Russia and Beyond - 17 Days

Drifters Price: £1026.00

RRP: £1080.00

Trip Code: INTRB

Local Payment: USD$200.00

Days 1-3 St Petersburg

Travellers arrive from all corners of the world during the day; though there are no arranged activities on Day 1 please arrive by 6pm as we have a group meeting followed by dinner. Please check the noticeboard in the hotel to find out exactly where this important meeting will take place.

Note that your leader will collect your local payment (USD200 cash) at the group meeting on Day 1. Due to the restrictions on changing money in Russia, only USD50 and USD100 notes/bills printed after 1996 and in good condition will be accepted.

There is so much to see and do in St Petersburg that it's well worth staying a couple of extra nights if you have the time. St Petersburg is a beautiful city, rightly known as the Venice of North Europe.

One of the most delightful of Russian cities, St Petersburg is built of baroque European architecture combined with the opulent palaces of Russian royalty. Its tree-lined streets and cosmopolitan atmosphere make it a favourite for many travellers. Explore the immense treasures of the luxuriant Hermitage Palace. Now a museum, the Peterhof Palace is also of interest as it was St Petersburg's first. There is time for you to visit some of the many churches and cathedrals - St Isaacs is particularly fine, or to take one of the many river cruises that are on offer. On Day 3 we board the overnight train for the ride to Moscow (approximately 7 hours). Our first ride in what will be an epic journey.

Days 4-5 Moscow

The great red city of Moscow has seen Russia through some of its most turbulent years, surviving the trauma and tribulations of centuries of revolution, from the days of the tzars through the communist era to the growing pains of democracy. Despite the glamour and show of modern capitalism, exploring Moscow is like taking a step back in time and being lost in history. Names of places such as the 'Kremlin' and the infamous 'Red Square', bring forth unforgettable images of the Cold War era. Explore the streets of this evocative city - we recommend visiting the fantastic Kremlin with its Armoury, Red Square and Ivan the Terrible's extraordinary St Basil's Cathedral. In the evening of Day 5 we board the train for a 3-day long trip to Irkutsk.

Days 6-8 Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans-Siberian Railway is the world's most famous train line, extending from Moscow across Siberia to the far flung town of Vladivostok, it is also the longest. We experience part of this celebrated train odyssey, boarding in the bustling hub of Moscow for the long journey to Irkutsk (approx. 65 hours).

Travelling through time zones in style, we pass mountain ranges and wind our way through taiga, big Russian cities and small Siberian villages.The train is a simple affair with enough of the modern luxuries to make it a comfortable journey. The carriage bathrooms are well equipped and even have hot water, though if you wish to have a shower you will need to bring your own shower attachments. An attendant is assigned to every carriage to look after your needs and each compartment has four convertible beds, with luggage storage space provided. The old-style restaurant car tends to have a jovial atmosphere and can offer an interesting insight into local cuisine.

Trains have a habit of running on Moscow time even though there may be several hours time difference, making for interesting meal times. Station platforms nearly always have an array of food for sale at stalls run by the Babushkas.There are lists of stations that the train will stop at and the time they stay there, ranging from two to twenty minutes. Always double check with the carriage attendant - it's a long wait for the next train to come through!

Day 9 Listvyanka

The long journey brings us to the charming Siberian city of Irkutsk where we transfer to a bus for a short trip out to Listvyanka (approx. 2 hours). Listvyanka is a small and picturesque village on the shores of Lake Baikal. We spend the rest of the day exploring the area and an invigorating swim in this Siberian lake is highly recommended. The group splits up as we are welcomed into the lives and homes of local Listvyanka villagers for one night.

Days 10-11 Trans-Mongolian Railway

After a free day in Listvyanka we hop back on the train for a two-night train trip that crosses the Russia/Mongolia border and takes us into the Mongolian capital of Ulaan Baatar. This train is the most local of all the trains we take on this journey and so we shouldn't expect the height of luxury. A restaurant car is normally provided but the food can be basic and limited so we take time to stock up in one of Irkutsk's markets.

Days 12-14 Ulaan Baatar

There time in Ulan Bataar to explore all the fantastic museums and temples the Mongolian capital has to offer. The sleepy capital is an evolving city, still showing many signs of its Soviet past. We also spend a night at a ger camp out side of the city, eating dinner around the fire and sleeping in traditional nomad tents.

On the evening of day 14 we catch our last sleeper train to Beijing arriving on day 15.

Days 15-17 Beijing

Our final train ride has us arriving into Beijing on day 15 China's capital city is one of the world's largest and most fascinating cities. We'll take a walk along the Great Wall of China - an experience not to be missed! Explore legendary Tiananmen Square and the enigmatic Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and the Lama Temple Monastery or get lost in Beijing's colourful silk market. Our epic journey concludes in Beijing and you may depart at any time on day 17. Check-out time is 12:00 pm. The hotel has luggage storage facilities, and taxis to the airport can be arranged.

Book this holiday On-line now.

Make a booking on-line with Drifters, Simply make a selection from the available dates in the dropdown box and click book now.

Great Drifters Deals.

We currently have the following great specials available for the following dates. Click buy now to book this trip.

Departure

Return

Special Price

Enquiries ?

Still not satisfied and need to know more ? Please feel free to call, email or come in and see us anytime, We would love to hear from you!