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, enjoy a walk on Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and where Chairman Mao proclaimed the People’s Republic in 1949. The square plays hosts to Chairman Mao’s great mausoleum and various stoic monuments. 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 and enjoy 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. One of the most elevated countries in the world, Mongolia was also once one of the world’s most powerful. At it’s height in the 13th century, Genghis Khan had by the time of his death in 1227, unified the Mongol people, organised a nearly invincible army of fearless nomadic warriors, and set into motion the first stage in the conquest of an enormous territory that would be completed by his sons and grandsons. With extraordinary speed and devastating ruthlessness the Mongols created the world’s largest empire, stretching at it’s greatest extent from Korea to Hungary.

After decades of suppression under the Soviets, Mongolia is emerging as a cutting-edge destination. There’s something here to suit even the most blasé of travellers. Endless steppe, nomadic tribes people, stunning Terelj National Park, double-humped (Bactrian) camels that are a cinch to ride in comparison to their single-humped cousins and the vast expanse of the 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 spectacular. The protected area is host to diverse flora and fauna, and is famous for it’s 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).

*Please note: Due to extreme weather, clients undertaking a classic adventure during the winter will be accommodated in permanent accommodation and not Mongolian gers. Overnight - ger camp* (L, D)

An enjoyable day to get in touch with nature hike, horse ride (at additional cost), climb some rocks, the choice is yours here in the Mongolian wilderness. Overnight - ger camp* (B, L, D)

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)

Arrive Irkutsk and transfer to Listvyanka village. Offering striking views of the lake, Listvyanka is your base. Enjoy lunch, a guided walk and a visit to the interesting Lake museum. Tonight experience a Siberian banya (sauna). Overnight - homestay (L, D)

Irkutsk & Lake Baikal. Two days at leisure. Why not choose one of the optional activities available? . *Please note: Lunch is provided on day 8 on all optional activities apart from 'Lake Baikal at Leisure'. Overnight - homestay (B:2, L:2, D:2)

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. 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.