Your first day in Beijing will then include a tour of the city to see some of the most important and historic sites, including the Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square, as well as some of its more contemporary architectural achievements, including the ‘Birds Nest’ Olympic Stadium and the thoroughly modern skyscrapers now dotting the Beijing skyline.

That evening you can enjoy a local favourite, and well-known delicacy, Peking Duck.

Later, you will board a chartered Chinese train for Erlian (Erenhot), on the border with Mongolia, to catch up with your private train and your Trans-Mongolian adventure!

Between trains you will have the chance to explore the colourful local market of the growing town of Erlian (Erenhot).

Crossing the vast Gobi desert, and later the lush, green steppe, you will have time to take in the views, socialise with your travelling companions and, most importantly, relax.

Once in Ulaanbaatar the tour will take in many of the key sights around the city, including the Choijin Lama Temple that was built between 1904 and 1908, before being converted into a museum in 1938.

That evening you will have the chance to attend a unique performance of traditional Mongolian folk arts, including throat singing, horse-headed fiddle playing, national costumes and dances (optional, to be paid on site).

You will leave the centre of Ulaanbaatar today for a trip to the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park to explore a traditional side of Mongolia; nomadic herdsmen with their Ger settlements, horse herds and yaks.

A small horse-riding demonstration and a traditional wrestling match will be put on for you, as well as a picnic, before heading back towards Ulaanbaatar.

During the morning the train will travel along the original route of the Trans-Siberian railway, skirting along the shoreline of the lake, offering two, extended, stops that allow for photo-opportunities as well as a little time to explore the gorgeous surroundings.

A brief boat trip from Port Baikal will take you out onto the lake, where you can have a quick swim, weather permitting, and if you are feeling brave.

Dinner that evening will be a Baikal-style picnic on the shores of the lake with a stunning view of the lakes natural beauty

During the tour you will have the opportunity to view the Okhlopkov Drama Theatre, the new statue of Alexander III (the Trans-Siberians instigator) and the lively market hall.

The afternoon will be spent at the brilliant open-air museum nearby, which chronicles the history of Siberia from the 17th century onwards.

During this downtime there will be talks on-board to inform you about the region as well as vodka tasting; offering the opportunity to really experience the Russian customs of hospitality and clever toasts.

You will be welcomed to the city in traditional Russia style with bread and salt, before being guided around the most Soviet of all the cities you will see on our journey, including visits to the Trans-Siberian Monument and the mighty Ob River.

As part of your tour you will visit the Cathedral of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood, a cathedral built in commemoration of that tragic event. In addition you will be taken around the attractive city centre before heading back to the train and visiting the obelisk on the border between Europe and Asia.

The tour of Kazan will take in many of the Tartar Mosques and Russian Orthodox Cathedrals, though the highlight of this stop is a guided tour of the, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kazan Kremlin. With its wonderful panoramic views of the Volga, you will learn all about the turbulent history of the Tartars, the Cossacks and the Russians.

Your grand, guided, city tour will begin in the morning, taking in the Kremlin and its marvellous Tsarist-era cathedral, allowing entry to several of the buildings for a unique view that few ever get to see.

That evening you will be taken on a hour long ‘City of Lights’ tour to see the exquisitely illuminated city, with visits also to Red Square and the metro system to see the ornately decorated stations. Once you have finished you will return to your hotel to rest up and prepare for your last day in Russia.

The tour of the city this morning covers the reconstructed Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Lomonossov University, the New Maidens’ Convent (Novodevichy Monastery) Red Square and St Basils Cathedral with its famous, colourful, onion domes.

If you are not yet ready to journey home, why not try Real Russia’s ‘Heart of Russia’ Moscow extension?