The Trans-Siberian Express Between Beijing & Moscow: Westbound

The Trans-Siberian Express Between Beijing & Moscow: Westbound
MIR Corporation / July 19, 2013

Starting in Beijing, where the remnants of Imperial China sit shoulder-to-shoulder with thriving businesses and five star hotels, roll along a railway that ties together two of the world’s biggest countries, China and Russia. Traverse Mongolia from the Gobi Desert across the endless steppe, where Genghis Khan’s armies once galloped, to the modern capital, Ulaanbaatar. Continue up to the steep shores of ancient Lake Baikal, and on to the gleaming golden cupolas of Moscow.Eastbound Moscow to Beijing departures are also available.Read More

Russia’s Southern Steppe: Land of Cossacks, Kalmyks & Caviar

Russia’s Southern Steppe: Land of Cossacks, Kalmyks & Caviar
MIR Corporation / July 19, 2013

Discover the southern Russian steppe, an unfamiliar region spiced with a spirited array of independent cultures, including freedom-loving Cossacks and descendants of the Golden Horde. Explore Volgograd’s massive memorial before learning about the food of kings – caviar – in historic Astrakhan on the Volga River Delta. Visit Buddhist Elista, land of the formerly nomadic Kalmyk people (and home of Chess City); Rostov-on-Don, ancestral home of the Don Cossacks; Krasnodar, headquarters of the Kuban Cossacks; and the balmy Black Sea resort of Sochi.Please noteThis itinerary is currently only available as a custom or independent program.  For a small group tour to this region, see Russia’s Imperial Capitals & Ancient Villages.Read More

Kamchatka: Reindeer Herders & the Ring of Fire

Kamchatka: Reindeer Herders & the Ring of Fire
MIR Corporation / July 19, 2013

This uncommon journey focuses on the wild Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia’s east coast, a wide volcanic promontory thrusting upward from the Pacific Ring of Fire. Spend nine days exploring this spectacular region by cross-country vehicle and helicopter, meeting its diverse people and experiencing its ruggedly beautiful landscapes en route.Trip currently not available. Call for more information.Read More

Russian Winter Wonderland

Russian Winter Wonderland
MIR Corporation / July 19, 2013

Nobody loves New Year’s Eve like the Russians do – it’s the most festive holiday of the year, with parties, presents, and champagne toasts. This celebratory tour revolves around New Year’s in glorious St. Petersburg, with Moscow merrymaking and a visit to 12th century Suzdal to round out the festivities, admiring ancient churches and enjoying a traditional sleigh ride.Read More

Russia’s Imperial Capitals & Ancient Villages

Russia’s Imperial Capitals & Ancient Villages
MIR Corporation / July 19, 2013

Discover where Russian art, architecture and culture began. In between the urban centers of Moscow and St. Petersburg, experience the Russian countryside. The oldest and loveliest churches in Russia, Sergiev Posad’s wooden crafts and Fedoskino’s glowing lacquer boxes all put a shine on Russia’s Golden Ring.Read More

Classic Western Russia: Moscow, Novgorod & St. Petersburg

Classic Western Russia: Moscow, Novgorod & St. Petersburg
MIR Corporation / July 19, 2013

This indispensable introduction to some of Russia’s great cities gives an insider’s view of the real Russia, spotlighting not only the glittering palaces and dignified official edifices of the Russian Empire, but also a birch bark crafts class in historic Novgorod and the unforgettable warmth of a meal in a Russian home.Please noteThis itinerary is currently only available as a custom or independent program.  For a small group tour to this region, see Insider’s Russia: Moscow & St. Petersburg Rediscovered.Read More

Treasures of the South Caucasus

Treasures of the South Caucasus
MIR Corporation / July 19, 2013

Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan share stunning mountain backdrops, powerful stone architecture and a strong code of hospitality. Georgia’s renowned winemaking traditions, Azerbaijan’s Zoroastrian and Islamic background, and Armenia’s multitude of ancient churches combine to make this distinctive journey more than the sum of its parts.Read More

Ancient Kingdoms of North East Turkey & Georgia

Ancient Kingdoms of North East Turkey & Georgia
MIR Corporation / July 19, 2013

Discover the meeting places of the ancient world in eastern Turkey and Georgia, on this back-road exploration of out-of-the-way towns and villages. Begin in Turkey’s capital, Ankara, and follow traces of the old Silk Road east through arid valleys and rocky hills redolent of empires and kingdoms – Hittite, Seljuk, Byzantine, Roman, Armenian, Ottoman, Iberian and Georgian. Experience five breathtaking UNESCO Sites, including the exuberant 13th century Great Mosque and Hospital Complex of Divrigi, and the mountain redoubts of Georgia’s remote Svaneti region. Read More

Belarus, Ukraine & Moldova

Belarus, Ukraine & Moldova
MIR Corporation / July 19, 2013

Traverse a little-known region that has changed hands from its earliest history.  Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova are three of the least frequented and least familiar countries in Europe.  Time slowed drastically here after the devastation of WWII, but these beautiful countries are emerging from the shadows.  Visit an artist in Kiev, share a meal with a Chisinau family, and take a day trip to the Transdniester region, a narrow strip of Moldovan land where separatists have declared a disputed independence.Read More

Christmas Traditions of Poland

Christmas Traditions of Poland
MIR Corporation / July 18, 2013

Celebrate the heartfelt holiday traditions of Poland, wandering Krakow’s brilliant Christmas Market and joining a Polish family in their Warsaw home for the intimate Christmas Eve feast called Wigilia, where you can sample 12 different traditional dishes. This wintry journey brings you close to the warm heart of Poland’s long-standing customs.Read More