2012 Classic: Trans Mongolian Express (ACTM)
Countries Visited: China, Mongolia, Russia
Trip Style: Classic - Designed to ensure an authentic and unforgettable travel experience, our Classic trip styles have broad appeal. Thatâ??s because they are all about the exploration of unique landscapes, awe-inspiring wildlife and foreign cultures.
Service Level: Standard - authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home
Physical Demands Rating: 2 - Light walking and hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Group Size: Min 6, Max 15
Meals Included: 8 Breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Accommodations: Hotels (11 nts), homestay (1 nt), sleeper trains (7 nts), Mongolian ger (1 nt)
Highlights
Forbidden City courtyards, ride the rails through Mongolian steppes and Siberia, stay in a village on Lake Baikal, admire the grand structure of Moscow's Kremlin and Red Square, marvel at the rich art collection in the Hermitage.
Description
From the Great Wall of China to the Hermitage in St Petersburg, travel halfway around the world in three incredible weeks. Board one of the world's great trains and ride the rails on this once-in-a-lifetime trip across the grassy steppes of Mongolia and through the taiga forests of Siberia. Share train carriages with locals, overnight in Mongolian ger tents and in cozy Russian homestays. Not only does this trip provide the perfect blend of comfortable accommodations and plenty of activities but also free time to explore this fascinating region at your own pace.
Trip Style: Classic - Designed to ensure an authentic and unforgettable travel experience, our Classic trip styles have broad appeal. Thatâ??s because they are all about the exploration of unique landscapes, awe-inspiring wildlife and foreign cultures.
Service Level: Standard - authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home
Physical Demands Rating: 2 - Light walking and hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Group Size: Min 6, Max 15
Meals Included: 8 Breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Accommodations: Hotels (11 nts), homestay (1 nt), sleeper trains (7 nts), Mongolian ger (1 nt)
Highlights
Forbidden City courtyards, ride the rails through Mongolian steppes and Siberia, stay in a village on Lake Baikal, admire the grand structure of Moscow's Kremlin and Red Square, marvel at the rich art collection in the Hermitage.
Description
From the Great Wall of China to the Hermitage in St Petersburg, travel halfway around the world in three incredible weeks. Board one of the world's great trains and ride the rails on this once-in-a-lifetime trip across the grassy steppes of Mongolia and through the taiga forests of Siberia. Share train carriages with locals, overnight in Mongolian ger tents and in cozy Russian homestays. Not only does this trip provide the perfect blend of comfortable accommodations and plenty of activities but also free time to explore this fascinating region at your own pace.
Call (434) 296-0171 for more information or to book today! Mention code 10411130
- Tour Operator
- G Adventures
- Duration
- 21 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Beijing | Day 1 Beijing Travellers arrive from all corners of the world during the day. There are no activities included on day one. Please, check the hotel notice board for the information about you trip and a group meeting. At 6 pm your leader will meet you in the hotel lobby and will run through the trip itinerary and answer questions. |
| Days 2-3 | Beijing | Days 2-3 Beijing Our journey commences in the Chinese capital, Beijing, which is one of the world's most impressive cities. There is so much to see in this vibrant city - some sights that you might want to visit during your free time include the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and the Lama Temple Monastery. A great way to visit these landmarks is to hire a bicycle and take to the streets, just like the Chinese do. On Day 2 we take a guided tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City - to learn more about past and present of China. Most of Day 3 we spend at the Great Wall (Mutianyu section). The Wall, an incredible piece of engineering, is stretches 6000 km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect the Chinese empires from the 'barbarians' of the north. |
| Day 4 | China-Mongolia Railway | Day 4 China-Mongolia Railway Excitement and anticipation as we leave to board the Ulaanbaatar Express on the morning of day 4. On board we quickly settle in and enjoy unexpected views of the Great Wall as the train tackles the mountains before descending to the arid lands of Inner Mongolia and onwards to the very heart of Asia. |
| Days 5-7 | Ulaan Baatar | Days 5-7 Ulaan Baatar (2B,1L,1D) You awake to the stunning visual silence of the south Gobi, the horse and ger dotted steppe stretches from horizon to horizon, the occasional nomad encampment appears mirage-like through the carriage window. Shortly after midday on day 5 we arrive in the world's most remote capital - Ulaan Baatar. We will disembark and transfer to our hotel. Crammed between superpowers Russia and China, the now independent nation of Mongolia is a true G Adventures destination that has only recently been opened up to tourism. The capital, Ulaan Baatar (UB), is a city in which new meets old as Mongolians in traditional dress mingle with the nation's business elite. The nation's close relationship with the old Soviet Union is evident in the Soviet style architecture and the old Russian cars. Exploring the city's many museums is a real eye-opener into a turbulent history including the time of that most famous of Mongolia's historical figures, the feared and respected ruler, Chinghis Khan. On day 6, a City tour with a local guide will take us to one of the most important Mongolian temple complex - Gandan Monastery. You'll learn about the history of Buddhism in Mongolia, will see chanting monks and - if lucky - might get an advise from the local fortune teller. After the Monastery, the tour will continue in the Winter Palace of the last Mongolian King (the only King's palace survived the Revolution). And at the end of the tour we'll visit Zaisan Hill - great viewpoint with a monument to Soviet soldiers. The rest of the day is free for you to explore UB museums and try dumplings (booz) in local restaurants. On day 7, we leave the metropolis and travel into Mongolia's Terelj National Park. This alpine park is a beautiful retreat with imposing rock formations and endless forests. We walk through the valleys, visit nomadic families and live simply overnight in a Ger camp. |
| Day 8-9 | Trans-Mongolian Railway | Day 8-9 Trans-Mongolian Railway (1B) On the morning of day 8 you return back to UB. There is enough time to buy some souvenirs and snacks for the ride before the group boards next train. In the evening we board our two-night train (40 hrs) that takes us into southern Russia. This train is the most local of all the trains we take on this journey and we shouldn't expect the height of luxury. A restaurant car is not normally provided and if it is, the food can be basic and limited. It's a good idea to stock up before you leave Ulaan Baatar. On day 9 we reach the town of Naushki where we go through our border formalities at the Mongolian/Russian borders, processing passports and waiting for nothing in particular. Around 3 pm we continue on to Irkutsk (one more night on train). |
| Days 10-11 | Irkutsk and Lake Baikal | Days 10-11 Irkutsk and Lake Baikal (1B,1D) On day 10, the long journey brings us to the charming Siberian city of Irkutsk where we transfer to a bus for a short trip out to Listvyanka (approx. 2 hrs). After dropping your bags and having shower you'll have a guided tour of Baikal museum: a unique museum and research complex which exhibition is dedicated to the biggest fresh water lake in the world. You'll find out lots about Baikal seals, Omul fish and history of surrounding areas. After the museum you can explore the shores of Lake Baikal, where you will marvel at the vastness of this inland 'sea'. Over 600 kilometres long and up to 80 kilometres wide, Baikal contains one-fifth of the earth's fresh water and is home to many unique species. We enjoy the lakeside village of Listvyanka and a chance to walk along the lake shore and for the adventurous - a swim! On Day 11 you'll have a transfer back to Irkutsk. Before boarding Trans-Siberian train we have time for a guided tour of one of the most beautiful cities in Siberia. Old buildings and time-worn mansions lend a beauty to this remote but flourishing city, sometimes called "The Paris of Siberia". Founded over 350 years ago it prospered as a market town on the 'Tea Route' between China and Europe. Irkutsk today is proud of its place in Russian history, and is always a highlight of any Trans Mongolian rail journey. |
| Days 12-13 | Trans-Siberian Railway and Ekaterinburg | Days 12-13 Trans-Siberian Railway and Ekaterinburg The Trans-Siberan Railway is the world's most famous train line. It is also the longest, extending from Moscow across Siberia to the far flung town of Vladivostok. We experience part of this celebrated train odyssey, boarding in Irkutsk for the journey to Ekaterinburg (approx. 40 hours). The train is a simple affair with enough modern luxuries for a comfortable journey. The carriage bathrooms are well equipped and even have hot water, though if you wish to have a shower you will need to bring your own shower attachments. An attendant is assigned to every carriage to look after your needs and each compartment has four convertible beds, with luggage storage space provided. The old-style restaurant car tends to have a jovial atmosphere and can offer interesting insights into local cuisine.Trains have a habit of running on Moscow time even though there may be several hours time difference, resulting in interesting meal times. Station platforms nearly always have an array of food for sale at stalls run by the Babushkas.There are lists of stations that the train will stop at and the time they stay there, ranging from two to twenty minutes. Always double check with the carriage attendant - it's a long wait for the next train to come through! Life on board is a great social occasion for our Russian hosts and we have the opportunity to share our experiences with them. As we boom over the steel bridges spanning Siberia's nerve system of 5,000 rivers, the flickering silvers and greens of the birch forests speed past. Watch for two major Russian rivers - Ob' and Yenisey. On day 13 (depending on the train timetable - in the afternoon or early evening), we'll arrive to Ekaterinburg. |
| Day 14 | Ekaterinburg | Day 14 Ekaterinburg (B) A city founded by Peter the Great in 1723 and situated just 40 kilometres inside Asia, Ekaterinburg's main attractions are its associations with historical events. On our walking city tour we will take in the history and intrigue surrounding the murder of the Romanov family, an event which ushered in the Communist era in 1918. |
| Day 15 | Trans Ural Railway | Day 15 Trans Ural Railway (B) On day 15 in the morning, we re-board the Trans-Siberian Railway. Today we say farewell to Asia as we cross the Urals and enter Europe aboard the train to Moscow. |
| Days 16-18 | Moscow | Days 16-18 Moscow We arrive in Moscow in the morning on day 16. The great city of Moscow has seen Russia through some of her most turbulent years. The city has survived the trauma and tribulations of centuries of revolution, from the days of the Tzars through the communist era to the growing pains of democracy. Despite the glamour and show of modern capitalism, exploring Moscow is like taking step back in time. Names of places such as the 'Kremlin' and the 'Red Square', bring forth unforgettable images of the Cold War era. It's worthwhile taking the time to explore the streets of this evocative city and visit Ivan the Terrible's extraordinary St Basil's Cathedral. On day 17 we take a guided tour of Kremlin and the Armoury museum. Day 18 is free to explore Russian capital at your leisure before we catch our last train to St Petersburg in the late evening. |
| Days 19-20 | St Petersburg | Days 19-20 St Petersburg (1B) Train arrives to St Petersburg very early in the morning on day 19. One of Europe's finest, the city is largely built of baroque European architecture combined with the opulent palaces of Russian royalty. Its tree-lined streets and cosmopolitan atmosphere make it a favourite destination for travellers. On the morning of arrival to St Petes we take a walking tour of the city. The afternoon is free for you to explore "the northern Venice". On the morning of day 20 we visit the Hermitage museum - one of the biggest museums in Europe, famous not only for its amazing art collection, but for being Tsars' palace for almost 200 years. In the evening we meet for our farewell dinner. |
| Day 21 | St Petersburg | Day 21 Depart St Petersburg (B) Depart St.Petersburg at any time. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Local Flights: All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Dossier Disclaimer: The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
