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Real Eurasian Westbound


This 19-day Trans-Mongolian journey will travel from Beijing through the Gobi Desert to Ulaanbaatar, across the border into Lake Baikal and Yekaterinburg, before ending at the Russian capital of Moscow.
Overview
Uncover the treasures of Earth’s largest continent from the edge of your seat with this extraordinary rail experience. Travelling westbound from Beijing to Moscow, the Real Eurasian offers a fascinating insight into the people and places that live along the Eurasian border. This Trans-Mongolian adventure provides a wholly authentic glimpse into the cities and communities that lie on the Eurasian border between Siberia and Mongolia. This 19-day Trans-Mongolian journey will travel from Beijing through the Gobi Desert to Ulaanbaatar, across the border into Lake Baikal and Yekaterinburg, before ending at the Russian capital of Moscow.
A transfer with a personal guide to accompany you to the train on the start of your journey
All relevant Trans-Siberian, Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian rail tickets
Breakfast at all hotels, homestays and other accommodation
Russian letter of invitation and visa support documents for China and Mongolia
Transfers for all departures and arrivals at each city
Itinerary


Beijing
The capital of China, Beijing, has a long history stretching back over 3000 years. The city is known for its unrivalled culture and architecture and is home to no less than 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the world-famous Forbidden City complex and the Badaling Great Wall of China. Beijing is one of the ‘Four Great Ancient Capitals of China’ and has been the political centre of the country for 800 years.
Day 1
Arrival in Beijing
Welcome to Beijing! Your driver will meet you at your arrival point and take you to your hotel ready for check-in.
You will have the rest of the day to explore the city for yourself or relax in your hotel.
Arrival Transfer
Free Time
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Day 2
Sightseeing tour of Beijing
After breakfast, you will meet your guide at the hotel for a half-day city tour where you will be introduced to many of the city’s highlights such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Pearl and Silk markets. A stop for lunch will be offered during the tour.
You will have the rest of the day free to explore Beijing for yourself.
Breakfast & Lunch
Expert Guide
Temple of Heaven
Walking Tour
The Circular Mound Altar
The Cypress Grove Temple
Souvenir Shopping
Food & Drink Experience
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Day 3
Free time in Beijing
Today, you will have the day free to explore the many districts and landmarks of Beijing for yourself.
If you are stuck for things to do, we have a wide range of Beijing excursions available to choose from.
Breakfast
Free Time
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Travel to


Trans-Mongolian
A variant of the traditional Trans-Siberian Railway, the Trans-Mongolian is one of the best ways to reach and explore Mongolia and passes between Moscow and Beijing visiting the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar on the way. The train journey itself offers diverse, spectacular views from the alpine forest regions of Siberia to the vast, arid Gobi Desert before skipping through the lush landscapes of China.
Day 4
Departure from Beijing
In the morning, you will check out of your hotel and meet your driver for your early morning transfer to the railway station. Our guide will advise, and assist, in purchasing provisions for the train if desired, accompany you to the platform, and answer any last-minute questions. You will then leave Beijing station for Ulaanbaatar.
Breakfast
Transfer to Train
Expert Guide
Day on the Train
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Travel to


Ulaanbaatar
The capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, was founded in the 17th century as a Buddhist monastic centre and is the country’s largest city. It is situated in the Tuul River valley, bordering the Bogd Khan Uul National Park and close to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. The city has a rich heritage and is home to many famous tourist attractions including the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Zaisan Memorial, Choijin Lama Temple, and the Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan.
Day 5
Exploring the Gorkhi Terelj National Park
After your arrival in Ulaanbaatar, your driver will take you straight to the world famous Gorkhi Terelj National Park. Lunch will be served at a local Ger camp, followed by walking in the hills, with an excursion to Turtle Rock and a meditation centre.
Later, you will return to the Ger camp for an evening meal and overnight stay.
Lunch & Dinner
Arrival Transfer
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Food & Drink Experience
Mongolian Ger
Walking Tour
Turtle Rock
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Day 6
Visiting the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex
After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to visit the famous Genghis Khan Statue Complex that includes a unique museum and scenic views from the top of the statue.
Additionally, you will meet a local herdsman’s family where you will get to learn more about the lives of Mongolia’s nomads, before driving back to the city of Ulaanbaatar where you will check-into the 3* Hotel.
Breakfast
Genghis Khan Statue Complex
Museums
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Meet the local herdsman’s family
Expert Guide
Day 7
City tour of Ulaanbaatar
Enjoy a fantastic half day city tour of Ulaanbaatar, where you will get to visit the city’s most famous landmarks, squares and streets.
You will have some free time to do some exploring for yourself, or, have the chance to take one of our optional Ulaanbaatar excursions.
Breakfast
City Tour
Expert Guide
Religious Buildings & Monuments
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Day 8
Departure from Ulaanbaatar
You have this morning free to do any last-minute sightseeing, before meeting your driver for the afternoon transfer to the railway station.
After departing Ulaanbaatar, you will spend the day on the train, continuing to the border of Russia. Leaving the first major Russian city Ulan-Ude, the train will head onwards to Irkutsk, passing by the amazing Lake Baikal.
Breakfast
Free Time
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Transfer to Train
Travel to


Listvyanka
A small settlement on the Western shore of Lake Baikal, Listvyanka is a highly popular tourist area known for its distinct local culture, fish market, and breathtaking hiking trails that venture around the edges of the lake. The settlement was formed near the point where the Angara River leaves Lake Baikal and is home to the Baikal Museum, with dedicated exhibits to the fauna and wildlife that can be found in the area.
Day 9
Arrival in Irkutsk
After arriving in Irkutsk, your driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel in nearby Listvyanka village on the shores of Lake Baikal.
You will have some free time in the afternoon to settle in and explore the village. The day will be rounded off with a traditional Baikal dinner, followed by an optional banya (Russian sauna) experience.
Dinner
Arrival Transfer
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Cultural Immersive Experience
Village ‘Banya’
Day 10
Free time in Listvyanka
Today, you are free to explore Listvyanka for yourself. The village has plenty to offer from picturesque nature hikes, to relaxing by the lakeside, or visiting one of the regional markets or museums.
If you are stuck for choice, we have a range of optional excursions in Listvyanka that are the perfect way to spend your day.
Breakfast
Free Time
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Lake Baikal
Day 11
Free time in Listvyanka
Enjoy another day around the beautiful Lake Baikal. Relax by the lake, go on one of the many nature walks in the area, or simply enjoy spending your day around the village.
Breakfast
Free Time
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Travel to


Irkutsk
Irkutsk is one of the largest cities in Siberia and the most important hub for tourism in the Lake Baikal region. As opposed to many of the more industrially shaped cities in Siberia, Irkutsk has a long history as a cultural centre and has been home to scientists, writers, artists, and political activists such as the Decembrists. It is also a key destination on the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Day 12
Irkutsk city tour by car
After a relaxing couple of days in Listvyanka, your driver will pick you up from your hotel for a brief city tour of Irkutsk by car. You will get to see the most interesting locations in the city, including the beautiful Russian Orthodox churches, the Polish Cathedral (the only Siberian Gothic-style building), traditional hand-crafted wooden houses, and the infamous Decembrists’ House.
At the end of the tour, you will check into your hotel in Irkutsk.
Breakfast
City Tour
Expert Guide
Polish Cathedral
Religious Buildings & Monuments
Decembrists’ House
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Day 13
Departure from Irkutsk
After breakfast, you will have some free time in the morning to do any last-minute exploring, before checking out of your hotel in Irkutsk.
You will meet your driver in the hotel lobby who will take you to the train station where you will continue your journey along the Trans-Mongolian Railway on through Siberia and on to Moscow.
Breakfast
Free Time
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Transfer to Train
Day 14
Heading into Eurasia
After passing through Novosibirsk, the largest city in Siberia, the train will head for the historic Yekaterinburg and the Ural Mountains, crossing the border between Asia and Europe, around 1,000 miles east of Moscow.
Day on the Train
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Travel to


Yekaterinburg
Yekaterinburg stands close to the divide between Russia and Kazakhstan and is known as the ‘window on Asia’ due to its close proximity to the border. The city is commonly referred to as Russia’s ‘third capital’ as it is ranked third for tourism, transport, and economic size. It holds crucial significance in Russian History as the final resting place of the Romanov dynasty.
Day on the Train
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Transfer
Day 16
City tour of Yekaterinburg
Today, you will embark on a half day tour, featuring some of the main attractions that Yekaterinburg has to offer, including the Cathedral on the Blood, Ascension Hill and the Literary Quarter, with a follow up visit to see the Europe/Asia border marker outside the city.
Breakfast
City Tour
Expert Guide
Church on the Blood of All Russian Saints
Ascension Hill
Literary Quarter
Cultural Immersive Experience
Europe-Asia border marker
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Day 17
Free time in Yekaterinburg
You will have a free day to explore, discover and experience everything Yekaterinburg has to offer.
Stuck for choice? Why not try one of our optional Yekaterinburg excursions.
Breakfast
Free Time
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Day 18
Train to Moscow
After checking out of your hotel, you will be met by your driver for the transfer to the railway station where you will catch the train to Moscow.
Breakfast
Transfer to Train
Day on the Train
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Travel to


Moscow
Russia’s official capital, Moscow, is the political and religious heart of the country. The city has the highest density of billionaires, is the world’s most populated inland city and boasts six out of Europe’s ten tallest buildings. It continues to be a major tourist destination in Europe growing year on year with famous attractions including Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, and the Kremlin.
Day 19
Arrival in Moscow
In the morning, you will arrive in Moscow where your tour will end. Your transfer will be waiting to pick you up and take you to your hotel, if you have chosen to spend a few more days in the city, or to the airport.
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Departure Transfer
Where you can stay
A hotel can be the make or break of any experience, and we understand that choosing the right hotel is important to our travellers. Check out our range of hotels ahead of time, and learn more about our standard 3-star options and the luxury 5-star upgrades that are available in the destinations you will be visiting.
Please note that the selection of hotels included here are examples of where you may stay on your tour, we will pick the best option for you based on your travel requirements.
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Dates & Rates
Please select the amount of travellers in your group and language requirement of your guide.
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*This tour’s total cost is an estimate, based on travel costs prior to tickets being released. The price is subject to fluctation of up to 10%.† Based on 2 people sharing a twin room.
More information
What’s included
A transfer with a personal guide to accompany you to the train on the start of your journey
Accommodation as part of the tour
All relevant Trans-Siberian, Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian rail tickets
All tours are COVID-19 secure and offer flexible booking options. Visit our Covid-19 information page to find out more
Full day guided tour: Genghis Khan Statue Complex and Nomad Life
Full day guided tour: Gorkhi Terelj National Park
Half day guided tour with excursions: Beijing
Half day guided tour with excursions: Irkutsk
Half day guided tour with excursions: Ulaanbaatar
Half day guided tour with excursions: Yekaterinburg
Meals: Breakfast at all Hotels, plus a dinner at Listvyanka / Baikal and other meals , which are dependent on your preferred excursions
Russian letter of invitation and visa support documents for China and Mongolia
Transfers for all departures and arrivals at each city
What’s not included
Flights or other travel arrangements prior to tour joining point
Masks or hand sanitizers
Meals, unless specified in the itinerary
Personal expenses such as souvenir shopping, or extra food and drink not included in the itinerary
Visa processing and service costs
Travel Tips
All travellers are asked to check the vaccination requirements before travel. Visit our Vaccines and Health page to find out more
Any dietary or allergy requirements will need to be disclosed before the start of the tour
Carrying a water bottle with you is recommended
Medication should always be taken with you and kept on your person
Please ensure that you keep any personal documents and valuables on your person at all times
WIFI will be available at most of the hotels, although mobile coverage may vary in rural areas
Your local guides will recommend stops where you can go souvenir shopping during your tour
Special notes
There are no special notes for this tour
Suggested reading
Enrich your travel experience with our list of top recommended books from specialist travel guides to compelling novels. Whether you are looking for something to pass the time on the train, or want to get to grips with the local history, reading is essential to turning your trip into a fully-fledged experience.
Beijing
The ultimate guidebook to Beijing that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s Beijing is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling to any destination from how to get around the city, the best places to eat, what you need to see while you are there, cultural highlights and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips, this guide includes detailed maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
China
The ultimate guidebook to China that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s China is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling to any destination from how to get around the country, the best places to eat in its most popular cities, what you need to see while you are there, cultural highlights and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips about key attractions such as the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City, this guide includes detailed maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
Mongolia
The ultimate guidebook to Mongolia that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s Mongolia is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling to any destination from how to get around the country, the best places to eat in its most popular cities, what you need to see while you are there, cultural highlights and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips about key attractions such as the Winter Palace of Bogd Khan and the Gadan Monastery, this guide includes detailed maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
Moscow
The ultimate guidebook to Moscow that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s Moscow is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling to any destination from how to get around the city, the best places to eat, what you need to see while you are there, cultural highlights and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips, this guide includes detailed maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
Russia: Lonely Planet
The ultimate guidebook to Russia that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s Russia is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling to this vast country from how to get around, the best places to eat in its most popular cities, what you need to see while you are there, cultural highlights, currency and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips about key attractions such as the Moscow Kremlin, Lake Baikal and the Romanov sites, this guide includes detailed maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
Trans-Siberian Adventures: Life on and off the rails from U.K. to Asia
Embarking one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys’, the Trans-Siberian Railway, Matthew Woodward sets off to rekindle his childhood passion for train travel. Trans-Siberian Adventures offers a personal insight into the highs, lows and expectations of long-distance train travel and is a must-read for anybody looking to embark on this mammoth journey from Moscow to Beijing and beyond.
Extras & Upgrades
Extras
Customise your experience with our spectacular range of tailor-made tour extras. If you have some free time during your tour and are unsure how to spend it, then our extras may be just what you are looking for, with various activities ranging from an hour long to a full day. Simply, let us know when booking your tour and we can arrange this for you.
Upgrades
Enhance your travel experience with one of our available tour upgrades. Whether you are looking to go first class on the train or swap your standard hotel for a luxury 5-star option, our Sales team are on-hand to help. Simply, let us know when booking your tour and we can arrange this for you.
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Visa Information

Single Entry Tourist Visa

Single Entry Tourist Visa
