Grand
Trans
Siberian
Express
One of the world’s
greatest travel
experiences.
8000 km
transcontinental
rail journey between
Asia and Europe.
2013
Grand Trans Siberian Express
2013
Journey of a Lifetime
Introduction
Experience the legendary Trans Siberian Railway and the Trans Mongolian Railway on board a private charter train.
Forget about any hassle of packing and unpacking every day. Your cabin is your “home on wheels” during the entire
rail cruise journey.
Our train offers a choice of 6 accommodation categories from Economy to Deluxe as well as restaurants, a bar and a
conference area for lectures. Stops for land excursions at the most interesting places along the route are included
every day. In Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, and in Irkutsk near Lake Baikal hotel nights in international
managed 4 star hotels are included as well as hotel nights in Moscow and Peking.
Our rail cruises offer you to experience travelling remote areas of the world like Siberia and Gobi Desert and at the
same time enjoying the comfort which is possible only on board of a private charter train.
Highlights of the tour
Moscow, most vibrant and fast developing
metropolitan of Europe
Kremlin, the centre of power in Russia
Siberia, a huge land of extreme dimensions
Lake Baikal, deepest lake and biggest freshwater
reserve of the world
Mongolian steppes, yurts and horses
Gobi Desert, one of the biggest deserts of the
world
Great Wall of China, part of World Heritage
Peking, Chinese capital and centre of the Central
Kingdom
Boat cruise on Siberia’s mighty River Yenissej
Private classical concert in a palace of historical
background
Folklore show of Mongolian artists
Mini Naadam show of Mongolian horse racing,
wrestling, archery
Advantages of the
private train
A choice of 6 different categories of sleeping
accommodation
Guaranteed double and single accommodation
throughout the tour
Modern Deluxe sleeping cars with private
lavatory, toilet and shower en suite
All sleeping cars are newly build or reconstructed
after 2000
2-3 restaurant cars
A cosy bar with live piano music in the evening
Conference area for lectures and on board
entertainment
European management
Daily stopovers for sightseeing
Travel in style, safe and comfortable
Sightseeing Places
Sightseeing Excursions
Moscow
Kazan
Yekaterinburg
Novosibirsk
Krasnoyarsk
Irkutsk
Lake Baikal
Ulan Ude
Mongolia Ulaanbaatar
China
Gobi Desert
Peking
Groups of 20-30 persons
With local English speaking guides
(Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Chinese and
other languages on request)
**** Hotels
Meals
Moscow
Irkutsk
Ulaanbaatar
Peking
Breakfast and dinner usually on the train
Off board meals in specially selected local
restaurants
Daily changing local specialities of Russia,
Mongolia and China
Russia
Radisson Blu or similar
Courtyard Marriott
Ramada, Khan Palace or Mongolia
Marriott City Wall or similar
Your Tour Guides
Our 3-level tour management and multilingual team
European Tour Director
Russian Tour Escorts Moscow-Peking or v.v.
Local Tour Guide in each city
Grand Trans Siberian Express
Train Description
In Russia and Mongolia you travel on board the Grand Trans Siberian Express.
On the Chinese section between the border station Erlian and Peking passengers
change to a Chinese Connecting Train because of the different gauges of the
railways in Russia and Mongolia (1.520 mm) and the railways in China (1.435 mm).
The Chinese train consists of Standard Economy and Standard Plus cars as well as
restaurant cars. Passengers of other categories travel in Standard Plus Sleeping cars
on this short section (1 night, about 16 hours) as there are no Premium, Classic or
Deluxe Sleeping Cars available in China.
The charter trains are air conditioned. Air condition is working only during the time
the train is moving.
There are 6 categories of accommodation on the Grand Trans Siberian Express:
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
Category 4
Category 5
Category 6
Standard Economy
Standard Plus
Premium
Classic Heritage
Deluxe Silver
Deluxe Gold
4 beds per cabin
2 beds per cabin *)
2 beds per cabin, washbasin in compartment *)
2 beds per cabin, washbasin and shower shared by 2 cabins*)
2 beds per cabin, private shower and toilet en suite *)
2 beds per cabin, private shower and toilet en suite *)
*) Categories 2-6 may be booked for single use
The most popular among the categories are:
Deluxe Silver (Category 5) and Standard Plus (Category 2).
Deluxe Gold
Category
For those looking for the greatest comfort
1 or 2 persons per cabin
Deluxe Gold sleeping cars offer the most spacious and comfortable type of accommodation on our
private train. Deluxe Gold cabins have a private toilet, wash basin and a spacious shower cabin en
suite. Each cabin offers 1 lower and 1 upper bed. Euro-Sockets for 220 V are in each cabin, capable
for razors and loading mobile phones and notebooks. The cars are air conditioned (individual
control). Air condition is working only during the time the train is moving.
Deluxe Gold sleeping cars have 5 cabins each and may be booked for double or single use.
Deluxe Gold cabin dimensions:
Cabin 2,00 x 3,50 m = 7,0 sqm
Lower bed 120 x 185 cm
Upper bed 85 x 185 cm
Day Position
Private shower cabin en-suite
Night Position
Private toilet and washbasin en-suite
Wardrobe
Deluxe Silver
Category
For those looking for great comfort
1 or 2 persons per cabin
Deluxe Silver sleeping cars offer slightly smaller cabins than on Deluxe Gold cars. Deluxe Silver
cabins have a private toilet, wash basin and “wet-room” style shower en suite. Each cabin offers 1
lower and 1 upper bed. Euro-Sockets for 220 V are in each cabin, capable for razors and loading
mobile phones and notebooks. The cars are air conditioned (individual control). Air condition is
working only during the time the train is moving.
Deluxe Silver sleeping cars have 6 cabins each and may be booked for double or single use.
Deluxe Silver cabin dimensions:
Cabin 2,00 x 2,70 m = 5,4 sqm
Lower bed 120 x 185 cm
Upper bed 85 x 185 cm
Night position
Private toilet, washbasin and “wet-room” style
shower en-suite
Classic Heritage
Category
For those enjoying nostalgic environment
1 or 2 persons per cabin
Classic Heritage sleeping cars offer accommodation in environment with nostalgic features, still
providing the comfort of modern amenities. The Classic Heritage cabins have semi-private wash
basin and “wet-room” style shower shared between two neighbouring cabins. Toilets and wash
basins for the common use are at both ends of each car. Each cabin offers 1 lower and 1 upper
bed. Euro-Sockets for 220 V are available in each cabin, capable for razors and loading mobile
phones and notebooks. The cars are air conditioned (central control). Air condition is working only
during the time the train is moving.
Classic Heritage sleeping cars have 8 cabins each and may be booked for double or single use.
Classic Heritage cabin dimensions:
Cabin 2,00 x 2,00 m = 4,00 sqm
Lower bed 60 x 175 cm
Upper bed 60 x 175 cm
Day position
Semi-private washbasin
and shower (shared
between 2 adjacent
cabins)
Common Toilet
Premium
Category
For the fans of travelling European style
1 or 2 persons per cabin
Premium sleeping cars like those in European night trains offer cabins equipped with a washbasin.
Toilets for common use are at both ends of each car. Each cabin offers 1 lower and 1 upper bed.
Euro-Sockets for 220 V are available in each cabin, capable for razors and loading mobile phones
and notebooks. The cars are air conditioned (individual control).
Premium sleeping cars have 9 cabins each and may be booked for double or single use.
Shower facilities are available in Moscow, Irkutsk, Ulaanbaatar and Peking in your hotel rooms
where you stay overnight. In addition to that hotel day rooms for showers are at your disposal in
Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk and Erlian. With exception of the day in Ulan Ude
you have guaranteed access to showers once every day of the tour.
Premium cabin dimensions:
Cabin 2,00 x 2,00 m = 4,00 sqm
Lower bed 90 x 185 cm
Upper bed 90 x 185 cm
Cabin in day position
Private Washbasin
Common toilet
Standard Plus
Category
The most popular category
1 or 2 persons per cabin
Standard Plus as well as Deluxe Silver turned out to be the most popular type of accommodation
on our private train. Standard Plus cabins are equipped with 2 lower beds and 2 upper beds. While
only the two lower beds are used for sleeping, the two upper beds can be used as additional
storage for luggage – or they simply can be folded away. Toilets and wash basins for common use
are at both ends of each Standard Plus sleeping car. The sleeping cars are air conditioned (central
control). Air condition is working only during the time the train is moving. Sockets for 220 V are
available in the car, capable for razors and loading mobile phones. The cars offer 9 cabins each and
may be booked for double or single use.
Shower facilities are available in Moscow, Irkutsk, Ulaanbaatar and Peking in your hotel rooms
where you stay overnight. In addition to that hotel day rooms for showers are at your disposal
during stops in Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk and Erlian. With exception of the
day in Ulan Ude you have guaranteed access to showers once every day of the tour.
Standard Plus cabin dimensions:
Cabin 2,00 x 2,00 m = 4,0 sqm
Beds 65 x 185 cm
Day position
Night position
Standard Economy
Category
The budget way of travelling
4 persons per cabin
This category is popular with those looking for the most economical way of travelling and is usually
booked by families with children or friends travelling together. Standard Economy sleeping cars
are equipped with 2 lower beds and 2 upper beds. Toilets and wash basins are at both ends of the
cars for the common use. The cars are air conditioned (central control). Air condition is working
only during the time the train is moving. Sockets for 220 V are available in the car, capable for
razors and loading mobile phones. The cars offer 9 cabins each and may be booked only by 4
passengers travelling together.
Shower facilities are available in Moscow, Irkutsk, Ulaanbaatar and Peking in your hotel rooms
where you stay overnight. In addition to that hotel day rooms for showers are at your disposal
during stops in Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk and Erlian. With exception of the
day in Ulan Ude you have guaranteed access to showers once every day of the tour.
Standard Economy cabin dimensions:
Cabin 2,00 x 2,00 m = 4,0 sqm
Lower beds 65 x 185 cm
Upper beds 65 x 185 cm
Day position
Night position
Restaurant Cars
There are 2-3 restaurant cars on the train which serve breakfast, lunch and dinner as part of the
full board service to all passengers of the Grand Trans Siberian Express. Local cuisine is part of the
menu: Russian cuisine in Russia and Mongolia, Chinese cuisine in China. During sightseeing tours in
the cities meals are served in the specially selected local restaurants.
Russian Restaurant Car (Example)
Chinese Restaurant Car (Example)
Bar
The most popular car of the train is open to all passengers until late. Come, sit down, enjoy the
scenery passing at the window and relax while having a drink and listening to the piano
entertainment after dinner.
Conference Area
In the conference area lectures are hold about history, geography, economy and daily life of the
regions visited. Films about Russia, Mongolia and China, discussions with your tour guides and a
language course introducing the Russian language to you are additional attractions being offered
in the conference area.
Categories on the Grand Trans Siberian Express 2013
Category
Beds
Bed sizes
Cabin dimensions
Washbasin
Shower
Toilet
Air condition / heating
Standard Economy & Plus
Premium
Classic Heritage
Deluxe Silver
Deluxe Gold
4 beds per cabin
2 lower beds (65 x 185 cm)
2 lower beds (65 x 185 cm)
4 sq metres
2 beds per cabin
1 lower bed (90 x 185 cm)
1 upper bed (90 x 185 cm)
4 sq metres
Private washbasin in each
cabin
2 beds per cabin
1 lower bed (60 x 175 cm)
1 upper bed (60 x 175 cm)
4 sq metres
Semi-private bathroom with
‘wet-room’ style shower
wash basin, shared between
2 adjacent cabins
Common toilets and washbasins,
one at each end of the car
Common toilets, one at each
end of the car for the use of
maximum 18 passengers of
the car.
Individually controlled airconditioning and heating
Wardrobe
Common toilets, one at each
end of the car, for the use of
maximum 16 passengers of
the car
Centrally controlled airconditioning and heating
Luggage storage space above
the door
No
Comfortable armchair
opposite the beds
No
No
Yes
bath robes, slippers, shower
gel, shampoo, liquid soap
rd
Every 3 day
rd
Every 3 day
Complimentary unlimited
Complimentary 1 x 0,5 l daily
8
This category in Russia and
various publications is called
also “Nostalgy” or “Nostalgy
Comfort”.
Armchair
Centrally controlled air-conditioning and
heating
Under the beds (small bag under each
bed) and in a luggage storage space
above the door
No
Safe in the cabin
DVD/CD player with LCD
Hair dryer in the cabin
Amenities in the cabin
No
No
No
shower gel, shampoo, liquid soap
Change of Towels
Change of Bed Linen
Tea & Coffee
Mineral Water
Cabins per Car
Every 3 day
rd
Every 3 day
Complimentary unlimited
Complimentary 1 x 0,5 l daily
9
Standard Plus in Russia and various
publications is also called “First Class”,
“SV”, “Standard Classic”.
Luggage Storage facilities
Remarks
rd
No
No
Yes
bath robes, slippers, shower
gel, shampoo, liquid soap
rd
Every 3 day
rd
Every 3 day
Complimentary unlimited
Complimentary 1 x 0,5 l daily
9
2 beds per cabin
1 lower bed (120 x 185 cm)
1 upper bed (90 x 185 cm)
5,5 sq metres
Private en-suite bathroom
with ‘wet-room’ style
shower, toilet and wash
basin
2 beds per cabin
1 lower bed (120 x 185 cm)
1 upper bed (90 x 185 cm)
7 sq metres
Private en-suite bathroom
with spacious shower cabin,
toilet and wash basin
Individually controlled airconditioning and heating
Wardrobe
Individually controlled airconditioning and heating
Wardrobe
Chair opposite the beds
Chair opposite the beds
No
Yes
Yes
bath robes, slippers, shower
gel, shampoo, liquid soap
Daily
rd
Every 3 day
Complimentary unlimited
Complimentary 2 x 0,5 l daily
6
This category in Russia and
various publications is also
called “Silver”, “Bolshoi” or
“VIP”.
Yes
Yes
Yes
bath robes, slippers, shower
gel, shampoo, liquid soap
Daily
rd
Every 3 day
Complimentary unlimited
Complimentary 2 x 0,5 l daily
5
This category in Russia and
various publications is also
called “Gold”, “Bolshoi
Platinum” or “VIP”.
Standard Economy & Plus
Premium
Classic Heritage
Deluxe Silver
Deluxe Gold
Cabin (night position)
Cabin (day position)
Cabin (night position)
Cabin (day position)
Cabin (day position)
Shower in hotel day rooms
Private washbasin in each cabin
Shower in hotel day rooms
Washbasin and shower in semi- private
bathroom shared between 2 cabins
Private shower “wet-room” style
Common toilet
Private toilet
Private shower cabin
Common toilet/washbasin
Common toilet
Private toilet
Grand Trans Siberian Express
The unique way to experience the
Trans Siberian Railroad
Grand Trans Siberian Express 2013
Day
Date
Country City
Local
Time
Sightseeing & Excursions
(Changes
reserved)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
SAT
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
10 AUG
11 AUG
12 AUG
13 AUG
14 AUG
15 AUG
16 AUG
17 AUG
18 AUG
19 AUG
20 AUG
21 AUG
22 AUG
23 AUG
24 AUG
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Mongolia
Mongolia
China
China
China
China
Moscow
Moscow
Kazan
Yekaterinburg
Novosibirsk
Krasnoyarsk
Irkutsk
Lake Baikal
Ulan Ude
Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar
Erlian
Peking
Peking
Peking
1900 dep
1000-1500
0900-1200
1200-1900
0900-1500
1200-2200
0900-1500
0900-1500
1000 arr
1800 dep
1200-1600
0700 arr
Arrival
City Sightseeing Tour incl. Kremlin Grounds
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour & Yenissej River Cruise
City Sightseeing Tour & Private Classical Concert
Excursion to Listvyanka village & Circumbaikal Railway
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour & Cultural Show
Excursion to Terelj & Mini Naadam Show
Change of Trains and Gobi Desert Experience
Imperial Palace, Temple of Heaven,
Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Peking Duck Dinner
Departure
Breakfas
Lunch
Dinner
Day
Moscow - Peking (eastbound)
Accomodation
Hotel
Moscow
Train
Train
Train
Train
Train
Irkutsk
Train
Train
Ulaanbaatar
Train
Train
Peking
Peking
Radisson Blu or similiar
Courtyard Marriott
Ramada, Khan Palace or Mongolia
Marriott City Wall or similar
Marriott City Wall or similar
Grand Trans Siberian Express
The unique way to experience the
Trans Siberian Railroad
Grand Trans Siberian Express 2013
Day
Date
Country
City
Local
Time
Sightseeing & Excursions
(Changes
reserved)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
18 AUG
19 AUG
20 AUG
21 AUG
22 AUG
23 AUG
24 AUG
25 AUG
26 AUG
27 AUG
28 AUG
29 AUG
30 AUG
31 AUG
01 SEP
China
China
China
China
Mongolia
Mongolia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Peking
Peking
Peking
Erlian
Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar
Ulan Ude
Lake Baikal
Irkutsk
Krasnoyarsk
Novosibirsk
Yekaterinburg
Kazan
Moscow
Moscow
1900 dep
1200-1600
1100 arr
2200 dep
1700-2200
0900-1500
1000-1800
1100-1700
0900-1600
1500-1800
1000-1600
1100 arr
Arrival
Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Peking Duck Dinner
Imperial Palace, Temple of Heaven
Change of Trains and Gobi Desert Experience
City Sightseeing Tour & Cultural Show
Excursion to Terelj & Mini Naadam Show
City Sightseeing Tour
Excursion to Listvyanka village & Circumbaikal Railway
City Sightseeing Tour & Private Classic Concert
City Sightseeing Tour & Yenissej River Cruise
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour incl. Kremlin Grounds
Time at leisure
Breakfa
Lunch
Dinner
Day
Peking – Moscow (westbound)
Accomodation
Hotel
Peking
Peking
Train
Train
Ulaanbaatar
Train
Train
Irkutsk
Train
Train
Train
Train
Train
Moscow
Marriott City Wall or similar
Marriott City Wall or similar
Ramada, Khan Palace or Mongolia
Courtyard Marriott
Radisson Blu or similar
Grand Trans Siberian Express
Russia – Mongolia – China (eastbound)
Moscow – Kazan – Yekaterinburg – Novosibirsk – Krasnoyarsk – Irkutsk – Lake Baikal – Ulan Ude
– Ulaanbaatar – Gobi Desert - Peking
Day 1
Arrival Moscow
Arrival in Moscow. You will be met at Moscow airport
and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation in a **** hotel in Moscow.
House which is the biggest of Russia at Lenin Square as
well as some remarkable orthodox churches which have
survived the Soviet period. Accommodation on board the
Grand Trans Siberian Express.
Day 2
Moscow
A full day sightseeing tour shows you the magnificent Red
Square, the Kremlin grounds and other highlights of
Moscow. You will forget old stories about Russia being
grey and dark. It has become a vibrant city, comparable
to Paris or Rome and full of life. In the evening transfer to
the railway station where your private special train Grand
Trans Siberian Express is expecting you to board for the
first leg of the almost 8000 km long journey to Peking.
Welcome dinner and accommodation on board the
Grand Trans Siberian Express.
Day 6
Krasnoyarsk
Krasnoyarsk, like Yekaterinburg and Ulan Ude used to be
a “closed city” during Soviet times. It is located along
Yenissei River which is the greatest river system flowing
to the Arctic Ocean. A sightseeing tour shows several
view points and the main shopping street which is
fascinating as the local mayor decided to decorate it with
palm trees in summer time – in the middle of Siberia!
During a boat cruise on the Yenissei River you will have a
great view on the city and the huge railway bridge
crossing the river.
Accommodation on board the Grand Trans Siberian
Express.
Day 3
Kazan
Sightseeing in Kazan starts with a comprehensive tour of
the city. Kazan has a beautiful citadel, called Kremlin,
which was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000. It is
surrounded by towers and walls, erected in the 16th and
17th centuries. On the Kazan Kremlin grounds there are
the huge Qol-Şarif mosque and the Palace of the local
Governor. Accommodation on board the Grand Trans
Siberian Express.
Day 4
Yekaterinburg
Today the train stops in Yekaterinburg, capital of the Ural
Mountains. It was founded in 1723 by Czar Peter I as the
metallurgical factory and by the 20th century it had
become one of the largest and the most important
financial, industrial and cultural centers. Yekaterinburg is
the geographical border defined by scientists between
Europe and Asia. In the center of the city, you visit a
place of remarkable importance for Russian history: the
Cathedral on The Blood which was built at the place
where Czar Nicholas II and his family were executed by
the Bolsheviks in 1918.
Accommodation on board the Grand Trans Siberian
Express.
Day 5
Novosibirsk
After passing through the plains of Western Siberia the
Grand Trans Siberian Express stops in Novosibirsk. With
1,5 million inhabitants Russia’s third largest city and the
biggest of Siberia, it is widely regarded as the centre of
Siberia. It was founded in 1893 as the future site of the
Trans Siberian railway bridge crossing the Siberian River
Ob. During a sightseeing tour you will see the Opera
Day 7
Irkutsk
Irkutsk is famous for its trade with Mongolia and China
and used to be called “Paris of Siberia” because of its
colourful live. You visit the old town with its large
quarters still consisting of wooden houses only, before
invited to the cultural highlight of the tour, a private
classical concert in a palace of historical background.
Accommodation in a **** hotel in Irkutsk.
Day 8
Lake Baikal
Today one of the top highlights of the tour with the
Grand Trans Siberian Express will amaze you for the rest
of the day. Lake Baikal holds the biggest fresh water
reserves in the world. It stretches up to 26 miles from
east to west and more than 370 miles from north to
south. With 1,620 meter it is the deepest lake of the
world.
The mountain ranges around Lake Baikal and the deep
blue water of the lake, you will never forget. Today the
private train is running at low speed along the scenic
Circum Baikal Railway line between Sludyanka and Port
Baikal, which for many years has seen only a couple of
local trains and tourist trains. A photo stop will be
arranged at a small village where you can get off the
train, put your feet into the clear and cold water of Lake
Baikal and also visit the typical wooden houses of local
people. A Baikal picnic is also a part of the program.
At Port Baikal a boat takes you on a short cruise on Lake
Baikal to the small village Listvyanka. A walk through the
village shows you to St Nicholas church, a typical
orthodox wooden build church beautiful renovated in the
1990’s. On a great Siberian lunch you can taste the
famous Omul fish which is living only in Lake Baikal.
Accommodation on board the Grand Trans Siberian
Express.
Day 9
Ulan Ude
Ulan Ude is the capital of the so-called “Buryat
Autonomos Republic” of the Russian Federation. With
Buryats being an ethnic group close to Mongolians it is an
amazing mix of cultures and a meeting place between
east and west. Like Irkutsk, the city still has large areas
with typical Siberian wooden houses.
When leaving Ulan Ude the Grand Trans Siberian Express
switches from the Trans Siberian mainline to the Trans
Mongolian mainline on its way to Ulaanbaatar. In the
evening the train reaches the Russian border station
Naushki and the Mongolian border station Suchebaatar.
Russian and Mongolian immigration formalities will take
place in the train. You may stay in your compartment and
don’t have to leave the train.
Accommodation on board the Grand Trans Siberian
Express.
Day 10 Ulaanbaatar
In the morning the Grand Trans Siberian Express arrives
in Ulaan Baatar, the capital of Mongolia. During a
sightseeing tour you will visit the famous Ghandan
Monastery, the central Sukhabaatar Square, the Bogd
Khan Museum which used to be formerly the winter and
sometimes also the summer palace of the Khan’s, as well
as the Zaisan monument at a viewpoint high above the
city. From there you will have an excellent view of the
city which is surrounded by large areas of yurt
settlements. An amazing cultural music and dance show
will introduce Mongolian folk music and culture to you.
Accommodation in a *** hotel in Ulaan Baatar.
Day 11 Ulaanbaatar
Today an unforgettable excursion will take you to the
Terelj National Park which is famous for its nature. A
stone formation called “turtle” and other holy places will
fascinate you. In the park area you will have the chance
to meet a herder family inside their yurt. A show specially
arranged for the participants of the Grand Trans Siberian
Express demonstrates 2 disciplines of the Mongolian
National Naadaam festival: Wrestling and Archery.
In the evening the train leaves Ulaanbaatar for China.
Enjoy the rest of the day viewing the wonderful scenery
of Mongolia with yurts, nomads, horses passing by the
window of the special train.
Accommodation on board the Grand Trans Siberian
Express.
Day 12 Gobi Desert
Gobi Desert! In the morning the train arrives at the
Mongolian-Chinese border, in the middle of Gobi Desert.
Temperatures can reach 30 centigrade in summer time.
In Erlian railway station the Russian railway gauge system
(“broad gauge” 1520 mm wide) meets the China railway
gauge system (“standard gauge” 1435 mm wide). The
Grand Trans Siberian Express therefore terminates in
Erlian. A connecting Chinese special train will be waiting
on the same platform. While you luggage is transferred
by service staff to the Chinese private train you enjoy
your first traditional Chinese lunch. In the afternoon the
Chinese train will pass through southern parts of Gobi
Desert on its way to Peking.
Accommodation on board the Chinese special train.
Day 13 Peking
A full day city sightseeing tour shows you the Imperial
Palace (“Forbidden City”), the huge Tian An Men Square
and the Temple of Heaven.
Accommodation in a **** hotel in Peking.
Day 14 Peking
Today you will visit the Great Wall of China, which often
is called “8th world wonder”. The 6000 km the wall
stretches from East to West. On the return way you visit
the Ming Tombs. A farewell dinner will be hold in one the
famous Peking duck restaurants.
Accommodation in a **** hotel in Peking.
Day 15 Peking & Departure
Airport transfers are provided by our service team to
connect with your flight departing Peking.
Grand Trans Siberian Express
China – Mongolia - Russia (westbound)
Peking – Gobi Dessert – Ulaanbaatar – Ulan Ude – Lake Baikal – Irkutsk – Krasnoyarsk –
Novosibirsk – Yekaterinburg – Kazan – Moscow
Day 1
Arrival Peking
Arrival in Peking. You will be met at Peking airport and
transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation in a **** hotel in Peking.
Day 2
Peking
Today you visit the Great Wall of China, which often is
called “8th world wonder”. The 6000 km the wall
stretches from East to West. On the return way you visit
the Ming Tombs A welcome dinner will be hold in one the
famous Peking duck restaurants.
Accommodation in a **** hotel in Peking.
Day 3
Peking
A full day city sightseeing tour will show the Imperial
Palace (“Forbidden City”) and the huge Tian An Men
Square in the morning and the Temple of Heaven in the
afternoon. In the evening departure from Peking by
special Chinese train to the border city of Erlian.
Accommodation on board the Chinese special train.
Day 4
Erlian
In Erlian railway station the Russian railway gauge system
(“broad gauge” 1520 mm wide) meets the China railway
gauge system (“standard gauge” 1435 mm wide). The
Grand Trans Siberian Express therefore welcomes you
here in Erlian. The connecting Chinese special train from
Peking will arrive on the same platform. While you
luggage is transferred by service staff to the Grand Trans
Siberian Express, you enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch. In
the afternoon the Grand Trans Siberian Express will pass
the Chinese–Mongolian border.
Accommodation on board the Grand Trans Siberian
Express.
Day 5
Ulaanbaatar
In the morning the Grand Trans Siberian Express arrives
in Ulaan Baatar, the capital of Mongolia. During a
sightseeing tour you will visit the famous Ghandan
Monastery, the central Sukhabaatar Square, the Bogd
Khan Museum which used to be formerly the winter and
sometimes also the summer palace of the Khan’s, as well
as the Zaisan monument at a viewpoint high above the
city. From there you will have an excellent view of the
city which is surrounded by large areas of yurt
settlements. Accommodation in a *** hotel in Ulaan
Baatar.
Day 6
Ulaanbaatar
Today an unforgettable excursion takes you to the Terelj
National Park which is famous for its scenery which
remembers to locations in Switzerland, Europe. A stone
formation called “turtle” and other holy places will
fascinate you. In the Terelj National Park area you will
have the chance to meet a herder family inside their yurt.
A show specially arranged for the participants of the
Grand Trans Siberian Express demonstrates 2 disciplines
of the Mongolian National Naadaam festival: Wrestling
and Archery. An amazing cultural music and dance show
will introduce Mongolian folk music and culture to you. In
the evening the train leaves for Russia.
Accommodation on board the Grand Trans Siberian
Express.
Day 7
Ulan Ude
Early morning the Mongolian border station Suche Baatar
and the Russian border station Naushki will be reached.
The Mongolian and Russian immigration formalities will
again take place in the train. You may stay in your
compartment and don’t have to leave the train.
In the afternoon the Grand Trans Siberian Express arrives
at Ulan Ude, the capital of the so-called “Buryat
Autonomos Republic” of the Russian Federation. With
Buryats being an ethnic group close to Mongolians it is an
amazing mix of cultures and a meeting place between
east and west. Like Irkutsk, the city still has large areas
with typical Siberian wooden houses.
In Ulan Ude the Grand Trans Siberian Express switches
from the Trans Mongolian mainline to the traditional
Trans Siberian mainline on its way to Moscow.
Accommodation on board the Grand Trans Siberian
Express.
Day 8
Lake Baikal
Today one of the top highlights of the tour with the
Grand Trans Siberian Express will amaze you for the rest
of the day. Lake Baikal holds the biggest fresh water
reserves in the world. It stretches up to 26 miles from
east to west and more than 370 miles from north to
south. With 1,620 meter it is the deepest lake of the
world.
The mountain ranges around Lake Baikal and the deep
blue water of the lake, you will never forget. Today the
private train is running at low speed along the scenic
Circum Baikal Railway line between Sludyanka and Port
Baikal, which for many years has seen only a couple of
local trains and tourist trains. A photo stop will be
arranged at a small village where you can get off the
train, put your feet into the clear and cold water of Lake
Baikal and also
visit the typical wooden houses of local people. A Baikal
picnic is also a part of the program.
At Port Baikal a boat takes you on a short cruise on Lake
Baikal to the small village Listvyanka. A walk through the
village shows you to St Nicholas church, a typical
orthodox wooden build church beautiful renovated in the
1990’s. On a great Siberian dinner you can taste the
famous Omul fish which is living only in Lake Baikal.
Accommodation in a **** hotel in Irkutsk.
Day 9
Irkutsk
Irkutsk is famous for its trade with Mongolia and China
and used to be called “Paris of Siberia” because of its
colourful live. You visit the old town with its large
quarters still consisting of wooden houses only, before
invited to the cultural highlight of the tour, a private
classical concert in a palace of historical background. In
the evening you rejoin the private train.
Accommodation on board the Grand Trans Siberian
Express.
Day 10 Krasnoyarsk
Krasnoyarsk, like Yekaterinburg and Ulan Ude used to be
a “closed city” during Soviet times. It is located along
Yenissei River which is the greatest river system flowing
to the Arctic Ocean. A sightseeing tour shows several
view points and the main shopping street which is
fascinating as the local mayor decided to decorate it with
palm trees in summer time – in the middle of Siberia!
During a boat cruise on the Yenissei River you will have a
great view on the city and the huge railway bridge
crossing the river.
Accommodation on board the Grand Trans Siberian
Express.
Day 11 Novosibirsk
In the morning the Grand Trans Siberian Express stops in
Novosibirsk. With 1,5 million inhabitants Russia’s third
largest city and the biggest of Siberia, it is widely
regarded as the centre of Siberia. It was founded in 1893
as the future site of the Trans Siberian railway bridge
crossing the Siberian River Ob. During a sightseeing tour
you will see the Opera House which is the biggest of
Russia at Lenin Square as well as some remarkable
orthodox churches which have survived the Soviet
period. Accommodation on board the Grand Trans
Siberian Express.
Day 12 Yekaterinburg
Today the train stops in Yekaterinburg, capital of the Ural
Mountains. It was founded in 1723 by Czar Peter I as the
metallurgical factory and by the 20th century it had
become one of the largest and the most important
financial, industrial and cultural centers. Yekaterinburg is
the geographical border defined by scientists between
Europe and Asia. In the center of the city, you visit a
place of remarkable importance for Russian history: the
Cathedral on The Blood which was built at the place
where Czar Nicholas II and his family were executed by
the Bolsheviks in 1918.
Accommodation on board the Grand Trans Siberian
Express.
Day 13 Kazan
Sightseeing in Kazan starts with a comprehensive tour of
the city. Kazan has a beautiful citadel, called Kremlin,
which was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000. It is
surrounded by towers and walls, erected in the 16th and
17th centuries. On the Kazan Kremlin grounds there are
the huge Qol-Şarif mosque and the Palace of the local
Governor.
Accommodation on board the Grand Trans Siberian
Express.
Day 14 Moscow
Today the almost 8000 km long journey from Peking to
Moscow terminates. A full afternoon sightseeing tour
shows you the magnificent Red Square, the Kremlin
grounds and other highlights of Moscow. You will forget
old stories about Russia being grey and dark. It has
become a vibrant city, comparable to Paris or Rome and
full of life.
Accommodation in a **** hotel in Moscow.
Day 15 Moscow
Airport transfers are provided by our service team to
connect with your flight departing Moscow.
Rates 2013
Moscow – Peking or Peking – Moscow (15 days, 14 nights, excluding flights)
All Rates are in EURO, per person.
Category
Category #
Standard
Economy
Standard
Plus
Premium
Classic
Heritage
Deluxe
Silver
Deluxe
Gold
4
2
2
2
2
2
3.980
n/a
5.330
1.690
5.940
2.170
6.680
2.980
9.490
4.890
11.490
5.980
Passengers per cabin
Price per person EUR
Single Supplement Train & Hotel
Services included in the tour price:
8 nights accommodation on board the Grand Trans Siberian Express
Moscow – Erlian (Chinese border) v.v. in the category booked
1 night accommodation on board the Chinese connecting train
Erlian (Chinese border) – Peking v.v. in category Standard Economy or Standard Plus.
1 night accommodation at **** hotel, Moscow (Radisson Blu or similar)
1 night accommodation at **** hotel, Irkutsk (Courtyard Marriott)
1 night accommodation at *** hotel, Ulaanbaatar (Ramada, Khan Palace or Mongolia)
2 nights accommodation at **** hotel, Peking (Hotel Marriott City Wall or similar)
Full board throughout the tour, starting with dinner on the first day and terminating with breakfast on the last day
Shower facilities in hotel day rooms in Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Erlian for guests travelling in
categories 1, 2 and 3
Transfers airport – hotel v.v. in Moscow and Peking on day 1 and day 15
Sightseeing tours in Moscow, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk,
Lake Baikal, Ulan Ude, Ulaanbaatar, Peking
Lectures on board in English (Spanish, Portuguese, French, German and other languages on request)
Cultural events mentioned in the programme
Private classic concert in Irkutsk
English speaking local tour guides (Spanish, Portuguese, French, German and other languages on request)
English Speaking Tour Director throughout the tour
Services Not Included
- Flights
- Visa Russia, Mongolia, China
- Gratuities (EUR 120 / USD 160 tipping budget recommended)
Optional Booking: Available for maximum 1 month
Minimum number of tour participants: 140 persons on board the private train
Payment Conditions
Deposit
Category 1, 2, 3, 4
Category 5, 6
Balance 60 days before departure
Cancellation Conditions
Up to 91 days before the tour
90-61 days before the tour
60-31 days before the tour
30-15 days before the tour
14-01 days before the tour
No Show
Deposit
25 %
50 %
75 %
90 %
100%
EUR 750 per person with booking
EUR 1.500 per person with booking
Grand Trans Siberian Express 2013
Date
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
SAT
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
10 AUG
11 AUG
12 AUG
13 AUG
14 AUG
15 AUG
16 AUG
17 AUG
18 AUG
19 AUG
20 AUG
21 AUG
Local Time
(Changes
reserved)
1900 dep
1000-1500
0900-1200
1200-1900
0900-1500
1200-2200
0900-1500
0900-1500
1000 arr
Sightseeing & Excursions
Moscow
Moscow
Kazan
Yekaterinburg
Novosibirsk
Krasnoyarsk
Irkutsk
Lake Baikal
Ulan Ude
Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar
Arrival
City Sightseeing Tour incl. Kremlin Grounds
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour & Yenissej River Cruise
City Sightseeing Tour & Private Classical Concert
Excursion to Listvyanka village & Lake Baikal boat tour
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour & Cultural Show
Excursion to Terelj & Mini Naadam Show
Departure
Day
Ulaanbaatar – Moscow (westbound)
Day
Date
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
21 AUG
22 AUG
23 AUG
24 AUG
25 AUG
26 AUG
27 AUG
28 AUG
29 AUG
30 AUG
31 AUG
01 SEP
Local Time
(Changes
reserved)
2200 dep
1700-2200
0900-1500
1000-1800
1100-1700
0900-1600
1500-1800
1000-1600
1100 arr
12 days / 11 nights
City
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day
Accomodation
Hotel
Moscow
Train
Train
Train
Train
Train
Irkutsk
Train
Train
Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar
Radisson Blu or similar
Courtyard Marriott
Ramada, Khan Palace or Mongolia
Ramada, Khan Palace or Mongolia
12 days / 11 nights
City
Sightseeing & Excursions
Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar
Ulan Ude
Lake Baikal
Irkutsk
Krasnoyarsk
Novosibirsk
Yekaterinburg
Kazan
Moscow
Moscow
Arrival
City Sightseeing Tour & Cultural Show
Excursion to Terelj & Mini Naadam Show
City Sightseeing Tour
Excursion to Listvyanka village & Lake Baikal boat tour
City Sightseeing Tour & Private Classic Concert
City Sightseeing Tour & Yenissej River Cruise
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour incl. Kremlin Grounds
Time at leisure
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day
Moscow – Ulaanbaatar (eastbound)
Accomodation
Hotel
Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar
Train
Train
Irkutsk
Train
Train
Train
Train
Train
Moscow
Ramada, Khan Palace or Mongolia
Ramada, Khan Palace or Mongolia
Courtyard Marriott
Radisson Blu or similar
Grand Trans Siberian Express 2013
Date
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
SAT
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
10 AUG
11 AUG
12 AUG
13 AUG
14 AUG
15 AUG
16 AUG
17 AUG
18 AUG
Local Time
(Changes
reserved)
1900 dep
1000-1500
0900-1200
1200-1900
0900-1500
1200-2200
0900-1500
City
Sightseeing & Excursions
Moscow
Moscow
Kazan
Yekaterinburg
Novosibirsk
Krasnoyarsk
Irkutsk
Lake Baikal
Irkutsk
Arrival
City Sightseeing Tour incl. Kremlin Grounds
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour & Yenissej River Cruise
City Sightseeing Tour & Private Classical Concert
Excursion to Listvyanka village & Lake Baikal boat tour
Departure
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day
Day
Irkutsk – Moscow (westbound)
Day
Date
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
SAT
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
24 AUG
25 AUG
26 AUG
27 AUG
28 AUG
29 AUG
30 AUG
31 AUG
01 SEP
Local Time
(Changes
reserved)
0900-1500
1000-1800
1100-1700
0900-1600
1500-1800
1000-1600
1100 arr
9 days / 8 nights
Accomodation
Hotel
Moscow
Train
Train
Train
Train
Train
Irkutsk
Irkutsk
Radisson Blu or similar
Courtyard Marriott
Courtyard Marriott
9 days / 8 nights
City
Sightseeing & Excursions
Irkutsk
Lake Baikal
Irkutsk
Krasnoyarsk
Novosibirsk
Yekaterinburg
Kazan
Moscow
Moscow
Arrival
Excursion to Listvyanka village & Lake Baikal boat tour
City Sightseeing Tour & Private Classic Concert
City Sightseeing Tour & Yenissej River Cruise
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour
City Sightseeing Tour incl. Kremlin Grounds
Time at leisure
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day
Moscow – Irkutsk (eastbound)
Accomodation
Hotel
Irkutsk
Irkutsk
Train
Train
Train
Train
Train
Moscow
Courtyard Marriott
Courtyard Marriott
Radisson Blu or similar
Grand Trans Siberian Express
Rates for sections
Moscow-Ulaanbaatar v.v.
Moscow-Irkutsk v.v.
2013
All Rates are in EURO per person.
Route
Moscow – Ulaanbaatar
or
Ulaanbaatar – Moscow
Moscow – Irkutsk
Or
Irkutsk – Moscow
6.300 km
11 days / 11 nights
10 August 2013 eastbound
21 August 2013 westbound
5.200 km
9 days / 8 nights
10 August 2013 eastbound
24 August 2013 westbound
Rates (EUR per person)
Standard Economy
Standard Plus
Deluxe Silver
3.580
4.830
8.990
3.180
4.270
7.470
Single Supplement
Train & Hotel
Standard Plus
Deluxe Silver
1.360
3.930
990
2.970
7 nights
5 nights
5 nights
4 nights
Flights
Visa Russia, Mongolia
Gratuities
Flights
Visa Russia
Gratuities
Distance covered
Duration
Tour Date
Services included
Train Accommodation
Hotel Accommodation
Full Board
All Sightseeing Tours
All Entrance Fees
English speaking Guides
Transfers on Arr & Dep
Services not included
GTSE 2013 en V7.doc Copyright Text & Photos © 2007-2012 Helmut Mochel
HM12.10.