Trans-Mongolian Express

There are no planned activities until the group meeting in the evening.

• While on board, settle in and enjoy impressive views as the train tackles the mountains before descending to the arid lands of Inner Mongolia and continuing into the heart of rural Asia.
• In the evening, reach the border post of Erlian. Here, the train's wheels will be changed to accommodate a different gauge rail. Opt to stay on board and watch it happen.

Awake to the stunning landscapes of the south Gobi. The classic image of Mongolian horses and gers (yurts) dot the scenery from horizon to horizon. The occasional nomad encampment appears mirage-like through the carriage window. Arrive to Ulaanbaatar, get your bearings on an orientation walk, then start exploring. Choose to take in a local cultural show or enjoy some Mongolian barbecue.

Discover one of the most important Mongolian temple complexes, the Gandan Monastery. Learn about the history of Buddhism in Mongolia and hope for the chance to see chanting monks. If lucky, a local fortune teller may be around to share some wisdom. After the Monastery, the tour will continue in the Winter Palace of the last Mongolian King (the only King's palace that survived the revolution). At the end of the tour, visit Zaisan Hill, a great viewpoint with a monument dedicated to Soviet soldiers.

Walk through the valleys and live simply while overnighting in a traditional ger camp.

Return back to Ulaanbaatar before boarding the next train.

Travel to Listvyanka on the shores of Lake Baikal. Opt to visit Baikal Limnological Museum, enjoy a 'banya' (Russian sauna) or take a boat ride on the lake.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake Baikal is the oldest and deepest lake in the world. With free time, catch a glimpse into why this is the "Galapagos of Russia". Opt to go for a boat ride or take a short hike.

Head back to Irkutsk for an included city tour of one of the most beautiful cities in Siberia. Take some time to shop like the locals at the Central Market to stay well-fed on the voyage.

Continue on from Irkutsk to Yekaterinburg. Drink with locals in the dining car, buy homemade food on the platform from "babushkas" (Russian grandmothers), read, relax, play cards, meet your fellow passengers, watch the taiga forests go by — this is what the experience is all about!

Continue on and arrive to the soviet-style city in the Ural Mountain region.

With free time, opt to see a performance at the Yekaterinburg Opera and Ballet Theatre, visit the fine art gallery or spend some time at the military museum.

In the morning, board the Trans-Ural Railway. Say farewell to Asia while crossing the Urals into Europe.

Arrive to Moscow and start exploring. Take an orientation walk of the metro then opt for a Moskva River boat trip or a visit to Lenin's Mausoleum, the Tretiakov Gallery or St Basil's Cathedral.

The area around the Red Square is perfect for sightseeing and people watching. Visit one of the many shops, wander the Alexandr Gardens or visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Head down into the metro to explore the beautiful stations or visit another part of the city.

Enjoy one last day with free time to explore the many museums, art galleries, or theatres that Moscow has to offer.

• St Petersburg, one of Europe's finest cities, is home to baroque European architecture combined with the opulent palaces of Russian royalty. Its tree-lined streets and cosmopolitan atmosphere make it a favourite destination for travellers from around the globe.
• Upon arrival to St Petersburg take a walking tour of the city. Learn the sordid history of the city from the Peter the Great to Dostoevsky to the Seige of Leningrad.

Visit the Hermitage Museum with free time to continue exploring the "Venice of Russia."