Via EKATERINBURG or straight
through to harbin
day 01
Arrival in Moscow! We
whisk you by car directly to your hotel - your first night in Moscow.
day 02
Moscow Calling! Your
Moscow Buddy † is on hand to smooth your path... at least until lunchtime!
Afternoon and evening – it's all in your hands!
day 03
A full free day, take
your pick of the best of Moscow! Mid-evening we take you to your waiting
train. It's your choice! either take the direct route to Harbin, or chose to
spend a few days in Ekaterinburg where you can pursue the ultimate in outdoor
winter activities!
day 04
Full day on train
through the Ural Mts, arrival late evening into Ekaterinburg – car to
Hotel.
day 05
Walking Tour of
Ekaterinburg with local guide . Afternoon and evening free to explore further.
day 06
Your choice of the
following programs (one choice is included in your trip – no
surcharges!) Option to either
remain at your hotel until 02:00 (we hold your room on for late check-out) or
check-out early-evening and chill-out at the Malachit Nightclub (admission
tickets and bar-bill are yours, but we take you there and back) and then
directly (with luggage) to station. Depart 04:00 eastwards...
Special Winter Activities
(check applicable difficulty-level
for each)
(a) Winter Walk to the Druzhba
Caves. 16km distance, no climbing. 01.Dec-01.Mar. Good fitness req'd. take warm
clothes and boots.
(b) Skiing At Ezhovaya Slopes
Ski Resort – even Putin skis here (sometimes). Skis/Poles/Lift-Pass
package purchasable locally approx $25 payable in roubles. 01 Dec-15.Mar. No
instruction is included – this program is for those who can already ski
without instruction.
(c) Ice-Fishing Yes, you saw
the cartoons, now you can try it yourself. Tackle, Angler's Hints & Fur
Coat provided. 15 Nov - 15 Dec & 01 Feb - 15 Mar. We don't guarantee you'll
catch anything! Takes 8 hours but you can come back sooner if you get
cold.
(d) Siberian Husky Dog-Sledding
Exactly what it says! A whole day adventure to include 3-4 hours sledding
following a made track through the forest. 15 Nov - 01 Mar. (unavailable 31.Dec
10 Jan). No special fitness required, but be ready to fall-off in the soft snow
a few times – they're pretty fast!
(If you have chosen to take the
Ekaterinburg stop, you will spend days 7 - 10 onboard.)
day 04 - 08
On board the Trans-Manchurian Express
The train makes several unscheduled stops, allowing you only time to make a
quick purchase from the locals of home cooked produce or replenish your drinks
cabinet.
day 09 (day 11)
After a
night-time border crossing, you've entered China, and the area known as
Manchuria – once a separate Chinese kingdom, and home to the Manchu
(after whom the Manchu Dynasty, the last in Imperial China, was named). Arrival
in Harbin, the regional capital. No transfer, as your hotel is in the large
Town Square directly in front of the Rail Station. Balance of day free.
day 10 (day 12)
Free day to
visit the Ice Festival. There's no
specific program – we'll give you directions for getting to the
Festival-ground. The Festival is open from 10am-10pm daily and you must stay
after dusk when the Chinese Lanterns are lit. Although sculptors come from all
over the world, this is very much a local festival, and you have a chance to
let your hair down with the locals. If your stay includes the final day of the
Festival you will get the opportunity to smash all the carvings with the locals
in the traditional way!
day 11 (day 13)
Free time to
explore the Old Town of Harbin, with an attractive pedestrianised main street
that features an incredible number
of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Be sure to be ready for your evening
departure to Beijing by sleeper train. (NB: 1st class/2-berth cabins are not
available on this section.)
day 12 (day 14)
Early morning
arrival in Beijing, your Trans-Siberian Snow Train journey comes to an
end. For services in China and
beyond please click here.
† not included on the no-frills
version of the trip. |
