Jewels of the Trans Mongolian
Jewels of the Trans Mongolian
Jewels of the Trans Mongolian
29 Days Starting in St Petersburg and ending in Hong Kong
Visiting: St. Petersburg, Moscow , Train - Moscow to Yekaterinburg, Yekaterinburg , Train - Yekaterinburg to Irkutsk, Irkutsk, Train - Irkutsk to Ulaanbaatar, Ulaanbaatar, Khustai National Park, Terelj National Park, Train - Ulaanbaatar to Beijing, Beijing, Xian , Guangzhou, Hong Kong
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JTMS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 15
Age range:
12-90
Trip Styles:
Tour Overview
Join us on our original and most comprehensive tour. Ride the rails of the Trans Mongolian railway from St. Petersburg on the Baltic Sea, to Hong Kong on the South China Sea. On the way visit grand imperial cities that shaped history as well as vast expanses of nature that have untouched by modernity.
Itinerary
Day 1: St. Petersburg - The ‘Venice Of The North’
Location: St. Petersburg
Begin your epic journey in St. Petersburg with its reminders of the halcyon days of the tsars. Join your Tour Leader and fellow travellers this evening as final preparations are made for your departure. Please meet your Tour Leader at 5:00pm for your Welcome Meeting as detailed on your joining instructions.
Day 2: St. Petersburg
Location: St. Petersburg
‘The united magnificence of all the cities of Europe are but its equal.’ – so said Voltaire. St. Petersburg is indeed a unique treasure house of 18th century architecture and the city that best displays the Russian genius for museums.
Visit The Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the unequalled collections of the Hermitage.
Day 3: St. Petersburg
Location: St. Petersburg
Beyond the city, marvel at the fabulous summer palaces of the Tsars at Catherine Place and Petrodvorets (Peterhof). On our final night in St. Petersburg we enjoy an evening performance at one of St. Petersburg’s excellent theatres.
Day 4: St. Petersburg And On To Moscow
Location: Moscow
This morning we board our first train bound for Moscow arriving into the capital late afternoon.
During our stay in Moscow you will have ample time to explore the wonderfully diverse monuments and spectacles on offer, above and below the ground; from the echoing vastness of Red Square, to the twirled cupolas of St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin itself – the fabled palace-fort of gilded domes, where you can go beyond the dominating brick walls to inspect the Armoury Chamber and marvel the exquisite collection of royal treasures held within its walls, which includes a collection of over fifty Faberge eggs.
Day 5: Moscow
Location: Moscow
An ancient veneer converges with modern-slick in a city of 10 million, where there’s something to ignite your senses at every turn. Beneath the city lies the palatial/stunning metro rail system draped in chandeliers, mosaics and baroque bas-reliefs.
Day 6: Moscow And To Yekaterinburg
Location: Train - Moscow to Yekaterinburg
Beneath the city lies the palatial metro rail system draped in chandeliers, mosaics and baroque bas-reliefs. On our final day in Moscow the day is yours to navigate the city’s stunning Metro, explore the exciting streets of Tverskaya Ulitsa (street) or Arbat Street, famous for its cafes and souvenirs and revisit some of the cities iconic sites before we embark on our journey towards Asia aboard our overnight train.
Sharing the journey with Russian travellers is half the fun! You’ll appreciate this remarkable century-old feat of engineering as the train clatters over countless steel bridges straddling vast rivers, and crosses the Ural Mountains that divide Europe and Asia, and onto Yekaterinburg.
Day 7: Yekaterinburg - Welcome To Asia!
Location: Yekaterinburg
Yekaterinburg, a city founded by Peter the Great in 1723, is situated just 40 kilometers inside of Asia. By the 20th century Yekaterinburg became one of Russia’s largest and most important financial, industrial and cultural centres.
Infamous as the site of the brutal murders of the Romanovs. Here you will embark on a city tour where we will take in the history and intrigue surrounding the murder of the Romanov family, a significant event that changed Russia forever and ushered in the Communist era in 1918. Pay your respects at the church recently built on the site.
Day 8: Yekaterinburg
Location: Yekaterinburg
This city has a much brighter side to its tragic history. Today Yekaterinburg is rich in architectural monuments, museums and theatres. See the obelisk which marks the spot where Europe and Asia meet and stroll around an impressive collection of museums and historic monuments.
Day 9: Aboard The Trans Siberian Railway
Location: Train - Yekaterinburg to Irkutsk
Late morning we board our train that will carry us into Siberia.
Watch the endless silvers and greens of Siberia’s Taiga forest flicker past your window as we traverse the Great Eurasian Plateau, crossing the mighty Ob River at Novosibirsk and continuing towards the very heartland of Siberia, Irkutsk.
Day 10: Trans Siberian Railway
Location: Train - Yekaterinburg to Irkutsk
Make up your bed with the sheets provided by your provodista and settle in for the night, drifting off to sleep with the rocking and rolling of the train gliding over the tracks.
Day 11: Arrive Irkutsk
Location: Irkutsk
In the evening we arrive into Irkutsk. Founded over 350 years ago it prospered as a market town on the ‘Tea Route’ between China and Europe. The city today is proud of its place in Russian history, and is always a highlight of any Trans Mongolian rail journey.
Day 12: Lake Baikal
Location: Irkutsk
Today we're off for the day to the lakeside village of Listvyanka on the shores of Lake Baikal. You will marvel at the vastness of this inland ‘sea’. Over 600 kilometres in length and up to 80 kilometres in width, Baikal contains one-fifth of the earth’s fresh water and is home to many unique species.
We visit the Limnological Museum where you have the opportunity to gain an insight into the traditional lives of Siberian people and the lakes inhabitants. Enjoy a stroll by the lake where you can take a walk along the shore and for the adventurous – a swim!
Day 13: Irkutsk
Location: Irkutsk
Back in Irkutsk we will visit the central market, cathedrals and many of the old buildings embellished with intricate wooden lacework, and with our local guide we learn the history of the Decembrists and their exile to Irkutsk in the 1860’s.
Day 14: Irkutsk And Onto Mongolia
Location: Train - Irkutsk to Ulaanbaatar
Leaving Siberia we settle into life on board, enjoying the company of our fellow passengers as we make our way south towards Ulaanbaatar.
Day 15: Ulaanbaatar - Welcome To Mongolia!
Location: Ulaanbaatar
You awake to the stunning visual of the horse and ger dotted steppe that seems to stretch forever, the occasional nomad encampment appears mirage-like through the carriage window. Early this morning you will arrive into Ulaanbaatar, the modern capital of Mongolia. We get acquainted with the city during our morning city tour. In the evening we take in a cultural performance where you will hear the unique Mongolian throat singing – quite a spectacle to experience!
Day 16: To Khustai National Park
Location: Khustai National Park
This morning we visit the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan, where we can learn about the life of the Mongolia's last great Khan. The Mongolia of Genghis Khan lies beyond the city, the land of the nomad. We travel out across the endless green steppe to Khustai National Park – home to the last breed of wild horses, the Przewalski horse or Takhi in Mongolian.
Day 17: To Terelj National Park
Location: Terelj National Park
This morning we experience traditional nomadic lifestyle with a cultural demonstration. Then, we continue to the countryside retreat of Terelj National Park for a two night stay in a ger – the traditional home of the Mongolian people set amid stunning mountainous scenery. Here we can explore nearby valleys taking in a local monastery and Turtle Rock or just relax and enjoy the area.
Day 18: Terelj National Park
Location: Terelj National Park
Wake to a morning on the Mongolian steppe where the lives of the Mongolian people have changed little in 500 years. Among nomadic families and their grazing livestock you have the opportunity to try horse riding within the rolling hills of the National Park. The remainder of the day is spent exploring this magical area. We visit a local family and experience the true nomadic lifestyle.
Day 19: Return To Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
This morning we return to the world’s most remote capital – Ulaanbaatar where we will enjoy our final day in Mongolia soaking up this fascinating culture and dynamic city.
Day 20: Across The Gobi To Beijing
Location: Train - Ulaanbaatar to Beijing
Feeling refreshed we reboard the train and travel over the steppe-lands of Mongolia, south across the fringes of the Gobi Desert towards the Chinese frontier, at the border town of Erlian change train bogies and glide on into China!
Day 21: Beijing
Location: Beijing
We arrive in China’s capital mid-afternoon, a thriving city which is the country’s political, economic and cultural centre. Immerse yourself in this bustling metropolis with neon strips. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of the ancient laneways of the Hutongs or sample a rare delicacy at the night markets.
Day 22: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Visit Beijing’s many wonderful sights. The heart of Beijing is the Forbidden City the former home of China's emperors which was off limits to mere mortals for 500 years and now you can meander through admiring amazing treasures acquired over 5000 years of Chinese history. Explore Tiananmen Square and Mao’s Mausoleum. Set in beautiful parklands we discover the fascinating history and significance of the serene Temple of Heaven.
Day 23: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Set off on an unforgettable excursion to visit one of China's most popular destinations, the Great Wall of China. Built to defend the civilised world from the fierce and capable Mongol horsemen, the Wall stretches 10,000 Li across China’s mountainous northern frontier.
Day 24: To Xian
After our final morning of exploring this incredible city we return to the railway station to begin our journey to the remarkable Silk Road city of Xian.
Day 25: Xian
Location: Xian
The city still captures the romance of its rich imperial past and the glories of the Silk Road. Beyond the city the highlight of our stay is the entombed Terracotta Warriors – over 6,000 life-sized figures. Spend a day exploring the old city walls,and the Little Goose Pagoda before continuing our journey further south.
Day 26: Guangzhou
Location: Guangzhou
It is time to continue our journey as we make our way through the ever-changing landscapes of southern China to the bright lights and big city of Guangzhou.
Day 27: Guangzhou
Location: Guangzhou
Founded in 214 BC China’s third largest city boasts a long, colourful history spanning legends and Silk Road trade. A mesmerising concoction of glitz and flashing lights, between pockets of an old city that still retains its character from yesteryear. Today, Guangzhou is renowned as one of China’s top food destinations.
Day 28: Hong Kong
Location: Hong Kong
This morning we board our final train with over 12,000 kilometres behind us along one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, we travel to Hong Kong where our epic Trans Siberian Railway journey concludes.
Visit the central district, the home of the skyscraper. The original government district where the city's finest colonial architecture can still be seen. At night perhaps take in the iconic view of Hong Kong's skyline from the water via ferry and see the dazzling Symphony of Lights show or delight your taste buds at Temple Street Market where the surrounding streets are transformed into one big open air restaurant with street stalls filling the air with an aroma to make you even more eager to sample the local cuisine.
Day 29: Hong Kong
Location: Hong Kong
Your epic journey comes to an end as you depart your hotel this morning in this city of simple pleasures that will leave you with priceless memories.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded, well travelled clients who you are sure to forge lasting friendships with as you unlock the wonders of the world together.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1964
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You will
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Comprehensive tour documentation and visa guidelines
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please see full booking conditions for details.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Contact us to see if an alternative start point applies to your chosen journey.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, we ensure that all accommodation is of a suitable standard for our journeys.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Please see full booking conditions for details
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Sundowners Overland requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of sundowners overland charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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