It’s time for round three of the Bucket List Battle! Round two featured Iguacu Falls vs. Mt. Kilimangaro. The South American waterfall won with 62.5% of the vote. In the first round, Venice won over the Panama Canal with 67% of the vote.
For the third of four preliminary rounds, we’ve got two more great items that are on many people’s bucket lists. First, a journey across the wilderness of Russia, travelling by train on the historic Trans Siberian Railway. Second, following the Tour de France (as a spectator, not a cyclist!).
Trans Siberian Railway
9,259 kilometres or 5,753 miles from Moscow to Vladivostok in Russia via one of the world’s most famous trains. The Trans Siberian Railway was built between 1891 and 1916, in the days of Tsar Alexander III and Tsar Nicholas II.
A berth for the six day one way journey can be had for between $300 and $400. However, that’s just the fare. There’s the tourist visa to get into Russia, accommodations before and after in Moscow and Vladisvostok, flights in and out, food, and, of course, vodka!
For the Bucket List Battle, we’ll say the whole package includes:
- The train ride in a sleeper car
- Flights into Moscow and out of Vladivostok
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in both Moscow and Vladivostok
- All food and drink
Tour de France
Each July, I love watching the Tour de France on television. Sure, the cycling can be exciting but the main reason is for the incredible scenery and culture that modern television can drop right into your living room.
In 2014, the Tour starts outside of France, in Leeds, England on Saturday, July 5. There are three stages in the U.K. before crossing the channel. The race also enters Belgium in the earlier stages. Also included is the annual mountain climb through the Pyrenees in Spain.
There are 21 stages and the race reaches its climax in Paris, France on Sunday, July 27. Honestly, I have no idea what this would cost and it doesn’t really matter. It’s a bucket list item and cost is not an issue.
What this package would include, for the sake of the Bucket List Battle, is:
- Flights in and out
- Motorhome accommodation
- Hotel accommodation in Leeds and Paris for a couple of nights before and after the race
- Food and wine
- A custom fit Borat Mankini for the men so that you can run alongside the racers on the steep inclines
If you’re reading this and you’ve taken part in either of these dream journeys – tell us about it in the comments!
