We recently wrote about cruises in Russia, where the season is still in full swing. Today, we’re taking you on another kind of cruise — one that travels by rail.

Think of it as a hotel on wheels. Modern trains operated by Federal Passenger Company turn the journey itself into part of the adventure: you spend the day exploring historic towns and return to the same compartment each night, without changing hotels, repacking your luggage, or wondering whether the next taxi driver shares your sense of urgency.

Ready to see Russia from a different perspective? Here are four rail-cruise routes to discover this autumn:

The Golden Ring. A journey through Russia’s historic heartland.
The Silver Route. A cultural voyage through the country’s northern treasures.
The Caucasian Pearl. A journey through the landscapes, flavours and cultural heritage of the Caucasus.
Karelia. Lakes, forests and the quiet beauty of the Russian North.