Come along on an awe-inspiring adventure traversing three great nations – Russia, Mongolia and China. From the opulence of Moscow and St Petersburg to the grace of imperial Beijing, travel along the most famous railway in the world through the heartland of Siberia and the vast grassy steppe of Mongolia – this trip showcases rail travel at its finest.
21 day tour includes:
• Meals: 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
• Accommodation: hut (1 nt), guesthouse (2 nts), hotel (9 nts), overnight sleeper train (8 nts)
• Transport: boat, bus, ferry, metro, minibus, overnight sleeper train, train
• Included activities: banya (traditional sauna), boat tour or walking tour (seasonal), Buuz cooking class, Decembrists Museum, Irkutsk Central Market, Kremlin & Armoury, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Mutianyu Great Wall day trip, Red Square, Suzdal walking tour, Terelj National Park
• Intrepid tour leader
From: $4,850 per person, twin share
The itinerary
Days 1-3 St Petersburg
Begin this Trans-Mongolian odyssey in St Petersburg, the shining star of modern Russia. After a boat tour along the city’s canals and waterways, pick up some basic Russian in a language class. The illustrious Hermitage Museum is a great place to visit for its collection of artistic treasures, or maybe just wander about, admiring the Baroque architecture and European atmosphere of the city.
Day 4 Suzdal
Experience how Suzdal, part of Russia’s Golden Ring of ancient capitals, holds a millennium’s worth of Russian history. Venture down rustic lanes and be enchanted by medieval monasteries and cathedrals while on a walking tour. Relax by the riverside with a glass of medovukha, a local tipple made from honey.
Days 5-6 Moscow
Travel to the enigmatic city of Moscow, a mixture of Orthodox churches, communist relics and brash capitalism. Visit Lenin’s Mausoleum and the Armoury Museum in the Kremlin, then meander through Red Square, and perhaps peek inside the iconic St Basil’s Cathedral.
Day 7 Moscow/Trans-Siberian Railway
Take a last wander around the city, or stock up on supplies, before descending into Moscow’s magnificent metro and heading to Yaroslavsky Station. From here begins the epic journey that is the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Days 8-10 Trans-Siberian Railway
Ride the famous Trans-Siberian Railway travels deep into the Siberian taiga – the perfect opportunity to chill out, sip tea with the locals and watch the scenery pass by. Enjoy stops along the way, which include the chance to stock up on dumplings at platform stalls.
Days 11-12 Lake Baikal
Head to the world’s largest freshwater lake, Baikal. Experience a homestay on Baikal’s tranquil banks for a firsthand experience of life in remote, provincial Russia. While here, why not get steamy in a traditional Russian sauna.
*Conditions apply. Price is per person twin share and land only. Advertised price valid for departures on 17 & 24 Dec 12. Seasonal surcharges apply for other departure dates between 01 Oct 12 and 31 Mar 13. Book and pay in full by 20 Oct 12. 20% saving already included in the advertised price. Price is subject to change without notice. Further conditions apply. Contact me for full terms and conditions.
Call 02 9267 0232 or email (click here) for more details and to book.
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