Trans-Siberian Express Between Beijing & Moscow

Starting in Beijing, where the remnants of Imperial China sit shoulder-to-shoulder with thriving businesses and five star hotels, roll along a railway that ties together two of the world's biggest countries, China and Russia. On the Westbound departures, traverse Mongolia from the Gobi Desert across the endless steppe, where Genghis Khan's armies once galloped, to the modern capital, UlaanBaatar. Continue up to the steep shores of ancient Lake Baikal, and on to the gleaming golden cupolas of Moscow. One Eastbound departure is also available.

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Days 1-3: Beijing

Explore the classic sites of Beijing, including the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, where 14 Ming and 10 Qing emperors ruled China. Travel outside the city to visit the Great Wall at Badaling and the Ming Tombs. Enjoy a special dinner of Peking duck before boarding the Chinese train for a onenight ride to the Mongolian border.

Days 4-6: Gobi Desert, UlaanBaatar

Transfer to the Tsar's Gold train at the Mongolian border, continuing through the great Gobi Desert and onto the open steppe of Mongolia. Spend a night at a hotel in UlaanBaatar and discover the impressive Gandan Buddhist Monastery. A picnic lunch in a rural ger is followed by a display of Mongolian horsemanship and Mongolian-style wrestling.

Days 7-10: Ulan Ude, Lake Baikal, Irkutsk

Reboard the train and continue into Russia. Spend some time in Ulan Ude, founded in 1666 by Cossacks as a winter encampment on the Selenga River. Take a short cruise on UNESCO-listed Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest lake on Earth, and skirt its shore on the old Circumbaikal Railway, the original line used by the Trans-Siberian Railway before the present- day route was completed. Wander the open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture, a collection of authentic Russian and native Buryat, Evenki and Tafalar houses and community buildings from the 17th to the early 20th century. Transfer to a hotel for a night in Irkutsk, and get to know this important Siberian way station for expeditions and exiles.

Days 11-13: Novosibirsk, Ekaterinburg, Kazan

In Novosibirsk the train is met with the traditional Russian bread and salt, and regaled with balalaika music. Enjoy dinner at a Novosibirsk restaurant before rejoining the train. In Ekaterinburg, visit the Church on the Blood, built on the spot where the tsar and his family were killed in 1918. A tour of Kazan includes its kremlin, originally a fortress of the Golden Horde, and a boat ride on the Volga.

Days 14-15: Moscow

Transfer to a centrally-located hotel and begin an exploration of Moscow, including a tour of the dignified Kremlin, an after-dinner walk to Red Square and a descent into some of the city's opulent subway stations. The tour comes to an end with transfers to the airport for departure.

This trip also travels the same route in reverse, from Beijing to Moscow.

Trip Details

Westbound: From Beijing to Moscow Length of Trip: 15 Days 2009 Dates: May 25-June 8   July 20-August 3   September 14-28   Eastbound: From Moscow to Beijing Length of Trip: 16 Days 2009 Dates: July 12-27 5 or 6 nights hotels, 7 nights onboard the Tsar's Gold Train, 1 night aboard a chartered Chinese train. 2009 Land Tour Cost Per Person:   Standard Plus Class, twin share $7,750 Standard Plus Class, single $10,200 Nostalgic Comfort Class, twin share $10,550 Nostalgic Comfort Class, single $15,400 Bolshoi Class, twin share $14,250 Bolshoi Class, single $22,200

Map - Click to Enlarge

Day Activity   Days 1-3: Beijing   Day 4: Gobi Desert   Days 5-6: UlaanBaatar   Day 7: Ulan Ude   Days 8-10: Lake Baikal, Irkutsk

Day Activity   Day 11: Novosibirsk   Day 12: Ekaterinburg   Day 13: Kazan   Days 14-15: Moscow

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