Trans-Siberian by Private Train (Westbound)

DAY 1 – BEIJING—TEMPLE OF HEAVEN AND TIANANMEN SQUARE

You’ve arrived in China, one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating civilizations.

Beautiful Beijing. Your friendly, knowledgeable guides have stunning sights to show you, from the Temple of Heaven, the medieval masterpiece of architecture and landscape design, to the infamous Tiananmen Square.

First, a warm welcome and the chance to relax and freshen up at your first-class hotel.

Overnight: Capital Hotel (or similar). Meals included: dinner (D).

DAY 2 – THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA AND MING TOMBS

A day filled with beauty and awe. Today you experience the Great Wall of China, the world’s largest piece of ancient architecture, and its legendary scenery up close.

You also stop at the equally iconic Ming Tombs UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the exquisite Sacred Way necropolis.

In the evening, share stories over a feast of Peking Duck at one of China’s impressive themed restaurants.

An unforgettable day.

Overnight: Capital Hotel (or similar). (BLD)

DAY 3 – THE FORBIDDEN CITY AND DEPARTURE TO MONGOLIA

The home of twenty-four emperors and requiring over a million workers to build, the Forbidden City is one of most renowned palaces on Earth. For centuries, the glorious, ancient halls and temples were all but inaccessible. Today you can explore.

In the evening, you board a modern Chinese private train at Beijing and begin the journey to Mongolia. Take in the fascinating scenescapes of rural China and the surreal, sweeping sands of the emerging Gobi Desert.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 4 – THE GOBI DESERT

At noon, arrive at the Mongolian border and change to your Tsar’s Gold private train.

At Erlian, the authentic border market trades in your heart’s desires, at old world prices. Then sit back, as your private train takes you through dramatic expanses of the stunning Gobi Desert and the epic green steppes of Mongolia.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 5 – ULAN BATOR

It’s morning and the vibrant Mongolian capital, Ulan Bator, awaits. Travel light and leave your luggage securely on your private Trans-Siberian train.

You visit the jewel-like Choijin Lama Temple and enjoy evening performances of dynamic and captivating traditional Mongolian music (optional).

Overnight: Ramada Hotel (or similar) in Ulan Bator. Upon request: Overnight in a yurt in the Mongolian Alps. (BLD)

DAY 6 – GANDAN MONASTERY AND THE MONGOLIAN ALPS

Today you experience the stunning natural beauty of the Mongolian Alps. Amid its picture book landscapes, discover the domineering Buddhist Gandan Monastery and, at the open-air railroad museum, learn about the origins of the classic Trans-Siberian Railroad.

Picnicking in a yurt in the beautiful outdoors is the perfect way to dine. Try the Mongolian specialty of lamb in milk, with kumis for those feeling brave, a drink of fermented mare’s milk, known as the beer of the nomads.

Afterwards, shows offer an insight into the horsemanship so central to Mongolian culture, alongside a traditional wrestling match and archery display.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 7 – ULAN-UDE

Your private Trans-Mongolian train is journeying along the green and picturesque valley of the Selenga, the largest river in Mongolia.

Soon you arrive in Ulan-Ude, the bustling and friendly capital of the Republic of Buryatia, Russia, and stroll through its city streets or enjoy a guided tour.

In Ulan-Ude, your private train joins the main route of the Trans-Siberian Railroad.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 8 – LAKE BAIKAL

A day dedicated entirely to enjoying the blissful Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world. The clear, deep, aquamarine and green waters glitter in the sun. The mountains are mirrored in the lake like glass, a near-endless stillness pervades. You arrive directly at Port Baikal. There are plenty of opportunities to capture some perfect shots as you travel the Circum-Baikal Railroad. Relax, take a dip, explore the scenery and picturesque villages, and even take a boat ride.

On warm nights, dinner is served as a picnic on the elegant shores of this pristine lake, the perfect end to a most relaxing day.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 9 – IRKUTSK

You’ve arrived in popular and historic Irkutsk, one of Siberia’s largest cities. Travel light again and leave your luggage securely in your private train.

Tour the city’s colorful market, theater and two-manor site of the Irkutsk local history museum. Have a relaxed dinner in the evening before bed—your hotel room is centrally located.

Overnight: Hotel Irkutsk (or similar). (BLD)

DAY 10 – SIBERIA

A day of once-in-a-lifetime views enjoyed from the comfort of your private train.

Mountains of forest and mist in the sunlight. Rivers crashing along jagged rocky banks. Huge, imposing skies, shifting in rhythm with the tracks. Living art, in real time on your Trans-Siberian Railroad tour.

Entertaining lectures on local customs and culture double as social get-togethers between newfound friendships, complete with Russian canapes and hospitality.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 11 – NOVOSIBIRSK AND HOSPITALITY

In Russia, the word bread is associated with hospitality, and salt with friendship. In the charming city of Novosibirsk, you’re welcomed warmly with bread and salt in this tradition.

You arrive in Siberia’s biggest city at noon and take a tour that includes the majestic river Ob.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 12 – YEKATERINBURG

Yekaterinburg is the capital of the ancient Ural Mountain range. Its position on the Asian European border makes for a city of fascinating influences and combined cultures. You visit the painstakingly preserved city center and fairytale-like Church on Blood, which commemorates the site where the Romanovs, Russia’s last Tsar dynasty, were shot by revolutionists.

Your train leaves Asia into Europe.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 13 – KAZAN

Today is dedicated to the picturesque and historic Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia Tatar, on the banks of the Volga.

You take in the traditional Russian architecture and the fascinating stories of the Kremlin. You learn about the wild and bloody relations that played out between the Tatars, Cossacks and Russians, exactly where you’re standing.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

DAY 14 – MOSCOW

Moscow, one of the most vivid, dynamic and richly historic cities on earth. You see the other-worldly and world-famous Kremlin grounds and experience its magnificent cathedrals and interiors.

After dinner, you experience the opulence and color of Moscow at night on a tour that includes the almost dream-like Red Square and famously palatial subway stations.

Relax after your urban adventure in your central and comfortable top-range hotel.

Overnight: InterContinental Tverskaya (or similar. (BLD)

DAY 15 – MOSCOW, THEN HOME

Wake up to a morning in cosmopolitan Moscow. Today you see the surreal and candy-cane Russian masterpieces of St. Basil’s Cathedral and Novodevichy Convent.

You visit the lovingly reconstructed Cathedral of Christ the Savior and pass by the notorious former KGB headquarters, the imposing architecture of the Soviet-era White House and Lomonossov University, before bidding farewell to this bold and charismatic city.

Finally, transfer for your flight back home and the time to sit back and reflect.

You’ve explored China to Russia by train. Here’s to life-changing journeys. What an incredible adventure it’s been. (B)

Highlights of the Journey

• The Great Wall of China, Beijing’s Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven.

• Outstanding Natural Beauty: Overnight stay in a traditional yurt in the Mongolian Alps on request.

• The cities of Ulan Bator, Ulan Ude, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, and Kazan.

• Open-air museum in Irkutsk and the Mongolian Alps.

• Moscow, one of the greatest cities on Earth. Russia’s proud capital, complete with tours of its world-famous icons and cathedrals, including the Kremlin grounds and Red Square.