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Tour Date: 13 Dec 2013 - 09 Jan 2014
Tour Cost ($AUD): $13,947.00
Our exclusive Christmas and New Year Trans-Siberian tour is our most popular of all. To make the journey at this time of year is a sensational experience as we travel through a winter wonderland, conjuring up memories of Dr Zhivago. Among the highlights are a sleigh-ride through a snowy Siberian forest and an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration in Moscow's Red Square. Russia in winter is simply glorious and a white Christmas is almost guaranteed. The other great advantage of making the trip at this time of year is the lack of other tourists. Often we enjoy the rare privilege of having famous sights such as the Great Wall of China virtually to ourselves!
13/12/2013 Australia - Singapore
Depart from your chosen Australian airport on the flight to Singapore. On arrival we connect with our flight to Beijing.
14/12/2013 Singapore - Beijing (LD)
Summer Palace
Depart Singapore SQ 812, 01.15
Arrive Beijing 07.20
After completing customs and immigration formalities at Beijing airport we transfer to our hotel. After check-in we visit the Silk Markets to shop for any extra items of warm clothing we may need. The bargains are remarkable! We then drive to the beautiful Summer Palace. This was the favourite retreat of the emperors amd empresses during the hot summer months. At this time of the year it is equally beautiful and we have it virtually to ourselves. In the evening we enjoy dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Beijing International Hotel
No 5 Jian Guo men Wei Avenue
Beijing
Ph: 0011-86-10-65126688
Fx: 65129972
15/12/2013 Beijing (BLD)
Forbidden City
This morning we take a stroll in the world's biggest public plaza, Tiananmen Square. Covering 100 acres and dating back to 1420, the square has witnessed many of China's most historic events. Afterwards we visit the extraordinary Forbidden City, the world's largest ancient palace structure. Covering an astonishing 72 hectares and containing no fewer than 9,999 rooms, this incredible complex was built between 1407 and 1420 by an estimated one million labourers.
Until 1924 it was the Imperial Palace for China's emperors, and in 1987 was World Heritage listed by UNESCO. A visit here is never to be forgotten. The afternoon is at leisure and dinner is at a popular local restaurant.
16/12/2013 Beijing (BLD)
The Great Wall of China
We have plenty of time to stroll on the ramparts and fully take in this wonder of the world. We also enjoy an exclusive picnic in one of the watchtowers lining the wall. Returning to Beijing, we attend a stunning traditional Chinese folk show while dining on Peking Roast Duck.
17/12/2013 Beijing (BLD)
Exploring the old area of Beijing
by cycle rickshaw
Today is our last in Beijing and we spend much of it in the fascinating old part of the city, known as the Hutong, which we explore by cycle rickshaw. Lunch is in the home of a typical Chinese family.
18/12/2013 Depart Beijing - Ulaan Baatar (B)
Deep in the Gobi desert on the
Trans-Mongolian Express
Depart Beijing Train 23, 07.40
After breakfast we transfer to Beijing International Railway Station for the start of the journey proper. We board the Trans-Mongolian Express for the thrilling journey to Ulaan Baatar. As we leave behind the crowds of Beijing, the train heads north towards the Mongolian border.
We pass through mountainous countryside and enjoy several glimpses of the Great Wall. Now is the chance to read books, play games or retire to the dining car for drinks or a meal. Arriving at Erlian, the Chinese/Mongolian border town, giant hydraulic lifts raise the train and the wheel bogies are changed. The Chinese railway operates on a narrower gauge to that of Mongolia and Russia, hence the need for this operation. With Chinese and Mongolian border formalities completed, the train makes its way into the vast Gobi desert.
19/12/2013 Arrive Ulaan Baatar (D)
Yak riders in the Gobi
This morning we travel through the rolling steppes of Mongolia, which stretch 1,000 km north to south and 2500 km east to west. Yaks, camels and Mongolian horses dot the austere landscape. The few towns and traditional homes, or gers, which can be seen are testimony to man's ability to adapt to and survive in almost any environment.
Arrive Ulaan Baatar 13.10
We transfer to our hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.
Bayangol Hotel
28 Chingis Khan Avenue
Ulaan Baatar
Ph: 0011-976-11-312255
Fax: 326880
20/12/2013 Ulaan Baatar (BLD)
Mongolian Philharmonic Orchestra
Today we explore the city, visiting the largest and most important Buddhist centre in Mongolia, the famous Gandan Monastery. We also drive up into the hills for a panoramic view of the city in the valley below.
After lunch we head out of the city to the grasslands where we have an opportunity to meet villagers and local horsemen. In the evening we enjoy a beautiful folk show.
21/12/2013 Ulaan Baatar (BLD)
Gandan Monastery, Ulaan Baatar
Today we drive out of the city again and continue to explore this fascinating area. It is a day of special surprises!
22/12/2013 Depart Ulaan Baatar - Irkutsk (BLD)
Typical Mongolian Horsemen
Depart Ulaan Baatar Train 361, 21.00
Today we further explore Mongolia's fascinating capital. Early this evening we board the train for our journey north to Russia.
23/12/2013 On Board train
Dawn on the
Mongolian/Russian border
The train heads towards the Mongolian border town of Sukhe Bator, arriving in the early morning. Here there are thorough customs and passport inspections before we proceed to the Russian border town of Naushki, 5,900 km from Moscow.We pass through beautiful mountain scenery laced with conifer forest. Following the Selenga River along the valley floor, we reach Ulan Ude, capital of Buryatia.
24/12/2013 Arrive Irkutsk (BLD)
The shores of Lake Baikal
Early morning we join the main Trans-Siberian railway line and head west towards Lake Baikal. The train often skirts the shore of this huge water mass. The mountains and small decorative Russian houses provide a beautiful backdrop before the trains rolls into Irkutsk, capital of Eastern Siberia. On arrival we transfer to our hotel.
Arrive Irkutsk 07.35
Hotel Intourist
44 Gagarin Boulevard
Irkutsk 664055
Ph: 0011-7-3952-250168
Fax: 0011-7-3952-250162
25/12/2013 Irkutsk (BLD)
Dianne Kuhrer enjoying a troika ride on Christmas Day
A very special day as we travel out of the city to beautiful Lake Baikal. In a snow-covered forest we enjoy an unforgettable experience: riding in horse-drawn Russian sleighs, or troikas, while being entertained by the locals.
After exploring the lake and the picturesque village of Listvyanka, we enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch with a fun-loving Siberian family. The festivities continue throughout the afternoon and into the evening!
26/12/2013 Irkutsk (BLD)
A beautiful snowscape in Irkutsk
After breakfast we enjoy a tour of this charming city, which dates back to 1661 and was once known as the 'Paris of Siberia'. Founded as a Cossack outpost, it continued to develop as a fur and gold trading city with access routes to Mongolia and China. Today the city is a regional cultural centre with theatres, museums and a symphony orchestra.After breakfast we enjoy a tour of this charming city, which dates back to 1661 and was once known as the 'Paris of Siberia'.
27/12/2013 Depart Irkutsk - Moscow (BL)
Train 9, the Trans-Siberian Express
Depart Irkutsk Train 1, 17.50
After lunch we transfer to Irkutsk railway station and board the world's most famous train, the Trans-Siberian Express, for the epic journey to Moscow. Now is the time to relax, play games or simply watch the winter wonderland outside. Life on the train is comfortable and fun-filled, with much merriment in both the dining car and in our compartments.
28/12/2013 Onboard the Trans-Siberian Express
A winter wonderland
The train pushes inexorably towards Moscow, passing through famous cities such as Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg, where Tsar Nicholas and his family were executed.
29/12/2013 Onboard the Trans-Siberian Express
Forests in the Ural Mountains
The train now cuts through the foothills of the Ural Mountains and we pass the famous obelisk, marking the border of Asia and Europe. We are now 1777 kilometres from Moscow.
30/12/2013 Arrive Moscow (D)
Moscow by night
Arrive Moscow 17.58
Finally the train rolls into Yaroslavsky Station, Moscow, at the end of its momentous journey. On arrival we transfer to our hotel.
Ukraine Hotel
Kutuzovsky Prospect
Moscow
Ph: 0011-7-495-9335656
Fx: 9335683
31/12/2013 Moscow (BLD)
New Year's Eve in Red Square
Our tour of Russia's magnificent capital begins with a morning in the famous Kremlin, We also visit the great Armoury Museum, which houses Russia's crown jewels including the fabulous collection of faberge eggs. After lunch we explore some of the palatial stations of Moscow's stunning underground system.
After dinner we take the short walk into Red Square for the New Year celebrations - a night you will never forget as people of all ages flock to the square for a spectacular party.
01/01/2014 Moscow (BLD)
Moscow
HAPPY NEW YEAR. WELCOME TO THE YEAR 2014!
This morning we stroll into famous Red Square. Dating back to 1493, the magnificent
square is flanked on one side by the red walls of the Kremlin and on the other by the
majestic GUM department store. At one end is the imposing history museum and at
the other is one of the world's most famous buildings, the unique St Basil's Cathderal.
The square also houses Lenin's mausoleum.
After lunch we stroll along Arbat Street, Moscow's famous pedestrian mall with its
busy market stalls and fine shops.
02/01/2014 Moscow (BLD)
Sergiev Posad
After breakfast we travel outside Moscow to the stunning religious capital of Russia, Sergiev Posad. This is one of the country's most beautiful towns, particularly under a covering of snow.
03/01/2014 Depart Moscow - St Petersburg (BL)
Kolomenskoye
Today we head out of Moscow to the beautiful estate of Kolomenskoye. Situated on the banks of the Moskva River, this was the summer residence of Alexei Romanov. This estate dates back to the 14th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon we transfer to the railway station for our journey to St Petersburg.
Depart Moscow Train 6, 16.30
Arrive St Petersburg 21.45
On arrival we transfer to our hotel.
Helvetia Hotel
11 Marata St
St Petersburg 191025
Ph: 0011 7 812 326 5353
Fx: 326 2009
04/01/2014 St Petersburg (BLD)
View across the Neva River to
Peter and Paul's Fortress
After breakfast we take a city tour of beautiful St Petersburg. Formerly known as Petrograd
and Leningrad, this most European of Russian cities is the country's intellectual and cultural
heart. Perched on the banks of the Neva River, it is often referred to as the 'Venice of the North'
because of its glorious canal system.
We enjoy such sights as St Isaac's Cathedral, the Winter Palace and Peter and Paul's Fortress, where the bodies of Tsar Nicholas and his family are interred.
05/01/2014 St Petersburg (BLD)
St Catherine's Palace
Today we travel out of St Petersburg to the town of Pushkin where we visit the beautiful palace of Catherine the Great. We explore the palace interior, including the recently restored and magnificent Amber Room. There may also be the opportunity to attend a performance by one of the great St Petersburg ballet companies.
06/01/2014 St Petersburg (BLD)
The Hermitage and Palace Square,
St Petersburg
This morning we visit the Winter Palace. Completed in 1762, the palace was home to the Tsars until the Russian Revolution in 1917. It now houses the Hermitage Museum, arguably the world's greatest art collection.
The afternoon is at leisure, providing the option of spending more time in the Hermitage. Others may prefer to stroll down the city's great boulevard, Nevsky Prospekt. In the evening there is the opportunity to attend a traditional cossack folk show.
07/01/2014 Depart St Petersburg - Helsinki (BLD)
St Isaac's Cathedral, St Petersburg
Depart St Petersburg Allegro Train, 06.40
Arrive Helsinki 09.15
Our final train journey takes us to Helsinki, the delightful capital of Finland. On arrival we are introduced to Helsinki by way of a city tour including lunch before we transfer to our hotel and enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the end of our momentous tour.
Hotel Anna (or similar)
Annankatu 1
Helsinki 00120
Ph: 0011-358-9-616621
08/01/2014 Helsinki - London - Singapore (B)
If returning to Australia immediately, our flight departs from Helsinki today.
09/01/2014 Singapore - Australia
If returning immediately from Helsinki, our flight arrives back in Australia today.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Energetic
DECEMBER 2013 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: $13,947
INCLUDED IN COST:
* All flights between Australia and Beijing/Europe and Australia
* All accommodation (twin-share)
* All transfers except Helsinki hotel to airport
* All trains to Helsinki (quad-share)
* All meals as specified
* All local guides throughout
* Travel Directors tour escort
* All entrance fees for specified sightseeing
* All ticketable air taxes (NB may be subject to change)
* All visas and courier fees
* All tips and gratuities
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance
* Personal expenses
* Flight from Helsinki to chosen European exit point (if not travelling via London)
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of $2,000 per person at the time of booking.
All escorted tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
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