MIR Corporation's Travel Log:
Trans-Siberian Railway trip aboard the Tsar's Gold
Private Train between Irkutsk and Moscow
In the fall of 2008, MIR Sales Specialist Charity Shaller took a ride on a portion of our Trans-Siberian Express Between Beijing & Moscow aboard the Tsar's Gold private train. Follow along as she describes her adventurous journey from Irkutsk, Siberia, to Moscow.
Days 1-2: Moscow
September 27-28, 2008
Took taxi to airport around 4 PM for 6:45 PM flight to Moscow.
Arrived in Copenhagen around 1 PM. Gate for Moscow was very close to arrival gate, although it wasn't marked so this was a little worrisome. However; I was very impressed with Scandinavian airlines. The flights went smoothly with few hitches. Although, we did arrive in Moscow early only to find that our arrival gate had not been assigned. So we had to sit on the runway for about an hour before being taxied to our gate.
Passport control was a nightmare! It took about and hour and a half to get through the line and get through baggage claim. My driver was patiently waiting for me with MIR sign outside of baggage claim. It took about 2.5 hours due to heavy traffic to get to the city center and arrive at the Park Inn Sadu Hotel. It was about 11:30 PM when we arrived at the hotel.
Thoughts on the hotel: Great location, in center of Moscow walking distance to Kremlin and Red Square, Christ the Savior Cathedral and the Tretyakov Gallery. The nearest metro station is Polyanka. My room was modern and simple.
Day 3: Moscow
September 29, 2008
Woke up at 7:30 AM. Breakfast at 8:30. Buffet had many offerings; mainly European and Russian. Blini, scrambled eggs & sausage, assorted meats and cheese, cereal, porridge, pastries, bread, preserves and butter, yogurt, coffee, tea and orange juice. Walked over to see the Baltschug Kempinski Moscow Hotel.
Thoughts on Kempinski: Classic elegance. Amazing, million dollar views over Moskva River and the Kremlin and Red Square. Perfect location in the heart of the historical center! Much closer to everything than I had remembered. Closest metro stations are Novokuznetskaya and Tretyakovskaya. Hotel amenities include a business center, fitness center with pool, sauna and hot tub, a beauty salon, many conference and meeting rooms, a café serving breakfasts and two restaurants. The Baltschug restaurant serves European and Russian cuisine and is open all day. The Shogun serves Japanese cuisine. On Sundays the Baltschug Restaurant serves a brunch buffet. MP3 players are available upon request. My companion really was impressed by the Living Design Suites with modern Swedish design and fun technological gadgets; while I preferred the classical Kremlin Suites with incredible views of St. Basils and the Kremlin. It would be the perfect spot for a nice group reception.
After this, we took the metro to see Victory Park, which certainly was lovely, but probably not for everyone, unless they really are into World War II history. I enjoyed the park, although it was hard to thoroughly appreciate after a long day of walking.
Took a taxi back to the office and had tea. My driver drove me to Domodevedo Airport to meet my flight, which took about 2.5 hours. I had dinner at the airport and boarded the plane at about 9:30 PM for the overnight flight.
Photos from this leg of the tour:
The Moscow Metro
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"Moscow", Victory Park
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Red Square view from a far
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Victory Park in Moscow
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Victory Park in Moscow
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Victory Park in Moscow
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