Day 1 (Thu): Beijing
Welcome to Beijing! Arrival transfer from Beijing airport to hotel. Overnight - Beijing

Day 2: Beijing - breakfast
Stretching 6700 km from the Bohai Gulf in China’s east to Jiayuguan in the west, the Great Wall is a symbol of Chinese genius. Driving beyond Beijing to Badaling, enjoy a walk on a section of the Great Wall. Some parts of the walk are very steep, but the views are fantastic. Back in Bejing, enjoy a walk on Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and where Chairman Mao proclaimed the People’s Republic in 1949. The square plays hosts to Chairman Mao’s great mausoleum, various stoic monuments and humankind out strolling, flying kites and eating ice creams. Dissecting it from the Forbidden City is Chang’an Avenue, the main centre thoroughfare. Staring out across the square, from above the Gate of Heavenly Peace is the famous technicolour portrait of Mao. It is through these gates that you’ll enter the Forbidden City and enjoy a guided tour. Built between 1406 and 1420, it served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties and is said to contain 9999 rooms. Residence of the emperors and focal point of the empire, entry was forbidden to all, except those on imperial business until 1911, when the last emperor, Puyi was overthrown. Lunch and overnight - Beijing

Day 3: Beijing - Ulaan Baatar - breakfast
Early this morning, an included transfer to Beijing rail station for the train to Ulaan Baatar - capital of Mongolia. Overnight - train

Days 4 & 5: Ulaan Baatar (Outer Mongolia) - Terelj NP
Mid-afternoon arrival (subject to border formalities & inevitable delays) and transfer to nearby Terelj National Park. En route, visit a nomad family. It doesn’t get much more exotic than Mongolia. Located in the landlocked plateau between Russian Siberia and the plains of northern China, Mongolia is a land of endless steppe, towering mountains, pristine lakes, rivers and desert. Once dominated by ancient warriors led by Genghis Khan and more recently under the thumb of Soviet oppression, today’s Mongolia is a destination that deserves to be on the hit list of all Trans-Sib travellers. Elevated and protected Terelj National Park offers stunning alpine scenery, is host to diverse flora and fauna, and is famous for it’s unique granite rock formations. Opportunities for outdoor pursuits abound. Hike, horse ride (at additional cost), rock climb, the choice is yours. The Mongolian ger is a sturdy wood and felt type tent. Ger means ‘home’ and it’s home during our stay on the steppe. Overnight (2) - ger camp. All meals included.

*Please note: Due to extreme weather, clients undertaking a classic adventure during the winter will be accommodated in permanent accommodation and not Mongolian gers.

Day 6: Terelj NP - Ulaan Baatar - Irkutsk & Lake Baikal - breakfast
Leaving Terelj NP, a transfer back to the capital - Ulaan Baatar via a food store in anticipation of the onward afternoon departure to Irkutsk in Russia. During the journey, the train will cross the border into Russia, bringing with it inevitable customs and immigration formalities and delays. Overnight - train

Day 7: Irkutsk & Lake Baikal
Afternoon arrival in Irkutsk - a town with Asiatic influences of nearby Mongolia and China and curious architecture - a legacy of Siberia’s aristocratic exiles. Transfer to nearby Listvyanka. Offering stunning views of Baikal - Siberia’s inland sea, Listvyanka is our year-round base. Enjoy a guided walk along the shores, including a visit to the Baikal Lake museum. Siberian banya (sauna), supper & overnight - homestay

Days 8 & 9: Irkutsk & Lake Baikal
Choose one of the exciting options available (see box below). Inc. breakfast & other meals!

Days 10 - 12: Irkutsk - Moscow - breakfast
Late afternoon transfer to the rail station for the onward journey to Moscow across tracts of Siberia and the Ural Mountains. Overnight (3) - train

Day 13 (Tue): Moscow
Late-afternoon, the train reaches Moscow.