A 30day 9,938km Trans-Siberian Train (21 Jun>21 Jul, 2024) Vladivostok in the east to St. Petersburg
At Izmaylovo Metro (M14) escalator and to catch the 12 minute train to Rostokino Station.
Day 23 (July 13) Moscow day 2 – Visiting Sergiyev Posad and the Great Moscow Circus.
Today, after breakfast, we will take a day trip to Sergiyev Posad, which is one hour (70km) by train from Moscow. Sergiyev Posad is part of the Golden Ring of ancient towns and is famous for the Trinity Lavra St. Sergius monastic complex, which dates back to the 14th century. The complex's Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles (or Assumption) features blue and gold onion domes and inner frescoes. The Trinity Cathedral houses St. Sergius' grave. A soaring blue and white belfry rings its bells. After the tour of Sergiyev Posad, we return for one of the most famous circus performances in the world.
Getting to Sergiyev Posad (The Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra) > From the Delta Hotel, walk 6 minutes to Izmaylovo Metro M14 and catch the 12 minute train to Komsomolskaya Station. Exit Komsomolskaya and walk 5 minutes to Poctoknho Station to catch the 55-minute fast train to Sergiyev Posad Station. Sergiyev Posad is a four-minute walk from the station.
At Izmaylovo Metro M14 to catch the 12 minute train to Rostokino Station.
At Izmaylovo Metro M14 to catch the 12 minute train to Rostokino Station.
At Izmaylovo Metro M14 to catch the 12 minute train to Rostokino Station.
Komsomolskaya station was built to serve as a "gateway" to Moscow.
Komsomolskaya station was built to serve as a "gateway" to Moscow, as it is positioned beneath the three busiest Moscow train terminals. It reflects the pinnacle of Stalinist Empire style, with exquisite bronze chandeliers, marble arcades, and enormous smalt mosaics. The station now features eight mosaic panels constructed in the style of ancient temple architecture.
Beautiful mosaics on the Moscow Metro. Moscow subway riders have become accustomed to the splendors of the "world's largest underground museum," to the point that they have lost sight of them. Nonetheless, the ceilings and walls of its stations and vestibules house some genuinely amazing works of applied art.
Komsomolskaya station was built to serve as a "gateway" to Moscow.
Komsomolskaya metro station resembles a museum. It features arched ceilings and baroque décor.
Komsomolskaya station was built to serve as a "gateway" to Moscow. 
The Moscow Yaroslavsky railway station is one of Moscow's nine principal railway stations located on Komsomolskaya Square, and has the largest passenger throughput among the capital's nine main-line terminuses.
Taking the train at Yaroslavskiy Train Station.
It was meant to be less walking since we boarded a non-air-conditioned train to Sergiev Posad, a lovely town 75 kilometers northeast of Moscow. The town is famed for the 14th-century Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius, which is one of the most important Orthodox religious centers. The train travel lasted about 1 1/2 hours each way, and I am not sure how Russians manage humidity on trains when the windows are not open. 
The view from Sergiyev Posad Train Station. 
We witness a wedding at Sergiyev Posad.
Sergiyev Posad, the spiritual heart of Russia. The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a lavra and the most popular Russian monastery, serving as the spiritual center of the Russian Orthodox Church. The monastery is located in Sergiyev Posad, about 70 km northeast of Moscow, and is currently home to about 300 monks.
The township of Sergiyev Posad.
The Holy Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiyev Posad.
The Holy Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiyev Posad.
When we arrived, there was a marathon in progress, and we cheered on the competitors.When we arrived, there was a marathon in progress, and we cheered on the competitors.
The lovely Russian Yard restaurant in Sergiev Posad.
The lovely Russian Yard restaurant in Sergiev Posad.
The Holy Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex wall in Sergiyev Posad.
A memorial to the royal family in Sergiyev Posad.
The Holy Gate of Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex wall in Sergiyev Posad.
The Holy Gate of Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex wall in Sergiyev Posad.
The Holy Gate of Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex wall in Sergiyev Posad.
The painting at Holy Gate of Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex wall in Sergiyev Posad.
The painting at Holy Gate of Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex wall in Sergiyev Posad.
View of the Holy Gate from within the Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex.
View of the Holy Gate from within the Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex.
A Church in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad. We viewed the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles (or Assumption), which has blue and gold onion domes and internal frescoes. The Trinity Cathedral holds St. Sergius' tomb, St Sergius Trinity Lavra, St Sergius Refectory Church, and frescoes. 
A Church in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
A Church in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
A Church in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
A Church in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
A Church in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
A Church in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
Sergiev Posad's Trinity Cathedral features a wall filled with religious paintings.
A Church in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
A Church in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
A Church in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
The relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov in Holy Trinity Cathedral in Sergiev Posad.
Sergiev Posad's Trinity Cathedral features a wall filled with religious paintings.
Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
The 5-tier belfry Bell Tower at Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius in Sergiyev Posad.
The monastery and church property has numerous churches with spires and/or onion domes. There is even a "holy water" fountain and a little cemetery.
People collecting holy water from a well at Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius in Sergiyev Posad.
The Assumption Cathedral at Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius in Sergiyev Posad
The 5-tier belfry Bell Tower at Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius in Sergiyev Posad.
Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
Sergiev Posad's Trinity Cathedral features a wall filled with religious paintings.
Sergiev Posad's Trinity Cathedral features a wall filled with religious paintings.
Sergiev Posad's Trinity Cathedral features a wall filled with religious paintings.
Sergiev Posad's Trinity Cathedral features a wall filled with religious paintings.
Trinity Cathedral was a favorite of Ivan the Terrible. It was here that he was baptized, married, and prayed after successful military campaigns.
Sergiev Posad's Trinity Cathedral features a wall filled with religious paintings.
Sergiev Posad's Trinity Cathedral features a wall filled with religious paintings.
A painting of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is displayed at Sergiev Posad's Trinity Cathedral.
A painting of the Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise is displayed at Sergiev Posad's Trinity Cathedral. 
View from the administrative building of Trinity Cathedral in Sergiev Posad.
Monastery handicrafts are kept in Trinity Cathedral's administration building in Sergiev Posad.
Monastery handicrafts are kept in Trinity Cathedral's administration building in Sergiev Posad.
Monastery paintings are kept in Trinity Cathedral's administration building in Sergiev Posad.
Monastery paintings are kept in Trinity Cathedral's administration building in Sergiev Posad.
Monastery paintings are kept in Trinity Cathedral's administration building in Sergiev Posad.
Monastery paintings are kept in Trinity Cathedral's administration building in Sergiev Posad.
Monastery paintings are kept in Trinity Cathedral's administration building in Sergiev Posad.
The Holy Spirit Church at Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
The Holy Spirit Church at Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
The Holy Spirit Church at Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
The Holy Spirit Church at Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
The Holy Spirit Church at Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
Crucifix Calvary Scene Statue at Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
The Holy Spirit Church at Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
The Holy Spirit Church at Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
The Holy Spirit Church at Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex in Sergiev Posad.
View of the Holy Gate from within the Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex.
An artist paints the Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex.
An artist paints the Trinity-Sergius Monastery complex.
We walked to a supermarkets for lunch: David Wee and the Russian boys.
Monument to Savva Mamontov in Sergiyev Posad.
One-hour train ride back from Sergiyev Posad to Moscow, with a musician on board.
One-hour train ride back from Sergiyev Posad to Moscow, with a musician on board.One-hour train ride back from Sergiyev Posad to Moscow, with a musician on board.One-hour train ride back from Sergiyev Posad to Moscow, with a musician on board.
Happy birthday to Dr Ko Wen Wu.
Komsomolskaya Station is a lovely and historic station. The most magnificent metro station in Moscow. It was more like entering a magnificent imperial hall than a rail station. The station's design was awarded the Stalin Prize in 1951 and the Grand Prix title at Expo '58 in Brussels.
Komsomolskaya Station. The beautiful yellow Baroque ceiling is adorned with several massive chandeliers. There are also mosaics on the ceiling symbolizing Russians' historical fight for freedom and independence. Where art becomes part of a station!
Komsomolskaya Station.
On the train to The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue,
The Great Moscow State Circus – The Bolshoi Circus. Circus time. We paid RM100 per person, and it was well worth it. Although we did not understand what was stated, the subject is ancient Greek, with Zeus, Athens, Medusa, and Hydra. The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue, is Europe's largest circus.
When compared to other theaters in Moscow, it is relatively new. Muscovites of an older generation recall that there was just one circus in the capital until 1970, a historic structure on Tsvetnoy Boulevard that was popular with both Muscovites and visitors. However, as time went on, the structure deteriorated and necessitated substantial repairs. Furthermore, the auditorium was not large enough to accommodate all people. The arena's size only allowed for classical concerts, but the organization wanted and was capable of offering more. This encouraged Moscow's city officials to build a new modern circus on Vernadsky Avenue, which opened in 1971.
The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue,
The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue,
The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue,
The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue,
The Great Moscow Circus has enough area to accommodate 3400 people inside.
The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue,
The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue,
The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue,
The Great Moscow Circus has enough area to accommodate 3400 people inside.
The Great Moscow Circus has enough area to accommodate 3400 people inside.The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue,The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue,The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue,The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue,The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue,
The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue,
The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue.
The Great Moscow Circus has enough area to accommodate 3400 people inside.
The Great Moscow Circus has enough area to accommodate 3400 people inside. The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue.
The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue.
The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue.
The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue.
The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue.
The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue.
The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue.
The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue.
The Great Moscow Circus, situated on Vernadsky Avenue.
The Great Moscow Circus had a huge impact on the world of circus arts, inspiring many other groups and performers. Over the years, the circus has garnered several awards and recognition for its services to the arts and entertainment industries.
Whether you enjoy traditional circus acts or futuristic performances, The Great Moscow Circus provides a compelling experience that highlights the best of what the circus industry has to offer.
We used the lovely Arbatskaya metro station in Moscow back to our hotel.
The Arbatskaya Metro Station acted as a shelter during the Soviet era. It is one of Moscow's largest and deepest metro stations.
The decor of Moscow's metro stations is amazing. After 17k steps, it is time for dinner and birthday celebrations.
For dinner, we celebrated our tour guide's birthday at a restaurant near our Izmailovo Gamma Delta Hotel.
For dinner, we celebrated our tour guide's birthday at a restaurant near our Izmailovo Gamma Delta Hotel.
For dinner, we celebrated our tour guide's birthday at a restaurant near our Izmailovo Gamma Delta Hotel.
Night time view of Izmailovo Gamma Delta Hotel complex in Moscow.
Accommodation at Izmailovo Gamma Delta Hotel in Moscow. From 1980 to 1993, the Izmailovo Hotel was the largest hotel in Europe, as well as the globe. It comprises of four high-rise towers with 5,000 rooms. It is located in Izmaylovo District, close Moscow Metro's Partizanskaya subway station.
The
Trans-Siberian Railway holds the title of the longest train journey in
the world. Over the course of our 11-day train trip (9,938 km), we have
witnessed the vast pine forests, impressive rivers, and undulating
plains of the Russian landscape.
Traveling from Vladivostok to Saint Petersburg, we pass through enchanting cities such as Khabarovsk, Chita,
Ulan Ude, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Kazan,
Moscow, and Saint Petersburg; each destination offers a blend of
breathtaking scenery, vibrant cultures, and deep-rooted history. We are
always prepared for the remarkable adventure across Russia's vast and
varied landscape, aiming to forge memories that will last a lifetime!
click below to view
Day01 Bangkok to Irkutsk, Russia
Day02 Irkutsk to Vladivostok, Russia
Day03 Vladivostok to Khabarovsk (1st overnight train)
Day04 Khabarovsk
Day05 Khabarovsk to Chita overnight train 1 (2nd overnight train)
Day06 Khabarovsk to Chita overnight train 2 (3rd overnight train)
Day07 Chita
Day08 Chita to Ulan Ude (4th overnight train)
Day09 Ulan Ude
Day10 Ulan-Ude to Irkutsk (5th overnight train)
Day11 Irkutsk to Olkhon Island
Day12 Olkhon Island
Day13 Olkhon Island to Irkutsk to Krasnoyarsk (6th overnight train)
Day14 Krasnoyarsk
Day15 Krasnoyarsk to Novosibirsk (7th overnight train)
Day16 Novosibirsk
Day17 Novosibirsk to Yekaterinburg (8th overnight train)
Day18 Yekaterinburg
Day19 Yekaterinburg to Kazan (9th overnight train)
Day20 Kazan
Day21 Kazan to Moscow (10th overnight train)
Day22 Moscow (day 1)
Day23 Moscow (day 2)
Day24 Moscow to St Petersburg (11th overnight train)
Day25 St Petersburg (day 1)
Day26 St Petersburg (day 2)
Day27 St Petersburg (day 3)
Day28 St Petersburg (day 4)
Day29 St Petersburg to Dubai
Day30 Dubai to KLIA
