2015 Trans-Siberian Rail Tours

Transcription

1 Russia's Leading Travel Agency Russia's Leading Travel Agency 2015 Trans-Siberian Rail Tours with the dedicated travel experts to Russia and the region Introducing the epic Trans-Siberian routes to Beijing or Vladivostok Small group tours via the Ural Mountains, Irkutsk and Lake Baikal

2 Russia's Leading Travel Agency Real Russia Rail Tours To excite, inspire and enjoy So far this trip has been amazing, nothing in terms of services provided could have been better, our guide in was brilliant as is our guide here in Irkutsk. Arrivals and departures have been perfect. We are so very impressed with your service Fran and Gerry City At Real Russia we have over 12 years experience in helping tens of thousands of travellers from many different countries to explore, discover and experience Russia and the region. With a Real Russia tour, you will be travelling within a small group of like minded travellers, a third of the way around the world, along the legendary Trans-Siberian railway. Unlike conventional group tours, where you ll see large groups and flag waving guides, our small group adventures are informal and flexible, allowing you plenty of time to do your own thing. All dates are guaranteed and there is no minimum group size required, however we do limit the number of travellers on each tour to ensure we maintain a personal, not a herd, experience. Prepared by our award winning Trans-Siberian experts each tour is a balance between the group activities and excursions and personal time for you to explore independently or relax as you like. The Trans-Siberian is not just a trip, but for most people a once in a lifetime experience, so let us help you do it right and get the best this trip can offer! Ural Mountains Lake Visit or call +44 (0)

3 Real Russia Why thousands already trust us with their journey of a lifetime For a reliable and stress-free way of travelling to Russia and beyond, look no further than Real Russia. Standing out from the crowd since 2003, our devoted team has a real passion for the country and the region, taking great pride in making Russia accessible to you. Our understanding of travel within Russia and its neighbours is second to none. From visas to train tickets, attractions and accommodation you have a wide range of flexible services to choose from. Focusing on efficiency, quality of time and your enjoyment all services are quick and easy to use. No matter what the enquiry you can visit the interactive website, telephone a member of the travel team or walk into one of our offices across Europe. Because there is no middle-man all requests are handled efficiently with a great amount of care and attention to detail. We understand how important your journey is because we have done it ourselves! Enjoy all the benefits of our exceptional services. Listening to our thousands of satisfied customers we provide only the best accommodation, excursions and guides. Employing only the most dedicated and knowledgeable staff, all services are handled by Trans-Siberian experts. With our interactive website you can book accommodation, transfers and Russian train tickets using one of the only booking systems in English outside of Russia, in direct partnership with Russian Railways (RZD). As a fully licensed tour operator with excellent relationships with consulates all over the world, we can help with visa for clients in the UK and through a global network of approved visa partners. Coordinating over ten thousand successful visas every year we take the stress out of the process by managing each application individually. Trans-Siberian Tours The Trans-Siberian is not just any a trip, for most people it is a once in a lifetime experience, so make sure you do it right! Your adventure starts from the moment you see the Real Russia logo. Simply relax and effortlessly expanding your travel horizons. Go beyond the ordinary Excursions A local expert gives a further insight into these amazing destinations, and the company of a professional guide ensures a secure and fully inclusive service. Our range of excursions are designed to help you make the most of the cities that you visit. Tailored tours With Real Russia's unbeatable flexibility, your trip can be tailored to suit you, whether you want to upgrade your hotel, add excursions or have a private tour. Packages can be designed for single travellers or large groups. Extensions Tour extensions make your already incredible trip go that little bit further. Spend more time in, Beijing or Vladivostok, or add a St Petersburg visit. A unique range of rail tours to excite, inspire and enjoy 3

4 Adventure beckons... For centuries, intrepid travellers have set out on the journey of a lifetime, travelling 9,259 km (5,753 miles) by train along a track which reaches from the very heart of the Russian capital, past cities filled with awe-inspiring architecture and rural villages scattered through the vast forests of Siberia, and on to exotic Beijing or the bustling naval port of Vladivostok on the pacific coast. Come with us on a journey you'll never forget!

5 Explore, Discover, Experience A range of options for all tastes Real Russia has drawn on years of experience in the region to create three ranges of our tours and a wide selection of options to give you maximum choice and flexibility in choosing your Trans-Siberian adventure. Each tour range gives you a different experience depending on the standard of accommodation you require and whether you want a full escorted tour or to travel more independently. Explore Discover The Discover range Experience The Explore range The Experience range For the Independent traveller who likes to plan their own adventures but with all the main work done for them, Real Russia will book trains, transfers and 2* hotels or homestays, so that you are free to decide what you want to do and when. Designed for flexibility, the Discover range gives you trains, transport and 3* accommodation, along with a selection of half day tours and expert guides, whilst still leaving you with plenty of free time for further exploration. The premium range takes care of all travel arrangements, including trains, transfers, full day excursions accompanied by a professional guide and the finest 4* hotels. There is free time as well, but the days are full enough that you may just want to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Tailor your Tour You are free totailor your tour and modify any parts that you wish to. For example you might choose a tour on our Explore range but would really like a guided tour of Lake Baikal, or you have chosen an Experience tour but would like to try the adventure of a homestay in Yekaterinburg. We can offer you the flexibility: What is included in each range? Ultimately the choice is yours individual tour elements can be customised to suit your needs Train travel Transfers Inclusive excursions Second First To/from All in-tour Range class class stations transfers Half Full Explore Discover Experience Accommodation 2 star/ home-stay 3 star 4 star Group size: maximum number is 12 people, this may be extended to 16 if feasible. Visa Full support Accommodation From 2* and homestay up to 4* accommodation, you can choose your level. Excursions Add in trips if you want a guided tour or look at our optional excursions on the website. Trains Want to try a different style of travel? Choose between first and second class. Individual tours If you prefer not to travel within a small group, then we can arrange for an independent variant of a tour for you and your companions. Golden Ring City Visit or call +44 (0)

6 Crossing Continents Whichever route you select, all tours travel between and Irkutsk, through the Ural Mountains and past the marker where the continents of Europe and Asia meet. You can choose to travel in either direction, West to East or East to West. Travel through 7 different time zones Visit or call +44 (0)

7 Trans-Siberian Routes From one continent to another The Trans-Siberian are a network of railways that connect Europe to Asia through Siberia and span over a third of the globe. These world famous routes can nowadays be extended on to St. Petersburg, Helsinki or even down into Belarus, Ukraine, the Baltic states and onto Europe in the west, or, to Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, Tibet and beyond in the east. The Trans-Siberian really is travel without limits. THREE EPIC TRANS-SIBERIAN RAIL ROUTES Trans-Mongolian Travelling through Russia, Mongolia and China Trans-Mongolian Express 9 days to Beijing direct Three Capitals 13 days to Beijing via Ulan-Bator Classic Trans-Mongolian 17 days to Beijing via Irkutsk, Lake Baikal and Ulan-Bator Real Eurasian 19 days to Beijing via Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Lake Baikal and Ulan-Bator Trans-Manchurian Travelling through Russia and China NINE UNIQUE RAIL TOURS Beijing Express 10 days to Beijing through Manchuria Siberian Eye 14 days to Beijing via Irkutsk, Lake Baikal and Manchuria Beijing Express 10 days to Beijing through Manchuria Siberian Eye 14 days to Beijing via Irkutsk, Lake Baikal and Manchuria Trans-Russian Travelling the length of Russia Trans-Siberian Express 10 days to Vladivostok direct Classic Trans-Siberian 13 days to Vladivostok via Irkutsk and Lake Baikal Vladivostok Voyager 16 days to Vladivostok via Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk and Lake Baikal Visit or call +44 (0)

8 Trans-Siberian Tours at a Glance From Europe to Asia TOUR NAME DAYS NIGHTS on the train KEY DESTINATIONS (nights) EXCURSIONS PER RANGE EXPLORE DISCOVER EXPERIENCE Trans Mongolian Express 9 6 (2) Beijing 1 Half day: City tour 1 Full day: City tour TRANS-MONGOLIAN Three Capitals 13 6 Classic Trans Mongolian 17 6 (2) Ulan Bator (4) Beijing (3) Irkutsk (3) Ulan Bator (3) Beijing Options Available 2 Half day: and Ulan Bator City tours 2 Full day: Gorkhi Park and Nomad Life in Ulan Bator 3 Half day:, Irkutsk, Ulan Bator City tours 2 Full day: Ghorkhi Park and Nomad Life in Ulan Bator 4 Full days: and Ulan Bator City tours; Gorkhi Park and Nomad Life in Ulan Bator 6 Full days: and Ulan Bator City tours; Shaman Rock and Lake Baikal options; Gorkhi Park and Nomad Life in Ulan Bator. 1 Half day: Irkursk City tour Real Eurasian 19 6 (3) Yekaterinburg (2) Irkutsk (3) Ulan Bator (3) Beijing 4 Half day:, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Ulan Bator City tours 2 Full day: Ghorkhi Park and Nomad Life in Ulan Bator 6 Full days:, Yekaterinburg and Ulan Bator city tours; Shaman Rock and Lake Baikal options; Gorkhi Park and Nomad Life in Ulan Bator. 1 Half day: Irkursk City tour TRANS- MANCHURIAN Beijing Express 10 7 Siberian Eye 14 7 (2) Beijing (2) Irkutsk (4) Beijing Options Available 1 Half day: City tour 1 Full day: City tour 2 Half day: and Irkutsk City tour 3 Full days: City tour, Shaman Rock and Lake Baikal Options 1 Half day: Irkutsk City tour Trans Siberian Express 10 6 (3) Vladivostok 1 Half day: City tour 1 Full day: City tour TRANS-RUSSIAN Classic Trans Siberian 13 7 Vladivostok Voyager 16 7 (2) Irkutsk (3) Vladivostok (3) Yekaterinburg (3) Irkutsk (3) Vladivostok Options Available 2 Half day: and Irkutsk City tour 3 Half day:, Yekateringburg, Irkutsk City tour 3 Full days: City tour, Shaman Rock and Lake Baikal Options 1 Half day: Irkutsk City tour 3 Half day:, Yekateringburg, Irkutsk City tour ACCOMMODATION TRANSFER MEALS EXPLORE DISCOVER EXPERIENCE Quality budget 2* and homestay accommodation Centrally located comfortable 3* hotels close to the heart of the city City centre luxury 4* hotels near to all the main sights All RANGES Transfers are provided for all departures and arrivals at each City. Plus, a personal guide will accompany you at the first city to settle you on your departure train. EXPLORE DISCOVER EXPERIENCE Breakfast at all Hotels Breakfast at all Hotels, plus a dinnner at Listvyanka / Baikal and other meals, which are dependent on your preferred excursions. These are indicated in each route itinerary.

9 Trans-Siberian Tours at a Glance From Asia to Europe TOUR NAME DAYS NIGHTS on the train KEY DESTINATIONS (nights) EXCURSIONS PER RANGE EXPLORE DISCOVER EXPERIENCE Trans Mongolian Express 9 6 Beijing (2) 1Full day: Beijing City tour 1 Full day: Beijing City tour TRANS-MONGOLIAN Three Capitals 13 6 Classic Trans Mongolian 17 6 Beijing (2) Ulan Bator (4) Beijing (2) Ulan Bator (4) Irkutsk (3) Options Available 1 Half day: Ulan Bator City tour 3 Full day: Beijingn City tour, Gorkhi Park and Nomad Life in Ulan Bator 2 Half day: Irkutsk and Ulan Bator City tours 3 Full day: Beijing City tours, Ghorkhi Park and Nomad Life in Ulan Bator 4 Full days: Beijing and Ulan Bator City tours; Gorkhi Park and Nomad Life in Ulan Bator 6 Full days: Beijing and Ulan Bator City tours; Shaman Village, Circum Baikal Railway or Lake Baikal, Gorkhi Park and Nomad Life in Ulan Bator 1 Half day: Irkursk City tour Real Eurasian 19 6 Beijing (3) Ulan Bator (4) Irkutsk (3) Yekaterinburg (2) 3 Half day: Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk and Ulan Bator City tours 3 Full day: Beijing City tour, Ghorkhi Park and Nomad Life in Ulan Bator 6 Full days: Beijing and Ulan Bator City tours; Shaman Village, Circum Baikal Railway or Lake Baikal, Gorkhi Park and Nomad Life in Ulan Bator 1 Half day: Irkursk City tour TRANS- MANCHURIAN Beijing Express 10 7 Siberian Eye 14 7 Beijing (2) Beijing (2) Irkutsk (4) Options Available 1 Full day: Beijing City tour 1 Full day: Beijing City tour 1 Half day: Irkutsk City tour 1 Full day: Beijing City tour a choice of excursion in, and around, Irkutsk 1 Half day: Irkutsk City tour 3 Full days: Beijing City tour, Shaman Rock and Lake Baikal Options 1 Half day: Irkutsk City tour Trans Siberian Express 10 6 Vladivostok (3) 1 Half day: Vladivostok City tour 1 Full day: VladivostokCity tour TRANS-RUSSIAN Classic Trans Siberian 13 7 Vladivostok Voyager 16 7 Vladivostok (2) Irkutsk (3) Vladivostok (3) Irkutsk (3) Yekaterinburg (3) Options Available 2 Half day: Vladivostok and Irkutsk City tour 3 Half day: Vladivostok, Yekateringburg, Irkutsk City tours 3 Full days: Vladivostok City tour, a choice of excursions in, and around, Irkutsk 1 Half day: Irkutsk City tour 4 Full day: Vladivostok City tour, a choice of excursions in, and around, Irkutsk, Yekaterinburg City tour 2 Half day: Irkutsk City tours ACCOMMODATION TRANSFER MEALS EXPLORE DISCOVER EXPERIENCE Quality budget 2* and homestay accommodation Centrally located comfortable 3* hotels close to the heart of the city City centre luxury 4* hotels near to all the main sights All RANGES Transfers are provided for all departures and arrivals at each City. Plus, a personal guide will accompany you at the first city to settle you on your departure train. EXPLORE DISCOVER EXPERIENCE Breakfast at all Hotels Breakfast at all Hotels, plus a dinnner at Listvyanka / Baikal and other meals, which are dependent on your preferred excursions. These are indicated in each route itinerary. Visit or call +44 (0)

10 The Trans-Siberian The classic Trans-Siberian route between and Vladivostok covers 9,259 km (5,753 miles) and passes through seven time zones. The distance between and Beijing is 8,961 km (5568 miles) when travelling via Manchuria, or 7,622 km (4,736 miles) on the Trans Mongolian. The adventure of a lifetime

11 Trans-Siberian Tour Highlights Some of our favourite activities en route Take our city tour of and visit Arbat Street in the historic heart. Once part of an important trade route, it is one of the oldest streets in the city and now considered one of the smartest places to live. The street stalls are a great place to buy traditional Russian souvenirs, before enjoying a break at the many bars and cafes. All of our tours take you through the Siberian steppes depending on the time of year that you travel, you might see the pretty wooden houses under a blanket of snow with cosy columns of smoke, or perhaps surrounded by meadows filled with wild flowers. Stay for a day or two at Lake Baikal, and you can take part in a traditional Shaman ceremony, and spend a night in a traditional homestay. Irkutsk has a market with all sorts of fresh fruits, vegetables, forest berries, and delicious fresh and smoked fish! This is a must-do sight in Irkutsk, and it would be a shame to miss it! Yekaterinburg is the place for a stopover if you want to see at first hand where two continents meet we have an excursion to the Europe/ Asia border marker, travelling along the Great Siberian Trek. For many years, China was closed to the rest of the world, and there is still lots to learn about its exotic capital city, Beijing. See where the Emperors lived hidden from view in the Forbidden City, and enjoy a night of unique entertainment at the opera. In Ulan-Bator you can imagine you are a nomadic Mongolian herdsman with a night in a beautiful yurt surrounded by dramatic scenery, dreaming of heroic deeds galloping on horseback across the plains. Vladivostok was the original Trans- Sib terminus, and is still a very popular destination with tourists. Surrounded by mountains in Golden Horn Bay, the port is home to the Russian Pacific Fleet and boasts many fascinating forts, dating from the 1880s to the early 20th century. With our excursions you can visit the S-56 submarine or the Sky Bar with excellent views of the bay. Visit or call +44 (0)

12 Classic Destinations Visit some of the most diverse cities in the world Take a front seat to some of the world s most amazing and iconic cities. From the heritage and splendour of St Petersburg, the history and political power base of, to the gateway to the Pacific at Vladivostok or the mystique of an Asian experience in Beijing a Trans-Siberian tour offers travellers the opportunity to visit a number of diverse cities all on one trip. Peterhof Palace Gardens The Kremlin by night St Petersburg Extend your tour and uncover the treasures of the Venice of the North, on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Discover the city s national icons: the Hermitage Museum, the Peter and Paul Fortress, the St Isaac s Cathedral and the Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood, or take a boat trip through the many canals. All tours start (or finish) with 2 or 3 nights inclusive accommodation in, so you can soak up the atmosphere and culture of Russia s capital city, visiting well known locations including Red Square, the Kremlin, the Bolshoi Theatre, and St Basil s Cathedral. Discover the underground and enjoy beautiful views of the city from a water-bus along the river. Vladivostok harbour Forbidden City, Beijing Vladivostok Explore the unique and vibrant fortress city of Vladivostok, known as the San Francisco of Russia. Situated on the Golden Horn Bay, Russia s largest naval port has lots to see and do, such as the Eagle s Nest Monument, the Eastern Terminus for the Trans Siberian Railway and the S-56 Submarine Museum. You can even extend your tour by taking a ferry to Japan or Korea. Beijing Experience the exotic sights and aromas of Asia, with rich culture and tradition alongside modern life in this city of contrasts. Uncover many ancient treasures such as the incredible Forbidden City, walk through Tiananmen Square, visit the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, collect souvenirs from the Pearl and Silk Market or take a trip to the breathtaking Great Wall of China. A unique range of rail tours to excite, inspire and enjoy 12

13 Traditions and culture Classic Destinations See the best this region has to offer, depending on your choice of tour I would certainly use Real Russia again and recommend to anybody considering traveling to Russia Estelle S When entering into the many different time zones en route you re not only changing the clock, but also venturing into new cultures, customs and lifestyles. Each location along the Trans-Siberian route brings a unique aspect, from spiritual Shaman guidance at Lake Baikal to Buddhist monasteries near Ulan-Ude. Yekaterinburg One of the former Soviet closed cities, the region's cultural and economic capital is situated at the foot of the Ural Mountains which form the natural border between Europe and Asia. This is where the Romanovs, the last of the Russian Tsars, were assassinated in Yekaterinburg Circus Shaman pole Zaisan Memorial, Ulan-Bator Lake Baikal Ulan-Bator As the capital city, Ulan-Bator is a stark contrast to the open wilderness associated with Mongolia. A bustling metropolis, it is the cultural, economic and political centre with a strong character that is constantly evolving. The dynamic architecture reflects its colourful history, with Buddhist monasteries and powerful monuments among modern high-rise buildings. Irkutsk and Lake Baikal Referred to as the Pearl of Siberia, Lake Baikal is the world s largest and deepest source of fresh water and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with beautiful nature reserves, waterside towns and tours around the Circum-Baikal Railway. Explore the clear waters in the summer with a lake cruise or swimming, or in the winter try snowmobiling. Visit or call +44 (0)

14 Excursions A range of options for all tastes Our Discover and Experience Trans-Siberian tours are designed to give you to the perfect blend of free time and planned excursions whilst our Explore range gives you complete independence. If you are looking for a deeper insight into a particular destination or are looking to get more from your tour, we can offer you a range of activities and short tours wherever you are designed with you in mind. We will provide English speaking professional guides with expert knowledge in the area and if you need a guide with a different language, we can do that for you too. Thank you to you and the team at Real Russia for all your help and advice. It made our trip most enjoyable Jenny B The full range of excursions are available online, but these are some of our favourites: The Cold War Bunker Step back in time with this excursion to a working underground bunker and experience the era of the Cold War 65 meters underground. Ulan-Bator Visit a nomadic family - Learn about local customs over lunch, sampling local delicacies, and then explore the diverse surrounding landscape Mongolian Ger Camp Beijing Great Wall No trip to China is complete without a trip to the Great Wall but why not combine this with visiting Tiananmen Square or the Forbidden City. Vladivostok Beer Factory Tour & Tasting Learn how local beer is produced and sample the finished product. Need we say any more? Great Wall of China Vladivostok St Petersburg City view St Petersburg The State Hermitage Museum one of the largest and arguably one of the greatest art museums in the world, with over 3 million exhibits our expert guides will help you explore and experience the best it has to offer. A unique range of rail tours to excite, inspire and enjoy 14

15 Accommodation From city hotels and rustic homestays, to carriages that rock you to sleep Throughout your trip you can relax in trusted accommodation, with a comprehensive range of premium 4 star to budget 2 star and homestay accommodation, all centrally located close to the main sights. Homestays Staying with a local family is a great way of experiencing Russia's famous hospitality. You ll enjoy a home-fromhome with a comfy bed and home cooked food, while learning about Russian customs and traditions. This option is available on all ranges when staying in Irkutsk and Yekaterinburg. Three star Victoria Hotel, Irkutsk Four star Irkutsk Marriott Hotel options Your hotel accommodation will depend on which of the Explore, Discover and Experience ranges you have chosen. More details on our selected hotels can be found on our website at Call our friendly advisors now on +44 (0) Train accommodation Trans-Siberian trains offer a variety of accommodation to suit your requirements. First class sleeper carriages, also known as Deluxe, are private lockable cabins with two single beds, a small table and luggage storage area. Second class sleeper carriages, known as Coupe, have four beds in each cabin, two lower and two upper. The door can be locked and there is a table by the window and a luggage storage area. There are specially equipped cabins with wheelchair access, and some trains have premium cabins with double beds. Typical first class carriage layout* Typical second class carriage layout* *sleeping layouts will vary depending on the train A unique range of rail tours to excite, inspire and enjoy 15

16 Extensions Making the best even better Our range of tour extensions are ideal to make your already incredible trip go that little bit further. Spend more time in Beijing, or Vladivostok, or even add a visit to St Petersburg. Uncover new treasures and soak up the rich culture of each destination while delving into their fascinating history. Heart of Russia, the extension If you are traveling from Beijing or Vladivostok, then we would strongly recommend the extension? The thriving capital of Russia will be introduced to you along with the iconic sights including the Kremlin, Red Square, St Basil s Cathedral, Lenin s Mausoleum, the Bolshoi Theatre and you can shop for souvenirs on Old Aarbat Street or one of the many markets nearby. For each extension you can choose options for two, three or four days, 3* or 4* hotels and a range of optional excursions to make the most of your time. Northern Capital, the St Petersburg extension Spend a few days exploring the stunning city of St Petersburg built on edge of the Baltic as his window to the west by one of Russia's greatest Tsars, Peter I. Within a few days you will discover some of the many delights of this Venice of the North including one of the greatest treasures in the world, the Hermitage, the Peter and Paul Fortress on the banks of the Neva, the golden coated St Isaac's Cathedral and a trip through its many canals. Monument to Conquering Space St Petersburg Lord of the East, the Vladivostok extension Your adventure doesn t have to finish when you get here. With our Vladivostok extension and your own personal guide and driver you will discover and experience the highlights of the former closed fortress city which has been called Russia's San-Francisco. The Forbidden City, Beijing Vladivostok Golden Horn Bay Dragon City, the Beijing extension Surely your journey does not end when you arrive in Beijing? Over the next few days take in the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Mao's Mausoleum, the Forbidden City, the Silk Market, Peking Duck and Dim Sum. All of this and more awaits you with our popular Beijing round up. Be sure, that next time I visit Russia, I will choose you again and will also suggest you to my friends. Keep on with this great job! Loasaf Visit or call +44 (0)

17 The Romance of the Railway Capturing the imagination of thousands Visa information Most travellers on these tours will require Russian visas. We can arrange all documentation for you, acting as your official sponsors during your trip. See our website for more details, or speak directly to a member of our travel team for expert assistance. Lake Baikal Enjoy a new perspective Some people believe the holiday starts when arriving at the destination, but what about the journey? Real Russia understand the excitement begins from the moment you set off on your Trans-Siberian adventure it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey itself. Grand locomotives, traditional conductors, the sound of the train pulling away from the station let us transport you to a whole new world. Break away from everyday life, switch to a different frequency and escape on a classic journey with a modern twist. Life on board Each train includes comfortable cabins in which to sleep and relax, with washing facilities and toilets at the end of each carriage. You can enjoy traditional dishes in the restaurant car, and exchange stories with fellow travellers at the bar. Free boiling water is provided on most trains, so you can even brew a mug of your favourite tea. Whatever the route, the train stops briefly along the way at various locations for anything from five to thirty minutes. It s a great opportunity to stretch your legs and buy local delicacies such as Pirozhok (dough with sweet or savoury filling), or local handicrafts such as embroidered shawls to take home as souvenirs. Travelling companions Whether travelling alone, with family or in a group, Trans-Siberian rail tours are a great experience for everyone, from all walks of life, with on-board attendants to ensure that your safety is guaranteed. Use the time to reflect at your own leisure, or meet locals and like minded travellers from across the world who are sharing in the adventure. We have just returned from our journey on the Trans- Siberian railway, stays at Lake Baikal and Ulan-Bator, and two weeks in China. Thank you for arranging our journey through Russia and Mongolia. Stuart Number 20 train from to Vladivostok Visit or call +44 (0)

18 rain tickets Accommodation Transfers City breaks Visas Trans-Siberian rail tours Excursions & guides +44 (0) Real Russia Limited, 5 The Ivories, Northampton Street, Islington, London N1 2HY London Volgograd