London to Russia by Rail
- 9 Days
- From $1,999
- Russia
- London to Moscow and St Petersburg overland
- Spend nights in historic European capitals Berlin and Warsaw
- Take the sleeper train from Warsaw, through Belarus and into Russia
- Enjoy free time in Moscow & St Petersburg to explore at your own pace
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- Double compartment on the overnight train from Warsaw to Moscow
- 8 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Private transfers from station to hotel in Moscow and St Petersburg
- City maps and comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Your journey across Europe will start with a Eurostar train from London St Pancras International to the Belgian capital, Brussels. From Brussels Midi station, you’ll take a high speed train through Germany to one of the continent’s great cities, Berlin.
Your hotel, the Amano Grand Central (or similar) is conveniently located near the station so you can drop your bags and head out for dinner. Or just relax in anticipation of the journey ahead.
You will wake up with the morning free to explore Berlin. You might want to stroll through its famous parks, visit the Brandenburg Gate, or tour some of the capital’s inspiring museums and art galleries.
You will need to be back at the station by lunchtime when the Berlin-Warszawa Express departs, taking you east, out of Germany and on into Poland until you reach its capital; Warsaw. On arrival, you will have a night at the Polonia Palace (or similar).
The majority of your day will be spent in the beautiful and fascinating city of Warsaw. If you enjoy ambling through cobbled streets, the Old Town will entice you with winding alleyways and higgledy-piggledy paths. For the culture vultures, Warsaw offers some world-class museums and galleries, including the justly-celebrated Warsaw Uprising Museum.
After a day of exploring, you’ll be ready to board your sleeper train to Russia. We recommend you take the chance to sip some authentic Russian tea in your compartment as you travel towards the Belarussian border!
On arrival in Moscow, you will check in at the Katerina City Hotel (or similar) before starting two days of sightseeing in one of the world’s most recognisable cities.
From the historic – the Kremlin complex with St Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s tomb – to the artistic, perhaps most notably the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts and the Bolshoi ballet, there is something for all tastes and interests in Russia’s vast capital. Don’t miss the distinctive onion domed St Basil’s Cathedral overlooking Red Square.
Another morning of sightseeing in Moscow, a last chance to squeeze in something which hasn’t been accommodated in the previous 48 hours, perhaps exploring the famous and beautiful metro stations, after which you will head to the station to catch one of Russia’s new high speed trains which will take you to ‘the Venice of the North’; St Petersburg.
You’ll arrive in this canal-dominated city in the early evening, leaving plenty of time to have an enjoyable dinner after checking in at the Golden Triangle Hotel (or similar) for a 3-night stay.
St Petersburg is a beautiful city, graced with stunning, baroque architecture which you can often see reflected in the many waterways running through the city centre. As a result, it is a wonderful place in which to wander, but there are also plenty of ‘must sees’. The Hermitage Museum houses one of the world’s great art collections including famous works by Da Vinci, Van Gogh and Monet, as well as the unique collection of bejewelled Fabergé eggs. You might also enjoy museums devoted to some of Russia’s famous authors: Pushkin, Dostoevsky and Nabokov, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy world-class ballet and classical music against this most enchanting backdrop.
With a head full of memories and a camera full of pictures, it’s time to make your way to the airport and fly home.
TMR RECOMMENDS: If you want to go on and explore more of Europe, there are plenty of opportunities to take trains west, including a beautiful route to Stockholm (pictured).
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Berlin
This design hotel with free Wi-Fi is a 5-minute walk from Berlin’s main station. The air-conditioned rooms and apartments feature wooden floors and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. There is also an onsite bar and bistro as well as a fitness centre. Guests can hire bikes from reception, which is open 24 hours a day.
Warsaw
A short stroll from Warsaw’s main station, this stately hotel is the ideal base from which to explore this historic city. All of the hotel’s comfortable rooms offer free Wi-Fi as well as in-room safes for your valuables, and an on-site restaurant serving delicious Polish and European dishes.
Moscow
This cosy 4-star hotel is ideally located in centre of Moscow, just few minutes walk from Red Square. The hotel offers guestrooms equipped with superior amenities along with professional services. The hotel also provides recreational and leisure facilities, an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and a fitness centre.
St Petersburg
The Golden Triangle Hotel boasts a fantastic location less than 100 metres from Nevsky Prospekt. Elegantly furnished rooms come with free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning. There is a concierge desk for planning your stay and a relaxing bar where you can enjoy a drink after a busy day of sightseeing.
Upgrade your accommodation
Berlin
The Hotel Adlon was built in 1907 and has been famous for its luxurious accommodation and fantastic location next to the Brandenburg Gate ever since. The Adlon Kempinski boasts a Neo-Classical style indoor pool, a spa and an 800 sqm gym. There is also a two Michelin starred restaurant and a shopping arcade.
St Petersburg
The Corinthia St Petersburg is located on Nevsky Prospekt and features a grand façade and rooms with a classic design. All rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a luxury bathroom. A breakfast buffet with champagne and caviar is served in the elegant Imperial restaurant. Drinks can be enjoyed at the Nevsky Bar.
Moscow
This luxury hotel offers a central location in the heart of Moscow, right on Lubyanka Square, a 10-minute walk from the Kremlin. The elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms come complete with a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a seating area and a private bathroom, as well as personalised St. Regis Butler Service.
