Overview
The journey itself is reason enough to take this trip from China through the open steppe and desert of Mongolia and the vast forests of Russia before finishing in Russian capital. Travel on the Trans-Siberian Railway through China, Mongolia and Russia suggests you an opportunity to see world metropolises such as Beijing, Ulaanbaatar and Moscow as well as the varied landscapes along the route.
Beijing — Ulan-Bator — Ulan-Ude — Lake Baikal — Irkutsk — Novosibirsk — Yekaterinburg — Kazan — Moscow.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Arrival in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing today and immediately dive into the life of this vibrant city. Beijing is home to millions of small shops and street traders, the place to shop for souvenirs and bargains. During the city tour you will visit the Forbidden City, the Tiananmen Square and the Hutongs. The Forbidden City was home to 24 emperors between 1368 and 1911. Tian’anmen Square is the largest city square in the centre of Beijing, named after the Tiananmen (literally, Gate of Heavenly Peace) which sits to its north, separating it from the Forbidden City. Later today check in at your hotel & enjoy your dinner.
Tour of Beijing and Great wall
After breakfast, you head to one of the most powerful symbols of ancient Chinese civilization – the Great Wall of China, stretching 9000 km. It took more than one million people and ten years to build the Great Wall of China, designed as a defensive structure. You can walk along the wall, through the watchtowers and enjoy superb views as it snakes across the hills and mountains. In the noon you are back in Beijing to visit the Summer Palace.
Explore Beijing and board the Chinese Charter Train
You can choose to enjoy your down time at your hotel room or wander explore the streets and taste the delicious Chinese food in all its variations. Today board the Chinese charter train to start your journey!
Arrive at Erlian and board the Imperial Russia Train
Your train pulls towards the Mongolian-Chinese border. Erlian, the border town, is nothing more than a military post. After boarder formalities, you are finally welcome onboard «Imperial Russia» Train that will become your home until your arrival in Moscow.
Explore the Tereji National Park and immerse in the Mongolian culture
After arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you will leave for Terelj National Park. You will be introduced to the nomadic way of life of many Mongolians today. When reached Ger Camp in a remote area at Terelj National Park, explore its most beautiful landscapes on the tour of the National Park. Enjoy a hike in the hills. Tonight you will sleep in gers (traditional Mongolian yurt) and enjoy traditional Mongolian dinner.
Travel and Explore Mongolia
Today you travel back to Mongolian capital to explore this historic city. You will visit the Gandan abbey, and the National Museum of Mongolia. Enjoy a stunning Mongolian cultural performance including the famous throat singing. Tonight you are welcome back onboard «Imperial Russia» Train.
Explore and Experience the culture of the Buryats in Ulan-Ude
«Imperial Russia» Train will stop in Ulan-Ude today, the capital of Buryatia. A special spiritual experience is a visit to an active datsan that is today on your program during the city tour. Be a guest to the locals who will welcome you in a traditional yurt. Here you learn how to cook traditional “pozy”, play dice, wear traditional costume, and assemble yurt. Another perspective on the Buryats’ culture is a colorful and spectacular folklore program that you will enjoy here.
Bask in the beauty of Lake Baikal and Explore the village of Litsvyanka
Standing on the shores of Lake Baikal, you can’t help being awestruck with admiration by the wonder created by nature itself. It is the deepest Lake in the world that contains the fifth part of the Earth’s fresh water. After breakfast, board a motor ship to sail on the waters of the Baikal to the village of Listvyanka. Here you will visit the unique museum dedicated to the flora and fauna of the Lake. Not to be missed is the observation point at the Cherssky Stone with a stunning view on the Lake and the Angara river. After a visit to a local market, the journey continues along the original route of the Trans-Siberian Railway for several hours directly along the shore of Lake Baikal. Your train will stop at a particular spot for you to enjoy the majestic lake and a barbeque dinner.
Explore the city of Irkutsk
Our train arrives in Irkutsk today, one of the largest cities in Siberia. This city has preserved quite a few of historical buildings and monuments. During the city tour you will see picturesque wooden houses, visit the Decembrists’ House that will unfold the story of failed uprising of Russian aristocracy who were exiled to this city. After lunch do not miss the opportunity to visit an open-air museum located in the picturesque place of the river bank of Angara. This unique museum will tell you about the daily life of the people in this region in the past. Spend some free time strolling through Irkutskaya Sloboda before you will board your train in the evening.
Enjoy onboard the Imperial Russia Train
Your «Imperial Russia» Train keeps traveling through Siberia. Today enjoy your stay on board to reflect on cities you have already visited. You may want to spend your time having a drink at the bar with your fellow travelers, or you might stay in your cabin and follow the changing scenery. Wooden houses, birch forests and if lucky enough some sun rays over mountain landscapes will greet you. Onboard staff will invite you for a talk on Trans-Siberian railway. Enjoy the relaxing day in anticipation of the next stop!
Tour the city of Novosibirsk
We arrive in Novosibirsk, the very heart of Siberia, & start our tour of city in the vicinity of the railway station with the visit to the local railway museum dedicated to the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway. After lunch break the city tour will take us the embankment of the Ob river, main squares and streets of the most Soviet city on our itinerary. The local Opera House stands out among local sites, will impress you with its monumental architecture, and is known as the biggest theater building in this country. Board your train & enjoy your dinner tonight onboard!
Be in two continents at the same time on Yekaterinburg
Today we arrive in Yekaterinburg & start our discovery of this city that is closely connected with the family of the last Russian Emperor. During the tour, you will visit the memorial Church on the Blood to commemorate the tragic events taken place in this city. After lunch in downtown, we continue our visit. An absolutely must see is a memorial that marks the borderline between Europe & Asia. You will have an opportunity to be in both continents at the same time & keep the memory of it taking pictures. In the evening, we board «Imperial Russia» Train. Tonight enjoy your dinner onboard!
Immerse in the Beauty and Culture of Kazan
Upon arrival in Kazan, once the capital of the Tatar Khanate you will depart for city Tour to explore the Old Kazan. Today, in the White Kremlin of Kazan, a new mosque rises in the immediate vicinity of a Christian cathedral. Enjoy the spectacular folklore program that will give you an insight into the Tatar national epic. We invite you to taste local cuisine while lunch & follow cooking demo revealing the secrets of Tatar cuisine. Later this afternoon you board your train & continue your trip. Tonight enjoy your dinner onboard!
Arrive at Moscow and Explore its wonders
After breakfast, you leave “Imperial Russia” train and enjoy the panoramic tour of Moscow that give you an idea of capital’s dimensions. Explore the Red Square, the very heart of Moscow, with picturesque St. Basil’s Cathedral or enjoy the ride in Moscow subway with the stations that are more likely to be underground palaces. You will be impressed by the spectacular Cathedral of Christ the Savior or stunning view of Moscow standing on the Lenin Hills with your back towards Moscow University and other historical sites. After lunch in the city, continue to the Kremlin, one of the best-known monuments in Russia and in the world. The guided tour takes you inside the former residence of the Russian Tsars. Enjoy some time in down town strolling along the ancient Arbat Street with its numerous cafes, souvenir shops. Enjoy dinner in a restaurant and rest in one of Moscow hotels.
Breakfast at Moscow
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport from where you start your travel home. Your exciting «Imperial Russia» Train journey will certainly stay in good memory for a long time.
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Terms & Conditions
Payment and cancellation conditions:
- The prepayment is due 5 days upon receipt of the tour confirmation. The prepayment is non-refundable. The prepayment shall amount to:
- 1500 EUR – per person in VIP compartment;
- 1500 EUR – per person in BUSINESS CLASS compartment;
- 900 EUR – per person in FIRST CLASS PLUS compartment;
- 900 EUR – per person in FIRST CLASS compartment.
- Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
- Cancellation of a confirmed reservation 60 days prior to departure is subject to penalty at the rate of 50 % of the tour price.
- Cancellation of a confirmed reservation 30 days prior to departure is subject to penalty at the rate of 100% of the tour price.
Tips & FAQ
Bar. A Bar Car is included in the Train formation, which is open all day and through the evening & until the last passenger retires. Smoking is not permitted in the Bar area. All Drinks are for extra charge. No Bar Car is available on the route from Ulan-Bator to Beijing on the trains to/from Beijing.
Cameras. We recommend that you take with you any spare camera batteries that you may require for your trip.
Credit cards & Travellers Cheques. Travellers cheques are almost impossible to use outside of Moscow and the large Hotels, we advise against bringing them. It is therefore necessary to bring sufficient cash to cover all likely souvenir purchases and additional personal items on the tour. ATM machines dispensing Russian Rubles now exist in nearly all the cities along our route.
Currency. Only Russian Rubles are accepted onboard.
Doctor. There will be a Doctor onboard the train throughout the journey. If you need any regular medication, you must bring sufficient to last the duration of the trip. You should also bring a copy of your Prescription. Russian Medical services are very efficient for Foreigners – but this should in no way be considered an alternative to full Medical Insurance cover. The Railways have their own Hospitals along the route and your Tour Manager will assist if necessary.
Dress Attire. On and off the Train, the dress code is casual. In the evening, we suggest smart casual. There may be an opportunity for a swim in Lake Baikal, so please include some Swimwear in your luggage.
Please avoid wearing short clothes during the visits to Churches and Mosques, even if the weather is warm. If not, you will not be allowed to visit inside some Churches. When visiting a Mosque, you need to take off your Shoes, but can keep your Socks on. Please remember to bring appropriate Headgear. Women are required to cover their Hair with a Headscarf or Shawl in Russia’s Orthodox Churches. Men must not wear short trousers inside the Church.
Electricity. Sockets in Hotels and on the Train use a standard European 2-pin style adapter, 220 V in hotels. Each Train car has 110 V (dc) and 220 V (ac) sockets suitable for recharging video batteries and shaving.
Food & Drink. All Food is included (except for dinner on the arrival day) and three meals per day will be provided. A generous allowance of Wine, Beer or Soft Drinks is available in the Bar Car for extra charge. Tea, Coffee, and Mineral Water are available from your Carriage Attendant throughout the tour free of charge. Unfortunately for security reasons we no longer accept credit card payments on board the train, so any expenses should be settled in cash, either as you go or at the end of the tour.
Gratuities. Tipping is at your discretion.
Hotels. The final information about Hotels will be sent closer to Train departure.
Insurance. Please remember to bring with you, either the original or a copy of your Travel Insurance Policy, stating clearly the Company, Policy Number and 24 hour Medical Emergency Telephone Number. It is very important that we have all Insurance and Emergency contact details prior to departure, so please make sure you complete and return the information request forms as soon as possible.
Internet. We do not have Wi-Fi capability on the Train.
Laundry. This Service is chargeable per item, available on the Train, and operates from Car attendants.
Water and shower onboard:
Drinking water. We do not recommend to drink tap water on the Train. Small bottle of water is daily available in your cabin, during meals and tours. Extra bottled water can be provided by your Car Attendant any time upon request.
Shower. As it is not running water onboard and the quantity is limited, please be wise having a shower on the Train for your and other Travelers convenience. Water in First Class Plus and First Class showers needs some time to heat before it can be used by the next customer.
Luggage. Please keep luggage to a minimum, as there is limited storage space inside the cabin for luggage storage & oversized luggage maybe difficult to stow. We strongly recommend using the soft type of suitcase, as it is easier to fit in the cabin. Soft-topped luggage is easier to store. Clients can have assistance to store their luggage.
Passports and visas. A Full Passport with at least 6 months validity remaining on entry into Russia is required for the tour. We strongly recommend taking spare passport photographs and a photocopy of the personal details pages of your passport with you. Keep your passport with you at all times. Keep your duplicate copies separately, preferably in your luggage.
Security. Each car has two Car Attendants, one of whom is always on duty. We recommend that you do not leave the Bathroom window open during the stops.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the Train except the last sleeping car’s end vestibule and on platforms during station stops. Smoking is also not permitted on Buses during the city tours, Airport transfers and during group meals at restaurants.
Tour Program. Our tours are specifically designed for the adventure traveler who wishes to combine the thrill of travelling through the many countries featured in our brochures with the comfort and safety afforded by our “Hotel on Wheels”. We provide a varied and sometime intensive tour program. There are some days when you will have an early start, occasionally before 8 am.
Tour Timings. We receive the final Train timings from Russian Railways only 10 days prior to the tour. The program may be altered depending on the final arrival/departure times of our Train.
Vaccinations. No Vaccinations are listed as official requirements for Western Tourists visiting Russia. Recommended vaccinations for Russia and Siberia include Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A, Typhoid and low dose Diphtheria. However, Health requirements are constantly changing and you should consult your professional medical adviser or Travel Clinic well before you depart.
Weather. During May in Siberia, you can expect Temperatures outside to be +5°C to +20°C. In Lake Baikal area, with its own Microclimate, Temperatures in the evening can be lower than usual, so we recommend you to have some warm clothes in your luggage.
Media Gallery
Kul Sharif Mosque, Russia
Experience the Russian Cuisine
Irkutsk Regional Museum Of Local Lore
Lake Baikal
Ivolginsky Datsan of Buryatia
Moon Gate Bridge, Summer Palace of Beijing
The Great Wall of China
Sleep in the Gers of Mongolia
Chinese Guard Lion on the Forbidden City
Moscow
Church of the Savior on Blood
Kazan church of Irkutsk