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Trans-Mongolian Adventure
16 days, Moscow to Beijing
Itinerary
Day 1Moscow
Arrive at any time. Want to experience St Petersburg? Book the St Petersburg Express, a four-day pre-tour package. Speak to your Global Connection Officer or travel agent to book.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Want to explore more of Russia? Add the “St Petersburg Express” to your adventure and spend three days getting to know the city with the guidance of a CEO. This nifty package includes two nights accommodation in St Petersburg, a guided walking tour, entrance to the Hermitage, and wraps up with an overnight train ride to Moscow with free time before the next leg of your journey begins. Speak to your Global Connection Officer or travel agent to book.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
St. Petersburg Express
Want to begin your adventure with a taste of St Petersburg? Add the “St Petersburg Express” and experience this cultural centre with the guidance of a CEO. Spend two nights in the city, explore on a walking tour, and visit the famed Hermitage with included entrance. Cap it off with an overnight train to Moscow with some free time before your tour begins.
Day 2Moscow
Enjoy free time to explore Moscow's numerous museums and galleries, the Kremlin, or Lenin's Mausoleum.
Ride the metro and check out the beautiful stations, visit Red Square, the Kremlin, and St Basil's, or line up to catch a glimpse of an embalmed dictator.
Free Time
With so much to see and do in this historic city, don't waste a minute.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Saint Basil's Cathedral
Check out the colourful onion-domed towers of stunning St Basil's Cathedral, located right in the middle of a sprawling open square. It is the most quintessential Russian sight, and definitely lives up to its hype.
Red Square Visit
FreeThe Red Square is an excellent place to start exploring Moscow. Indulge in the many fantastic food and shopping options nearby; you also have easy access to St Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin and Armoury Museum, Lenin's Mausoleum, and Alexandr Gardens. Most of Moscow's main streets lead from Red Square and the famous Moscow metro provides easy access in and out of it.
Lenin's Mausoleum
FreeReady to meet one the most famous embalmed leaders in the world? Lenin's Mausoleum is a popular stop for travellers in Russia and is located conveniently in Red Square.
Kremlin and Armoury Ticket
3300RUB per personEnjoy a visit to one of the most famous symbols of Russia. For centuries, it was a residence of the tsars, and today it is the official residence of the President of Russian Federation. The Armoury Chamber is a massive treasure trove that houses thousands of items gifted to the Russian tsars and emperors by royals and ambassadors from around the world. Get ready to be stunned by gold goblets, famous Faberge eggs, 18th century embroidery, and gilded royal carriages.
Day 3Moscow
Board the train and start one of the world's most famous rail routes. Journey 88 hours across the Ural Mountains and through the wilds of the Siberian taiga forests. Arrive in the evening on Day 6.
Please be advised that some of the train rides can be quite lengthy. We recommend bringing along books and games to play with your fellow travellers, as it will enhance the rail experience.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Day 4Trans-Siberian Railway
Continue on your journey and soak in the amazing landscapes. Share laughs and drinks with fellow passengers— Russians and foreigners alike.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Day 5Trans-Siberian Railway
Continue on your journey and soak in the amazing landscapes. Share laughs and drinks with fellow passengers— Russians and foreigners alike.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Day 6Trans-Siberian Railway
Continue on your journey and soak in the amazing landscapes. Share laughs and drinks with fellow passengers— Russians and foreigners alike.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Day 7Irkutsk/Listvyanka
Arrive into Irkutsk in the morning. Enjoy a walking tour of Irkutsk before driving to the village of Listvyanka. Overnight in a guesthouse on the shore of Lake Baikal. Enjoy incredible local meals prepared by your host.
Irkutsk Guided City Tour
Enjoy a guided tour of Irkutsk and learn about the history of how this Siberian gem came to be. Soak in the beautiful architecture of the quaint wooden houses and visit the bustling central market.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy the Siberian countryside any way you wish -- there's plenty to do!
Meals included:
DinnerDay 8Listvyanka
Free day to explore the shores of Lake Baikal. Opt to try a banya (Russian sauna), go on a boat trip on the lake, or take an invigorating swim.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Russian Banya (Bathhouse)
2000-3500RUB per personEnjoy some relaxing in a banya (Russian sauna), which is very popular in Russia. Typically, Russians visit their local neighbourhood banya once a week to get a good scrub, sweat out the toxins, and drink tea with their friends. They often wear floppy felt hats in the sauna and beat each other with birch branches tied together -- it's only true way to get all the vodka out.
Lake Baikal Boat Trip
Head out by boat to explore beautiful Lake Baikal. Enjoy the sun and scenery of this isolated region.
Hiking
FreeLace up your boots and explore this scenic area by foot.
Swimming
Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 9Listvyanka/Ulaanbaatar
Board the train in the early morning and settle in for a full day of train travel. Cross the border into Mongolia and watch the scenery change from dense forests to grassland.
These train rides are relaxation days built right into the itinerary. Stare out the window, explore the train, jump out at stations to see what's going on, or just read and play cards. The journey is what you make of it.
A restaurant car is normally not provided on this train, so take the opportunity to stock up on food and drinks for the ride. Don't worry, there are always kiosks on the platforms selling a variety of items from chocolate to instant mashed potatoes to vodka.
Border Crossing (Russia - Mongolia)
Fill out forms, present passports, and get stamped out of Russia. Take some time to explore the Russian border town of Naushki before continuing to the Mongolian side. Fill out forms, hand over your passport again, and that's it. Welcome to Mongolia!
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Day 10Ulaanbaatar
Arrive in Mongolia and spend some time getting to know the capital city.
Day 11Ulaanbaatar/Gorkhi Terelj National Park
Drive to nearby Terelj National Park to stay in a traditional ger (yurt). Options to hike, or try traditional archery.
Your Local Living Moment: Traditional Ger Stay
Enjoy the simple life in the grasslands of Mongolia. Stay in traditional gers, which are round wooden tents covered in felt, with a stove in the middle. There are beds inside the spacious interior and the gers stay quite cozy, even in Mongolia's brutal winters. Enjoy some typical Mongolian fare and try your hand at archery, or opt to hike to a Tibetan monastery with a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 12Gorkhi Terelj National Park/Ulaanbaatar
Head back to Ulaanbaatar with a free day to explore the capital. Opt to watch a cultural show with Mongolian throat singing, or visit the Gandan Monastery for a taste of Tibetan Buddhism.
This sleepy capital is an evolving city, showing many signs of its Soviet past contrasted with an increasing Chinese influence and a re-emergence of traditional Mongolia. Don't forget to sample some Mongolian barbecue straight from the source.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Head out and explore this remote capital city with an international feel.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Gandan Monastery Guided Tour
10000MNT per personDiscover one of the most important Mongolian temple complexes, the Gandan Monastery. Learn about the history of Buddhism in the region and see if you can spot some chanting monks. If lucky, a local fortune teller may be around to share some wisdom.
Mongolian Cultural Show
30000MNT per personEnjoy an evening of song and dance at the Mongolian Cultural Show. The show includes 15 different performances, including traditional songs, dancing, throat singing, and contortionists.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Ulaanbaatar/Beijing
Board the train for the final 30 hr train ride. At the border, stretch your legs in the train station during the border crossing process before continuing on to Beijing.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Border Crossing (Mongolia - China)
Say 'bayartai' to Mongolia and 'ni hao' to China.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Beijing
Arrive in Beijing and start exploring this buzzing capital of China. Opt to visit Tiananmen Square.
Choose which sights to visit in this massive city— the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, or the Lama Temple Monastery.
Opt to get lost in Beijing's hutongs— traditional alleys hiding a labyrinth of courtyard dwellings— or shop for bargains in one of the many markets.
Train
Arrive in the afternoon and head to the hotel.
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Hutong Cycling Tour
50-100CNY per personRoll through the ancient alleyways and lanes typical of Beijing. This old area of the city is rapidly diminishing as modernization takes over, but taking to the streets by bike is the perfect way to explore the neighbourhood. See daily life in these old lanes while cycling by.
Summer Palace
60CNY per personThis UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of palaces, lakes, and gardens in Beijing and is absolutely stunning. Its main components are Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, which is 60m (200 feet) high and has many buildings on it. Kunming Lake is actually man made, and measures 2.2sq km (1.4 sq mi).
Temple of Heaven
Explore the stunning Temple of Heaven, which was built during the rule of the Ming dynasty. Learn more about the history and significance of this place, often referred to as the symbol of Beijing.
Forbidden City Visit
Check out the iconic Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing. For 500 years the palace was only accessible to the emperors’ attendants and officials by invitation only. Visit sights like the Clock Exhibition Hall, wander through the Three Great Halls or stand in the shade of the cypress trees in the Imperial Garden.
Tiananmen Square
Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.
Day 15Beijing
Enjoy an included visit to the Great Wall and walk along the Mutianyu section.
Mutianyu Great Wall Visit
Climb the rolling hills of Huairou County at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from any of the 22 towers. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 80km away from the Beijing City Center. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness.
Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow
Hutong Cycling Tour
50-100CNY per personRoll through the ancient alleyways and lanes typical of Beijing. This old area of the city is rapidly diminishing as modernization takes over, but taking to the streets by bike is the perfect way to explore the neighbourhood. See daily life in these old lanes while cycling by.
Factory 798 Art & Galleries
Explore the modern art district of Beijing! Named after 798 factory which was built in 1950's, now an exhibition centre of Chinese culture and art, also the world - famous culture and creative industries centralized area. This is a place to not miss while in Beijing!
Toboggan at Great Wall
100-140CNY per personAfter your hike on the Great Wall, opt to take a Toboggan ride back down instead of the cable car!
Temple of Heaven
Explore the stunning Temple of Heaven, which was built during the rule of the Ming dynasty. Learn more about the history and significance of this place, often referred to as the symbol of Beijing.
Forbidden City Visit
Check out the iconic Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing. For 500 years the palace was only accessible to the emperors’ attendants and officials by invitation only. Visit sights like the Clock Exhibition Hall, wander through the Three Great Halls or stand in the shade of the cypress trees in the Imperial Garden.
Cable Car at Great Wall
100-140CNY per personThe cable car ride is about 5 minutes ride up to tower 14, from where you may walk to the highest point of Mutianyu Great Wall at Tower 20. The walk from ticket check to tower 10 is about 30 minutes. The cable car ride is a good option if you are hoping to save energy to challenge the Tower 20. Return ticket is recommended as you may spend more time on the wall.
Tiananmen Square
Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.
Day 16Beijing
Depart at any time.