Tour Notes

London to Beijing – Trans-Siberian Rail Adventure Tour Duration – 22 Days

Tour Rating

Fitness ●●○○○ | Off the Beaten Track ●●●●○ | Culture ●●●●○ | History ●●●●○ | Wildlife ●○○○○

Tour Pace

Busy

Tour Highlights

 Travel all the way by train from London to Beijing  Take a scenic ride through the Swiss and Austrian Alps and enjoy lunch in the dining car  Explore fabled Transylvania and travel through the picturesque Carpathian Mountains  Get off the beaten track in Moldova and discover the self-proclaimed breakaway Republic of Transnistria – a country that doesn’t exist  Visit the sights in Moscow before boarding the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway  Break the journey in Siberia and stay on the shores of Lake Baikal, a UNESO World Heritage Site  Stopover in Mongolia and visit the Gorkhi Terelj National Park and the capital Ulan Bator  Enjoy some free time in Beijing to explore on your own  A tailor-made itinerary that can be customised with longer or shorter stops, or alternative cities and countries

Tour Map

London to Beijing – Trans-Siberian Rail Adventure

Tour Essentials

Accommodation: Mix of centrally located 3 to 5 star hotels, 1 night homestay in Siberia, Included Meals: As shown in the itinerary; breakfast (B), lunches (L), dinners (D) Group Size: Private tour Start Point: London End Point: Beijing nd Transport: Train (2 class seats on daytime trains and 2-berth sleeper compartments on overnight trains), private car or minibus for transfers and sightseeing excursions Countries: France*, Switzerland, Austria*, Hungary*, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine*, Russia, Mongolia, China *transit stops only (no overnight stay)

London to Beijing – Trans-Siberian Rail Adventure

A unique flight-free adventure from the UK to Beijing.

For many travellers to take the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway through Russia to Mongolia and China is a bucket list experience. And it’s for good reason. Jim Louth, the founder of Undiscovered Destinations, made the journey from Japan back to the UK via the Trans-Siberian in the 1980s, at a time when Mikhail Gorbachev was introducing his ‘Perestroika’ reforms. Even now Jim talks very fondly about his adventure. Most memorable was the opportunity to meet the curious, welcoming Russian people, who were keen to chat and share their vodka.

These days a number of options are available for those wanting to reach China by rail, including a couple of luxury ‘hotel trains’. But at Undiscovered Destinations we want you to experience the real Trans-Siberian, and in doing so, like Jim did all those years ago, you will then come away with many fond memories and tales of meeting the local people.

Your truly epic journey will start from the heart of London with a hop on Eurostar over to the continent. Next it’s onto Moscow, but which route should you take? Several options are available. Most travellers will choose the traditional route via Berlin, Poland and Belarus. Or head north for stunning scenery and travel by train and ferry via Scandinavia to Saint Petersburg. But for those who share our passion for getting off the beaten track we have designed this itinerary to take in two of our favourite ‘undiscovered’ destinations in Europe – Romania and Moldova. Add in the bonus of a superbly scenic ride through the Swiss and Austrian Alps, and we believe that the slightly longer journey is well worthwhile. Travel through the splendid Carpathian Mountains and stop in Transylvania, before heading onto little visited Moldova. Explore the capital, Chişinău, before venturing into the self-proclaimed breakaway Republic of Transnistria, a relic of Leninist Russia, whose autonomous society recalls much of the old Soviet-style state.

From Moldova take the sleeper train to Moscow where you will have time to visit the Kremlin and other ‘must see’ sights. The next leg of your adventure is a truly epic four night journey on the Trans-Siberian bound for Irkutsk, jumping off point for an overnight stay on the shores of Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Back on the train and next stop is the distant lands of Mongolia. With enough time to see the main sights including Gorkhi Terelj National Park with its beautiful alpine scenery, we think this taster of a visit won’t be your last.

Finally, enjoy your last night on the train as you cross the Gobi Desert to Beijing. You will pass through rural China as well as mountainous river valleys, before continuing on past the amazing Great Wall of China, finally arriving in the Chinese capital. For those with time to extend their adventure we will be pleased to organise your travels within China or beyond. For the ultimate overlanding experience continue by train to South East Asia and take the sleeper from Beijing to Hanoi. Forget the war-torn clichés and stark monochrome images seared into our visions of Vietnam: this is a country as alive and vividly vibrant as any corner of the globe.

Tour itinerary notes

The itinerary has been carefully planned based on the latest train schedules, but timings can change at short notice, or the days of the week that a particular service operates may also change. This will potentially require amending your itinerary. It is important that you can be flexible although before you are asked to accept any changes our experienced travel consultants will discuss the options with you.

Tour Guide

This journey will be best suited to experienced travellers who are comfortable exploring without being accompanied throughout by a guide or tour leader. You will meet local guides in Romania, Moldova, Russia and Mongolia for private sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary. You will also be provided with private hotel transfers, except when the accommodation is located very close to the railway station. Otherwise you will be travelling unaccompanied but with the support of our local representatives and the Undiscovered Destinations team in the UK who will respond quickly to any requests.

Itinerary

Day 1 – London to Zurich Take a morning Eurostar to Paris. Upon arrival at Gare du Nord make your own way to Gare de Lyon, designed for the 1900 World Exposition, complete with elaborate clock-tower and indicative of the height of Parisian Belle Époque design. As you will be travelling with luggage we would recommend a taxi, rather than taking the metro, or we can pre-arrange a private car transfer. Just let us know at the time of booking. And make sure you allow plenty of time to travel across Paris; we would suggest a minimum of 1½ hours. Alternatively, allow a little longer and break your journey for lunch at the fabulous Train Bleu restaurant inside the Gare de Lyon. Opened in 1900, it is decorated in a sumptuous art nouveau style, making a great start to your adventure. Be sure to book a table in advance (www.le-train-bleu.com/en/). Continue from Paris to Zurich on a TGV-Lyria train, a journey of just over 4 hours, passing through a patchwork of quiet French villages and open fields, briefly pausing at Dijon before reaching Basel, the Swiss border and gently rising foothills of the Alps that flank the fledgling Rhine river. Arrive in the late afternoon or early evening at the magnificent sandstone neo-Renaissance station and stay overnight. We have chosen a hotel that is just a short walk from the station. Overnight Hotel St. Gotthard, or similar.

Day 2 – Zurich to Vienna and sleeper train to Romania Leave Zurich mid-morning for Vienna by a slick Austrian Railjet train via the fabulous Arlberg Pass that lances dramatically through the Alps and into the Austrian Tirol. The train runs along the Zürichsee and Walensee lakes, and then hugs the mountainside, before it snakes through a huge valley, past Swiss and Austrian scenery taken straight from the Sound of Music. Sit back, relax and perhaps enjoy lunch (at own expense) in the dining car. Arrive in Vienna early evening where you will have just over an hour to make the connection for the onward train to Brasov, Romania. Board the Dacia sleeper train and settle into your private compartment. Enjoy the rare opportunity of being able to take dinner (at own expense) in the train’s dining car before retiring for the night in your sleeper. The Dacia is one of the few European sleeper trains with a dining car – in this case it is attached as far as Budapest, about three hours into the journey. Overnight train. (B)

Day 3 – Brasov Wake up to lovely scenery as the train travels through Transylvania. Your sleeping car attendant will provide a simple light breakfast and hot drinks or for something more substantial a bistro car is normally attached to the train from about 09:30. The line sweeps up the broad valley of the River Olt, dotted with small towns and farming villages. Keep your eyes peeled for the fortifications that tell of the turbulent past of the region before the route rises steadily into the hills, plunging into a tunnel to emerge at the start of the descent into your destination. Upon arrival in Brasov at around lunchtime check-in at your hotel located very close to the railway station. Afternoon at leisure for you to relax, or explore Brasov’s historical centre on your own. Overnight Kronwell Brasov Hotel or similar.

Day 4 – Brasov After breakfast meet your guide at the hotel and set off to visit the key sights on a private walking tour. Stops include Braşov’s historical centre, inspired by the Saxons who were invited to colonise this region in the Middle Ages, the Old Town Hall Square, Black Church – an emblematic Gothic masterpiece, Rope Street, Katherine's Gate, and Schei District. After the tour the afternoon will be free for you to explore on your own. Overnight Kronwell Brasov Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 5 – Brasov to Bucharest and Moldova Enjoy a leisurely morning before taking an afternoon train to Bucharest, a journey of about three hours through the landscape which inspired Bram Stoker’s famous gothic masterpiece. The initial part of the journey winds over a pass through the Carpathians, heavily forested, with sudden views of razor sharp mountains, small villages and lonely monasteries, before you begin to descend alongside the Prahova River towards the capital. You will have around three hours in Bucharest before taking the overnight sleeper onto Moldova, so we suggest you take the opportunity to have an early dinner (at own expense) before boarding the train. At around 7pm board the Prietenia sleeper service for the Moldovan capital, Chişinău. Get some rest before the train reaches the Romanian/Moldovan frontier in the early hours of the morning as you will be woken up by the sounds of the border guards stomping up and down the corridors, knocking on compartment doors and asking to see passports. For some travellers it will feel rather nostalgic as such formalities used to be common across Europe. It all adds to the sense of rediscovering travel and adventure, even if your sleep is disturbed. Overnight train. (B)

Day 6 – Chişinău Arrive in Chişinău at around 9am where you will be met at the station and transferred to your hotel centrally located close to the city’s Nativity Cathedral and Parliament building. After an early check-in (subject to availability) you will have the remainder of the day to rest or to explore on your own. Overnight Radisson Blu Leogrand Hotel or similar.

Day 7 - Republic of Transnistria After breakfast meet your guide at the hotel for a private tour that will delve into Soviet-era history. You will explore the hotly-contested Republic of Transnistria and learn of the struggles and conflicts taking place between competing authorities in the area, and gain insight into the region’s complex history. Visit the towns of Tiraspol and Bender — home to iconic statues of Communist revolutionary Vladimir Lenin — and admire imposing Soviet-era buildings from the Communist regime. Along the way, pass memorials to conflicts including the Soviet-Afghan War and World War II. Return to Chişinău by mid-afternoon. Overnight Radisson Blu Leogrand Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 8 – Train to Moscow Mid-morning you will be transferred back to the station where you will board the train for the long journey north to Moscow. As with all long-distance rail travel it is important to be prepared. Catering on the train is likely to be limited so bring some basic provisions with you such as snacks, some fruit and plenty of drinking water. Or ask your hotel to prepare a picnic. A unique feature of many trains serving Russia and the former Soviet countries is the availability of boiling hot water. Most sleeping cars will have a boiler known as “samovar" at one end of the carriage. So this is ideal for making hot drinks and snacks such as instant noodles, soup or porridge which you should purchase before getting on the train. And of course the samovars heat water for tea, the lifeblood for many Russians. The train will travel through Ukraine to reach Russia and you can expect further checking of passports, but unlike on the trip from Bucharest to Chişinău, it is expected you will reach the border crossings at a more sociable time. Overnight train. (B)

Day 9 – Moscow Most of today will be spent on the train travelling from the Ukraine/Russian border to Moscow. Use the time to meet your fellow passengers who will no doubt be keen to practise their English. Arrive at Moscow’s Kiyevsky station at about 5pm where you will be met and transferred to your hotel located in the city’s historical centre. Overnight Hotel Arbat or similar.

Day 10 - Moscow Excursion Day After breakfast you will be met by your guide and taken on a half day tour to explore Moscow's key sights including Red Square, with the Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral, Alexander Gardens and the Eternal Flame, Lenin’s mausoleum, the memorial to Soviet cosmonauts and the famous artists’ quarter of Old Arbat. Later return to your hotel with the afternoon at leisure or explore more of the city on your own. Overnight Hotel Arbat or similar. (B)

Day 11 – Depart Moscow After a free morning you will be transferred to Moscow’s Yaroslavski station where a guide will advise, and assist, in purchasing provisions for the train if desired, accompany you to the platform, ensure that everyone is settled into their cabins and answer any last minute questions. Overnight train. (B and L or .D*)

*Please note that unless you are advised otherwise your rail fare will include two set meals per person, lunch (L) or dinner (D), for the entire journey from Moscow to Irkutsk (not two meals per day), which you will take in the train’s dining car.

Day 12 - Travelling through European Russia You will spend the day on the train, heading past the cities of the Golden Ring, the great industrial city of Kirov and finally the ex-military city of Perm, at the eastern most edge of European Russia, before crossing through the Ural Mountains and into Asia. Overnight train. (L or D*)

*Please note that unless you are advised otherwise your rail fare will include two set meals per person, lunch (L) or dinner (D), for the entire journey from Moscow to Irkutsk (not two meals per day), which you will take in the train’s dining car.

Day 13 – Venturing into Siberia Passing through the previously forbidden Soviet city of Yekaterinburg, you will spend the day on the train while it leaves the eastern foothills of the Ural Mountains and heads for Novosibirsk; the largest city in Siberia, and the third largest in Russia, behind only Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Overnight train.

Day 14 - Heading into Asia Enjoy your day on the train, travelling along the seemingly limitless tracks, and through the incredible forests of Siberia, you will pass the mighty Altai region, crossing the River Yenisei at Krasnoyarsk, before heading deep into Asia. Overnight train.

Day 15 - Arrival in Irkutsk and transfer to Listvyanka Village Upon arrival in Irkutsk, you will be met at the station and transferred to Listvyanka village on the shores of Lake Baikal, where you will have time to freshen up and have a meal at your lakeside chalet. After some free time in the afternoon, the day is rounded off with a traditional Baikal dinner and by indulging in an optional sauna in the village 'Banya'. Overnight Nikolay’s Homestay or similar. (D)

Day 16 - Irkutsk After breakfast return to Irkutsk by car where you will take a guided tour including the key sights, including beautiful Russian Orthodox churches, the Polish Cathedral (the only Siberian Gothic-style building) and houses decorated with 'wooden laces' (hand-made carvings). After check-in at your centrally located hotel the remainder of the day will be free. Overnight Victory Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 17 – Depart Irkutsk Following an early morning transfer to the railway station, you will catch the train to Ulan-Bator. Once through Ulan-Ude, the home of Russian Buddhism and capital of the local Buryat Republic, the train will head towards the Mongolian border. It should be noted that this train does not having a dining car so it essential that you travel with your own food and drink, including plenty of water. We suggest you buy these items the day before, after you have finished the city tour of Irkutsk. Your guide will be pleased to assist. Overnight train. (B)

Day 18 - Arrive Ulan Bator and Gorkhi Terelj National Park Excursion Welcome to Mongolia. After your early morning arrival at the station, you will be transferred to your hotel (early check-in guaranteed) where you will be able to freshen up and have some breakfast (at own expense) before joining your guide to visit the Gorkhi Terelj National Park. After lunch return to the capital for a tour of Ulan Bator to see the city’s unique monuments, along with time to browse in local art, antique and cashmere shops. Time permitting your tour will end with a visit to Zaisan Hill to view a panorama of the city. Overnight Hotel Nine or similar. (L)

Day 19 - Depart Ulan Bator and Cross the Gobi Desert After an early morning transfer to the station, board the train for Beijing which travels through the famous Gobi Desert and towards the Chinese border. Later in the evening, the train will reach the Chinese border where the impressive procedure of bogie-changing takes place and the wheelsets are changed due to the different gauges of the track, before heading onto Beijing. Overnight train. (B)

Day 20 – Arrival in Beijing Throughout the morning and afternoon, you will pass through rural China as well as mountainous river valleys, before continuing on past the amazing Great Wall of China, finally arriving in the Chinese capital, Beijing, where you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Overnight Grand Mercure Beijing Dongcheng or similar.

Day 21 – Free Day in Beijing After your overland adventure all the way from Europe we have set today aside for you to get some rest or to explore Beijing on your own at leisure. Alternatively Undiscovered Destinations can organise guided sightseeing or additional travel arrangements in China or beyond. Overnight Grand Mercure Beijing Dongcheng or similar. (B)

Day 22 – Depart Beijing Check-out from your hotel before 12:00. A private transfer will be arranged to the airport or railway station for your departure. (B)

Tour inclusions/exclusions

Inclusions: All accommodation Transfers as per itinerary with a private car or minibus Rail travel based on 2nd class seats for day time journeys and private sleeping compartments for overnight journeys. Please contact us for details of first class upgrades Guided sightseeing tours as per itinerary, with the services of an English-speaking guide or driver/guide Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner) Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary

Excluded: International flights Travel Insurance Visas Meals not stated in the itinerary Drinks Items of a personal nature Tips (Discretionary)

Important Information

Foreign Office Travel Warnings We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At this time there are no warnings in place for areas visited on this tour. It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Accommodation and Meals

Hotel Check-in Times As a general rule most hotels will allow guests to check-in from 2pm. Please note that unless stated within the itinerary the price of your tour does not include guaranteed early check-in. Therefore, please advise us if you would like to ensure that your room is available for an earlier arrival.

Accommodation Rating Comfortable 3 to 5 stars are used throughout this itinerary with the exception of a one night homestay in Siberia. Please bear in mind that you will not be accompanied by a guide for the whole duration of this tour. Therefore for assistance you will find that English is often spoken at the hotels, particularly those that are part of an international chain.

Hotel rooms will be comfortable with en-suite bathrooms. And each of the hotels will have a restaurant and bar. In many cities the hotel has been chosen for its proximity to the railway station.

Food and Drink The daily meal basis is shown in the tour itinerary; breakfast (B), lunch (L) and dinner (D). Please note that lunches may be a picnic. Drinks are not included and will be payable locally in cash.

Usually it will be impossible for Undiscovered Destinations to pre-pay for meals and drinks taken on the various trains. Therefore, it is essential that you travel with sufficient cash to pay for these services as credit and debit cards are not always accepted. We would recommend that you have euros or US dollars available which can easily be exchanged to local currency.

A unique feature of many trains in Russia and in the former Soviet countries is the availability of boiling hot water. Most sleeping cars will have a boiler known as “samovar" at one end of the carriage. So this is ideal for making hot drinks and snacks such as instant noodles, soup or porridge which you should purchase before joining the trains. And of course the samovars heat water for tea, the lifeblood for many Russians.

Although restaurant cars will be routinely attached to most long distance trains in Russia, including those operating through to Mongolia and China, the food and drink served can be limited, so many travellers come prepared and choose to supplement what is available by bringing some snacks. In addition on long distance journeys vendors will pass through the train selling everything from smoked fish to fruit, and the same can be purchased from sellers on stations. Most trains will stop every couple of hours or so. As the layover can be for up to 30 minutes or even longer, passengers will leave the train for a welcome leg stretch and a spot of shopping. If you do get off the train make sure you do not leave the platform, and certainly not the station. The duration of the stop can be unpredictable so keep a close eye on your sleeping car attendant. See the notes below. When the attendant gets back on the train you will know it is time to leave.

Dietary Requirements If you have any special dietary requirements you must notify us at the time of booking. Whilst we will make every effort to cater for you, we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

On trains in Eastern Europe, Russia and the former Soviet countries the food can be extremely limited. Even the most common dietary requests, including vegetarian options, may not be available.

Budgeting for your Tour You will need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the tour price, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs and items of a personal nature such as laundry.

Food The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Lunch £5 to £10, Dinner £10 to £15

Drink The prices for drinks can vary greatly depending upon location and the prices detailed below are an average guide. In general, you would expect that drinks purchased in a supermarket or local bar to be less expensive, whilst drinks in an upmarket bar or restaurant may be more expensive.

Bottle of Beer £2 - £3, Bottle of Water £0.50 - £1

Tipping – Guide and Drivers Tipping is commonly recognised as a way of rewarding guides and drivers for good service. As you will not be accompanied by a guide throughout, we suggest you budget to tip the guide for each of the tours included in the itinerary. We would recommend €5 to €10 per person for each tour. This will depend on the duration of the tour.

Waiters and bar staff in most of the countries visited on this tour are generally low paid and it is common practice to leave a small tip – around 10% of the bill.

On Train Safety and Security The Undiscovered Destinations’ team have travelled extensively by train and never experienced any problems, but you should not be complacent. It is essential that you take good care of your personal belongings. Pack wisely and store your most valuable possessions, including electrical items and of course your passports and travel documents in a separate day bag. Also remember to keep any important medicines and prescriptions or doctors’ letters in the same bag. And make sure you keep this bag with you at all times, including during visits to the dining car. Some travellers choose to keep their passport, one or two credit/debit cards and some emergency cash in a money belt.

When travelling by sleeper train in Russia or the former Soviet countries each carriage will be staffed by at least one 'provodnik' (male) or 'provodnitsa' (female) attendant. On newer trains you might be able to lock your compartment from the outside using a hotel type key-card. But this is still the exception. So you will need to ask your attendant to lock the door for you if you are planning to leave the compartment to visit the dining car. During the night you will be able to lock the compartment door from the inside. Some experienced travellers choose to bring their own padlock just in case the door lock is faulty. We can recommend a combination cable padlock as this can also be used to help secure your baggage to luggage racks.

Sleeping Car Attendant The provodnik or provodnitsa plays an important role, and can add to the success and enjoyment of your trip. They will be responsible for your security and can be a great help in other ways. Although perhaps unfairly they may have a reputation for being surly, in our experience that has always been the exception. A few pleasantries in Russian will help, as will a small tip when they welcome you onto their train. Perhaps have a small gift to offer. Something from your home country will be appreciated. This can make all of the difference and you can be sure that you will be well looked after. For example when the train stops and you get a chance for a walk along the platform, the provodnik will ensure you do not get left behind. So it is well worth making the effort.

On Train Shower and Bathroom Facilities Bathrooms located at the end of each corridor will consist of a toilet and a wash basin. The quality can vary depending on the type of train selected, and the class of ticket purchased. Some trains offer first class cabins that have showers shared between adjoining compartments. However, they will not be full showers, only shower heads connected to the tap/wall so you can rinse/wash your hair.

In addition to the above we can advise that the Russian rail operator RZD is currently replacing many older carriages with newly built rolling stock. These new carriages are equipped with video display systems and monitors for information, power sockets and USB points. Bathrooms located at the end of the corridor in each carriage are equipped with an eco-friendly toilet, shower and hand dryer. Individual safe boxes and reading lights are available in the compartments for each passenger together with a temperature control.

When possible it is our intention to only use trains between Moscow and Irkutsk that we expect will be operated with the new rolling stock. However, we are unable to guarantee that this will always be the case. In the unlikely event that your train will be operated with older carriages you can still expect to have a comfortable journey in a spacious, private sleeping compartment. Although these trains will not be equipped with shower facilities, most sleeping car attendants or the ‘provodnik / provodnitsa’ will allow passengers to use the shower in the ‘staff carriage’ although this is at their discretion. A small fee, from RUB 250 will generally be requested.

It should be noted that the trains operating from Irkutsk to Ulan Bator and onto Beijing will only be operated by the traditional rolling stock and not with the newer carriages described above.

The photos shown on our website for the day-to-day itinerary between Moscow and Irkutsk are of the new rolling stock, although as stated above, unfortunately we are unable to guarantee that your train will be operated with these particular carriages.

Generally, bathroom facilities on Russian trains are clean, stocked with soap and toilet paper, and are cleaned regularly throughout the journey. However, we strongly recommend that you bring your own toiletries as all facilities will be communal and sometimes supplies of soap and toilet paper can run short. We suggest bottled drinking water for brushing teeth, your own toothpaste, toilet roll, soap and a small towel.

On many older trains it is common practise for the bathrooms to be locked 30 minutes before pulling into a station, whilst stationary, and for 30 minutes or more after leaving a station. With this in mind it should be noted that the bathrooms are likely to be busy before and after station stops.

Foreign Exchange

ATM Availability: As you will be visiting major cities on this tour ATMs will be widely available. Credit and Debit Card Acceptance: Cards are widely accepted in the main cities including at larger restaurants and most hotels. Card acceptance on the trains will be more limited, particularly beyond Western Europe and it is likely you will need to pay in local currency cash. Local Currency: Euros, Swiss Franc, Romanian leu, Moldovan leu, Russian Ruble, Mongolian tögrög, Chinese yuan Recommended Currency for Exchange: Euros and US Dollar. Where to Exchange: Exchange facilities will generally be available at the railways stations. Tour guides or the hotel reception can provide further assistance.

Flight Information Our advertised prices do not include the cost of international flights. Please contact us if you would like a quotation to book a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including any optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.

Visa Information UK, US and Australian passport holders do not need a visa for travel in EU states, Moldova or Ukraine.

Most nationals, including UK, US, and Australian passport holders will require a visa for Russia, Mongolia and China. In some cases an e-visa will be available.

As immigration requirements can change without notice it is essential that you check the latest information with your nearest embassy, consulate or visa agency. It is important to check the requirements both at the time of booking and again at the time you pay your balance.

Passports It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country of residence.

We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.

For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Vaccinations and Protection We strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information and advice regarding the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Meningitis.

It is VERY IMPORTANT that you are aware that any form of pills and medication may be carefully scrutinised on arrival into certain countries, particularly when travelling beyond Western Europe. If you are travelling with prescribed medication you should take a letter from your doctor and a prescription with you, which makes it clear that you are legally permitted to take the items - this also applies to items such as sleeping tablets.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. UK nationals, who are travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, can seek further guidance from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) – https://nathnac.net/. Or for further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, it is important you contact the embassy or consulate of the country that you are travelling to.

Preparing for your tour

Climate The region can be bitterly cold in its winter months and fiercely hot during July and August. The best time to visit is generally accepted to be from April to June, and September to October.

Clothing When it comes to clothing it is usually recommended that lighter clothes are worn through the day, and warmer ones at night. A hat is also advised to be worn through the day to protect from the sun, along with at least one piece of waterproof clothing for any days that the weather may be wet or windy.

Equipment and What to Bring The first thing on your list should be a first aid kit. Whilst there is no undue cause for alarm, travellers are best advised to travel well-prepared: adequately immunized, with sufficient supplies of prescription drugs, along with a medical kit. Suncream/sunblock is a must. Insect repellent, including a bite spray will also be useful to have. It is usually advisable to bring a torch/head torch in case of any electricity outages.

When travelling long distances by rail some travellers choose to bring a few games to while away the hours. A pack of cards, or travel versions of board games are popular. Something that can be played with your fellow travellers and non-English speakers is recommended.

A phrase book can of course be useful or download a translation app on your phone.

Wi-Fi The majority of hotels used on this tour offer reliable wi-fi although charges may apply. Please ask at check- in.

On most trains within Western Europe wi-fi is now available although charges may apply and the service might be limited to basic internet browsing and checking of emails. Travelling beyond Western Europe most trains do not offer wi-fi. Depending on your service provider you will probably be able to access wi-fi through local mobile phone networks. But check with your provider as costs can be high.

Footwear Footwear is a main priority on this tour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. We recommend that you bring a pair of flip-flops to wear whilst moving about on long distance trains.

Journey times Upon request we can provide you with the latest train schedules, although these may be subject to change.

Luggage on tour Your luggage should not exceed 20kgs (44lbs). One large suitcase/rucksack, and one small hand luggage rucksack is acceptable.

Electric Supply & Plugs Countries visited on this tour have an electrical supply that is 220V/50 Hz and plugs usually have two round pins. On the majority of trains you will find electrical sockets which usually have two round pins although on some older trains this may be limited to a razor socket only, found in the bathroom.

We would recommend that you bring a universal travel adapter as there can be exceptions to the above.

Tour Itinerary Versions Please ensure that you have an up-to-date copy of these tour notes immediately before you travel, as from time to time our itineraries may be amended, either for operational reasons or in response to feedback from customers. You will be informed of any major changes to your tour but small changes may just be added to these tour notes. These tour notes were updated 4 February 2021.