Trans Mongolian Railway BusPa, s Dream Holiday! full itinerary inside 27 day holiday departs Friday 20 June 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Beijing Badaling Great Wall Ulaan Baatar Ger camps Erdene Zuu Monastery Golden Ring Cities Moscow St Petersburg
From the gates of Beijing s Forbidden City to the Gate of Peter the Great s Hermitage Welcome! We all have a some day holiday dream. In chatting with many of our friends formed from other tours, the first of Buspa s Dream Holidays is offered the amazing overland train journey called The Trans Mongolian Trans Siberian Railway. Extending from Beijing in China, we pass through Mongolia towards Russia, Moscow and the beautiful city of St Petersburg. There are two private trains that undertake this route, but I have decided to plan the itinerary using existing rail services. On a cost basis it is nearly 50% cheaper per day, but it also allows us to experience the local experiences and people, and has given us more flexibility in the planning. I look forward to welcoming you on this very special one off tour offering. Warm regards, John Cronshaw 2
Fares and Joining Arrangements Tour Code: EUR1460CFT SYDNEY Departs: Sydney Mercure Airport Hotel at 6.00pm on Friday 20 June 2014 Returns: Sydney International Airport at 6.55pm on Wednesday 16 July 2014 Twin Share (per person) $12,990 Single $14,100 Your holiday includes A Christian Tour Leader departing from Sydney Daily Devotions Return economy airfares from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane with Singapore Airlines Business Class upgrade available on request Reserved sleeper cabins based on twin share Quality Hotel Accommodation with private facilities when not onboard the trains Transfers throughout the holiday Local guides when the group is off the train Sightseeing as outlined and all entry fees included Group Gratuities (tipping) Luggage assistance at hotels and airports Meals All meals as indicated in the itinerary. Meals are indicated as for Breakfast, L for Lunch, P for Packed Lunch and D for Dinner. Dinners where there is a busy day and later arrival have been included. You can organise other meals individually, or directly with the local guide for a group meal. This allows some flexibility so that you can experience variety and take advantage of something that is happening locally that we may not know about in advance. There are no meals included on the train. There is a dining car and chances to buy food at short stops on route. We will operate on a Food kitty arrangement where we will pool some money and at appropriate stops ensure that we have bought enough food to keep us going until the next stop or market. More details on food will be provided separately. The Trans Siberian/Trans Mongolian has been operating for 100 years and carries 10,000 s of people a year. It works well and everyone manages to be comfortable. MELBOURNE* Departs: Melbourne Domestic Airport at 2.30pm on Friday 20 June 2014 Returns: Melbourne International Airport at 7.15pm on Wednesday 16 July 2014 Twin Share (per person) $13,140 BRISBANE* Single $14,250 Departs: Brisbane Domestic Airport at 2.25pm on Friday 20 June 2014 Returns: Brisbane International Airport at 7.30pm on Wednesday 16 July 2014 Twin Share (per person) $13,140 *Includes one way flight to Sydney. Single $14,250 3
Itinerary Day 1: Friday 20 June, 2014 Accommodation Sydney near the airport D Interstate passengers will be met at Sydney airport and transferred to our selected hotel, the Mercure Sydney Airport. Passengers from Sydney will meet us at the hotel at 6.00pm where we will join for a welcome dinner. Day 2: Saturday 21 June, 2014 International Flight Sydney Beijing (Meals on flight) 3 Nights Breakfast will be at your own choice and cost after check in at Sydney International Airport. Our selected flight will be with Singapore Airlines, departing Sydney at 8.00am via Singapore. We will arrive Beijing 11.00pm where we will be met and transferred to our hotel (4 star). Day 3: Sunday 22 June, 2014 Worship Beijing afternoon sightseeing Worship This morning we will arrange transport to a selected church for worship. Afternoon sightseeing half day city including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. First we will stroll through the world s largest city centre square, Tiananmen Square, then pass through the Golden Water Bridge and enter the well preserved imperial palace complex, the Forbidden City which was first unveiled to the public in 1925. Day 4: Monday 23 June, 2014 Great Wall Ming Tombs Sacred Way L This morning our transfer is to the Badaling Great Wall, one of the best preserved and most developed Great Wall sections among the remaining sections, and one considered as the most splendid and representative section of the Great Wall. Also included today is The Sacred Way and one of the Ming Tombs.The Sacred Way, also known as Changling Sacred Way, is the approach to the Changling Tomb. Along the Way from south to north, you will see a number of sites (or sights) of interest and beauty, including the Stone Tablet Archway, Great Red Gate, Tablet Pavilion, Ornamental Columns, Stone Figures, and Lingxin Gate. Walking along the Sacred Way to the end, you can see the Changling Tomb (built in 1409), where lie the third Emperor of Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Di and his Empress Xu. It is the largest, original and the best preserved among the thirteen tombs, and has three courtyards in the front and a Treasure City in the round rear part. Day 5: Tuesday 24 June, 2014 Train to Ulaan Baatar After breakfast we are transferred to railway station to connect with the train to Ulaan Baatar from Beijing departing at 7.40am. During the night you cross the border into Mongolia. You will be woken for the immigration and the changing of the bogey wheels. China has a different gauge to Mongolia and Russia. Regarding meals on all train travel: Please read the notes on page 3. Day 6: Wednesday 25 June, 2014 Arrive Ulaan Bataar Arrive approx 1.30pm into Ulan Bataar where we will be met and transferred to our hotel just outside the city metropolis. This is the Hotel Mongolia and is set in a grassland environment with rooms based on traditional design aspects from Mongolian culture. Balance of day free at this hotel/resort complex. Day 7: Thursday 26 June, 2014 Full day tour L D Fully guided private tour. Drive to Hogno Haan. Optional trekking and horse riding. Visit the ruins of Uvgon monastery. The Ger camp is a traditional way of supplying western accommodation. It is a traditional felt tent used by Mongolian nomadic herders, and are heated. Two people per Ger are accommodated on wooden framed beds. Each Ger is supplied with bedding and towels, with the bathrooms being usually located in a central area. 4 The devotions were relevant and well presented.
Day 8 Friday 27 June, 2014 Full day Tour L D Day trip to Khar Khorin to visit the Erdene Zuu monastery. In the afternoon return to Hogno Haan National Park. Visit local nomads. Optional: Missionary visit Day 9: Saturday 28 June, 2014 Khustain Nuruu National Park L D Travel to Khustain Nuruu National Park. The Mongolian Government declared the park a Specially Protected Area in 1993, one year after the initiation of the reintroduction project of the Takhi (Przewalskii horse) to the Khustain Nuruu. The HNP covers 50.6ha of land which is home to 459 species of vascular plants, 85 species of lichens, 90 species of moss and 33 species of mushrooms. 44 species of mammals have been recorded, including Red deer, Mongolian gazelle,roe deer, Wild boar, Wild sheep, Ibex, Mongolian marmots, Grey wolves, Lynx,Pallas cat, Red fox, Corsac fox and Eurasian badger. The 217 species of birds include Golden eagle, Lammergeier, Great bustard, Whooper swan, Black stork, Daurian partridge and Little owl. Overnight: Ger camp Day 10: Sunday 29 June, 2014 Return to Ulaan Baatar Drive back to Ulaan Baatar with the balance of the day free. We will aim to arrange attendance at a worship service if possible. Day 11: Monday 30 June, 2014 Ulaan Baatar Irkutsk Guided sightseeing tour of central Ulaanbaatar and shopping for local souvenirs. Balance of day at hotel Late check out and transfer to railway station for train departure to Irkutsk. Day 12: Tuesday 1 July, 2014 On board train On board train. During the long days we can mix and mingle, read, rest or arrange organised board games. Day 13: Wednesday 2 July, 2014 Arrive Irkutsk Arrive Irkutsk at about 7.52am local time. Met and transferred directly to the Lake Baikal village of Lisvyanka. Accommodation will be a Wooden House homestay/chalet style. Dinner can be had at nearby village area. Day 14: Thursday 3rd July, 2014 CircumBaikal Train P Early morning transfer to Listvyanka. Luggage will be transferred separately to Irkutsk. The group will travel with the guide to the station to meet the special train known as the CircumBaikal. From here the train goes along the lake shore on the Old Railroad (used to be the actual route of the Trans Siberian) making 4 to 5 stops. A lunch box is included. At the conclusion you are transferred back to your Irkutsk hotel. Day 15: Friday 4 July, 2014 Free time Irkutsk join train Free time until your transfer at 4.45pm (local time) to the railway station for your train departure at 6.12pm local time. As the hotel is central it is easy to walk around the sights if you so wish. Day 16: Saturday 5 July, 2014 On train On train. Day 17: Sunday 6 July, 2014 On train Worship Day 18: Monday 7 July, 2014 Vladimir D On board train until the Golden Ring city of Vladimir. Here you are met by your local guide and taken on a guided tour of St Dimitrius Cathedral and the Assumption Cathedral, before travelling on (about one hour) to the small town of Suzdal where you will overnight. Day 19: Tuesday 8 July, 2014 Sightseeing Golden Ring D Sightseeing Suzdal, visiting Suzdal Kremlin, Spaso-Efimiev monastery, Pokrovskiy monastery and the Museum of Wooden Architecture. Drive to another of the historical Golden Ring Towns, Yaroslavl. The care of the tour leader made all the difference. 5
Day 20: Wednesday 9 July, 2014 Yaroslavi Moscow D City tour of Yaroslavl. Excursion to the 3 Nights Transfiguration Cathedral (Yaroslavl Kremlin) and Church of St Elijah The Prophet. Leaving Yaroslavl you reach the town of Rostov the Great. Here you visit the Rostov Kremlin before continuing on to continue to Sergiev Posad the Vatican City of the Russian Orthodox Church. Visit the Trinity-St Sergius Lavra and continue on to Moscow. Day 21: Thursday 10 July, 2014 Sightseeing Moscow After breakfast you will have a Moscow City sightseeing tour. A stop will be made to explore the Tretyakov Gallery. Day 22: Friday 11 July, 2014 Kremlin Moscow After moving to the central Kremlin area of Moscow you will have a guided tour of the Kremlin grounds including the Armoury. Your guide will than walk you around the Red Square area and the Manezh Square walk tour. From here you will descend to partake in a Metro train which will eventually return you to your hotel. Day 23: Saturday 12 July, 2014 Moscow St Petersburg D Transfer to the Stary Arbat (Street), free time for shopping before moving to the train station for the 1.30pm fast train to St Petersburg. Arrive 4.15pm and transfer to your hotel. Day 24: Sunday 13 July, 2014 Highlights of St Petersburg D Worship A busy sightseeing day begins with a tour of the Hermitage highlights. Then on to Pushkin, with Catherine the Great s palace and park. This is done today due to opening times. Day 25: Monday 14 July, 2014 Sightseeing fly out Today you have an overview tour of the city. Stops are made for the Peter and Paul Fortress tour, St Isaac Cathedral tour. Evening transfer to airport for departure flight to Singapore via Frankfurt. Day 26: Tuesday 15 July, 2014 Arrive Singapore D We arrive Singapore in the late afternoon, where we will be transferred to the hotel. We will enjoy dinner together at the hotel. Day 27: Wednesday 16 July, 2014 Singapore Sydney This morning we will check out of the hotel and be transferred to the airport for the flight home arriving back in Australia in the evening. Please note that the flights to Melbourne and Brisbane are unescorted. 6 The little extras were very much appreciated.
Frequently Asked Questions How do I book for this holiday? Simply complete a CFT booking form (available online or by calling our office) and send this to our office at PO Box 133 Katoomba NSW 2780 along with your deposit. What deposit is required? We require a 10% deposit upon booking to be sent to our office with the booking form. When does the final balance need to be paid? The balance of payment for the holiday is due on Monday 17th March 2014. Does the price include airfares? The price does include return economy airfares with Singapore Airlines. Who will the tour leader be? At this stage the tour leader will be John Cronshaw. Please note however this is subject to change. We will advise you prior to the holiday if this is the case. What is the age of people on CFT Holidays? CFT is open to all ages, our only stipulation is that you must be capable of self care throughout the tour. Do I need to take out travel insurance? TRAVEL INSURANCE IS NOT INCLUDED, BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Please remember that travel insurance covers you for cancellation or amendment cost. Travel insurance is not included in your tour fare and is offered subject to conditions set out by the insurance company. If you require insurance, please mark this on your booking form. An insurance PDS and application will be forwarded and all conditions covering the policy are listed in the PDS booklet. Insurance cover offered is with Cover.More. Christian Fellowship Tours offers this as an additional service to you and acts as an agent only. (This Insurance is not compulsory, please advise when booking if insurance is not required). Please note you will require travel insurance in order to obtain your visa for Russia. What is the currency during this holiday? The currencies for this tour are: Chinese Yuan Mongolian Turgrik Russian Roubles What is the time difference? The time difference for this holiday is as follows: Bejing 2 hours behind Sydney Irkutsk 1 hour behind Sydney Moscow 6 hours behind Sydney What vaccination will I require for this holiday? As we are not trained medical professionals we are not able to give advice for vaccinations. We strongly suggest that you talk to the Travel and Medical Vaccination Centre on 1300 658 844 or visit their website www.tmvc.com.au for advice. Do I need visas for this tour? Yes you will require 3 visas for this holiday, China, Mongolia and Russia. Christian Fellowship Tours can assist with this process however additional fees do apply. How much spending money will I require? This is a common question that many people have. It is however a very difficult question to answer as everyone has different ideas of what they want to purchase. As a general rule we would suggest to budget around $30-$50 per day, but again this could be more or less depending on your tastes etc. What will the temperature be like throughout this holiday? The temperature throughout this holiday is likely to be cold with temperatures reaching below zero. What clothing will I require? You will find casual clothing of all types comfortable and relaxing. Lightweight drip-dry clothing is ideal. Layering is the key. Laundry services, irons, hairdryers are available at some of the hotels. Please note that you will need warm clothing as the temperature will reach below zero. I enjoyed being a member of a Christian family away from home. 7
Trans Mongolian Railway BusPa, s Dream Holiday!