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I am interested in taking a Trans-Siberian RR trip next summer that also includes visiting select RW along the way.  Does anyone out there have personal experiences/general knowledge about something like this?
  -Ekaterinburg?  Vladivostok?  Other cities?
  -Agencies that might specialize in this type of trip (or cities)?
  -Opinions?
Thx, Bob

... in response to Trans-Siberian RR , posted by robobond on Dec 2, 2002

I think travelling by Russian train would be a great, fun adventure.  However I enjoyed the companionship of my fiancee during my train trips so I am somewhat biased.  I would also say that the 4 trips I took from Moscow to Ulyanovsk and Ulyanovsk to Kazan are mini/micro train trips compared to the trans-Siberian.  I would think the only downside is finding a shower/bath once in while a long the way.  The food, the scenery, the discussions with fellow travellers would be part of the grand adventure.

Good luck!

... in response to Re: Trans-Siberian RR , posted by davet on Dec 3, 2002

I think travelling by Russian train would be a great, fun adventure. However I enjoyed the companionship of my fiancee during my train trips so I am somewhat biased.

With your fiancee: that's they key.  The original poster is think about riding the Siberian Express in the Meet-and-Greet phase.  That's why I think his time could be better spent flying.

... in response to Re: Re: Trans-Siberian RR , posted by Alfred on Dec 4, 2002

I guess it depends on your priorities. If meeting women is the only thing you're in Russia for it is definitely a waste of time. But for someone like myself that is only one part of what I'm doing. I'm also trying to meet ordinary Russians and see things that have nothing to do with getting married. No time is wasted if you enjoy what you're doing.

... in response to Trans-Siberian RR , posted by robobond on Dec 2, 2002

FWIW I think that maybe a "mini" Siberian Railway trip might be more palatable and productive than the whole kit and kabootle. Maybe a Moscow to Novosibirsk, or Ekaterinburg to Lake Baikal journey. Speaking only for myself, I do not think that I could handle the whole trip. I have seen several documentaries on it and National Geographic also had a big article on it a few years ago.  If your goal is to meet ladies I agree with the other poster that you are better off flying.

Two southern kopecs ain't worth much :0

... in response to Re: Trans-Siberian RR , posted by WmGo on Dec 3, 2002

I agree with the "mini" trip idea when traveling in Russia.

When I was there last, I had the oportunity to take the train from Moscow to St. Petersburg...and back..the red eye express(left at midnight and arrived at 8am).

I was not very comfortable trying to sleep while the railcar shakes and sways, not to mention a little noisy. My russian wife did not sleep well either, and she traveled much by train.

But the experience was a good one for me, I would do it again....but for a max trip of maybe 24 hours. During the day you sit on your bed, not a lot to do when there are others in you compartment.

Now about the train toilet....the first thing my wife told me before entering was...do not sit on the toilet seat, and do not touch anything! I was expecting the worst, but it was not too bad, I have seen worse in US gas stations!
The bad part is that the floor is wet, each person to use the facility washes the seat off with a wet mop, it gets all over. The water from the sink is no worse than the normal russian plumbing...so do not drink the water!

Everyone comes prepared for their trip...bring lots of water and something to snack on. We were served tea before arrival, but no breakfast..

... in response to Re: Re: Trans-Siberian RR , posted by Apk1 on Dec 3, 2002

The only train that I have ever been on is the Grand Hotel Wagon Train from Kiev to Lviv. It is a luxury car that goes overnight from Kiev arriving in Lviv the next morning. Not being used to all the starting and stopping that goes on in between I also had a problem sleeping, but it was good experience. If I was on a train for more than a day I would go crazy with cabin fever...

... in response to Trans-Siberian RR , posted by robobond on Dec 2, 2002

I was born near Vladivostok and lived in that city up until the age of 14 (I'm 35 now). I took a trans-siberian railway trip when I was about 14. For most of the way all you can see outside the window is the bush (called taiga in Russian), it's unique and has largely remained almost untouched by the civilization, but it will bore you well before your trip comes to an end. If you're planning on travelling alone, take my advice and fly instead, it will save you from a week of boredom and inconvenience. If you go with a girl, it might be a good way to get to know each other, in that case buy your seats in a compartment for 2 people (their compartments usually have 4 people in them, you don't want to be there), but it may well be the case that flying will be a cheaper option. The compartments for 2 people are called SV in Russian, pronounced es-ve.
Anyway, still consider flying.
With regards to Vladivostok, I left there over 20 years ago, but attraction-wise there wasn't much there at that time, and also, that city has always been a high-level crime area, try not to walk the streets after dark.
Hope that helps.
Good luck.
id

... in response to Trans-Siberian RR , posted by robobond on Dec 2, 2002

There are a few travel books available which are only about the trans-Siberian/trans-Manchurian train trip.
I want to make the same trip myself next year or so, and have decided it would be best to go across, stopping in some Russian cities on the way over to Beijing, China. Then after some travel around China, I would go back on the train stopping in different Russian cities. I plan to do the trip in this manner because it seems difficult to get a tourist visa for more than 30 days at a time. If anyone knows of longer tourist visas, I would like to hear about it.
Also, there are 2 different trains making the trip. One is a Russian train, the other is a Chinese train. From what I read, the food and service is better on the Chinese train.
They both leave on alternate days from Moscow.

... in response to Re: Trans-Siberian RR , posted by europete on Dec 3, 2002

Has a little ditty about Chinese Steam and TSRR, can't miss it as it's  on the cover.

... in response to Trans-Siberian RR , posted by robobond on Dec 2, 2002

I'm starting to look into this again myself. I'll pass along info as I find it. I've lost the links I had about this trip. My girlfriend in Vladivostok just took the trip in June. She went from Vlad to St. Pete's by train with a few days spent visiting friends and touring Moscow on the way. I think she said it was 7 days by train between Moscow and Vlad. I know it's about 9,300 km. I think it would be a great way to see Russia.

I've got too many places that I want to see in Russia. I need to sell the cows and just move there for a couple of years.

... in response to Re: Trans-Siberian RR , posted by Zink on Dec 2, 2002

You took a train trip that lasted more than a day.  I recall taking Amtrak to New Orleans (12 hr ride).  I was ready to get OFFF!!  Can you imagine what 5 days would be like, you'd be one worn out puppy.

id, is right.  Fly. fly. fly....

In the Trains Magazine they even sale Video/s of the TRSRR.

... in response to Re:  5 day train trip...when was the las..., posted by wsbill on Dec 3, 2002

I've only been on a train once in my life. That was a 24 hour trip from Volgograd to Sochi last October. It didn't bother me that much. The way I would do the Trans-Siberian is to have a stop for a day or two at each of the interesting places on the way. What's the point of travelling across Russia if all you see is trees like id said. I know I didn't see much between Volgograd and Sochi. The plains of southern Russia are as depressing as northern Montana. And then when we hit the Caucausus area we couldn't see anything except the trees along the tracks.

When I go to Russia I try to experience life as a Russian. If that means it's a little rough at times, well then it makes a better story to retell. To be honest I'm wanting to get out of the cities and into the villages and remoter areas of Russia. I'm not a city boy.

... in response to Re: Trans-Siberian RR , posted by Zink on Dec 2, 2002

you've got it bad man!  
Amongst many in Russia you're like a Lord with soooo many cows!! (And, some pretty ones at that!)
And, just think, with so many cows you could buy several very nice wives in many places!!
Ahhh, I understand, the frost has got ya!!!
You'll be OK come spring.  :-)

... in response to sell your cows?  sell your cows?  jeez Z..., posted by Del on Dec 3, 2002

I'm not sure I can take my cows with me when I go there! I tried buying a wife awhile ago but I couldn't find one worth the same as my cows(lol). Oh, well I'm out of here in a couple of weeks. I'll be okay after some R&R.

... in response to Trans-Siberian RR , posted by robobond on Dec 2, 2002

For General info try the Lonely Planet Guide to Russia.  They cover the Trans Siberian Railroad (also side trips to Beijing, Mongolia etc..) pretty thoroughly.  I looked into this a few years ago.  As Richard says, the main adventure appears to be the train ride, unless you have about six weeks or more.  It would be an adventure regardless.

... in response to Trans-Siberian RR , posted by robobond on Dec 2, 2002

I have no experience with this.  However, I wonder how you will make use of the time on the train: the train seems like an inefficient mode of transport between cities if you are traveling by yourself.

It sounds like a nice vacation and/or a wonderful way to get to know someone who also pictures this as a romantic way to travel.  

I don't know how much time you have for your trip, but for someone like me with limited time to travel, it might not be the most efficient way to travel.

just my opinion.

... in response to Re: Trans-Siberian RR , posted by Richard on Dec 2, 2002

Book yourself on Amtrak which offers nice cars and decent food and furnishings, make it a day trip...  If you could handle that, well then think of how you would weather a trip for 5 days.

You might ride 1/2 way and then get off and take a air travel the remainder of the way.  Save a trip leg for another time... but to endure a long trip like that by the time you got to your destination.  You'd definately require a long rest period.

Read the reviews no doubt.