Beijing Sightseeing and Trans Mongolian Train - Beijing, Great Wall and Trans-Mongolian Train

Day 1: Beijing arrival

Upon arrival in Beijing, you are met and transferred to our centrally located hotel in downtown Beijing. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Beijing

Day 2: Great Wall, Ming Tombs

After breakfast, travel to the Great Wall and walk this incredible monument. Then travel to the Ming Tombs and later return to your hotel. Breakfast and lunch are included today.

Overnight in Beijing

Day 3: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Summer Palace

After breakfast, visit Tiananmen Square, the world's largest square and then pass through the gates at one end of the square into the Forbidden City. Inside, the Forbidden City is truly a city unto itself. There are bridges, spectacular Chinese architecture including former emperors' quarters and there is even a river that flows through the grounds. In the afternoon, visit the famed Summer Palace, where in contrast to the more austere atmosphere of the Forbidden City, the Palace has large lakes, beautiful shade trees and wonderful walkways along the water's edge. Breakfast and lunch are included.

Overnight in Beijing.

Day 4: Trans-Mongolian Train

After breakfast, transfer to the train station for the Trans Mongolian Train departure. For those of you who have always dreamed of taking this famous train, here's your opportunity to take it between Beijing and Ulaanbaatar. The sites are spectacular — roll out of Beijing in the morning and watch the hustle and bustle of life in Beijing. The train continues across northern China, to the Great Wall and then to the border of China and Mongolia.

Here, go through customs and immigration and watch as the undercarriage of the train is changed for the smaller gauge tracks in Mongolia. The train travels across the Gobi Desert, across the Asian Steppe arriving in Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon. Spend the night on the train in comfortable 4-person sleepers with shared toilet facilities. Truly, a remarkable beginning to your Mongolian adventure. (B)

Day 5: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to our centrally located hotel. This is the beginning of the Mongolia Tour. You meet up with our Mongolia trip guide and fellow trekkers today. Dinner and orientation with our group. Overnight in Ulaanbaatar.