Classic Big Trans-Siberian - Beijing to St. Petersburg
Tour ticks essential boxes for the time-strapped by combining two of the “must see” destinations – Siberia’s epic Lake Baikal and the vast, welcoming and enchanting expanses of Mongolia – with a year-round choice of departures. You choose. From balmy summer days spent swimming, trekking or picnicking at the largest freshwater lake on the planet to husky dog sledding and snow mobiling in winter, this is the trip for those who don’t want a schedule to any way limit their horizons on the world’s greatest railway journey. This trip offers the opportunity to end your journey in St. Petersburg, where you will see the contrast between the imperial splendour and the soviet simplicity that existed both then and now.
Itinerary Hide all details
On arrival in Beijing you make your own
way to the hotel – any taxi driver will
quickly find the address. The convenient
location of the hotel positions you to get
the most of this legendary Imperial city. The hotel is in the heart of the golden area of the capital, surrounded by major business centres, tourist attractions and only minutes away from the Wangfujing Street, Tiannamen Square and the Forbidden City.
Own transfer to Beijing Central station where you will board the Ulaanbaatar bound train.
Transfer from the station to a hotel with a chance to freshen up and have light snack. This morning you will depart for your city tour, this includes visiting the Gandan Buddhist Lamasery (monastery) and several temples located there. Then depart Ulaanbaatar for the 55km journey to Elstei Ger Lodge. (Alternative Ger Camps available , some with en-suite facilities and Queen size beds – talk to us about upgrade costs). With a scheduled stop at the enormous monument to Genghis Khan along the way. It may not be quite traditional in style (since it’s made of stainless steel) but it’s an astounding edifice and a testament to Genghis’s place in Mongolian culture. Taking the elevator to top of this 10 metre high monument you visit the exhibition hall from where you will have an excellent panoramic view over the complex area and the scenery beyond. Arrival at Elstei lodge a relaxed evening in the bar after supper there are occasional impromptu performances of live Mongolian music, where you might hear the Morin Khuur (horse-head lyre), the cimbalom, or native Mongolian throat-singing.
With no specific activities planned you can choose to chill out, read, go walking on the Steppe, or (for a small payment made directly to them locally) you can go horse riding with local nomad horsemen. (May-Sept). Elstei staff will also offer Mongolian archery, ankle bone games, and the opportunity to visit a nomad family nearby. A relaxed evening in the bar after supper where you can chat with the local guides and other travellers. It’s also worth watching the sunset, as it’s not called the land of the endless skies for nothing.
Around 10am you make the return trip to
Ulaanbaatar, named the coldest capital in
the world during the winter months. Check
into the Bayangol 3★ Hotel. This is a great
centrally located property and facilities
include 5 restaurants fitness centre, sauna
and a minimarket. The balance of today is
free to explore more of the city. You can choose to return to the Gandan Monastery (which you’ll have already visited when you were in the capital last time), or visit the Choijin Lama museum. In the evening a wide range of restaurants are available to suit any pocket or maybe go to see a Folklore concert?
It`s easy to pick up some snack food today for the train in one of the many supermarkets and relax while having a stroll round this capital city. This afternoon we will transfer you to the station where you will board the Irkutsk bound train. When you make the border crossing there will be the usual halt for formalities.
Arrival in Irkutsk, transfer to U Ozera 3★ Hotel situated in Listvyanka Village (70km) travelling by road through the forest. The Hotel is set just 50 metres from the shores of Lake Baikal.
Today there is a walking tour around Listvyanka Village. This will include a visit to the Limnological Museum (this is an exhibition about the Lake, its formation, wildlife etc. – it includes multimedia presentations, information about the creatures which live in the darkest depths, and also an aquarium with living aquatic species, including the unique freshwater Baikal seals) and also a small wooden village Russian Orthodox Church dating back to the C18th. You return to your hotel at the end of the walk, maybe experience real Siberian “banya”?
It’s all included in the trip price! You’ll need to inform us of your choice before commencing your journey, so that we can have the right staff on hand for when you arrive
(A) Siberian trek
(B) Circum Baikal picnic
(C) Taltsy wooden museum
(D) Port Baikal excursion
(E) Snowmobile trip
(F) Siberian Dog sleddin
After breakfast transfer back to Irkutsk city. Our local staff will provide a map and some recommendations of interesting places to visit. Some of our top suggestions (please check opening times/days before setting off) Decembrist Museum, Volkonsky House and The Epiphany Cathedral. Early evening transfer to the station, where you will board the Moscow bound train.
The dining car is the heart of social life on the train. It functions as bar, lounge, and take-out snack store, as well as a café serving reasonably-priced meals. It is a great place to meet fellow travellers and locals alike, sharing your experiences of your journey so far with a few drinks, which no doubt will include some Vodka – and maybe smoked salmon and caviar too!
Very early morning arrival in Moscow. Your driver will meet you at the end of the platform and you will travel by private car to the Panorama 3★ Hotel. (We can obtain rates for superior hotels ask a member of the reservations team for details.) Your room will be allocated on arrival. You will have a chance to have breakfast before setting out on today’s three hour walking and familiarisation tour. This will introduce you to the city (and its public transport system) and get your sightseeing off to a flying start. The rest of the day’s your own. Your complimentary InfoPack is full of ideas for getting the most out of your free time.
A full day to continue your sightseeing. Own transfer this evening to Leningradsky Station where you will board the St. Petersburg bound train.
Early morning arrival in St. Petersburg. Our driver will be there to meet you at the end of the platform, and will be holding a meeting-board with your name on. You’ll then be transferred to the Vesta 3★ Hotel. (We can obtain rates for superior hotels ask a member of the reservations team for details.) Around 10am your guide will meet you at the hotel and introduce you to the city’s highlights – a good basis for starting your own explorations. Although the public transport (used on today’s excursion) is similar to Moscow’s, there are a few quirks that your guide will show you. After lunchtime you’re on your own to explore further.
Free day for you to pack in the best of the
rest! Perhaps you have pre-booked one of
our city based excursions for today. Some
of our top suggestions (please check
opening times/days before setting off) The
Hermitage Collection – Winter Palace. The
canals and waterways of the “Northern
Venice”. The Russian Museum of Fine Art.
The Peter & Paul Fortress-and the Tombs
of the Tsars inside the Fortress Cathedral.
The Church on the Spilt Blood, nearby the
Souvenir Bazaar.
You will need to check out of your room by 12 noon. Own transport to the airport or station on departure.
What's included
| Full On | No Frills |
Train
Siberian Village
|
Train
|
1 person |
2 people |
3+ people |
|
Full On |
|||
| Extra night from Beijing | $118 | $59 | $59 |
| Extra night from Moscow midweek | $105 | $59 | $59 |
| Extra night from Moscow weekend | $79 | $53 | $53 |
| Extra night from St. Petersburg | $85 | $46 | $46 |
| 2-berth upgrades Beijing - Moscow | $770 | $770 | $770 |
| 2-berth upgrades Moscow - St. Petersburg | $98 | $98 | $98 |
| Seasonal Supplement May-Sept | $79 | $79 | $79 |
No Frills |
|||
| Extra night from Beijing | $69 | $40 | $40 |
| Extra night from Moscow | $83 | $53 | $53 |
| Extra night from St. Petersburg | $48 | $33 | $33 |
| 2-berth upgrades Beijing - Moscow | $770 | $770 | $770 |
| 2-berth upgrades Moscow - St. Petersburg | $98 | $98 | $98 |
| Seasonal Supplement May-Sept | $79 | $79 | $79 |
Extras
The journey you have chosen has some “extras” that are necessary and then “extras” that will enhance your trip. We cannot re-iterate too much that at Russia Experience we pride ourselves on making the trip you have chosen the best it can be – so if we don’t mention something you want, ask us and we’ll try our best to make it happen! In return, we try to inform you about any great “extras” along the way, so that you have the chance to try them if you want! Visas are a necessary extra and needed for all the countries you travel through and the current costs and what is needed can be found under Visas.
Upgrading to 2- berth compartment
Upgrading to 2- berth compartment on the train is also an option, you will see under Prices. This service is becoming more popular every year and not helped by the train operators only confirming this request 30 days or less prior to your departure. We have however devised a workaround for this that’s proving very reliable. We request a 2-berth at the time of booking but if this comes back not possible we block out a 4-berth compartment for 2 person occupancy. The standard of these cabins remains the same, and you get the extra space and privacy one way or the other.
Price
| Price package | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|
1 person (full on)Price per person | Book now | |
1 person (no frills)Price per person | Book now | |
2 person (full on)Price per person | Book now | |
2 person (no frills)Price per person | Book now | |
3+ people (full on)Price per person | Book now | |
3+ people (no frills)Price per person | Book now |
Visa
Russian visa support (Russian visa invitation letter) is included.
Sights included in program
Thanks ! We will reply you in less than 24 hours (usually within 1-2 hours).
Thanks ! We will reply you in less than 24 hours (usually within 1-2 hours).
Our flexible payment options allow you to pay 20% of a deposit first and the remaining 80% in 14 days prior to your tour date - payment can be done both online or over the phone. This gives you the peace of mind knowing your spaces are booked on the tours and that you do not miss out on making the most of your time in Russia.
Also you get the best, top-rated and most experienced and knowledgeable hand-picked tour guide appointed on a priority basis.
In our experience, exceptional travel experiences are almost always delivered by exceptional people. With that in mind, we utilize a comprehensive approach to select and employ the best tour guides only. Multilingual and well travelled, each possesses deep insight into the diverse attractions and cultural patterns throughout the region. With us guides undergo a rigorous selection process, achieving outstanding knowledge of local culture and language. Rest assured that the best tour guides only will be working on the tours to give you excellent opportunity to explore the best of the sights during both short and long-term stay in Russia.
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+1 (888) 845-8877
Speak to an expert
Call us now
+1 (888) 845-8877
