Rail Journeys for the mature aged traveller

The Trans-Siberian goes from Moscow to the Pacific terminus of Vladivostok.

The Trans-Mongolian goes from Moscow toBeijing, China, via Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

The Trans-Manchurian travels through Siberia and Manchuria to Beijing.

The longest of the three trans-Siberian routes, between Moscow and Vladivostok, takes 7 days. Two other variations are also popular: the Trans-Mongolian (between Moscow and Beijing via Mongolia) and the Trans-Manchurian (between Moscow and Beijing, bypassing Mongolia). These two routes take 6–7 days if going non-stop.

If you travel only on the trans-Siberian route, trips in Russia only from Moscow to Vladivostok, you need only a tourist visa to Russia.
If you travel on the trans-Mongolian route a Russian visa, a Mongolia visa and a Chinese visa is needed.
If you travel on the Trans-Manchurian route, strait from Russia to China, you do not need a Mongolian visa, only Russia visa and China visa.

While you are able to eat at the restaurant carriage on the train, you may also want to to stock up with snacks and light meals on at the local supermarket. There is no problem bringing food and alcohol on board, as long as you can carry it all. Hot drinks such as tea and coffee are best purchased in advance so you have something you like with you on board. There is of course a limitless supply of boiling water from the samovar in each carriage.

The most popular stops along the Trans-Siberian Railway are Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, the Baikal Region, Ulan Ude, Ulaan Baatar & Terelj National Park, The Great Wall of China, Vladivostok and Harbin.

Most long distance trains are classified by service level and speed movement, if you choose one of our Trans-Siberian package you will use fast trains, if you wish to take many city tours on your Trans-Siberian trip, especially within Russia you may use lower category passenger trains.

First class is the most comfortable and advisable cabin option for those planning a Trans Siberian vacation on a regular Russian train. First Class cabins have a large window, offer 2 lower berths and a small table in between them.

The “Kupe” or second class, is the second most popular train car type for those who plan to travel on the extensive Trans-Siberian railway onboard regular Russian trains. Such compartments accommodate four passengers each and have 2 upper and 2 lower berths.

The Trans-Siberian railway cabin 3rd class is the least recommended travel option on Russian trains. Also named “Platzkart”, such cars are designed for 54 passengers, have no doors and feature extra double berths. This is the cheapest class on the Russian trains.

The best way to travel between french cities and villages is by train.

France’s world-famous TGV travels at up to 199 mph.

You can also travel on TER regional, local & suburban trains, or Intercité trains.

You can choose between 1st or second class.

In France, you need to reserve if travelling on the TGV train, but you do not need to make a reservation on the TER or Intercité trains.

To travel with Eurostar using your pass you need to book your seat in advance and pay a seat reservation fee.

Paris – Avignon 2hrs40mins

Paris – Lyon 1hr57mins

Paris – Bordeaux 2hrs38mins

Paris – Avignon 2hrs42mins

Japan has 23,670 kilometers of rail track across the country, making it easy to travel throughout the country.

The Japanese Shinkansen or Bullet Train is among the fastest trains in the world. Japan’s railway network covers almost the entire country.

Before starting your journey you will need to find out the train schedule, then visit the station or go there ten minutes before departure and then at the ticket office, Midori no Madoguchi, a counter symbolized by a green logo of a marked man in white sitting on a seat.

Here you can purchase both a “non-reserved” seat (you can sit where you want, if seats are available) or a reserved seat. The reserved seat is more expensive than non-reserved seat. Then you can proceed to the platform with your ticket. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, there is no need to buy a ticket or reserve your seat in advance (excluding peak periods), you can board non-reserved cars. If it is a peak period or busy train, you may need to travel standing in these areas, especially in the case of local trains but do not worry, this rarely happens. It is also quite possible to reserve a seat for free with the Japan Rail Pass at a Midori no Madoguchi.

The Japan Rail Pass is a package (you only pay once for unlimited use of the train) that allows you to take all trains owned by Japan Railway company unlimited for 7, 14 or 21 days.