Friday. Welcome to Moscow! Arrival transfer from Moscow Sheremetyevo or Domodedovo airport to our hotel. Overnight - Moscow

The capital that spawned dozens of spy novels. Catch the Metro to Red Square, from where you’ll enjoy a guided walk. You’ll spot Moscow’s bastion of power - the gold domed Kremlin, St Basils Cathedral, the GUM department store and more. Rest of day free. Lenin’s fascinating granite mausoleum located in Red Square is a Mecca for the curious and worthy of a visit. Overnight - Moscow (B)

Moscow - Irkutsk. A free day for you to explore the capital. Perhaps jump aboard the Stalinist era metro and see the beautifully decorated stations. Tonight - included transfer to rail station for train departure. Overnight - train (B)

Aboard train. Settle into life aboard the train as it plies it’s way across the Urals and large tracts of Siberia. Enjoy the views of the changing landscape, relax and get to know your fellow passengers. Overnight - homestay

Irkutsk - Listvyanka. Morning arrival into Irkutsk and transfer to Listvyanka. Offering stunning views of Lake Baikal - Siberia’s inland sea, Listvyanka is our year-round base. Spend the remains of day 7 and day 8 at leisure, enjoy a steamy banya (sauna) and perhaps choose one of the optional activities. Overnight - Listvyanka homestay (B:1, L:1, D:2)

Listvyanka - Irkutsk. At around midday transfer back to Irkutsk, a town with the Asiatic influences of nearby Mongolia and China and curious architecture - a legacy of Siberia’s aristocratic exiles. Spend the remains of the day at leisure exploring the town. Overnight - Irkutsk homestay (B, L, D)

Irkutsk - Ulaan Baatar. Very early morning transfer to the rail station to continue your momentous journey, into the heart of Mongolia. Overnight - train (B)

Ulaan Baatar - Terelj NP - Morning arrival and transfer to centre (subject to border formalities and inevitable delays) to refresh before the drive to Terelj. One of the most elevated countries in the world, Mongolia is sandwiched between Russian Siberia and the plains of northern China. Best known to the world as a remote, sparse land where Genghis Khan held sway over the once far-reaching Mongolian empire, today's Mongolia after decades of suppression under the Soviets, is emerging as a unique travel destination on the Trans-Siberian. The Mongolian ger is a sturdy wood and felt-type tent. Ger means home and it is home during our stay on the steppe. Breakfast is provided on day 12.

*Please note: Due to extreme weather, clients undertaking a classic adventure during the winter can decide upon arrival, whether to stay in permanent accommodation or a Mongolian ger. Overnight - Mongolian ger camp* (B:1, L:2, D:2)

Terelj NP - Ulaan Baatar. This morning transfer to Ulaan Baatar, stopping to visit a nomadic family en route. Laid-back and provincial Ulaan Baatar is set in the rolling foothills of the Bogd mountain range, on the banks of the Tuul River. The pine-covered mountains, wide boulevards, vast public squares and park give the city a feeling of spaciousness, while the ger communities, Buddhist temples and bustling market places give it a rustic charm. In the centre of Ulaan Baatar is Sükhbaatar Square. The Museum of Natural History is minutes away which has to two complete dinosaur skeletons which were found in the Gobi Desert. The Buddhist Temple of Gandantegchinlen Khiid and the Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan are also interesting. Overnight - Ulaan Baatar (B, D)

Morning transfer to rail station for train to Beijing. Beyond Ulaan Baatar there are panoramic views of uninterrupted steppe, with the occasional nomad, camel and ger dotting the landscape. Continuing south, the train enters original Gobi country, flat, dry and sparsely populated with nomadic herders and sheep. Overnight - train (B)

Friday. Beijing. On the final leg of your momentous journey, pass through Shaanxi province as you head to the nations capital. Arrival scheduled for mid-afternoon into Beijing.

See the 'Costsaver' tab above, for the content of our Costsaver journey

Hotels: In Russia on the go use 3 star accommodation as classified by the Russian Ministry of Tourism. However, please be aware that the 3 star standards throughout Russia vary greatly and cannot be compared to hotels of a similar standard in Western Europe or, and in particular, the United States.

Homestays - Our homestays vary, you may be staying with a local family, couple or single person. In some cases the home owner may actually move out so that you have the home to yourself. The local homes we use are generally very simple and basic with shared bathroom facilities. Please note that if you are travelling in a larger group it may be necessary for you to stay in separate houses because most homes are small and only have room for one or two guests.

Train schedules: Chinese and Mongolian Railways do change their schedules from time to time, which could alter the itinerary. Please check with us at time of booking.