TRANS- MONGOLIAN EXPLORATION : 14 NIGHTS / 15 DAYS

Today you visit the Great Wall, the eighth wonder of the world. The giant wall extends for more than 6000 km through the countryside. On the way we visit the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Ming Tombs and the Spirit Way. (B, L, D)

Today we visit the Forbidden City where we will see an awe-inspiring halls and mysterious temples. In the evening, we board the trans-Siberian train to start this amazing journey. We transfer to the train station and depart for Mongolia aboard a chartered Chinese train. We reach the border city of Erlian in approximately 16 hours, on the following day. (B, L, D)

Today we reach the Chinese-Mongolian border, where we transfer to the Tsar’s Gold private train. The change of trains is necessary because of the different track gauges in the two countries. In the growing city of Erlian, we have some time to explore the colourful local market, before our Russian train sets off towards Mongolia. After crossing sections of the legendary Gobi Desert, the train travels through the vast green steppes of Mongolia. (B, L, D)

Early-risers are treated to central Mongolia’s spectacular scenery. In the morning, we arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. We take city tour where we see the odd Choijin Lama Temple, among other things. (B, L, D)

Today we visit the Gandan Monastery, later we proceed to the Mongolian Alps, located some 90 minutes east of Ulan Bator, with their majestic scenery and bizarre rock formations. Later we board our Train for further journey. (B, L, D)

Today we travel through the valley of Mongolia’s largest river, the Selenga. We reach the main route of the Trans-Siberian Railway and take a city tour (B, L, D)

Today we explore natural phenomenon of Lake Baikal, the largest reservoir of freshwater in the world. In the morning our train travels directly alongside Lake Baikal, on the old route of the Trans-Siberian Railway. During two extended photo-stops, we have a chance to explore and record the scenic beauty of the lake and its setting. A short boat excursion from Port Baikal takes us out onto the lake. We visit a picturesque Baikal village. (B, L, D)

In the morning, we arrive in Irkutsk, the capital of Eastern Siberia in tsarist times. On arrival we enjoy city orientation tour which includes Okhlopkov Drama Theatre, the new memorial to Tsar Alexander III, and the photogenic market hall followed by visit to an open-air museum with a focus on life and work in historical Siberia. (B, L, D)

Today we board our train as it passes through the diverse landscapes of eastern Siberia. Talks on board inform us about the region and a vodka tasting with typical Russian snacks and red caviar is an opportunity to experience first-hand the Russian festive customs of hospitality and clever toasts. (B, L, D)

Today our train arrives in Novosibirsk, the largest city in Siberia. We are greeted with bread and salt in the customary Russian manner and taken on a tour of this most Soviet of cities along your entire route, including the chance to see the mighty Ob River. Small City tour, with possibility to see the market and the opera house. (B, L, D)

Today our train stops in the afternoon in Yekaterinburg, the capital of the Ural Federal District. The city is known as the place where the Russian tsar Nicholas II and his family were murdered in 1918. During a tour we see the Cathedral of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood, which was built in 2003 to commemorate that tragic historic event, and the city centre attractively restored in 2009. Also, Yekaterinburg is the frontier between the European and the Asian continent, we visit the obelisque monument which serves as a reminder of this fact. Back on board, you enjoy views of the Urals landscape and indulge yourself in the dining car. Our private train is already rolling across the European continent. (B, L, D)

Today we reach Kazan, the Tartar capital on the banks of the Volga. On arrival we enjoy city tour where we will see Tartar mosques and the most famous Russian Orthodox cathedral. We also take a tour of Kazan’s Kremlin, where we learn about the turbulent history of the relationship between the Tartars, the Cossacks, and the Russians. (B, L, D)

Today we arrive in the Russian capital of Moscow, on arrival we take “City of Lights” tour, including a stop at Red Square, and a ride on the underground to view two of Moscow’s particularly beautiful metro stations. (B, L, D)

Breakfast then transfers from Moscow hotel to the Airport. Depart Moscow. (B)