bucket list journey from moscow to beijing 16 days, 15 ... › images ›...

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Bucket list journey from Moscow to Beijing 16 days, 15 nights from £3,250

Experience one of the last great travel adventures. Your journey along the Trans-Siberian Railway, one of the world’s most fascinating and safest train routes, is even more interesting,

comfortable, and entertaining with our privately chartered train. This grand private train journey from Moscow to Beijing via Lake Baikal and Mongolia is your chance to fulfil the dream of a lifetime. Our trips are accompanied by an experienced multi-lingual tour director and a physician travelling on the train. A sophisticated on-board program complements a comprehensive excursion and sightseeing package to make your journey truly memorable. Take advantage of the extensive array of services offered by Europe’s most experienced travel organiser on this

route.

The Route


Highlights

The Mini Naadam An elaborate and colourful festival of ‘the three games of men’, horse-riding, archery, and wrestling. The great skill on display at Terelj National Park are an insight into the tradition, ceremony and culture of these sublime lands.

Lake Baikal by train A day dedicated to enjoying the blissful Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world. Unbelievable vistas of outstanding natural beauty. A panoramic train journey alongside the lake, with opportunities to swim, picnic, take a boat trip and much more. A truly rejuvenating day.

Authentic experience Up close among the authentic Siberian villages, country lanes and wooden houses. Straight out of a fairytale; as if you’re in a picture book. Dramatic skies and mountain tops add to the

sensation of experiencing a legend come to life.

Your Itinerary

Eastbound

DAY 1 THE GOBI DESERT

Moscow, one of the most vivid, dynamic and richly-historic cities on Earth. After a welcoming dinner, you experience the opulence and color of Moscow at night on a tour that includes the almost dream-like Red Square and famously palatial subway stations. Relax after your urban adventure in your central and comfortable top-range hotel.

Overnight: InterContinental Tverskaya (or similar). Meals included: dinner (D).

DAY 2 MOSCOW BY DAY

Wake up to morning in cosmopolitan Moscow. Visit the otherworldly Kremlin and experience the magnificent interiors of its glorious cathedrals. See the surreal and candy-cane Russian masterpieces of St. Basil’s Cathedral and

Novodevichy Convent. You visit the lovingly reconstructed Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and pass by the notorious former KGB headquarters, the imposing architecture of the Soviet-era White House and Lomonossov University, before bidding farewell to this bold and charismatic city. Towards the evening, your train departs from the Kazan Station. Overnight on board. Meals included: breakfast (B), lunch (L) and dinner (D).

DAY 3 KAZAN

Today is dedicated to the picturesque and historic Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, on the banks of the Volga.


Tour the city’s traditional Russian architecture and take in the fascinating stories of the local

Kremlin. You learn about the wild and bloody relations that played out between the Tatars, Cossacks and Russians, exactly where you’re standing. Overnight on board. (BLD) DAY 4 YEKATERINBURG

Yekaterinburg is the capital of the ancient Ural Mountain range. Its position on the Asian-European border makes for a city of fascinating influences and combined cultures. You visit the painstakingly-preserved city center and fairy-tale-like Church on Blood, which commemorates the site where the Romanovs, Russia’s last Tsar dynasty, were shot by

revolutionists. Your train leaves Europe into Asia. Overnight on board. (BLD) DAY 5 NOVOSIBIRSK AND HOSPITALITY

In Russia, the word bread is associated with hospitality, and salt with friendship. In the city of Novosibirsk, you’re welcomed warmly with bread and salt in this tradition. You arrive in Siberia’s biggest city at noon and take a tour that includes the majestic river Ob. Overnight on board. (BLD) DAY 6 SIBERIA

A day of once-in-a-lifetime views enjoyed from the comfort of your private train. Mountains of forest and mist in the sunlight. Rivers crashing along jagged rocky banks. Huge, imposing skies, shifting in rhythm with the tracks. Living art, in real time on your Trans-Siberian railroad tour. Entertaining lectures on local customs and culture double as social get-togethers between newfound friends, complete with Russian canapés and hospitality. Overnight on board. (BLD)


DAY 7 IRKUTSK

You’ve arrived in popular and historic Irkutsk. Travel light again and leave your luggage securely in your private train. Tour the city’s colorful market, theater and two-manor site of the Irkutsk local history museum, before enjoying a relaxed dinner in the evening. Overnight: Hotel Irkutsk (or similar). (BLD) DAY 8 LAKE BAIKAL

A day dedicated entirely to enjoying the blissful Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world. The clear, deep, aquamarine and green waters glitter in the sun. The mountains are mirrored in the lake like glass, a near-endless stillness. You arrive directly at Port Baikal by boat. There are plenty of opportunities to capture some perfect shots as you travel the Circum-Baikal Railroad. Relax, take a dip and explore the scenery or picturesque villages. On warm nights, dinner is served as a picnic on the elegant shores of this unspoiled lake, the perfect end to a most relaxing day. Overnight on board. (BLD) DAY 9 ULAN-UDE

Today, your private train is journeying along the green and picturesque valley of the Selenga River. Soon you arrive in Ulan-Ude, the bustling and friendly capital of the Republic of Buryatia, Russia, and enjoy a guided tour through the city. Overnight on board. (BLD) DAY 10 ULAN BATOR

It’s morning and the vibrant Mongolian capital, Ulan Bator, awaits. Travel light and leave your luggage securely on your private Trans-Siberian train. You visit the meticulously-restored Buddhist Gandan Monastery and jewel-like Choijin Lama Temple. Enjoy evening performances of dynamic and captivating traditional Mongolian music (optional). Overnight: Ramada Hotel (or similar) in Ulan Bator. Upon request: overnight in a yurt in the Mongolian Alps. (BLD)


DAY 11 THE MONGOLIAN ALPS

Today you experience the stunning natural beauty of the Mongolian Alps. Picnicking in a yurt in the beautiful outdoors is the perfect way to dine. Try the local specialty of Khorhog, a Mongolian barbecued lamb dish, cooked in a traditional metal milk jug. Those feeling brave can also sample Kumys, a drink made of fermented mare’s milk and known as the beer of the

nomads. Performances offer insight into the horsemanship so central to Mongolian culture, as does a traditional wrestling match and archery display. In the evening, your private train travels onward to the Chinese border. Overnight on board. (BLD) DAY 12 THE GOBI DESERT

Around noon you arrive at the border, where you switch to your Chinese private train. But first experience Erlian, the authentic border market town trading in your heart’s desires at

old world prices. Then sit back, as you travel through dramatic expanses of stunning Gobi Desert. Overnight on board. (BLD) DAY 13 BEIJING

You’ve arrived in Beijing, the thriving capital of one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating

civilizations. Settle into your first class hotel and freshen up before having the afternoon and evening free. Overnight: Capital Hotel (or similar). (BL)


DAY 14 TEMPLE OF HEAVEN AND THE FORBIDDEN CITY

Beautiful Beijing. Your friendly, knowledgeable guides have stunning sights to show you, from the Temple of Heaven, the medieval masterpiece of architecture and landscape design, to the still infamous Tiananmen Square.

In the afternoon, explore the home of twenty-four emperors that required over a million workers to build—the Forbidden City is one of most renowned palaces on Earth. For centuries, the glorious, ancient halls and temples were all but inaccessible. Overnight: Capital Hotel (or similar). (BL) DAY 15 THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA AND MING TOMBS

A day filled with beauty and awe. Today you experience the Great Wall of China, the world’s

largest piece of ancient architecture, and see its legendary scenery up close. You also stop at the equally iconic, and UNESCO World Heritage site, Ming Tombs and see the exquisite Sacred Way necropolis. In the evening, share stories over a feast of Peking Duck at one of China’s impressive themed

restaurants.

An unforgettable day. Overnight: Capital Hotel (or similar). (BLD) DAY 16 FAREWELL CHINA

Finally, transfer for your flight back home and the chance to reflect. You’ve explored Russia to China by train. Here’s to life-changing journeys. What an incredible adventure it’s been. (B)

(B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner


Westbound

DAY 1 BEIJING—TEMPLE OF HEAVEN AND TIANANMEN SQUARE

You’ve arrived in China, one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating civilizations. Beautiful Beijing. Your friendly, knowledgeable guides have stunning sights to show you, from the Temple of Heaven, the medieval masterpiece of architecture and landscape design, to the infamous Tiananmen Square. First, a warm welcome and the chance to relax and freshen up at your first-class hotel. Overnight: Capital Hotel (or similar). Meals included: dinner (D).

DAY 2 THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA AND MING TOMBS

A day filled with beauty and awe. Today you experience the Great Wall of China, the world’s

largest piece of ancient architecture, and its legendary scenery up close. You also stop at the equally iconic Ming Tombs UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the exquisite Sacred Way necropolis. In the evening, share stories over a feast of Peking Duck at one of China’s impressive themed

restaurants. An unforgettable day. Overnight: Capital Hotel (or similar). (BLD)

DAY 3 THE FORBIDDEN CITY AND DEPARTURE TO MONGOLIA

The home of twenty-four emperors and requiring over a million workers to build, the Forbidden City is one of most renowned palaces on Earth. For centuries, the glorious, ancient halls and temples were all but inaccessible. Today you can explore. In the evening, you board a modern Chinese private train at Beijing and begin the journey to Mongolia. Take in the fascinating scenescapes of rural China and the surreal, sweeping sands of the emerging Gobi Desert. Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 4 THE GOBI DESERT

At noon, arrive at the Mongolian border and change to your Tsar’s Gold private train. At Erlian, the authentic border market trades in your heart’s desires, at old world prices. Then sit

back, as your private train takes you through dramatic expanses of the stunning Gobi Desert and the epic green steppes of Mongolia. Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 5 ULAN BATOR

It’s morning and the vibrant Mongolian capital, Ulan Bator, awaits. Travel light and leave your luggage securely on your private Trans-Siberian train. You visit the jewel-like Choijin Lama Temple and enjoy evening performances of dynamic and captivating traditional Mongolian music (optional). Overnight: Ramada Hotel (or similar) in Ulan Bator. Upon request: Overnight in a yurt in the Mongolian Alps. (BLD)


DAY 6 GANDAN MONASTERY AND THE MONGOLIAN ALPS

Today you experience the stunning natural beauty of the Mongolian Alps. Amid its picture book landscapes, discover the domineering Buddhist Gandan Monastery and, at the open-air railroad museum, learn about the origins of the classic Trans-Siberian Railroad. Picnicking in a yurt in the beautiful outdoors is the perfect way to dine. Try the Mongolian specialty of lamb in milk, with kumis for those feeling brave, a drink of fermented mare’s milk,

known as the beer of the nomads. Afterwards, shows offer an insight into the horsemanship so central to Mongolian culture, alongside a traditional wrestling match and archery display. Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 7 ULAN-UDE

Your private Trans-Mongolian train is journeying along the green and picturesque valley of the Selenga, the largest river in Mongolia. Soon you arrive in Ulan-Ude, the bustling and friendly capital of the Republic of Buryatia, Russia, and stroll through its city streets or enjoy a guided tour. In Ulan-Ude, your private train joins the main route of the Trans-Siberian Railroad. Overnight on board. (BLD) DAY 8 LAKE BAIKAL

A day dedicated entirely to enjoying the blissful Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world. The clear, deep, aquamarine and green waters glitter in the sun. The mountains are mirrored in the lake like glass, a near-endless stillness pervades. You arrive directly at Port Baikal. There are plenty of opportunities to capture some perfect shots as you travel the Circum-Baikal Railroad. Relax, take a dip, explore the scenery and picturesque villages, and even take a boat ride. On warm nights, dinner is served as a picnic on the elegant shores of this pristine lake, the perfect end to a most relaxing day. Overnight on board. (BLD)


DAY 9 IRKUTSK

You’ve arrived in popular and historic Irkutsk, one of Siberia’s largest cities. Travel light again and leave your luggage securely in your private train. Tour the city’s colourful market, theatre and two-manor site of the Irkutsk local history museum. Have a relaxed dinner in the evening before bed—your hotel room is centrally located. Overnight: Hotel Irkutsk (or similar). (BLD)

DAY 10 SIBERIA

A day of once-in-a-lifetime views enjoyed from the comfort of your private train. Mountains of forest and mist in the sunlight. Rivers crashing along jagged rocky banks. Huge, imposing skies, shifting in rhythm with the tracks. Living art, in real time on your Trans-Siberian Railroad tour. Entertaining lectures on local customs and culture double as social get-togethers between newfound friendships, complete with Russian canapes and hospitality.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 11 NOVOSIBIRSK AND HOSPITALITY

In Russia, the word bread is associated with hospitality, and salt with friendship. In the charming city of Novosibirsk, you’re welcomed warmly with bread and salt in this tradition. You arrive in Siberia’s biggest city at noon and take a tour that includes the majestic river Ob. Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 12 YEKATERINBURG

Yekaterinburg is the capital of the ancient Ural Mountain range. Its position on the Asian European border makes for a city of fascinating influences and combined cultures. You visit the painstakingly preserved city center and fairytale-like Church on Blood, which commemorates the site where the Romanovs, Russia’s last Tsar dynasty, were shot by revolutionists. Your train leaves Asia into Europe.



DAY 13 KAZAN

Today is dedicated to the picturesque and historic Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia Tatar, on the banks of the Volga. You take in the traditional Russian architecture and the fascinating stories of the Kremlin. You learn about the wild and bloody relations that played out between the Tatars, Cossacks and Russians, exactly where you’re standing.


DAY 14 MOSCOW

Moscow, one of the most vivid, dynamic and richly historic cities on earth. You see the other-worldly and world-famous Kremlin grounds and experience its magnificent cathedrals and interiors. After dinner, you experience the opulence and color of Moscow at night on a tour that includes the almost dream-like Red Square and famously palatial subway stations. Relax after your urban adventure in your central and comfortable top-range hotel.

Overnight: InterContinental Tverskaya (or similar. (BLD)

DAY 15 MOSCOW, THEN HOME

Wake up to a morning in cosmopolitan Moscow. Today you see the surreal and candy-cane Russian masterpieces of St. Basil’s Cathedral and Novodevichy Convent. You visit the lovingly reconstructed Cathedral of Christ the Savior and pass by the notorious former KGB headquarters, the imposing architecture of the Soviet-era White House and Lomonossov University, before bidding farewell to this bold and charismatic city. Finally, transfer for your flight back home and the time to sit back and reflect. You’ve explored China to Russia by train. Here’s to life-changing journeys. What an incredible adventure it’s been. (B) (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner


Compartments

Cat. V - Bolshoi Platinum

The Bolshoi Platinum compartment provides almost 77 sq ft (7.15 m²) of space, even more than

the Bolshoi compart-ment. The lower bed measures ca. 47.2 × 72.4 in. (120 × 184 cm), the

upper meas-ures ca. 32.3 × 68.5 in. (82 × 174 cm). Each compartment has a spacious

wardrobe and its own lavatory outfitted with a sepa-rate shower cabin. This category, offering

the highest level of comfort available on the Trans-Siberian Railway, contains only five

compartments per car for a maximum of just 10 guests.


Cat. IV - Bolshoi

This category offers 60 sq ft (5.57 m²) of space. It has two beds, with the upper measuring 31.5

× 68.5 in. (80 × 174 cm) and the lower measuring 43.3 × 72.4 in. (110 × 184 cm). This

compartment also offers comfortable seating, a table and a small wardrobe. The Bolshoi

category has its own lavatory equipped with toilet, washing basin, and integrated shower

with shower curtain. This category has only six compartments per car.


Cat. III - Nostalgic Comfort

This category offers the opportunity to truly travel in the style of the red tsars, in a nostalgic

ambience that would even make past Soviet leaders feel at home—but with the 21st

century’s modern ameni-ties. Each of these rolling hotel rooms offers not only two comfortable

beds measuring ca. 31.5 × 72.8 in. (80 × 185 cm), placed one above the other, but also an

armchair to enjoy the passing landscape in comfort. Two neighbouring compart-ments share

a semi-private lavatory with washing basin and simple shower located between them.

Combined washing and toilet facilities are located at both ends of the cars.


Cat. II - Superior

This newly refurbished category now features interior design in a nostalgic look. The

compartments have two lower beds, one on each side, measuring ca. 26.7 × 72.8 in. (68 cm

x 185 cm). The nine compartments per wagon share two combined washing and toilet

facilities lo-cated at its ends. Depending on the train configuration, a shower facility is shared

by guests from one to three sleeping cars.


Cat. II - Classic

Compartments in the Classic Category offer considerably more space as they are shared by

only two guests, with two lower beds measuring ca. 26.7 × 73.6 in. (68 × 187 cm), one on

each side of the compartment. There are nine compartments per car, with combined toilet

and washing facilities at both ends. Depending on the train configuration, a shower facility is

mostly shared by guests from two to four sleeping cars.


Cat. I - Standard

Standard compartments offer space for four passengers. On both sides there are upper and

lower berths measuring ca. 26.7 × 73.6 in. (68 × 187 cm), with a table in the middle below the

window. Each car has nine compartments, with combined washing and toilet facilities at

both ends. For a surcharge, an occupation with only 3 guests is available.


Zarengold 2018-2019 Departures

From £3,814 per person, please click to book

Moscow to Beijing (16 days)

05 May - 20 May 2018 02 Jun - 17 Jun 2018 28 Jun to 13 Jul 2018 21Jul to 5 Aug 2018 16 Aug - 31 Aug 2018 08 Sep - 23 Sep 2018 04 May - 09 May 2019 01 Jun - 16 Jun 2019 27 Jun - 12 Jul 2019 20 Jul - 04 Aug 2019 15 Aug - 30 Sep 2019 07 Sep - 22 Sep 2019

Beijing to Moscow (15 days)

13 May - 27 May 2018 10 Jun - 24 Jun 2018 06 Jul - 20 Jul 2018 29 Jul - 12 Aug 2018 24 Aug - 07 Sep 2018 16 Sep - 30 Sep 2018 12 may - 26 May 2019 08 Jun - 23 Jun 2019 05 Jul - 19 Jul 2019 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2019 23 Sep - 06 Sep 2019 15 Sep - 29 Sep 2019

https://into-russia.co.uk/tour/rail-journeys/the-zarengold-train-journey


Booking Conditions

Included in the price

• Journey with guaranteed lodging in the booked category aboard the exclusively

chartered train to the Chinese border (Elian). From Erlian to Beijing (ca. 16 hours) accommodation in a 2- or 4-bed compartment in a Chinese sleeping car. The Chinese train does not include wagons in the Nostalgic Comfort or Bolshoi categories. • Travel for several hours along the Trans-Siberian Railway panoramic route directly on the shores of Lake Baikal, with photo-stops • Tour director with pertinent knowledge of the travelled route throughout the journey • Competent tour guides for each group of no more than 26 guests. • Experienced local tour guides • All transfers / bus trips according to itinerary • All excursions and sightseeing according to itinerary, including all entry fees • All meals according to itinerary • Porter service at all railway stations • Vodka tasting with traditional Russian snacks • Concise informational talks on the Trans-Siberian Railway, regional geography, culture, and history of the countries along the route • A physician on board the train (Moscow – Chinese border) • Shower facilities on board • Informational booklet on the region and private train for each compartment reserved • 1 overnight in a first-class hotel in Moscow • 1 overnight in Irkutsk in a first-class hotel • 1 overnight in Ulaanbaatar in a good, centrally located middle-class hotel • 3 overnights in a first-class hotel in Beijing • Specials for Bolshoi guests: two meals to choose from for Lunch and Dinner on board

the train, 1 bottle of water per person every day in the compartment, 1 alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink included for meals on board the train

Excluded from the price

International flights Russian visa fees paid directly to the Consulate Travel Insurance Gratitutes

bucket list journey from moscow to beijing 16 days, 15 ... › images ›...

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