Classic Trans Mongolian

15 days - from $3040

Itinerary:

Days 1-2. Moscow  
 Moscow will amaze you, its palaces and public buildings restored to their former glory. Beneath the city lies the palatial metro rail system draped in chandeliers, mosaics and baroque bas- reliefs while the vast Cathedral of Christ the Saviour again dominates Moscow's skyline. The echoing vastness of Red Square, the splendid twirled cupolas of St.Basil's. The Kremlin itself - the fabled palace-fort of gilded domes where we marvel at the exquisite collection of royal treasures in the stunning Armoury Chamber; the Cathedral of the Assumption where Tsars were crowned, the Bell Tower and the Faberge jewels and icons.
Days 3-7. Aboard the Trans Mongolian Railway  
 We settle into life on board, enjoying the company of our fellow passengers and the stunning scenery that we will enjoy for the next 5 nights.& First travelling along the Trans Siberian Railway over the steel bridges spanning Siberia's nerve system of 5,000 rivers. We pass over the Ural mountains which divide Europe and Asia, and we cross the Irtysh and Ob rivers.& We continue through Irkutsk, the Paris of Siberia and catch a glimpse of stunning Lake Baikal from the train window.
Day 8. Ulaanbaatar  
 At daybreak, classic scenes of traditional nomadic life greet us as the train winds impressively across the Mongolian Steppe and into the capital. Ulaanbaatar, is a contradiction - a metropolis amid endless grass steppes, with donkeys and motorbikes, concrete apartment blocks and traditional gers.
Days 9-11. Ulaanbaatar & the Mongolian Steppe  
 After breakfast we visit the Zaisan Memorial from which the entire city is visible. Also to the country's largest remaining monastery, Gandan Hiid where you can mingle with Buddhist monks and which gives an insight into the lives of Buddhist Mongolians. The Mongolia of Genghis Khan lies beyond the city, in the land of the nomad. In the afternoon we travel out across the grasslands through the countryside where we spend a night in a traditional Mongolian nomad tent (ger) set amongst spectacular rock formations and wild rolling hills. Among nomadic families and their grazing livestock we can explore nearby valleys or just relax and enjoy the area. We return to Ulaanbaatar for the final night in this unusual capital.
Day 12. Trans Mongolian Railway  
 A morning departure aboard the Beijing Express. We travel over the steppe-lands of northern Mongolia and to the south, the Gobi desert which until the middle of this century was the rough track across this desolate country. This afternoon we arrive at the Mongolian border town of Dzamyn Ude. After formalities are completed we continue on to the Chinese border town of Erlian for immigration and customs formalities.& Here the train's bogies are changed from a wider gauge used by Russia and Mongolia to a narrow Chinese gauge.
Days 13-14.& Arrive Beijing  
 Beijing will prove unforgettable, all senses assailed - colour and sound, smell and taste - leaving indelible memories of continual contrast, history and tradition alongside 21st century technology. Our sightseeing continues with an excursion to the Great Wall. Built to defend the civilised world from the fierce and capable Mongol horsemen, the Wall stretches 10,000 Li across China's mountainous northern frontier.& Also visit Tiananmen Square, and perhaps Mao's Mausoleum, and the serene Temple of Heaven set in beautiful parklands. During our ‘City Exploring’ you may also find time to visit the spectacular Summer Palace and enjoy the history and significance of the astonishing Forbidden City with its moated complex of superb awe-inspiring Halls, Palaces and Gates.
Day 15. Depart Beijing  
 The last day has arrived too soon. The adventure is complete, the legendary rail journey that started many days ago has taken you across Asia, through lands and cultures literally worlds apart.
 

Details:

• Group Size 15 maximum, plus Tour Leader
• Accommodation Hotels - 6 nights (twin share)
• Mongolian Ger - 2 nights (shared)
• Trains - 6 nights (4 berth)
• Meals 8 in total
• Breakfast (8)
• Travel by Train: Comfortable 4 berth sleepers
• There are 2 rail sectors on this journey - Moscow to Ulaanbaatar (5 nights) - Ulaanbaatar to Beijing (1 night)
• Other: For 'Scheduled Sightseeing' we generally use a small minibus, and for 'City Exploring' we use local taxis, public transport, underground metro and go on foot. 2 Berth Rail (Optional) Available for a supplementary price only when two people book and travel together
• Available on all rail sectors
• Sightseeing Scheduled Sightseeing is part of the itinerary and includes all transport, entrance fees and English speaking local guide
• Moscow: City tour, St.Basil's Cathedral, Red Square, Kremlin and Armoury
• Ulaanbaatar: Zaisan Memorial, National History Museum, Gandan Hiid Monastery, Terelj National Park
• Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall
• City Exploring is further sightseeing outside the itinerary guideline with the Tour Leader
• Visas Required for China, Mongolia & Russia
• Adventure Center will provide all required invitation letters and full visa support including detailed visa guidelines.