adventure, chance, discover, fun, independence, wild ... - FlipHTML5

group travel as individual as you!

, Y A W L I A R N A I R E B I S S N A R T A I L O G N O M & D A O R K L I S E H T 2016 / 17

RE, O PL EX , D N LA ER V O E, V LO , D IL DENCE, W EN EP D IN , N FU , ER V O C IS D E, C URE LT U C , ADVENTURE, CHAN M O D EE FR , EY RN U JO , O VERSE, G A TR , PE A C ES , RN A LE E, C EN RI DERLUST DREAM, LIVE, ROAM, EXPE

why vodkatrain

Experience the Trans Siberian Railway, Mongolia and the Silk Road at ground level. Travel with the locals, explore cities with your local Honcho, decide what you want to see and do and pay local prices along the way!

Vodkatrain brings together young, like-minded individuals with different backgrounds from all around the world to travel together through some of the most unique and interesting destinations on routes less travelled. You’ll be travelling with the locals wherever you go and will discover each new city with the help of your local Honcho.

Vodkatrain is a great combination of independent backpacking and small group travel at affordable do-it-yourself prices. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional tour groups with fixed schedules and regimented sightseeing, Vodkatrain gives you the chance to do your own thing or let your Honcho show you around the city they live in and love!

travel with the experts

honchos - your invaluable friends

The planning is where the fun starts! Our team of specialist Travel Advisors are here to help you decide where to go and what to do. All of them are well travelled and understand what makes our journeys exceptional. They’ll even help you with any tricky visa applications so that you can concentrate on the fun stuff!

Our Honchos are your friends in a distant city, they are your age, speak the local language and will show you around so you get the most out of your stay in their city! These guys know the best places to eat, the best places to see and the best places to party - all the things that aren’t in the guidebooks!

Behind the scenes we’ve invested the time working out train timetables, where to stop and how long to spend in each place so you don’t have to! We’ve also come up with visa advice, suggested budgets, ideas for how to pass the time on the trains, which books to read and some cultural dos and don’ts to help you get started.

After meeting your travel companions on day one, your Honcho will give you a rundown of what to expect and assist the group with anything you need — be it local transport directions, the translation of a chat up line, an impromptu city tour or advice on phoning home! As there are no set activities, you can choose to hang with the Honcho and the group or do your own thing!

On the road our support network of friendly local partners in each of our destinations, means we are literally there for you every step of your journey! On top of that, we have 24/7 support for you wherever you go, so you are never entirely alone! As for us, we’ve been doing this for more than a few years. Vodkatrain is the brainchild of Sundowners Overland, who have been sharing Asia Overland since the first minivans of long-haired hippies set off across this great continent 50 years ago! We understand the urge to explore new places, meet people whose experiences are so far removed from our own, carve out alternative routes (or visit long untrodden ones) and do something wonderfully different. Our experience is your peace of mind, and it’s worth its weight in gold!

like-minded travellers & personal encounters Vodkatrain journeys bring together travellers, Honchos and personal local encounters to offer cultural experiences that get right to the heart of why we love travel. We are 18-35 only and guarantee that you’ll be sharing your adventure with like-minded travellers from across the globe. These are not ‘escorted’ tours but it is group travel. This means you’ll have other travellers around to share experiences with and to provide a support network so you won’t have to tackle any hard bits alone! Many Vodkatrainers are on a gap year or career break or perhaps on a major world overland journey. It is not just the unique destinations you’ll visit that will stay with you, but the local and international friends you’ll make along the way.

When it’s time to move on your Honcho will take you to the right train station, find your platform (ever looked at a departures board entirely in Mandarin or Cyrillic?) and put you on the right train in the right direction. When you arrive at your next city, there will be a smiling Honcho waiting to transfer you to your accommodation and show you another amazing city.

freedom and flexibility Time waits for no one and we know you won’t either! We have scheduled departures in summer and winter, spring and autumn and to make it even easier many departures are guaranteed. With your train tickets, accommodation, transfers en route, visa support and Honchos sorted, you can save money by paying locally for everything you choose to do, eat and experience. You won’t find any pre-organised sightseeing tours so you can explore all those places you have read about, or that your Honcho suggests and pay the local price to get in.

it’s group travel as individual as you! Vodkatrain is a travel revolution born out of the bureaucracy and challenges of travel through some of Asia’s most incredible and hardly visited destinations. It’s a style of travel that offers the benefits of group travel while allowing you to be as independent as you desire. Vodkatrainers are open minded travellers who have an appreciation for unique and unusual destinations; they are independent but interested in sharing their experiences with others of a similar age and mindset.

our journeys PAGE 12

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hanging out in red

square. moscow, Russi

a

kumpir (baked potato) in ista

nbul is delicious!

14 DAYS - 5925 KM

The iconic Trans Siberian / Mongolian journey for those watching their Roubles.

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Discover the highlights of Western Russia through the footsteps of Vikings, explorers and the Romanov’s.

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ashgabat, turkmenistan Explore the magic of the wild Mongolia.

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The classic Trans Siberian/Mongolia journey, experience three countries and seven time zones.

The classic Trans Siberian / Mongolian for those short on time.

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Stop in more places, soak up all the culture and spend more time while you’re there.

suzdal, russia PAGE 22

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KEY Enjoy a winter Trans Siberian/ Trans Mongolian experience, dog sleds and all.

Explore the fabled old Silk Road in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Marco Polo.

silk road trans siberian trans mongolian

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further experiences russian railways arctic circle

also inside... 6. life on the road 7. where we stay 8. what’s included 9. honchos 10. the trans mongolian railway

24. exploring the silk road 33. further experiences 34. starting your journey 36. booking conditions 37. festivals

don’t forget to ! join us online

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delhi udaipur

istanbul, turkey

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dress like the locals in kazakhstan

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the legend of lake baikal has it that if you dip your ha nds into the lake , you will be reward ed with 1 extra year of life. if you du nk your head i n, you will be grante d 5 extra years of life. and if you co mpletely submerge yourself you will extend your life by 25 years!

giant genghis, ulaanbaatar,

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RUSSIA

terelj national

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kyoto

tokyo osaka

shanghai

hanoi

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ulan ude, russia

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HONG KONG VIETNAM ho chi minh city

kyoto, japan

terracotta warrio

chengdu, china

park, mongolia

rs - xian, china

na, beijing.

I would love to travel around the whole world without getting on a plane. I think it would be such a great adventure. When you’re on a train you get to see so much more and you get so many more exciting stories. - Lydia, Australia

life on the road group size

No 60-seater buses and definitely no nametags. Want to avoid feeling lost in the crowd? So do we, so your group is limited to 15 like-minded travellers from around the world – big enough to form a posse, small enough to give you space. They come as singles, couples or buddies, and with the flexibility to choose your own daily routine, you have personal space or company as you see fit.

trains… not the orient express!

Trains along the Trans Siberian and the Silk Road are a destination in themselves! Along with ideas, religions and an enormous variety of goods, these trains ferry families, traders, students, soldiers, business people, travellers, monks & acrobats… You name it, they’re on it and there is a good chance you’ll be sharing with them at some stage of the journey! Let’s get something straight from the start: These are not chartered trains but scheduled services. Overnight accommodation is in four-share sleeping compartments – two upper and two lower bunks. Depending on group size, you may be sharing with other group members, or with local travellers. Don’t be afraid to say hello! Compartments have bedding, reading lights, a big window, a small table, room for a rucksack or two and if you’re REALLY lucky – a vase with a plastic flower. Carriages have two washrooms (no showers), boiling water and a couple of friendly attendants. Each train has its own personality, and regulars, so check out the Journey Itinerary for specifics. Please note - on the Budgeting Bolshevik sleeping configurations and facilities will differ.

Hang out in the dining carriage and meet extraordinary people!

other transport and transfers Not planes, automobiles and ox carts

Add the odd yak, camel, horse and it doesn’t end there. Inspired with huge vaulted ceilings and palatial trappings, the Moscow Metro is just like the London Underground except with the human race in mind rather than the rat race.

You won’t get left behind... Station transfers are provided throughout your itinerary... Once you arrive at the station, a friendly Honcho will meet you to transfer you to your accommodation. When it is time to leave, they arrange the transfer from the guesthouse to the station, and don’t leave until everyone is comfortably on the train and ready for the next stage of the journey. Too easy!

with 9 time zones in russia the railway timetables are written in cyrillic. don’t forget to take along a phrase book to take the hassle out of what could be a complicated journey! your honcho will give you some tips as well.

• Hello travel buddy! One of your group or one of the locals. Either way you’re sure to have fun getting to know each other. • Top and bottom bunks – they are pretty comfy and nice to sleep on. Clean linen is provided on each train. • Stock up on food and drink before boarding the train otherwise you will have to chase babushkas to get more… or they will chase you.

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what do train carriages loo

k like?

• You can lift up the bottom bunks to store your luggage. There is also plenty of room above the door.

download language apps and bring

a pack of cards… trust us!

lots of space to pack your bags away.

where we stay

ger camp, terelj

national park – m

Each of the gers have beds and a pot-belly stove that the local family will keep burning when cold - very welcome on those winter mornings! ongolia

inside A ger!

Your accommodation for every night of the itinerary is included in the price. We’ve chosen them for their character and with your costs in mind. You’ll stay in a mixture of hostels and hotels along the way, all nice and close to transport and clean! Sometimes you will be in multi-share but mostly twin-share, with a mixture of private and shared bathroom facilities.

Inside your cosy Ger in Mongolia

GERS Gers in Mongolia and Yurts along the Silk Road. They’re the same thing though, the homes of nomads. In Mongolia today still over half the population live in gers, either out on the steppe or nestled amongst the high rises in the city. A round wooden-framed felt tent covered in canvas, the basic framework is constructed of a collapsible lattice wall sections (khana), a low wooden door, two central support posts (bagana) a wheel shaped roof frame (toono) and between 80 to 100 poles (uni). Amazingly the nomads can take these down in just 30 minutes, pack them on their ox carts and head off across the steppe to fresh pastures. They’re also useful if you get lost - all doors face south so you don’t need to bring a compass! Staying in a traditional ger is a highlight of any trip in Mongolia. Venturing out to the grasslands you’ll feel just like a nomad. The ger camps have a small group of gers with some basic facilities (toilets and a restaurant).

hostels

guesthouses & hotels

One of the favourites is Godzillas in Moscow. It was the first independent hostel to open in Moscow and that’s no mean feat in Russia! Close to the action with two metro stations within 5 minutes walk, Godzillas is in a great spot to check out the city. It also provides an easy way to meet other travellers on other Vodkatrain journeys as Godzillas is the start and end point for many of our journeys. We know you’ll love the hang out areas, the beds are comfy and they even have free internet so you can start posting your Facebook updates from day one!

When you rest your head each night we have selected guesthouses and hotels which reflect the character of our unique destinations. Whilst in Lake Baikal you’ll stay in Tatyana’s Guesthouse, a Siberian wooden chalet where Tatyana will cook up some traditional Russian food when you get back from a day by the lake. Whether you are sipping tea in Iran, warming your toes in Murmansk or kicking back and soaking in the old world charm of Bukhara, you will enjoy our exceptional mix of quirky, cultural, clean, comfortable and conveniently located accommodation.

Tatyana’s Guesthouse, Lake Baikal.

who you’ll meet When travelling on the trains you’re bound to bump into some interesting characters and they will be keen to hear your stories, join in picnics and probably share the odd shot of vodka as well. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself dancing in the dining car! Crucial to your train experience are your provodnitsas or carriage attendants who will ensure that your compartment is spick and span and that you don’t miss the train after a station stop. Make friends with them and offer them some chocolates and they might even charge your cameras for you. Along with the local Honchos, make sure you ask to go to meet Alice in Beijing. She runs a Tea House and is a firm favourite for our groups, she will quickly show you that there is more to tea than just reading the leaves!

remember... In the hotels, hostels & guesthouses we will try and pair you if you are a couple but it can’t be guaranteed, so sometimes you will be sharing with fellow group members of the same sex. In the ger camp travellers usually have the choice of who they share with. Depending on group size you may be sharing with local travellers and members of the opposite sex on train sectors. There are no single supplement costs. Solo travellers pay the same as couples and share with other solo travellers (same sex) or receive their own room at no extra cost.

Old City Hotel, Bukhara.

HONCHO SAYS Your whole journey will be full of memorable stays… be it in a ger camp in Mongolia, a guesthouse in Uzbekistan or in our traditional chalet by Lake Baikal. And that’s without 7 even mentioning the trains!

HONCHO SAYS “Russian Banyas (saunas) are a great way to relax and unwind and Suzdal is the place to do just that! Are you game enough to try a birch ‘massage’?” – Irina, Suzdal

what’s included vodkatrain value We’re here to ensure your journey with us is smooth sailing from start to finish, so we offer a few inclusions with each journey to make your life a little easier! This means you’ll have more time to focus on all the fun stuff, like what to see and do when you’re there!

1. the essentials... • Train Tickets • Accommodation • Station Transfers

• Honchos • Visa Support • Guaranteed Departures

2. visa support...it’s vital! Visa applications are straight forward if you have the right documentation. Vodkatrain will provide all the necessary official documents to support your application. Not only will you benefit from our comprehensive visa guidelines and friendly helpful advice, we provide special documents called covering letters or invitation letters which are required to obtain Russian, Uzbek and Iranian visas for no extra charge.

seasoned vodkatrainers

You’ve already ridden the rails in Russia and are back in search of yaks or camels? Or perhaps you’ve channelled your inner Genghis Khan in Mongolia and are now ready to explore his western kingdoms in the Silk Road countries of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan? We already know that you are going to want to return and explore some more so we’re giving you a 5% reward towards your next adventure.

The cost of a visa is paid to the relevant government consul or embassy, not to Vodkatrain, and the price will vary according to your nationality, the Consulate or Embassy the application is made at, and the length of time you allow for the application process. There are sometimes strict rules governing where you are allowed to apply and when, therefore it may be convenient for you to use a visa processing service who will, for a fee, handle the applications on your behalf. With so many variables have a look on www.vodkatrain.com for more advice or ask your Travel Advisor for details.

3. guaranteed departures... We know you want to lock in some good flight deals early so we’ve guaranteed a range of departure dates to help you plan your journey. Check out www.vodkatrain.com for more details. 8

fearless foursome bonus

Found a group of travel buddies? Looking for something a bit extra? We’ll give each Fearless Foursome not only 5% off each but a choice of an extra treat in your start or end city. It might be a slap up meal or a trip to the acrobats, or maybe a visit to an underground bunker. You choose from a bunch of offered experiences which most suits your group at the time of booking and we’ll make it happen.

honchos

Brilliant first travelling experience - a real learning curve. Honchos are a real advantage in comparison to one single tour leader as they have so much more inside knowledge. - Alice Spicer, United Kingdom

your honcho is young, fun and energetic. your local honcho is a friend in a distant city ready to share their life with you for a couple of days. a regular tour operator might call them tour guides or city guides, but they’re not, they’re honchos.

meet ksenia Ksenia is your friend from another city, she will show you how to use local transport and introduce you to the best eats, bars, nightclubs, museums or whatever you’re into. Ksenia knows her city like the back of her hand. Ask her what you want to see and she will make it happen. You will pay like a local of course! Need a hand with mundane tasks like finding an ATM, money exchange, Laundromat or internet café? Ksenia will assist you and if there is somewhere she doesn’t know she has the language skills to find out.

more of our honchos

She won’t babysit you or take you to her cousin’s restaurant, she’s there to point to you in the right direction and make sure you get the most out of your time in her wonderful city. She’ll go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure you love her city as much as she does. Most importantly Ksenia will make sure you are on the right train platform at the right time to continue your journey! Whilst you’d wing it in Barca where your “una cerveza por favor” will get you by – how’s your Mongolian getting on? The Vodkatrain is met by a friendly Honcho at every stop along the way. Honchos are your age, speak the local language and are experts when it comes to showing you their city. They’ll make sure you get off the train, get your bearings, find that raucous underground karaoke bar and then back on the train when your time has come. Being a local they love showing you around, not just to the touristy sites (which are important too!) but to the real heartbeat of the city, its people and those underground places which would normally takes weeks to find! They’re not libraries of local history, but can definitely show you where to find one. Your Honcho probably has some ideas about what you should see in their city – but there is no pressure to do any suggested activities; if you want to do your own thing they will help you with directions, a few local sayings or maybe scrawl a basic map on a napkin – then leave you to it… Honchos are usually local students who speak excellent English and love their job because they can meet people from around the world. And while it all might sound like carefree fun, Honchos undertake a training program with a more experienced Honcho who has seen or heard all of the stories and knows just what to do with a drunken sailor... Your Honchos are available from 9am until 9pm each day and some choose to stay out later for a drink. We cover all their expenses to ensure that they’ll only take you to the places they would want to go so there’s no funny business.

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y a w l i a r n a i l o g n t h e t ra n s m o

travelling from china or russia into mongolia along the trans mongolian and trans siberian railways is without a doubt one of the most epic overland journeys of all time! with your new vodkatrain travel buddies, you’ll experience the incredible culture and customs of the destinations that have continued to intrigue and entice travellers since the original completion of the trans siberian railway tracks in the early 1900’s! On any one of Vodkatrain’s Trans Mongolian Railway journeys you will cross sixteen major rivers, two deserts and enjoy the ever-changing landscapes of China, Mongolia and Russia from your train window. Did we mention that life on board the train is a destination in itself? What makes travelling along these railways so special is not only the sheer distance of your journey and the amazing destinations, but the incredible people you’ll meet along the way. From businessmen to students, teachers, monks, acrobats and musicians – you name them, they’ll be on the train and will help you make this journey a truly memorable, once in a lifetime experience!

china There is no place in the world quite like China! An imperial melting pot where fascinating culture, cuisine, history and architecture combine to create one of the most exciting and diverse countries to travel in the world! A spellbinding land of old and new, China is incredibly modern and up-to-the-minute and yet has its roots firmly planted in tradition and antiquity. Whilst in Beijing, ask your Honcho for directions to those ‘do not miss’ sights like Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven or set off downtown and walk the streets of the old hutongs. Need to refuel? Get hot tips from your Honcho on the best value eats in town and wander the lanes with your new mates to indulge in Peking Duck, delicious noodles and, of course, dumplings!

honcho highlights 1. Stroll through the trendy alley ways of Beijing’s 798 Art District and discover contemporary art galleries, cafes, unusual sculptures and vibrant street art. 2. Walk the unforgettable Great Wall of China and then either slide or zip line down! 3. Tiananmen Square - The gateway to the Forbidden City in Beijing. 4. Bust out some love ballads in the many Karaoke booths. Ask your honcho about which shady ones to avoid. 5. Do like the locals do, and participate in some morning Tai Chi.

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mongolia We’re fairly certain you’ll fall in love with the friendly people, impressive landscapes and unique vibe of the incredible land of Genghis Khan! Watch the Gobi Desert and famous rolling steppe pass you by as you stare out of the train window into the vast surrounds of this landlocked country before arriving into its thriving capital, Ulaanbaatar. Mingle with Mongolia’s forward-thinking and fashionable youth in Ulaanbaatar’s world class bars and clubs and even catch some live hip-hop combined with traditional throat singing, a favourite genre of music amongst the locals! Experience the pronounced difference between Mongolia’s urban development and traditional nomadic roots as you unwind to the postcard perfect surrounds of Terelj National Park. Here you will be welcomed into the homes and hearts of your hosts at our cosy ger camp and can fill your days with awesome outdoor activities, such as horse riding, archery or even tobogganing in the winter!

honcho highlights 1. Anyone for horse riding? Ride through semi-desert steppes until you reach the golden sand dunes. 2. Head on up to the Zaisan memorial. It’s a long climb to the top however you will be rewarded! From here the entire city is visible, the perfect photo spot! 3. Try your skills at the three “manly” sports of wrestling, archery and horse riding.

russia With the diversity of its landscapes, culture and people as big as the country itself, there is truly something for everyone in this vast nation! With some helpful tips from your local Honcho, set off to explore the roads less travelled in Siberia and be charmed by the lost-in time wooden houses and quaint villages surrounding Lake Baikal - the world’s oldest, deepest and largest fresh water lake! In Moscow and St. Petersburg, you’ll find yourself forever gazing up in awe at the colourful and quirky architecture, especially the onion-shaped domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral! Check out Moscow’s thriving underground art scene and join the locals for a drink or two at the trendy wine bars and cafes, then dance all night long to the music of legendary DJs with the city’s hip and beautiful party-goers.

honcho highlights 1. Ride an elevator down 65 meters and enter an ex-Soviet Union underground bunker command post, now the Museum of the Cold War known as Bunker 42. 2. Jump on a hydrofoil and explore the unusual secluded sights of Kizhi Island. Explore the Kizhi Island State Open-air Museum featuring the acclaimed UNESCO world heritage protected wooden architecture. 3. Founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great, The State Hermitage Museum houses over three million items, including the largest collection of paintings in the world! 11

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RUSSIA

listvyanka

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irkutsk

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lake baikal 2

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the budgeting bolshevik

mongolia

Nights spent in gers, hostels or guesthouses

china

Nights spent on the train

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terelj national park

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beijing

If you want an iconic Trans Mongolian journey whilst watching your roubles this is the adventure for you! Be prepared to travel in low season (that means less tourists) and in a lower grade of train compartment on the longest journey in order to take advantage of this money saving adventure. It might be thrifty but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the good times!

trip highlights

Head to Red Square and discover Moscow’s astonishing treasures at the Armoury.

Enjoy the scenery on a horse or camel ride through Terelj National Park in Mongolia.

DATES

itinerary: moscow to beijing 1. Arrive in Moscow – Meet your group, jump on the metro and start your journey in Red Square! 2. Moscow – Explore this great city before an afternoon departure to Irkutsk. 3. All aboard the Trans Siberian Railway – Settle into life on board. 4-5. Trans Siberian Railway – Spend time with the locals, share stories and watch the landscapes change out of the window. 6. Morning arrival in Irkutsk and to Lake Baikal – Go for a refreshing swim and try the lake’s famous, tasty fish! 7. Return to Irkutsk and board an evening train to Ulaanbaatar. 8. Trans Mongolian Railway – Catch a glimpse of your first yak in Mongolia and witness the incredible landscapes from your train window. 9. Early morning arrival into Ulaanbaatar and head out to Terelj National Park and our ger camp. 10. Ger camp and return to Ulaanbaatar – Relax in the serenity of the wide open steppe and learn about the nomadic way of life. 11. Morning departure to Beijing – Cross the legendary Gobi Desert. 12. Early afternoon arrival in Beijing and your journey ends.

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It was amazing, we had some great and unexpected experiences which really highlighted our trip across the Trans Mongolian Railway. Thanks to Vodkatrain! - Eleanor & Sam, UK

Retrace the footsteps of the Emperors and admire the spectacular Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

FROM MOSCOW TO BEIJING 2016

Legend has it that Lake Baikal has magical life extending powers. Fancy a dip?

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Admire the giant Buddha at Gandan Khiid monastery.

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PRICES

GBP EUR USD

CAD £995 €1,250 AUD $1,550 NZD

$1,850 $1,990 $2,190

HONCHO SAYS Behind Kurskiy Train Station you’ll find Winzavod, Moscow’s answer to the Meatpacking district in New York! What was once a factory has since become a series of galleries and concept stores. This super cool space is a favourite amongst the city’s rich and notorious for fashion shows and art openings! - Anastasia, Moscow

murmansk

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Nights spent in gers, hostels or guesthouses Nights spent on the train

FIN LAN D helsinki

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st.petersburg moscow

RUSSIA

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Discover the highlights of Western Russia. After visiting the Jewel of Russia, St. Petersburg, marvel at the spectacular landscapes once walked by Vikings and explorers in the Arctic Circle. Go back in time and follow in the footsteps of the Romanovs and revolutionary history in towns over a thousand years old.

trip highlights

Visit Murmansk’s unspoiled landscapes for endless days in summer and endless nights in winter. In winter if you are lucky the unpredictable rainbow lights of Aurora Borealis will dance across the sky for you!

Take off across Lake Onega via hydrofoil and explore the enchanting secluded sights of Kizhi Island. This is a not to be missed site for those who get swept away in the magic of Old Russian architecture.

Go back in time and visit the historical hub of Yaroslavl one of the main cities of the Golden Ring.

DATES

itinerary: st. petersburg to moscow 1. Arrive in St. Petersburg – Meet your Honcho and your new Vodkatrain buddies. 2. St. Petersburg - Explore the city of the Tsars and soak in the unrivalled stash of art and culture before we board our overnight train. 3. Arrive Petrozavodsk - Take a trip out to Kizhi Island one of Russia’s unmissable attractions. Early evening departure to Murmansk. 4. Arrive Murmansk. 5. Murmansk – Why not recreate your own spy fantasy aboard the 1957 NS Lenin, the world’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker? Evening departure to Arkhangelsk. 6. Late night arrival into Arkhangelsk. 7. Arkhangelsk and early evening train to Yaroslavl. 8. Check out Yaroslavl’s stunning skyline of onion domes and towering spires from the Bell Tower of the Cathedral of the Transfiguration. 9. Morning train from Yaroslavl to Niznhy Novgorod. 10. Wander Niznhy Novgorod’s mighty cliff top Kremlin. 11. Niznhy Novgorod and to Kazan. 12. Arrive Kazan in the early hours of the morning. 13. Kazan 14. Head to Kazan’s bustling Bauman Street for some top-notch people watching before we board our final train to Moscow. 15. Early morning arrival to Moscow. Tour concludes.

FROMFROM ST. PETERSBURG MOSCOW GKMBBOSM MOSCOW TO TOBEIJING 20152016CODE:CODE:

Start Start

End End

Start Start

End End

17 May

31 May

27 Sep

11 Oct

FROM ST. PETERSBURG TO MOSCOW 2017 Visit Arkhangelsk, a traditional Russian city inside the Arctic Circle.

CODE: BOSM

Start

End

Start

End

16 May

30 May

26 Sep

10 Oct

PRICES

GBP EUR USD

£1,535 CAD €2,100 AUD $2,400 NZD

$3,170 $3,320 $3,650

Enjoy the quirky and colourful architecture in the culture hub that is Moscow.

ask us about extending your trip to helsinki, finland. head to page 33 for more information about further experiences

13

the wild nomad

bounce upon your bactrian camel (and bus!) across the untamed land of the nomad! this wild encounter takes you deep into the untouched wilderness where dramatic gorges, abundant wildlife, sparkling lakes and a way of life has remained unchanged for centuries. Harness your inner Genghis Khan as you head deep into the heart of Mongolia. You’ll witness the sheer diversity of this unique country, culture and landscapes. Hunt for dinosaur fossils, mingle with ruby-robed monks, unwind in steamy volcanic hot springs and dip into the life of the Mongolian nomads where you can ride Prezwalski horses as the Mongol Horde once did through breathtaking scenery.

trip highlights

After racing around on a camel, fancy a dip? Admire the beautiful Orkhon River waterfall and chill out by the river.

travellers’ tales...

“What an incredible experience my journey has been - I couldn’t recommend it highly enough! The journey has changed my life. If you are looking for an adventure that you will look back on for years, then you should just do it!” - Darren Sebire, Australia

Don’t forget your swim suit! After hiking to the Khorgo Volcano it’s time to revive at the Tsenkher Hot Springs.

Enjoy the serenity with some creature comforts in your ger camp.

spend time with your friendly hos

14

ts in mongolia

Ask one of our Travel Advisors about festivals in Mongolia close to your departure date. The unique Naadam festival or the Golden Eagle festival are incredible and not to be missed!

mongolia

khovsgol 2 lake

jargal jiguur

khorgo volcano

1

moron

1

bulgan 1

tsenkher hot springs ALT orkhon waterfalls 1 AI M kharkhorin 1 (gobi) U

1

ulaanbaatar

baga gazriin chuluu

ships of the desert

O

NT

2

1

AIN

S

1

khongor sand dunes Nights spent in gers/camp

bayanzag 1

1

yol valley

1

DE I B GO

R SE

T

hanging outside

Nights spent in hostels

the ger

DATES

FROM ULAANBAATAR TO ULAANBAATAR 2016 End

Start

End

20 May 15 Jul

04 Jun 30 Jul

12 Aug

27 Aug

FROM ULAANBAATAR TO ULAANBAATAR 2017

Explore the impressive Gobi Desert.

CODE: WNUU

Start

End

Start

End

19 May 14 Jul

03 Jun 29 Jul

11 Aug

26 Aug

Dress up like Genghis!

PRICES

itinerary: ulaanbaatar to ulaanbaatar 1. Arrive Ulaanbaatar. 2. Drive to the magnificent Amarbayasgalant Monastery, built from 1727-1736 without using a single nail! 3. Set off on your journey to Bulgan. 4. Bulgan and to Khovsgol Lake, the Blue Pearl of Mongolia via Murum. 5. Spend the day hiking, reindeer riding and experiencing the life of a nomad at the lake. 6. Khovsogol Lake and to Jargal Jiguur. 7. Drive to Khorgo National Park - Hike to Khorgo Volcano and White Lake, exploring the dozens of caverns that surround it. 8. Soak in the healing qualities of Tsenkher Hot Springs. 9. Continue your journey to the picturesque Orkhon Valley – Anyone for fishing? 10. Head south into the Gobi Desert stopping en route at Kharkhorin. 11. Saikhan Ovoo and to the impressive Khongor Sand Dunes which stretch for 100km, are 12 km wide and 200m tall. 12. Search for your own dinosaur fossils in Bayanzag’s dinosaur cemetery and see the unique Flaming Cliffs. 13. Drive from Bayanzag to the incredible Yol Valley and the Gobi Glacier. 14. Visit the remote area of Baga Gazariin Chuluu scattered with tributes to the land and its ancestors. 15. Make your way back through the Mongolian steppe to the city lights of Ulaanbaatar. 16. Your Wild Nomad journey comes to an end.

CODE: WNUU

Start

GBP EUR USD

£1,385 CAD €1,895 AUD $2,165 NZD

$2,860 $3,080 $3,390

Marvel at the rolling steppe.

Ask us about the Golden Eagle Festival.

Sharpen up those archery skills! Enjoy traditional nomadic hospitality.

15

the genghis khan

saddle up and ride the lands of genghis khan, discover moscow’s uber-cool hangouts and have your senses bombarded in beijing. get ready for an epic jam-packed and vodka infused adventure across the trans mongolian and trans siberian railways! Just because you are a bit tight on time it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a Trans Mongolian adventure. Delve into history in Moscow, experience traditional Mongolian hospitality at a ger camp and try exotic delicacies at the Beijing night markets. Hit three countries and do all this in two weeks - now that’s what we call an adventure!

trip highlights

Filled with painters, matryoshka dolls, musicians and souvenirs, don’t miss the eclectic Arbat Street in Moscow.

Travellers’ Tales...

”It’s not every day that you get to ride the horses around Terelj National Park in Mongolia with postcard perfect views. It was definitely one of those ‘Oh my gosh, I’m actually here’ moments.” – Ryan, Australia

Pound the ancient pavement of the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China – one for the bucket list!

A visit to Beijing is not complete without a night spent at Dong Hua Men Night Market with vendors offering everything from scorpion skewers and smelly tofu to duck pancakes and crab cakes!

cruise down the moscow river

16

Dress like a traditional Mongolian in Terelj National Park!

RUSSIA 4

2

moscow ulaanbaatar

3

2

mongolia

practice your archer

y skills in mongoli

live like the noma

ds, mongolia

a

china

terelj national park 2

beijing


DATES Start Start

FROM FROM MOSCOW MOSCOW TO TO BEIJING BEIJING 2016 2015

07 Mar 25 Apr 30 May 20 Jun

Start Start

End End

20 Mar 08 May 12 Jun 03 Jul

04 Jul 25 Jul 19 Sep 17 Oct

17 Jul 07 Aug 02 Oct 30 Oct


Discover the Gandan Khiid monastery in Ulaanbaatar.

Ask your honcho for the ‘best of’ street food.

itinerary: moscow to beijing 1. Arrive in Moscow - Meet your group and Honcho. 2. Moscow – Check out the Kremlin, pay a visit to Lenin or travel on the dazzling metro system. 3. Moscow and evening departure to Ulaanbaatar – All aboard the Trans Siberian Railway! 4-7. Trans Siberian Railway – Settle in to life on board, spend time with the locals, share stories and watch the landscapes change out the window. 8. Morning arrival in Ulaanbaatar – Get a great view of the town from the Zaisan Memorial or mingle with monks at the Gaandan Khiid Monastery. 9. Head out to Terelj National Park and our ger camp – Relax in the fresh air and sample some nomadic delicacies. 10. Ger camp and return to Ulaanbaatar – Climb Turtle Rock or play some pool with the locals in the wilderness. 11. Morning departure for Beijing – Enjoy the final train journey and an impressive change of wheels at the border. 12. Afternoon arrival into Beijing – Explore the hutongs and night markets. 13. Beijing – Ride a bicycle around to get an idea of the scale of the city and the metro to grasp the density of the population. 14. Finish in Beijing – Time to farewell your new friends.

Share some snacks and Vodka with your new friends.

1. Start your journey in Beijing – meet your new travel buddies and Honcho! 2. Beijing – Ride a bicycle around to get an idea of the scale of the city, or travel by metro to grasp the density of the population. 3. Morning departure for Ulaanbaatar – All aboard the Trans Mongolian Railway! 4. Afternoon arrival into Ulaanbaatar – Check out this quirky capital. 5. Head out to Terelj National Park and ger camp – Relax in the fresh air and sample some nomadic delicacies. 6. Terelj National Park – Climb Turtle Rock or play some pool with the locals in the wilderness. 7. Ger camp and return to Ulaanbaatar. 8. Ulaanbaatar - Get a great view of the town from the Zaisan Memorial or mingle with the monks at the Gaandan Khiid monastery. 9. Ulaanbaatar and afternoon departure for Moscow – Settle into life on board. 10. Trans Mongolian Railway - Cross the border into Russia and watch the landscape change as you enter Siberia. 11-12. Trans Siberian Railway – Spend time with the locals, exchange stories and share food in the dining car! 13. Early afternoon arrival into Moscow and start exploring. 14. Moscow – Get lost in the maze of little streets in Kuzetsky or discover old Moscow. 15. Moscow – End your journey and farewell your new friends. *Map shown corresponds to this journey direction.

End

Start

End

06 Mar 24 Apr 29 May 19 Jun

19 Mar 07 May 11 Jun 02 Jul

03 Jul 24 Jul 18 Sep 16 Oct

16 Jul 06 Aug 01 Oct 29 Oct

GBP EUR USD

£1,125 CAD €1,540 AUD $1,740 NZD

FROM BEIJING TO MOSCOW 2016 * * * * *

CODE: GKMB

Start

PRICES

itinerary: beijing to moscow

CODE: GKMB GKMB CODE:

End End

$2,280 $2,345 $2,580

CODE: GKBM

Start

End

Start

End

23 Mar 20 Apr 04 May 01 Jun 15 Jun

06 Apr 04 May 18 May 15 Jun 29 Jun

07 Jul 04 Aug 08 Sep 22 Sep

21 Jul 18 Aug 22 Sep 06 Oct

FROM BEIJING TO MOSCOW 2017 Start 23 Mar 20 Apr 04 May * 31 May * 14 Jun

End 06 Apr 04 May 18 May 14 Jun 28 Jun

* * * *

CODE: GKBM

Start

End

05 Jul 02 Aug 06 Sep 20 Sep

19 Jul 16 Aug 20 Sep 04 Oct

* Due to rail schedules, dates marked (*) have one less night in Beijing and Moscow, two extra nights on trains and a day trip to Hohhot.

PRICES

GBP EUR USD

£1,220 CAD €1,670 AUD $1,890 NZD

$2,495 $2,520 $2,770

17

the vodkatrain

no it’s not all vodka and babushkas! this is a legendary journey riding the rails through fascinating cultures and diverse landscapes along the trans siberian and trans mongolian railway visiting incredible cities along the way! This is the classic Trans Mongolian journey. Visit all the best places from Russia’s ‘Venice of the North’ through to electrifying Beijing. You’ll stay with the nomads in Mongolia and party in quirky Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy a dip in Lake Baikal after a few nights on the train and absorb fascinating history in Moscow or while strolling along the Great Wall.

trip highlights

Head to Terelj National Park to experience nomadic life and catch some Zzz’s in a cosy ger - the traditional home of nomads!


“Just got done with THE Vodkatrain. Had an AWESOME time!” – Ryan Rogers, America

Test out your haggling skills in one of the many colourful markets in Beijing. It’s a riot!

Towering at 27 metres high the Golden Buddha of Ulaanbaatar is a sight to be seen!

get your culture fix at the hermitag

e

Check out the impressive collection of art (over 3 million pieces!) at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

18

1

RUSSIA

st. petersburg 1 2

moscow

1

3

2

kazan

lake baikal

listvyanka 1 irkutsk

2

ulaanbaatar

1


2

mongolia

st. petersburg, russia

check out the street

art of ulaanbaatar

1

china

beijing

3


DATES

FROMFROM ST.MOSCOW PETERSBURG TO BEIJING GKMBVTSB TO BEIJING 20152016CODE:CODE:

Admire the quirky houses in Listvyanka.

itinerary: st. petersburg to beijing 1. Arrive in St. Petersburg. 2. St. Petersburg – Visit the Grand Avenue of Nevsky Prospekt! 3. St. Petersburg and overnight train to Moscow. 4. Arrive in Moscow – Discover the colourful architecture of Red Square. 5. Moscow – Pack a picnic and spend some time in Gorky Park. 6. Moscow and an afternoon departure to Irkutsk. 7-9. Trans Siberian Railway – Head down to the dining car and practice your Russian. 10. Morning arrival in Irkutsk and head out to Lake Baikal. 11. Lake Baikal – Soak in the scenery and enjoy a hike along its beautiful shores. 12. Head back to Irkutsk and depart for Ulaanbaatar in the evening. 13. Trans Mongolian Railway. 14. Early morning arrival into Ulaanbaatar – Welcome to the land of Genghis Khan! 15. Terelj National Park – Settle into life as a nomad staying in our ger camp. 16. Terelj National Park – Explore the Aryabal Temple. 17. Ger camp and return to Ulaanbaatar. 18. Morning departure for Beijing – Back on the train through the Gobi Desert and cross your final border into China. 19. Early afternoon arrival into Beijing – Check out the hutongs, markets or Tiananmen Square. 20. Beijing - Peking Duck anyone? 21. Finish in Beijing – Your epic journey is complete!

People watch in Tiananmen Square.

itinerary: beijing to st. petersburg 1. Start your journey in Beijing. 2. Beijing – Peking Duck anyone? 3. Beijing – Take a wander through the hutongs and bargain in the markets. 4. Morning departure aboard the Trans Mongolian Railway. 5. Early afternoon arrival into Ulaanbaatar – Enjoy the nightlife in this quirky capital. 6. Head out to Terelj National Park and ger camp. 7. Terelj National Park – Settle into life as a nomad staying in our ger camp. 8. Return to Ulaanbaatar and depart for Irkutsk in the evening. 9. Trans Mongolian Railway. 10. Morning arrival into Irkutsk and head out to Lake Baikal – Welcome to Siberia! 11. Lake Baikal – Pack a picnic and enjoy a hike along its beautiful shores before returning to Irkutsk and a late evening departure for Kazan. 12. All aboard the Trans Siberian Railway! 13. Trans Siberian Railway – Head down to the dining car and practice your Russian. 14. Arrive in Kazan in the afternoon, the capital of Tartarstan. 15. A full day to enjoy the sights of this fascinating city and to party the night away. 16. Kazan – a final day to explore before journeying to Moscow overnight. 17. Arrive Moscow – Spend some time in Gorky Park – a favourite amongst locals. 18. Moscow – explore the sights of Red Square. 19. Moscow and overnight train to St. Petersburg. 20. St. Petersburg – Take in the sights and discover the local live music scene, your Honcho is sure to have some favourites. 21. St. Petersburg – Your journey ends. *Map shown corresponds to this journey direction.

Start Start

End End

Start Start

End End

25 Jan 28 Mar 11 Apr 02 May 09 May 13 Jun 27 Jun 11 Jul

14 Feb 17 Apr 01 May 22 May 29 May 03 Jul 17 Jul 31 Jul

01 Aug 15 Aug 29 Aug 05 Sep 12 Sep 03 Oct 14 Nov 12 Dec

21 Aug 04 Sep 18 Sep 25 Sep 02 Oct 23 Oct 04 Dec 01 Jan

FROM ST. PETERSBURG TO BEIJING 2017

CODE: VTSB

Start

End

Start

End

23 Jan 27 Mar 10 Apr 01 May 08 May 12 Jun 26 Jun 10 Jul

12 Feb 16 Apr 30 Apr 21 May 28 May 02 Jul 16 Jul 30 Jul

31 Jul 14 Aug 28 Aug 04 Sep 11 Sep 02 Oct 13 Nov 11 Dec

20 Aug 03 Sep 17 Sep 24 Sep 01 Oct 22 Oct 03 Dec 31 Dec

FROM BEIJING TO ST. PETERSBURG 2016

CODE: VTBS

Start

End

Start

End

27 Feb 12 Mar 02 Apr 30 Apr 14 May 08 Jun 22 Jun 06 Jul

18 Mar 01 Apr 22 Apr 20 May 03 Jun 28 Jun 12 Jul 26 Jul

20 Jul 27 Jul 10 Aug 31 Aug 14 Sep 28 Sep 12 Oct 02 Nov

09 Aug 16 Aug 30 Aug 20 Sep 04 Oct 18 Oct 01 Nov 22 Nov


CODE: VTBS

Start

End

Start

End

22 Feb 08 Mar 29 Mar 26 Apr 10 May 10 Jun 24 Jun 08 Jul

14 Mar 28 Mar 18 Apr 16 May 30 May 30 Jun 14 Jul 28 Jul

23 Jul 29 Jul 12 Aug 27 Aug 16 Sep 30 Sep 14 Oct 04 Nov

12 Aug 18 Aug 01 Sep 16 Sep 06 Oct 20 Oct 03 Nov 24 Nov

PRICES

GBP EUR USD

£1,830 €2,480 $2,820

CAD AUD NZD

$3,675 $3,945 $4,340

19

the cossack

get off the beaten track! explore medieval russia, visit the ethnically diverse region around ulan-ude and see the unique ecosystem of bayangobi. you’ll certainly reap the rewards of diving a little deeper into this fascinating region! See and do more on this once in a lifetime adventure. You’ll have stops in the unusual and interesting destinations of Suzdal and Ulan Ude and spend more time in Mongolia enabling you to travel to Kharkhorin, the remote ancient capital of Genghis Khan. In the summer we even include some extras!

trip highlights

Built as a royal playground for Emperors living in the Forbidden City, Beijing’s Beihai Park is an absolute feast for the eyes!


“It’s a very well organised tour and given the countries you travel through, having a honcho there to help with language barriers was awesome.” - Megan Loy, UK

Embark on an excursion outside of Ulan Ude that takes you back to a culture that exists as it has for centuries at the Old Believers Village.

Head out to the Great Wall and marvel at this enduring feat of engineering.

build a mongolian ger!

Hang out in the famous Gorky central park. Sprinkled in statues this place is a hot spot for sun-worshipers and young Moscovians. 20

2

moscow

suzdal 1

1

3

1

RUSSIA

listvyanka

kazan

irkutsk kharkhorin bayangobi 1

lake baikal

2 1

1

ulan ude

1 1

2

mongolia

all aboard the cos

kremlin, kazan sack!

china

ulaanbaatar 2

hohhot

1 1

2

beijing


itinerary: moscow to beijing 1. Arrive in Moscow – Choose your own adventure, maybe the Kremlin, a visit to Lenin or travel on the dazzling metro system. 2. Moscow – Chill out in Gorky Park. 3. Transfer from Moscow to Suzdal. 4. Suzdal – Experience your first Russian Banya! 5. Transfer to Murom and evening departure for Kazan. 6. Morning arrival into Kazan – A mesmerising mix of cultures and religions in the capital of Tatarstan. Evening departure for Irkutsk. 7-9. Trans Siberian Railway - Perfect your card skills with the locals! 10. Morning arrival into Irkutsk and head out to Lake Baikal. 11. Lake Baikal – Witness the magnificent views as you hike along its shores. 12. Lake Baikal and return to Irkutsk for the evening train to Ulan Ude. 13. Morning arrival into Ulan Ude – Russia’s home of Buddhism and the world’s biggest statue of Lenin’s head. What more could you want? 14. Morning departure on the Trans Mongolian Railway. 15. Morning arrival into Ulaanbaatar – Explore Mongolia’s quirky capital. 16. Bayangobi (ger camp) – Enjoy your first night as a nomad. 17. Kharkhorin (ger camp) – Genghis Khan’s capital set on the sweeping steppe will amaze. 18. Kharkhorin (ger camp) – Learn to play the game of knuckle bones. 19. Return to Ulaanbaatar. 20. Morning departure from Ulaanbaatar for Beijing. 21. Early afternoon arrival into Beijing. 22. Beijing – Perhaps journey out to the Great Wall or chill out by Beihai Lake. 23. Beijing – Wander the hutongs and markets as your journey ends.

itinerary: beijing to moscow 1. Beijing – Get to know your group over a feast of Peking Duck 2. Beijing – How about a trip to the acrobats? 3. Evening departure on the Trans Mongolian Railway. 4. Early morning arrival into Hohhot – Inner Mongolia awaits. 5. Evening departure to Ulaanbaatar. 6. Trans Mongolian Railway – Look out for camels and gers as you pass through the countryside. 7. Late morning arrival into Ulaanbaatar. 8. Bayangobi (ger camp) – Settle down for the night as a nomad. 9. Kharkhorin (ger camp) – Genghis Khan’s capital set on the sweeping steppe will amaze. 10. Kharkhorin and return to Ulaanbaatar. 11. Explore Ulaanbaatar and depart for Ulan Ude in the evening. 12. Evening arrival into Ulan Ude – Russia’s home of Buddhism and the world’s biggest statue of Lenin’s head. What more could you want? 13. Ulan Ude and evening departure for Irkutsk. 14-15. Early morning arrival into Lake Baikal – Explore the natural beauty of the world’s largest freshwater lake. 16. Return to Irkutsk and depart for Kazan in the late evening. 17-18. Trans Siberian Railway – Watch the scenery change as you pass from Asia to Europe across the Urals. 19. Late afternoon arrival in Kazan – Home of the Tatars. 20. Evening departure for Murom. 21. Early morning arrival into Murom and transfer to Suzdal – Time for one final banya? 22. Transfer to Moscow. 23. Moscow – No trip is complete without a visit to Sparrow Hills to spot the Seven Sisters. 24. Moscow – Your journey concludes.

DATES Start Start

FROM FROM MOSCOW MOSCOW TO TO BEIJING BEIJING 2016 2015

11 Jun 25 Jun

CODE: GKMB CKMB CODE:

End End

Start Start

End End

03 Jul 17 Jul

13 Aug 17 Sep

04 Sep 09 Oct

All tours include summer extras


CODE: CKMB

Start

End

Start

End

03 Jun 17 Jun

25 Jun 09 Jul

05 Aug 09 Sep

27 Aug 01 Oct


PRICES

GBP EUR USD

£2,180 CAD € 2,990 AUD $3,410 NZD

FROM BEIJING TO MOSCOW 2016

$4,490 $4,685 $5,155

CODE: CKBM

Start

End

Start

End

26 May 23 Jun

18 Jun 16 Jul

11 Jul 01 Sep

03 Aug 24 Sep


FROM BEIJING TO MOSCOW 2017

CODE: CKBM

Start

End

Start

End

18 May 15 Jun

10 Jun 08 Jul

13 Jul 07 Sep

05 Aug 30 Sep


PRICES

GBP EUR USD

£2,275 CAD € 3,115 AUD $3,555 NZD

$4,690 $4,945 $5,440

*Map shown corresponds to this journey direction.

• Traditional Russian banya (sauna) in Suzdal. • Visit the Huanghuangcheng section of the Great Wall outside of Beijing. • Ger building in Mongolia. • A trip to the rural hideaway village of Bolshiye Koty in Lake Baikal.

21

the ruski huski

go for a “full on” adventure on this traditional winter trans siberian / mongolian experience. this is a boots ‘n’ all trip for the hardiest of travellers, jump on the back of your sled and get mushing! Think snow, big furry Russian hats, temperatures well below zero, oh, and probably some vodka too! The Ruski Huski is a special winter itinerary that offers you the chance to go dog sledding if you are brave enough! We’ve also included some winter activities to keep you warm; try your hand at Mongolian cooking and experience a Russian sauna. Mush!

trip highlights

Go dog sledding in Siberia surrounded by the most incredible scenery imaginable!


“Such an amazing adventure. Made great friends and went to beautiful places and learnt so much about how other people live.” - Jamie O’Donovan, Australia

Race your mates down the rolling slopes of Terelj National Park on toboggans!

Climb the incredible and world’s longest man-made structure, The Great Wall.

to snow mobile or hovercraft? Move over Whistler. Lake Baikal is a winter wonderland! Ask us about other special winter activities you can arrange locally. You can be as out there or relaxed as you want to be. Skiing, snow boarding, ice fishing, snowmobiling, hover-crafting are just some options! 22

1

RUSSIA

st. petersburg 1

listvyanka

4

1

moscow

irkutsk

lake baikal

3

2

ulaanbaatar

1

2

mongolia

cheeky eagle, mong

Cooking class, Mo

ngolia

olia



1 2

china

beijing

DATES

FROMFROM ST.MOSCOW PETERSBURG TO BEIJING GKMBRHSB TO BEIJING 20152016CODE:CODE:

itinerary: st. petersburg to beijing 1. Arrive in St. Petersburg - Let the journey begin! 2. Explore the unimaginable treasure trove of sights St. Petersburg has to offer before boarding our overnight train to Moscow. 3. Hello Moscow! Visit Moscow’s iconic Red Square and see St. Basil’s Cathedral lit up like a fairytale in the snow. 4. Visit Moscow’s infamous GUM department store it is architecturally stunning! Early afternoon we board our train to Siberia. 5-8. Early morning arrival into Irkutsk and a short onward journey to Lake Baikal – Fancy going for a hovercraft ride over the ice? 9. Lake Baikal - do you want to say hello to the huskies? 10. Return to Irkutsk for an evening train to Ulaanbaatar. 11. Trans Mongolian Railway. 12. Early morning arrival into Ulaanbaatar – Explore Mongolia’s quirky capital. 13. Terelj National Park and ger camp – Hang out with some nomads and go tobogganing in the snow! 14. Terelj National Park and ger camp – A magical morning awaits, why not enjoy a horse ride through the snow covered landscape? 15. Ger camp and return to Ulaanbaatar. 16. Morning departure to Beijing on the Trans Mongolian Railway. 17. Arrive in Beijing in the early afternoon and start exploring. 18. Beijing – Get lost in hutongs and take in the smells, sights and sounds of traditional Beijing. 19. Beijing – Your journey concludes.

itinerary: beijing to st. petersburg 1. Arrive in Beijing – Meet your Honcho and start exploring. 2. Beijing – See the Great Wall covered in snow, check out the Tiananmen Square or visit the bustling night markets. 3. Morning departure to Ulaanbaatar on the Trans Mongolian Railway. 4. Early afternoon arrival in Ulaanbaatar. 5. Venture out to Terelj National Park and our ger camp. 6. Terelj National Park and ger camp – Jump on a toboggan and race your friends or just enjoy the views. 7. Return to Ulaanbaatar for an evening departure to Irkutsk. 8. Trans Mongolian Railway – Make some new friends in the dining car. 9. Morning arrival in Irkutsk and head out to Lake Baikal. 10. Lake Baikal – Are you brave enough to walk on the ice? 11. Lake Baikal - Perhaps time to try your hand at dog sledding? 12. Return to Irkutsk for an early evening departure to Moscow. 13-15. Trans Siberian Railway. 16. Early morning arrival in Moscow – Perhaps some ice-skating in Red Square? 17. See Moscow’s palatial underground Metro before our overnight train to St. Petersburg. 18. Arrive into the imperial capital of St. Petersburg mid morning. 19. St. Petersburg – Your Ruski Huski journey concludes.

Start Start

End End

Start Start

End End

30 Dec 06 Jan 20 Jan 03 Feb 17 Feb 02 Mar

17 Jan 24 Jan 07 Feb 21 Feb 06 Mar 20 Mar

16 Mar 02 Nov 23 Nov 07 Dec 28 Dec

03 Apr 20 Nov 11 Dec 25 Dec 15 Jan

FROM ST. PETERSBURG TO BEIJING 2017

CODE: RHSB

Start

End

Start

End

04 Jan 11 Jan 18 Jan 01 Feb 15 Feb 01 Mar

22 Jan 29 Jan 05 Feb 19 Feb 05 Mar 19 Mar

15 Mar 01 Nov 22 Nov 06 Dec 27 Dec

02 Apr 19 Nov 10 Dec 24 Dec 14 Jan


CODE: RHBS

Start

End

Start

End

10 Jan 24 Jan 14 Feb 13 Mar

28 Jan 11 Feb 03 Mar 31 Mar

10 Nov 24 Nov 08 Dec 15 Dec

28 Nov 12 Dec 26 Dec 02 Jan


CODE: RHBS

Start

End

Start

End

12 Jan 26 Jan 16 Feb 16 Mar

30 Jan 13 Feb 06 Mar 03 Apr

12 Nov 26 Nov 10 Dec 17 Dec

30 Nov 14 Dec 28 Dec 04 Jan

PRICES

GBP EUR USD

£1,670 CAD € 2,290 AUD $2,610 NZD

$3,445 $3,440 $3,785

*Map shown corresponds to this journey direction.

To heat up your Ruski Huski experience we have thrown in some special winter activities for your journey! Learn how to cook up a storm with a Mongolian cookery class and have the chance to relax in a traditional Russian banya!

23

d a o r k l i s e h t g explorin

traversed by traders carrying everything from silk to silver for centuries, today the caravans of camels have been replaced with a rail network that will carry you from turkey, to the ancient cities in iran, turkmenistan, kazakhstan and uzbekistan. follow the footsteps of legendary marauders and explorers through dramatic landscapes, experience diverse religions and ancient architecture as well as the treasures and abundant riches of the fabled silk road. to experience these destinations is to be transported to an ancient time from the pages of a fairytale, along the way receiving a warm welcome as travellers have done for millennia.

kazakhstan

Smack bang in the center of Eurasia, Kazakhstan is an adventure seekers delight. With a spectacular outdoor playground of mighty snow-capped mountains, glaciers, canyons, wide-open steppe and more Kazakhstan won’t remain a secret for long! Once the country’s capital, the cosmopolitan city of Almaty has a hefty Russian influence with a European vibe. Leafy boulevards are lined with chic cafes, glitzy fashion boutiques, fine restaurants, atmospheric clubs and illuminated fountains that dance through the night. 24

turkey

iran

Boasting an epic history that has inspired blockbuster movies with colourful characters from Ottoman Sultans to Roman Emperors, Turkey has many stories to tell! With some of the best cuisine to tantalise your taste buds as well as the harmonious fusion of the exotic and the familiar, the old and new, it is no surprise that Turkey has piqued the interest of so many travellers as well as tyrants over the centuries.

Iran is a true travel gem, the shining jewel of the Middle East that is simply extraordinary. Apart from having its fair share of sublime architecture, enchanting mosques, ancient Persian relics and hospitable people what makes Iran unique is the atmospheric teahouses, bustling bazaars and ancient culture that intertwines with the sophisticated, modern day hustle and bustle of urban life.

uzbekistan

turkmenistan

Uzbekistan’s glittering cities of Samarkand and Bukhara appear straight from the pages of an Arabian Nights fable with a spellbinding array of ancient gems. Reaping the riches of the Silk Road Tamerlane set out to make Samarkand the richest city on earth and succeeded leaving a legacy of jaw-dropping architecture.

Oozing history and quirkiness, Turkmenistan and its people have overcome the oppression of authority to offer a level of hospitality that is the stuff of legends! Proud of their heritage, local women are draped in vibrant headscarves that rest on top of traditional Turkmen tunics with intricate motifs and men don high, sheepskin hats, a Telpek. Prior to independence the country’s capital city, Ashgabat was a fairly nondescript post-soviet city however recent years has seen it transformed into a gleaming white manicured metropolis!

honcho highlights · Soak in the ambience of Bukhara’s teahouses under a mulberry tree in Lyabi-Hauz. · Get amongst the hyper-activity of Tashkent’s Chorsu Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest bazaar’s in Central Asia. · Take the cable car up to Kok-Tobe for breathtaking views over Almaty’s mountains, vineyards and city. · Visit Tehran’s National Jewels Treasury the world’s largest pink diamond and other mind-boggling pieces have to be seen to be believed!

25

the marco polo

in the footsteps of the grandfather of wanderlust! traverse the deserts and mountains of the ancient silk road; discover the jewels of persia, the carpets of uzbekistan and the dumplings of china. Traverse deserts and mountains, exploring the fabled old Silk Road in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and of course Marco Polo. Discover the jewels of ancient Persia and the caravanserai of Old Turkestan where tea, silk and spices have been traded for over a millennia on this journey, well off the beaten track.

trip highlights

Test out your haggling skills at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, it’s the most fantastic monstrous and totally manic shopping bazaar you could hope to experience!


“One year ago today I was in Buhkara on the Silk Road journey. Bloody awesome trip Vodkatrain! I Hope to go back to Bukhara, it certainly is an oasis in the desert!” - Braden Hamilton, Australia

Stand amongst glimmering turquoise minarets in the spectacular Po-i-Kalyan mosque in Bukhara.

Experiencing Iranian hospitality is bound to be a highlight of your Marco Polo journey.

vodkatrain vlogger, india parish “In Bukhara every street is picturesque, the tiles and colourful buildings are the colour of sand, and the town is scattered with mosques and Madrasahs.

26

We had saffron tea and cinnamon coffee at another caravanserai and explored bazaars full of local silk scarves, handmade knives and handmade backgammon boards”.

kazakhstan ankara

istanbul

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2

turkey

ashgabat 1

uzb

eki

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1 1

2 1

isfahan

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h ke

nt

1

1

almaty

2

turkmenistan 3 2 1

tehran

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tas

mashhad

samarkand bukhara

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beijing

urumqi

china

1

1

Nights spent in gers, hostels or guesthouses Nights spent on the train or bus Travel by bus

meet the locals in

bukhara

miniature art

DATES Start Start

itinerary: istanbul to beijing 1. Istanbul – Meet your new friends and perhaps relax in a hamam before your adventure begins. 2. Train to Ankara – Explore Ankara in the afternoon and catch the sunset over the city from the hilltop castle. 3. Board the bus to Tehran. 4. Arrive into Tehran late this evening. 5. Explore Iran’s modern capital in the morning before transferring to Isfahan. 6. Set off on your journey to Isfahan. 7. Isfahan – Discover the mosaic-clad jewel of ancient Persia. 8. Isfahan and afternoon departure for Mashhad. 9. Morning arrival in Mashhad – Don’t miss the spectacular shrine of Imam Reza. 10. Cross the Kopet Dag mountains into Turkmenistan and explore Ashgabat. 11. Ashgabat – Discover this city of white marble before an overnight train to Turkmenabat. 12. Arrive in Turkmenabat and transfer to Bukhara in Uzbekistan. 13. Bukhara – Relax by the leafy ponds and watch centuries of life unfold. 14. Morning train to Samarkand – Witness the amazing Registan! 15. Samarkand – Home to breathtaking monuments and glittering minarets, all for you to explore. 16. Morning in Samarkand and afternoon in Tashkent. 17. Tashkent – Head to the Chorsu Bazaar before departing for Almaty. 18. Almaty – Welcome to Kazakhstan! 19. Almaty – Stroll the leafy streets of this cosmopolitan city. 20. Almaty and depart for Urumqi late in the evening. 21. Train to Urumqi – Pass through the Dzungarian gate, an ancient Silk Road trade route. 22. Morning arrival in Urumqi – Furthest city in the world from the ocean! 23. Depart for Beijing. 24. Arrive in Beijing and spend the day wandering through Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. 25. Your epic Silk Road journey concludes!

itinerary: beijing to istanbul 1. Arrive Beijing – Feast with your Honcho and new travel buddies. 2. Morning departure for Urumqi. 3. Evening arrival in Urumqi – Home to China’s Uyghur people. 4. Urumqi – Explore the furthest city in the world from the ocean before a late evening departure for Almaty. 5. Train to Almaty – Pass through the Dzungarian gate, an ancient Silk Road trade route. 6. Arrive in Almaty – Welcome to Kazakhstan! 7. Almaty – Stroll the leafy streets of this cosmopolitan city before a short journey to Tashkent. 8. Morning train to Samarkand – Home to breathtaking monuments and glittering minarets. 9. Samarkand – Witness the amazing Registan! 10. Morning in Samarkand and afternoon in Bukhara. 11. Bukhara – Relax by the leafy ponds and watch centuries of life unfold. 12. Bukhara – Witness the imposing Ark and impressive Kalyan minaret. 13. Depart Bukhara for Ashgabat. 14. Early morning arrival in Ashgabat – Discover this eccentric city of white marble. 15. Depart Ashgabat for Mashhad – Cross the Kopet Day Mountains into Iran. 16. Mashhad and afternoon departure for Isfahan. 17. Morning arrival in Isfahan – Discover the mosaic-clad jewel of ancient Persia. 18. Isfahan – Wander the Grand Bazaar and pick your self up a prized rug. 19. Isfahan and overnight train to Tehran. 20. Explore Tehran and depart for Ankara by bus at lunchtime. 21. Arrive late this evening into Ankara. 22. Explore Turkey’s capital and check out the views from the hilltop castle. 23. Morning train to Istanbul – Soak away any aches from your journey in a hamam! 24. Istanbul – shop to your heart’s content in the bazaar! 25. Istanbul – Farewell your new friends and set off to discover more of this great country! *Map shown corresponds to this journey direction.

CODE:GKMB MPIB FROM BEIJING2015 2016 CODE: FROM ISTANBUL MOSCOW TOTOBEIJING

16 May 29 Aug

End End

Start Start

End End

09 Jun 22 Sep

12 Sep

06 Oct

FROM ISTANBUL TO BEIJING 2017

CODE: MPIB

Start

End

Start

End

15 May 28 Aug

08 Jun 21 Sep

11 Sep

05 Oct

FROM BEIJING TO ISTANBUL 2016

CODE: MPBI

Start

End

Start

End

20 May 26 Aug

13 Jun 19 Sep

16 Sep

10 Oct

FROM BEIJING TO ISTANBUL 2017

CODE: MPBI

Start

End

Start

End

19 May 25 Aug

12 Jun 18 Sep

15 Sep

09 Oct

PRICES

GBP EUR USD

£2,430 CAD €3,330 AUD $3,795 NZD

$4,995 $5,130 $5,645

27

Prefer to do your own thing? Make Your Own Adventure and you can decide how long you want to stay in each city and when you want to go (if trains timetables allow of course!). Plan your journey with your other half, your wolf pack or even your mum. With Make Your Own Adventure (M.Y.O) there are no age restrictions and you can pick and choose where you want to go. Time to get the pen out and start ticking off your hot list! In each city we offer a bunch of different options including accommodation, transfers, trains and Honchos. You get to pick the fun stuff and we’ll deal with the bureaucratic visa support to make sure you have the right papers to get to where you need to be. Although you are doing your own thing, like our group journeys you will have 24/7 support just in case there is any funny business that you need a hand with! To get started with crafting your masterpiece read through ‘How it works’ and check out the example on the next page, then go to pages 30 to 32 for our Adventure Packs.

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st. petersburg moscow

kazan

RUSSIA

listvyanka lake baikal ulan ude

irkutsk


ulaanbaatar

mongolia

vladivostok

kharkhorin

HOW IT WORKS

china

hohhot

japan

beijing

1. CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATIONS 2. CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE PACKS 3. CHOOSE YOUR TRANSFERS (IF YOU WANT THEM!)

After reading this page, turn over to see our Adventure Packs, then simply tick off your favourites and contact us to put it all together so we can match your crazy ideas up with the local train timetables, seasonality and other transport requirements.Contact details can be found on the back cover of this brochure. Your epic journey needs to be a minimum of 12 days (or it’s not really epic). Packs can include transfers, accommodation, Honchos, ferries, Further Experiences or train tickets. Need more options? Check out all of our Adventure Packs online at www.vodkatrain.com or call one of our brilliant Travel Advisors to talk through all the options.

CHECK OUT OUR EXAMPLE (RIGHT) TO SEE WHAT YOU COULD DREAM UP! Our example journey starts with 2 nights in St. Petersburg before travelling to Moscow overnight by train. Following 3 nights in the Capital another train transports you into Irkutsk for another couple of nights before venturing further east into Vladivostok. After that, jump on a ferry to Japan. Now that’s epic!!

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

We have even more options that you can add to the mix. Visit us online at www.vodkatrain.com or call one of our crafty Travel Advisors.

WHAT CAN I INCLUDE? Choose from any of the Adventure Packs and check against the key in each pack to see what’s included in your selection. Transfers Avoid stress on arrival to your new exciting new city and include a transfer from the station to your hotel with no sneaky detours!

Train Tickets Ride the rails and really see the country you’re travelling through. Get from A-to-B with no fuss and let us arrange your train tickets.

Accommodation Chosen for character, convenience and comfort let us arrange your accommodation in your new city.

Further Experiences Whether it’s staying in a nomadic Ger under the stars or wandering through a phenomenal nation park, these experiences are next level!

Honchos Your friends in a distant land, they are your age, speak the local language and are experts when it comes to showing you their city.

Ferry Board this impressive ship and journey from Vladivostok to Japan. With sleeper bunks, restaurants, a bar and karaoke you will be in your new destination in no time.

THE FABERGE FLYER

x2

GAGARIN EXPLORER

x1

TSARS & TSARINA’S

x3

THE VALENTINA

x1

THE EXILED NOBLE

x2

THE MATROYOSHKA SPECIAL

x1

THE GREAT SHKOT

x2

THE RISING SUN

x1

29

Arrival Transfer from train station

Honcho for a day

Train (plus nights on-board)

Further Experiences

Nights Accommodation

ST. PETERSBURG

Ferry

KAZAN

THE FABERGE FLYER AUD $215 | NZD $235 | GBP £110 | EUR €150

THE FIREBIRD AUD $260 | NZD $285 | GBP £130 | EUR €180

LENINGRAD LADA AUD $300 | NZD $330 | GBP £150 | EUR €210

ANNA KARENINA AUD $185 | NZD $205 | GBP £95 | EUR €130

THE RUSSIAN ARK

x2

TRAVELLING TATAR

x3

KREMLIN KRACKER

x4

HONCHO FOR A DAY

x2

DEPARTURE TRANSFER

AUD $140 | NZD $155 | GBP £70 | EUR €100

AUD $205 | NZD $225 | GBP £105 | EUR €145

x1 x2

AUD $50 | NZD $55 | GBP £25 | EUR €35

AUD $25 | NZD $30 | GBP £15 | EUR €20

x3

AUD $225 | NZD $250 | GBP £115 | EUR €160

ANNA PAVLOVA

x4

AUD $270 | NZD $295 | GBP £135 | EUR €190

HONCHO FOR A DAY AUD $50 | NZD $55 | GBP £25 | EUR €35

DEPARTURE TRANSFER AUD $30 | NZD $35 | GBP £15 | EUR €20

TOLSTOY DIRECT

SIBERIAN SLEEPER

KAZAN TO IRKUTSK

IRKUTSK TO KAZAN

AUD $455 GBP £230

AUD $770 GBP £385

NZD $500 EUR €320

x1

NZD $845 EUR €540

x1

LISTVYANKA VOSTOK LIMITED

GAGARIN EXPLORER

THE BABA YAGA

THE BABUSHKA

MOSCOW TO ST. PETERSBURG

ST. PETERSBURG TO MOSCOW

MOSCOW TO KAZAN

KAZAN TO MOSCOW

AUD $140 GBP £70

AUD $140 GBP £70

AUD $255 GBP £130

NZD $155 EUR €100

x1

NZD $155 EUR €100

x1

AUD $245 | NZD $270 | GBP £125 | EUR €170

TSARS & TSARINA’S AUD $295 | NZD $325 | GBP £150 | EUR €205

AUD $180 GBP £90

x1

x2 x3

IRKUTSK TO MOSCOW AUD $850 GBP £425

NZD $200 EUR €125

AUD $210 | NZD $230 | GBP £10

DEEPEST & OLDEST AUD $240 | NZD $265 | GBP £12

x1

KREMLIN EXPRESS

MOSCOW COSMONAUTS & CAVIAR

NZD $280 EUR €180

SIBERIAN SEAL

NZD $935 EUR €595

x1

IRKUTSK BAIKAL DELIGHT

x1

AUD $255 | NZD $280 | GBP £130 | EUR €180

THE EXILED NOBLE

x2

AUD $395 | NZD $435 | GBP £200 | EUR €275

ZHIVAGO ENCOUNTER AUD $345 | NZD $380 | GBP £175 | EUR €240

x4

DACHA DASH

x1

AUD $210 | NZD $230 | GBP £105 | EUR €145

REGAL ROMANOV AUD $205 | NZD $225 | GBP £105 | EUR €145

BALALAIKA BOP AUD $255 | NZD $280 | GBP £130 | EUR €180

STROGANOV SHIMMY AUD $310 | NZD $340 | GBP £155 | EUR €215

x2 x3 x4

THE VALENTINA MOSCOW TO IRKUTSK AUD $750 GBP £375

NZD $825 EUR €525



x1



TREZZINI ENCOUNTER MOSCOW TO ULAANBAATAR AUD $845 GBP £425

x1

NZD $930 EUR €590

EMPIRE VOYAGER ULAANBAATAR TO MOSCOW AUD $695 GBP £350

x1 30

NZD $765 EUR €485

TERELJ NATIONAL PARK

*Prices are per person, based on twin share. RAIN SHADOW

MARMOT EXPRESS

AUD $160 GBP £80

x1

AUD $320 | NZD $350 | GBP £160 | EUR €225

ULAANBAATAR TO ULAN UDE NZD $175 EUR €110

STEPPE RIDER

x2

AUD $370 | NZD $405 | GBP £185 | EUR €260

x1

ULAN UDE SINGING SHAMAN

x1

AUD $235 | NZD $260 | GBP £120 | EUR €165

DEPARTURE TRANSFER

U2 TRAIN

AUD $50 | NZD $55 | GBP £25 | EUR €35

ULAN UDE TO ULAANBAATAR AUD $335 GBP £170

NZD $370 EUR €235

x1 THE RUSHING RUS

THE TRANS BAIKAL

ULAN UDE TO IRKUTSK

IRKUTSK TO ULAN UDE

AUD $155 GBP £80

AUD $145 GBP £75

NZD $170 EUR €110

x1

ULAANBAATAR SOYOMBO SLEEPOVER

NZD $160 EUR €100

x1

AUD $195 | NZD $215 | GBP £100 | EUR €135

x1

EAGLE ROCK

x2

AUD $265 | NZD $290 | GBP £135 | EUR €185

YAK ATTACK

x3

AUD $335 | NZD $370 | GBP £170 | EUR €235

YOU KHAN DO IT AUD $155 | NZD $170 | GBP £80 | EUR €110

THE WRESTLER 5 | EUR €145

x1

0 | EUR €170

x2

EXCURSION TO KHARKHORIN & ERDENE ZUU

x1 x2

AUD $230 | NZD $255 | GBP £115 | EUR €160

THE CAMEL RIDE

GOLDEN GER AUD $370 | NZD $405 GBP £185 | EUR €260

x3

AUD $300 | NZD $330 | GBP £150 | EUR €210

x1



THE SABLE

BAIKAL OVERLANDER

IRKUTSK TO ULAANBAATAR

ULAANBAATAR TO IRKUTSK

AUD $440 GBP £220

AUD $225 GBP £115

NZD $485 EUR €310

x1

NZD $250 EUR €160

x1

THE HORSEMAN

GRASSLAND EXPRESS

ULAANBAATAR TO HOHHOT

HOHHOT TO ULAANBAATAR

AUD $455 GBP £230

AUD $920 GBP £460

NZD $500 EUR €320

x1

NZD $1,010 EUR €645

x1

HOHHOT HOHHOT, SO HOT

x1

AUD $265 | NZD $290 | GBP £135 | EUR €185



MATRYOSHKA SPECIAL

THE LANTERN LIMITED

THE DRAGON BOAT

IRKUTSK TO VLADIVOSTOK

ULAANBAATAR TO BEIJING

HOHHOT TO BEIJING

AUD $770 GBP £385

AUD $360 GBP £180

AUD $160 GBP £80

x1

NZD $845 EUR €540

x1

NZD $395 EUR €250

x1

NZD $175 EUR €110

31

MARINE EXPRESS

MATRYOSHKA SPECIAL

VLADIVOSTOK TO IRKUTSK

IRKUTSK TO VLADIVOSTOK

AUD $735 NZD $810 GBP £370 EUR €515

AUD $770 NZD $845 GBP £385 EUR €540

x1

TOWERING TAO

THE DRAGON BOAT

BEIJING TO HOHHOT

HOHHOT TO BEIJING

AUD $160 NZD $175 GBP £80 EUR €110

AUD $160 NZD $175 GBP £80 EUR €110

x1

x1

x1

VLADIVOSTOK THE GREAT SHKOT AUD $565 | NZD $620 | GBP £285 | EUR €395

VLADI-ROCKER AUD $400 | NZD $440 | GBP £200 | EUR €280

x2 x2

KARAOKE KING

THE LANTERN LIMITED

BEIJING TO ULAANBAATAR

ULAANBAATAR TO BEIJING

AUD $745 NZD $820 GBP £375 EUR €520

AUD $360 NZD $395 GBP £180 EUR €250

x1

x1



BEIJING DUMPLING DYNASTY AUD $270 | NZD $295 | GBP £135 | EUR €190

THE RISING SUN VLADIVOSTOCK TO SAKAIMINATO (JAPAN) AUD $1,380 NZD $1,520 GBP £690 EUR €965

x1

GOLDEN DRAGON AUD $355 | NZD $390 | GBP £180 | EUR €250

THE LUCKY CAT AUD $445 | NZD $490 | GBP £225 | EUR €310

HUTONG HUSTLE AUD $345 | NZD $380 | GBP £175 | EUR €240

MAGIC MING AUD $435 | NZD $480 | GBP £220 | EUR €305

TEAPOTS AND TEMPLES AUD $520 | NZD $570 | GBP £260 | EUR €365



*Prices are per person, based on twin share.

I’M GOING TO...

32

x2 x3 x4 x2 x3 x4

Don’t let your journey end just yet.......

further experiences!

with so much more to discover in our destinations and beyond, keep the adventure going for longer and further with some of our mix and match options through china, russia and into eastern europe.

railpacks

Bypass the queues and make sure you have the right ticket, are booked on the right train and are heading in the right direction! Our RailPacks are the perfect way to travel between destinations ensuring you get from A to B without any fuss at all! How do RailPacks work? Simply tell us the cities you’d like to travel to and your preferred travel dates and we’ll make sure your rail tickets are organised and waiting for you in each city upon arrival! En route all you need to do is simply exchange your RailPack voucher for a rail ticket at our local office in each city and you’re off! Too easy!

Unlike an organised tour, RailPacks provide you with complete freedom to see and do in each city as you please. Whilst on the road, you’ll need to book your own accommodation and any sightseeing – or take your chances and see how you go when you get there! However, if you would like a little advice on the best places to stay in each city our specialist team of Travel Advisors will be more than happy to help you arrange accommodation or some fun things to do whilst in each destination!

extend through europe MUNICH MUNICH

• London – Brussels – Cologne – Warsaw – Vilnius – St. Petersburg – Moscow • London – Brussels- Cologne – Copenhagen – Stockholm – Helsinki (ferry) – St. Petersburg • Moscow – St. Petersburg • Moscow – Kiev – Warsaw – Berlin • St. Petersburg – Vilnius – Warsaw – Berlin • St. Petersburg – Helsinki – Stockholm – Copenhagen – Cologne (or Berlin) • St. Petersburg – Helsinki • St. Petersburg – Moscow • St. Petersburg – Riga

ask us about mor e ra connectio il ns!

check out more of asia

Railpacks Vodkatrain Journeys Busabout Routes

• Beijing – Shanghai • Beijing – Hong Kong • Beijing – Hanoi • Beijing – Xian – Shanghai • Shanghai – Xian – Beijing • Beijing – Xian – Shanghai – (ferry 8 berth) – Kobe/Osaka Beijing – Xian – Guangzhou (transfer) – Hong Kong • Beijing – Xian – Chengdu – Kunming – Nanning – Hanoi • Hanoi – Nanning – Kunming – Chengdu – Xian – Beijing • Hanoi – Hue – Hoi An (Danang_ - Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh • Ho Chi Minh – Nha Trang – Hoi An (Danang) – Hue – Hanoi *Please contact Vodkatrain for prices and timetables

Busabout Connections

FLIGHTS, VISAS, INSURANCE & AIRPORT TRANSFERS Need help with any of the above? Our specialist Travel Advisors can help you arrange everything for you from the cheapest flights to correct visas, travel insurance and even airport transfers! We are here to make your life easier, so all you have to worry about is what to pack!

OUR FRIENDS CONTINUE ON WITH PE IS JUST OVER AT BUSABOUT! EURO … ER RD THE NEXT BO ! c overland adventure s and embark on an epi further and out Make everybody enviou sab Bu off hop journey with a hop on tes at Join your Vodkatrain a. Connect with our ma Asi or ope Eur h oug thr rg sbu ter Pe explore the gems St. in train link up via a connecting Busabout in Turkey or that simple! or Moscow, it’s really up for you. that our dates match We’ve even worked out re details. 33 busabout.com for mo

Check out www.

start your journey

(in 3 easy steps)

got any questions about which trip to do? need some recommendations on when to go and what to pack? want to connect with your fellow travellers? do you want to let your friends and family know where you are? or just want to make them jealous? want to keep up to date with what’s new at vodkatrain? now we’ve made it even easier for you to keep informed and for us all to keep in touch. we love to hear what you’ve discovered out there!

1

get inspired

Here are a few tips to help you plan the ultimate adventure!

• Jump online and armchair travel! Go to www.vodkatrain.com and find out more about our journeys, the destinations we travel to and the rad stuff you can do in each place.

• Get

your hands on your favourite travel guide Odyssey Guides, Lonely Planet and the Rough Guide books

are all-time favourites of ours, a one stop shop for loads of travel related advice and inspiration!

• Feeling social? Connect for some inspirational pics, montages, selfies, videos and feedback from the Vodkatrain community. • Tune into our social media sites Check out our images, comments, videos and feedback from our travellers and team members on the road. Scroll through our galleries, read our posts, watch our videos and get inspired!

facebook.com/vodkatraintraintravel twitter.com/vodkatrain

to our newsletter Receive up-to-date news on our special deals, upcoming travel shows and learn more about the interesting places we travel!

• Check out our Regional Inspiration guides For detailed information and inspiration on all of our exciting destinations. These guides include attractions to see in each city (including the best eats and drinks in town!) visa information, budget advice, and other helpful information.

• Ask us about our Journey Itineraries Ask us for a Journey Itinerary to compare our adventures and suss out the day itineraries.

instagram.com/vodkatrain

Did you know that Vodkatrain is a great way to travel to or from Europe?! Planning on some pre and post travel? Check out our Further Experiences on page 33 of this brochure.

youtube.com/vodkatrain

• Visas

vimeo.com/vodkatrain

# vodkatrain

34

• Subscribe

- you’ll need ‘em!

Be aware that you will most likely require visas when travelling to our destinations so it is essential that you plan your journey in advance so that there is enough time to process them! Ask us for a Journey Itinerary for more information or speak to one of our Travel Advisors.

er’s adven g g o l v n i a r t a k l l ow o u r v o d

tures at

n i a r t a k d o v / vimeo.com

fo

2

get in touch

3

your adventure awaits

• Call one of our specialist Travel Advisors There is no question too big or small for our team of specialist Travel Advisors who love to chat about your travel ideas. Whatever questions you have, they are there to answer! Chat to them about pre and post travel options and our range of Further Experiences. See the back of the brochure for a list of contact details, or jump online and use our Live Chat function. • Talk

to us about flights and insurance

Not only will our specialist Travel Advisors help you plan your ultimate Vodkatrain journey, they can also book your flights and insurance! • Visit

Check out our ‘Meet Other Travellers’ app on Facebook where you can connect with everyone else on your trip. Start planning day trips, work out who’s bringing the phrase book and swap ideas for the rest of your travels.

• Siberian Selfies If you are an aspiring photographer or insta-ographer rock star, send us your pics! At Vodkatrain HQ we love seeing your inspiring snaps, getting jealous of your travels and giggling at your #cabinselfies • Travel writer in the making? If you’re keeping a blog or have any clever tricks up your sleeve that you would like to share on ours, get your people to contact our people (post to our wall or flick us an email)

• Don’t forget that Vodkatrain rewards seasoned travellers!

• Want to make friends before you board the train?

keep the conversation going before, during and after your journey!

• Final station stop, but the party isn’t over! Let us know what you thought of your journey on Facebook and be sure to tag us in your pics so you can share the fun.

your local Travel Agent

They will offer you sound travel advice and help you to plan your ideal adventure. • Join our online community Like us on Facebook or follow us on twitter to engage with Vodkatrain HQ and the Vodkatrain community. Any last minute questions before you jump aboard? Message or tweet us and we will get back to you in a beat.

keep in touch

Check out our website for journey dates of the next season and help other travellers online by sharing your experienced tips and tricks on our social media pages!

share the love

your head and d the GoPro from pe ap str un are your ve ha Once you odkatrain and sh stick, hashtag #v lfie se ur yo ay aw put . epic adventures rds to s, albums and wo Send your video

at myjourney@vodk

rain.com

or

#vodkatrain

35

2016 booking conditions

It is important that you read the following booking conditions before you book as they relate to all Vodkatrain journeys in 2016. Vodkatrain group journeys are for 18-35’s only. Sundowners Travel Centre Pty. Limited (A.C.N 005 066 348) and Sundowners Travel (Europe) Limited (both referred to as “Vodkatrain” in these booking conditions), accept bookings subject to the following conditions:

1. BROCHURE VALIDITY & SURCHARGES Information contained in this brochure and on the Vodkatrain website is correct at the time of publication. Published prices are based on the prevailing exchange rates at that time (Dec 2015). Our prices may change due to exchange rates and other costs however, the prices were correct at the time of publishing. Vodkatrain reserves the right to adjust the prices listed due to currency fluctuations, government action or amendments to itineraries and train timetables beyond the control of Vodkatrain. For the most up to date information on pricing please see our website. 1a. Rail Ticket Price Surcharges Seasonal, currency exchange or fuel surcharges may be applied to some rail ticket prices by the national rail monopolies that control ticketing prices in many of the countries Vodkatrain travels through. Such price increases are outside our control and we reserve the right to pass on such surcharges. Any price surcharge required due to rail ticket price increases will be advised at least 60 days prior to the commencement your Vodkatrain travel arrangements and payment will be required by way of a local payment in the city in which you commence your Vodkatrain travel arrangements.

such amendments are major (25% or more of the tour content is changed, or a price surcharge greater than 15% of the published tour cost is required) and this amendment is known before the tour commences, you will be offered the opportunity to transfer to an alternative tour, alter your departure date, or cancel with a full refund of any monies paid to Vodkatrain for the tour. Vodkatrain otherwise disclaims any liability to you for the costs of airfares, visas or any other expenses incurred by you as a result of any amendment or change to the tour itinerary. If, during the operation of the tour and for reasons beyond the control of Vodkatrain, it becomes advisable to change, amend or alter an itinerary, including the start or finish city of the tour, Vodkatrain may do so in its absolute discretion and any additional costs incurred in these changes will be the responsibility of the traveller.

7. CANCELLATION – BY TRAVELLER Once your booking has been confirmed, Vodkatrain will only accept cancellations in writing. In the event of cancellation the following charges will apply: i) Cancellations received 75 days or more prior to departure — Loss of deposit ii) Cancellations received between 35 days and 74 days prior to departure — 50% of the tour price.

2. MAKING A BOOKING

iii) Cancellations received less than 35 days prior to departure — 100% of total tour price.

Vodkatrain journeys are for travellers not younger than 18 years and not older than 35 years. To confirm your booking Vodkatrain requires a fully completed ‘Client Information Form’ (provided to Vodkatrain or submitted online via our website). A booking is accepted on the date when Vodkatrain has confirmed acceptance in writing and issued an invoice. It is at this point that a contract between Vodkatrain and the Client comes into existence.

Note: These cancellation fees apply to tour services only. Different cancellation charges will apply to airline tickets. Depending on the reason for your cancellation, some of these cancellation charges may be recoverable under your insurance policy. No refunds will be made should you choose to leave your tour early or choose not to utilise any of the included services.

Before your booking is confirmed and a contract comes into force, Vodkatrain reserves the right to decline any booking at their discretion. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Victorian Law (Australia) and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Victorian Courts. No employee of Vodkatrain other than a director has the authority to vary or omit any of these terms or promise any discount or refund. 2a. Deposits A deposit equivalent to 10% of the tour cost or a minimum of AUD $200, NZD $200, USD $200, CAD $200, GBP £100 or EUR €150 per person (of your chosen currency) whichever is the greater. 2b. Final Payment Final payment of the balance is due 75 days before the tour departure date and your booking may be cancelled if full payment is not received by the due date, in which case your deposit will be forfeited. If we receive your booking less than 75 days prior to the tour departure date, it must be paid in full at time of booking.

3. REFUND No refunds will be made for any tours, meals, accommodation, sightseeing, transfers, or any other services included in the tour cost, which you did not utilise, should you choose voluntarily to not use the service if you decide to leave the tour early or should Vodkatrain be unable to provide the service for reasons beyond its control. Any refund due for any service booked and paid for, but not provided, will be made by Vodkatrain after the completion of your Vodkatrain travel services.

4. PASSPORTS, VISAS AND VACCINATIONS You will require a valid passport and visas for your journey. It is solely your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the necessary documentation to comply with the laws and regulations of the countries to be visited. It is your sole responsibility to obtain vaccinations and preventative medicines as may be required for the duration of the tour. Information about these matters is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of Vodkatrain.

5. INSURANCE Travel insurance is not included in the tour cost. Vodkatrain will not be responsible or liable for any injury or damages suffered or incurred in any way arising from or occurring during your journey. Comprehensive travel insurance (including medical and repatriation cover) is compulsory for all Vodkatrain journeys and Vodkatrain reserves the right to require you to leave the tour in the event that you have not secured the appropriate cover.

6. AMENDMENTS TO BOOKINGS If you wish to change your booking in any way, Vodkatrain will make every reasonable effort to accommodate changes and additional requests. However, the following fees will apply: •

If you wish to transfer your booking from one tour to another and there is at least 75 days until your departure the following transfer fees apply as per the currency of your booking: AUD $100, NZD $100, USD $100, CAD $100, GBP £50 or EUR €75 per person.

• If you wish to change your booking in any way less than 75 days from the departure date the cancellation fee detailed in Clause 7 will be payable. •

For any other changes made to your arrangements the following amendment fees apply as per the currency of your booking: AUD $50, NZD $50, USD $50, CAD $50, GBP £25 or EUR €30 per person. The only exception to this is pre or post tour accommodation and other services which may be added up to one calendar month before departure without charge. Within one calendar month, these can be added with payment of the amendment fee as shown above.

Vodkatrain reserves the right to amend any tour itinerary due to force majeure, changes in local conditions, or any other reason that Vodkatrain in its absolute discretion may determine. If an amendment to the tour itinerary is necessary, Vodkatrain will provide similar tour inclusions. Where

8. CANCELLATION – BY VODKATRAIN Vodkatrain reserves the right to cancel any tour (before tour commencement), including guaranteed departures, due to force majeure, health concerns, war, or threat of war, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, strikes, industrial disputes or any other reason outside the control of Vodkatrain that Vodkatrain in its absolute discretion may determine. In such circumstances a full refund of the tour price paid will be made and this will be the full extent of Vodkatrain’s liability. If a guaranteed departure is cancelled for reasons other than force majeure, a full refund of monies paid will be made. In addition Vodkatrain will offer to you a 25% reduction in the price of an alternative group tour. Vodkatrain otherwise disclaims any liability to you for the costs of airfares, visas or any other expenses incurred by you as a result of any tour cancellation.

9. PHOTOGRAPHS AND RECORDINGS When on tour, employees, agents and/or other travellers of Vodkatrain may from time to time take photographs or make recordings of you and tour activities that may identify you. Vodkatrain reserves the right to use any and all photographs and/or recordings made on tour for promotional reasons in printed materials, on the internet or other media. In using such images, Vodkatrain undertakes not to reveal your name, contact details or other personal information. You consent to the use of such images or recordings by Vodkatrain and you acknowledge that you will not be entitled to payment or other compensation for the giving of consent or for the use of such images or recordings. Vodkatrain may keep such images or recordings of you on record.

10. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 10a. Reasonable Behaviour Travelling in a group may require some compromise to accommodate the different desires and abilities of group members. When joining a Small Group Journey you undertake to conduct yourself in a manner conducive to good group dynamics. If you act in a manner that threatens or disrupts the safety or enjoyment of others on the tour, the Honcho may in his or her absolute discretion require that you leave the tour. If you are required to leave a tour in such circumstances, no refund will be made for any unused services. 10b. Your Health & Fitness It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a suitable level of fitness to undertake the journey of your choice and that you have received required vaccinations. Fitness guidelines are provided in the Journey Itineraries and Pre Departure Kit. You should also seek the advice of your doctor or travel health specialist regarding the specific health recommendations for travel to the countries and regions visited on your tour. You must inform Vodkatrain of any medical condition that may prevent your full participation in the tour. Should Vodkatrain or your Honcho consider you medically unfit to join a tour or should your medical condition deteriorate during the tour, to an extent where you are no longer able to fully participate in the tour, you will be required to leave the tour. No refund will be made for any unused services in such an event. Vodkatrain and their agents reserve the right to withhold or withdraw tour participation for anyone whose inappropriate behaviour or medical condition is likely to affect the smooth operation of the tour or adversely affect the safety or enjoyment of other travellers on the tour. Additionally, Vodkatrain reserves the right at any time to insist on a current medical certificate stating that you are fit to travel, and may refuse carriage if a satisfactory certificate is not supplied. Any decision to exclude a passenger for any reason will be made by Vodkatrain without any further recourse. When joining a Small Group Journey you accept the authority of the Honcho. 10c. Complaints Should you have a complaint about any aspect of the travel arrangements you must bring it to the attention of the Honcho or our local representative at the time. If the problem is not solved to your satisfaction you must forward your complaint in writing to Vodkatrain no later than 28 days after completion of the tour addressed to: Level 1, 51 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia; Phone: +613 9672 5300 or Email: [email protected] (Marked for the attention of Liz Anderson).

10d. Health & Government Travel Advisories It is your sole responsibility to inform yourself of the prevailing travel advisories issued by the government of your country regarding the risks and associated precautions (including health) related to travel to the countries and regions visited on your tour. Health advice is available from travel health specialists and international bodies such as the World Health Organisation. Vodkatrain will not be responsible for advising you of such travel advisories or of any changes that occur to such travel advisories prior to departure of the tour.

11. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES When on tour, you may be offered the opportunity to engage in optional or non-itinerary activities. You acknowledge and agree that such activities may be inherently risky and Vodkatrain will not be responsible to you for any loss, damage, injury, accident that may occur as a result of your participation therein.

12. RESPONSIBILITY Vodkatrain acts as an agent in the arrangement of travel services. All vouchers and tickets are issued subject to the terms and conditions specified by the supplier of those travel services. By accepting the vouchers and tickets and utilising the services, you agree that except where the law provides that liability or responsibility may not be excluded, Vodkatrain shall not be liable or responsible in respect of either person or property for any loss, damage, injury, accident, delay, diversion, fault or irregularity however occasioned, sustained or suffered in the course of any journey, trip or tour in the carrying out of any arrangements or the use of any facilities booked by or through it and not withstanding that the booking is made with a foreign company, corporation or person. You understand, and accept, that when joining a Vodkatrain tour the level of services, in the countries or regions to be visited including but not limited to, medical facilities, accommodation, transportation and communication will be lower than those you would expect at home, or in more traditional holiday destinations. You acknowledge that this can increase your personal risk, and you accept this risk. Vodkatrain shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising out of a matter over which it has no control including, without limitation, war or threat of war, riots, civil unrest, terrorist activity, natural disaster, weather conditions, fire, flood, industrial disputes, government action or the reasonable apprehension of any of the foregoing.

13. DEEMED CONSENT By commencing your tour you are deemed to have agreed and consented to all terms in these Booking Conditions and in any other documents provided to you by Vodkatrain or any other person who may have booked the tour on your behalf. If you book on behalf of another party, you represent and warrant to Vodkatrain that you are duly authorised to provide the agreement and consent the other party and you agree to indemnify Vodkatrain for any breach of warranty in this regard.

14. YOUR FINANCIAL SECURITY (UK & EU CLIENTS ONLY) To ensure your tour booking is fully protected in accordance with EU regulations all monies received as payment for tours booked with Vodkatrain will be immediately deposited into a Client Trust Account and will remain there until the tour has been completed or the services which make up your tour are paid in full by Vodkatrain.

15. FULL PARTICIPATION LUGGAGE: On all journeys you will be required to carry your own luggage on or off the trains, through stations and between vehicles and hotels. Please only bring what you can carry. Do not bring oversize suitcases or bags. WALKING: To fully participate in our journeys it is expected that you should be able to complete the day’s activities as outlined by your Honcho. This will include walking for much of the sightseeing, and includes steps, stairs and uneven surfaces. MEALS: Due to the destinations and available facilities, specific personal dietary preferences will need to be managed by the individual traveller, and any extra expense paid locally by the traveller. Individual dietary preferences have not been taken into consideration in the planning and operation of these journeys. TOLERANCE AND CONSIDERATION: When joining our journeys you will be expected to accept the diverse personalities, physical abilities and travel expectations of other group members, and will be required to accommodate these differences, as well as any cultural sensitivities of the places visited, and conduct yourself in a manner conducive to good group dynamics. You acknowledge that you act on behalf of all travellers included on this booking and that you have informed them of their obligations under these conditions.

16. OTHER By paying your deposit you acknowledge and agree that you have read, understood and agree to all related ‘booking conditions’. You also confirm that you have advised Vodkatrain of any disability or condition which may prohibit your full participation. These conditions cannot be varied or altered or waived by any servant, agent or representative of Vodkatrain or any other person providing services on the tour. Any contract between you and Vodkatrain is deemed to have been made in the State of Victoria, Australia, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Victoria and any disputes shall be dealt with by a court with the appropriate jurisdiction in Victoria. These booking conditions do not affect any rights you have as a consumer under Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010(Cth). Sundowners Travel (Europe) Limited is incorporated in England & Wales with limited liability. Registered Office: c/o 90 Lincoln Road, Peterborough, PE1 2SP. Company Registration number: 05176448 Sundowners Travel Centre Pty Limited (A.C.N. 005 066 348) is a limited liability company registered in Australia with offices located at Level 1, 51 Queen Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 and is the operator for the journeys contained in this brochure. Sundowners Travel Centre Pty Limited holds Travel Agents Licence Number 30093.

festivals & events want to make your journey that extra bit special? time your trip to catch one of these great festivals. wherever you are, there’s sure to be a reason to celebrate with the locals!

nowruz ‘persian new year’

(March 21, Uzbekistan and other parts of Central Asia) Nowruz, meaning ‘The New Day’ is the name of the Iranian New Year and is celebrated widely throughout Central Asia. Celebrations in Tajikistan include the bizarre spectacle of Buzkashi, a variation of polo using a goat carcass!

festival of the north

(Late March, Murmansk, Russia) Wonder at the most epic and icy sporting event, the ‘Polar Olympiad. Watch the elite from the north complete in biathlons, figure skating, reindeer-sled races, ice hockey, snow mobile contests and chilly underwater swimming. It is also one of the rare occasions traditional Saami peoples come to the city to show off their reindeers, singing dancing and unique culture.

victory day

(May 9, Russia) The largest national holiday in Russia, Victory Day sees impressive military parades held in Moscow and St. Petersburg to celebrate the end of the Great Patriotic War (WWII).

stars of the white nights festival

(May 27 – Aug 02, St. Petersburg) With the sun only setting for a few hours each night at this time of year, this festival involves general merrymaking and staying out late, as well as a dance festival in Russia’s cultural capital, St. Petersburg. Festivities include spectacular fireworks, concerts, and a mock battle among pirates in boats on the Neva River.

naadam festival

(July 11-13, Mongolia) Want to see the Mongolians at their most competitive? Visit for the Naadam Festival and watch them tough it out in the three manly sports; they wrestle in (very) skimpy traditional outfits, demonstrate incredible displays of archery skill and race across the steppe on horseback at ferocious speeds. Nothing seems to have changed since Genghis Khan’s days!

russian music festivals

Don’t miss out on partying with the locals at Russia’s hottest music festivals. These events always sell out – so get in quick! With a range of International and local artists from different genres, food stalls, designer’s markets and more, ask one of our Travel Advisors about which of our journeys you can partner with one of these events.

our top 4 russian music festivals: Park Live Festival Afisha Picnic

Rock on the Volga Festival Subbotnik Festival 37

booking with us 1. check availability

5. travel insurance

Visit the Vodkatrain website, contact us or get in touch with your travel agent to check the availability of your chosen departure date. The Vodkatrain website is where you will find the most up to date information on availability, guaranteed departures, detailed itineraries and journey dossiers. Remember you will need at least six weeks from when you book to arrange all of your visas and we recommend you do not confirm non-refundable/non-changeable air tickets until your journey is guaranteed.

Travel insurance is compulsory on all Vodkatrain journeys and for your personal benefit and peace of mind we strongly recommend it for all of your travels.

2. booking conditions Please carefully review our booking conditions found on the previous pages. Booking with Vodkatrain means that you have read and accept these conditions.

3. booking & deposit Our specialist Travel Advisors will ensure that your booking is looked after all the way until you return from your journey. To secure your journey we need a deposit of 10% of your journey cost.

Before we can confirm your booking we need a fully completed Client Information Form for all of those travelling with us so that we can start to process your documentation. These details will be requested at the time of booking.

CLIENT ENQUIRIES & RESERVATIONS:

TRAVEL AGENT ENQUIRIES & RESERVATIONS:

Australia T: 1300 559 830

Australia T: 1300 780 043

New Zealand T: 0800 770 155

New Zealand T: 0800 174 073

UK T: 020 8877 7656

UK T: 020 8877 7650

Europe T: +44 20 8877 7656

Europe T: +44 20 8877 7650

Worldwide T: +61 3 9672 5382 E:[email protected]

Worldwide T: +61 3 9672 5380 E: [email protected]

Final payment of the balance is due 75 days before your journey departure. If we receive your booking less than 75 days prior to your journey, it will need to be paid at the time of booking.

7. documents Once you have paid your deposit Vodkatrain will provide you with all of your relevant pre-departure information. Final documentation will be provided after receipt of full payment and around 45 days before your journey’s departure.

8. start your journey

4. traveller information

contact details

6. final payment

Meet others travelling on the same departure through the ‘Meet Other Travellers’ section of our Facebook page and share the excitement and anticipation of your journey of a lifetime!

Member Number: TO1006

Head Office Level 1, 51 Queen Street Melbourne VIC 3000 T: +61 3 9672 5300 All journeys contained within are operated by Sundowners Travel Centre Pty Ltd, trading as Sundowners Overland. ABN 11 005 066 348

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