DAY 1: UK - Moscow.
Fly to Moscow where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. (D)

DAY 2: Moscow (included sightseeing) - Trans-Siberian Express.
After breakfast, enjoy an included sightseeing tour of Moscow, Russia's capital. This historic city is a fascinating blend of old and new, combining ornate, onion-domed cathedrals with the vestiges of the once mighty Soviet Empire. Our tour takes in the imposing Kremlin, the country's political headquarters for almost 800 years, its vast Red Square, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, and one of the city's famed underground systems, decorated with ornate chandeliers and mosaics. This evening, transfer to Moscow railway station to board the epic Trans-Siberian Express and start the first leg of your journey to Irkutsk, situated amongst the undulating hinterlands of Siberia. Prices are based on travel in a 2nd class four-berth couchette on the Trans-Siberian Express, however optional upgrades to a 1st class, two-berth couchette and a 2nd class, four-berth couchette for exclusive double use are available at a supplement. (B, D)

DAY 3-5: On board the train.
Enjoy three wonderful days on board the train witnessing the marvelous landscapes and villages of Russia unfold before you from the comfort of your train cabin or the dining carriage. Experience an unmatched sense of passage as you travel from Russia's industrial areas, over the Ural Mountains and through Siberia's endless pine forests, on your journey towards Irkutsk. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Irkutsk. Included sightseeing.
This morning your train arrives in Irkutsk where you will be transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay. Often called the 'Paris of Siberia', Irkutsk was a key site on the silk and spice-trading caravan routes between Russia, Mongolia and China. After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a tour of this elegant city with its richly carved wooden houses, stately mansions and wide tree-lined avenues. Highlights include the old quarter, fine opera house, and museum dedicated to the Decembrists - aristocratic 19th century Russian revolutionaries exiled here after a failed uprising against the Tsar. After lunch, continue to the Regional History Museum, with its fascinating displays, and a colourful local market. Return to your hotel for dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Irkutsk - Lake Baikal - Irkutsk.
A day of scenic wonder ahead with a full day excursion to Lake Baikal, a vast lake scything through the southern Siberian wilderness. Leaving after breakfast, our first stop is the Museum of Wooden Architecture, with its absorbing open-air displays of authentic Siberian wooden houses, followed by a visit to the Limological Museum for a fascinating insight into the geology and wildlife of this, the world's largest freshwater lake, which is over a mile deep. After lunch, there is an opportunity to marvel at the lake first hand on a boat ride over its glassy waters. Afterwards return to your hotel for dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Irkutsk - Trans-Siberian Express.
Today, transfer to Irkutsk station to rejoin the Trans-Siberian Express and continue your train journey to Beijing. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: On board the train.
Spend the day marvelling at the scenic views from your train cabin or the dining carriage. (B, L)

DAY 10: On board the train.
Enjoy your final day on board the train as you journey across awesome changing landscapes en-route to Beijing.
Note: Today, you will be required to purchase your own meals on board the train.

DAY 11: Beijing.
After an early morning arrival in Beijing, you will be met by a local guide and transferred to the Hotel Xiyuan for a three-night stay. After breakfast, enjoy a morning tour to the exquisite Summer Palace, the world's largest imperial garden and home to ornate galleries, pagodas and lotus ponds. After a pleasure boat cruise on the serene Kunming Lake and lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a rickshaw tour of the Hutongs, old Beijing's narrow streets, visiting a local family for a fascinating glimpse into traditional Chinese life. The rest of the day is yours to explore this atmospheric city in your own way. This evening, enjoy a buffet dinner at your hotel's revolving restaurant. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Beijing.
Prepare for a highlight of your journey with a visit to the 2,000 year old Great Wall of China, one of the great wonders of the world, stretching over 4,000 miles from the east to west of China. Also today, you'll witness the Ming Tombs, the well-preserved mausoleums of 13 Ming Emperors set amongst lush hills outside Beijing. Lunch en-route. Back in Beijing, the evening is yours to enjoy at your own leisure. (B, L)

DAY 13: Beijing.
A fantastic opportunity to explore the heart of Beijing with a full day tour of the city's most famous landmarks, including the imposing Tiananmen Square, the ornate palaces of the Forbidden City and the stunning Temple of Heaven, built in 1420 to offer sacrifice to Heaven. In the evening, enjoy a Peking Duck dinner to complete your epic voyage across a half of the world. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Beijing - UK.
Transfer to Beijing International Airport for your flight to the UK. (B)