Who wants to travel through Russia and see the beautiful landscapes that define this magical country, should consider a journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway.
The railway was built for economic reasons in the 19th century. Until the 1970ies, a large share of Russia’s import and export trade was only made by ship. In order to break Britain’s trade monopoly that was mainly based on the intensive tea trade with India, Russia decided to build a rail line to China. In this way, Russia was able to revive the tea trade with China, while improving the conditions for trade in general. Transporting precious mineral deposits and corn from one place to another became more efficient as well.
Today, Russians and tourists from all over the world can travel from Moscow to Peking on the Trans-Siberian railway that kept its status as the main transport axis in Russia. Nostalgia meets luxury and adventure. The first-class wagons seem to ooze with extravagance and pompousness. In special trains, there are even buttons ready to carry your heavy luggage.
If you however don’t have the extra cash to sleep in one of the first-class wagons, you should still consider the 2-bed and 4-bed wagons.
In addition, a multitude of tour operators offer special tours. Just in time for the 100th anniversary next year, those who have always dreamed of travelling through the Siberian depths can choose from incredible offers. Marveling at the serene beauty of the cold tundra inside a warm, heated wagon, on your lap a hot cup of tea and next to you a heap of books waiting to be read by you… one of the most romantic scenarios I can imagine.
