Rail Journeys for the mature aged traveller

Journeys by train across unique landscapes and historical settings are offered for small groups of 6 to 12 like-minded people. Odyssey’s rail programs, take regular multi-night stay in places of significance to be explored with knowledgeable guides with stories to share.

Small group tours by rail

History of France by Rail

12 days

Oct, May

French History by Rail European small group short tour

Visiting France

Odyssey's small group tour offers travellers the unique opportunity to live for 10 days as a local Parisian in one of central arrondissements of Paris. The tour is based on tour is based on Ina Caro’s book of the same name, we stay in charming apartments as a base, and explore the city and surrounding areas using train and metro.

From A$10,500 AUD

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Payanitsa chapel Krasnoyarsk

23 days

Oct, May

Helsinki to Irkutsk on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Visiting Finland, Russia

Escorted tour on the Trans-Siberian railway network from West to East starting in Helsinki and finishing in Irkutsk after 21 days. This is small group travel with like minded people and itineraries that maximise the travel experience of the 6 key destinations explored en-route. Our small group journeys are for mature couples and solo travellers.

From A$16,995 AUD

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Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

21 days

May, Oct

History of France by Rail | Escorted Small Group Tour for Seniors

Visiting France

French History by Rail small group tour is based on Ina Caro’s book of the same name. Participants live in central Paris, using apartments as a base, living as the locals do, whilst meeting each day as a small group to journey by rail and TGV to the beautiful medieval centres of France.

From A$17,595 AUD

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Irkutsk to Helsinki

days

Apr, Aug

Irkutsk to Helsinki on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Visiting Finland, Russia

Escorted tour on the Trans-Siberian railway network from East to West starting in Irkutsk and finishing in Helsinki after 21 days. This is small group travel with like minded people and itineraries that maximise the travel experience of the 6 key destinations explored en-route. Our small group journeys are for mature couples and solo travellers.

Japan History by Rail - Small Group Tour

10 days

Apr

Japan History by Rail - Small Group Tour

Visiting Japan

Explore historic and present day Japan. Journey by rail to regions and great cities to learn about their historical significance.

From A$13,365 AUD

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Mongolia and Russia small group tours

30 days

Jul

Journey through Mongolia and Russia small group tour

Visiting Mongolia, Russia

This escorted small group tour traverses this expanse, from Ulaanbaatar to St Petersburg; from the Mongolian Steppes to Siberian taiga and tundra; over the Ural Mountains that divide Asia and Europe to the waterways of Golden Ring. Our program for couples and solo travellers uses two of the great rail journeys of the world; the Trans Mongolian Express and the Trans Siberian Express.

From A$17,850 AUD

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vladivostok viewpoint

22 days

Oct

Krasnoyarsk to Vladivostok on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Visiting Russia

Mature and solo travelers group Travel on the Trans-Siberian Railway for 22 days covering the second half of the Trans-Siberian journey, from Vladivostok to Krasnoyarsk to Vladivostok on the edge of Siberian Russia Small group journeys with a tour leader, explores 5 key cities with local guides providing authentic experiences in each with stops of 2-3 nights.

From A$12,650 AUD

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Paris-Bordeaux-Provence By Train

22 days

Mar, Oct, Apr, Sep

Paris-Bordeaux-Provence By Train

Visiting France

For Odyssey Traveller this is one of our unique small group journeys in France, travelling by train from Paris to Bordeaux to Provence and back. Local guides support the tour leader with knowledge about destinations visited over the course of 20 days. There is a single supplement for solo travellers charged.

From A$14,750 AUD

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vladivostok viewpoint

22 days

Apr, Aug

Vladivostok to Krasnoyarsk on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Visiting Russia

Mature and solo travelers group Travel on the Trans-Siberian Railway for 22 days covering the second half of the Trans-Siberian journey, from Vladivostok to Krasnoyarsk in the heart of Siberian Russia Small group journeys with a tour leader, explores 5 key cities with local guides providing authentic experiences in each with stops of 2-3 nights.

From A$12,560 AUD

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Articles about rail travel with Odyssey

trans-Siberian train

History of the Trans-Siberian Railway

History of the Trans-Siberian Railway The history of the Trans-Siberian Railway, a network of railways connecting Moscow to the Russian Far East, covers important events of the 20th century, tracing the rise and fall of…

6 Jan 20 · 13 mins read
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trans-Siberian train

Trans-Mongolian Railway

Measuring 2080 kilometres, and situated between the borders of Russia’s far east and China’s North, the Trans-Mongolian railway is journey steeped in the history of great powers.

17 Feb 20 · 4 mins read
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Lake Baikal

Trans-Siberian Landscapes and Wildlife

Trans-Siberian Landscapes and Wildlife Even in a fast-paced world where travelling long distances means hopping on a plane and journeying through the air for a few hours, the Trans-Siberian Railway continues to have a magnetic…

14 Nov 18 · 9 mins read
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FAQs about Rail travel

Which countries does the Trans-Siberian Railway railway go through?

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.

How long does it take to do the Trans-Siberian railway?

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.

Do you need a tourist, transit or business visa when travelling on the Trans-Siberian railway?

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.

How to get food on the Trans-Siberian train?

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.

Where to stop along the way on the Trans-Siberian railway?

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.

What are the Trans-Siberian trains like?

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.

Which cabin class should I choose when travelling on the Trans-Siberian railway?

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.

What are the trains like in France?

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.

Do I need to reserve a seat when travelling by train in France?

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.

Do I need to reserve a seat on Eurostar?

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

How long are the train journeys in France?

Paris – Avignon 2hrs40mins

Paris – Lyon 1hr57mins

Paris – Bordeaux 2hrs38mins

Paris – Avignon 2hrs42mins

What are the trains like in Japan?

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.

How do I book a train in Japan?

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.

What is a Japanese Rail Pass?

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.

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