Classic Trans-Mongolian - Beijing to St. Petersburg
The country had thrown off Chinese rule in 1924 and, once fighting died down, the USSR made building a railway to Urga – now renamed Ulaanbaatar – a priority. You don’t stop in Mongolia on this itinerary (we’ve plenty of other options that do) but you will, nonetheless, travel through the astonishing landscapes of the Southern Gobi if you select this as your chosen route from Beijing to Moscow. This trip offers the opportunity to start (or 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 transport to Beijing Central 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!
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 complimentary InfoPack is full of ideas for getting the most out of your free time.
After breakfast one of our local experts will meet you at your hotel in the lobby for a three hour walking and familiarisation tour, to introduce the city (and its public transport system) and to get your sightseeing off to a flying start. The rest of the day’s your own.
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
Beijing
Moscow
St. Petersburg
*Please note a seasonal supplement of $78 per person is applicable on all St. Petersburg “full on” trips between 01 MAY – 30 SEP inclusive. |
Train
Beijing
Moscow
St. Petersburg
*Please note a seasonal supplement of $39 per person is applicable on all St. Petersburg “no frills” trips between 01 MAY– 30 SEP inclusive. |
1 person |
2 people |
3+ people |
|
Full On |
|||
| Extra night from Beijing | $117 | $59 | $59 |
| Extra night from Moscow midweek | $104 | $59 | $59 |
| Extra night from Moscow weekend | $78 | $52 | $52 |
| Extra night from St. Petersburg | $85 | $46 | $46 |
| 2-berth upgrades Moscow-Beijing | $507 | $507 | $507 |
| 2-berth upgrades Moscow - St.Petersburg | $98 | $98 | $98 |
| Seasonal supplement May - Sept | $78 | $78 | $78 |
No Frills |
|||
| Extra night from Beijing | $65 | $39 | $39 |
| Extra night from Moscow | $78 | $52 | $52 |
| Extra night from St. Petersburg | $46 | $33 | $33 |
| 2-berth upgrades Moscow-Beijing | $507 | $507 | $507 |
| 2-berth upgrades Moscow - St.Petersburg | $98 | $98 | $98 |
| Seasonal supplement May - Sept | $78 | $78 | $78 |
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 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 people (full on)Price per person | Book now | |
2 people (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.
Speak to an expert
Call us now
+1 (888) 845-8877
Speak to an expert
Call us now
+1 (888) 845-8877
