Trans Siberian

TRANSSIBERIAN

2007/2008

Russia Experience

your complete guide

Dare to Journey 4/5Epic Trans-Sib 6/7Mammoth Trans-Sib 8/9Ultimate Trans-Sib 10/11Outer & Inner Mongolia 12/13Dr. Zhivago 14/15Gobi & Gulag 16/17Big Trans-Sib 18/19On Board the Train 20/21Three Capitals 22/23Stops on Route 24Destination Info 25/28Stops on Route 29Original Trans-Siberian 30Trans-Manchurian Classic 31Super Trans-Sib 32/33Snow Train 34/35Westbound Departures 36/37Starting Your Trans-Sib Trip in St Petes 38/39China 40/43St Petersburg Hotels 44Moscow Hotels 45Spicing It Up 46City Excursions 47Countdown To Your Trip 48Frequently Asked Questions 49Booking Conditions 50Booking Form 51

Contents

02 Contents

TRANSSIBERIAN

2007/2008

Above Centre: Xi’an, Great Goose Pagoda (photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience)

Below Left: Moscow Kremlin, Assumption Cathedral(photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience)

Below Centre: Mongolian horses(photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience)

Below Right: Beijing, Forbidden City(photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience)

RussiaThe world’s largest country, starting in Europe andreaching to the Pacific, and stretching from the Arcticicebergs to the deserts of Central Asia. Come for thelegendary sights of the Kremlin or the Hermitage - stayfor the unexpected experiences of nomadic peoples,siberian saunas, wild nightclubs and yummyrestaurants. Forget the cold-war cliches and meet thecountry that’s out-pumping Saudi Arabia on the oilmarkets, and whose favourite soccer team is “Chelski”.

MongoliaBritain would fit into Mongolia six times - but Mongolia’s population (2.7m) wouldn’t evenequal a London borough. In the middle of theemptiness of the Gobi Desert the Steppe nomads tend flocks in a way Genghis Khan would find largely unchanged - but alongside that,Ulaanbaatar has a wild, wacky and new-ageylifestyle where buddhism meets broadband.

ChinaThe sleeping giant is waking-up - now’s the time to catch China’s unique cultural heritage, before the economic boom sweeping the country paves and mirror-glazes the entire nation? Theastounding contrasts between the pagodas of ancientXi’an and the skyscrapers of Shanghai will leave yourhead spinning - so lie down and have a traditionalChinese massage before supper... satay-sticks from theNight Market, or Peking Duck at a slick eaterie?

Russia Experience was started by travel fans who�d ridden the Trans-Sib Rails themselves, and wanted to share this amazing experience with others. Sidestep the herd instinct and

abandon passive gawping - our trips are about active immersion and involvement in destinations that are shrouded in myth and mystery, and best discovered for yourself

NOVOSIB

ST PETERSBURG

MOSCOW

EKATERINBPERM

Dare to journey beyond conventional boundaries.

04 Dare to Journey

“At 9001 KM... it’s the longestlunch you will ever have”

NEIL MCGOWAN

ST PETERSBURG

MOSCOW

PERMEKATERINB

NOVOSIB

IRSK

BURG

Dare to Journey 05

VLADIVOSTOK

HARBIN

HUHEHOTIRKUTSK

ULAN-UDAY

XI’AN

SHANGHAI

HONG KONG

BEIJING

GUILIN

GUANGZHOU

ULAANBAATAR

HANOI

BURG

IRSK

IRKUTSK

ULAN-UDAY

VLADIVOSTOK

HARBIN

ULAANBAATAR

HUHEHOT

BEIJING

SHANGHAI

XI’AN

GUILIN

HONG KONG

GUANGZHOU

HANOI

full on itineraryDAY 01 We whisk you by car directly to your hotel -

your first night in Moscow.

DAY 02 After breakfast your local expert will meetyou at the hotel, to whiz you round thehighlights. This is using public transport tofamiliarise you with the city centre and helpsmooth your path… at least until lunchtime!Afternoon and evening free to explore.

DAY 03 A free full day - take your pick...

DAY 04 The Trans-Sib line leads you past Kazan and Ekaterinburg…

DAY 05 Then onwards into Siberia itself, via Novosibirsk…

DAY 06 Across the River Yenisei, at Krasnoyarsk…

DAY 07 Arrive in Irkutsk: Take your choice ofprogram from the two options.

06 Epic Trans-Sib

Mongolia: Erdenezuu Monastery photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Left - Baikal: lakeside trekphoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

from

£1,27517 nights/18 days18 nights/19 daysoperational seasonMay-Sept

N O T G R O U P D E P A R T U R E S

WANT TOCUSTOMISEYOUR TRIP?SEE PAGE 49NOT GROUP

DEPARTURES -

DATESGUARANTEED

Above - Mongolian friends at Elsteiphoto: Aimie Conning/Russia Experience

Above - Ger Campphoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

EPIC TRANS-SIBEPIC TRANS-SIBlake baikal plus mongolian gobilake baikal plus mongolian gobi

Epic Trans-Sib 07

baikal programmes Choose either Siberian Village or Adventure Trek

DAY 07 Arrival into Irkutsk and transfer (1hr) toListvyanka Village on the shore of Lake Baikal.Stay in an authentic Siberian log-cabin (izba). Lunch.See the village, the old Church, and the Lake WildlifeMuseum with your friendly local expert. Then get it alloff your chest the Siberian way in the sauna! (banya)You’ll be ready for your home-cooked supper after allthat, then sleep like a log in a log cabin.DAY 08 Choose one activity from the list, it’s allincluded in the trip price!(A) SOFTIES TREK through the Taiga Forest, with aForester Guide to explain the wildlife, ecosystem andlore of the Taiga. (May-Oct).(B) SIBERIAN SCUBA in Lake Baikal (they say yougain a year of life if you dive in!) with qualified CMAS-instructors (requires PADI-1), 2 dives included. (May-Sep).(C) DO YOUR OWN THING maybe take off on aCliffside walk, or mosey around the village, or take adip in Lake Baikal! Supper, then maybe try the localbar? Overnight with host family.DAY 09 Breakfast. Free time, supper and overnight with host family.

1 Arrive Moscow, transfer to accommodation

2 Moscow sightseeing with local expert

3 Day for sightseeing in Moscow, evening transfer to station

4 On board the Trans-Sib, through the Urals Mountains

5 On board into Siberia, crossing the River Ob at Novosibirsk

6 On board - across central Siberia and crossing the Yenisei

7-9 Arrive Irkutsk, CHOOSE EITHER: Siberian Village, with mini-trek, scuba,walking options OR Adventure Trek

10 Return to Irkutsk, free time to explore, then eve depart by train

11 On board, around Lake Baikal then southwards to Mongolia

12 Ulaanbaatar city walk, depart to Bayan Gobi, nomad stay

13 Onwards to Karakorum site, overnight stay with nomads

14 Sightseeing in Bayan Gobi, arrive to Elstei Ger Camp

15 Free day at Elstei for walking, optional riding, or just relaxing

16 Return to Ulaanbaatar, free time to explore, and overnight

17 Depart to Beijing by train, midnight border crossing

18 Pass the Great Wall of China, and arrive in Beijing

Only available to two or more passengers travelling togetherbetween 15 June and 1 September.

DAY 07 Arrival in Irkutsk transfer to host family. Showerand breakfast, prepare for trekking (you can leaveheavy baggage in Irkutsk). At 18.00 hrs you will departby public bus to Goloustnoe Village (2hrs). Short trek(3km). Set up camp on shore of Lake Baikal. DAY 08 Breakfast. Trek along the Baikal shore (25 km).Picnic lunch along the way. Set up camp at SennayaBay, supper and overnight.DAY 09 Breakfast. Trek onwards to Bol’shie Koty Village(9km). Ride the city hydrofoil service to Irkutsk. Freetime to visit the city. Overnight with host family.

EITHER (1) SIBERIAN VILLAGE OR (2) ADVENTURE TREK

the trip

DAY 10 Breakfast. Transfer to Irkutsk City. Return to family stay and be reunited with your baggage. Free time to visit the city. Transfer to station and depart by overnight train to Ulaanbaatar.

DAY 11 On board to Mongolia. (Midnight border crossing).DAY 12 Early morning arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Chance for a quick shower, then a guided Walking Tour of the city.

Depart to the Bayan Gobi, on arrival supper and accommodation with local nomads in ger tents. (NB: This is not a tourist camp, you are the guests of the nomads).

DAY 13 Onwards to ancient Karakorum (modern Harhorin) 8 hrs off-road driving. Picnic lunch en-route. Supper and overnight with local herdsmen in ger tents.

DAY 14 Sightseeing in the Bayan Gobi. Picnic lunch during 6-hr drive towards Ulaanbaatar, accommodation at Elstei Ger Camp (this is tourist-type accommodation - unlike with nomads). Supper and overnight.

DAY 15 Free day at Elstei Ger Camp for walking, horse-riding (arrange/pay locally) or relaxing.DAY 16 Back to Ulaanbaatar. Internet cafés, bars, restaurants and nightclubs are waiting for you to let your hair

down Mongolian style. Overnight 3* hotel.DAY 17 Transfer to your departing Beijing-bound train this morning. Midnight border crossing and onwards

into China!DAY 18 Thunder on across China past the Great Wall. Mid-afternoon arrival into Beijing Central Station.

Your trans-siberian journey comes to an end. For services in China and beyond please see pages 40-43.

Moscow

Irkutsk

Ulaanbaatar

Beijing

Included in the trip:TRAIN: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.MOSCOW:Transfers on arrival and departure. Two nights stay in a 3* Hotel, breakfastincluded. 3 hour personalised walking tourwith local expert.LAKE BAIKAL: Rural options out of the City gives you the option to chose from two all-inclusiveprogrammes.MONGOLIA:Walking tour of Ulaanbaatar. All transportation. Two nights camping withNomads, full board. Two nights tourist Ger Camp, full board. One night 3* Hotel in Ulaanbaatar breakfast included. Sleeping bags are provided.VISAS REQUIRED FOR: RUSSIA, MONGOLIA & CHINA

trip price:1 person 2 people 3-9 people

FULL ON £1,575 £1,375 £1,275SPICING IT UP

1 person 2 people 3-9 peopleExtra Night Moscow £60 £50 £50Upgrading to HotelIrkutsk City £40 £30 £30Upgrading to2-berth Rail £399 £399 £399

these are the dates whenthis itinerary works:18-DAY ITINERARY2007May 01, 15, 29, June 05, 19, July 03, 17, 31, August 07, 21, September 112008May 13, 27, June 03, 1719-DAY ITINERARY*2007May 07, 21, June 11, 25, July 09, 23,August 13, 27, September 032008May 05, 19, June 09, 23

Extra night for Siberian village in Irkutsk City.Extra night for Adventure Trek in Listvyanka.*Supplement per person for the extra night is £45 for one,

£30 for two or more.

A L L D A T E S G U A R A N T E E D

Yum yum - dehydrated potatophoto: Roy Thornton

ALL TRIPS ARE AVAILABLE IN REVERSE, PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE

OR CONTACT US FOR DETAILSwww.trans-siberian.co.uk

(A) ROMANOV GRAVES (Europe & Asia Border 30kms each way Monument en-route). Car excursion tosite where the Romanov bodies were hidden. Duration;5-6 hours. No physical exertion involved. Year round.

(B) HIKING TRIP IN THE URALSOutdoor adventure in an area which is a designatednature park. Car transfer then 15km walk where you will see a variety of flora and fauna and learn about theindigenous species of wildlife. No special equipmentneeded. Duration; 8-9 hours. Lunch provided. 15 Jun-15 Sep weather permitting(C) SIBERIAN WILDERNESS ADVENTURECombined soft raft (6km) and Forest Hike (12km)-optionalcave visit. Good fitness required. Duration; 9-10 hours.Lunch provided. 15 Jun-15 Sep weather permitting

full on itineraryDAY 01 Arrival in Moscow! We transfer you directly to your hotel - your first night in Moscow.DAY 02 After breakfast your local expert will meet you at the hotel, to whiz you round the highlights.

This is using public transport to familiarise you with the city centre and help smooth your path…at least until lunchtime! Afternoon and evening free to explore.

DAY 03 A full free day - take your pick of the best of Moscow! Maybe take a city excursion today see page 47.Mid-afternoon we take you to your waiting train to Siberia!

DAY 04 Full day on train through the Ural Mountains, arrival late evening in Ekaterinburg, transfer to Hotel.DAY 05 Walking Tour of Ekaterinburg with local expert. Afternoon and evening free to explore further.DAY 06 Please choose one of the following fully inclusive day trips.

MAMMOTH TRANS-SIB

08 Mammoth Trans-Sib

(D) SIBERIAN COUNTRYSIDE & HISTORIC VILLAGEVisit to an old village now under a Preservation Order160kms each way. Includes home-cooked lunch,exhibitions of local crafts, horse cart riding. Duration; 8-9 hours. No physical exertion involved. Year round.

Option to either remain at your hotel until 02:00 orcheck-out early evening and chill-out at the VodoleyLeisure Centre (admission tickets and bar-bill are yours, but we take you there and back) and then directly (with luggage) to station. Depart 04:00 eastwards...DAY 07 & 08 Onboard, onwards via Novosibirsk andKrasnoyarsk to Irkutsk.

Mongolia: Gandan Lamasery photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Above - Alice Crane in nationalcostume of Burayatiaphoto: Aimie Conning

the legendary stops combined on one itinerary

from

£1,80021 night/22 day trip22 night/23 day tripoperational seasonMay-Sept


WANT TOCUSTOMISEYOUR TRIP?SEE PAGE 49

Listvyanka: village house photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

NOT GROUP

DEPARTURES -

DATESGUARANTEED

Mongolian herdswomanphoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

the legendary stops combined on one itineraryMAMMOTH TRANS-SIB

Mammoth Trans-Sib 09


DAY 09 Arrival into Irkutsk and transfer (1hr) toListvyanka Village on the shore of Lake Baikal.Stay in an authentic Siberian log-cabin (izba). Lunch.See the village, the old Church, and the Lake WildlifeMuseum with your friendly local expert. Then get it alloff your chest the Siberian way in the sauna! (banya)You’ll be ready for your home-cooked supper after allthat-then sleep like a log in a log cabin.DAY 10 Choose one activity from below its all includedin the trip price!(A) SOFTIES TREK through the Taiga Forest, with aForester Guide to explain the wildlife, ecosystem andlore of the Taiga. (May-Oct).(B) SIBERIAN SCUBA in Lake Baikal (they say you gain a year of life if you dive in!) with qualifiedCMAS-instructors (requires PADI-1), (May-Oct.) 2 dives.(C) DO YOUR OWN THING maybe take off on aCliffside walk, or mosey around the village, or take adip in Lake Baikal! Supper, then maybe try the localbar? Overnight with host family.DAY 11 Transfer to Irkutsk Free time to explore on foot(we watch your bags) until evening departure to stationand on by overnight train to Ulan-Uday.




4 By train through Ural Mts, eve arrive Ekaterinburg & accom

5 Walking tour of Ekaterinburg & free time to explore

6 Your choice of Ekaterinburg/Urals activities (see full itinerary)

7 Onwards by Trans-Siberian via Novosibirsk, cross River Ob

8 Onwards by Trans-Sib via Krasnoyarsk, cross River Yenisei

9 /10 EITHER Siberian Village Stay (options for scuba, mini-trek, walking)

OR Adventure Trek (camping)

11 Car return to Irkutsk, free time to explore, dep to station

12 Arrival Ulan-Uday, fam stay, Buddhist Monastery & Buryat Village

13 Visit Ivolginsky Buddhist Datsan & Eastern Medicine Centre

14 Depart by train towards Mongolian Border (midnight crossing)

15 Ulaanbaatar city walk, depart and overnight with nomads

16 Trip into Bayan-Gobi, picnic en-route, stay with nomads

17 Onwards to Karakorum site, ger-tent stay with local nomads

18 Scenic desert drive back, arrive at Elstei Ger Camp

19 Free day at Elstei-relax, walk, activities, optional horse-riding

20 Return to Ulaanbaatar, free time to explore, overnight

21 Depart by train to Beijing, across the Southern Gobi desert

22 Pass the Great Wall of China, arrival in Beijing

DAY 12 Arrival early morning to Ulan-Uday, transfer toFamily Stay. Guided trip to Atsagatsky BuddhistLamasery. After the monastery, try cuisine of Buryatiafor lunch with a village family. Return to Ulan-Uday.Supper and overnight. (Option to upgrade to 3* hotel). DAY 13 Visit to the Ivolginsky Datsan (a much largermonastery). Lunch. Visit to Centre of Eastern Medicine(optional consultation). Supper and overnight.DAY 14 Early transfer to the station and depart forMongolia-midnight border crossing (with halt for formalities).DAY 15 Arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Transfer and freshen up.Guided walk of the old city centre. Depart from city tostay in Gers with herdsmen (nb: this is not a touristcamp you are the guests of the nomads). Traditionalsupper, and overnight.DAY 16 Sightseeing in the Bayan Gobi (all mealsincluded). Supper and overnight with herdsmen in Gers.DAY 17 Onwards to ancient Karakorum (modernHarhorin). 8 hours off-road driving, picnic lunch en route.Supper and overnight in gers with local herdsmen.DAY 18 Sightseeing in the Gobi. Picnic lunch.Return towards Ulaanbaatar, drive to Elstei Ger Camp.Supper and overnight. (This is tourist-styleaccommodation-unlike with nomads).DAY 19 Free day at Elstei Ger Camp-for walking, horse riding (arrange/pay locally) or relaxing. Supperand overnight.DAY 20 Return to Ulaanbaatar. Day free to explore thecity. Overnight at centrally located 3* hotel.DAY 21 Transfer to your departing Beijing bound trainthis morning. Midnight border crossing and onwards to China!DAY 22 Thunder on across China past the Great Wall.Mid-afternoon arrival into Beijing Central Station. Yourtrans-siberian journey comes to an end. For services in China and beyond please see pages 40-43.

EITHER (1) SIBERIAN VILLAGE

OR (2) ADVENTURE TREK

the trip

Only available to two or more passengers travelling together.between 15 June and 1 September.

DAY 09 Arrival in Irkutsk, transfer to host family.Shower, and breakfast, prepare for trekking. (you canleave heavy baggage in Irkutsk). At 12:30 hrs you willdepart by hydrofoil to Goloustnoe Village (2hrs). Shorttrek (3km). Set up camp on shore of Lake Baikal.DAY 10 Trekking along the Baikal shore (25 km).Picnic lunch along the way. Set up camp at SennayaBay, supper and overnight.DAY 11 Trek onwards to Bol’shie Koty Village (9km).Depart by public bus to Irkutsk. Free time to visit the city.Return to your host family and collect your bags, beforetransfer to the station for your Ulan-Uday bound train.

Moscow

Ekaterinburg

Irkutsk

Ulan-Uday

Ulaanbaatar

Beijing

Included in the trip:TRAIN: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.MOSCOW:Transfers on arrival and departure.Two nights stay in a 3* Hotel, breakfastincluded. 3 hour personalised walking tourwith local expert.EKATERINBURG:Transfers on arrival and departure. Two nights stay in a 2* Hotel, breakfastincluded. 3 hour walking tour, day trip.LAKE BAIKAL:Rural options out of the City gives you the option to chose from two all-inclusiveprogrammes.ULAN-UDAY:Transfers on arrival and departure.Two nights stay with a local family, fullboard. Including excursions as per itinerary.MONGOLIA:Optional walking tour of Ulaanbaatar.All transportation. Three nights campingwith Nomads (full board).Two nights tourist Ger Camp (full board).One night 3* Hotel Ulaanbaatar, breakfast included.Visas required for:RUSSIA, MONGOLIA & CHINA



1 person 2 people 3-9 peopleExtra Night Moscow £60 £50 £50Upgrade to Hotelin Ulan-Uday £110 £65 £652 night stayUpgrading to HotelIrkutsk City £40 £30 £30Upgrading to2-berth Rail £449 £449 £449

these are the dates whenthis itinerary works:22-DAY ITINERARY2007May 11, 25, June 15, 29, July 13, 27,August 03, 17, 31, September 072008May 09, 23, June 13, 2723-DAY ITINERARY*2007May 03, 17, June 07, 21, July 05, 19,August 09, 232008May 01, 15, June 05, 19

Extra night for Siberian Village in Listvyanka.Extra night for Adverture Trek Irkutsk City -option to upgrade to a hotel.*Supplement per person for the extra night is £45 for one,

£30 for two or more




Mongolian herdsmanphoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

(A) ROMANOV GRAVES (Europe/Asia Border Monument en-route). Car excursionto site where the Romanov bodies were hidden.Duration; 5-6 hours. No physical exertion involved.(B) HIKING TRIP IN THE URALSOutdoor adventure in an area which is a designatednature park. Car transfer then 15km walk where you will see a variety of flora and fauna and learn about theindigenous species of wildlife. No special equipmentneeded. Duration; 8-9 hours. Lunch provided. 15 Jun-15 Sep weather permitting(C) SIBERIAN WILDERNESS ADVENTURECombined soft raft (6km) and Forest Hike (12km)-optionalcave visit. Duration; 9-10 hours. Lunch provided. 15 Jun-15 Sep weather permitting(D) URALS MOUNTAIN BIKE ADVENTURETrip to start West of the city. After a short drive you startyour bike trip on a professional bike for 2-3 hrs. Lunch.Duration; 5 hrs. 15 May-30 Sep. Weather permitting.

DAY 06 Onwards towards Barnaul. Overnight onboard.DAY 07 You will be met by your guide on arrival intoBarnaul then travel by public bus service (6 hrs) toChemal Village in the heart of the Altai Mountains. Late lunch. This afternoon you will go on a guided walk during which you will learn about the local Altaic people. Sauna and supper then overnight in local Guesthouse.DAY 08 After breakfast, excursion to site of ancientcave and cliff-paintings. Picnic lunch will be provided.There will be an opportunity (small local cash payment)to ride Altai Mountain Horses. Then learn more aboutthe ancient Chuisky Tract the route of Genghis Khan’smessengers. Supper. Overnight in local Guesthouse.

full on itineraryDAY 01 Arrival in Moscow! We transfer you directly to your hotel - your first night in Moscow.DAY 02 After breakfast your local expert will meet you at the hotel, to whiz you round the highlights.

This is using public transport to familiarise you with the city centre and help smooth your path… at least until lunchtime! Afternoon and evening free to explore.

DAY 03 A full free day for you to pack in the rest! Mid-evening transfer to the station for your Siberia bound train!

DAY 04 Full day on train through the Ural Mountains, arrival late evening in Ekaterinburg, transfer to Hotel.DAY 05 Your choice of the following programs (one choice is included in your trip, no surcharges!).

ULTIMATE TRANS-SIB

10 Ultimate Trans-Sib N O T G R O U P D E P A R T U R E S

DAY 09 Transfer to rafting launch point. After receivinga safety briefing set off (with instructor & guide), somewhite-water rafting. Picnic lunch stop along the way.This afternoon continue rafting the Katun River. Then set up camp, followed by supper around the fire.DAY 10 Today you will continue rafting along the Katun River. Picnic lunch at the riverside. Return byroad to Chemal. Free time, sauna, supper overnight in local Guesthouse.DAY 11 After an early breakfast depart to Novosibirsk by road (7-8 hrs). Own Lunch & Supper.Overnight in 3* Hotel.DAY 12 Guided sightseeing walk of Novosibirsk, thenfree time (own lunch and supper arrangements). Lateevening transfer to station for your Siberia bound train.DAY 13 Continue eastwards on the Trans-Siberiantowards Irkutsk.

Katun River, Altai photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Left - Buryat musician playing theMuurin-Khur Horse-Head Fiddlephoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Wild horses on the Mongolian steppephoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

mountains, mongols, monasteries - the ultimate t-sib trip

from

£2,69025 night/26 day tripoperational seasonJune-August


DEPARTURES -

DATESGUARANTEED

ULTIMATE TRANS-SIBmountains, mongols, monasteries - the ultimate t-sib trip

Ultimate Trans-Sib 11


DAY 14 Arrival into Irkutsk and transfer (1hr) toListvyanka Village on the shore of Lake Baikal.Stay in an authentic Siberian log-cabin (izba). Lunch.See the village, the old Church, and the Lake WildlifeMuseum with your friendly local expert. Then get it alloff your chest the Siberian way in the sauna! (banya)You’ll be ready for your home-cooked supper after allthat-then sleep like a log in a log cabin.DAY 15 Choose one activity from the list, it’s allincluded in the trip price!(A) SOFTIES TREK through the Taiga Forest with aForester Guide to explain the wildlife, ecosystem andlore of the Taiga.(B) SIBERIAN SCUBA a freshwater dive in the world’sGreatest Lake, with CMAS-qualified instructors and pro-level gear (requires PADI-1). Includes two dives.(C) DO YOUR OWN THING maybe take off on aCliffside walk, or mosey around the village, or take adip in Lake Baikal! Supper, then maybe try the local bar?Overnight with host family.DAY 16 Transfer to Irkutsk. Free time to explore on foot.(we watch your bags). Evening transfer to the station,for your Ulan-Uday bound train.

1 Arrive Moscow, transfer to accommodation2 Moscow sightseeing with local expert3 Day for sightseeing in Moscow, evening transfer to station4 By train through Ural Mountains, evening arrive Ekaterinburg & accommodation5 Your choice of Ekaterinburg/Urals activities (see full itinerary)6 Onwards by train through Southern Siberia7 By road from Barnaul into the High Altai Mts (picnic en route)8 Visit ancient cave-painting site, optional horse-riding9 Cast off on Altai river-rafting trip, overnight camping10 Second half of rafting, return to Altai Village B&B, sauna11 By road to Novosibirsk, picnic lunch, evening free in Novosibirsk12 Sightseeing in Novosibirsk, free time and evening train depart13 On board Trans-Sib eastwards, cross the Yenisei River Bridge14 EITHER Siberian Village Stay (options for scuba, mini-trek, walking)

OR Adventure Trek (camping)15 Your choice: trek, scuba or walking options at Lake Baikal16 Free time in Irkutsk for exploring, evening train departure17 Arrive Ulan-Uday, Buddhist monastery & Buryat Village trip18 Trip to the Ivolginsky Buddhist Datsan + Eastern Medicine Central19 Early depart by train, en-route for Mongolian border20 Ulaanbaatar city walk, departure to Bayan-Gobi, nomad stay21 To Karakorum site, stay in gers with local nomads22 Scenic desert route back to UB, stay at Elstei Ger Camp23 Free day at Elstei for walking, activities, optional horseriding24 Return to Ulaanbaatar, central hotel, free time for exploring25 Depart by train to Beijing, across the Southern Gobi desert26 Pass the Great Wall of China, arrival in Beijing

DAY 17 Arrival early morning in Ulan-Uday, transfer to Family Stay. Guided trip to Atsagatsky BuddhistLamasery. After the monastery, try cuisine of Buryatia forlunch with a village family. Return to Ulan-Uday. Supperand overnight. (Option to upgrade to 3* Hotel). DAY 18 Visit to the Ivolginsky Datsan (a much largermonastery). Lunch. Visit to Centre of Eastern Medicine(optional consultation). Supper and overnight.DAY19 Early transfer to the station and depart forMongolia- midnight border crossing with the usual haltfor formalities.DAY 20 Early morning arrival into Ulaanbaatar. Chancefor a freshen up, a guided walking tour of the city.Depart to Bayan Gobi. Accommodation with localnomads in ger tents. Supper. (This is not a tourist camp- you are the guests of the nomads).DAY 21 Onwards to ancient Karakorum (modernHarhorin) 8 hrs off-road driving. Picnic lunch en-route.Supper and overnight with local herdsmenDAY 22 Sightseeing in the Bayan Gobi. Picnic lunch during 6-hr drive towards Ulaanbaatar. Accommodation at Elstei Ger Camp (this is tourist-styleaccommodation unlike with nomads). Supper and overnight.DAY 23 Free day at Elstei Ger Camp-for walking, horse-riding (arrange/pay locally) or relaxing.DAY 24 Back to Ulaanbaatar. Internet cafés, bars,restaurants and nightclubs are waiting for you to let your hair down Mongolian style. Overnight 3* hotel.DAY 25 Transfer to your departing Beijing-bound trainthis morning. Midnight border crossing and onwardsinto China! DAY 26 Thunder on across China past the Great Wall.Mid-afternoon arrival into Beijing Central Station. Your trans-siberian journey comes to an end. Forservices in China and beyond please see pages 40-43.

EITHER (1) SIBERIAN VILLAGE

OR (2) ADVENTURE TREK

the trip


Only available between 15 June and 1 September.

DAY 14 Arrival in Irkutsk, transfer to host family.Shower, and breakfast, prepare for trekking. (you canleave heavy baggage in Irkutsk). At 12:30 hrs you willdepart by hydrofoil to Goloustnoe Village (2hrs). Shorttrek (3km). Set up camp on shore of Lake Baikal.DAY 15 Trekking along the Baikal shore (25 km). Picniclunch along the way. Set up camp at Sennaya Bay,supper and overnight.DAY 16 Trek onwards to Bol’shie Koty Village (9km).Depart by public bus to Irkutsk. Free time to visit the city.Return to your host family and collect your bags, beforetransfer to the station for your Ulan-Uday bound train.

Moscow

Ekaterinburg

Altai

Irkutsk

Ulan-Uday

Ulaanbaatar

Beijing

Altai Mountain Musicianphoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Included in the trip:TRAIN: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.MOSCOW:Transfers on arrival and departure. Two nights stay in a 3* Hotel, breakfastincluded. 3 hour personalised walking tour with local expert.EKATERINBURG: Transfers on arrival and departure. Two nights in a 2* Hotel breakfast included. 3 hour walking tour, and excursion included.ALTAI:Accom: in Chemal, family-run guesthousewith HB and picnic lunches; during rafting,camping in tents with FB camp meals; inNovosibirsk, tourist-class hotel with breakfastonly. Transport: Barnaul Chemal by intercity bus,all other transfers by private car.(Bring suitable clothes and footwear for rafting.All other gear & sleeping bags provided.Vegetarians must advise in advance!).LAKE BAIKAL:Staying out of the City, up at the Lake givesyou the opportunity to choose one of our all-inclusive programmes. (Sleeping bags are provided where necessary)ULAN-UDAY:Transfers on arrival and departure. Two nights family stay, all meals included.Excursions as per itinerary.MONGOLIA:Walking tour of Ulaanbaatar. Alltransportation. Two nights camping withNomads. (full board) Two nights tourist Ger Camp (full board). One night 3* HotelUlaanbaatar, breakfast included. Sleeping bags are provided.VISAS REQUIRED FOR: RUSSIA, MONGOLIA & CHINA.

trip price:2 people 3-9 people

FULL ON £2,790 £2,690SPICING IT UP

2 people 3-9 peopleExtra Night Moscow £50 £50Upgrade to Hotelin Ulan-Uday B&B £65 £652 night stayUpgrading to2-berth Rail £449 £449

these are the dates whenthis itinerary works:26-DAY ITINERARY2007June 04, 18, July 02, 16, August 062008June 02, 16, 30

(A) SOFTIES TREK through the Taiga Forest with aForester Guide to explain the wildlife, ecosystem andlore of the Taiga.

(B) SIBERIAN SCUBA a freshwater dive in the world’sGreatest Lake, with CMAS-qualified instructors and pro-level gear (requires PADI-1). Includes 2 dives.

(C) DO YOUR OWN THING maybe take off on aCliffside walk, or mosey around the village, or take adip in Lake Baikal! Supper, then maybe try the localbar? Overnight with host family.

full on itineraryDAY 01 Arrival in Moscow! We transfer you directly to your hotel - your first night in Moscow.

DAY 02 After breakfast your local expert will meet you at the hotel, to whiz you round the highlights. This is using public transport to familiarise you with the city centre and help smooth your path… at least until lunchtime! Afternoon and evening free to explore.

DAY 03 A full free day for you to pack in the rest! Have you been to Pushkin Square? “The” place to meetfriends or Izmailovsky Flea market for souvenirs? Perhaps you have pre-booked one of our city basedexcursions for today? (see page 43 for details) Mid-evening we take you to your Siberia bound train.

DAY 04 The Trans-Sib line leads you past Kazan and Ekaterinburg…

DAY 05 Then onwards into Siberia itself, via Novosibirsk…

DAY 06 Across the River Yenisei at Krasnoyarsk

DAY 07 Arrival into Irkutsk and transfer (1hr) to Listvyanka Village, a typical Siberian Village. Stay in anauthentic Siberian log-cabin (izba). Lunch. See the village, the old Church, and the Lake WildlifeMuseum with your friendly local expert. Then get it all off your chest the Siberian way in the sauna!(banya) You’ll be ready for your home-cooked supper after all that, then sleep like a log in a log cabin.

DAY 08 Choose one activity from the list, it’s all included in the trip price!

OUTER & INNER MONGOLIA

12 Outer & Inner Mongolia

Mongolia: Local Naadam Festival Photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Left - Railway track to Irkutsk Photo: John Pannell

the secret history of the mongols

from

£1,24917 nights/18 days22 nights/23 daysoperational seasonMay-Sept

The rugged beauty of Outer Mongolia combined with almost-unknown Inner Mongolia(now within China’s borders) - more richly endowed than its Outer counterpart by theChinese Emperors.


Inside a Mongolian ger tent photo: Roy Thornton

NOT GROUP

DEPARTURES -

DATESGUARANTEED

the secret history of the mongolsOUTER & INNER MONGOLIA

Outer & Inner Mongolia 13

DAY 09 Free day at Lakeside village -Listvyanka. Breakfast & Supper included. Overnight with your host family.DAY 10 Transfer to Irkutsk to stay with host family. Day free to explore the city. Overnight with host family. DAY 11 Early morning transfer to the station to boardthe train to Ulaanbaatar.DAY 12 Arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Transfer and freshen up. Guided walk of the old city centre. Evening free toexplore Ulaanbaatar’s nightlife. Overnight 3* Hotel.DAY 13 After breakfast depart into Bayan Gobi. Lunch.Stay in authentic Gers with herdsmen. (This is not a tourist camp you are the guests of the nomads).Traditional supper, and overnight.DAY 14 Onwards to ancient Karakorum (modernHarhorin) 8 hours off road driving, picnic lunch en-route.Supper and overnight in gers with local herdsman.DAY 15 Sightseeing in the Bayan Gobi. Picnic lunch during 6-hr drive towards Ulaanbaatar. Accommodation at Elstei Ger Camp (this is tourist-styleaccommodation unlike with nomads). Supper and overnight.





5 On board into Siberia, crossing the River Ob at Novosibirsk

6 On board across Eastern Siberia and across the river Yenisei

7 Arrive Irkutsk, by road to Lake Baikal & Listyvanka Village Stay

8 YOUR CHOICE: options at Listvyanka incl walking, scuba, mini-trek

9 Free day at Lake Baikal to explore independently

10 Return to Irkutsk, free time to explore the city, evening train depart

11 On board-around Lake Baikal then southwards to Mongolia

12 Ulaanbaatar city walk, free time, overnight in Ulaanbaatar

13 Bayan Gobi trip, sightseeing in Gobi, overnight with nomads

14 Onwards to Karakorum site, overnight with Gobi nomads

15 Sightseeing in Gobi, arrival to Elstei Ger Camp

16 Free day at Elstei camp for walking, relaxing, optional riding

17 Additional free day at Elstei, relax after Gobi trip

18 Return to Ulaanbaatar, free time to explore, overnight stay

19 Free time to explore UB, car transfer, train dep to Huhehot

20 Arrival evening in Huhehot, transfer to hotel

21 Guided sightseeing in Huhehot (incl Wuta-Si Pagoda)

22 Free time to explore Huhehot independently, eve dep by train

23 Past Great Wall of China, arrival in Beijing

DAY 16 Free day at Elstei Ger Camp for walking,horse-riding (arrange/pay locally) or relaxing. Breakfast,lunch and supper are included during your stay at theGer Camp.DAY 17 Free day at Elstei Ger Camp. Breakfast, lunchand supper will be provided.DAY 18 Back to Ulaanbaatar. Internet cafés, bars,restaurants and nightclubs are waiting for you to letyour hair down Mongolian style. Overnight 3* hotel.DAY 19 Free time to explore Ulaanbaatar. Transfer tothe station, for evening departure to Huhehot. Overnight on board.DAY 20 Late evening arrival into Huhehot, transfer toyour Hotel.DAY 21 Guided city tour of Huhehot, Capital of InnerMongolia. Free time, overnight.DAY 22 Day at leisure before making your own way to the station for the evening departure to Beijing. (NB: 2-berth cabins are not available on the Huhehot to Beijing service.)DAY 23 Early morning arrival into Beijing. For servicesin China and beyond please see pages pages 40-43.

the trip

Moscow

Irkutsk

Ulaanbaatar

Huhehot

Beijing

Included in the trip:TRAIN: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.MOSCOW: Transfer on arrival/departure. Two nights 3* Hotel, breakfast included. 3 hourpersonalised walking tour with local expert.LAKE BAIKAL: (Applies to trip via Irkutsk only). All transfers are provided.Three nights family stay accommodation.Meals as stated with your host family.Free excursion on day eight. MONGOLIA: Optional walking tour of Ulaanbaatar. One night 3* centrally located hotel,includes breakfast. All transportation. Two nights camping with Nomads, full board.Three nights tourist Ger Camp, full board.Sleeping bags are provided. One night 3* centrally located hotel, includes breakfast. HUHEHOT:Two nights 3* hotel, includes breakfast.Guided City tour.VISAS REQUIRED FOR: RUSSIA, MONGOLIA & CHINA.


OUTER & INNER MONGOLIA £1,649 £1,349 £1,249VIA IRKUTSK £1,749 £1,449 £1,349

SPICING IT UP1 person 2 people 3-9 people

Upgrading to2-berth Rail £349 £349 £349Upgrading to 2 berth Rail via Irkutsk £399 £399 £399

these are the dates whenthis itinerary works:19-DAY ITINERARY (NO STOP IN IRKUTSK)

2007May 07, 14, 21, 28, June 04, 11, 18, 25, July 02, 09, 16, 23, 30, August 06, 13, 20, 27,September 03, 102008May 05, 12, 19, 26, June 02, 09, 16, 23, 30

23-DAY ITINERARY (VIA IRKUTSK)

2007May 03, 17, 31, June 07, 21, July 05, 19, August 09, 23, September 132008May 01, 15, 29, June 05, 19


Inner Mongolia-Wuta Si PagodaPhoto: Neil McGowan/Russia Experience

Mongolian HerdsmenPhoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Sunny day in Irkutskphoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Zhivago is the story of the RussianRevolution, told through the (fictional) life ofone man, Dr Yuri Zhivago. Many of the namesin the story have resonances which can’t betranslated. Yuri’s name is Zhivago, in whichthe word “zhiv” (alive, living) is clear. Hisrival for Lara’s love is Komarovsky – fromthe Russian word for a mosquito. Yet Lara’sown husband has forgotten her, and changedhis name to become the deadly agent of Sovietpower, Strelnikov (“the shooter”). The ideafor Dr Zhivago began in Perm’, the town towhich Pasternak had been evacuated in WW2– the town appears in the book under thefictional name of “Yuriatin”, and it’s thesetting for Yuri’s meetings with Lara.Obviously, Yuri Zhivago was a fictionalcharacter, and didn’t have an “address” we canshow you today. But the story is based on realplaces (which could never have been includedin the famous film, shot at the height of theCold War), and we show them to you on thisspecial itinerary, along with other “hidden”sights from the same era which establish thehistorical background to the book.

“One day LarissaFeodorovna went out anddid not come back. Shemust have been arrested in the street nearby. Shevanished without trace andprobably died somewhereforgotten as a namelessnumber on a list thatafterwards got mislaid, in one of the innumerablemixed or women’s camps in the North”

Doctor Zhivago - Epilogue

2007 is the 50th Anniversary of thelegendary novel Dr Zhivago, by BorisPasternak. Banned from any publicationin the USSR, the book was smuggled toItaly for publication in 1957, and wassoon translated and published all overthe world. Although awarded the NobelPrize for Literature, the USSR refusedto allow Pasternak to attend the AwardCeremony, and he died soon after.

14 Doctor Zhivago

50th Anniversary

Doctor Zhivago

The rumble of another train came from behind, bursting into adeafening thunder and obliterating the sound of the waterfall as itapproached, and an old-fashioned express rushed past at full speed

on the parallel track, roared, hooted, winked its tail lights andvanished into the distance ahead. The conversation was resumed.

“Well, we’re in for it now.” “Yes, it won’t be soon.” “It’s an armoured express – must be Strelnikov.”

Boris Pasternak, “Dr Zhivago”, Chapter 22

“One day LarissaFeodorovna went out anddid not come back. Shemust have been arrested in the street nearby. Shevanished without trace andprobably died somewhereforgotten as a namelessnumber on a list thatafterwards got mislaid, in one of the innumerablemixed or women’s camps in the North”

Doctor Zhivago - Epilogue

Doctor Zhivago

50th Anniversary

Day 01 Arrive Moscow and transfer to hotel.

Day 02 Breakfast, walking tour of Moscow (includingplaces connected with the story in “Dr Zhivago” and itsauthor and times). Free afternoon and evening.

Day 03 Daytime free to explore more of Moscow, early-evening departure by train to Perm’.

Day 04 By train across the Urals to Perm’ early eveningarrival, transfer to hotel, overnight.

DAY 05 SPECIAL WALKING TOUR OF YURI ZHIVAGO’S “YURYATIN” (Perm). We start at the Pushkin Library, which wasthe Public Reading Room where Yuri andLara first meet in the book. In the novel wehear that it was behind the “Giant” cinema;it’s actually behind the “Triumph” cinema.Across the street is the city’s leafy CentralSquare, where you can easily imagine Yuri and Lara must have gone after theyfirst met, and sat on a park bench oppositethe Opera House. Nearby the nightmarerealities of Zhivago’s time interrupt ourdreams – the small former hotel where TsarNicholas II’s brother was staying on his wayto Ekaterinburg, where the Royal Familywere imprisoned in 1918. In fact GrandPrince Mikhail was the last Tsar of allbut he never knew. Our tour reveals thebizarre secret, and its British connection.Nearby is a small wooden two-storey housewhich is “Lara’s house”. In fact it is justanother private house (ie you can’t visit) inthe city, but carefully reading of the bookidentifies the exact location, opposite theimposing C19th palace across the road. A few blocks from the mansion is thehospital where Lara works in the novel.There’s a chance to see some imposinghouses built by wealthy C19th merchantsyou can imagine Komarovsky must havehad friends to stay with here? There’s alsoa monument to Boris Pasternak. Not faraway is the River Pier district before theTrans-Siberian Railway was built, travellersto Siberia would come by boat fromMoscow this far and disembark, and theGreat Siberian Tract (the old Post Road)began from this point. Chain-gangedconvicts would be brought here at night,

for fear of frightening local people with theirterrible fate and force marched to Siberiaon foot. The Old Razvilje Railway Stationwas then built here it was from here that the Trans-Siberian Railway originallydeparted (it was only later linked back as far as Moscow), and this is whereKomarovsky’s private “Government train”waited for him. The Siberian convicts had tomarch for months to their destination – you,however, only have another ten minuteswalk to get to the new “Dr Zhivago”Restaurant… for lunch. Afternoon free to explore Perm’s shops and extensivemuseums and galleries (Perm is a majorlocation for fossil-hunters, the Permianperiod takes its name from the city, andthere’s lots in the museums). Evening free– there might even be a performance of the opera “Dr Zhivago” (yes, there really is one..) at the Opera Theatre?Remainder of day free to explore more of Perm’.Day 06 Full-day Excursion to the GulagMuseum, housed in the only surviving*soviet-era Gulag now visitable in Russia.En-route we pass small villages which musthave been the inspiration for the one whereYuri & Larissa hid out from the SecretPolice. Evening return to Perm.Day 07 Free day in Perm to explore the rest of this pleasant Urals city – then evening transfer to the station for departure eastwards* there is one other, but it’s on the Russian Arctic Pacificcoast, 900 miles from any rail stop, and only accessibleby chartered helicopter.

Days 08-12 On board the Trans-Sib eastwards via theChinese Manchurian frontier with Russia. (This is theroute by which Komarovsky kidnaps Lara in the book, in a private train)

Day 13 Arrival in Beijing very early morning.End of itinerary.

Doctor Zhivago 15

“What crime do you say I’ve committed?All I did was to make the world weep

At the beauty of my homeland”

Boris Pasternak “The Nobel Prize”(poem written when the author was told to refuse his Nobel Prize)

TRIP OPTIONS &ALTERNATIVES

If you would like to travel from Perm viaMongolia to China, we can re-plan yourrouting… it needs different departure dates fromMoscow for the connections to work, and the tripis longer due to the Mongolia stopover. (Yuri’sdaughter is born in Mongolia in the book Larawas pregnant when kidnapped by Komarovsky)A full itinerary version including Mongolia is onour website.

It’s also possible to take only the Moscow &Perm sections and then return to Moscow bytrain (without going to Mongolia or China) this ispossible too – itinerary version on our website.


FULL ON £1095 £999 £899SPICING IT UP

1 person 2 people 3-9 peopleUpgrading to2-berth Rail £60 £50 £50Extra Night Moscow £349 £349 £349

Start dates for Dr Zhivago2007Jan 07, 14, 21, 28,Feb 04, 11, 18, 25,Mar 04, 11, 18, 25,April 01, 08, 15, 22, 29,May 06, 13, 20, 27June 03, 10, 17, 24,July 01, 08, 15, 22, 29Aug 05, 12, 19, 26Sep 02, 09, 16, 23, 30Oct 07, 14, 21, 28Nov 04, 11, 18, 25Dec 02, 09, 16, 23, 30

full on itineraryDAY 01 Arrive in Moscow! We transfer you directly to your hotel - your first night in MoscowDAY 02 After breakfast a local expert will meet you at your hotel to whisk you around the highlights.

You’ll use public transport to familiarise you with the city centre and help smooth your path… at least until lunchtime! Afternoon and evening free to explore.

DAY 03 Your day is free in Moscow until mid-evening car transfer to Yaroslavsky Station and departure Eastwards...

DAY 04 Full day along the Trans-Siberian Railway, arriving mid-evening in Perm. Car to your centrally located hotel. Overnight.

DAY 05 Depart to the Kungur Ice Caves (2 hrs by road) including an underground visit (on lit paths, no scrambling). Lunch included nearby. Road transfer (3 hrs) to the Usva River and raft-assembly/loading. Begin rafting trip, and overnight camp at the Rocky Cliffs - campfire supper.(Overnight in tents - guides assist to assemble etc).

GOBI & GULAG

16 Gobi & Gulag

Cathedral dedicated to Tsar Nicholas II photo: Neil McGowan

Watch Tower photo: Neil McGowan/Russia Experience

Siberia’s hidden secrets

from

£1,15015 nights/16 days

operational seasonMay-Sept

You don’t need previous experience or special gear for either the Kungur Ice Caves, or a softies rafting trip through the Urals Mts. At the heart of the trip a visit to Russia’s only remaining Gulag Camp (now a Museum of SovietRepression)- like all the Gulags, hidden at a distance from civilisation. No other travel company offers this route.



Rafting the Usva photo: Neil McGowan/Russia Experience

NOT GROUP

DEPARTURES -

DATESGUARANTEED

Gobi & Gulag 17

DAY 06 Rafting along the Usva, with some liberal stopsen-route to visit scenic spots, for a picnic lunch andcampfire supper. Overnight in tents.DAY 07 Breakfast, continue by raft to Mys, unpack anddisassemble raft, load into vehicle. Onwards to thePerm-22 Gulag Camp (now operated as a MemorialMuseum by Pamyat - the Russian organisation forformer political prisoners and their families). The Gulagis spread over two locations 2 km apart - we visit both(“Regular Category”, and “High-Security”). Picnic lunch.Return to Perm’ by road (2 hrs), check-in to hotel.DAY 08 Free day in Perm to follow-up on ideas andactivities from yesterday’s sightseeing. Car Transfer(evening) to station and departure towards Mongolia…DAY 09 on board the Trans-Siberian via NovosibirskDAY 10 on board the Trans-Siberian via KrasnoyarskDAY 11 on board the Trans-Siberian via Irkutsk andLake Baikal, midnight border crossingDAY 12 Early morning arrival in Outer Mongolia.Transfer from station, directly to 3* Hotel. Shower, and breakfast. Depart for two hour familiarisation of Ulaanbaatar, to include the Gandan Monasteryceremony. Tour ends city centre. Lunch at ownexpense. Transfer to Ger Camp. Supper included.




4 By train eastwards, mid-evening arrival in Perm & accom

5 Kungur Ice Caves, commence rafting trip

6 Full-day leisurely raft on the Usva River, camp overnight

7 Gulag Museum visit, return by Perm by road

8 Free day in Perm, evening transfer to station, depart eastbound

9 On board Trans-Sib eastwards via Novosibirsk

10 On board Trans-Sib eastwards via Krasnoyarsk

11 On board Trans-Sib via Irkutsk & Lake Baikal, border crossing

12 Arrival Ulaanbaatar, city tour, transfer to Elstei Ger Camp

13 Free day at Elstei Ger Camp to ride, walk or relax

14 Return to Ulaanbaatar, free day to explore & overnight

15 Departure to China, by train across the Southern Gobi

16 Arrival in China, past Great Wall of China, arrival to Beijing

DAY 13 Free time at Elstei Ger Camp. Throughout theday you will have the opportunity to partake in activitiesthat include; a visit to a Nomad family, Mongolianwrestling, horse riding (small local fee) to name but a few. All meals included.DAY 14 After Breakfast transfer back to Ulaanbaatar.Check into the Bayangol Hotel 3* day at leisure in the capital.DAY 15 Early breakfast transfer to the station for yourBeijing bound train. Midnight border crossing, onwardsinto China.DAY 16 Across the Steppes of Inner Mongolia, andpast the Great Wall of China, finally arriving in Beijingmid-afternoon. The end of your Trans-Siberian itinerary.

the trip

Moscow

Perm

Ulaanbaatar

Beijing

Mongolia: Local Naadam Festivalphoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Included in the trip:TRAIN: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.MOSCOW:Transfer on arrival/departure. Two nights 3* Hotel, breakfast included. 3 hourpersonalised walking tour with local expert.PERM: All transfers are provided. Two nights 3* hotel, breakfast included. 4 hourpersonalised walking tour. Visit to GulagMuseum. Rafting (no skill required). Two nights camping. evening meal provided. ULAANBAATAR:All Transfers included. Two NightsMongolian Ger Camp accommodation, full board. One night 3* hotel inUlaanbaatar, breakfast included. Walking tour of Ulaanbaatar. VISAS REQUIRED FOR: RUSSIA, MONGOLIA & CHINA



1 person 2 people 3-9 peopleExtra Night Moscow £60 £50 £50Upgrading to2-berth Rail £325 £325 £325

these are the dates whenthis itinerary works:15 NIGHTS/16 DAYS ITINERARY2007May 24, 31,June 07, 14, 21, 28,July 05, 12, 19, 26Aug 02, 09, 16, 23, 30,Sep 06, 13, 20, 272008May 22, 29,June 05, 12, 19, 26


Mongolian Herdsmenphoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience



This trip has a recommended clothing/footwear requirement,

which is given on your Trip Confirmation when you book.

Mongolian family pop round for a visit photo: John Pannell

baikal programmesChoose either Siberian Village or Fishermans Cape of Lake Baikal

DAY 07 Arrival into Irkutsk and transfer (1hr) toListvyanka Village on the shore of Lake Baikal. Stay inan authentic Siberian log cabin (izba). Lunch. See thevillage, the old Church, and the Lake Wildlife Museumwith your friendly local expert. Then get it all off yourchest the Siberian way in the sauna! (banya) You’ll beready for your home-cooked supper after all that, thensleep like a log in a log cabin.DAY 08 Choose one activity from below its all includedin the trip price!(A) SOFTIES TREK through the Taiga Forest, with aForester Guide to explain the wildlife, ecosystem andlore of the Taiga. (May-Oct).(B) SIBERIAN SCUBA in Lake Baikal (they say yougain a year of life if you dive in!) with qualified CMAS-instructors (requires PADI-1), 2 dives included. (May-Sep)(C) SNOWMOBILE TRIP (2 hrs) with a local guidethrough the forest, or even out over the deep-frozenlake! (Dec-Apr).(D) DO YOUR OWN THING maybe take off on aCliffside walk, or mosey around the village, or take adip in Lake Baikal! Supper, then maybe try the localbar? Overnight with host family.DAY 09 Transfer to Irkutsk (1hr) and stay in a cityapartment with a local family, in soviet city style. Day free to explore, overnight with host family. Or upgrade to tourist-class hotel if you rate comfortover authenticity.

full on itineraryDay 01 Arrival in Moscow! We transfer you directly to your hotel - your first night in Moscow.

Day 02 After breakfast your local expert will meet you at the hotel, to whiz you round the highlights. This isusing public transport to familiarise you with the city centre and help smooth your path… at least untillunchtime! Afternoon and evening free to explore.

Day 03 A full free day for you to pack in the rest! Mid-evening we take you to your waiting train-to Siberia!

Day 04 The Trans-Sib line leads you past Kazan and Ekaterinburg…

Day 05 Then onwards into Siberia itself, via Novosibirsk…

Day 06 Across the River Yenisei, at Krasnoyarsk…

BIG TRANS-SIB

18 Big Trans-Sib

DAY 07 Transfer directly from Station to the remotervillage of Bolshoe Goloustnoe (110km on rural roads).Your local guide shows you the village, the Old Church,and lake shoreline. Get the 20th Century out of yoursystem in a real Russian banya (sauna) which willsharpen your appetite for home-cooked food forsupper. Sleep soundly the modern world is far, far away.DAY 08 Leisurely lakeside walk (8km) to Ushkani Cape,and visit our friends the fishermen for lunch at theircabin. Leisurely walk back to Bolshoe GoloustnoeVillage. Supper, then relish the hushed silence awayfrom the tourist throng.DAY 09 By car to Irkutsk (110km) and stay in a cityapartment with a local family, in soviet city style. Day free to explore the city, overnight with host family.Or upgrade to tourist-class hotel if you rate comfortover authenticity.

Impromptu party on board photo: Aimie Conning

Lunch at Lake Baikal photo: Roy Thornton

Above - Moscow: Strolling near the Kremlinphoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

the two classic stops

from

£88514 nights/15 days15 nights/16 daysoperational seasonyear round



DEPARTURES -

DATESGUARANTEED

EITHER (1) SIBERIAN VILLAGE OR (2) FISHERMAN’S CAPE OF LAKE BAIKAL

BIG TRANS-SIBthe two classic stops

Big Trans-Sib 19





5 On board-into Siberia, crossing the River Ob at Novosibirsk

6 On board-across Eastern Siberia and across the river Yenisei

7&8 EITHER: arrival Irkutsk & transfer for Siberian Village

OR: arrival Irkutsk & 2-day trip to Bolshoe Goloustnoe Village

9 Return to Irkutsk, day to explore, family stay (or hotel upgrade)

10 Depart by train to Mongolia-midnight border crossing

11 Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, walking tour, transfer to Ger Camp

12 Free day at Elstei Ger Camp walk, optional riding, just relax?

13 Return to Ulaanbaatar, walking tour, overnight stay

14 Depart to Beijing by train across the Southern Gobi

15 Pass Great Wall of China, arrival in Beijing

DAY 13 After Breakfast transfer back to Ulaanbaatar.Check into the Bayangol Hotel 3* day at leisure in the capital.DAY 14 Early transfer to the station for your Beijingbound train. Midnight border crossing, onwards into China.DAY 15 Thunder on across China past the Great Wall.Mid-afternoon arrival into Beijing Central Station. Yourtrans-siberian journey comes to an end. For services inChina and beyond please see pages pages 40-43.

the trip

DAY 10 Early car to the station you’re heading out ofRussia tonight! Late night border crossing (2+ hourshalt for formalities).DAY 11 Early morning arrival in Outer Mongolia.Transfer from station, directly to 3* Hotel. Shower, and breakfast. Depart for two hour familiarisation ofUlaanbaatar, to include the Gandan Monasteryceremony. Tour ends city centre. Lunch at ownexpense. Transfer to Ger Camp. Supper included.DAY 12 Free time at Elstei Ger Camp. Throughout theday you will have the opportunity to partake in activities(weather permitting) that include; a visit to a Nomadfamily, Mongolian wrestling, horse riding (small local fee)to name but a few. All meals included.

Ulaanbaatar: Gandan Monasteryphoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Drinking kumys with Mongolian herdsmenphoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Moscow

Irkutsk

Ulaanbaatar

Beijing

Included in the trip:TRAIN: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.MOSCOW:Transfers on arrival and departure. Two nightsstay in a 3* Hotel, breakfast included. 3 hourpersonalised walking tour with local expert.LAKE BAIKAL: Rural options out of the City gives you thechoice from two all inclusive programmes.ULAANBAATAR: All transfers, two nights Mongolian Ger Campaccommodation, full board. Overnight stay in3* hotel, located in the centre of Ulaanbaatar.Breakfast included. Walking tour ofUlaanbaatar.

No frills trip:TRAIN: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.MOSCOW: Transfer on arrival. Two nights stay in a 1* Hotel. Breakfast included.IRKUTSK: Transfers on arrival and departure. Three nights family stay accommodation.Breakfast included.ULAANBAATAR: Transfers on arrival and departure. Three nights stay in a 1* hotel, located inUlaanbaatar. Breakfast included.VISAS REQUIRED FOR: RUSSIA, MONGOLIA & CHINA


FULL ON £1,235 £1,135 £1,035NO FRILLS £1,085 £985 £885


FULL-ONExtra Night Moscow £60 £50 £50NO FRILLS Extra Night Moscow £45 £35 £35Upgrading toHotel Irkutsk City £40 £30 £30Upgrading to2-berth Rail £399 £399 £399

these are the dates whenthis itinerary works:15-DAY ITINERARY2007January 05,19, February 09, 23, March 09, 23,April 13, 27, May 11, 25, June 15, 29, July 13, 27,August 17, 31, September 07, 21, October 05, 19,November 09, 23, December 07, 212008January 11, 25, February 15, 29, March 07, 21,April 11, 25, May 09, 23, June 13, 27

16-DAY ITINERARY*2007January 11, 25, February 01, 15, March 01, 15, 29,April 05, 19, May 03, 17, 31, June 07, 21,July 05, 19, August 09, 23, September 13, 27,October 11, 25, November 15, 29, December 13, 272008January 03, 17, 31, February 07, 21, March 13,27, April 03, 17, May 01, 15, 29, June 05, 19

EXTRA NIGHT FOR SIBERIAN VILLAGE IN LISTVYANKAis spent at Lake Baikal with host family.

EXTRA NIGHT FISHERMANS CAPE IN BOLSHOEGOLOUSTNOE with host family.*Supplement per person for the extra night is £45 for one,



PARDON ME, BOY – IS THAT THETRANS-SIBERIAN CHOO-CHOO?PARDON ME, BOY – IS THAT THETRANS-SIBERIAN CHOO-CHOO?

YOU LEAVE FROM MOSCOW CENTRAL AT A QUARTER-TO-FOUR; IT TAKES ALMOST A WEEK ‘TIL YOU’RE IN ULAN-BATOR.EMILIA MARTY TAKES A SHINE TO THE TRANS-MONGOLIAN EXPRESS

20 On board the train

Well, it turns out we’ve got tickets for a train thatdoesn’t exist – there’s no such train as the Trans-Siberian Express, although there’s a Trans-Siberianrail track... and we’ve been on it for six days now.One thing I’m kicking myself for is not following theadvice to bring instant coffee... how can there notbe any there, I thought? Welcome to the countrywhere it has double creamer and triple sugaralready in the sachet, whether you want it or not.But unlike at home where you get ripped a wedgefor even a coffee on the train, here the railwaysprovide non-stop boiling water for free.

I dunno why, but one of the worries we had about the trip wasabout the washing facilities on the train – seven days on a train,with nowhere to wash your hair, or have a shower? We needn’thave worried. All the trains as far as the Russian border have ashower cubicle on board you can rent (for around £1.50 persession), with hot water and towels included – it’s in the wagonnext door to the restaurant car, near the middle of the train (whydon’t any of the guidebooks mention this?). Each train wagon hasa toilet (with handbasin) that’s kept usably clean by the train staffduring the train journey. There’s no shower on the Mongoliantrains, but the distance from the border to Ulaanbaatar is only anovernight run. The bedlinen is super-fresh and given to you in alaundry-sealed plastic bag, although the hand-towel included ispretty small and you might want one of your own?

Ulaanbaatar Station, arrival of the Trans-Mongolian Expressphoto: Emilia Marty

Ulaanbaatar Station early-morningphoto: Emilia Marty

On board the train 21

But on a blazing hot summer’s day cross the Gobi Desert, it’s thecold beer that’s selling best in the Dining Car, which is also theunofficial grocery-store for our rolling hotel. When I say we’vebeen on the train for six days, that’s not non-stop... you’d becrazy to miss the chance of a stop at Lake Baikal, and after fournights on board the clear air there is so delicious you practicallydrink it. And when you’ve walked your legs off around the Lake,the rail-line offers you a convenient 24-hour rest-up before hittingMongolia’s weird-and-wonderful capital, Ulaanbaatar. Been there,done that, bought the Genghis Khan t-shirt, but now to whereyour mobile phone will draw an utter blank – the Eastern Gobi. Anypreconceived ideas about it being a barren empty place quicklyevaporate... with remote Buddhist monasteries, dinosaur remains,sand-dunes, nomads and camels, and even a holy mountain toclimb, we were pleased to collapse into our beds at the ger-camp(a ger is a Mongolian nomadic felt tent) after supper! The food atthe camp was delicious and they thought-up inventive vegetarianchoices for me too. Of course the climate in the Gobi is muchtougher than at the Elstei ger-camp, but the facilities can meet thechallenge... except maybe the shower? It’s more like a tepiddribble than a shower, but then I guess I shouldn’t be a crankyforeigner… this is the Gobi Desert, after all! If you want to includeEast Gobi on your Trans-Sib trip, it means taking a local-qualitytrain for the section between Ulaanbaatar and Sainshand, but it’sonly half a day, and it’s not nearly so bad as The RussiaExperience people prepared us for. Sheez, we’re not spoiltweaklings, guys!

OUR TRIP RATING:Best Cultural Experience: the museums in St Petersburg Best Artistic Event: seeing the Bolshoi Ballet in MoscowMost fantastic scenery: Lake Baikal at Listvyanka, on a lakeside trekMost moving experience: the morning prayer ceremony at the Gandan Monasteryin UlaanbaatarBest night out: nightclub in Ekaterinburg before getting the train at 4amBiggest mistake: not taking our own instant coffee on the train

The most chilling experience of East Gobi was the Meditation Caves – where themonks of the Buddhist Monastery undertook an amazing feat of self-will, andallowed themselves to be walled-in for two lunar months, in a tiny cranny not bigenough to stand-up in. During the first month their followers were allowed tobring them food – during the second, not. Those who reached enlightenmentbecame lamas – but those who failed were buried alive in their cave. It allmakes the onward train to Beijing seem spacious and luxurious by comparison!The Chinese Border’s a real experience – they have to refit the entire train withnew wheels that fit the Chinese rails! It takes around 3 hours, but if you hurryyou can get a seat in the station café while you wait– and get your first Chinesemeal of the journey.

Nothing, but nothing, can prepare you for Beijing – we loved every moment of it,but it’s not for the fragile! Be ready to shed your shyness or get pushed aside inthe frenetic pace and vast crowds. Forget the exotic elegance of Asia (for thatyou need to head to Xi’an) – Beijing makes New York look like a quiet village bycomparison. And just when you think you have the measure of the place, itchanges before your eyes – where there was a pedestrian street this afternoon,suddenly there’s a bustling night-market selling every kind of luscious fast-foodtreat imaginable... Beijing’s a waistline disaster-zone waiting to happen!

Mongolian horseman at Elsteiphoto: Emilia Marty

Above - East Gobi Lamaist Meditation Cavephoto: Emilia Marty

Above - East Gobi Hamar Monastery Buddha Statuephoto: Emilia Marty

full on itineraryDAY 01 Arrival in Moscow! We transfer you directly

to your hotel – your first night in Moscow.DAY 02 After breakfast your local expert will meet

you at the hotel, to whiz you round thehighlights. This is using public transport tofamiliarise you with the city centre and helpsmooth your path… at least until lunchtime!Afternoon and evening free to explore.

DAY 03 A full free day for you to pack in the rest!Have you been to Pushkin Square? “The”place to meet friends or Izmailovsky Fleamarket for souvenirs? Perhaps you havepre-booked one of our city basedexcursions for today? (see page 47 fordetails) Mid-evening we take you to yourwaiting train to Siberia!

DAY 04 - On board. Your train will make severalDAY 07 unscheduled stops, allowing you time to grab

stocks for your larder and drinks cabinet.

THREE CAPITALS

22 Three Capitals

Trans-Mongolian train photo: Aimie Conning/Russia Experience

Gandan Temple Ulaanbaatar photo: John Pannell

if your time is tight, this one has the highlights

from

£69911 nights/12 days

operational seasonyear round



Above - Mongolian Family photo: John Pannell

Above - Regional Naadam Festival photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

NOT GROUP

DEPARTURES -

DATESGUARANTEED

if your time is tight, this one has the highlightsTHREE CAPITALS



Three Capitals 23

DAY 08 Early morning arrival in Outer Mongolia.Transfer from station, directly to 3* Hotel.Shower, and breakfast. Depart for two hourfamiliarisation of Ulaanbaatar, to include theGandan Monastery ceremony. Tour ends citycentre. Lunch at own expense. Transfer to Ger Camp. Supper included.

DAY 09 Free time at Elstei Ger Camp. Throughout theday you will have the opportunity to partake inactivities (weather permitting) that include; avisit to a Nomad family, Mongolian wrestling,horse riding (small local fee) to name but afew. All meals included.

DAY 10 After Breakfast transfer back to Ulaanbaatar.Check into the Bayangol Hotel 3* day atleisure in the capital.

DAY 11 Early transfer to the station for your Beijingbound train. Midnight border crossing,onwards into China.

DAY 12 Transfer to your departing Beijing bound trainthis morning. Midnight border crossing andonwards to China! For services in China andbeyond please see pages 40 - 43.

1 Arrival in Moscow, transfer to accommodation

2 Local expert assisted walking tour in Moscow, free time

3 Free day to explore Moscow, evening train departure

4 On board the Trans-Sib via the Ural Mountains

5 On board the Trans-Sib via Central Siberia

6 On board the Trans-Sib, crossing the Yenisei River

7 Past and around Lake Baikal and on to Mongolia

8 Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, walking tour, transfer to Ger Camp

9 Free day at Elstei; walk, relax, optional riding, stay in gers

10 Return to Ulaanbaatar. Free time.

11 Depart to Beijing by train across the Southern Gobi

12 Passing the Great Wall of China, arrival in Beijing

the tripMoscow

Ulaanbaatar

Beijing

Beijing Night Marketphoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Included in the trip:TRAIN: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.MOSCOW:Transfers on arrival and departure. Two nightsstay in a 3* Hotel, breakfast included. 3 hourpersonalised walking tour with local expert.ULAANBAATAR: All transfers, walking tour of Ulaanbaatar. Two nights Mongolian Ger Campaccommodation, full board. Overnight stay in3* hotel, located in the centre of Ulaanbaatar.Breakfast included.

No frills trip:TRAIN: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.MOSCOW: Transfer on arrival. Two nights stay in a 1* Hotel. Breakfast included.

ULAANBAATAR: Transfers on arrival and departure. Three nights stay in a 1* hotel, located inUlaanbaatar. Breakfast included.VISAS REQUIRED FOR: RUSSIA, MONGOLIA & CHINA.


FULL ON £999 £899 £799NO FRILLS £899 £799 £699


FULL-ONExtra Night Moscow £60 £50 £50NO FRILLS Extra Night Moscow £45 £35 £35Upgrading to2-berth Rail £349 £349 £349

these are the dates whenthis itinerary works:2007January 01, 08, 15, 22, 29, February 05, 12, 19, 26,March 05, 12, 19, 26, April 02, 09, 16, 23, 30,May 07, 14, 21, 28, June 04, 11, 18, 25,July 02, 09, 16, 23, 30, August 06, 13, 20, 27,September 03, 10, 17, 24, October 01, 08, 15, 22, 29,November 05, 12, 19, 26, December 03, 10, 17,24, 312008January 07, 14, 21, 28, February 04, 11, 18, 25,March 03, 10, 17, 24, 31, April 07, 14, 21, 28,May 05, 12, 19, 26, June 02, 09, 16, 23, 30


Stop along the way photo: John Pannell

Train Staff photo: John Pannell

St Basil’s Cathedral photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

24

Uncover a world of discovery and adventure...

On board the Baikal Express photo: John Pannell

29

... one trip, 18 destinations

ST.PETERSBURGBuilt to order for Tsar Peter the Great, the“wedding-cake” style of the Imperial City is acomplete contrast with Moscow’s medieval onion-domes. St.Petersburg know as Leningrad for theduration of Soviet rule, the city was always ahang-out for the USSR’s “not quite complying”people-rock musicians, movie actors etc, and isstill the “rock music capital” of Russia. If ballet or opera are your thing youcould not be better served.

MOSCOWEurope’s fastest-growing and third largest citywears three hats-capital of medieval Muscovy, ascapital of the ex-USSR, and as capital of today’snew Russia. Moscow is Pleasure Central;alongside the nightclubs and bars is everypossible kind of food and music too. And all this is

grafted onto the medieval citadel, the Kremlin, themuseums, galleries, concert-halls and the Bolshoi.

EKATERINBURGStraddling the Europe/Asia divide, Ekaterinburggot rich on an C18th gold-rush here. The mixtureof high-tech industry and high-flying educationalinstitutes makes for a young population and it hasa mojo all its own. Most infamously, the Tsar andall his family were murdered here in 1918- the newCathedral marks the spot. In the heart of the Ural Mts, there’s countryside and villages all around.

ALTAISiberia’s best-kept secret-a massive National Parkarea of mountains and rivers, offering amazingrafting, riding, and hiking… the 7/8-hr drive from

any rail or airport helps protect its wildernessstatus. A growing New- Age Lifestyle movement isspreading here-inspired by ancient cave paintings,and legends of the Lost Mountain Kingdom ofBelovodia. We take our own vacations here.

IRKUTSKOne of Siberia’s oldest cities, a furtrading centresince the C17th. The city’s regarded as the “homeof the Trans-Siberian” since the track-building fromEast and West met here, and the first Trans-Sibtrain went through.

LISTVYANKA VILLAGEJust an hour from Irkutsk, Listvyanka’s the mostaccessible point on Lake Baikal-both in distanceand facilities. Amidst the timber-house villagethere are now some cafes and bars-but the wildsof Baikal open-up at the end of the village

The inside storyDESTINATION INFO

THE TRANS-SIB IS THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME, AND GOES PAST PLACES YOU WILL NEVER PASSTHROUGH AGAIN-SO DON’T LET THEM SLIP BY!

Top left-St Petersburg: View on River Nevaphoto: Jan Segal/Russia ExperienceBottom left-St Petersburg: Cath on Spilt Blood photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Top Middle-Moscow: Tsar Cannon photo: Jan Segal/Russia ExperienceBottom Middle-Moscow Kremlin: Assumption Cath photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Top Right-Ekaterinburg: Cathedral photo: Jan Segal/Russia ExperienceBottom Right-Ekaterinburg: Forest Walk photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

footpath if you want. Baikal is the world’s largestlake-the London-Edinburgh road won’t reach fromits top to toe, and with 1.5 miles to the bottom, it’sthe world’s deepest too.

BOLSHOE GOLOUSTNOESo near to Listvyanka, but so different in character-almost unchanged from the C19th, due to poorroad access. Bolshoe Goloustnoe village appeals toseekers of a lifestyle not yet quite past, and has a timeless serenity-fishing is still the mainlivelihood here, and except for a tiny village store,there’s little intrusion of C20th values.

ULAN-UDAYPerhaps the most surprising halt on the T-Sib?Nomadic native Asian peoples of Siberia were notan image the USSR cared for-the Buryats were“collectivised” by Stalin. Yet native song and

tradition survived even Stalin’s policies. The soviet-era city contrasts with life in remotevillages and Buddhist monasteries-so we includeall three aspects in our trips. Who ever imaginedBuddhism in Siberia? Yet it’s been the nativereligion here for centuries.

PERMIt’s surprising what you knew about PERM withoutknowing it-it’s the real-life city that was “Yuriatin”(where Dr Zhivago met Lara in the book, and thefilm), it was the start of the Great Siberian Post-Road, and Permian-era dinosaurs are named aftergeological discoveries near Perm. A charming littlecity in the Urals, with a famous ballet troupe.

VLADIVOSTOKVladivostok is a double surprise. First is that it’s so small-less than 500,000 inhabitants, giving

a charming compact feel to the place. Next is the weather-hot coastal sunbathing in summer,deep-frozen in winter. For those able to cope withpoor onward connections, it’s the end-point of theoriginal Trans-Sib route.

MONGOLIAMongolia is an ancient Buddhist Kingdom-but the capital is a flourishing mixture of bars,nightclubs, patisseries and internet cafes.Ulaanbaatar is fun to visit, but it isn’t especiallyMongolian. The sparse pasture of the steppes keptMongolians on the move-the idea of “cities” isfundamentally alien to Mongolian tradition. A great way to experience life in the Mongolian geris to stay at Elstei Ger- Camp. The accommodation is entirely in traditional gers.Showers and toilets are available from April-October meeting modern standards. There is a

Top left-Altai: rafting photo: Jan Segal/Russia ExperienceBottom left-Altai: mountain folksinger photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Top middle-Irkutsk: cathedral photo: Jan Segal/Russia ExperienceBottom middle-Baikal: Listvyanka Village photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Top Right-Baikal: Lakeshore at B.Goloustnoe photo: Jan Segal/Russia ExperienceBottom Right-Listvyanka Village: Host family photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

café serving both traditional Mongolian meals and a choice of other food (includingvegetarian). The location, although only one hourfrom Ulaanbaatar, is as remote as anywhere onthe steppes, and there are great opportunities forwalking-or riding, with local nomads as yourinstructors. You have to be ready for off-road jeeptravel for long journeys-Mongolia has tracks ratherthan actual roads. Most Mongolians still live ingers-the traditional wood framed felt tent of the steppes, whose design has notchanged in thousands of years. Mongolia has onlybeen open for tourism since the fall of the SovietUnion. It’s not to be missed.

HUHEHOTImperial China divided Mongolia into two when it came as conqueror-Inner Mongolia, ruled as part of China, and Outer Mongolia… so distant andbarren that only martial law was possible. Huhehot,capital of Inner Mongolia, was historically richer, butstill today lies inside the borders of modern China.Must sees are: The Grand Imperial Lamasery, theold Islamic Quarter & Mosque, and unique Wuta-SiPagoda of a Thousand Buddhas.

HARBINHarbin’s an unfairly neglected Trans-Siberian stop.In the far north of China, it’s quite unlike the rest of the country-partly because it was built-up in the 1920’s by Russian nobles who’d fledCommunism. The main (pedestrian) street is more like Petersburg than Peking. Harbin is

most famous for the Ice Festival (Jan-Feb)-a hugeoutdoor event, which attracts visitors from all overthe world.

BEIJING...is well-known as China’s capital-but did youknow that it began as a Mongolian stronghold,and its original name was neither Beijing norPeking, but Khan-Baliq?. You’ll need 3-4 days tosee everything in Beijing, even briefly-the greattemples like the Lama Temple or the Temple of Heaven, the royal legacies at the SummerPalace. The good news is that Beijing doesn’thave bars-it has whole streets of bars, whereevery doorway’s a different drinking-hole. Withyour days jam-packed, its just as well there arenight-markets for snack-food, great-value silkclothes, and much much more…

Top left-Ulan-Uday: Lenin Bust, Town Sq photo: Simon Calder/Russia ExperienceBottom left-Ulan-Uday: Buryat Village trip photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Top middle-Ulaanbaatar: Gandan Lamasery photo: Jan Segal/Russia ExperienceBottom middle-Elstei: learning Mongolian archery photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Top Right-Naadam Festival 2005 photo: John PannellBottom Right-Elstei: Regional Naadam Festival photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

XI’AN...was, for centuries, the Imperial Capital ofChina… a massive medieval walled city, with fourgates facing out to the four compass-points of theEmpire it controlled. One of the most fascinatingareas is the Old Muslim Quarter. Its thronging alleys are packed with cheapsouvenirs, fake antiques, some great street-foodfor small-change prices. The Exhibition ofTerracotta Warriors, an hours drive from town. Thisdramatic find of the 1970s is considered one ofthe greatest archaeological discoveries of the century. Highly recommended.

SHANGHAINearly three times larger than Beijing, and an economic powerhouse that is rapidlyoutstripping Hong Kong. Although there’s a small“old town”area, the real attractions here areeating, drinking and shopping-Shanghai’s a world-class city in all three activities! There aregood onward sea connections to Japan.

GUILIN...is mostly famous for its natural beauty, withstunning scenery. Most visitors to Guilin take a boattrip on the River Li, which meanders between Guilinand Yangshuo.Yangshuo is a great day trip out.Nestled amongst the hills it offers caves to explore,bike hire and a relaxed atmosphere.

GUANGHZHOU...(once known as Canton) is a busy modern city.Famous for its Cantonese cuisine you can spendyour brief stop in Guanghzhou checking out thenumerous restaurants, featuring some very exoticmeats! If you have time between sittings check out the Huaisheng Mosque built during the TangDynasty, one of the oldest mosques in China.

Top left-Beijing: nightlife photo: Jan Segal/Russia ExperienceBottom left-Beijing: Great Wall of Chinaphoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Top middle-“Harbin” Harbin Ice FestivalBottom middle-Xi’an: Terracotta Army photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Top Right-Trans-Siberian Loco photo: Simon Calder/Russia Experience

Bottom-The Oriental Pearl Tower

from

£60913 nights/14 days trip9 nights/10 days tripoperational seasonyear round

full on itinerary(Via Irkutsk)DAY 01 Arrival in Moscow! We transfer you

directly to your hotel - your first night in Moscow.

DAY 02 After breakfast your local expert will meetyou at the hotel, to whiz you round thehighlights. This is using public transportto familiarise you with the city centre andhelp smooth your path... at least untillunchtime! Afternoon and evening free to explore.

DAY 03 A full free day, take your pick of the bestof Moscow! Mid-evening we take you toyour Siberia bound train!

DAY 04 The Trans-Sib line, leads you past Kazan and Ekaterinburg...

DAY 05 Then onwards into Siberia itself, via Novosibirsk...

DAY 06 Across the River Yenisei at Krasnoyarsk...

DAY 07 Arrival into Irkutsk and transfer (1hr) toListvyanka Village on shore of LakeBaikal. Stay in an authentic Siberian log-cabin (izba). Lunch, walking tour of the village including Lake WildlifeMuseum. That evening have a realSiberian Sauna (banya), which will giveyou an appetite for a home-cookedsupper. Overnight with host family

DAY 08 Choose one activity from the list, it’s allincluded in the trip price!

(A) SOFTIES TREK through the TaigaForest-with a Forester Guide to explain thewildlife, ecosystem and lore of the Taiga.(May-Oct).

(B) SIBERIAN SCUBA a freshwater dive in the world’s Greatest Lake, with CMAS-qualified instructors. (requires PADI-1). 2 dives included. (May-Sep)

(C) DO YOUR OWN THING maybe take off on a Cliffside walk, or mosey around the village, or take a dip in Lake Baikal!Supper, then maybe try the local bar?Overnight with host family. (Year roundoption weather permitting!)

DAY 09 Entirely free day at Lake Baikal Village.Overnight with host family. Breakfast andsupper included.

DAY 10 Transfer to Irkutsk (1hr) and stay in a cityapartment with a local family, in soviet citystyle. Day free to explore the city, overnightwith host family. Or upgrade to tourist class Hotel if you rate comfort overauthenticity.

DAY 11 Transfer to station for early morningdeparture for Vladivostok.

DAY 12/13 On board

DAY 14 Morning arrival into Vladivostok, your Trans-Siberian journey comes to an end. For Hotel options see price box.

DIRECT TO VLADIVOSTOK

DAY 01/03 As Irkutsk itinerary.

DAY 04/09 On board. The train makes severalunscheduled stops allowing you time tomake a quick purchases from the locals.

DAY 10 Arrival into Vladivostok. Your trans-siberianjourney comes to an end. For hotel optionssee prices box.

Vladivostok: Travel Writer and Presenter Simon Calder (& bicycle)

ORIGINAL TRANS-SIBERIAN Moscow-Vladivostok, for trainspotters and traditionalists

30 Original Trans-Siberian

Included in the trip:TRAIN: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.MOSCOW: Transfers on arrival and departure. Two nightsstay in a 3* Hotel, breakfast included. 3 hourpersonalised guided walking tour of the city.

SIBERIA: (Applies to trip via Irkutsk only). All transfersare provided. Four nights family stayaccommodation. Meals as stated with yourhost family. Free excursion on day eight.VISA REQUIRED FOR: RUSSIA

TRIP PRICE1 person 2 people 3-9 people

ORIGINAL £699 £639 £609VIA IRKUTSK £999 £899 £799


FULL-ONExtra Night Moscow £60 £50 £50NO FRILLS Extra Night Moscow £45 £35 £35Hotel Vladivostok(Transfer on arrival inc.) £125 £65 £65Upgrading to2-berth Rail £299 £299 £299Upgrading to2-berth Rail via Irkutsk £399 £399 £399

these are the dates whenthis itinerary works:2007/2008 Start DatesDepartures on odd dates. Few rare exceptions-please confirm with us.


Hanging out in Vladivostokphoto: Simon Calder



NOT GROUP

DEPARTURES -

DATESGUARANTEED

ORIGINAL TRANS-SIBERIAN Moscow-Vladivostok, for trainspotters and traditionalists

Included in the trip:TRAIN: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.

MOSCOW: Transfers on arrival and departure. Two nightsstay in a 3* Hotel, breakfast included. 3 hourpersonalised walking tour with local expert.

No frills trip:TRAIN: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.

MOSCOW:Transfer on arrival. Two nights stay in a 1* Hotel. Breakfast included.VISAS REQUIRED FOR: RUSSIA & CHINA

TRIP PRICE1 person 2 people 3-9 people

FULL ON £649 £619 £589NO FRILLS £569 £539 £509


FULL-ONExtra Night Moscow £60 £50 £50NO FRILLS Extra Night Moscow £45 £35 £35Upgrading to2-berth Rail £299 £299 £299

these are the dates whenthis itinerary works:10-DAY ITINERARY2007January 03, 10, 17, 24, 31, February 07, 14, 21, 28,March 07, 14, 21, 28, April 04, 11, 18, 25,May 02, 09, 16, 23, 30, June 06, 13, 20, 27,July 04, 11, 18, 25, August 01, 08, 15, 22, 29,September 05, 12, 19, 26, October 03, 10, 17, 24, 31,November 07, 14, 21, 28, December 05, 12, 19, 262008January 02, 09, 16, 23, 30, February 06, 13, 20, 27,March 05, 12, 19, 26, April 02, 09, 16, 23, 30, May 07, 14, 21, 28, June 04, 11, 18, 25

from


operational seasonyear round

full on itineraryDAY 01 Arrival in Moscow! We transfer you directly

to your hotel - your first night in Moscow.

DAY 02 After breakfast your local expert will meet you at the hotel, to whisk you round the highlights.This is using public transport to familiarise youwith the city centre and help smooth your path…at least until lunchtime! Afternoon and eveningfree to explore.

DAY 03 A full free day for you to pack in the rest! Haveyou been to Pushkin Square? “The” place tomeet friends or Izmailovsky Flea market forsouvenirs? Perhaps you have pre-booked one ofour city based excursions for today? (see page47 for details) Mid-evening we take you to yourwaiting train-to Siberia!

DAY 04 On board the Trans-Manchurian Express.

DAY 06 The train makes several unscheduled stops, allowing you only time to grab stocks for your larder and drinks cabinet.

DAY 07 On board the Trans-Manchurian Express circumnavigating the shores of Lake Baikal.

DAY 08 On board the Trans-Manchurian Express via far Eastern Siberia to the Chinese border.

DAY 09 On board through Manchuria. Sightings of the great wall, onwards to Beijing.

DAY 10 Thunder on across China, early morning arrivalinto Beijing Central Station. Your trans-siberianjourney comes to an end. For services in Chinaand beyond please pages 40-43.

Watching the world go by photo: John Pannell

Europe to Asia non-stop!

TRANS-MANCHURIANCLASSIC

Trans-Manchurian Classic 31A L L D A T E S G U A R A N T E E D

Left - Rickshaws in Beijingphoto: John Pannell



Trans-Mongolian route is also available

NOT GROUP

DEPARTURES -

DATESGUARANTEED

(A) ROMANOV GRAVES (& Europe/Asia BorderMonument en-route). Car excursion (60km round trip) tosite where the Romanov bodies were hidden. Duration;5-6 hours. No physical exertion involved. Light lunchprovided. Year round.(B) SIBERIAN COUNTRYSIDE & HISTORICVILLAGE Visit to an old village (160km each way) nowunder a Preservation Order. Includes home-cookedlunch, exhibitions of local crafts, horse cart riding.Duration; 8-9 hours. No physical exertion involved. Year round.(C) HIKING TRIP IN THE URALSOutdoor adventure in an area which is a designatednature park. Car transfer then 18km walk where you willsee a variety of flora and fauna and learn about theindigenous species of wildlife. No special equipmentneeded. Duration; 8 hours. Lunch provided.15 June - 15 September (Weather permitting).(D) SIBERIAN WILDERNESS ADVENTURECombined soft raft (6km) and Forest Hike (12km) -optional cave visit. Good fitness required. Duration; 9-10 hours. Lunch provided. 15 June - 15 September (Weather permitting).(E) SKIING At Ezhovaya Slopes Ski Resort.Skis/Poles/Lift-Pass package purchasable locallyapprox $25 payable in roubles No instruction isincluded - this program is for those who can alreadyski. Duration; 6 - 7 hours. Lunch provided. 01 December - 28 February. (Weather permitting).(F) ICE-FISHING Yes, you saw the cartoons, now youcan try it yourself. Tackle, Angler’s Hints & Fur Coatprovided. We don’t guarantee you’ll catch anything!Duration; 8 hours. Lunch provided. 15 November - 15December. 01 February - 15 March. (Weather permitting).

full on itineraryDAY 01 Arrival in Moscow! We transfer you directly to your hotel - your first night in Moscow.DAY 02 After breakfast your local expert will meet you at the hotel, to whiz you round the highlights. This is

using public transport to familiarise you with the city centre and help smooth your path… at least untillunchtime! Afternoon and evening free to explore.

DAY 03 A full free day - for you to pack in the rest! Mid-afternoon we take you to your waiting train to Siberia!DAY 04 Full day on train through the Ural Mountains, arrival late evening into Ekaterinburg, car to Hotel.DAY 05 Three hour walking tour of Ekaterinburg with local expert. Afternoon and evening free to

explore further.DAY 06 Please choose one of the following fully inclusive day trip options.

32 Super Trans-Sib

(G) SIBERIAN HUSKY DOGSLEDDING Exactly whatit says! 3-4 hours sledding following a made trackthrough the forest. No special fitness required, but beready to fall-off in the soft snow a few times - they’repretty fast! At the end of your trip you will visit thefamous Europe-Asia border. Duration; 7 - 8 hours.Lunch provided. 15 November - 28 December. 16 January - 28 February. (Weather permitting).

Option to either remain at your hotel until 02:00 orcheck-out early evening and chill-out at the VodoleyLeisure Centre (admission tickets and bar-bill are yours,but we take you there and back) and then directly withluggage to station. Depart 04:00 eastwards…

DAY 07 & 08 Onwards via Novosibirsk andKrasnoyarsk to Irkutsk.

Mongolia in October photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Buddhist shrine photo: John Pannell

Winter: Husky dog-sledding near Ekaterinburgphoto: Konstantin Brylykov

open with care-overstuffed with action!

from

£1,14017 nights/18 day trip18 nights/19 day tripoperational seasonyear round





NOT GROUP

DEPARTURES -

DATESGUARANTEED

SUPER TRANS-SIB

Super Trans-Sib 33

baikal programmesChoose either Siberian Village or Fisherman’s Cape of Lake Baikal

DAY 09 Arrival into Irkutsk and transfer (1hr) toListvyanka Village on the shore of Lake Baikal.Stay in an authentic Siberian log-cabin (izba). Lunch.See the village, the old Church, and the Lake WildlifeMuseum-with your friendly local expert. Then get it alloff your chest the Siberian way in the sauna! (banya)You’ll be ready for your home-cooked supper after allthat-then sleep like a log in a log cabin.DAY 10 Choose one activity from below its all includedin the trip price!

(A) SOFTIES TREK through the Taiga Forest-and aForester Guide to explain the wildlife, ecosystem andlore of the Taiga. (May-Oct).

(B) SIBERIAN SCUBA (they say you gain a year of lifeif you dive in!) with qualified CMAS-instructors (requiresPADI-1), 2 dives included (May-Sep).

(C) SNOWMOBILE TRIP (2 hrs) with a local guide-through the forest, or even out over the deep-frozenlake! (Dec-Apr).

(D) TAKE YOURSELF FOR A WALK out of the villagewith a packed lunch and a book, and contemplate thevastness of the world’s hugest lake. (year-round weatherpermitting). Supper with your host family this evening.Then sleep like a log in a log cabin!

DAY 11 Free day at Lakeside village – Listvyanka.Overnight with your host family.

1 Arrive Moscow, Transfer to accommodation



4 By train through Ural Mountains, eve arrive Ekaterinburg & accom

5 Walking tour of Ekaterinburg & free time to explore

6 Your choice of Ekaterinburg/Urals activities (see full itinerary)

7 On board Trans-Sib eastwards, via Novosibirsk

8 On board Trans-Sib eastwards, via Krasnoyarsk

9/10 EITHER: Siberian Village Stay with walk, mini-trek or scuba options, or in thewinter, Snow Mobile OR: Fisherman’s Cape of Lake Baikal trip with mini-trek

11 Free time Listvyanka Village

12 Free time to explore Irkutsk city evening departure to Ulaanbaatar

13 On board, around Lake Baikal then southwards to Mongolia

14 Arrive Ulaanbaatar depart to Elstei Ger Camp

15 Free day at Elstei Ger Camp, optional riding or just relax?

16 Return to Ulaanbaatar, free time to explore, overnight stay

17 Depart by train to Beijing, across Southern Gobi desert

18 Pass the Great Wall Of China, arrival in Beijing

DAY 09 Car from Irkutsk Station to the remoter villageof Bolshoe Goloustnoe (110km on rural roads).A local guide shows you the village, the Old Church,and the lake shoreline. Get the 20th Century out of yoursystem have a real Siberian Sauna (banya), which willgive you an appetite for a home-cooked supper.Overnight with host family.DAY 10 Leisurely lakeside walk (9km) to Ushkani Cape,and visit our friends the fishermen for lunch at theircabin. Leisurely walk back to Bolshoe GoloustnoeVillage. Supper, then relish the hushed silence awayfrom the tourist throng.Day 11 Transfer back to Irkutsk city (110km) and stayin a city apartment with a local family, in soviet citystyle. Day free to explore the city, overnight with hostfamily. Or upgrade to tourist class hotel if you ratecomfort over authenticity.


the trip

DAY 12 Transfer to Irkutsk (1hr) free time to explore the city. (we watch your bags). Transfer to the station for yourUlaanbaatar bound train.

DAY 13 On board to Mongolia. Midnight border crossing.DAY 14 Early morning arrival in Outer Mongolia. Transfer from station, directly to 3* Hotel. Shower, and breakfast.

Depart for two hour familiarisation of Ulaanbaatar, to include the Gandan Monastery ceremony. Tour endscity centre. Lunch at own expense. Transfer to Ger Camp. Supper included.

DAY 15 Free time at Elstei Ger Camp. Throughout the day you will have the opportunity to partake in activities(weather permitting) that include; a visit to a Nomad family, Mongolian wrestling, horse riding (small localfee) to name but a few. All meals included.

DAY 16 After Breakfast transfer back to Ulaanbaatar. Check into the Hotel 3* day at leisure in the capital.DAY 17 Early transfer to the station for your Beijing bound train. Midnight border crossing, onwards into China.DAY 18 Thunder on across China past the Great Wall. Mid-afternoon arrival into Beijing Central Station.

Your trans-siberian journey comes to an end.

photo: John Pannell

Moscow

Ekaterinburg

Irkutsk

Ulaanbaatar

Beijing

Included in the trip:TRAIN: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.MOSCOW: Car transfer arrival/departure. two nts 3* Hotel B&B, 3 hour personalised walking tour with local expert.EKATERINBURG:Car transfer arrival/ departure. Two nts 2* Hotel B&B, 3 hour walking tour, day trip.LAKE BAIKAL : Rural options out of the Citygives you the option to chose from two allinclusive programmes.ULAANBAATAR: All transfers, two nightMongolian Ger Camp accommodation fullboard. 1 night 3* hotel Ulaanbaatar,breakfast. Walking tour of Ulaanbaatar.

No frills trip:TRAIN: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.MOSCOW: Transfer arrival. Two nights 1* Hotel. Breakfast included.EKATERINBURG: Transfer arrival/departure.Two nights 1* Hotel room-only (shared bathroom). IRKUTSK: Transfer arrival/departure. Familystay accommodation, Irkutsk City. Breakfast.ULAANBAATAR: Arrival/departure transfers.Three nights 1* hotel, Ulaanbaatar. Breakfast.


FULL ON £1,650 £1,550 £1,450NO FRILLS £1,340 £1,240 £1,140SPICING IT UP

1 person 2 people 3-9 peopleFULL-ON Extra Nights Moscow £60 £50 £50NO FRILLS Extra Nights Moscow £45 £35 £35Hotel upgrade Irkutsk City £40 £30 £30Upgrading to2-berth Rail £449 £449 £449

these are the dates whenthis itinerary works:18-DAY ITINERARY2007January 09, 23, February 13, 27, March 13,April 03, 17, May 01, 15, June 05, 19, July 03, 17, August 07, 21, September 11, 25, October 09, 23,November 13, 27, December 11, 25 2008January 01, 15, February 05, 19, March 11, 25,April 01, 15, 29, May 13, June 03, 1719-DAY ITINERARY*2007January 01, 15, February 05, 19, March 05, 19,April 09, 23, May 07, 21, June 11, 25, July 09, 23,August 13, September 03, 17, October 01, 15,November 05, 19, December 03, 172008January 07, 21, February 11, March 03, 17,April 07, 21, May 05, 19, June 09, 23

Extra night for Siberian Village & Fisherman’s Cape of Baikal: in Irkutsk with host family or optional hotel upgrade.*Supplement per person for the extra night is £45 for one,



(A) SKIING At Ezhovaya Slopes Ski Resort.Skis/Poles/Lift-Pass package purchasable locallyapprox $25 payable in roubles No instruction isincluded - this program is for those who can alreadyski. Duration; 6 - 7 hours. Lunch provided. 01 December - 28 February. (Weather permitting).

(B) ICE-FISHING Yes, you saw the cartoons, now youcan try it yourself. Tackle, Angler’s Hints & Fur Coatprovided. We don’t guarantee you’ll catch anything!Duration; 8 hours. Lunch provided.15 November – 15 December. 01 February – 15 March.(Weather permitting).

(C) SIBERIAN HUSKY DOG SLEDDING Exactly whatit says! 3-4 hours sledding following a made trackthrough the forest. No special fitness required, but beready to fall-off in the soft snow a few times - they'repretty fast! At the end of your trip you will visit thefamous Europe-Asia border. Duration; 7 - 8 hours.Lunch provided. 15 November - 28 December. 16 January - 28 February. (Weather permitting).

(D) WINTER WALK in the Taiga forest to the DruzhbaCaves. Total trek 16km. Duration; 10 hours. Picnic lunch provided. 01 December - 28 February. (Weather permitting).

full on itineraryDAY 01 Arrival in Moscow! We transfer you directly to your hotel - your first night in Moscow.DAY 02 After breakfast your local expert will meet you at the hotel, to whisk you round the highlights.

This is using public transport to familiarise you with the city centre and help smooth your path…at least until lunchtime! Afternoon and evening free to explore.

DAY 03 A full free day for you to pack in the rest! Have you been to Pushkin Square? “The” place to meetfriends or Izmailovsky Flea market for souvenirs? Perhaps you have pre-booked one of our city based excursions for today? (see page 43 for details) It’s your choice! either take the direct route toHarbin, or choose to spend a few days in Ekaterinburg where you can pursue the ultimate in outdoorwinter activities!

DAY 04 Full day on train through the Ural Mountains, arrival late evening into Ekaterinburg, transfer to Hotel.DAY 05 Walking Tour of Ekaterinburg with local guide. Afternoon and evening free to explore further.DAY 06 Please choose one of the following fully inclusive day trip options.

SNOW TRAIN

34 Snow Train

Option to either remain at your hotel until 02:00(we hold your room on for late checkout) or check-outearly-evening and chill-out at the Vodoley LeisureCentre (admission tickets and bar-bill are yours, but wetake you there and back) and then directly with luggageto station. Depart 04:00 eastwards…

Harbin Ice-Festival photo: Johan de La Roy

Left - Ekaterinburg: Husky Sled-Dogphoto: Neil McGowan/Russia Experience

ice festival special - better hurry, the ice melts soon!

from

£85011 nights/12 days13 nights/14 daysoperational seasonDecember/January



Trans-Sib loco photo: Johan de La Roy

NOT GROUP

DEPARTURES -

DATESGUARANTEED

Snow Train 35


2 Moscow winter sightseeing with local expert


4 On board the Trans-Sib via the Urals Mountains and arrive Ekaterinburg

5 Three hour walking tour of Ekaterinburg

6 WINTER MIXTURE: choose ice-fishing, snow-walk or husky-dog sledding!

7 On board the Trans-Sib via Central Siberia

8 On board the Trans-Sib, crossing the Yenisei River

9 On board the Trans-Sib, circumnavigating Lake Baikal

10 On board the Trans-Sib, eastwards across Buryatia

11 Arrival in China to Harbin, hotel accomm opposite station

12 Opportunity to visit the Harbin Ice & Lanterns Festival

13 Free day to explore Harbin, overnight train to Beijing

14 Arrival in Beijing and end of itinerary

the trip

DAY 07 On board the Trans-Manchurian Express. The train makes several short stops en-route,to allowing you only time to make a quick purchase from the locals of home cooked produce or DAY 10 replenish your drinks cabinet.

DAY 11 After a night-time border crossing, you’ve entered China, and the area known as Manchuria once aseparate Chinese kingdom, and home to the Manchu (after whom the Manchu Dynasty, the last inImperial China, was named). Arrival in Harbin, the regional capital. No transfer, as your hotel is in thelarge Town Square directly in front of the Rail Station. Balance of day free.

DAY 12 Free day to visit the Ice Festival. There’s no specific program we’ll give you directions for getting to theFestival-ground. The Festival is open from 10am-10pm daily and you must stay after dusk when theChinese Lanterns are lit. Although sculptors come from all over the world, this is very much a localfestival, and you have a chance to let your hair down with the locals.

DAY 13 Free time to explore the Old Town of Harbin, with an attractive pedestrianised main street that features anincredible number of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Be sure to be ready for your evening departureto Beijing by sleeper train. (NB: 2-berth cabins are not available on this section.)

DAY 14 Early morning arrival in Beijing, your Trans-Siberian Snow Train journey comes to an end.For services in China and beyond please see pages pages 40-43.

Ice-carving photo: Johan de La Roy

Moscow

Ekaterinburg

Harbin

Beijing

Included in the trip:TRAIN: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.MOSCOW:Transfer arrival/departure. Two nights 3* Hotel, breakfast included. 3 hourpersonalised walking tour with local expert.EKATERINBURG:Transfer arrival/departure. Two nights 2* Hotel, breakfast included. 3 hour walkingtour. Free Winter Activity.HARBIN: Two nights 4* Hotel room-only.

No frills trip:TRAIN: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.

MOSCOW:Transfer on arrival only. Two nights 1* Hotel.Breakfast included.

EKATERINBURG:Transfer arrival/departure. Two nights 1* Hotel room-only (shared bathroom).

HARBIN:2 nights. Hotel room-only.VISAS REQUIRED FOR: RUSSIA & CHINA


FULL ON £1,200 £1,100 £1,000

NO FRILLS £1,050 £950 £850


FULL-ONExtra Night Moscow £60 £50 £50NO FRILLSExtra Night Moscow £45 £35 £35Upgrading to2-berth Rail £325 £325 £325Please note 2-berth rail is not available on the Harbin toBeijing sector.

these are the dates whenthis itinerary works:2007 Start DatesJanuary 01, 08, 15, 22, December 312008 Start DatesJanuary 07, 14, 21

A shorter version of this trip is available with nostop in Ekaterinburg, please visit our website @www.trans-siberian.co.uk or call us for details


Ice sculpturephoto: Johan de La Roy

full on itineraryDAY 01 Arrival in Beijing. Make your own way to hotel. Free time to explore one of the worlds fastest

growing capital cities. Your train tickets will be delivered to your hotel after check in, withinstructions to the station in English and Chinese.

DAY 02 Own transport to Beijing Central Station for early morning departure to Ulaanbaatar. Thunder onacross China past the Great Wall. Overnight on board.

DAY 03 Mid afternoon arrival from Beijing. Transfer to 3* Hotel where you can have a shower and lightsnack before transferring to the Ger Camp.

DAY 04 Free time at Elstei Ger Camp. Throughout the day you will have the opportunity to partake inactivities (weather permitting) that include; a visit to a Nomad family, Mongolian wrestling, horseriding (small local fee) to name but a few. All meals included.

DAY 05 After breakfast transfer back to Ulaanbaatar. Check into 3* hotel. Balance of day at leisure.Overnight.

DAY 06 After breakfast City tour to include the Gandan Monastery ceremony. Tour ends city centre. Time to stock up on provisions for your overnight journey. (This is a local class train and often hasno restaurant car). Transfer to the station for your Siberia bound train.

DAY 07 On board…midnight border crossing into Russia.

WESTBOUND DEPARTURES

36 Big Trans-Sib from Beijing

Beijing by nightphoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

“Tickets please!”photo: Simon Calder

starting your journey from Beijing or Vladivostok



BIG TRANS-SIB FROM BEIJINGfrom

£82015 nights/16 days16 nights/17 days

NOT GROUP

DEPARTURES -

DATESGUARANTEED

WESTBOUND DEPARTURESstarting your journey from Beijing or VladivostokMost of our itinerary models originatingin Moscow have a Westboundalternative. Below is one example.Please note that train timetables runwith some differences (days+times)going West-East. Check our website @ www.trans-siberian.co.uk or call for details

BIG TRANS-SIB FROM BEIJING

Big Trans-Sib from Beijing 37

baikal programmes Choose either Siberian Village or Fisherman’s Cape

DAY 08 Arrival into Irkutsk and transfer (1hr) toListvyanka Village on the shore of Lake Baikal.Stay in an authentic Siberian log cabin (izba). Lunch.See the village, the old Church, and the Lake WildlifeMuseum with your friendly local expert. Then get it alloff your chest the Siberian way in the sauna! (banya)You’ll be ready for your home-cooked supper after allthat, then sleep like a log in a log cabin.DAY 09 Choose one activity from the list, it’s allincluded in the trip price!(A) SNOWMOBILE TRIP (2 hrs) with a local guide-through the forest, or even out over the deep frozenlake! (Dec-Apr) weather permitting.(B) SOFTIES TREK through the Taiga Forest withForester Guide to explain the wildlife, ecosystem andlore of the Taiga (May-Oct).(C) SIBERIAN SCUBA a freshwater dive in theworld’s Greatest Lake, with CMAS-qualifiedinstructors and pro-level gear (requires PADI-1). 2 dives included. (May-Sep).(D) DO YOUR OWN THING maybe take off on aCliffside walk, or mosey around the village, or take adip in Lake Baikal! Supper, then maybe try the localbar? Overnight with host family.DAY 10 Transfer to Irkutsk (1hr) and overnight in cityapartment with host family. Day free to explore thecity. Or upgrade to tourist class Hotel if you ratecomfort over authenticity.

1 Arrival to Beijing hotel (independently), free time in Beijing

2 Own travel to Beijing Central Station, early departure to Ulaanbaatar

3 Across Gobi steppes, arrival Ulaanbaatar, transfer to Ger Camp.

4 Free day at Elstei Ger Camp walk, optional horse-riding, or just relax

5 Return to Ulaanbaatar, free time to explore the city

6 Morning walking tour of the capital, evening departure to Russia

7 On board the Trans-Siberian en-route for Irkutsk

8&9 EITHER: 2-day Siberian Village stay (scuba or mini-trek choices)

OR: 2-day Fisherman’s Cape of Lake Baikal (more remote)

10 Return to Irkutsk, free time, family stay (or upgrade to hotel)

11 Transfer to station, board Trans-Siberian bound for Moscow

12 Across Eastern Siberia, cross the River Yenisei at Krasnoyarsk

13 Cross the River Ob at Novosibirsk and on via the Urals mountains

14 Mid-afternoon arrival in Moscow, transfer to hotel

15 Local expert assisted walking tour of Moscow, free time to explore

16 End of itinerary-why not continue now to St Petersburg?

DAY 08 Transfer directly from Station to the remotervillage of Bolshoe Goloustnoe (110km on rural roads).Your local guide shows you the village, the Old Church,and lake shoreline. Get the 20th Century out of yoursystem in a real Russian banya (sauna) which willsharpen your appetite for home-cooked food for supper.Sleep soundly-the modern world is far, far away.DAY 09 Leisurely lakeside walk (8km) to UshkaniCape, and visit our friends the fishermen for lunch attheir cabin. Leisurely walk back to BolshoeGoloustnoe Village. Supper, then relish the hushedsilence away from the tourist throng.DAY 10 Transfer to Irkutsk (110km) and overnight incity apartment with host family. Day free to explorethe city. Or upgrade to tourist class Hotel if you ratecomfort over authenticity.DAY 11 Early transfer to the station to continue yourjourney on the Trans-Siberian Express.DAY 12 On board The Trans-Siberian train taking youacross the River Yenisei, at Krasnoyarsk.DAY 13 The train makes several unscheduled stops,allowing you only time to make a quick purchasefrom the locals of their home cooked produce orreplenish your drinks cabinet.DAY 14 Arrival in Moscow! We transfer you directly toyour hotel - your first night in Moscow. DAY 15 After breakfast your local expert will meet youat the hotel, to whiz you round the highlights. This isusing public transport to familiarise you with the citycentre and help smooth your path… at least untillunchtime! Afternoon and evening free to explore.DAY 16 Breakfast. Your Trans-Siberian adventurecomes to an end. For services onwards to St.Petersburg please see page 38.


the trip

Sightseeing in Moscow photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Lake Baikal photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Beijing

Ulaanbaatar

Irkutsk

Moscow

Included in the trip:TRAIN: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.BEIJING:One night, room-only. 3* HotelULAANBAATAR:All Transfers included. Two NightsMongolian Ger Camp accommodation, full board. One night 3* hotel inUlaanbaatar, breakfast included. Walking tour of Ulaanbaatar.LAKE BAIKAL:Rural options out of the City gives you thechoice from two all-inclusive programmes.MOSCOW:Transfers on arrival. Two nights stay in a 3* Hotel, breakfastincluded. 3 hour personalised walking tourwith local expert.

No frills trip:TRAIN:2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.BEIJING: One night, room-only. 1* HotelULAANBAATAR:All transfers, Three nights 1* hotelUlaanbaatar, breakfast included.IRKUTSK:Transfer arrival and departure. Three nightsfamily stay accommodation. Breakfast.MOSCOW:Transfer on arrival only. Two nights stay in a1* Hotel. Breakfast included.VISAS REQUIRED FOR: CHINA, MONGOLIA & RUSSIA


FULL ON £1190 £999 £960NO FRILLS £980 £840 £820


FULL-ONExtra Night Moscow £60 £50 £50Extra night Beijing £60 £40 £35NO FRILLS Extra Night Moscow £45 £40 £40Extra night Beijing £35 £25 £20

Irkutsk Hotel Upgrade £40 £30 £30Upgrading to2-berth Rail £399 £399 £399

these are the dates whenthis itinerary works:16-DAY ITINERARY 2007January 12, February 02, 16, March 02, 16, 23,April 06, 20, May 04, June 04, 18, July 02, 16,August 06, 20, September 10, 24, October 08,November 12, 26, December 10, 31

17-DAY ITINERARY 2007*January 05, 19, 26, February 09, 23, March 09, 30,April 13, 27, May 11, 28, June 11, 25, July 09, 30,August 13, September 03, 17, October 01, 15, 22,November 05, 19, December 03, 17

EXTRA NIGHT FOR SIBERIAN VILLAGE IN LISTVYANKAis spent at Lake Baikal with host family.

EXTRA NIGHT FISHERMAN’S CAPE IN BOLSHOEGOLOUSTNOE with host family.

*Supplement per person for the extra night is £45 for one, £30 for two or more


from


the itineraryDAY 01 Arrival in St, Petersburg! We transfer you

directly to your hotel - your first night in St. Petersburg.

Day 02 After breakfast your guide will meet you at thehotel, to take you round the highlights. This isusing public transport to familiarise you withthe city centre and help smooth your path… at least until lunchtime! Afternoon and eveningfree to explore.

Day 03 Breakfast. Check out of your room by 12 noon.You can leave your luggage at the hotel.Perhaps you have pre-booked one of our citybased excursions for today? (see page 47 for details).

If not these are a few of the things you may not havealready seen.

• The Hermitage Collection - Winter Palace.

• The canals and waterways of the “Northern Venice”.

• The Russian Museum of Fine Art.

• The Peter & Paul Fortress-and the Tombs of theTsars inside the Fortress Cathedral.

• The Church on the Spilt Blood, nearby the Souvenir Bazaar.

Own taxi to the station for your late evening Moscowbound train.

Day 04 Arrival into the capital early morning.

To gain access to your room in Moscow beforelunchtime you would need to purchase an additional night’s accommodation.

STARTING YOUR TRANS-SIB TRIP IN ST PETERSBURG...

38 Starting Your Trans-Sib Trip in St Petersburg

INCLUDED IN THE TRIP:Transfer on arrival. Two nights accommodation at the hotel of your choice. Meal basis as stated.Three hour personalised walking tour of the city, with local expert. 2-Class 4-berth sleeper train to Moscow.(Option to upgrade to, 2-berth Sleeper, see spicing it up) NB: No restaurant car or breakfast on this shortovernight journey.DUE TO THE EVER GROWING POPULARITY OF ST.PETERSBURG. WE REQUIRE YOU TO MAKE TWOHOTEL CHOICES.THESE PROGRAMMES ARE ONLY AVAILABLE TO CLIENTS WHO ARE BOOKING TRANS-SIBERIANJOURNEYS WITH US.

TRIP PRICEHotel Option: (For a full Hotel description please refer to page 44)

Meal 1 Additional 2 or more AdditionalBasis Person Night People Night

(per person) (per person) (per person)

HOTEL VESTA 3* BB £315 £85 £215 £60HOTEL ASTERIA 3* BB £315 £85 £215 £60HOTEL ENGECON 2*+ BB £250 £75 £200 £65HOTEL ENGECON 1* BB £200 £35 £150 £30(without en-suite facilities)

WHITE NIGHTS FESTIVAL TAKES PLACE THE LAST TWO WEEKS OF JUNE. TO SECURE A ROOM AT THIS TIME ADVANCEBOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. PLEASE NOTE A SEASONAL SUPPLEMENT OF £10 PER PERSON IS APPLICABLE 01 MAY-30 SEP.SPICING IT UP2-berth St.Petersburg-Moscow £70Additional services of guide 3 hours £50Additional services of guide 6 hours £90FOR OUR RANGE OF CITY EXCURSIONS OPTIONS PLEASE SEE PAGE 47.

The original trans-sib began from St Petersburg and so should you to see the contrast between the imperial splendourand the soviet simplicity that existed both then and now.

St. Petersburg by night photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Peterhof Gardensphoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

STARTING YOUR TRANS-SIB TRIP IN ST PETERSBURG...

St. Petersburg by dayphoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

SIMPLY BEIJINGFor those who aren’t going further2 nights/3 days 2007/2008 Start dates: any day

BEIJING

the ItineraryDAY 01 Arrive Beijing. Transfer* from Beijing Central Station to

your Hotel.DAY 02 Free day in Beijing. For day trip options please see page 39.DAY 03 Morning check out of Hotel. A chance to spend some time

in Beijing at the end of your Trans- Siberian Itinerary beforereturning home or continuing on through China.

FULL ON Transfer from Beijing Central Station. Two nights room-only 3* Hotel. Centrally located within walking distance to all main tourist sights.

*Please note for passengers arriving into Beijing International Airport a surcharge of £20.00 per person will apply.NO FRILLS Two nights room-only 1* hotel. Good location within walking

distance to all main tourist sights. Clean but basic, run by non English speaking staff.

START DATES any day.

TRIP PRICESimply Beijing 1 person 2 people 3-9 peopleFULL ON £150 £85 £80Additional night £60 £40 £35NO FRILLS £85 £50 £45Additional night £35 £35 £20Transfer from hotel to Beijing airport £45 £25 £25VISA REQUIRED FOR: CHINA

CHINA

BEIJING TO HONG KONGTwo Chinas, one rail system3 nights/4 days 2007/2008

BEIJING - HONG KONG


your Hotel.DAY 02 Free day in Beijing. For day trip options please see page 39.DAY 03 Check-out of Hotel. Own taxi to station for lunch time departure

to Hong Kong. Overnight on board.DAY 04 Early afternoon arrival into Hong Kong.

FULL ON Transfer from Beijing Central Station. Two nights room-only 3* Hotel. Centrally located within walking distance to all maintourist sights. Transfer on departure not provided. Soft class 4-berth Sleeper Beijing-Hong Kong.

*Please note for passengers arriving into Beijing International Airport, a surcharge of £20.00per person will apply.NO FRILLS Two nights room-only 1* Hotel. Good location within walking

distance to all main tourist sights. Clean but basic run by non-English speaking staff. Transfers on arrival and departurenot provided. Soft class 4-berth Sleeper Beijing-Hong Kong.

TRIP PRICEBeijing- Hong Kong 1 person 2 people 3-9 peopleFULL ON £310 £250 £240Additional night £60 £40 £35NO FRILLS £245 £205 £200Additional night £35 £35 £20Upgrade to 2-berth rail £50 £50 £50VISA REQUIRED FOR: CHINA

Forbidden City photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Beijing: Drum Tower (detail) photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Beijing: Great Wall of China photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

after the trans-sib - some options in china

40 China

after the trans-sib - some options in chinaCHINA

GREAT CHINESE ROUTEIn the footsteps of Chinese Emperors7 nights/8 days 2007/2008 Start dates: any day

BEIJING - XI’AN - GUANGZHOU - HONG KONG


your Hotel.DAY 02 Free day in Beijing. For day trip options please see page 39.DAY 03 Morning check out of Hotel. Own transfer for early evening

departure to Xi’an.DAY 04 Morning arrival. Check into your Hotel. Free time to explore this

historic city.DAY 05 Full day excursion to Terracotta Army (transport, lunch, tickets

and guide included).DAY 06 Early morning check out of Hotel. Own transfer to station for

departure to Guangzhou.DAY 07 Morning arrival. Own transfer. Check into your Hotel.DAY 08 Morning check out of the Hotel. Own transfer. For afternoon

departure from Nanhhaigang Harbour to Hong Kong. ArriveCanton Road Harbour Tsimshatsui, Kowloon 19.00 hrs.

FULL ON Transfer from Beijing Central Station. Two nights room only 3*hotel. Centrally located within walking distance to all main touristsights. Soft class sleeper throughout.

XI’AN: Two nights 3* hotel. Room-only. Full day CITS group excursionto Terracotta Army.

GUANGZHOU: One night 3* hotel. Room-only. Hydrofoil ticket to Hong Kong.*Please note for passengers arriving into Beijing International Airport, a surcharge of £20.00per person will apply.NO FRILLS BEIJING: Two nights room only 1* hotel. Good location within

walking distance to all main tourist sights. Clean but basicrun by non-English speaking staff.

XI’AN: Two nights 1* hotel. Room-only.GUANGZHOU: One night 1* hotel. Room-only. Hydrofoil ticket to Hong Kong.

TRIP PRICEGreat Chinese 1 person 2 people 3-9 peopleFULL ON £540 £440 £430Additional night-Beijing £60 £40 £35Additional night-Xi’an £60 £40 £35NO FRILLS £445 £385 £375Additional night-Beijing £35 £35 £20Additional night-Xi’an £35 £25 £23Canton Fair Supplement: 14-30 April and 14-30 October in Guangzhousurcharge: £50pp/pn

VISA REQUIRED FOR: CHINA

SCENIC CHINESEROUTEPagodas, princes, and a petrified forest10 nights/11 days 2007/2008 Start dates: any day

BEIJING - XI’AN - GUILIN - GUANGZHOU - HONG KONG


your Hotel.DAY 02 Free day in Beijing. For day trip options please see page 39.DAY 03 Morning check out of Hotel. Own transfer for early evening

departure to Xi’an.DAY 04 Morning arrival. Check into your Hotel. Free time to explore this


and guide included).DAY 06 Morning check out of Hotel. Own transfer for evening departure

to Guilin.DAY 07 Late evening arrival. Own transfer. Check into your Hotel.

Overnight.DAY 08 Free time to explore, and maybe take a boat trip up the River Li?DAY 09 Morning check out of Hotel. Own transfer for evening departure

to Guangzhou.DAY 10 Early morning arrival. Own transfer. Check into your Hotel.DAY 11 Morning check out of the Hotel. Afternoon departure by

Hydrofoil to Hong Kong.

FULL ON BEIJING: Transfer from Beijing Central Station. Two nights roomonly 3* hotel. Centrally located within walking distance to allmain tourist sights. Soft class sleeper throughout.

XI’AN: Two nights 3* hotel. Room-only. Full day CITS group excursionto Terracotta Army.

GUILIN: Two nights 3* hotel. Room-only.GUANGZHOU: One night 3* hotel. Room-only. Hydrofoil ticket to Hong Kong.*Please note for passengers arriving into Beijing International Airport, a surcharge of £20.00per person will apply.NO FRILLS BEIJING: Two nights room only 1* hotel. Clean but basic.

Transfers are not provided.XI’AN: Two nights 1* hotel. Room-only.GUILIN: Two nights 1* hotel. Room-only.GUANGZHOU: One night 1* hotel. Room-only. Hydrofoil ticket to Hong Kong.

TRIP PRICESCENIC CHINESE ROUTE 1 person 2 people 3-9 peopleFULL ON £630 £530 £520Additional night-Beijing £60 £40 £35Additional night-Xi’an £60 £40 £35NO FRILLS £445 £385 £375Additional night-Beijing £35 £35 £20Additional night-Xi’an £35 £25 £23Canton Fair Supplement: 14-30 April and 14-30 October in Guangzhousurcharge: £50pp/pnVISA REQUIRED FOR: CHINATemple in Xi’an photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Beijing: Forbidden City photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

China 41

42 China

TERRACOTTA TRAILTake in the Terracotta Army en-route to Shanghai6 nights/7 days 2007/2008 Start dates: any day

BEIJING - XI’AN - SHANGHAI


your hotel.DAY 02 Free day in Beijing. For day trip options please see 39.DAY 03 Morning check out of hotel. Own transfer for early evening

departure to Xi’an.DAY 04 Morning arrival. Check into your hotel. Free time to explore this


and guide included).DAY 06 Morning check out of hotel. Own transfer for evening departure

to Shanghai.DAY 07 Morning arrival to Shanghai. Hotel rates can be found below.

FULL ON Transfer from Beijing Central Station. Two nights room-only 3* hotel. Centrally located within walking distance to all maintourist sights. Transfer on departure not provided. Soft class 4-berth Sleeper Beijing-Shanghai.

*Please note for passengers arriving into Beijing International Airport, a surcharge of £20.00per person will apply.NO FRILLS Two nights room-only 1* hotel. Good location within walking

distance to all main tourist sights. Clean but basic run by non-English speaking staff. Transfers are not provided. Soft class 4-berth Sleeper Beijing -Shanghai.

TRIP PRICETerracotta Trail to Shanghai 1 person 2 people 3-9 peopleFULL ON £390 £330 £320Additional night-Beijing £60 £40 £35Additional night-Xi’an £60 £40 £35NO FRILLS £335 £275 £265Additional night-Beijing £35 £35 £20Additional night-Xi’an £35 £25 £23

Single Room Twin RoomPeace Hotel 5* Shanghai £135 £75 Huadong Hotel 3* Shanghai £65 £45 VISA REQUIRED FOR: CHINA

BEIJING TO SHANGHAIFull-steam ahead from ancient Beijing to vibrantShanghai 3 nights/4 days 2007/2008 Start dates: any dayBEIJING - SHANGHAI


your Hotel.DAY 02 Free day in Beijing. For day trip options please see page 39.DAY 03 Check out of Hotel. Free time. Own taxi to station for evening

departure to Shanghai. Overnight on board.DAY 04 Early morning arrival into Shanghai. Hotel rates can be

found below.

FULL ON Transfer from Beijing Central Station. Two nights room-only 3* hotel. Centrally located within walking distance to all maintourist sights. Transfer on departure not included. Soft class 4-berth Sleeper Beijing-Shanghai.


distance to all main tourist sights. Clean but basic run by non-English speaking staff. Transfers not provided. Soft class 4-berth Sleeper Beijing-Shanghai.

TRIP PRICEBeijing-Shanghai 1 person 2 people 3-9 peopleFULL ON £270 £210 £200Additional night-Beijing £60 £40 £35Additional night-Xi’an £60 £40 £35NO FRILLS £215 £175 £165Additional night-Beijing £35 £35 £20Additional night-Xi’an £35 £25 £23

Single Room Twin RoomPeace Hotel 5* Shanghai £135 £75 Huadong Hotel 3* Shanghai £65 £45VISA REQUIRED FOR: CHINA

Xi’an: Terracotta Army photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience Xi’an: Great Goose Pagoda photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Xi’an: Great Goose Pagoda photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience The Oriental Pearl Tower photo: Aimie Conning/Russia Experience

China 43

DAY TRIP OPTIONSFOR CHINApre-booked for your convenience.

All pre-booked day trips are operated by C.I.T.S (China InternationalTravel Services) which is a state owned and operated company.These trips will operate as groups and you should expect to meetother western tourists.

FROM BEIJING

Great WallIncludes: Ming TombsThe well-preserved sections of the Great Wall in Beijing are China’smost famous tourist site. These sections are mainly the remainsfrom the Ming Dynasty, an era of tremendous construction. Thisarea of the Wall is to the North of Beijing around 70 kms from thecity centre. Here you will see a small section to include severalpasses and lookout towers. Lunch. This afternoon you will visit the Ming tombs. The general name given to the Mausoleums of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1664). The Mausoleumshave been perfectly preserved and the site has a high cultural andhistoric value. English speaking guide. Coach pick up from your hotel at 8am. Expect to return 5pm.£45 per person

The Forbidden CityAlso includes: Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace.A full-day look into the lives of the Emperors. The Forbidden City lies at the heart of Beijing - it was the Imperial enclave of the city,entrance was “forbidden” to common citizens. Within this enormouscity-within-a-city are museums, temples, and even, ehem, Starbucks.After lunch (included) the tour continues to the Temple of Heaven, a Daoist temple where the Emperors prayed for good fortune fortheir people. Finally we visit the Summer Palace, laid-out in orientalgardens around a huge lake. The Gardens represent the high-pointof their kind, and are recognised by UNESCO.English speaking guide.Coach pick up from your hotel at 8am. Expect to return 5pm.£55 per person

Guilin day tripThe Li River is the connecting water way between Guilin and Yangshuoand is one of the main tourist attractions of the area. The River forms a green belt with the mountains on either side. You will cruisethe 83 km stretch between the towns on a tourist pleasure boat. Water buffalo patrol the fields, school kids and fisherman float by on bamboo rafts. With its breathtaking scenery and taste of a life far removed from the concrete metropolis. A very relaxing day.Coach pick up from your hotel at 08.20am. Expect to return 5pm.£70 per person

Night market in Beijing photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

BEIJING TO HANOIConnecting down to South East Asia4 nights/5 days 2007/2008 Start dates: Tuesday and FridayBEIJING - HANOI


your hotel.DAY 02 Free day in Beijing. For day trip options please see across.DAY 03 Check out of Hotel. Free time. Own taxi to station for afternoon

departure to Hanoi. Overnight on board.DAY 04 On board.DAY 05 Arrive into Hanoi early morning.After your stay in Beijing you will take a two night soft class sleeper traindown to Hanoi, in Northern Vietnam.

FULL ON Transfer from Beijing Central Station. Two nights room-only 3* hotel. Centrally located within walking distance to all maintourist sights. Transfer on departure is not provided. Soft class 4-berth Sleeper Beijing-Hanoi.


distance to all main tourist sights. Clean but basic run by non-English speaking staff. Transfers are not provided. Soft class 4-berth Sleeper Beijing-Hanoi.

TRIP PRICEBeijing-Hanoi 1 person 2 people 3-9 peopleFULL ON £315 £245 £240Additional night £60 £40 £35NO FRILLS £245 £220 £215Additional night £35 £35 £20VISA REQUIRED FOR: CHINA & VIETNAM

44 St Petersburg Hotels

If you can’t find these hotels in your guidebook… it’s because Russia Experience are destination specialists withtheir own staff on site in Russia… and we sign-up the best new hotels as soon as they open, years before theguidebooks find them! They don’t call St Petersburg “the Northern Venice” for nothing – it’s built on a network ofcanals and re-routed rivers planned by Tsar Peter the Great in person. You don’t need to be an engineer tounderstand that you can’t put a metro tunnel through a canal! So some parts of the city don’t have nearbymetro-stations… even Palace Square and the Hermitage are over 25 minutes walk from the nearest metro!HOTEL VESTA 3*92 NEVSKY PROSPEKT; METRO PLOSCHAD’ VOSSTANIYA: Our old friends at Vesta have done it again!They’ve moved two blocks down the street, doubled the number of rooms and now they’ve all got air-con and private bathrooms. But still less than 20 rooms, charming family-run service from owner-managers whoreally care. Oh, and did we mention it has the best location in town? Book now, before the guidebooks find it. All located in a carefully converted C19th apartment-house in a quiet courtyard 50m off Nevsky Prospekt.TRIP PRICE Single Additional Twin Additional

Nights Nights01 Jan 2007-30 Apr 2007 £255 £85 £180 £6001 May 2007-30 Sep 2007 £285 £95 £210 £7001 Oct 2007-31 Dec 2007 £255 £85 £180 £60PRICES ARE PER PERSON, AND INCLUDE BED & BREAKFAST FOR 3 NIGHTS.HOTEL ASTERIA 3* NABEREJNAYA REKI FONTANKA 71; METRO SENNAYA PLOSHAD: A splash of 3* comfort – and right on theFontanka River! Located directly on the most famous of the “Northern Venice’s” historic waterways, Hotel Avsteriareopened in late Autumn 2006 after a total refit and with a new name. Sixty spacious and comfortable rooms withall conveniences, satellite tv and private facilities (wc/shower) await you. The cosy restaurant serves Russian andEuropean cuisine until midnight daily, and the entire hotel is located in a historic building on the embankment.TRIP PRICE Single Additional Twin Additional

Nights Nights01 Jan 2007-30 Apr 2007 £255 £85 £180 £6001 May 2007-30 Sep 2007 £285 £95 £210 £7001 Oct 2007-31 Dec 2007 £255 £85 £180 £60PRICES ARE PER PERSON, AND INCLUDE BED & BREAKFAST FOR 3 NIGHTS.HOTEL ENGECON 1-2*SOTOTSIALISTICHESKAYA 16; METRO VLADIMIRSKAYA: A super new (opened 2006) hotel with a “young” feel toit, located in the very heart of the “Dostoyevsky” part of the old centre – 6 mins walk from metro Vladimirskaya/Dostoevskaya. With Universities and Colleges all around it’s a lively and trendy student and theatrelandneighbourhood, with metro-chic but affordable bars and restaurants (like “Imbir”) on every corner. One metro stoptakes you to Nevsky Prospekt – but frankly you can walk it in 10 minutes since you’re already in the heart of thecity-centre anyhow. Hotel Engecon has rooms in two categories: 1* rooms with modern furniture and supermodern wc/shower facilities on the corridor; or 2*+ rooms with the same modern furniture, tv & telephone plus en-suite spacious scandi-style bathrooms. Internet facilities on site. Breakfast served until 11am! (no lunch orevening meals served, though). If you want top-value, bright, modern rooms in the centre, then look no further!TRIP PRICE Single Additional Twin Additional

Nights Nights01 Jan 2007-31 Dec 2007 £225 £75 £195 £6501 Jan 2007-31 Dec 2007 £105 £35 £90 £30without en-suitePRICES ARE PER PERSON, AND INCLUDE BED & BREAKFAST FOR 3 NIGHTS.

SPICING IT UP!Linking the two cites together could not be simpler, with frequent, high quality sleeper trains between the two.Please see page 46, which lists a full range of additional services: which includes train tickets, transfers, andlocal city experts.

ST PETERSBURG HOTELSculture central

Winter Palace photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Tsarskoe Selo Palacephoto:Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Moscow Hotels 45

MOSCOW HOTELS

Which Moscow do you want? The medieval onion-domed capital of Europe’s most east-lying country? Or modernEurope’s fastest-booming capital? Why choose? Take both! Budget/Medium hotels have been squeezed out ofthe very centre by the HQs of banks and oil-empires... our on-the-spot staff have pinpointed the best of the newhotels to spring-up on the centre-periphery!

KEBUR PALACE (FORMERLY TIFLIS HOTEL) 4*OSTOZHENKA, 32; METRO PARK KULTURY: The “restaurant with rooms” concept comes to Moscow-butwhen the restaurant is the most exclusive Georgian gourmet eaterie in town, you know their hotel is going to be a little special? A boutique style property with 31 rooms decorated to a very high specification thisproperty also boasts an indoor swimming pool, spa and sauna. Media and theatre celebrities prefer this hotel.On Ostozhenka-downtown Moscow’s most chic address. Your neighbours are the Pushkin Fine Arts Museumand the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Our prices are based on standard rooms, we are able to book roomswith Ostozhenka view and Fountain Yard view. Prices are available on request.TRIP PRICE01 Jan 2007 - 31 Dec 2007 Single Additional Twin Additional

Nights Nights£450 £150 £400 £133

PRICES ARE PER PERSON, AND INCLUDE BED & BREAKFAST FOR 3 NIGHTS.

OSTANKINO HOTEL 2*BOTANICHESKAYA STREET 29; METRO VLADYKINO: A comfy budget choice, 7 stops on the metro (which is15 mins walk away) from St Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square and GUM. This hotel has rooms at two categories;refurbished (which are pleasant and smart) or standard (tidy but soviet-style rooms) - take your pick! Moscow’sbest-hidden secret - the lovely Botanical Gardens - are a short walk away.TRIP PRICE01 Jan 2007 - 31 Dec 2007 Single Additional Twin Additional

Nights NightsRENOVATED ROOMS £180 £60 £150 £50UN-RENOVATED ROOMS £150 £50 £100 £33PRICES ARE PER PERSON, AND INCLUDE BED & BREAKFAST FOR 3 NIGHTS.

ZARYA HOTEL 3*GOSTIHICHNAYA 12; METRO PETROVKO-RAZUMOVSKAYA: Hotel Zarya is a 3* hotel, five minutes walk fromPetrovko-Razumovskaya metro station - a 15-minute metro journey will take you to the Circus, Pushkin Square(the “real” heartbeat of town - Red Square is only the ceremonial centre), or the Kremlin. Renovated in 2002and then heavily remodelled in 2006, the hotel offers spacious modern rooms with all modern facilities,internet, atm, bank, restaurant etc.TRIP PRICE01 Jan 2007 - 31 Dec 2007 Single Additional Twin Additional

Nights NightsRENOVATED ROOMS £180 £60 £150 £50PRICES ARE PER PERSON, AND INCLUDE BED & BREAKFAST FOR 3 NIGHTS.

SPICING IT UP!Linking the two cites together could not be simpler, with frequent, high quality sleeper trains between the two.Please see page 46, which lists a full range of additional services: which includes train tickets, transfers, andlocal experts.

Left - St Basil’s Cathedralphoto: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

pleasure central

View of the Kremlin and the Moskva River photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

46 Spicing it up

GET MORE OUT OF YOUR TRIP WITH A LOCAL EXPERTGet the inside track on your destinations our local experts who are available to walkaround with you, come up with suggestions you may not have thought of, or helpyou on special projects of your own? We’ve helped people on ideas as diverse as:visiting Tchaikovsky’s Country House in Klin; visiting Jewish heritage sites inMoscow; on the trail of famous locations in the Russian Revolution in St Petersburg and several others. We can walk your feet off in 3 hours, but the reallydetermined can also book a full day of assistance (6 hours) if they want.

SLEEPER TRAIN SERVICES BETWEEN MOSCOW AND ST PETERSBURGWe strongly recommend the overnight sleeper trains (early morning arrival next day)for your inter-city travel... because (i) it saves you a night’s hotel accommodation whilst on board (ii) they are friendly and atmospheric places which are the transport of choice for most Russians. We don’t especially recommend the day train, but can book it on request.There are several different night-trains between Moscow and St Petersburg, the trains we recommend depart between 2300 and 2400, and arrive the nextmorning between 0800 and 0830 and are known as “firmenny-klass”. If you wouldprefer a standard-category train, departures between 22.00 and 23.00 and arrive the next morning 05.00 and 06.00 we can offer this alternative.

WHITE NIGHTS FESTIVALThe last week of June sees a large theatre festival in St. Petersburg, which bringscolossal numbers of extra visitors and many hotels have surcharges. If you planvisiting then, we suggest booking as soon as possible! In point of fact since this is mostly Russian language theatre, there is not so much to attract foreigners to this festival.

bringing it all together

SPICING IT UP

SERVICESLocal Expert Services (3 hours) Moscow or St Petersburg £50Local Expert Services (6 hours) Moscow or St Petersburg £90Transfer on arrival-St Petersburg or Moscow SVO Airport £55Transfer on arrival-Moscow DME Airport £65Transfer on departure- St Petersburg or Moscow SVO Airport £45Transfer on departure-Moscow DME Airport £55Superior 1st-Cl (Firmenny-klass) 2 berth rail tickets Moscow-St Petersburg or vice-versa £135Superior 2nd-Cl (Firmenny-klass) 4 berth rail tickets Moscow-St Petersburg or vice-versa £85Standard 2nd-Cl/4 berth rail tickets Moscow-St Petersburg or vice-versa £60Standard 1st-Cl/2 berth rail tickets Moscow-St Petersburg or vice-versa £100

Train waiting to depart photo Jan Segal/Russia Experience

Buying your on-board train picnic in style - at the historic Eliseevsky Delicatessen photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

City Excursions 47

CITY EXCURSIONS

MOSCOW & ST PETERSBURGEXCURSIONSYour short-cut to the inside storyMoscow and St Petersburg are classic Europeancities on everyone’s want-to-see list-and they’rereally accessible places these days. However, thereare still activities where the language-barrier canlock you out-an excursion not only helps you getthe most out of them, but ensures you actually findthe place, and get there on a day it’s open too!When the information is evenfinding your way can be a problem (so we’ll usuallyarrange to meet you at a nearby metro station orrendezvous point). Also many activities (marked *) are only possible ifpre-organised and don’t accept casual visitors.• Excursions do not include transportation

except where specifically indicated.• Your own English-language local city expert

accompanies you on all the excursions and activities (including those where thevenue/organisation also provides their own compulsory guide).

MOSCOWRussian Language Intro LessonFour hours (including a break) learning Russian forcomplete beginners – or if you already know some,to hone your skills! Includes some real-life practicein the street. £40 per person.

Visit Stalin’s Secret Bunker A unique chance to visit Stalin’s Secret Bunker, builtin 1942 in the heat of WW2, from where he directedthe Soviet war effort. Private admission only, pleasebook early. Can only be offered for 2+ visitors. • Excursion: 2.5 hours which includes travelling

time on public transport of 30 mins each direction.£130 per person.

Anti-KGB Museum* (The Andrey Sakharov Museum) When the USSR’sleading Nuclear Scientist refused to make TheBomb, he became a public enemy. The museumtells Sakharov’s story, and of those many otherswho refused to obey. Closed Mons. • Excursion: 2 hours. Museum tour 1 hr 30

mins. travelling time on public transport tomuseum. 30 mins.

£30 per person.

Tea with Russian Family*• Tea at a Russian Home, to include Russian tea

with snacks and sweets. This is a tradition fewvisitors see-you not only try the tea, but hearabout tea’s long tradition in Russian society too.A unique chance to see how Russians live today.

• Excursion: 2 hours. Tea with family 1 hr 30mins. travelling time on public transport totheir home 30 mins.

£25 per person.Please note that (despite what your guidebook may say) the KGB Museum is now permanentlyclosed for the foreseeable future, with no indicationwhen it may reopen (if ever).

ST PETERSBURGMuseum of Russian Political History andHistory of Political Police*Essential background for anyone wondering, “how the USSR ever came to happen? Rather moreobjective than the KGB Museum in Moscow. Closed Thurs.• Excursion 2 hrs. £30 per person.• Tea at a Russian Home, to include Russian tea

with snacks and sweets. This is a tradition fewvisitors see-you not only try the tea, but hearabout tea’s long tradition in Russian society too.A unique chance to see how Russians live today.

• Excursion 2.5 hours.£25 per person.*admission restricted to pre-arranged visitors only.

Yusupov Palace “As rich as a Tsar!” they used to say - but theYusupov nobility were even richer than the Tsars.This excursion around their former Palace gives youan idea just how rich that was! (Although the best“pieces” were confiscated by the Revolutionaries).They even had a private opera theatre in theirhome! But for most visitors the main attraction isthe room where young Prince Felix Yusupov and his university friends murdered the Siberian “wiseman”, Rasputin.• Excursion 2.5 hours which includes travelling

time on public transport of 30 mins.£65 per person.

Sunny day in Central Moscow, on Manege Square, peeking into Red Square beyond photo Jan Segal/Russia Experience

great ideas to maximise your stay

Inside the Hermitage photo: Jan Segal/Russia Experience

CITY EXCURSIONSgreat ideas to maximise your stay

48 Countdown to your trip

Before you leave

COUNTDOWN TO YOUR TRIP

TRIP SELECTIONOur trips are not group trips, so the dates welist are not “group departures”- just the dateswhen all the travel sectors fall into alignment forsnag-free connections through remote areas.

DOING THE “RED” TAPEWe know the booking form is dull stuff, but indestinations where they love red tape, it’simportant that your travel documents match yourpersonal details to the letter. Once you’ve sentthis to us, we’ll send you the Visa Applicationforms you’ll need for your trip. Most visas canonly be obtained in the ninety days prior to yourarrival-we’ll let you know when. Do not apply forvisas until you have booked your trip with uswithout the supporting documents we providefor you, your application will usually be rejected,resulting in wasted time and costs to you. We do all the visa submission stuff saving youthe hassle of queuing for days at differentConsulates. Because the Consulates onlyaccept applications within 90 days prior to thestart of your trip, we will lodge your passport in this time. Returning them to you 3-4 weeksfrom this point. (Depending on the number ofvisas you require.)

Along with your passport and visas, we’ll besending your travel documents too. Train ticketsare only issued “in-destination”, so they’ll beawaiting your arrival. We’ll need to know theconfirmed arrival details, flight number, trainnumber and station, or bus details, no later thana week prior so we can meet you.

VISA INFO FOR RUSSIAHandy to know:(A) Russian visas are dated around the dates ofyour travel plans, the visa permits you to be inthe country to complete your itinerary, but notfor unscheduled extra activities. They give you a day’s grace either side, but only foremergencies.(B) Arriving /leaving by surface? Russia’s so bigits Western borders are more than a day’s ridefrom the main cities… so we’ll need to fix yourentry dates accordingly. Please let us know ifthis applies to you!(C) When we submit your visa, we need to show what travel services have been booked anydates you list that aren’t evidenced with traveldocs to match will be knocked back. It’ll alsodelay your application whilst they do it.

(D) Your passport must be valid for travel (i.e. not expired, or within six months after theend of all services) If you have two passportsplease consider which one you will travel onwhen applying for your visas and use the sameone throughout.

VISA INFO FOR MONGOLIA & CHINA:Mongolian visas largely follow the same patternas the Russian. We’ll help you with theadministration to ensure you get your visa ingood time. Chinese visas are quite simple butthere are numerous old Travellers’ Tales aboutthem! They are good for 30 days travel in China.You have 90 days to enter China from the day of issue, when the clock starts ticking. Because the Chinese Visa is so much simplerthan the other two, we leave this one to you. Orif you want us to do it anyway, we’ll charge youa processing fee of £30.00.

VISA FEES CHARGEDNationality Russia Mongolia ChinaGREAT BRITAIN £45 £40 £30+Processing £30AUSTRALIA/OTHER £63 £40 £20+Processing £30NEW ZEALAND £45 £40 £20+Processing £30

* The Russian Consulate surcharges certain countries for visas principally for countries that haveraised their visa fees for Russians visiting in exchange. This list is constantly changing pleasecontact us for latest costs.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSHOW SAFE IS IT TO BOOK WITH YOU?We are a fully bonded tour operator, registered inthe UK, where EU law requires us to protect yourtravel funds. We are full members of the TravelTrust Association (TTA) www.traveltrust.co.uk -your travel funds are held frozen in a TrustAccount until your trip is complete, and only thenreleased to us by the TTA’s approved Trustee.The Russia Experience Ltd is a member of AITO(www.aito.co.uk)-the Association of IndependentTour Operators, a government-regulatedprofessional body of more than 150 touroperators. Between them AITO members takeover 1,400,000 satisfied people on holidaysthroughout the world every year. We are mandatedto uphold the high professional standards andstringent financial safeguards which is implicit inmembership of the TTA and AITO.

AREN’T VISAS A NIGHTMARE THAT TAKES WEEKS?Needn’t be! We do the whole thing for you.Russian visas need proof of booking from aRussian registered outfit-we do all of this behindthe scenes. Get your booking form into us atleast six weeks prior to departure, and you’llavoid express visa costs. If you do book lessthan six weeks prior to departure you still will be able to go, if the trip is available but you willneed to pay express fees, please check with ushow much these will be as they are dependenton what passport you hold and how much timewe have. We’ll also need the original of yourpassport to get your visas and this must be thesame as the passport number you gave uswhen you completed the original booking form.

DO I NEED INSURANCE? DO I NEEDVACCINATIONS?We do require you to have Travel insurance to take any of our trips. For rates please contact our reservations department. Which policy youpurchase is your own choice. The RussianConsulate also requires you to have TravelInsurance to obtain a visa. No vaccinations aremandatory but you would be well advised to getinformed advice on this (not every GP may be aswell informed on the latest health developments inthese locations). Particular concerns are Cholera,Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Tick-borne encephalitis is a small risk on some Siberiantrekking routes there is a vaccine available. But therisk is VERY small and our leaders observe safetyprocedures. We also suggest you take a First Aidkit, to include a Sterile Surgical kit.

WHY IS IT EXPENSIVE TO MAKE EN-ROUTE STOPS?A Trans-sib secret that no guidebooks seemedto have grasped goes like this… non-stopinternational tickets are still priced accordingly to old bilateral agreements dating back to theSoviet era which cannot be broken, even now!But if you introduce stops into the your trip thesesectors are priced commercially by RussianRailways…so you only get the benefit of statesubsidised fares for part of your journey.

CAN I STAY EXTRA NIGHTS? In Moscow and St Petersburg, yes! But the trainschedules on some of the less than frequentroutes make altering the stays almostimpossible. Adding or removing odd days willalmost never work. We always include two

nights in Moscow prior to your Trans- Siberianjourney and two in St Petersburg is the standardif you buy a St Petersburg add on-but “there isstacks to see, and I wish I had stayed longer!” isalways the feedback we get!

HOW MUCH SPENDING MONEY WILL I NEED?This depends on what lifestyle you plan pursuingon your trip! The information pack we provide willgive you an idea of current costs. Eating anddrinking are very similar to most European cities,although Ulaanbaatar and Beijing have upscaleversions if you have cash to flash! Whenitineraries take you far from the shops or cafeswe often include meals. Russian souvenirs tendto be fun and low priced so you will be able tostash your pack full of Russian goodies!

FAMILY STAYS:What should I expect? Some of our trips featureoptions staying with local families. Althoughsometimes this is for practical reasons (e.g. noother kind of accommodation is available-nomadstays in the Gobi for example) it also broadens thetrip experience, two way interaction with the placesand the people that live there. We’re not promisingluxury we’re promising a slice of life! People wholive in harsh climates and terrains are naturallygregarious, and you will learn and experiencemore with them than you could ever absorb in amonth staying in a sterile Western style Hotel.

SPECIAL DIETS:Meat features strongly in the national cuisine ofmost of our destinations. As a team the RussiaExperience employs several vegetarians and wehave never starved! But for when you are off thetrain you must advise us prior to departure if youhave any special dietary requirements. If youhave anything more complicated than a lacto-vegetarian diet consider that in some of theremote places you are to travel this could be aconsiderable problem-and stock up accordingly.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN; There are no serious downsides, and theinfrastructure of travel and accommodationworks well if you’re taking children along.However, Communist-era thinking very muchtreated children as small adults, with little or no provisions or amenities. So priming yourchildren is essential if they are not going to getbored. Take supplies of books and fresh comicssecreted in your suitcase English readingmaterial in unavailable for both children andadults alike. The journey is however the mostfantastic introduction to a world they will havenever known and they will meet many localchildren along the way, who will be very curiousabout their lives so take photos of home! Child prices are on application.

HOW MUCH PRIVACY DO YOU GET ONBOARD THE TRAIN?All our standard trips are based on 2nd Class Rail in Russia which is 4-berthcompartments. You’ll be sharing with anytravelling companionswho book with you, of course plus other train passengers. It’s possible to buy yourself more privacy than that with an upgrade to 1st Class (2-berth compartments) BUT this is in very short supply and some trains don’t have it at

all. An alternative is a “buyout” of a four-berth compartment-which could be for one, two, or three travelling companions,prices on request.

ARE THERE SHOWERS ON BOARD?Most of the main long distance (24 hrs+) onRussian Railways (but not on Mongolian orChinese) now have a pay-to-use shower. Youhave to go to the “Special Services” wagon. One use is R50-90pp (prices are set by the varyingtrain operators). No towel or soap is included inthe price, we hope you have your own!

WILL I MEET OTHER TRAVELLERS?Very likely-especially in the Summer months.There is only one train a week for instancebetween Mongolia and Beijing (incredible, but true) so a bit of bunching is inevitable for the last section.

DOWNSIDES:There are no serious downsides or dangers invisiting our destinations, and there is no need for woman travellers to worry in fact the men getthe worry as Russia has an old take on a newannoyance sexual harassment by aggressiveladies of the night. A firm nyet should get rid ofthem! Dressing-down is recommended for bothsexes anyhow the lure of conspicuous wealth isthe biggest draw for unwelcome attention. Alsoremember that it is law to have your documentson you at all times in Russia-spot-checks areroutine. The cops know this and if you don’thave them on you, will march you down to theStation to waste half a day of your trip and costyou a lot of roubles.

WANT TO CUSTOMISE YOUR TRIP?All the trips brochured have a pre arranged schedule however if you would like to customise your journey with longer stays, or special requests for instance, please check with us and we will see whats possible. Note that noalterations will be possible once your trip has commenced.

Email [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions 49Frequently Asked Questions 49

We strongly advise all our clients to check thelatest Travel Advice from their own nationalForeign Ministry. This information is constantlyupdated and so printing it here would deny youaccess to the latest information. We will willinglyprovide you with a print-out of this information ifyou do not have access to the internet to checkit in person.

Booking Form 51

RUSSIA EXPERIENCE BOOKING FORM 2007/8 Fax (020) 8566 8843Passenger Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms *First name *Surname *Date of birth *Nationality *Passport number Special dietary

Requirements

1

2

3

4

*This information must conform with the details on your passport.IN ALL CASES, WE ISSUE ONE SET OF DOCUMENTS TO THE LEAD PASSENGER. (PASSENGER 1)

Home address: Work Tel: Home Tel:

Post code Mobile Tel: e-mail address:

1st choice Hotel 2nd choice Hotel Start date No of additional nights 1st class upgrade City Excursion Arrival flight/train no Arrival time Arriving from

ST. PETERSBURG

TRANS-SIBERIAN

CHINA

Trip Name Start date No of additional 2 berth Arrival flight/ Arrival time Arrival airport Moscow Arriving fromnights Moscow upgrade train number *Please delete as appropriate

Domodedovo/Sheremetyevo

Your day trip choice for Ekaterinburg (one only) Pre booked city excursion name:

Hotel upgrade Irkutsk City In Siberia, Siberian Village/Fishermans Cape/Adventure Trek - please choose

Hotel upgrade Ulan-Uday If Siberian Village; Softies Trek/Siberian Scuba/Snowmobile/Do your own thing *delete as appropriate

Start date Number of additional nights in Beijing Number of additional nights in Xi’an Day trip option Airport transfer

YES/NO

YES/NO

YES/NO

YES/NO

RUSSIAN CITIESHotel Name Start date Number of Rail tickets Route City Excursion Arrival flight Arrival time Arriving from

additional nights number *Please delete as appropriate

Hotel Name 2-berth/4-berth Domodedovo/Sheremetyevo

Arrival/departure transfers required Local expert Services

PAYMENTI authorise the Russia Experience Ltd to charge my Visa/MasterCard/Switch/Maestro:

£250.00 per person deposit. I understand the balance is payable 60 days prior to departure.

If departure date is due within 60 days. The full trip price, including visa fees.

CARD NUMBER

EXPIRY DATE ISSUE NUMBER

VISAS INSURANCERUSSIA MONGOLIA CHINAFree Visa handling service Please organise my Mongolian Please organise my Chinese(15 working days to Process) Y/N Visa (5 working days to process) Y/N Visa (5 working days to process) Y/N

I will organise my own Russian I will organise my own Mongolian I will organise my own ChineseVisa with my local consulate Y/N Visa with my local consulate Y/N Visa with my local Consulate Y/N

Do you wish to take out travelinsurance with your agent? Y/N

If not you MUST provide details ofalternative cover:

Company

Policy number

SECURITY CODE

Card holder signaturePlease automatically take full payment from my card 60 days prior to departure

Payment by cheque: Please make cheques payable to The Russia Experience Ltd Trust Account.

I have read the Russia Experience brochure and would now like to book my trip, by signing the booking form or paying thedeposit, I declare I have read the booking conditions and accept them on behalf of all members of my party listed above. Ihave also read and understood the following: That local conditions in my destination may differ from those in my country ofresident in terms of infrastructure, attitude to foreign visitors, stability of local economy and restrictions on foreign exchange.I understand my visit is governed by regulations imposed by the elected Government, and that these regulations-concerning

availability of entry visas, registration of aliens, local taxes etc-are subject to revision without prior notice. I understand I mustsubmit by passport for the purposes of obtaining visas for an uninterrupted period of 25 days. (Or pay an express fee forquicker processing)

Signed Date

D E C L A R A T I O N

Where did you hear of The Russia Experience?

Sales Referral from J Pannell - www.trans-siberia.com

1. Your contract is with The Russia Experience Ltd. The RussiaExperience Ltd are a fully bonded tour operator, registered in the UK,where EU law requires us to protect your travel funds. We are fullmembers of the Travel Trust Association (TTA)www.traveltrust.co.uk-your travel funds are held frozen in a Trust Account until your trip iscomplete, and only then released to us by the TTA’s approved Trustee.The Russia Experience Ltd is a member of AITO (www.aito.co.uk)-theAssociation of Independent Tour Operators, a government-regulatedprofessional body of more than 150 tour operators. We are mandatedto uphold the high professional standards and stringent financialsafeguards which is implicit in membership of the TTA and AITO.

2. All bookings are accepted on a request basis only. Acceptance of aBooking Form does not imply availability of a trip.

3. No booking will be accepted without a completed Booking Form andeither a Deposit or, according to the payment schedule applicable, fullpayment. Deposits are non refundable in all cases.

4. The Trip Balance is due 60 days before commencement of your trip.Late payment may cause cancellation of all or part of your trip, with norefund payable.

5. No travel documents will be issued until full payment has been made. 6. We accept payment by cash, travellers’ cheque’s and bankers’ drafts

and credit cards. We accept personal cheques subject to clearance,for which 10 days must be allowed.

7. The responsibility for obtaining and carrying correct visas, passportsand other travel documents remains with the passenger.

8. If we have to cancel your trip for unexpected reasons, you will beoffered a full refund of all funds paid over to us, or the offer of a trip ofsubstantially equal or better quality if appropriate.

9. If you wish to cancel your trip, we require written notice and will makefunds to you in accordance with the table below, calculated from thedate which we receive written notice.

IF YOU CANCEL YOUR HOLIDAY:NUMBER OF DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE WHEN WE RECEIVE YOURCANCELLATION. SHOWN AS A PERCENTAGE OF YOUR TOTAL HOLIDAYPRICE.Over 60 days before commencement Deposit only59-40 days before commencement 50%39-14 days before commencement 90%14 days or no show 100%* The trip price does not include visas, visa processing fees, travel insurance or guidebooks,

which shall be 100% forfeit in all cases.

10. We are required by EU regulations to ensure you have travel insurancewhich covers repatriation if required. If you do not purchase insurance,you must confirm to our satisfaction that you have made alternativearrangements.

11. We have made it clear in all sales materials that it is common andaccepted practice for transport methods employed on our trips to runwith delays, or to run below operational standards that would beregarded as normal in Western Europe. We cannot accept any claimfor indirect or consequential loss arising from the failure of transportsuppliers to conform either to timetables supplied by us or to their owntimetables. We cannot accept any claim for shock, loss, distress,whether mental or financial, arising from deviations from operationalstandards by transport suppliers whose services form part of ouritineraries (whether original or amended).

12. We cannot be responsible for the safety of passengers or theirbelongings and for this reason we recommend strongly that you takeout adequate travel insurance.

13. If circumstances or weather conditions force us to amend your itinerary or the services with it, we shall notify you in writing as soon aspossible. If the change arises during your trip, our representatives will makeevery effort to contact you personally. We reserve the right to substitutealternative transport or accommodation in the interests of the safety of our passengers and/or the successful completion of the itinerary.

14. If you require us to change your booked itinerary, we will do everythingpossible to facilitate this, subject to your agreement to meet the costswhich may be incurred. An estimate of these costs, in writing, will beprovided before proceeding.

15. We believe the descriptions of the services and facilities in thisbrochure are fair and accurate. In the event of faults or omissions byourselves or those acting for us, appropriate compensation may bepayable. Such cases will not include cases caused by war or threat of war; changes in transport timetables; denial of border entry for any undocumented reasons; riots; civil unrest; disasters of natural or nuclear origin; terrorist activities; declarations of autonomy orindependence by areas not recognised as such by the United Nations, or decisions relating to foreign nationals made by the elected or defacto leaders of such areas; and such other circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

16. In the event of illness, accident or cases described in Condition 15above, we shall provide all reasonable help to passengers. Ourassistance shall not replace the assistance to be expected from travelinsurance up to the limits of cover of the policy recommended by us, nor shall it replace the assistance of the Consul responsible for you whilst abroad.

17. Claims for compensation will be accepted in writing only, within 30days of final included service. We are unable to consider any claimwhere the assistance or advice of our local representatives has beenunsought, rejected or ignored.

18. Passengers who fail to join the trip by the means or at the time anddate they previously advised us within at least 14 days’ notice shallforfeit all subsequent services up to such time as they can bereasonably be rejoined. Any re scheduling so caused shall be at thepassenger’s own expense. Departure without notification from theitinerary may result in forfeiture of subsequent services. “No-show”passengers shall forfeit all subsequent services if they fail to notify usof intention to rejoin their itinerary within 72 hours of their originalarrival date. Expenses arising from unscheduled departure from theitinerary cannot be recovered from us.

19. Tariffs shown in our leaflets were accurate based on prices andexchange at the time of printing. Should the prices of the services rise,or be adversely affected by exchange rate movements, we reserve theright to make a surcharge. If you have already commenced yourbooking by paying a deposit or full payment and completing a BookingForm, and the price increase should amount to a differential of morethan 15% compared with that in the invoice issued to you (inclusive ofvisa handling, visa fees, travel insurance and airport taxes) you will beentitled to withdraw your booking and receive a full refund of all moneypaid over to us, with the exception of visa fees, which shall be forfeit inany event.

20. With the exception of diving none of our activities require specialtraining or above-average levels of fitness or mobility. If you are in anydoubt about whether you should undertake them, you should consultyour medical adviser. We are unable to refund any money in respect ofservices from which you withdraw after arrival. With reasonable notice,alternative versions of most of our activities can be organised for thoseof you who have special needs, and a section on our booking forminvites information to enable us to plan for your needs in this case.

21. At all times passengers are bound by local law and jurisdiction in theirchosen destinations. Passengers, who depart from the selecteditinerary, either geographically or chronologically, are advised that theymay be breaking local immigration regulations, which at best will resultin delay and inconvenience, and at worst may result in arrest andimprisonment, in neither of which cases are we able to assist in anymaterial way. Passengers are advised that local duties and levies arefrequently introduced, amended or increased without warning, andwhilst we do our best to inform passengers of what local costs arelikely to incur, we cannot guarantee that further costs may be imposedor increased subsequent to our recent information. Such costs remainthe passenger’s responsibility.

22. We do not organise air travel to or from our destinations. Passengersare advised to ensure that agencies with whom they organise suchservices are properly bonded and certified to conduct such business.On request we can provide details with a recommended agent formany localities.

23. The Russia Experience will not accept responsibility for any additionalor alternative travel arrangements (including the use of local guidesand the purchase of services and excursions) that are madeindependently by its clients and that are separate, or in addition, to thebooked and ticketed itinerary.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

50 Booking Conditions

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Russia ExperienceResearch House, Fraser Road, Perivale, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 7AQ, England

Tel: (020) 8566 8846 Fax: (020) 8566 8843 Email: [email protected]

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