Description

Come along on an awe-inspiring adventure traversing three great nations - Russia, Mongolia and China. From the opulence of Moscow and St Petersburg to the grace of imperial Beijing, travel along the most famous railway in the world through the heartland of Siberia and the vast grassy steppe of Mongolia - this trip showcases rail travel at its finest.

Highlights

• Admire Baroque buildings in lavish St Petersburg.
• Explore an ancient medieval Russian village .
• Visit Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow.
• Unwind aboard the Trans-Siberian Railway.
• Savour local hospitality on a Lake Baikal homestay.
• Journey across the vast Mongolian steppe.
• Stand atop the Great Wall of China.
• Wander through the immense Forbidden City.
• Meet a whirlwind of activity in Beijing city.

Itinerary

Days 1-3 St Petersburg

Simply bursting with intriguing sights and culture, get ready to be wowed by St Petersburg - it's opulent, sophisticated, historic and drop-dead gorgeous.

Day 4 Suzdal

Crumbling churches and charming wooden cottages line the narrow streets of Suzdal, one of the fascinating historic cities which make up Russia’s legendary Golden Ring.

Days 5-6 Moscow

Whether it's awe-inspiring history, iconic architecture, edgy creative centres or stylish bars and cafes, Moscow delivers on so many levels with a surprise around every corner.

Day 7 Moscow/Trans-Siberian Railway

Beneath its modern veneer - a sign of Russia's recent embrace of capitalism - Moscow is a fascinating, historic city with a wealth of sights to explore.

Days 8-10 Trans-Siberian Railway

The world's most famous train line, the Trans-Siberian is also the longest - winding its way through forests, small Siberian villages and big industrial cities to the far-flung reaches of Russia.

Days 11-12 Lake Baikal

The long rail journey comes to an end in the charming Siberian city of Irkutsk - gateway to Lake Baikal. Completely surrounded by mountains and tree-covered shores, beautiful Lake Baikal is the world's oldest and deepest lake, holding over 20% of the world's fresh water.

Days 13-14 Irkutsk/Trans-Mongolian Railway

Once a boom town of exiles and gold merchants, Irkutsk is still one of Siberia's most interesting cities with some of the sophisticated atmosphere it once offered. The epic Trans-Mongolian Railway travels from Moscow to Beijing, passing through the breathtaking wilds of Mongolia and is undoubtedly a trip of a lifetime.

Days 15-18 Ulaanbaatar/Ger Camp

This surprising city combines tradition with modern day in a Soviet-style framework. Ulaanbaatar may look grey, but the city's inherent spirit and its colourful people make this a city to remember. With its rolling meadows, forested hills and imposing rock formations, a ger camp in Terelj National Park is the perfect place to take in Mongolia's natural beauty.

Days 19-21 Beijing

Beijing has a long and colourful history and this rapidly modernising city is an amazing whirl of ancient sites, modern buildings, bicycles, people, shops and eateries.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Ger, Guesthouse, Hotel, Overnight sleeper train

Transport

Boat, Bus, Ferry, Metro, Overnight sleeper train, Train

Budget

Great Wall - Mutianyu section

Important notes

Please provide Intrepid or your booking agent with a scanned copy of the personal details page from your passport at time of booking.