Days 1-2 St PetersburgLaunch this Trans-Siberian rail odyssey in opulent St Petersburg. Head to Nevsky Prospekt and indulge in some fresh pastries, traipse through one of many quirky museums or even follow in the footsteps of Rasputin on a city walking tour. Days 3-4 MoscowSee how Orthodox churches stand proudly alongside Soviet icons and chic boutiques in Moscow. Be transported back in time at the Kremlin and be wowed by the onion domes of St Basil's Cathedral. Days 5-7 Trans-Siberian RailwayBoard the Trans-Siberian Railway bound for Siberia. Sit back and relax as the thick forests roll by. Make acquaintance with other travellers, deal out a deck of cards or simply sit back and take in this once in a lifetime experience. Days 8-10 Lake Baikal/IrkutskBe a special guest of a local Buryat family during a traditional homestay on the shores of Lake Baikal. While here, why not take the scenic surrounds on a boat ride or cycling adventure. Then, upon arrival in Irkutsk, saunter through the winding streets, admiring the city's mix of traditional and communist-era architecture. Days 11-12 Ulan Ude/UlaanbaatarChill out in this Mongolian-influenced city that has a unique blend of indigenous and Russian cultures. Visit a small village and see structures that have existed since the 18th-century. There's a chance to take part in a folk performance and maybe have a meal of tasty home-cooked dishes. From here, head out to explore the ancient former stomping ground of Genghis Khan. Days 13-15 Ulaanbaatar/Nomad CampDiscover the old and new faces of Ulaanbaatar and make time to see the Winter Palace of Bogd Khan, Mongolia's last emperor. Venture further afield for an unforgettable homestay. Spot wild Mongolian horses in Khustai National Park before joining a nomadic family as they go about their simple daily lives, dining on basic Mongolian fare and sleeping in a traditional ger tent. Day 16 Ulaanbaatar/Overnight trainReturn to Ulaanbaatar and spend a free day further exploring this unforgettable Mongolian city. Clamber aboard an overnight train, making tracks into China. Days 17-18 BeijingArrive in the impressive Chinese capital in the afternoon. Perhaps stay a few days longer to walk a stretch of the Great Wall or hear tales of treachery in the Forbidden City.
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