Experience the iconic Trans-Siberian Railway journey, including the Trans Mongolian section on board a private charter train. The "Grand Trans- Siberian Express. A very different way to experience this famous journey and for clients who enjoy travelling with higher service levels on-board and off, this cruise on wheels will be a must on their travel wish list. 

 

 Map

The Journey

DAY 01 – Arrival in Moscow

 

“S Priezdom! Welcome to Moscow!” You meet your tour guides at Moscow airport and they will transfer you to the hotel.   There will be time to relax before this evening’s dinner.

 

DAY 02 – Departing Moscow

A full day sightseeing tour which includes the magnificent Red Square, and the grounds of the world famous Kremlin.   This evening transfer to the Railway station.  Your private train the “Grand Trans-Siberian Express” is waiting for you to board. The first leg of the almost 6000 miles long journey to Beijing is about to commence.    Welcome dinner and accommodation on-board the Grand Trans-Siberian Express.

DAY 03 – Arrival in Kazan

This morning you arrive in Kazan, the old Tartar capital on the banks of the Volga.  Today’s comprehensive city tour includes Kazan’s beautiful citadel, (Kremlin) which was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000. 

DAY 04 – Arrival in Ekaterinburg

The Grand Trans-Siberian will make a short stop in Ekaterinburg this morning.  During the course of the city tour you will see the newly erected Cathedral-on-the-blood, a memorial erected to mark the assassination of The Romanov Family in 1918.  Then back on-board to continue your journey passing across the plains of Western Siberia.

DAY 05 – Arrival in Novosibirsk

Arrival to Novosibirsk which is situated in, the heart of Siberia. Today’s city tour includes a visit to the Opera House, which is the biggest in Russia and situated in Lenin Square.  You will also have the opportunity to see some remarkable orthodox churches which survived the Soviet period.  This evening the Grand Trans-Siberian continues eastwards towards Krasnoyarsk.

DAY 06 – Arrival in Krasnoyarsk

Arrival to Krasnoyarsk, formerly a “closed city” during Soviet times.  The city is located along the Yenissei River which is the greatest river system flowing to the Arctic Ocean. During a river cruise on the Yenissei you will have a fantastic view of the city and the huge railway bridge that crosses the river.   This evening the Grand Trans-Siberian continues eastwards heading towards Irkutsk.

DAY 07 – Arrival in Irkutsk

Mid-morning arrival to Irkutsk the capital of Eastern Siberia. Your city tour will include a visit to the old town with its large quarters still consisting of wooden houses.  The cultural highlight of the tour is a private classical concert held in a the home of former Duke Volkonsky.  Accommodation in a 4★ hotel.

DAY 08 – Port Baikal and Listvyanka Village

 

Today The Grand Trans-Siberian will “run” at low speed along the scenic Circum Baikal Railway line between Sludyanka and Port Baikal.  A photo stop will be arranged at a small village where you can get off the train, put your feet into the clear and cold water of Lake Baikal and also includes a visit to the typical wooden houses of local people. On arrival to Port Baikal a boat takes you on a short cruise on Lake Baikal to Listvyanka Village.  A walk through the village shows you to St Nicholas church, a typical orthodox wooden build church beautiful renovated in the 1990’s. During today’s Siberian lunch you can taste the famous Omul fish, which can only be found in Lake Baikal. The Grand Trans-Siberian Express continues heading towards Ulan-Uday.

 

DAY 09 – Arrival in Ulan-Uday

The Grand Trans-Siberian makes its last scheduled stop in Russia, in the city of Ulan-Uday.  Here there will be a city tour of the Buryatian capital. This evening the train reaches the Russia/Mongolia border.  Immigration formalities will take place on-board the train.  You may stay in your compartment and don’t have to leave the train.

DAY 10 – Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Morning arrival in the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar. During todays sightseeing tour you will visit the famous Ghandan Monastery, the central Sukhabaatar Square, and the Bogd Khan Museum.  At the Zaisan monument viewpoint you will have an excellent view of the city which is surrounded by large areas of yurt settlements. An amazing cultural music and dance show will introduce Mongolian folk music and culture to you.  Accommodation in a 4★ hotel.

DAY 11 – Excursion to Terelj and Mini Naadam show

Today an unforgettable excursion to the Terelj National Park. Within the National Park you will have the chance to meet a herder family inside their yurt.  This afternoon a show has been specially arranged for the participants of the Grand Trans Siberian Express.  The show will demonstrate two disciplines of the Mongolian National Naadam festival: Wrestling and Archery.  Early evening departure on-board the Grand Trans-Siberian which is now Beijing bound. Enjoy the rest of the day viewing the wonderful scenery of Mongolia with yurts, nomads, horses passing by the window of the train.

DAY 12 – Arrival in Erlian

This morning the train arrives at the Mongolian-Chinese border, in the middle of Gobi Desert. Temperatures can reach 30 centigrade in summer time. Mongolian and Chinese immigration formalities will take place on board the train. You may stay in your compartment and don’t have to leave the train. In Erlian railway station the Russian railway gauge system meets the China railway gauge system The Grand Trans-Siberian therefore terminates in Erlian. A connecting Chinese special train will be waiting on the same platform. While you luggage will be transferred by service staff to the Chinese private train, you will enjoy a quick tour to the local bazaar style market and experience a first taste of traditional Chinese lunch. This afternoon the Chinese train will pass through southern parts of Gobi Desert on its way to Beijing.  Accommodation for this 16 hour journey is on-board the Chinese special train.

DAY 13 – Arrival in Beijing

Early morning arrival in Beijing, where you will spend two nights in a 4★ hotel. Today’s sightseeing tour includes Forbidden City, Temple of heaven and  Tiananmen Square.

DAY 14 – Great Wall and Ming Tombs

The Great Wall of China is the 8th Wonder of the World; this is your chance to experience it up close.  As well as at the famous Ming Tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) This evening a farewell dinner featuring the world-famous Chinese dish, Peking Duck.

DAY 15 – Journey Ends

This unique and unforgettable experience comes to an end and you start your return journey home.