Classic Trans Siberian

All content by Intrepid

15 days (ex Beijing)

Destinations visited: Russia, China, Běijīng, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$3,470

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Description

Journey from China to Russia through vast isolated landscapes as you travel the famous Trans-Siberian route across continents. Globe-trot from bustling Beijing and arrive in cathedral-studded European Russia. From the heart of oriental China to the tip of classical Europe, this adventure will open your eyes to the history, scenery and people that make up this fascinating region.

Highlights

Visit China and explore Beijing's bustling backstreets.
Steam in a banya then plunge into the world's deepest lake.
Ride the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway.
Visit Moscow and see Lenin's Mausoleum in the Red Square.

Itinerary

Day 1 Beijing

Begin this epic rail adventure in bustling Beijing, the modern heart of China. In free time, why not wander through Tiananmen Square and the fascinating Forbidden City or head out to visit the Great Wall of China.

Days 2-3 Harbin

Travel by train to Harbin, in the north-eastern province of Heilongjiang. Home to the Ice Lantern Festival, the city's urban sprawl hides a small pocket of old-world Russia, evoking its passage from fishing village, to busy trade city, to place of refuge for Russians fleeing the Bolsheviks.

Days 4-5 Vladivostok

Cross the border into Russia and continue to Vladivostok. While here, perhaps check out Soviet-era mosaics inside the old Post Office building, peruse the Ploshchad Bortsov Revolutsy Market or ride the funicular railway to the summit of Ulitsa Sukhanova for superb vistas of the bay and beyond.

Days 6-8 Trans-Siberian Railway (Vladivostok to Irkutsk)

Sit back and enjoy this epic journey, through a changing landscape of forested wilderness and sprawling grasslands, aboard the famous Number 1 Rossiya train.

Days 9-10 Lake Baikal

Travel to a traditional village on the banks of Lake Baikal, complete with houses decorated in 'Siberian lace' - decorative window fixtures that are believed to ward off evil spirits.

Days 11-13 Trans-Siberian Railway (Irkutsk to Moscow)

Re-board the Trans-Siberian Railway for the second leg of this epic journey. See the Volga River and Ural Mountains pass by while crossing from Asia into Europe.

Days 14-15 Moscow

Arrive in Moscow, a city that has seen many colourful chapters of history. See the final resting place of Tsars and Tsarinas inside the Kremlin and take a tour through the Armoury Museum, home to a glittering imperial collection of items. Before heading home, spy Lenin in his mausoleum, peek inside St Basil's Cathedral and ride the city's lavishly decorated metro system.

Group Size

Maximum of 16 travellers per group

Accommodation

Overnight sleeper train (7 nts), Hotel (4 nts), Homestay (2 nts), Hostel (1 nt), Private apartment (1 nt)

Transport

Overnight sleeper train, Private minibus, Metro

Budget

Allow USD $500 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$3,470

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