Russia, Mongolia and China by Rail | 17 days

The Trans-Siberian is one of the world’s great train journeys, an epic 8,045km ride crossing three countries and 11 time zones. From Moscow you traverse the vast forest tundra to Irkutsk, the capital of Siberia and setting-off point for Baikal, the world’s oldest and deepest freshwater lake. Re-join the train bound for Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia, where you can break your journey or continue the last 31 hours to Beijing. Alternatively you can continue eastwards, ending at Vladivostok on Russia’s eastern seaboard, close to the border with China and North Korea.

Sightseeing will be arranged in each city and length of stay according to preference. The train can be taken in either direction.

Day 1: Fly to Moscow

Day 2: Moscow sightseeing – highlights include Kremlin Territory and Cathedrals, Armoury Museum, Red Square, Lenin’s Tomb, St Basil’s Cathedral

Day 3: Further sightseeing in Moscow and take overnight train to Irkutsk across the Siberian plain

Days 4-6: On train

Day 7: Arrive Irkutsk and tour Siberia’s capital city

Day 8: Day visit to the Limnological Research centre at Listvianka, return to Irkutsk

Day 9: Join the Trans Mongolia Train to Ulaanbaatar

Day 10: Arrive at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital city

Days 11&12: Explore Ulaanbaatar’s Bogd Khan Winter Palace and Gandan Monastery and take a day visit to Terelj National Park to visit local nomadic families.

Day 13: Train to Beijing, China’s fascinating capital

Day 14: Arrive at Beijing

Days 15&16: Explore Beijing – visit Tiananmen Square, the 15th century Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, a former Imperial garden. and the huge imposing Great Wall of China

Day 17: Fly to London

Guide price : please ask for a quotation