Guided - Set Departure Date Trans Mongolian

Our set departure date, escorted Trans Mongolian train package allows you the comfort, and efficiency, of a pre-organised locally guided touring programme. This still allows flexibility and free time for personal preferences.

Our concept is to maximise the local sightseeing through efficient use of transport, with small groups of people. We include the essentials, allow choice for further inclusions, and quality contact time with locals who know their area. In addition, our group concept gives you the security of advance arrangements, someone being available to sort out problems and changes, in the language required. In addition you increase the chance to meet and travel with fellow travellers with similar interests if you so wish.

Accommodation:

Choice of;

1. Homestay throughout.

2. Hotels all stops. a) 2 Star:   b) 3 star:   c) 4 star:   d) 5 star by quote only (not available at every stop).

Meals:

We purposely do not include all meals. This gives you choice of time, place, and style in which you wish to dine. Where all meals are included means the local choice is limited and the included meals are good value. Part of the travel experience is to explore local cuisines, and by including set meals, at set times, within hotels can negate this opportunity. If you wish to ‘dine in’ then the choice is yours. We can provide some dining suggestions for you and your fellow travelling companions.

Meals on the train cannot be included in the cost and you should allow about US$15 per day. A good idea is to stock up on some snacks before you board the train, and from vendors along the route. The majority of Russians find the restaurant carriage too expensive and bring all their food with them – lots of cheese, smoked fish, salamis and vodka!

Group Numbers:

This can vary. The maximum size per group is 12 persons and the maximum number per walking guide is six persons.

Guides:

Our guides are local people fluent in the languages required. Most are postgraduates, others are current part time students, and all are well educated, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Our guides meet you at the railway station when your train arrives, often within a metre of the exit door when you arrive. They then return you to the train and ensure you are boarded correctly. They do not accompany you on the train, as this is not really required. At each point you have a local guide, with LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. A Russian, from Vladivostok is not going to have the same intimate knowledge of Moscow that a Muscovite will. Another reason for using locals is that this places more revenue into local pockets.

The train has been operating with local and foreign visitors for many years, even before the change from the Soviet Union to modern Russia, and so the journey runs efficiently. Remember the Trans Siberian railway celebrated its  100 year anniversary in 2004! The staff on board are well used to foreigners and whilst many may not speak English they can understand problems, after all they have experienced most, or seek one of their colleagues who may be able to assist in the language required.

Sightseeing

Sightseeing is detailed in the itinerary. There is time for more, but this can vary according to personal preference.  During the ‘spare time’ slots additional sightseeing can be organised either using a walking guide or car. It is best to pre-order these, as you will then have consistency with your guide.

Museums and Galleries: Establishments such as the ‘Hermitage’ in St Petersburg are immense in size and content. Everyone has their own ‘time limit’ and absorption rate for such places. Often couples have different tolerance rates. We do not include ‘quick’ guided walks within such places, but allow the free time for people to enjoy them at their own pace. The Hermitage has a ‘two system’ entry. The standard way is to arrive, queue and buy a ticket. The second way is to advance book an entry ticket and enter via the ‘second door’ without the large queues that can be present. We can pre-order this if you wish. There is a service fee for this.

Theatre/Shows/Ballet/Circus

Without doubt Russia excels in these areas and many visitors wish to sample such an event. You can either ‘see what is on first before buying a ticket’, or pre-order your seats. This saves you a large amount of time and ensures you get into your chosen event when you want.

We can offer the following services;

• Establishing what is on during your stay, that relates to your interest.

• Arrange for tickets to be purchased and given to you when you arrive.

• There is a booking fee for this service.

Visa invitation documents and local registration:

Itinerary:

East to West (Beijing to St Petersburg)            West to East (St Petersburg to Beijing)