Naadam Festival – Trans Mongolian Rail Journey

On board the luxurious Golden Eagle Train

Travel from Ulan Bator to Moscow via Ulan Ude, Lake Baikal, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, Ekaterinburg and Kazan in just 13 days. The Golden Eagle train is the finest on the market and is known for its comfortable cabins with full bathrooms, fine fresh local cuisine and exciting range of on board activities.

Experience an unforgettable insight into Mongolian culture as you visit the fantastic Naadam Festival. The word Naadam translates as ‘three manly games’ and takes in the sports of archery, wrestling and horse riding. The festival is a true celebration of what originally defined Mongolian society and commemorates the 1921 revolution when Mongolia declared itself a free country. In addition explore the wonders of Russia including the stunning Lake Baikal and historic Ekaterinburg where the last Tsar was assassinated.

And now IntouristUK are able to offer FREE FLIGHTS from London with every booking on the Westbound July 10^th departure on board the Golden Eagle. Please contact us for more details.

Why take this fantastic journey?

• The Golden Eagle train provides a truly luxurious experience…
• Experience Mongolian culture with the unforgettable Mongolian Naadam festival
• A range of fantastic excursions are included at every stop
• FREE FLIGHTS FROM LONDON are included!*

Prices start at £8,595 for twin occupancy on a Silver Class cabin.

*Offer is subject to availability at the time of booking.

Call: 0844 875 4026         Email: info@intouristUK.com Visit: www.intouristuk.com

British citizens do not require a visa when travelling to Ukraine for a period of less than 90 days, another reason to consider Ukraine for your next unique travel experience! If you wish to see more of the country than conventionally visited destinations such as the capital, Kiev then we suggest a Ukraine River Cruise. Most do take in the stunning and historic city of Kiev, but allow you to explore less visited ports along the route such as Kremenchuk, Odessa, and Kaniv.

The MS Fidelio travels down the Dnieper River, along the Black Sea before stopping off at different destinations when sailing back up the Dnieper. We are excited to announce a new route on board the MS Fidelio for 2013 from Yalta to Kiev, taking in stunning Sevastopol, the island of Kherson and ports Crimea to name but a few stops.

If you would prefer a relatively intimate sea cruise then we would suggest you explore the Black Sea and Ukraine on board the MV Azur. Again brand new for 2013 the vessel sails from Istanbul to Istanbul and takes in Turkey as well as stops in Romania, Ukraine and Russia.

Ukraine has so much to offer and the most comfortable way to uncover her beauty is by cruise. Stopping off at an array of ports and enjoying unique excursions while allowing you to relax on board your chosen vessel, there really is no better way!

Contact us now to arrange your Ukrainian adventure for this year or next!

TRANS SIBERIAN

Moscow- Kazan- Ekaterinburg- Omsk- Novosibirsk- Krasnoyarsk- Irkutsk- Ulan Ude- Khabarovsk- Vladivostok

Stretching for over 9000km the Trans Siberian railway was built between 1890 and 1905 to connect Moscow with the coastal city of Vladivostok. There are many wondrous places to explore along the way including Ekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains, Irkutsk, the capital of eastern Siberia, and the breathtaking natural wonder, Lake Baikal.

TRANS MONGOLIAN

Moscow- Kazan- Ekaterinburg- Omsk- Novosibirsk- Krasnoyarsk- Irkutsk- Ulan Ude- Ulan Bator- Beijing

The Trans Mongolian railway allows you to enjoy the enchantment of Russia before discovering the wonders of Mongolia. If that’s not enough, you can then travel on to China. The line follows the same route as the Trans Siberian from Moscow to Ulan Ude where it branches off and journeys forward to Ulan Bator in Mongolia and finally, Beijing.

TRANS MANCHURIAN

Moscow- Kazan- Ekaterinburg- Omsk- Novosibirsk- Krasnoyarsk- Irkutsk- Ulan Ude- Harbin- Beijing

Travelling through Russia, the Trans Manchurian railway transports you to the vast lands of China where you can visit the picturesque Harbin, it is thought to be one of China’s most beautiful cities. The line follows the same route as the Trans Siberian from Moscow to Ulan Ude, it then branches off at the town of Tarskaya and heads through Harbin to the mesmerising capital city of Beijing.

For additional information on the Trans Siberian route and options available please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Our prices are all advertised in detail so you know exactly where your money is going!

Our Russian Tourist Visa Service Includes:

• Detailed instructions on how to complete the application form

• Full email & telephone support

• Checking service: on the initial application form and the fully processed visa

• Visa centre and embassy fees

• Visa processing

• Checking of the details on the fully processed visa

What we need from you:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity from date of return to UK from Russia

• Passport sized photograph

• Completed application form, signed and dated

• Password and login details for the visa application form (given to you when you first access the application)

We will then add in the necessary paperwork (invitation letter from Russia) then check and process the visa(s). Once it is processed we will check and send it to you or if you are local you can collect it in London or Glasgow.

Processing time:

As soon as your booking is fully confirmed, we can request the visa paperwork. There are two types of visa processing:

1)       Standard Service

£105 if included with an existing booking with us for the duration of the stay in Russia – we should allow no less than 2-3 weeks for processing.

2)      Express service (£155 if included with existing booking with us for the duration of the stay in Russia).

 EKATERINBURG

The centre of the Ural Mountains and the natural divide between Europe and Asia, Ekaterinburg is a real Russian city, rich in natural resources and a colourful history. It was here where the last Tsar and his family spent their final days.

UNMISSABLE EXCURSIONS: Tsar Execution site, Europe-Asia Border, Ekaterinburg Opera and Ballet Theatre

NOVOSIBIRSK

The lively city of Novosibirsk is situated where the Trans Siberian crosses the River Ob. Now one of the largest cities in Russia and the biggest one east of the Urals, Novosibirsk is a fascinating city to discover the history and ethnic diversity of Siberia.

UNMISSABLE EXCURSIONS: Novosibirsk Zoo, State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

IRKUTSK

The capital of eastern Siberia, Irkutsk is a markedly different city compared to others in the region in its atmosphere and architectural style. It is the natural stopover en-route to reach Lake Baikal, one of Russia’s greatest wonders.

UNMISSABLE EXCURSIONS: Museum of Decembrists, Open Air Ethnographic Museum

LAKE BAIKAL

The largest, deepest and cleanest freshwater source in the world is considered a natural treasure by the Russian people. Located in Siberia near the Mongolian border, and surrounded by mountains, forests and wild rivers, Baikal is an immense and breathtaking area of physical beauty. For the best views of Lake Baikal, we recommend you stay overnight in the village of Listvyanka.

UNMISSABLE EXCURSIONS: Lake Baikal Cruise (Summer), Snowmobiling (Winter)

ULAN UDE

Situated amidst the vast Siberian steppe, this is a truly intriguing stop on the journey, offering a rare mix of Asian and Russian styles.

UNMISSABLE EXCURSIONS: City Tour, Ivolginsky Monastery

VLADIVOSTOK

Once created as a defensive outpost against invasions, for many years Vladivostok stood guard defending the Motherland on the Pacific coast of the Far East of Siberia. The city is now vibrant with an extraordinary mixture of culture and history, and was enriched even further in 2012 with its fabulous 150^th Anniversary celebrations.

UNMISSABLE EXCURSIONS: Seaside Oceanarium, Vladivostok Fortress

ULAN BATOR

Ulan Bator is situated on the banks of the Tuul River encircled by four mystical mountains. Mongolia was once the greatest empire under Genghis Khan, and is now one of the most enigmatic yet romantic destinations on earth.

UNMISSABLE EXCURSIONS: Terelj National Park, Horse Riding

BEIJING

A remarkable destination by anyone’s standard, the mysterious and mesmerising capital provides an intriguing combination of ancient and modern style that appeals to all visitors. In particular, the Great Wall is one of the highlights outside Beijing, not to be missed.

UNMISSABLE EXCURSIONS: Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Imperial Palace, Ming Tombs

St Petersburg is a truly stunning city and has a wealth of sights and popular attractions for first time and returning visitors.

On this blog I have recommended five of my favourite sights in St Petersburg, each truly interesting and unique. If you were thinking about visiting St Petersburg in the near future, then I hope the information below is useful!  

The Peter and Paul Fortress

The Peter and Paul Fortress has served many different functions since its construction, most famously as a state political prison which held Peter the Great’s son, Dostoevsky, Chernishevsky and Gorky! It is now open to the public as a museum and the cathedral which sits within the walls of the fortress is now the final resting place of many Russian Tsars.

The State Hermitage Museum

One of Russia’s best known sights with arguably the greatest number of secret treasures. Masterpieces from artists such as Da Vinci, Rembrandt and Kandinsky make The Hermitage a memorable visit. On our tours the guide service usually lasts (approximately) two hours after which you can explore the grandiose gallery on your own!  

Catherine’s Palace

This beautiful palace is ornamented with golden domes and is one of the most impressive in Europe. Catherine’s Palace is so called after the Empress Catherine the Great and houses the striking Amber Room. The amber panels were stolen during the Second World War by the Nazis, and were never found again, adding to the air of mystery surrounding this charming palace.

Peterhof Palace

 Peterhof Palace, or Petrodvorets, is a grand palace and grounds located on the Gulf of Finland, 30 kilometres from the city. This regal estate is decorated with over 200 fountains and is a impressive sight in the summer months as they spring to life. The fountains attract millions of visitors each year and were an original part of Peter the Great’s plans for the land.  

 The Church of our Saviour on the Spilled Blood, St Petersburg

 This dramatic church was built on the site of the assassination of Emperor Alexander II. Today it sits as an eye-catching symbol of St Petersburg aside one of the many attractive canals throughout the city. Architecturally the structure is thought to be out of place in St Petersburg and resembles St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow.

Below I take you through five remarkable reasons to visit magnificent Moscow (as if you even need any more convincing!)

1. The Kremlin, Armoury and Diamond Fund

No trip to Moscow would be complete without a tour round the Kremlin, Armoury and Diamond Fund. The fantastic Kremlin complex is the President’s official residence and remains a political landmark of Russia. The Armoury is where you can find the largest collection of Fabergé Eggs in the world in addition to the royal carriages of the Tsars and other extraordinary artefacts. The Moscow State Diamond Fund holds the jewels of the Russian state, and was transported from St Petersburg when the collection became too large to be housed there.

2. The Metro System

Whenever people reminisce about Moscow they are sure to mention the stunning underground stations that are often thought of as a museum. The stations were built to evoke pride in the citizens of Moscow and each tells a different story. Take a tour of the most striking stations and enjoy an unforgettable journey.    

3.  THE GUM

This spectacular shopping complex is ideally located in the heart of Moscow in Red Square. As you stand outside the GUM’s walls you can view the magnificence of the Kremlin, St Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum. Venture inside and you can enjoy a shopping experience unlike any other. Stop for a spot of lunch as you explore stunning hallways featuring a number of the finest shops and brands.

4. Gorky Park

This is a great place to relax in Moscow and you can enjoy watching the locals go about their business. It is a perfect location to take a walk along the Moskva river, enjoy a picnic and have some fun at the fair. In addition to this you can also hire a boat, go horse riding, sunbathe in summer and skate over the ice in winter… Gorky Park is the ideal setting for a fun day out. The opposite end of the park has a completely different atmosphere with many fine buildings and formal gardens.   

5. Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

This stunning structure is well worth a visit on your next trip to Moscow. The impressive copper dome of the cathedral can be seen for miles and stands out on the Moscow skyline. In 1931 the cathedral was destroyed by the government to make way for a grand palace which was planned to stand at over 400 meters high, on the advent of the war this was never built. The structure that stands today was completed in 2000 and is loosely based on the original designs.