Transsiberian Railway - Group Departures

Group tour including the must see stops along the Trans-Siberian Railway - Moscow, Irkutsk & Baikal, Ulan Bator and Beijing. Travel 8000 km with the leisurely pace of the railway that was a revolution for the inaccessible Siberia.

Experience the feeling of eternity and glory while passing through the endless birch forests and vast steppes at all times of the year. Travelling by train gives you the opportunity to feel the atmosphere of the places you are passing by. This is the classic route from Moscow through the boundless Siberia and the wild Mongolia to the exiting and densely populated megalopolis of Beijing. Besides staying in Russia's and China's pulsing capitals, we make trips to the countryside in Siberia and Mongolia. We stay at wooden houses on the shore of Baikal - the world's deepest lake, housing several animals only found here such as the freshwater seal. In Mongolia, we admire the endless Mongolian steppes, where we feel the true nomadic style staying in the traditional round felt tents. The journey continues to the east towards the Chinese capital Beijing. Just before arriving we see through the window of the train The Great Chinese Wall – one of the new seven world wonders. You will spend several days in Beijing and see the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Ming Tombs and other interesting places. Of course, climbing of the Chinese wall is a must.

This tour gives you plenty of both big city culture and unique nature experiences in landscape of plains and steppes. Unique nature and culture of two continents. City life, rural urbanization and nomadism.

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Life on the Train
The Trans-Siberian is not a railway especially arranged for tourists; it’s just a means of public transportation. You will spend your days in the train meeting new people, chatting, eating, playing games, reading and enjoying the changing landscape through the window. You will be able to get off and stretch your legs at the train stations, where the train stops for 5-20 minutes. Getting to know the locals is guaranteed. You might find yourself drinking vodka with a Russian soldier, discussing politics with a Chinese academic or sharing a bottle of Russian champagne with a Mongolian businessman.

Types of trains and classes
You can choose between first class and second class. A first-class compartment is shared by two passengers – there are two lower berths one oposite the other with a table between them. A second-class compartment is shared by four (there's quite plenty of space, comparing to European trains). The beds are two by two one above the other. There is a small table next to the window and enough space for luggage. There are bedcovers and pillows, and at the beginning of the journey, you get bedclothes. Each wagon is being kept in order by two train attendants. They will make sure your journey passes smoothly, exit at every station and remind you to get on the train before it has left, and offer you hot water for coffee or tea.

Food
There is a restaurant on the trains where both the staff and the menu change depending on the country the train is crossing, so the quality is difficult to predict. It is a good idea to bring along some supplies, but you will be able to buy very cheap, fresh and tasty food at the stations. You can buy everything: from a bottle of beer or water to home made boiled potatoes, eggs, cakes, chicken breast, vodka, smoked fish and fresh vegetables. The train-attendants also sell some not expensive snacks and drinks, so you won’t get hungry.

Hygiene, toilets and showers
Each carriage has its own train-attendants who does the daily cleaning. At each end of the carriage there is a toilet with a WC and a small sink. It is advisable to bring liquid soap and soft wet pads with you.

Season
The best time for the journey is from April to October. The winter is bitterly cold but, if you are not afraid of the frost, you’ll experience Siberia covered with snow. Only the locals travel in winter – there are virtually no tourists. And it is quite warm on the train.

Luggage
You should carry your own luggage. That's why we recommend you to bring racksack with you instead of a suitcase. It is far more comfortabe mainly when climbing up and down the stairs at the train stations.

Price Includes:
Accommodation and meals as described in each itinerary (we reserve the right to change the mentioned hotels with similar)
train tickets at 2nd class (4 persons in compartment)
all excursions mentioned in the itineraries including transport with entrance fees and local English speaking guides
transfer from the airport in Moscow to the hotel in Moscow
English-speaking tour-leader from Penguin Travel (at min. 8 persons)

Not Included:
Flight tickets
visas to Russia; Mongolia and China (if you need them - check with the local Consular Offices)
insurance
drinks and meals not mentioned
extra nights before/after the tour
additional excursions
transfers from the hotel in Beijing/Vladivostok to the respective airports
tips
personal expenses

Additional Services:
Single room supplement: please check for each program in the itineraries above
transfer hotel in Beijing - airport: 42 EUR per person (min. 2 persons)
transfer hotel in Vladivostok - airport: 48 EUR (1-2 persons)

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