Crimean Express by Private Train
This regal journey by private train carries you through the capitals of Russia, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine, visiting gilded churches and powerful fortresses, tasting local wines and feeling the weight of history. Then roll onto the sunny Crimean Peninsula, where the warm Mediterranean climate created "the playground of the czars" on the shores of the Black Sea.
Days 1-2: Moscow
Take in Moscow’s classic sites, including Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin. Or, choose another touring option, such as the world-class Tretyakov Gallery. Board the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express in the evening and head to Minsk, the first stop on the way to Crimea.
Days 3-5: Minsk, Kiev, Lviv
Stop in Belarus’ political and cultural capital, Minsk, caught in a post-Soviet time warp; then journey on to Kiev, Ukraine’s golden capital with its fascinating 11th century Caves Monastery, where the bones of the monks can still be seen lining the cave walls. Visit Lviv, whose UNESCO-listed Old Town Square was the center of social and economic life for hundreds of years.
Days 6-9: Chisinau, Odessa, Balaclava, Sevastopol, Bakhchysaray
Pass briefly through Moldova, stopping for a wine tasting in its capital, Chisinau. Arriving at Ukraine’s Black Sea coast, visit its thriving port of Odessa, admiring the Opera House and the Potemkin Steps.
Next is Balaclava, where the events of The Charge of the Light Brigade took place and Sevastopol, headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea fleet since 1804. On the outskirts of Sevastopol, wander the ancient Greek site of Chersonesus, and then discover the Crimean khan’s palace at Bakhchysaray.
Days 10-13: Feodosia, Sudak, Yalta
En route to palm-lined Yalta, stop in the resort town of Feodosia to admire the work of the 19th century seascape artist, Ivan Ayvosovsky, and in Sudak to tour its 14th century Genoese fortress. In Yalta, spend three nights in a fine hotel enjoying the lovely Mediterranean climate. Get a feel for the city’s history with visits to Chekhov’s house, the Botanical Gardens, Alupka Palace, the Massandra Winery and the Livadia Palace, where the
Yalta Conference of 1945 established Europe’s post-war borders. A two-night pre- or post-tour in St. Petersburg can easily be added to
this itinerary.
Trip Details
| Southbound: |
From Moscow to Yalta |
| Length of Trip: |
13 Days |
| Departures: |
2 |
Dates:
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April 20-May 2, 2012
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6 nights hotels, 7 nights onboard the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express.
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| 2012 Land Tour Cost Per Person: |
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| Silver Class, twin share |
$13,195 |
| Silver Class, single |
$19,295 |
| Gold Class, twin share |
$16,595 |
| Gold Class, single |
$23,395 |
| Imperial Class, twin share |
$26,795 |
| Imperial Class, single |
$37,495 |
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MIR Signature Features
- Wander Red Square, appreciating the fantastic artistry of St. Basil's Cathedral
- Pay your respects at Minsk's monuments to its war dead - up to half of the population was lost
- Dine at Lastochinko Gnezdo, a castle perched above the sea near Yalta with breathtaking views
- Sip champagne where history was made in Livadia Palace
- Stroll and shop on Kiev's Andreevsky Uzviz, the shortest route between the aristocratic Upper Town and the tradesmen's town, Podil
Map - Click to Enlarge
Day-by-Day Itinerary
| Days 1-2 |
Moscow |
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| Day 3: |
Minsk |
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| Day 4: |
Kiev |
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| Day 5: |
Lviv |
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| Day 6: |
Chisinau |
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| Day 7: |
Odessa |
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| Day 8: |
Balaklava |
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| Day 9: |
Sevastopol and Bakhchysaray |
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| Day 10: |
Feodosia, Sudak |
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| Days 11-12: |
Yalta |
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| Days 13: |
Kiev |
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Suggested Extensions
Extend your stay in either St. Petersburg, Moscow or Kiev. Contact us for details.
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