CFT-TransMongolian-0613 24/6/13 10:46 AM Page 1 Railway ... Mongolian – Trans Siberian Railway. Extending from Beijing in China, we pass through Mongolia towards Russia, Moscow and

13OO 635 358 www.christianfellowshiptours.com

27 day holiday departs Friday 20 June 2014

H I G H L I G H T S

Beijing Badaling Great Wall Ulaan Baatar

Erdene Zuu Monastery

Ger camps

St PetersburgGolden Ring Cities Moscow

Trans MongolianRailway BusPa,s Dream Holiday!

full itinerary

inside

CFT-TransMongolian-0613 24/6/13 10:46 AM Page 1

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We all have a “some day”holiday dream. In chattingwith many of our friendsformed from other tours,the first of Buspa’s DreamHolidays is offered – theamazing overland trainjourney called The Trans

Mongolian – Trans Siberian Railway.

Extending from Beijing in China, we pass

through Mongolia towards Russia, Moscow andthe beautiful city of St Petersburg.

There are two private trains that undertake thisroute, but I have decided to plan the itineraryusing existing rail services. On a cost basis it isnearly 50% cheaper per day, but it also allows usto experience the local experiences and people,and has given us more flexibility in the planning.

I look forward to welcoming you on this veryspecial “one off” tour offering.

Warm regards,John Cronshaw

From the gates of Beijing’s Forbidden City to the Gate of Peter the Great’s Hermitage

Welcome!


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Fares and JoiningArrangementsTour Code: EUR1460CFT

SYDNEYDeparts: Sydney Mercure Airport Hotel at 6.00pmon Friday 20 June 2014

Returns: Sydney International Airport at 6.55pm onWednesday 16 July 2014

Twin Share (per person) $12,990

Single $14,100

MELBOURNE*Departs: Melbourne Domestic Airport at 2.30pm onFriday 20 June 2014

Returns: Melbourne International Airport at7.15pm on Wednesday 16 July 2014


Single $14,250

BRISBANE*Departs: Brisbane Domestic Airport at 2.25pm onFriday 20 June 2014

Returns: Brisbane International Airport at 7.30pmon Wednesday 16 July 2014


Single $14,250

*Includes one way flight to Sydney.

Your holiday includes• A Christian Tour Leader departing from Sydney

• Daily Devotions

• Return economy airfares from Sydney,Melbourne or Brisbane with Singapore Airlines– Business Class upgrade available on request

• Reserved sleeper cabins based on twin share

• Quality Hotel Accommodation with privatefacilities when not onboard the trains

• Transfers throughout the holiday

• Local guides when the group is off the train

• Sightseeing as outlined and all entry feesincluded

• Group Gratuities (tipping)

• Luggage assistance at hotels and airports

� Meals All meals as indicated in the itinerary.Meals are indicated as �B for Breakfast, �L forLunch, �P for Packed Lunch and �D for Dinner.Dinners where there is a busy day and later arrivalhave been included. You can organise other mealsindividually, or directly with the local guide for agroup meal. This allows some flexibility so that youcan experience variety and take advantage ofsomething that is happening locally that we may notknow about in advance. There are no meals includedon the train. There is a dining car and chances to buyfood at short stops on route. We will operate on a“Food kitty” arrangement where we will pool somemoney and at appropriate stops ensure that we havebought enough food to keep us going until the nextstop or market. More details on food will beprovided separately. The Trans Siberian/TransMongolian has been operating for 100 years andcarries 10,000’s of people a year. It works well andeveryone manages to be comfortable.


“The devotions were relevant and well presented.”4

Day 1: Friday 20 June, 2014Accommodation Sydney near theairport

�D

Interstate passengers will be met at Sydney airportand transferred to our selected hotel, the MercureSydney Airport. Passengers from Sydney will meet usat the hotel at 6.00pm where we will join for awelcome dinner.

Day 2: Saturday 21 June, 2014International Flight Sydney – Beijing(Meals on flight)

Breakfast will be at your own choice and cost aftercheck in at Sydney International Airport. Ourselected flight will be with Singapore Airlines,departing Sydney at 8.00am via Singapore. We willarrive Beijing 11.00pm where we will be met andtransferred to our hotel (4 star).

Day 3: Sunday 22 June, 2014Worship Beijing – afternoonsightseeing

�BThis morning we will arrange transport to a selectedchurch for worship.

Afternoon sightseeing half day city includingTiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Firstwe will stroll through the world’s largest city centresquare, Tiananmen Square, then pass through theGolden Water Bridge and enter the well preserved

imperial palace complex, the Forbidden City whichwas first unveiled to the public in 1925.

Day 4: Monday 23 June, 2014Great Wall – Ming Tombs – Sacred Way

�B �L

This morning our transfer is to the Badaling GreatWall, one of the best preserved and most developedGreat Wall sections among the remaining sections,and one considered as the most splendid andrepresentative section of the Great Wall. Alsoincluded today is The Sacred Way and one of theMing Tombs.The Sacred Way, also known asChangling Sacred Way, is the approach to theChangling Tomb. Along the Way from south to north,you will see a number of sites (or sights) of interestand beauty, including the Stone Tablet Archway,Great Red Gate, Tablet Pavilion, OrnamentalColumns, Stone Figures, and Lingxin Gate.

Walking along the Sacred Way to the end, you cansee the Changling Tomb (built in 1409), where liethe third Emperor of Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Diand his Empress Xu. It is the largest, original andthe best preserved among the thirteen tombs, andhas three courtyards in the front and a Treasure Cityin the round rear part.

Day 5: Tuesday 24 June, 2014Train to Ulaan Baatar

�BAfter breakfast we are transferred to railway stationto connect with the train to Ulaan Baatar fromBeijing departing at 7.40am.

During the night you cross the border intoMongolia. You will be woken for the immigrationand the changing of the bogey wheels. China has adifferent gauge to Mongolia and Russia.

� Regarding meals on all train travel: Pleaseread the notes on page 3.

Day 6: Wednesday 25 June, 2014Arrive Ulaan Bataar

Arrive approx 1.30pm into Ulan Bataar where wewill be met and transferred to our hotel just outsidethe city metropolis. This is the Hotel Mongolia andis set in a grassland environment with rooms basedon traditional design aspects from Mongolianculture. Balance of day free at this hotel/resortcomplex.

Day 7: Thursday 26 June, 2014Full day tour

�B �L �D

Fully guided private tour. Drive to Hogno Haan.Optional trekking and horse riding. Visit the ruins ofUvgon monastery.

The Ger camp is a traditional way of supplyingwestern accommodation. It is a traditional felt tentused by Mongolian nomadic herders, and areheated. Two people per Ger are accommodated onwooden framed beds. Each Ger is supplied withbedding and towels, with the bathrooms beingusually located in a central area.

† Worship

�3 Nights

Itinerary


Day 8 – Friday 27 June, 2014Full day Tour

�B �L �D

Day trip to Khar Khorin to visit the Erdene Zuumonastery. In the afternoon return to Hogno HaanNational Park. Visit local nomads.

Day 9: Saturday 28 June, 2014Khustain Nuruu National Park

�B �L �D

Travel to Khustain Nuruu National Park.

The Mongolian Government declared the park aSpecially Protected Area in 1993, one year after theinitiation of the reintroduction project of the Takhi(Przewalskii horse) to the Khustain Nuruu. The HNPcovers 50.6ha of land which is home to 459 speciesof vascular plants, 85 species of lichens, 90 speciesof moss and 33 species of mushrooms. 44 speciesof mammals have been recorded, including Reddeer, Mongolian gazelle,Roe deer, Wild boar, Wildsheep, Ibex, Mongolian marmots, Grey wolves,Lynx,Pallas cat, Red fox, Corsac fox and Eurasianbadger. The 217 species of birds include Goldeneagle, Lammergeier, Great bustard, Whooper swan,Black stork, Daurian partridge and Little owl.

Overnight: Ger camp

Day 10: Sunday 29 June, 2014Return to Ulaan Baatar

�BDrive back to Ulaan Baatar with the balance of theday free. We will aim to arrange attendance at aworship service if possible.

Day 11: Monday 30 June, 2014Ulaan Baatar – Irkutsk

�BGuided sightseeing tour of central Ulaanbaatar andshopping for local souvenirs. Balance of day at hotelLate check out and transfer to railway station fortrain departure to Irkutsk.

Day 12: Tuesday 1 July, 2014On board train

On board train. During the long days we can mixand mingle, read, rest or arrange organised boardgames.

Day 13: Wednesday 2 July, 2014Arrive Irkutsk

Arrive Irkutsk at about 7.52am local time. Met andtransferred directly to the Lake Baikal village ofLisvyanka. Accommodation will be a WoodenHouse homestay/chalet style. Dinner can be had atnearby village area.

Day 14: Thursday 3rd July, 2014CircumBaikal Train

�B �P

Early morning transfer to Listvyanka. Luggage willbe transferred separately to Irkutsk. The group willtravel with the guide to the station to meet thespecial train known as the ‘CircumBaikal’. Fromhere the train goes along the lake shore on the OldRailroad (used to be the actual route of the TransSiberian) making 4 to 5 stops. A lunch box isincluded. At the conclusion you are transferred backto your Irkutsk hotel.

Day 15: Friday 4 July, 2014Free time Irkutsk – join train

�BFree time until your transfer at 4.45pm (local time)to the railway station for your train departure at6.12pm local time. As the hotel is central it is easyto walk around the sights if you so wish.

Day 16: Saturday 5 July, 2014On train

On train.

Day 17: Sunday 6 July, 2014On train

Day 18: Monday 7 July, 2014 Vladimir

�D

On board train until the Golden Ring city ofVladimir. Here you are met by your local guide andtaken on a guided tour of St Dimitrius Cathedraland the Assumption Cathedral, before travellingon (about one hour) to the small town of Suzdalwhere you will overnight.

Day 19: Tuesday 8 July, 2014Sightseeing Golden Ring

�B �D

Sightseeing Suzdal, visiting Suzdal Kremlin,Spaso-Efimiev monastery, Pokrovskiymonastery and the Museum of WoodenArchitecture. Drive to another of the historicalGolden Ring Towns, Yaroslavl.

† Worship

Optional: Missionary visit

“The care of the tour leader made all the difference.” 5


“The little extras were very much appreciated.”6

Day 20: Wednesday 9 July, 2014Yaroslavi – Moscow

�B �D

City tour of Yaroslavl. Excursion to theTransfiguration Cathedral (Yaroslavl Kremlin) andChurch of St Elijah The Prophet. Leaving Yaroslavlyou reach the town of ‘Rostov the Great’. Here youvisit the Rostov Kremlin before continuing on tocontinue to Sergiev Posad – the ‘Vatican City’ ofthe Russian Orthodox Church. Visit the ‘Trinity-StSergius Lavra’ and continue on to Moscow.

Day 21: Thursday 10 July, 2014Sightseeing Moscow

�BAfter breakfast you will have a Moscow Citysightseeing tour. A stop will be made to explore theTretyakov Gallery.

Day 22: Friday 11 July, 2014Kremlin – Moscow

�BAfter moving to the central Kremlin area ofMoscow you will have a guided tour of the Kremlingrounds including the Armoury. Your guide willthan walk you around the Red Square area and theManezh Square walk tour. From here you will

descend to partake in a Metro train which willeventually return you to your hotel.

Day 23: Saturday 12 July, 2014Moscow – St Petersburg

�B �D

Transfer to the Stary Arbat (Street), free time forshopping before moving to the train station for the1.30pm fast train to St Petersburg. Arrive 4.15pmand transfer to your hotel.

Day 24: Sunday 13 July, 2014Highlights of St Petersburg

�B �D

A busy sightseeing day begins with a tour of theHermitage highlights. Then on to Pushkin, withCatherine the Great’s palace and park. This isdone today due to opening times.

Day 25: Monday 14 July, 2014Sightseeing – fly out

�BToday you have an overview tour of the city. Stopsare made for the Peter and Paul Fortress tour, StIsaac Cathedral tour. Evening transfer to airport fordeparture flight to Singapore via Frankfurt.

Day 26: Tuesday 15 July, 2014Arrive Singapore

�D

We arrive Singapore in the late afternoon, wherewe will be transferred to the hotel. We will enjoydinner together at the hotel.

Day 27: Wednesday 16 July, 2014Singapore – Sydney

This morning we will check out of the hotel and betransferred to the airport for the flight home arrivingback in Australia in the evening. Please note thatthe flights to Melbourne and Brisbane areunescorted.† Worship

�3 Nights


“I enjoyed being a member of a ‘Christian family’ away from home.” 7

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book for this holiday?Simply complete a CFT booking form (available online or by calling ouroffice) and send this to our office at PO Box 133 Katoomba NSW 2780along with your deposit.

What deposit is required?We require a 10% deposit upon booking to be sent to our office with thebooking form.

When does the final balance need to bepaid?The balance of payment for the holiday is due on Monday 17th March2014.

Does the price include airfares?The price does include return economy airfares with Singapore Airlines.

Who will the tour leader be? At this stage the tour leader will be John Cronshaw. Please note howeverthis is subject to change. We will advise you prior to the holiday if this isthe case.

What is the age of people on CFTHolidays?CFT is open to all ages, our only stipulation is that you must be capableof self care throughout the tour.

Do I need to take out travel insurance? TRAVEL INSURANCE IS NOT INCLUDED, BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Please remember that travel insurance covers you for cancellation oramendment cost. Travel insurance is not included in your tour fare and isoffered subject to conditions set out by the insurance company. If yourequire insurance, please mark this on your booking form. An insurancePDS and application will be forwarded and all conditions covering thepolicy are listed in the PDS booklet. Insurance cover offered is withCover.More. Christian Fellowship Tours offers this as an additional serviceto you and acts as an agent only. (This Insurance is not compulsory,please advise when booking if insurance is not required).

Please note you will require travel insurance in order to obtain your visafor Russia.

What is the currency during thisholiday?The currencies for this tour are:

Chinese YuanMongolian TurgrikRussian Roubles

What is the time difference?The time difference for this holiday is as follows:

Bejing – 2 hours behind Sydney

Irkutsk – 1 hour behind Sydney

Moscow – 6 hours behind Sydney

What vaccination will I require for thisholiday?As we are not trained medical professionals we are not able to giveadvice for vaccinations. We strongly suggest that you talk to the Traveland Medical Vaccination Centre on 1300 658 844 or visit their websitewww.tmvc.com.au for advice.

Do I need visas for this tour? Yes you will require 3 visas for this holiday, China, Mongolia and Russia.Christian Fellowship Tours can assist with this process howeveradditional fees do apply.

How much spending money will Irequire? This is a common question that many people have. It is however a verydifficult question to answer as everyone has different ideas of what theywant to purchase. As a general rule we would suggest to budget around$30-$50 per day, but again this could be more or less depending on yourtastes etc.

What will the temperature be likethroughout this holiday? The temperature throughout this holiday is likely to be cold withtemperatures reaching below zero.

What clothing will I require? You will find casual clothing of all types comfortable and relaxing.Lightweight drip-dry clothing is ideal. Layering is the key. Laundryservices, irons, hairdryers are available at some of the hotels. Please notethat you will need warm clothing as the temperature will reach belowzero.


T 13OO 635 358 E [email protected]

www.christianfellowshiptours.comPostal: PO Box 133 Katoomba NSW 2780 • Office: 91 Barton Street Katoomba

Christian Fellowship Tours is proudly a ministry of Golden Manly Management Services Pty Limited ABN 72 003 510 585 Licensed Travel Agent 2TA002770

Trans MongolianRailway BusPa,s Dream Holiday!


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CFT-TransMongolian-0613 24/6/13 10:46 AM Page 1 Railway ... Mongolian – Trans Siberian Railway. Extending from Beijing in China, we pass through Mongolia towards Russia, Moscow and