Trans-Siberian review by Jim, Marcia and Joyce

Jim and Marcia Bowaters from New Zealand and their friend Joyce Jack from USA took a Trans-siberian Adventure in October 2015. Below they are sharing their Trans-Siberian review.

Review of our Trans-Siberian Railway Trip Vladivostok – Moscow (23 day tailored trip) – October 2015.

Jim Bowater

With my wife and a friend from California we began planning this trip in late 2014. I was referred by others to Olga and Explorussia. Advice from friends who had travelled this railway line was that other companies do not have enough stops and that there wasn’t enough time to see much at the stops.(Including Vladivostok and Moscow we had 10 stops) Other advice was that it was better to travel from east to west as the train departure times are better than going the other way. We were constrained by our visa length.

Our planning pre trip was effortless and exciting. Olga’s professionalism, knowledge of her country and people, and the many suggestions and ideas she made galvanized our enthusiasm. The payment was easy and straight forward.

At every train stop we were met by a driver or smiling tour guide holding an “Explorussia” sign which was very reassuring. Our accomodation was outstanding, much better than expected, and all our guides spoke perfect English. This made for some really “local experience” situations which made our whole trip more rewarding.
This rail journey is not for the faint hearted but with good planning and a professional team like “Explorussia”, our trip was one which we will never forget.

Joyce Jack

Olga, the owner/operator is fantastic. She personally guides you in Moscow. I took the Trans-Siberian train east to west. She met me and my friends at the end of the trip for a special time in Suzdal. She rented a home for us for 2 nights, cooked yummy Russian meals, and led us on a tour of this gem of a town. It is a small historical town with many locals from Moscow coming here for a weekend getaway. Our 3 week Trans Siberian trip ran effortlessly. She made all of our train reservations, arranged guides, and booked our hotels. Sometimes the guides personalized the trip even more by having us to dinner or dessert in their home or experiencing their dacha. Because of Olga’s careful planning, this was an amazing trip!

Are you interested in booking your own Transsiberian adventure? Just check out our Trans-Siberian Adventure tour!