Trans-Siberian Express Between Beijing & Moscow

Glide from the metropolis of Moscow, where Red Square and St. Basil's have become the symbols of Russia, all the way to China's capital, Beijing. Travel the fabled Trans-Siberian Railway aboard the comfortable Tsar's Gold private train through Ekaterinburg in the Urals, where the last tsar was put to death; along UNESCOlisted Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest lake on earth; by Ulan Ude, capital of Siberia's Buryat Republic; and south to Mongolia's capital, UlaanBaatar, where Buddhist heritage and nomadic traditions meet. Changing trains at the Chinese border, continue to Beijing for a three-day exploration of some of China's most renowned World Heritage Sites, the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

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Days 1-2: 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. Board the Tsar's Gold private train and begin the journey westward.

Days 3-5: Kazan, Ekaterinburg, Novosibirsk

A tour of Kazan includes its kremlin, originally a fortress of the Golden Horde, and a boat ride on the Volga. Cross from Europe into Asia in Ekaterinburg and visit the Church on the Blood, built on the spot where the tsar and his family were killed in 1918. 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.

Days 6-9: Irkutsk, Lake Baikal, Ulan Ude

In Irkutsk, get to know this important Siberian way station for expeditions and exiles. 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. Spend some time in Ulan Ude, founded in 1666 by Cossacks as a winter encampment on the Selenga River.

Days 10-12: UlaanBaatar, Gobi Desert

Cross the Russia / Mongolia border into 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. Continue through to the great Gobi Desert and onto the open steppe of Mongolia. Disembark the Tsar's Gold train at the China border and transfer to a Chinese train to travel to Beijing.

Days 13-16: 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 farewell banquet with dinner of Peking duck.

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

Been to Beijing before? Ask us about a discount available if you wish to start your tour in Mongolia. 800-424-7289.

Trip Details

Westbound: From Beijing to Moscow Length of Trip: 15 Days Departures in 2012: 4 Dates: May 14-28, 2012   July 6-July 20, 2012   July 30-August 13, 2012   September 17-October 1, 2012   Eastbound: From Moscow to Beijing Length of Trip: 16 Days Departures in 2012: 3 Dates: May 6-May 21, 2012   June 3-June 18, 2012   July 22-August 6, 2012   5 or 6 nights hotels, 8 nights onboard the Tsar's Gold Train, 1 night aboard a chartered Chinese train. 2012 Land Tour Cost Per Person:   Standard Plus Class, twin share $8,795 Standard Plus Class, single $11,785 Standard Plus NEW Class, twin share $9,495 Standard Plus NEW Class, single $12,485 Nostalgic Comfort Class, twin share $11,495 Nostalgic Comfort Class, single $17,685 Bolshoi Class, twin share $15,695 Bolshoi Class, single $24,985 Bolshoi Platinum Class, twin share $18,495 Bolshoi Platinum Class, single $28,285     Already been to China? Start or end your tour in UlaanBaatar, Mongolia for less. Call 800-424-7289 for more details.

Map - Click to Enlarge

Day Activity   Days 1-2: Moscow   Day 3: Kazan   Day 4: Ekaterinburg UlaanBaatar, Gobi Desert   Day 5: Novosibirsk Ulan Ude   Days 6-8: Lake Baikal, Irkutsk

Day Activity   Day 9: Ulan Ude   Days 10-11: UlaanBaatar   Day 12: Gobi Desert   Days 13-16: Beijing

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