Trans-Mongolian Itinerary (Westbound) Tsars Gold 2022

Day 1 Beijing––Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square

Friendly and knowledgeable travel guides await you at the airport to take you to your first class hotel in the centre of town for 2 nights – the first strep on your Trans-Mongolian tour. After a brief rest, the itinerary starts off with a tour of Beijing.  Highlights include Beijing’s most stunning sights: the Temple of Heaven, as well as the famous Tiananmen Square.
The day concludes with drinks and dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 2 Great Wall and Peking Duck

The Great Wall of China is the 8th Wonder of the World; this is your chance to experience it up close. On your way there you stop at a pearl farm, as well as at the famous Ming Tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Sacred Way, a boulevard lined with carved stone animals. Wrapping up the day is a feast featuring what is surely the world’s best-known Chinese delicacy, Peking Duck, at one of China’s most famous theme restaurants.

Day 3 Forbidden City and departure for Mongolia by Trans-Mongolian

For centuries the doors to the former Emperor’s Palaces have been closed to the public. Today the glorious halls and mysterious temples of the Forbidden City are open for you.
In the evening, the rest of your adventure begins. A modern Chinese train will pull out from Beijing’s station, en route to your Trans-Mongolian journey, a 16-hour trip (Nostalgic Comfort and Bolshoi cars are not available for this one night). Meanwhile, China’s busy rural life unfolds outside your window: people working in the fields, donkey-drawn carts on dusty roads, and the great steppes of the Gobi desert.

Day 4 Through the Gobi desert

At noon you arrive at the Chinese-Mongolian border and change to your Private Train for the Trans-Mongolian rail. Formalities are easily dispatched in your compartment. In Erlian you can explore the colourful border market. Afterwards, your Private Train departs and takes you through the vast expanse of the Gobi desert, then through the great green steppes of Mongolia.

Gobi Desert (Click to view)

Day 5 Ulan Bator

In the morning of your Trans-Mongolian tour you arrive in the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator. Major luggage can be left on the train while you check into the centrally located standard hotel for 1 night and then enjoy a tour of the city. You will see the Choijin Lama temple; at night you will have the unique opportunity to watch traditional Mongolian music performances.

n.b. On request, we can organize an overnight stay in a Yurt (Ger) in the beautiful Mongolian Alps, instead of the hotel.
Due to limited availability this must be booked at time of making your reservation
Please contact us for details and price!

Day 6 Gandan Monastery and the Mongolian Alps

After breakfast you will visit the Buddhist Gandan Monastery and undertake an excursion to a mountainous area with stunning rock formations, known as the Mongolian Alps (about 90 minutes east of Ulan Bator). Along the way, an open-air railroad museum puts the Mongolian railway in context. A picnic lunch in a yurt is followed by a demonstration of Mongolian horsemanship and the traditional wrestling match. Try some lamb in milk, a culinary specialty of Mongolia. Or, for the brave of heart, there’s always kumys (fermented mare’s milk), the beer of the nomads.

Day 7 Ulan Ude

Bid farewell to the Mongolian steppes, as the Trans-Mongolian train rolls on through the valley of the Selenga River, the largest river of Mongolia. In Ulan Ude your train joins the main route of the Trans-Siberian railroad. Here you can stroll through the city streets or join the guided tour of the city.

Day 8 Lake Baikal

Today, the entire day is dedicated to Lake Baikal. Before noon you will arrive at the old station of Port Baikal, located directly on the shore. During two long photo stops on the ancient tracks running parallel to the shore you will have the chance to capture the beauty of the lake and to explore the wonderful scenery. Take a moment to have a dip in the lake (if you are brave) or visit a picturesque Baikal village. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a short boat ride on the lake. If the evening is warm, dinner will be served as a picnic on the shores of the spectacular lake before re-boarding the train.   Next stop: Irkutsk.

Day 9 Irkutsk

In the morning we leave the train and check into a centrally located standard hotel in Irkutsk for 1 night. You can safely leave your bags on the train. A tour of the city includes the lively market hall, the drama theatre and a rather spectacular oddity, a newly erected statue of the Tsar!  The afternoon features an excursion to the open-air museum, with displays of Siberian life in the old days.
Spend the night at your centrally located hotel in Irkutsk.

Day 10 Across Siberia

After breakfast, rejoin the train which takes you through the landscapes of Eastern Siberia with its mountains, crystal-clear rivers and verdant slopes. On board of the train you can enjoy entertaining lectures about Siberia. A social get-together complete with caviar and vodka tasting makes you familiar with Russian hospitality.

Day 11 Novosibirsk

At noon your Private Train  pulls into Novosibirsk, Siberia’s largest city, and we are greeted in the traditional Russian way: with a bread and salt welcome. Your city tour includes the Trans-Siberian monument and views of the mighty Ob River.
After dinner, the train continues its journey westwards.

Day 12 Ekaterinburg

In the afternoon the train makes a stop in Ekaterinburg, the capital of the Ural Mountains and the border between Asia and Europe, where you enjoy a short tour of the city centre. In the course of the city tour you will see the newly built Cathedral-on-the-blood, created as a memorial to Romanov Tsar Nicolas ll and his family, all executed here in 1918.
From now on your train is on European territory.

Day 13 Kazan

After breakfast you arrive in Kazan, the old Tartar capital on the banks of the Volga. Plenty of history here: on a guided tour of the Kremlin you will learn about the wild and often bloody relations of the Tartars, Cossacks, and Russians. This final evening on board offers you one last chance to enjoy the onboard restaurant.

Day 14 Moscow

Before noon you arrive in Moscow, Russia’s capital and one of the world’s richest and most dynamic cities. After the long rail journey on the Tsar’s Gold Private Train, your first class hotel offers comfort and convenience. At noon, your first stop is the Kremlin with its glorious cathedrals. You can also check out the interiors of some of the buildings. After dinner you go on a magical evening trip through the city. This special tour includes a stop at Red Square as well as a visit of two of Moscow’s beautiful metro stations.

Day 15 Tour of Moscow and return home

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be taken on a guided tour of Moscow to see the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Lomonossov University, Novodevichy Monastery and Red Square with the colourful St. Basil’s Cathedral, also the notorious former KGB headquarters and the White House.
Bid your fantastic journey farewell before your departure to the airport at the end of the Trans-Mongolian tour.

If you wish to extend your journey, ask us about a four day extension to St Petersburg. Please email us at info@select-a-tour.com

See Eastbound Moscow – Beijing Tour Details and Prices here

Tsars Gold Tour Excursions and Specialities

Moscow

• Kremlin
• Night tour
• Tour of the subway
• City tour including Church of the Redeemer

Kazan

• City tour including guided visit of the Kremlin

Novosibirsk

• City tour and traditional welcome with bread and salt

Ekaterinburg

•  City tour with visit to the Church of the Ascension

Krasnoyarsk

• City tour

 Lake Baikal

• Follow the ancient tracks along the shores of Lake Baikal, including village visit
•  Boat trip on Lake Baikal

Ulan Ude

• City tour

Irkutsk

•  City tour with visit to the market hall
•  Visit to open-air museum

Ulan Bator

• Visit to the Choijin-Lama temple
•  Tour of the Gandan Monastery
•  Visit to Alpine Mongolia including horse-riding demonstration

Culinary Specialties

• Peking Duck
• Caviar and vodka tasting on train
• Picnic on Lake Baikal
• Tsar’s feast on train

Beijing

• Visit to the Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square
• Visit to the Great Wall of China and Ming Tombs
• Visit to the Forbidden City

Erlian

•  Visit to the local market

Compartment Overview Tsar’s Gold.pdf

Click to view/download Tsar’s Gold compartment categories [PDF]

Choose from 6 different compartment categories on Tsar’s Gold:
Standard: 4 berth – no facilities en suite. WC each end of carriage
Classic: 2 berth – no facilities en suite. WC each end of carriage
Superior: newly renovated 2 berth – no facilities en suite. WC each end of carriage
Superior Plus: newly renovated 2 berth – no facilities en suite. WC each end of carriage. 1 shower car per carriage
Nostalgic Comfort: newly built, nostalgically furnished in the Soviet Government Train style of the 50’s.  Large 2 berth.  Two compartments share basin/hand shower.
WC each end of carriage.
Bolshoi: Large 2 berth (5.57 sq m/60 sq ft) with private en-suite facilities
Bolshoi Platinum: Large 2 berth (7.15 sqm/77 sq ft) private en-suite facilities

Category I: Standard

In the STANDARD CATEGORY (I), there are nine compartments per car, each for four guests. On both sides, left and right, there are two berths, one upon the other and each of them sized
2.3 x 6.2 ft (70 × 190 cm). In the middle, below the window, you will find a table. Combined toilet/lavatory compartments are located at each end of the car.

Category II: Classic

In the CLASSIC CATEGORY (II), there are 9 compartments per car. A compartment is shared by two guests.
Berths are sized 2.3 x 6.2 ft (70 × 190 cm) and arranged facing each other.  There is also a table under the window.
Combined toilet/lavatory compartments are located at each end of this category’s cars. In every second car there is a shower compartment.

Category II: Superior

In the SUPERIOR CATEGORY (II), there are 9 newly refurbished compartments per car.
A compartment is shared by two guests. Berths are sized 2.3 x 6.2 ft (70 × 190 cm) and arranged facing each other. There is also a table under the window.
Combined toilet/lavatory compartments are located at each end of this category’s cars. In every second car there is a shower compartment.

Category II: Superior Plus

In the SUPERIOR PLUS CATEGORY (II), there are 8 newly refurbished compartments per car. A compartment is shared by two guests.
Berths are sized 2.3 x 6.2 ft (70 × 190 cm) and arranged facing each other. There is also a table under the window.
Combined toilet/lavatory compartments are located at each end of this category’s cars. 8 compartments share one refurbished shower room.

Category III: Nostalgic Comfort

If you want to travel like the red tsars, the NOSTALGIC COMFORT CATEGORY (III) is a must. The newly built cars of our Category III are nostalgically furnished, but also provide modern amenities. You’ll be travelling in an ambiance, in which even former Soviet leaders would have felt at home – although with the comfort of the 21st century.
Each of these rolling hotel rooms offers two large berths (approx. 2.6 x 6.1 ft (80 × 185 cm)) and an armchair for an especially comfortable view of the changing landscapes.
Two compartments share one small lavatory with wash basin and wet room style shower facility between every two compartments.
Combined toilet/lavatory compartments are located at each end of this category’s car. (Please see note regarding Chinese train sector)

Category IV: Bolshoi

;
The BOLSHOI CATEGORY (IV) is equipped with two beds: the lower one measures 3.6 x 6.1 ft (1.10 m x 1.87 m), providing room for two people if required, the upper one 2.6 x 5.8 ft (80 x 176 cm). Furthermore, the 60 sq ft (5.57 m²) large compartments offer a cosy seating bench, a commodious table and a wardrobe. The compartment’s exclusive en suite bathroom does not only contain a washing basin, WC and shower, but also enough storage space for your personal belongings.
Each car of the Bolshoi category has only six compartments. (Please see note regarding Chinese train sector)

Category V: Bolshoi Platinum

The BOLSHOI PLATINUM CATEGORY (V) features the highest possible comfort on the Transsiberian. Each compartment is 77 sq ft (7.15 m²) large and provided with full shower cabin, WC and washing basin. The lower bed measures 3.9 x 6 ft (120 × 184 cm), the upper one 2.7 x 5.7 ft (82 × 174 cm).

The compartment is equipped with a very spacious wardrobe, hair dryer, bathrobe and slippers. Each car of the PLATINUM CATEGORY contains 5 of these magnificent cabins, assuring that there is a maximum of only 10 guests per car. (Please see note regarding Chinese train sector)

Other train areas

Tsars Gold Tour Dates 2022 – Beijing to Moscow

n.b. * 15 May Special Departure Discount of €180 per person.

See Eastbound Moscow – Beijing Tour Details and Prices here

Tour Prices 2022 Westbound:

IMPORTANT:
Prices in Euros for residents of Europe.
For USA, Canada and rest of the world prices are in USD – please ask for details.

Standard Class (Category I)
€4,640 per person in 4-berth compartment
€1,180 per person supplement for 3 persons in a 4-person compartment
€600 supplement for single hotel room
n.b. * 15 May Departure Discount of €180 p.p.

Classic Class (Category II)
€7,150 per person in 2-berth compartment
€2,720 per person supplement for sole use of compartment and single hotel room
n.b. * 15 May Departure Discount of €180 p.p.

Superior Class (Category II)
€7,540 per person in 2-berth compartment
€3,030 per person supplement for sole use of compartment and single hotel room
n.b. * 15 May Departure Discount of €180 p.p.

Superior PLUS Class  (Category II)
€7,970 per person in 2-berth compartment
€3,030 per person supplement for sole use of compartment and single hotel room
n.b. * 15 May Departure Discount of €180 p.p.

Nostalgic Comfort Class (Category III)
€10,080 per person in 2-berth compartment
(Two compartments share basin/hand shower)
€5,040 per person supplement for sole use of compartment and single hotel room
n.b. * 15 May Departure Discount of €180 p.p.

Bolshoi Class (Category IV)
€13,050 per person in 2-berth compartment
(with private en suite shower / wc)
€7,640 per person supplement for sole use of compartment and single hotel room
n.b. * 15 May Departure Discount of €180 p.p.

Bolshoi Platinum Class (Category V)
€15,320 per person in 2-berth compartment
(with private en suite shower / wc)
€8,810 per person supplement for sole use of compartment and single hotel room
n.b. * 15 May Departure Discount of €180 p.p.

IMPORTANT:
Sole use supplement: Please see note regarding Chinese train sector
Prices in Euros for residents of Europe.
For USA, Canada and rest of the world prices are in USD – please ask for details.

The Tour Price Includes

• The only Private Train on the Transsiberian awarded the TÜV quality seal of the official German technical inspection authority (constantly monitoring service quality).
• Obtain profound insights into Russian, Mongolian and Chinese culture––in just one epic journey.
• Dine in our lovingly designed restaurant wagons and enjoy finest local cuisine and drinks served by courteous waiters.
• Full board:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.  Dinner on day of arrival, breakfast on day of departure.
• More than 20 excursions and performances included as well as all entrance fees.
• Professional threefold tour guide-system: Knowledgeable and dedicated tour director, a competent group train guide (max. 26 guests per group guide) as well as local guides, all equipped with expert knowledge of the region.
• Alternating overnights in your train compartment and in first class and standard hotels.
• Caviar and vodka tasting on board the train.
• Doctor on board (from the Chinese border to Moscow).
• Showers on board.
• Traditional Russian welcoming ceremony with bread and salt.
• Special Peking Duck dinner at one of Beijing’s leading theme restaurants

• Travel with guaranteed accommodation in the category booked onboard the Private Train on the Trans-Mongolian from Erlian to Moscow; single accommodation is possible.
• From Beijing to Erlian (about 16 hours) accommodation in comfortable sleeping quarters – the Chinese train does not carry sleeping cars of the Nostalgic Comfort and Bolshoi / Bolshoi Platinum category and doesn’t have shower facilities; single and double accommodation are not guaranteed.
• Extensive trip on the ancient rail lines of the Trans-Mongolian route on the Transsiberian Railway directly on the banks of Lake Baikal with photo stop.
• Two overnights in Beijing and one night in Moscow in first class hotels (4 star level) – Bolshoi/BP guests reside in deluxe rooms or suites of the group hotels whereas Non-Bolshoi guests in cat 1-3 sleep in standard rooms (Bolshoi and Non-Bolshoi guests stay at the same hotels). If the entire English-speaking FIT group resides in a deluxe hotel in Moscow or Beijing (5 star level) then there is no difference in rooms for Bolshoi/BP and Non-Bolshoi guests.
• One overnight each at centrally located standard hotels (3 star level) in Ulan Bator and Irkutsk – Bolshoi/BP guests reside in deluxe rooms or suites of standard hotels. If the entire English-speaking FIT group resides in a first class hotel in Ulan Bator or Irkutsk (4 star level) then there is no difference in rooms for Bolshoi/BP and Non-Bolshoi guests.
• Hotel property selection is subject to change; exact name of final hotel property will be announced prior to departure with final train pre-departure information on the Trans-Mongolian.
• Transfers on arrival and departure – you may join the group transfers operating from / to the international airport between 08.00 hrs and 13.00 hrs (arrival) and between 12.00 hrs and 18.00 hrs (departure).
  We can arrange private transfers outside these times, or if you prefer to have your own driver and vehicle. Supplement applies.
• Luggage service at all train stations on the Trans-Mongolian tour.
• Detailed travel documents, travel guides and personal log book for your personal Trans-Mongolian tour.
• Sophisticated on-board programmes on the Trans-Mongolian tour: Entertaining lectures on local culture, history and everyday life.

Not Included In Price

• International Flights
• All Visa Fees for China, Mongolia and Russia;
• Tips/gratuities
• Personal Items

Notes

• Accommodation may be substituted with similar grade hotels.
• Optional overnight stay in a Yurt (Ger), instead of the hotel, due to limited availability this must be booked at time of making your reservation.
  Please contact us for details and price.
• Visa support – is supplied for duration of tour only. If you require an extended visa support we can supply this from €25 per person (certain nationalities incur a higher extended visa support letter fee) – check with us for details. Visa Support – is granted to eligible foreign nationals only. This is at the discretion of the authorities. Chinese, Mongolian, Russian Visas – you will need to obtain your visas in advance of travel. Please check requirements with your local Consulates.Visa Service – if you are residing in the UK, please ask about our low cost visa service.
• Moscow airports information:Sheremetyevo (SVO)
  Domodedovo (DME)
  Vnukovo (VKO)
• Beijing airports information
  Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
  Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

Pre- and Post Tour Extensions

Note that extending your stay means extending your visa! Check with us for details! If you require an extended visa support we can supply this from €25 per person (certain nationalities incur a higher extended visa support letter fee) – check with us for details.