Welcome to Beijing! Arrival transfer from Beijing airport to hotel. Overnight - Beijing

Stretching 6700 km from the Bohai Gulf in China’s east to Jiayuguan in the west, the Great Wall is a symbol of Chinese genius. Driving beyond Beijing to Badaling, enjoy a walk on a section of the Great Wall. Some parts of the walk are very steep, but the views are fantastic. Back in Bejing, visit Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, where Chairman Mao proclaimed the People’s Republic in 1949. The square plays hosts to Chairman Mao’s great mausoleum and staring out across the square, from above the Gate of Heavenly Peace is the famous technicolour portrait of Mao. It is through these gates that you’ll enter the Forbidden City for a guided tour. Built between 1406 and 1420, the Forbidden City served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties and it is said to contain an incredible 9999 rooms. Residence of the emperors and focal point of the empire, entry was forbidden to all, except those on imperial business until 1911, when the last emperor, Puyi was overthrown. Overnight - Beijing (B, L)

Beijing - Ulaan Baatar. Early this morning, an included transfer to Beijing rail station for the train to Ulaan Baatar - capital of Mongolia. Overnight - train (B)

Mid-afternoon arrival (subject to border formalities & inevitable delays) in Outer Mongolia. Mongolia is one of the most elevated countries in the world, with endless steppe, nomadic tribes people, stunning Terelj National Park, double-humped (Bactrian) camels and the vast Gobi Desert.

On arrival in Ulaan Baatar, enjoy lunch and then transfer to nearby Terelj National Park, stopping en route to visit a nomadic family. Elevated Terelj is cool and the scenic alpine surrounds are spectacular. The protected area is host to diverse flora and fauna, and is famous for its unique granite rock formations. Opportunities for outdoor pursuits abound. Spend two nights in a traditional Mongolian ger, which is a sturdy wood and felt type tent. Ger means ‘home’ and it’s home on the steppe (level grassy unforested plains characteristic of Mongolia).

Opportunities for outdoor pursuits abound. Hike, horse ride (at additional cost), rock climb, the choice is yours. The Mongolian ger is a sturdy wood and felt type tent. Ger means ‘home’ and it will be your home during your stay on the steppe

*Please note: Due to extreme weather, clients undertaking a classic adventure during the winter can decide upon arrival, whether to stay in permanent accommodation or a Mongolian ger. Overnight - Terelj NP - ger camp (B:1, L:2, D:2)

Terelj NP - Ulaan Baatar - Irkutsk. Leaving Terelj NP after breakfast, transfer back to the capital - Ulaan Baatar via a food store in anticipation of the onward evening departure to Irkutsk in Russia. During the journey, the train will cross the border into Russia, bringing with it inevitable customs and immigration formalities and delays. Overnight - train (B)

Irkutsk - Listyvanka. Mid afternoon arrival in Irkutsk - a town with Asiatic influences of nearby Mongolia and China and curious architecture - a legacy of Siberia’s aristocratic exiles. Transfer to nearby Listvyanka. Offering stunning views of Baikal - Siberia’s inland sea, Listvyanka is our year-round base. Spend the remains of day 7 and day 8 at leisure, enjoy a steamy banya (sauna) and perhaps choose one of the optional activities. Overnight - Listvyanka homestay (B:1, L:1, D:2)

Listvyanka - Irkutsk. At around midday transfer back to Irkutsk, a town with the Asiatic influences of nearby Mongolia and China and curious architecture - a legacy of Siberia’s aristocratic exiles. Spend the remains of the day at leisure exploring the town. Overnight - Irkutsk homestay (B, L, D)

Late afternoon transfer to the rail station for the onward journey to Moscow across tracts of Siberia and the Ural Mountains. Overnight - train (B:1)

Moscow. Late afternoon, the train reaches Moscow.

See the 'Costsaver' tab above, for the content of our Costsaver journey
NOTE: Mongolian ger stay applicable to classic adventures only.

Train Schedules - Schedules dictate a late afternoon arrival in Moscow on day 10. We strongly urge you to stay at least one night in Moscow to avoid the risk of missing your onward international flight. Trans-Siberian Railways do change their schedules from time to time, which could alter the itinerary or departure date. Please check with us at time of booking.

Homestays - Our homestays vary, you may be staying with a local family, couple or single person. In some cases the home owner may actually move out so that you have the house to yourself. The local homes we use are generally very simple and basic with shared bathroom facilities. Please note that if you are travelling in a larger group it may be necessary for you to stay in separate houses because most homes are small and only have room for one or two guests.