WINTER HIGHLIGHTS EASTBOUND

MOSCOW ● IRKUTSK & LAKE BAIKAL ● ULAANBAATAR ● BEIJING

TOUR OVERVIEW

DURATION, PRICE, TOUR TYPE & DEPARTURES

16 nights from UK £ 2,710 / US $ 3,800 per person*

*Price based on 2 people travelling in a shared 4 berth second class cabin. Upgrade to your own cabin from UK £ 470 / US$ 660 per person. These prices are based on 2021 rates and are here to give guidance. Final quotes vary by date, exchange rates and are subject to availability.

PRIVATE TOUR - NOT A GROUP TOUR - CAN BE TAILORED 

SEASON - October to march WITH WEEKLY DEPARTURES

TOUR CODE : TS-W-M-07

MAP & DESTINATIONS

THE STOPS VISITED ON THIS TOUR

?? MOSCOW - 2 nights

Russia’s vast and iconic capital and the start of this railway adventure.

?? IRKUTSK & BAIKAL - 3 nights

Forward looking Siberian city and gateway to Lake Baikal.

?? ULAANBAATAR - 2 nights

Remote capital of Mongolia and the start of a steppe adventure.

?? BEIJING - 3 nights

China’s Capital is an eclectic mix of Imperial splendour & 21st Century Asia.

ON THE TRAINS - total 6 nights

We use the most comfortable and reliable trains possible for each leg.

TSWM07 map

OUR EXCLUSIVE TRIP GUIDEBOOK

This trip includes our exclusive 200+ page guidebook personalised to your trip with sections about the trains, destinations, timetables and emergency contacts and allowing you to be fully prepared for your trip of a lifetime - an invaluable resource!
trip-guidebook

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

DAILY DESCRIPTIONS OF ACTIVITIES, MEALS & OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION

ST PETERSBURG ?

ASK US TO ADD ON TO THIS TRIP

DAY 1 - MOSCOW

YOUR TRANS-SIBERIAN ADVENTURE STARTS IN RUSSIA’S CAPITAL OF MOSCOW

Welcome to Moscow, Russia’s capital and its largest city with more than 12 million people. It is the political and economic centre of this vast country and has many of Russia’s most famous sights, not least Red Square and St Basil’s Cathedral. With over 800 years of history there is also a wealth of architecture, museums and monuments to a colourful past. Transfer by private car with an English speaking driver to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start exploring this stunning city.

MEALS: None Today.

OVERNIGHT: Budapest Hotel  ★ ★ ★ click to view hotel.

DAY 2 - MOSCOW

A FASCINATING 3 HOUR TOUR BY CAR OF CENTRAL MOSCOW WITH A FREE AFTERNOON

The perfect introductory tour of central Moscow designed to orientate and open up its hidden treasures. Your guide will take you along the main streets and less visited back roads to see the diversity of architectural styles from the austere and restrained Russian style to richly decorated Moscow Baroque, elegant Empire, fascinating Art Nouveau and even Pseudo-Chinese and Moorish. Hear stories and legends not found in the guidebooks as well as passing the most important sites in the city including the Bolshoi Theatre, Tverskaya street, GUM Department store, Red Square and St Basil’s Cathedral.

The rest of the day is free to further explore Moscow. The exclusive Trip Guidebook we send you before your trip is full of ideas and useful information to ensure you get the most out of your time in this iconic city.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast.

OVERNIGHT: Budapest Hotel  ★ ★ ★ click to view hotel.

itinerary insert moscow 6itinerary insert moscow 8

DAY 3 - on the train

DEPART MOSCOW ON THE TRAIN TO IRKUTSK

Free time until a late morning a transfer to Moscow’s iconic Yaroslavsky station for an early afternoon departure. The rest of the afternoon is spent gradually leaving Moscow behind as you travel through a landscape of farms and villages that exists between Moscow and Ekaterinburg.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

itinerary insert train 57itinerary insert train 7

DAY 4 - on the train

HEAD EAST REACHING THE EUROPE ASIA BORDER & EKATERINBURG

This section of the journey is through a relatively highly populated region by Russian standards - a landscape of farms and small towns and villages which already feel a long way from Moscow as well as some larger places with longer stops ideal for stretching the legs, taking some photos and stocking up on food and drink. In the evening you cross the Europe-Asia border and reach Ekaterinburg. From this point on you are offically in Siberia!

MEALS: None today - however the train does have a dining car.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

DAY 5 - on the train

YOUR FIRST DAY IN SIBERIA & THE VASTNESS OF CENTRAL RUSSIA

The scenery today is flat, often swampy or forested and with few large settlements. The major city is Omsk but there are also a few other large stops. This is a day for relaxing, socializing and getting into a good book!

MEALS: None today - however the train does have a dining car.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

itinerary insert train 2itinerary insert train 11

DAY 6 - on the train

BEAUTIFUL SIBERIAN LANDSCAPES AFTER KRASNOYARSK

The last full day on the train in this section of the trip passing prosperous Krasnoyarsk after which the scenery is particularly pleasant consisting of gently rolling hills and dense forests of larch, pine and, of course, birch trees. There are many rivers and ponds and if it hasn’t happened before now you will start to comprehend just how vast and untouched this part of Russia is as the sun sets on the endless taiga of Siberia.

MEALS: None today - however the train does have a dining car.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

DAY 7 - irkutsk & baikal

ARRIVAL IN IRKUTSK TRANSFERRING TO LISTVYANKA VILLAGE ON THE SHORES OF BAIKAL

Early arrival in Irkutsk, regarded as the modern day cultural capital of Siberia, famed for its traditional wooden architecture, complimented by a vibrant cafe and restaurant culture.

Transfer from the station the 1 hour drive following the route of the Angara River down to the village of Listvyanka located close to where the river meets beautiful Lake Baikal. The lake is among the deepest in the world at 1,642 meters and has exceptionally clear water - or perhaps ice when you are here!

After breakfast your guide will take you on a 4 hour walking tour of the village. You will see the beautiful church and visit the Limnological Museum to learn about the Lake itself and its unique flora and fauna. We will also take chairlift up to a view point for some of the best lake vistas.

Return to the guesthouse with the rest of the day free.

MEALS: Breakfast at the Guesthouse.

OVERNIGHT: Usadba Demidova Guesthouse ★ ★ click to view hotel.

itinerary insert irkutsk 13itinerary insert irkutsk 1

DAY 8 - lake baikal

FREE DAY IN LISTVYANKA TO EXPLORE THE VILLAGE & SURROUNDINGS FURTHER

Today is free or we can arrange day trips snowmobiling or dogsledding or, if the lake is frozen enough, you may want to venture out onto the surface by foot or by hiring a bike. Just ask us for details as wha tis available will depend on your dates.

The village also has a banya (Russian sauna) you can arrange to visit and which we heartily recommend as the quintessential Siberian experience!

MEALS: Breakfast at the Guesthouse.

OVERNIGHT: Usadba Demidova Guesthouse ★ ★ click to view hotel.

DAY 9 - IRKUTSK

RETURN TO IRKUTSK WITH A CITY TOUR AND FREE TIME TO RELAX AT YOUR HOTEL

After breakfast drive the 1 hour back to Irkutsk arriving late morning at your hotel. Once settled in you will have a 2 hour walking tour of the city centre including the park and War Memorial, some of the beautiful churches along the Angara river, the main city centre streets and the statue of Alexander III - the Tzar responsible for the Trans-Siberian railway.

Return to your hotel with free time for the rest of the day.

MEALS: Breakfast at the Guesthouse.

OVERNIGHT: Boutique Marussia Hotel ★ ★ ★ click to view hotel.

itinerary insert irkutsk 6itinerary insert train 56

DAY 10 - on the train

JOURNEY ALONG THE SHORE LAKE BAIKAL INTO BURYATIA & MONGOLIA

Early morning transfer to the station to catch your onward train. Today is usually the scenic highlight of the journey - a day of lake, forest and mountain views. After Irkutsk the train rumbles around the Southern shore of the stunning Lake Baikal often passing within a matter of meters of the lake and providing endlessly changing vistas. You will also notice a change in the people with many more Asian faces as you enter Buryatia which has strong cultural ties to Mongolia. This is a remote and pretty section of the trip with a hint of an old Asian culture ever present. Eventually you arrive at the Russia-Mongolia border at Naushki passing through the border formalities before continuing into the grasslands of Mongolia.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

DAY 11 - ULAANBAATAR

ARRIVAL IN ULAANBAATAR & OVERNIGHT IN A COSY GER ON THE FROZEN STEPPE

Early morning arrival in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia and a truly unique destination that is for many a real highlight of the trip. Outside of the chaotic capital of Ulaanbaatar this is a land of endless grassland, deserts, pristine lakes and nomads whose way of life has changed little over the years offering a truly rewarding travel experiences.

Transfer on to Elstei Ger camp located 55 km outside of the city in the open steppe stopping at the 40 meter high Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue (a further 25 km from Elstei) that sees that most famous of Mongols survey the grasslands. Elstei offers comfortable, spacious and cosy ger accommodation. Click here to learn more about ger camps in Mongolia.

A range of options are available including visits to local nomads to learn about their way of life and hiking the snow covered grasslands. Note that horse riding is not available in the winter months. Of course, you can simply relax in your ger which is kept toasty warm by its own burner.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at the Ger Camp.

OVERNIGHT: Elstei Ger Camp - click to learn more.

itinerary insert mongolia 2itinerary insert mongolia 1

DAY 12 - ULAANBAATAR

RETURN TO ULAANBAATAR FOR A CITY TOUR

After breakfast return to Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia’s capital is home to around a third of the entire population and has experienced a major boom in the last 10 years, largely driven mainly by the mining industry. However, there is much of cultural interest here and the city tour includes Gandan Lama Monastery, the impressive Sukhbaatar square and the impressive views and Soviet monuments of Zaisan Hill. Free time for the rest of the day, perhaps to delve into the city’s surprisingly vibrant eating and drinking scene.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast at the Ger Camp.

OVERNIGHT: Bayangol Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ click to view hotel.

DAY 13 - on the train

CONTINUE BY TRAIN THROUGH THE GOBI TOWARDS THE CHINESE BORDER

Early morning transfer to the station to catch the train on to Beijing. The day is firstly spent in the steppe but that gradually gives way to the stoney Gobi desert - keep an eye out for camels! Evening arrival at the Mongolia-China border at Zamyn-Ude. The Mongolian exit formalities are completed on the train before a much longer stop on the Chinese side.

MEALS: Boxed Breakfast.

OVERNIGHT: On the train - click to learn more.

DAY 14 - beijing

AFTERNOON ARRIVAL IN BEIJING WITH FREE TIME TO RELAX

Wake up in China’s Inner Mongolian grasslands before a series of tunnels and impressive views lead you through the mountains that shield Beijing. Afternoon arrival in China’s capital. Beijing has it all - history, imperial majesty, modern masterpieces, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant local culture. Your guide will meet you at the station exit and transfer you to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free to relax or start to explore the city with the help of your personalised and exclusive Trip Guidebook we send you before the trip. The area around your centrally located hotel is perfect for an introductory walk.

MEALS: None today - however the train does have a dining car.

OVERNIGHT: Jade Garden Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ click to view hotel.

itinerary insert beijing 9itinerary insert beijing 6

DAY 15 - beijing

TEMPLE OF HEAVEN, TIANANMEN SQUARE, FORBIDDEN CITY & SUMMER PALACE

Today you will see the main highlights of Beijing starting with the Temple of Heaven, considered by many to be the most beautiful building in China. On to vast Tiananmen Square, home to the Mao Mausoleum (it may be possible to visit if open) and Monument to the People’s Heroes before walking to the huge palace complex of the Forbidden City. We’ll walk up the middle axis from South to North taking in the splendour of the most important central buildings before finishing in a small and ancient garden by the north gate.

The last stop today is at the Summer Palace to the west of Beijing. Dominated by Kunming lake it is as popular an escape from the city for todays Beijingers as it was for the Imperial court over the centuries.

Return to your hotel with the rest of the evening free or just ask us for suggestions of shows or cultural activities.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast & Restaurant Lunch.

OVERNIGHT: Jade Garden Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ click to view hotel.

itinerary insert beijing 5itinerary insert beijing 2

DAY 16 - beijing

THE GREAT WALL AT STUNNING MUTIANYU & VISIT ONE OF BEIJING’s MARKETS

Today we will be showing you one of China’s most famous sights - the Great Wall. We visit the dramatic and less crowded Mutianyu section 70km from Beijing set amongst spectacular mountain scenery. Dating back to the 6th Century and largely rebuilt in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty it is one of the best preserved sections of the wall largely due to the high standard of construction. The tour includes cable car tickets cable up and down the Wall.

Also today, if you wish, we can take you to one of Beijing’s many markets. Favourites are the Silk Market, Pearl Market and Panjiayuan antique market. If souvenir shopping isn’t for you other options are the Hutong street of Nanluoguxiang, the 798 Dashanzhi contemporary art area or a quick look at the impressive 2008 Olympic Stadium. You can discuss which is right for you with us in advance or your guide on the day.

Return to your hotel for a free evening to enjoy Beijing further or ask us about cultural activities.

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast & Restaurant Lunch.

OVERNIGHT: Jade Garden Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ click to view hotel.

DAY 17 - end of tour

DEPART CHINA WITH A WEALTH OF MEMORIES OF YOUR TRIP

Free time for any final sightseeing or last minute shopping for souvenirs if time. Your local guide will have arranged a time to meet you in the hotel lobby for a transfer to the airport in good time for your flight out of China. We sincerely hope that you have had a fantastic Trans-Siberian experience!

MEALS: Hotel Breakfast.

Thank you so very much. We had the best time!
wegerhoff feedback

AMY WEGERHOFF

"Your company really did an amazing job on this trip."
potgeiter feedback

ENGELA POTGIETER

"Nothing short of outstanding & the fulfilment of a lifetimes dream."
saville feedback

ALF SAVILLE

READ MORE CLIENT FEEDBACK & REVIEWS

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

FOR FULL DETAILS ASK UP FOR DOWNLOAD THE TRIP DOSSIER

Train tickets in second class – ask us about upgrades.
All accommodation as specified above.
All private transfers and transport as described.
All meals as specified in the itinerary.
All tours as specified including entrance fees.
24 hour emergency assistance
Visa Paperwork you need in order to obtain the visas.
Financial Peace of Mind as your trip is protected.
Our exclusive 200+ page trip guidebook.
International Airfare to / from the start / finish of your trip – we can book these flights on request.
The Russian, Mongolian and Chinese visas – we can advise and partner with VisaCentral.
Travel insurance to cover any medical treatment – we canadvise on options.
Discretionary gratuities to drivers and guides.

PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW

"We had an amazing trip. The trains were so fun and hotels so central."
sharp mill feedback

ANDY SHARP

"You are doing an “ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS” service!!!
barlev pham feedback

VELVET PHAM

"It was a nice experience to deal with “The Trans Siberian Travel Company.”
haque feedback

FAIZUL HAQUE

CLICK FOR MORE TRANS-SIBERIAN CLIENT FEEDBACK

HOMETOURSPLANABOUTBLOG
☎ UK +44 (0) 20 8816 8925info@thetranssiberiantravelcompany.com
All trips are operated by HeadsEast Ltd | UK Company number 6717612 | © Copyright 2008-21 HeadsEast Ltd
footer logos
We hold ATOL license 10287 so booking with us gives you 100% financial protection. We are also members of the Association of British Travel Agents. ABTA has strict membership requirements and we are required to adhere to the associations high standards. Our ABTA number is Y1699.
Privacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsGreen PolicyCareers
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram