TAR - Grand Trans-Siberian Railway Tour

Moscow - Irkutsk - Ulan Bator - Beijing

Our phone: 1-800-884-1721

URL: http://www.travelallrussia.com/other-tours/-tour63.html

Tour details

Small map: Moscow - Irkutsk - Ulan Bator - Beijing

Duration: 16 days
2011 tour dates: flexible, on every week

Price:
1st Class: $5, 159
2nd Class: $4,407
Single Supplement: $898

2012 tour dates (flexible, can be organized every week):
3 May - 18 May
17 May - 1 June
7 June - 22 June
21 June - 6 July
5 July - 20 July
19 July - 3 Aug
9 Aug - 24 Aug
23 Aug - 7 Sept
13 Sept - 28 Sept

Price:
1st Class: $5, 571
2nd Class: $4, 759
Single Supplement: $965

Included in the price:
- Train tickets
- Accommodation at quality hotels in Moscow, Irkutsk and Ulan-Bator
Moscow: Hotel Assambleya Nikitskaya 4 stars, Irkutsk: Hotel Victoria 3 stars, UB: Hotel Bayangol - 4 stars
- Accommodation in Mongolian Ger Camp (Nomadic Style Tourist Resort) and chalet 9 Val on Lake Baikal (Listvyanka village)
- Airport transfers and all other transportation
- Professional guides and tours at each destination
- Museum entry fees
- Russian, Chinese and Mongolian visas
- Breakfasts, Lunches according to the itinerary

Not included: Airfares (ask your travel specialist about special airfare offers)

*Please note: Specific travel arrangements and train departure times depend on schedules of Russian, Mongolian and Chinese Railways and may be subject to change. Our travel specialist will review your program and issue a final booking confirmation 30 days prior to departure.

** Tour extension:
Moscow and St. Petersburg

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Moscow

Welcome to Moscow! You will be met at the airport by your private driver and taken to your hotel. Today is reserved for rest, but if you prefer to see something on the first day, we recommend our brief driving tour of Moscow.

* We would be glad to offer you extension in Moscow and St. Petersburg with interesting and indepth excursions accompanied by a professional guide. Please ask your destination specialist for additional information about extension in these cities: Moscow and St. Petersburg

Day 2: Moscow

Today you will embark on an in-depth exploration of Russia’s economic and political center. Following a quick orientation you will visit the famous Red Square, the Kremlin, the GUM Department Store, and St. Basil's Cathedral.

Day 3: Depart Moscow

Today begins your journey across Eurasia! During this trip you will explore the mighty Ural Mountains and Baikal Lake, drive through the dunes of the Gobi Desert, and see the magic of the Orient. Before you leave you will make a few final stops in Moscow, namely to the Tretyakov Gallery and the Moscow Subway.

Day 4: The Urals

The Ural Mountains divide Europe and Asia and have been the backbone of Russia's industry for more than 300 years. Take advantage of the amazing photo-ops as you pass through these world wonders.

Day 5: Into Siberia

Having left the Urals behind, your train will cross the Great Eurasian Plateau towards Siberia. Siberia is distant, but not desolate. You will visit Novosibirsk, the capital of Siberia, which has almost as many inhabitants as Atlanta. Novosibirsk is an important scientific center that supports offices of such wealthy companies as Microsoft.

Day 6: Altai

Altai is a gorgeous mountain range in the southern part of Siberia. It features breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and untouched nature.

Day 7: Irkutsk

09:07 You will arrive in Irkutsk, meet your guide and driver, and visit a local eatery for a hot breakfast.
10:30 A “round up” tour of Irkutsk by car will take you by the most interesting sites, including the beautiful Russian Orthodox churches, the Polish Cathedral, wooden houses decorated with "wooden laces" (hand-made carvings), constructions of the 20th century, and the Decembrists' House.
12:00 You will transfer to Listvyanka village on Lake Baikal.
13:00 Check-in to your Chalet and enjoy some free time.
18:00 Feast at the Chalet’s evening barbecue.

Day 8: Baikal, Listvianka

10:00 Visit the Museum of Wooden Architecture with its unique wooden structures, historic houses and buildings of indigenous people, and other wondrous exhibits.
13:30 Eat lunch at a local Siberian restaurant (Sibirskaya Zaimka) before visiting a private zoo of native animals.
15:00 Transfer back to Listvyanka village, stopping at a Shaman rock on the way.
17:30 You have the option of a local Banya sauna. It is included in the price but must be pre-booked.
19:30 You will dine this evening at the Chalet.

Day 9: Baikal Day 2

Today you have two options:

Option 1: Visit a Buryat (original people indigenous to Siberia) settlement 70 km from Irkutsk on the remote Siberian plain. Once there, you will see the local lore museum, experience a local greeting ceremony, participate in native arts and music, be “cleansed” by the local Shaman, and visit a Yurt to sample local teas and a traditional meal.

OR

Option 2: Starting with a ferry trip, this a full-day excursion around Lake Baikal will take you along the famous Circum Baikal Railroad on one of the most complicated stretches of railway in the world. The tour stops at the most picturesque places to help you absorb the nature of this unique area before taking you to the marble mining city of Sludyanka.

Both tours return you to Irkutsk.

Day 10: Into Mongolia

Early in the morning you will leave Irkutsk and spend a day traveling by train through the raw nature of the mountains the border Mongolia. You will leave the last major Russian city at midnight before crossing into Mongolia.

Day 11: Arrival in Ulan-Bator and Gorkhi Terelj National Park

Your arrival in Ulan-Bator will be proceeded by a transfer to your hotel where you may shower, freshen up, and have a hot breakfast. Once you are rested you will visit the national park and travel to a Ger camp for a traditional lunch. Walk the surrounding hills, take an excursion to the local meditation centre, and finally return to the Ger camp for an evening meal and overnight stay.

Day 12: Visiting the Nomads

After breakfast you will have free time to enjoy the local area. In the afternoon visit the local herdsman’s family to experience daily life of the nomadic people before transferring to Ulan-Bator to check in to your hotel.

Day 13: Full day tour of Ulan-Bator

Today you will tour Ulan-Bator with a special trip to the Gandan Monastery and the incredible National History Museum. Shop in the city’s unique antique and cashmere shops before visiting Zaisan Hill for a panoramic view of Ulan-Bator. In the evening, take in a performance of Mongolian folk music and a traditional meal.

Day 14: Ulan-Bator Free Day

A free day to explore Ulan-Bator on your own, relax, or take an optional tour. In the evening join one of the parties at a local night club, bar, or restaurant.

Day 15: Departure from Ulan-Bator, the Gobi desert

Early in the morning, you will check out of the hotel and transfer to the train station. Your train departs at 7:15am to cross the arid Gobi Desert and head into China.

Day 16: Arrival in Beijing

Throughout the morning and afternoon, you will pass through rural China and mountainous river valleys. Get your camera ready as you glide by the incredible Great Wall of China before finally arriving in Beijing. This part of your journey is over – let the next begin!

Please ask your travel specialist about available Beijing extensions.