Moscow to Beijing from £10,749pp
Experience the adventure of travelling along the historic Silk Road route from Moscow to Beijing via China, Russia and the former Soviet Republics of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on board private luxury trains. You will travel between Moscow and the Chinese border on the Golden Eagle Train and transfer onto the Shangri-La Train for your trip within China.
Itinerary : The Trains : Dates & Prices : General Info : Visas : Upgrades
Itinerary
Day 1: Moscow
Fly with British Airways to Moscow. Flights are met at Moscow airport and guests are transferred to a centrally located five star hotel for a two night stay. You will enjoy a private welcome reception followed by dinner. This is a great time to get to know fellow travellers with whom you will be sharing this unforgettable 21 night journey.
Days 2-3: Moscow
Your days here include a city tour of Moscow, visits to Red Square and the Kremlin, with its magnificent Armoury. In the afternoon of day 3 you board the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express private train and have time to settle into the modern and stylish cabins before dinner in one of the beautifully designed restaurant cars.
Day 4: Volgograd
Situated on the banks of the Volga River, Stalingrad (as the city was known in Soviet times) was the scene of probably the most important battle in World War II. The Russians finally turned back the Nazi advance to the Caucasian oil fields in Baku at this city and changed the course of World War II. You visit the sobering Mamayev Kurgan war memorial, followed by the excellent diorama and museum. After dinner this evening you can listen to the resident pianist in the comfortable bar car whilst enjoying a drink with new friends.
Day 5: Kara Kum Desert
Enjoy a relaxing day on board the Trans-Siberian Express private train as you head through Kazakhstan’s Kara Kum desert. As well as enjoying the scenery and the remote villages where the train briefly stops from time to time, there is also a chance to relax in the bar car, chat to fellow passengers and maybe have your first Russian language lesson.
Day 6: Khiva
The train crosses into Uzbekistan for an afternoon arrival in Urgench and transfer to this 2,500-year old city. Khiva was once one of the most important trading centres at the crossroads of the routes between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia. Its former wealth is evident in the fabulous buildings, mosques, bazaars and minarets that are within the walled city and which have been restored with the support of UNESCO since 1991 for the city’s 2,500th anniversary celebrations. Lunch and dinner are served on board the train.
Day 7: Ashgabat
The train arrives in the ‘Las Vegas of the Kara Kum’, the capital city of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat. A huge modern folly in the desert which is a monument to the recently deceased President Sapamurat Turkmenbashi. Situated between the Kara Kum Desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range, the scenery that forms the backdrop to the city is one of extremes.
Day 8: Merv
The train arrives into Mary in the early morning and you are transfered by bus to the ancient city of Merv. Once an important stop on the Silk Road, Merv was left to ‘die’ in 1794 after the Emir of Bukhara destroyed the dam which the population depended upon for water. On the tour you visit at least one of the five walled cities contained within the 50-square mile area before returning to the train for dinner.
Day 9: Bukhara
The train arrives in Uzbekistan’s largest oasis city, the splendid Bukhara. Like Khiva, UNESCO funded the renovation of much of the city for its 2,500th anniversary in 1999. The highlight of the tour includes a visit to The Ark, the fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara. Lunch is within one of the city’s many medressehs (beautifully-tiled Islamic schools). You then travel out of the city to visit the Emir’s Palace of the Moon and Stars.
Day 10: Samarkand
Many words have been used to describe this jewel of the Islamic world, including ‘the Paris of the Muslim World’ and ‘Rome of the East’. The list of its admirers includes Marco Polo, Tamerlane and Alexander the Great. Founded in the 6th century BC, its architecture gives an indication of its former status as one of the most important cities in Asia. You spend the day visiting the many fabulous buildings including the Bibi Kharum Mosque, the Ulag Beg observatory and the awe-inspiring Registan Square. After dinner you visit the illuminated Registan Square, before returning to the train for an evening departure.
Day 11: Tashkent
The train arrives in the capital city of Uzbekistan, where you spend the morning touring before re-boarding the train for lunch. This afternoon you can socialise on the train or maybe take in one of the lectures and lessons on offer to give you a greater insight into this fascinating region.
Day 12: Almaty
Just before lunch the train arrives at the largest city in Kazakhstan, Almaty, which is set to play host to the 2011 Asian Winter Games. Beautifully set in a valley in the foothills of the Tien Shen Mountains, you have lunch in a Kazak ‘yurt’, a traditional dwelling place of the nomadic people of this region. Tonight is the final evening on board the Golden Eagle and you mark the occasion with a farewell banquet.
Day 13: Crossing into China
You bid the Golden Eagle a final farewell as you arrive on the border of Kazakhstan. The adventure continues as you spend over five hours crossing into China. Patience is a virtue today! You board the awaiting Shangri-La Express private train and spend the rest of the day settling in to your new cabins. A welcome dinner is served and you get your first taste of authentic Chinese cuisine.
Day 14: Urumchi
Arriving in the morning, Urumchi looks like a part of Switzerland or Canada set in the midst of the Gobi desert. It is the largest city and one of the most spellbinding in the western half of China. After lunch on the train you visit Turpan with the Flaming Mountains as its stunning backdrop.
Day 15: Dunhuang
You arrive after lunch in Liuyang and transfer to the small oasis city of Dunhuang to visit the fascinating Magao Thousand Buddha Cave Complex, which contains almost 500 grottoes, carved between 700 and 1,700 years ago, and filled with an amazing collection of sculptures and murals of Buddhist religious art. In the afternoon you take a camel ride to one of the natural wonders of the Gobi Desert, Crescent Lake, which has been a source of water amongst the incredible sand dunes for thousands of years. Tonight you dine and experience a local folk performance in this magical setting.
Day 16: Jiayuguan
This morning you arrive in Jiayuguan. Famous for being the first pass at the most westerly point of the Great Wall, it was given the name “The first & greatest pass under Heaven” and was considered a key waypoint along the ancient Silk Road. The fortress at the end of the Great Wall is situated here and dates back to 1372. Perfectly restored it is considered one of the great sights of North-western China. This afternoon you have time to relax in the bar car and learn more about this immense fortification line.
Day 17: Xi'an
Midday arrival into the ancient city of Xi'an. Your tour takes in the highlights of the city including the Great Mosque, the 14 km city walls and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This afternoon is dedicated to visiting the world famous Terracotta Warriors, discovered barely 30 years ago. The 6,000 Terracotta figures, arranged in row after row of warriors and horses, are one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. Early evening you head back to the city for dinner and the excellent Tang Dynasty show.
Day 18: Beijing
Today you spend your last day on board the Shangri-La Express as the train winds its way northwards towards Beijing, where you arrive early evening. Having travelled almost 7,000 miles (11,226km) from Moscow, you bid farewell to the train crew and transfer to the Regent Hotel, (or similar) for dinner and a three night stay.
Day 19-21: Beijing
During your time here you visit Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the magnificently restored Forbidden City, home to the Emperors and their numerous concubines. You also visit one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the whole of China, the Great Wall at Badaling and the Ming Tombs. On day 21 guests are transferred to the airport for their British Airways day time flight back to London.
The Train - Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle train transports you from Moscow to the Chinese border. GW Travel own and operate this private 21 carriage luxury train. Holidays will appeal to those who appreciate the finer things in life, satisfying a quest for adventure without having to sacrifice comfort. On the trains you can relax in style, enjoying comfort, space and superior service.
Accommodation
Gold Class cabins are amongst the best in rail travel available today, featuring modern en-suite amenities including power showers and under floor heating. Cabins are equipped with state of the art DVD/CD player, LCD screens, audio system, individual air conditioning, recessed lighting and wardrobe space. Gold class has an area of 77 sq ft.
Restaurants
The chefs use the finest of local ingredients for lunch and dinner. From traditional and world renowned 'Borsch' to cavier and Omul; fish unique to Lake Baikal. Quality wines from around the world compliment the meals, along with mineral water, soft drinks and naturally, vodka.
Bar
The social hive of activity is the Bar Car. Featured on every departure it provides guests with the ideal setting to watch the passing countryside, writing postcards, talking with fellow passengers or for pre and post dinner drinks. Serving an extensive array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, it stays open until the last person leaves.
The Train - Shangri-La Express
The Shangri-La Express train transports you within China.
Accommodation
Twin-berth cabins are the perfect private retreat, comfortably furnished and traditionally decorated with the varnished wood and brass reminiscent of a different age. Each cabin includes a ‘Pullman’ table and deep armchair alongside a large picture window, a perfect place from which to take in China’s ever-changing scenery. A state of the art shower car complements the washrooms shared between every two cabins.
The Restaurant
Meals are served in the train’s spacious restaurant car, where dedicated chefs serve a western breakfast followed by a wide range of authentic Chinese specialities at lunch and dinner, using only the finest local ingredients. As well as soft drinks, tea and coffee, meals are accompanied by a selection of wines from around the world.
The Bar
However perhaps even more special is the unique ambience of the piano bar car, where an on-board pianist is always happy to take requests. Staying open until the last person leaves, the bar is the perfect place to get to know your fellow passengers, or simply while away some time, reading or taking in the scenery while enjoying your favourite drink.
Journey Dates & Prices
Prices are per person, are subject to availability and confirmation at time of booking (due to fluctuations in exchange rates and changes in airport taxes).
Price includes British Airways Euro Traveller flight from London to Moscow, World Traveller flight from Beijing to London, hotel accommodation (as shown in itinerary), airport transfers, meals (from dinner on day one to breakfast on the final day), a generous drinks allowance, local guides, guided off train tours, a doctor on board, Tour Manager, and accommodation on the Silk Road trains (Golden Eagle and Shangri-La Express).
On board the Shangri-La Express Railbookers' customers will receive a free upgrade of two connecting cabins.
Departs London on:
9 April 2009 (returns 29 April 2009)
14 October 2009 (returns 3 November 2009):
| Class | Twin Price from | Single Price from |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Class | £10749 | £14749 |
Visa Information
Currently British citizens will require single entry visas for China, Russia and Turkmenistan & double entry visas for Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan. Please allow at least 2 months to obtain your visas. Other nationalities should see their local consulates for visa information. Please note that all visa requirements are subject to change.
Upgrades
Upgrade to Club Europe London to Moscow from £209 per person
Upgrade to World Traveller Plus Beijing to London from £159 per person
Upgrade to Club World Beijing to London from £1,029 per person
Upgrade to FIRST Beijing to London from £1,849 per person
Itinerary : The Train : Dates & Prices : General Information : Visa Information : Upgrades
This holiday is operated by Exclusively Europe Limited. ATOL provides financial protection to the consumer for holidays and short breaks including air travel, booked through Exclusively Europe (Member 9040). Railbookers is a retail agent for Exclusively Europe Limited.
How to book
Call now on
0844 482 1010
