Yet the main attraction has to be the gradually changing scenery itself: from the climb through the Ural mountains (the boundary between Europe and Asia), to the wide open steppes and broad rivers we cross, traveling on the Trans-Siberian is the only way to truly take in the vastness and grandeur of the world’s largest country. Travel aboard luxury train “Trans-Siberian Express” for unparalleled opportunities for viewing wildlife and scenery, time for optional excursions, and the chance to experience some of the Russia’s most pristine wilderness. Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Moscow. Arrival in Moscow. You will meet your tour guides at Moscow airport and they will transfer you to the hotel. After dinner a tour of Moscow by night throug the beautiful illuminated city will make you to forget old stories about Russia being grey and dark. Moscow has become a vibrant city, comparable to Paris or Rome and full of life. Accommodation in a **** hotel in Moscow. Day 2: Moscow. A full day sightseeing tour shows you the magnificent Red Square, the Kremlin grounds and other highlights of Moscow. In the evening transfer tothe railway station where your private special train Grand Trans Siberian Express is expecting you to board for the first leg of the almost 6’000 miles long journey to Beijing. Welcome dinner and accommodation onboard the Grand Trans Siberian Express. Day 3: Kazan Arrive at the picturesque and historic city of Kazan by mid-morning. Situated on the River Volga, Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan. Here we have the opportunity to see for ourselves its rich tapestry of history and culture. One of the highlights of this city tour is our exploration of the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel we will explore its stunning mosque and onion-domed cathedral. After enjoying a relaxing dinner on the Alexander Nevsky Private train, you may wish to retire to our welcoming bar car where you can enjoy drinks with new friends whilst listening to our resident pianist. Day 4: Yekaterinburg We pass the Ural Mountains -traditional boundary between Europe and Asia- before arriving in the historic city of Yekaterinburg. Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, the third largest Russian city is also the capital of the Urals. The cultural and architectural influences of European and Asian civilizations come together in this fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape. Our city tour takes us to the poignant site where the Romanov, Nicholas II of Russia was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site provides us with a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. Day 5: Novosibirsk. A modern 'Soviet' city, we experience the life and character of Novosibirsk's rich culture where the arts, science and literature predominate. Our city tour takes us to the Opera House. An architectural marvel, it houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is the largest opera house in the world. In front of the Opera House, we visit an imposing statue of Lenin - a marvelous opportunity to have your photograph taken with this iconic political leader. Day 6: Krasnoyarsk It is surrounded by mountains, giving a very interesting flavour to the city views. It is located along Yenissei River which is the greatest river system flowing to the Arctic Ocean. A sightseeing tour shows several view points and the main shopping street which is fascinating as the local mayor decided to decorate it with palm trees insummer time – in the middle of Siberia! During a boat cruise on the Yenissei River you will have a great view on the city and the huge railway bridge crossing the river. Accommodation onboard the Grand Trans Siberian Express. Days 7-8: Irkutsk and Lake Baikal We arrive in Irkutsk and visit Lake Baikal, the ‘Pearl of Siberia’, where we spend two unforgettable days. When sun sets on the horizon and warm breeze tinges the waves with golden gleam of sunset, everything around breathes with summer and freedom. You know, that you are at Lake Baikal. Summer on the scope of sacred Lake Baikal is the time for discoveries and wild adventures. Feel the luxury of wild freedom that is waiting for you this summer on the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Baikal. Explore the Maloe Sea by sailing the boat along the coast of Primorskiy Ridge, throwing its shimmering reflection over the water. Try your hand at the helm or sit back and let us do the sailing while you take in the sights and the sun as the Captain points out the highlights around you. Day 9: Ulan-Ude. This morning we arrive in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic. The ethnic and cultural diversity of this area offers a unique insight into its heritage. As we tour the area by coach you will notice the different faces and dress styles of these welcoming people.Here we have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of these religious people as we are treated to a traditional meal and enjoy a concert featuring local dancers and musicians. Day 10: Ulaanbaatar In the morning the Grand Trans Siberian Express arrives in Ulaan Baatar, the capital of Mongolia. During a sightseeing tour you will visit the famous Ghandan Monastery, the central Sukhabaatar Square, the Bogd Khan Museum which used to be formerly the winter and sometimes also the summer palace of the Khan’s, as well as the Zaisanmonument at a viewpoint high above the city. From there you will have an excellent view of the city which is surrounded by large areas of yurt settlements. An amazing cultural music and dance show will introduce Mongolian folk music and culture to you. Accommodation in a *** hotel in Ulaan Baatar. Day 11: Ulaanbaatar Today an unforgettable excursion will take you to the Terelj National Park which is famous for its nature. A stone formation called “turtle” and other holy places will fascinate you. In the park area you will have the chance to meet a herder family inside their yurt. In the evening the train leaves Ulaanbaatar for China. A show specially arranged for the participants of the Grand Trans Siberian Express demonstrates 2 disciplines of the Mongolian National Naadaam festival: Wrestling and Archery. Enjoy the rest of the day viewing the wonderful scenery of Mongolia with yurts, nomads, horses passing by the window of the special train. Accommodation onboard the Grand Trans Siberian Express. Day 12: Gobi Dessert In the morning the train arrives at the Mongolian-Chinese border, in the middle of Gobi Desert. Temperatures can reach 30 centigrade in summer time. Mongolian and Chinese immigration formalities will take place onboard the train. You may stay in your compartment and don’t have to leave the train. In Erlian railway station the Russian railway gauge system (“broad gauge” 1520 mm wide) meets the China railway gauge system (“standard gauge” 1435mm wide). The Grand Trans Siberian Express therefore terminates in Erlian. A connecting Chinese special train will be waiting on the same platform. While you luggage will be transferred by service staffto the Chinese private train, you will enjoy a quick tour to the local bazaar style market and a first traditional Chinese lunch. In the afternoon the Chinese train will pass through southern parts of Gobi Desert on its way to Peking. Accommodation onboard the Chinese special train. Day 13: Beijing. A full day city sightseeing tour will show you the Imperial Palace (“Forbidden City”), the huge Tian An Men Square and the Temple of Heaven.Accommodation in a **** hotel in Beijing. Day 14: Beijing. Today you will visit the Great Wall of China, which often is called “8th world wonder”. The 6000 km the wall stretches from East to West. On the way there are the Ming Tombs. A farewell dinner will be hold in one the famous Peking duck restaurants. Accommodation in a **** hotel in Peking. Day 15: Beijing. Airport transfers are provided by our service team to connect with your flight departing Beijing. Notes: Price Includes: 
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