The pearl of the Caucasus. Railway cruise with a visit to North Ossetia

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A seven-day railway trip to the south of Russia, during which a comfortable train will become a hotel on wheels for you and will bring you to a new city every morning.

Take a walk through the magals and ancient streets of Derbent. Get acquainted with the iconic places of Grozny and its past, hear a story about Chechen culture and hospitality traditions. In the ancient village of Ossetia, you will encounter artifacts of past eras, see architectural structures of ancient architecture. Climb Mount Elbrus by the highest cable car in Russia to the Gara-Bashi station, located at an altitude of 3,847 meters.

Location

Russia, Moscow

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Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

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Tour highlights

Up on the cable car

We will take a chairlift to the Skazsky glacier, 2500 meters above sea level

Muslim Pride Mosque

The youngest and largest of the largest mosques of the Chechen Republic awaits us.

Alan evening

We are waiting for national dances, charming national music and delicious Caucasian national cuisine

Wine tasting

Let's find out the history of the origin of viticulture in Derbent and try a couple of wines

The history of ancient Derbent

Let's get acquainted with the ruins of the Khan's Palace – one of the largest architectural complexes of the citadel

Khadzhokhskaya gorge in Adygea

The size of the landmark will help you understand the scale of nature's creation – it reaches 400 meters in length.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Goodbye, Moscow!
Independent boarding on the tourist train No. 930/929 (carriage numbers, seats will be indicated on the voucher) according to the original documents (passports, birth certificates for children under 14 years old).
11:00 Departure of tourist train No. 930/929 from Moscow's Kazansky Railway Station.

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Day 2 - Republic of Adygea
13:05 Arrival of the tourist train at the railway station of Maikop, meeting with the guide, boarding the bus (the bus number is indicated in the voucher).
Transfer to the panoramic platform of the Azish-Tau ridge, travel information about the history, culture and modern development of Adygea.
Visit to the panoramic site of the Azish-Tau ridge.
The excursion to the Azish cave is one of the five best caves in Europe.
The cave consists of several large halls and a lower floor through which an underground river flows.
Transfer to the Khadjokh gorge.
Visit to the Khadzhokhskaya Gorge natural monument.
The size of the attraction will help you understand the scale of nature's creation – it reaches 400 meters in length, and the width of individual sections of the canyon ranges from only 2 to 7 meters.
Free time for independent walks and visits to the souvenir market.
Dinner with national dishes (with tasting of Adyghe cheese) and participation of artists of the national dance ensemble.
There will also be an opportunity to purchase cheese, honey and works by craftsmen of folk art crafts.
Transfer to Maikop railway station.
21:10 Departure of the tourist train to Vladikavkaz.

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Day 3 - Republic of North Ossetia-Alania
10:10 a.m. Arrival of the tourist train at Vladikavkaz railway station, meeting with the guide, boarding the bus (the bus number is indicated on the voucher).
Transfer to the Alagir gorge (48 km).
Moving along the Military-Ossetian road in the Alagir gorge, to the right along the route, attention is attracted by an extraordinary sculptural composition — the Sanctuary and rock monument of Uastyrdzhi — the patron saint of men, travelers and warriors, one of the main characters of the Ossetian Nart epic.
Sightseeing of the monument and sanctuary (20 min).
Transfer (41 km) to the Tseiskoe Gorge– the pearl of Ossetia.
The entire Tsey Gorge is a state nature reserve, and the figure of the patron saint Afsati at the entrance symbolizes protection for everyone living in this beautiful corner of the Caucasus.
We will take a chairlift to the Skazsky glacier, 2500 meters above sea level.
There are wonderful landscapes of the Tsey Gorge around: mountain peaks among clouds, alpine meadows, protected forests and mountain rivers (the total time for ascent, inspection and descent is 1 hour and 30 minutes).
A light snack in a picturesque place in the mountains.
Transfer and passage to the site with the sculpture of Afsati, a deity in the ancient mythology of the Ossetians.
Transfer to Vladikavkaz.
On the way, stop at the piercing obelisk of the Gazdanov Brothers in the village of Dzuarikau to pay tribute to those who died in the Great Patriotic War.
"Alan Evening" is a dinner and a show program in the ethno-national style.
Acquaintance with the traditional Ossetian feast, the main ritual of the Alan cult: the great prayer feast – KUVD.
Walking tour of Vladikavkaz.
We invite you to enjoy a magnificent view of the mountains of the Greater Caucasus and touch the history of the Russian-Caucasian war, consider the preserved old buildings: the former tobacco factory, the Singer concern, the printing house of the late 19th century, the houses of engineer Boehme and merchant Oganov, stroll along Mira Avenue and the embankment of the proud Terek.
Free time to visit the souvenir shop.
Transfer to Vladikavkaz railway station.
20:15 Departure of the tourist train to Grozny.

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Day 4 - Chechen Republic
09:30 Arrival of the tourist train at the railway station of Grozny, meeting with the guide, boarding the bus (the bus number is indicated in the voucher).
Transfer to the Nihaloy waterfalls along the Argun gorge.
Visit to the Nihaloy Waterfalls sports and tourist complex.
Nihaloevsky waterfalls is a cascade of twelve waterfalls.
Overhanging cliffs on one side and a fast mountain river on the other will allow you to enjoy the magical scenery, breathe in the purest mountain air and take impressive photos.
A walk to the waterfalls.
Lunch at a cafe.
Transfer to the Ushkaloy towers.
Combat and residential towers are the most important "exhibit" of medieval architecture and mountain landscapes of the Chechen Republic.
The Ushkaloy twin towers are ancient structures built into a rock niche dating back to the XI–XII centuries, and by their architecture they belong to an ancient type of buildings.
Transfer to the Phakoch Castle complex.
Visit to the Museum of Local Lore. St. Isaac's Castle complex "Phakoch", which is located at the entrance to the Tazbichi gorge.
Inside the fortress, surrounded by a stone wall, there are several residential and one combat tower, a watermill, and stone buildings.
The Museum of Local Lore is located on the ground floor in one of the residential towers of the complex.
Household items, utensils, antique weapons, and tools that are more than 100 years old are on display here.
Transfer to Shali.
Visit to the Muslim Pride Mosque.
The mosque "Pride of Muslims" named after the Prophet Muhammad in the city of Shali is the youngest and largest of the largest mosques in the Chechen Republic.
Transfer to Grozny.
Sightseeing tour of the city with a visit to the Memorial Complex of Glory named after Akhmat Kadyrov, the Central Mosque "Heart of Chechnya", the Complex of skyscrapers "Grozny City" and an observation deck on the 29th floor, the Flower Park, the Orthodox Church of St. Michael the Archangel.
Transfer to Grozny railway station.
20:00 Departure of the tourist train to Derbent.

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Day 5 - Republic of Dagestan
07:29 Arrival of the tourist train at Derbent railway station.
Meeting with the guide, boarding the bus (the bus number is indicated on the voucher).
Transfer to the Lun ekranoplane with an external inspection, the guide's story about the legendary ekranoplane, a brilliant invention of Soviet engineering.
Transfer to the Naryn-Kala fortress.
Excursion to the Naryn-Kala Citadel Museum-Reserve.
The tour will introduce you to the history of the construction of the Naryn-Kala stone citadel complex in Derbent in the 5th–6th centuries AD by Iranian kings from the Sassanid dynasty, the only major fortification monument in our country that has survived from the 6th century in such magnificent preservation.
You will get acquainted with the unique water supply system of the fortress and the city, with the ruins of the Khan's Palace, one of the largest architectural complexes of the citadel, built in the second half of the XVIII century (in 1768) by the imperious ruler of the Eastern Caucasus, Fet–Alikhan Kubinsky, with underground prisons, the Khan's bathhouse.
Guided tour of Magala, ancient streets of Derbent.
Winding streets, labyrinths, an ancient fortress, a charming atmosphere – all this awaits you on the tour.
You will see the Juma Mosque, the house where the exiled writer Bestuzhev-Marlinsky lived, the ancient shopping square lined with shell stones, and take a look at the Maiden Baths (the museum of culture and everyday life of ancient Derbent).
Guided tour of Derbent Brandy Factory with tasting. During the tour, you will learn the history of the combine, as well as the history of the origin of viticulture in ancient Derbent. Get acquainted with full–cycle production - from growing grapes, processing them to bottling finished products.
Attention! Persons under the age of 16 are not allowed to enter the territory of the cognac factory. The children are in the tasting room (without tasting), accompanied by a representative of the company.
*On weekends and holidays, tastings and guided tours of the Derbent Brandy Factory are not held. For departure dates 05/04/2025, 07/15/2025, 07/23/2025, 09/09/2025, 09/17/2025, a visit to the Derbent Brandy Factory will be replaced by a visit to the Derbent Wine Company (Derbent Wine) with an excursion and tastings.
Lunch with dishes of national cuisine with a concert program.
Transfer to the oriental market.
Free time to visit the market.
Transfer to Derbent embankment.
A short tour of the Derbent embankment with a length of 800 meters between Khandadasha Tagiyev Street and the Central Beach. It was opened as part of the celebration of the 2000th anniversary of the ancient city.
The dominant feature of the embankment is a two–tiered semi-rotunda with viewing platforms on the Caspian Sea and mountains.
Free time for independent walking or swimming in the sea.
Transfer to pedestrian lane named after Kazem-Beka (the so-called "Street of happy people").
A short tour of the street.
Transfer to the railway station.
20:00 Departure of the tourist train to Nalchik.

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Day 6 - Kabardino-Balkarian Republic
07:00 Arrival of the tourist train at Nalchik railway station, meeting with the guide, boarding the bus (the bus number is indicated on the voucher).
Transfer to the Azau glade along the Baksan gorge of the Elbrus region.
Climb Mount Elbrus by the highest cable car in Russia to the Gara-Bashi station, located at an altitude of 3,847 meters.
Elbrus is a stratovolcano in the Caucasus, its height is 5,642 meters above sea level.
It is the highest mountain peak in Russia and Europe.
The third stage of the Elbrus cable car from Mir Station to Gara-Bashi Station is included in the Russian Book of Records as the highest cable car in the country and has no analogues in height not only in Russia, but also in Europe.
Attention! Being at high altitudes can cause oxygen starvation, changes in cardiovascular pressure, and other acute conditions. People suffering from cardiovascular diseases, as well as children under 3 years of age, are not recommended to climb the cable car. It is prohibited to climb the cable car under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Attention! In the period from September 1 to September 21, 2025, the cable cars of the VTRK Elbrus will be closed for scheduled maintenance work. 09/06/2025 (flight 09/01/2025) and 09/14/2025 (flight 09.09.2025) there will be a chairlift to the slope of Mount Cheget (view of Elbrus from the side). Two stages: the first stage is a 2-chairlift up to 2,750 meters above sea level. The second stage is the 1st chairlift up to 3,000 meters above sea level.
Transfer to Narzanov Glade.
Visit to the Narzan Glade.
Lunch, during which you will be able to taste dishes of national cuisine, get acquainted with the way of life, cuisine and customs of the Balkarian people, and enjoy performances of national musical and dance groups.
Transfer to Nalchik.
Transfer to Nalchik railway station via the central street of the city – Lenin Ave. with a city tour.
17:40 Departure of the tourist train to Moscow.

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Day 7 - On the way. Moscow
Rest on the train.
23:50 Arrival of the tourist train at the Kazan railway station in Moscow.
The time in the program is indicated approximately. The company reserves the right to make changes to the tour program without reducing the total volume and quality of services, as well as to cancel the tour and/or offer alternative travel options in case of a shortage of the group and cancellation/replacement of rolling stock.

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Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Train

6 nights

Comfort

Midscale
Upscale

The tour provides accommodation in a comfortable carriage (additional fee for railway transfer).

The cost of the tour for 1 person, rub.:

Category	The cost of the excursion service
For adults	45 150
For children from 0 to 9 years old inclusive	43 850

The tourist train includes comfortable luxury, SV, and compartment cars.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 50 tourists

Duration

7 days 6 nights

Group meets at

Russia, Moscow

Included in price

transportation and sightseeing services (without railway travel along the route), including entrance tickets to the sightseeing facilities according to the program;
meals according to the program:
- Day 1: not included;
- Day 2: Dinner;
- Day 3: lunch and late lunch;
- Day 4: lunch;
- Day 5: Lunch;
- Day 6: lunch;
- Day 7: not included.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Moscow and back;
personal expenses;
train travel along the route, including breakfast on the train from the 2nd day of the trip;
extra meals on the train.

Railway tickets are purchased independently on the Russian Railways website or at the box office, the price is dynamic.

It's important to know

In the summer, take with you a change of shoes, swimsuits, a towel for swimming in the sea in Derbent.

It is impossible to know in advance whether passengers can board and disembark at non-fixed stops, upon arrival at which the tour service is provided (there may be parking on the train, but boarding/disembarking may not be allowed. There are various reasons for this. For example, the length of the platform does not allow, the train is on the sidings, and there is basically no platform.). The tour operator is not responsible for boarding and disembarking passengers when the train stops without sightseeing services.
Tourists can join the tourist route on any part of it, where there is a train parking with an excursion day service. But without recalculating the cost of the tour in terms of railway transportation. Since a cruise train ticket is issued from the start point of the tour to the end point of the tour, there will be no recalculation of the cost of railway travel in this case. For sightseeing days when tourists will not be present on excursions, we will recalculate the cost.
In a 4-seater compartment for two people, top+bottom accommodation is provided. Placement on the two lower shelves is possible only in a 2-seater compartment or a single compartment.
The purchase of the fourth seat in the compartment is optional, accommodation with check-in is possible.
Tours on the territory of the Russian Federation do not imply the presence of a notarized consent from one of the parents / legal representative for the child's trip accompanied by a third party. However, we recommend a handwritten consent from one of the parents / legal representatives to make a decision if medical care is needed for the child + a copy of the first page and the page with the registration of the parent / legal representative giving the handwritten consent.
Smoking is prohibited on the train (both electronic and plain cigarettes; a fine of 1,500 to 2,500 rubles). You can smoke in the train parking lots, if possible, get off the train in smoking areas specially designated on the platforms.
The tour operator issues railway tickets at a tariff without carrying animals (for group railway transportation of tourists, this tariff is not possible for registration). In addition, it is not allowed to enter the tour bus with animals (there may be allergies in the group). Pets are also not allowed to enter the museums.

Dates and Prices

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26 Apr – 2 May 7 days 6 nights

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