St Petersburg to Beijing Overland

Day 1: St Petersburg

On arrival in St Petersburg you are transferred to your hotel. In the evening you meet your tour leader and the other group members for a pre-tour briefing. This is generally followed by an optional group dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2 & 3: St Petersburg - overnight train

St Petersburg is one of Europe's most beautiful cities and was established in 1703 by Peter the Great as his capital and, ultimately, Russia's 'window to the west'. Known in the Soviet era as Leningrad, its elegant buildings and intricate canal system have also seen it nicknamed the 'Venice of the North'. We have nearly two days in this wonderful city. After breakfast on Day 2 we start our exploration with a half-day city tour. There are impressive views across the wide Neva River and we have time to admire the city's many beautiful buildings as we traverse the canals and numerous pastel palaces and learn about the history of this romantic place, complete with tales of 18th and 19th century decadence. The Hermitage Museum contains one of the world's greatest collections of art, housed in the former Winter Palace, and on our second day an expert guide joins us for a tour of the Hermitage highlights. For those who wish to stay in the museum it is possible to extend your visit and continue exploring the exhibitions independently in the afternoon. On our third evening, we board the overnight sleeper train to Moscow. Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 4 & 5: Moscow - overnight train

Founded as a wooden fortress by Yuri Dolgoruky in 1156, Moscow has grown to become the spiritual and political capital of the Russian people and is now one of the largest cities in the world. We enjoy a walking tour that takes us to Red Square. This famous square is flanked by equally impressive sites - St Basil's Cathedral (with its multi-coloured onion domes), Lenin's Mausoleum, History Museum and the massive GUM Department Store. We visit the Kremlin, the country's famous bastion of power and site of several beautiful cathedrals. Another area within the Kremlin is the Armoury, an extensive and eclectic collection of the treasures of the tsars. The collection requires several hours to explore properly and your tour leader will help those interested in visiting to purchase tickets. As we have almost two full days to explore Moscow, there is plenty of time to visit the city's foremost art collections at the Pushkin Fine Arts Museum and the Tretyakov Gallery. For those more interested in observing daily life the Moscow Metro contains ornate and elaborate stations that are virtually museums themselves, while the Arbat pedestrian mall and Gorky Park are great places for people watching. Optional activities in the evenings may include a visit to the famous circus or a ballet or opera performance at the Bolshoi Theatre. Your tour leader can advise what performances are on and where we can get tickets. On our second evening after our final dinner in Moscow (optional), we are met by our Uzbek tour leader who will escort us for the next part of our journey. Last that evening we board the Trans Kazakhstan sleeper train and make our way out of Moscow. Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 6-8: Trans Kazakhstan Railway - Tashkent

Our 3 day/4 night journey towards Uzbekistan via Kazakhstan takes us to the end of one continent and the start of another. We pass by forests, which consist of many types of trees, and open fields, now turned into farmland. The small Russian towns we witness along the way hide many untold tales of a region that was once ravaged by Genghis Khan's Mongol hordes and later defended for Mother Russia by the Cossacks, who nonetheless took advantage of their position of strength to still extort the poor local people. At the busy frontier city of Samara, our train crosses the Volga River - the longest in Europe. Crossing the border from Russia into Kazakhstan, we also cross from Europe into Asia. There is plenty of time to relax, read or play cards, as we traverse across this vast land on our epic trip, but it is also a fantastic opportunity to meet the local people that we share this train journey with. In many ways these days of travelling are often full of surprises and may be some of the most memorable on our trip. Late on the evening of Day 8 (usually around 9:10 pm), we arrive in Tashkent – capital of Uzbekistan.

Day 9 & 10: Tashkent - overnight train

We enjoy two free days in Tashkent to explore on our own. With most of its historic buildings flattened in an earthquake in 1966, the Tashkent we see today is a fine example of Soviet-era architecture and city planning. As the capital of Uzbekistan, this surprisingly green city contains many interesting examples of 1960s architectural styles and enjoys a cosmopolitan mix of cuisines and influences. The ancient heart of the city still beats in the shady squares and vibrant markets of the Old Town. Families still live in communities of courtyards and imams from the small medressas and mosques still call the faithful to prayer. Eating out is also a cultural experience. The national dish is 'plov', a mixture of rice, vegetables and bits of meat. It is something we are going to see a lot of on our journey! In the evening of day 10 we catch an overnight train to Bukhara. Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 11 & 12: Bukhara

A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Bukhara is widely regarded as Central Asia's holiest city. With many monuments dating from the 8th to the 18th century AD, there is a vast span of history and architecture to uncover and the meticulous restoration of many of the mosaic and majolica decorations gives us a true sense of how these buildings looked in their original glory. With more than one hundred officially preserved monuments, there is a lot to see and we have an extensive sightseeing program here spread over a few days to make the most of our time here. We start by enjoying free time to make our own discoveries and absorb its special ambience on our own. Those keen on shopping may wish to wander to the trading domes, which sell an intriguing and colourful array of goods including embroideries, jewellery, spices, handicrafts and all manner of Silk Road treasures. This is certainly the place to test your haggling skills, as well as share a joke or two with friendly local merchants. We start our official sightseeing on Day 12 by visiting the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, resting place of the founder of the Saminid Dynasty, and the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum. The ruins of the Ark Fortress date back to the 5th century AD - it is the ancient heart of the city and the scene of several gruesome events. Opposite the fortress is the Bolo-Khauz Mosque, which dates back to 1718 and was the emirs' official place of worship. We continue to the imposing Poikalon complex (comprising the Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque and Mir-i-Arab Medressa) and Ulugbek and Abdul Aziz Khan Medressa. We end our day by visiting the Tim Abdulla Khan. Built in 1577, this is one of the most elegant medressas. The twilight hours lend themselves to wandering the areas around the Lyabi-Hauz Pool, a central gathering place you can enjoy a traditional 'chaikhana' (tea-house) style dinner (optional). Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 13: Bukhara

We start our next day of sightseeing in Bukhara by discovering that all manner of things can be found on sale in the covered bazaars. There are three of these trading domes left and we wander through Taqi-Sarrafon, Taqi-Telpak Furushon and Taqi-Zargaron in search of bargains and experiencing the spirit of trade which has driven this region since the halcyon days of the Silk Road era. In the midst of these bazaars is the Maghoki-Attar, reputed to be the oldest mosque in central Asia. Sitorai Mohi Hosa means Star and Garnet Garden and was the summer palace of the last emir. Its opulence is also reflected by its combination of local and European influences in its designs and furnishings. The halls are richly decorated with carpets and paintings. Char Minar is a unique structure with four minarets – one on each corner. It was built in 1807 by Turkmen merchant, Khalif Niyazkul. Bukhara is truly a magical place and it is sure to cast its spell on us! Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 14 & 15: Nurata - Sentab Village - Samarkand

With regret, we leave captivating Bukhara and continue east towards Samarkand. Our next destination is Nurata, formerly known as Nur and founded in the 3rd century BC by Alexander the Great. This ancient town was once regarded as the frontier between the cultivated lands and the steppes, and the ruins of Alexander's hilltop citadel stand testament to its ancient history. The city was also an important Muslim place of pilgrimage, reaching its peak in the 10th century AD as devotees flocked to its many significant graves and memorials. We visit the Chashma, a complex of religious constructions that serves as the central point for such pilgrimages. After lunching in a local teahouse we continue onto the Nuratau-Kyzylkum Biosphere Reserve just south of Aiderkul Lake. We must change to smaller vehicles to navigate the narrow local roads as we climb into the mountains to reach the tiny village of Sentab. Here, as part of a UN Development Program project, local families have established small private guesthouses and welcome visitors to their homes. As our hosts are ethnic Tajiks, this is a unique opportunity to hear another regional language, eat delicious home-cooked local specialities, and see the day-to-day life of the village. Accommodation is in the traditional style - the group will sleep on mattresses in communal rooms (usually divided by gender), a similar experience to staying in a yurt. The bathroom facilities are also basic, but manageable - with very simple shower and toilet arrangements. Such things are minor inconveniences however as we lounge on 'tapchan' (day beds) under the walnut trees, with the sound of the stream running nearby, and an once-in-a-lifetime cultural exchange unfolds. This is the perfect place to relax, or for those wanting to stretch their legs there are numerous local walking trails nearby which our hosts will be happy to show us. We have more time to relax the following morning. After lunch we depart on our drive to Samarkand. Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Day 16: Samarkand

We enjoy a full day of sightseeing and exploration in Samarkand, a city that evokes the romance of the Silk Road perhaps more than any other. From its foundation in the 5th century BC, this crossroads of cultures, religions, peoples and languages has been a centre of artisans and traders as well as the prize for many a conquering army. Alexander the Great stormed its walls in 329 BC and many other rulers chose to make it their capital in the centuries that followed. Even the Soviet occupiers declared it the original capital of the Uzbek SSR in 1924, although it only kept that honour for four years! We visit the Gur Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the mighty Timur and his sons and grandsons. For a man of his stature, it is quite a simple tomb. One highlight of our trip will certainly be standing on the iconic Registan Square with the three medressas (Ulugbek, Sher Dor and Tilla-Kari) towering over us. After lunch we continue our sightseeing tour. Close to the Registan is the Bibi-Khanym Mosque built by Timur and often compared to the Taj Mahal, as it was built as a grand and timeless symbol of a man's love for his wife. This mosque overlooks the busy and colourful Siob Bazaar, where photographers will delight in taking photos of the many bustling stalls and huge array of produce, as well as encounter friendly greetings from the local traders. Our next stop is the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum complex. Also known as the 'Town of the Dead' this is a row of more than 20 mausoleums, some of them with stunningly colourful tilework. Ulugbek was an emir in the early 15th century, but he was also a renowned astronomer. The discovery of the ruins of his observatory tells of an amazing story from a bygone era. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 17: Tashkent

We drive for five hours to return to Tashkent and spend the rest of the day exploring on a city tour. Next to the Old Town and under the green dome of Chorsu Bazaar lies a farmers' market that is one of the largest and oldest in central Asia. It is also a great place to buy Uzbek souvenirs including the ubiquitous skull caps. On a hill behind the bazaar is the 16th century Kulkedash Medressa – an Islamic school that sits beside the 15th century Juma (Friday) Mosque. The History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan gives us a great introduction to the country and the region in general, from the Silk Road era to Soviet times. Amir Timur Square is the main square in town and use to contain a statue of Karl Marx, but he has been replaced by a statue of Uzbekistan's 14th century national hero, Timur, on horse-back. A tour of Tashkent's metro system reveals to us some strikingly beautiful stations, but please note that you are not permitted to take photos in the subway. The Bara-Khon Medressa is the headquarters of the Sunni Muslim religion in the region and has interesting mosaics and Arabic calligraphy that dates back to the late 16th century. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 18 & 19: Aksu-Dzhabagly Nature Reserve

We leave Uzbekistan and re-enter Kazakhstan, but this time we get to explore this massive and vibrant country. After crossing the border at Yallama, we are met by our Kazakh tour leader and transferred on our private vehicle to the village of Zhabaghly – gateway to the beautiful Aksu-Dzhabagly Nature Reserve. This reserve lies at the end of the Talassky Alatau range, which is a continuation of the mighty Tian Shan range. It is a nature-lovers paradise with glacial mountain peaks, grand canyons and waterfall-fed valleys. Meadows are ablaze with colourful wildflowers and crystalline lakes home to migrating birds. It is home to many species of wildlife including brown bear, lynx and the elusive snow leopard, as well as several species of mountain goat or sheep such as ibex. About 238 species of birds have been recorded here with vultures and eagles often seen soaring high above. We enjoy a whole day to explore this nature wonderland. Options include an eight-kilometre hike or a horse ride to Kishi Kaindy – a mountain rest hut located near a beautiful waterfall. A picnic lunch is provided on our excursion. The overall impression one gets when exploring Central Asia's oldest reserve is of splendid, serene isolation a place where you're more likely to see wildlife than other people. Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Day 20: Taraz City

After breakfast we are transferred to Taraz city. Along the way we stop at the Aysha-Bibi Mausoleum – a 12th century burial place of a noble woman. Built of delicate terracotta bricks in over 50 different motifs, this Muslim shrine is located on the Silk Road in the small village of Aysha-Bibi, 11 kilometres west of the town of Taraz. During Soviet time, the original bricks were removed and the whole structure has had to be restored. As legend has it, the mausoleum was built by a local ruler for his beautiful fiancée Aisha-Bibi, who died of a snake bite. We also stop at the Babazhi Katun Mausoleum – the burial place of a companion of Aysha. En route we enjoy lunch and a walk through a gorge along a river. The area is very scenic and there is usually an abundance of wildflower, when in season. We spend the night in Taraz. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 21: Merke Gorge - Almaty

In the morning we take a scenic half-day walk down the mountainous Merke Gorge, in the Kirghiz Alatau mountain range. Look out for the bright red Zanaida's tulip – a species endemic to this area. After lunch we drive to Almaty (known as 'Alma-Ata' in Soviet times), Kazakhstan's largest city and capital until 1998 (when the capital was moved to Astana). It remains the country's urban heart, a place where life moves a little faster and is also a repository for the cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. It is also a city with a modern cosmopolitan face, with a great range of restaurants and dining choices. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch

Day 22 & 23: Almaty - overnight train

We spend the day exploring the sights of Almaty. The Central State Museum gives us a comprehensive overview of the history of the country. Modern and historic come together most markedly in Panfilov Park - the city's green lung that was laid out in the 1870s. Here war memorials can be found alongside nightclubs, but in the midst of it all stands the magnificent Zenkov Cathedral. Built in 1904, it is one of the few Tsarist buildings in Almaty, although the wooden nail-less structure seems an unlikely survivor of an earthquake that flattened most of the city. During Soviet times it was used as a history museum, but in 1990 it reverted to being a Russian Orthodox cathedral. We also take a walk through the Zelyony Bazaar (Green Market), where all sorts of things can be found on sale. A free afternoon is set aside for us to conduct our own discoveries in Almaty. You can wander around Gorky Park, admire the Monument to Independence at Respublika Alangby or catch a cable car up Green Hill for a panoramic view. Just before midnight on Day 23 and accompanied by our Kazakh tour leader, we depart on the sleeper train to Urumqi, in the Xinjiang province of China. Our rail journey takes two nights and one day and offers us another great opportunity to engage with the local people on our travels. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 24 & 25: Urumqi – Heavenly Lake - overnight train

We arrive early in the morning in Urumqi and are met by our Chinese tour leader. Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, a multi-national province with many languages, customs and colourful ethnic traditions. The city is China's gateway to central Asia with air links to all of the former Soviet 'stans' and is also widely regarded as 'the city farthest from the ocean'. We visit the large and fascinating Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum, which houses an amazing collection of Silk Road artefacts and treasures including some incredibly well-preserved mummified bodies. On Day 26 we make a day trip out of Urumqi to a totally different world. Lake of Heaven (Tianchi) resembles a little piece of Swiss alpine scenery with hills covered by fir trees and the area dotted with tiny Kazak settlements. The local people live in tent-like structures made from animal skin, known as yurts. In winter the road becomes impassable due to snow. In the evening we return to Urumqi and catch the overnight sleeper train to Xian. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 26-28: Xian - overnight train

We travel on the train for a full day and arrive in Xian just before midnight. Xian is a wonderful place to explore. Food options are excellent here, ranging from delicious Muslim fare to great little dumplings in Chinese cafes. Widely regarded as the first capital of a united China in 221 BC, the city is rich in history. A half-day tour to the renowned Terracotta Warriors introduces us to these entombed statues, considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century. Over 6000 of them were individually sculpted from clay, each having a different costume, height, and even facial expression. They are standing in battle formation, facing east in order to protect the tomb of China's first emperor, the great Qin Shihuang. Peasants digging a well only discovered the underground vault, which was home to this army for two millennia, in 1974. Xian also has a wonderful Muslim Quarter. A free day can easily be spent wandering the narrow streets where we find quaint shops, lively markets, groups of white-bearded men in skull caps sipping tea in dingy cafes, and the Great Mosque, one of the most important in China. On the late afternoon of Day 29, we catch the overnight sleeper-class train to Beijing. Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 29 & 30: Beijing

Beijing offers endless opportunities for exploration. The enormous Forbidden City, built more than 500 years ago and off limits to commoners for almost all that time, is a truly amazing place. Its size might surprise you (it is huge!), but what makes it fascinating is that every square metre is interesting, ranging from intricately carved walkways to colourful, painted ceilings. The Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace are other fine examples of extraordinary workmanship. You will visit one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs. Being perched on this incredible engineering feat and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience. There is also ample free time in the itinerary, allowing you to make your own discoveries. Our hotel is located in the south of the city and a walk in any direction will unveil all sorts of wonderful surprises. There are good shopping opportunities at the various markets around the city, such as the centrally located Dashilan Market. In the evening, you have the chance to enjoy a performance of the unique Beijing Opera (optional). Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 31: Beijing

Our tour ends after breakfast. A transfer to the airport is not included; however, your tour leader will be on hand to advise you as to the options available. Meals included: 1 breakfast