Transfers are included to and from the train station while your journey is underway! Your Honcho there to greet you and transport you to the accommodation
• Assistance getting your Russian visa registered
• Full visa support

What you don’t get:

• Regimented meal times - Not our style
• Enforced sightseeing - Not our style
• Big groups, on and off buses following flags, umbrellas and all sorts of paraphernalia! - Not our style
• Travelling alone paying double the price (single supplements) - Not our style
• Getting ripped off by the local taxi mafia - Not our style
• Foreign 'Tour Leaders' who know as much as you about each city! - Not our style
• National leaders - you don’t want someone from Melbourne showing you around Sydney - Not our style
• Getting your Russian invitation over the internet only to find they can’ help with any other information and to get your visa registered you must go to your friendly Russian police station and explain that you don’t have a tour voucher and can’t check in to your hotel – that or pay astronomical fees for registration - Not our style
• Guides working for commission and kick backs - Not our style
• Restaurant recommendations based on whether or not the Tour leader gets a free meal - 'my mate owns this great restaurant and if I take you all there I get $20!' - Not our style
• The souvenir shop city tour - Not our style
• You book your own travel to and from the start and end points, you might want to fly / this might be part of a larger overland journey / perhaps you are on a Round the World trip?
• You will need fully comprehensive travel insurance for this trip.
• You get to pay the cheaper local price for meals, sightseeing etc
• Visas are required for Russia, Mongolia, China and Vietnam. Fees for visas vary according to consulate, nationality and service time selected. Please contact your preferred consulate to check prices and requirements.

How it works:

Vodkatrain offers departures throughout the year, to find the departure most suitable for you just contact our friendly reservations team using the link below. We can answer any questions you might have and guide you through the booking process.

We recommend you book at least six weeks in advance of your planned departure.

A completed booking form and deposit payment of GBP100 / EUR 150 will secure your place on any available trip. (Final balance is due 60 days before departure, if you are booking within 60 days of departure full payment will be required).

Visa must be obtained prior to commencing your journey with us. Check with your preferred consulate about cost and requirements before you apply. Vodkatrain offers visa support for all pre-booked services.

There is no ‘hop on hop off’ travel pass in this part of the world. All itineraries are pre-booked against valid passport details. If you don’t see an itinerary here that suits you then do contact us, Vodkatrain is operated by Sundowners Overland a company with over 40 years of experience who also offer tailor-made arrangements.

Vodkatrain. Go on, give it a shot!

Cancellations and refunds:

Vodkatrain booking conditions and ‘frequently asked questions’ can be provided at any time. You will need to read and sign to agree to these when you make a booking.

Vodkatrain

Experience Russia, Mongolia, China and Vietnam at ground level, travelling with the locals, experiencing the cities with a local honcho, eating out and getting around at local prices. You decide what you want to see, eat, experience and you pay the much cheaper local price for everything you do.

    

or call:

0845 344 7635