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Beijing to Moscow
aboard the
Nostalgic Istanbul Orient Express

Train Information

Carriages * Cost per Person * General Information * Eligibility

The Nostalgic Istanbul Orient Express

The Nostalgic Istanbul Orient Express is the legendary train which for decades, following its inaugural voyage from Paris to Istanbul in 1883, was the ultimate in European travel. It is the famous "Orient Express", described by Agatha Christie. It was known as the king of trains and the train of Kings. A cosmopolitan clientele of English Earls, Hungarian Barons, wealthy Turkish merchants, Ambassadors and spies traveled on it. Many poets, writers and film-makers (Balzac, Flaubert, Musset, Teophile Gautie, Graham Green, Agatha Christie) could not resist the desire to experience it and evoke its magic.

The "Orient Express" had the last regular Paris-Istanbul run in May of 1977. Since then, this famous train opened a new page in its life - as a special private train operating unique journeys for seasoned travelers looking for an exceptional travel experience. You will travel in the original carriages from the "Orient Express"; most were built in the 20's and 30's and beautifully restored. The train consists of 9 sleeping Carriages, 3 Dining Carriages, 1 Club Car, 1 Lounge/Bar Car, 1 Shower Car and 1 Luggage Car. There are also several cars for the kitchen and for the staff. The train allows us to experience even the most remote areas of China, Mongolia and Siberia in comfort.

Today the train is owned and operated by a Swiss Company. The staff, trained by the Swiss Company in Russia and Switzerland, is efficient and friendly. Meals are prepared by the skilled Swiss-trained Russian chefs and feature Russian, Central Asian and European dishes. You will also have the opportunity to sample the special flavors of the area visited. Uniworld provides 3 on-board English-speaking guides (who are experienced, English-speaking Russians) and 2 or 3 professional Western Tour Directors. Uniworld also provides on-board lecturers. There is a Russian medical doctor on board.

Carriages
Built in the 1930s, the cars are appointed with mahogany and brass, custom fabrics and carpets. Each carriage reflects the original character and fascinating history of the fabled Orient Express.

Salon Car Dining Carriages (3): Each dining carriage is beautifully decorated with inlaid paneling. The salon carriages were designed by Rene Lalique and Rene Prou and each seats 28 guests. The dining carriage seats 44. Meals prepared by Russian chefs feature Russian, Central Asian and European specialties.

Club Car (1):This comfortable car for about 50 persons is the place for lectures and gatherings, or just to relax and watch the passing scenery.

Lounge/Bar Car (1): The interior of car No. 4164 was designed by Rene Lalique. Leather sofas and chairs and a piano make it a relaxing place to gather with other passengers.

Sleeping Car Sleeping Carriages (9): The sleeping carriages each have nine wood-paneled private compartments. Each sleeping compartment includes an upper and lower bed, built-in wash basin with hot and cold water, and writing table. During the day, the compartments are converted into comfortable salons; a couch replaces the sleeping berths. There is a toilet located at one end of each car. A conductor is on duty in each carriage 24 hours a day.

Shower Car (1): The shower car ("Voiture Service Croisier") contains seven private shower compartments. The car is attended by a steward and is available 24 hours a day.

Luggage Car (1):When you unpack, we store your suitcases and bags so that you can have more room in your compartment.

2004 Departure Dates

TBA

2003 Cost per Person
All-Inclusive Prices from major gateways

Dining Car

Double occupancyUS$ 8,998
Single SupplementUS$ 1,098
Upgrade to Suite
Enjoy two connection cabins
on the Nostalgic Orient Express(only)
US$ 998
Business Class UpgradeUS$ 3,990 (approximately)
—Gateways—
Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas
Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis
Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Orlando, Pittsburgh,
San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC

General Information

Your Private Train Journey Includes:

  • Around-the-World airfare - Depart from the USA to Beijing on United Airlines or Northwest Airlines, and from Moscow return to the USA on Lufthansa or KLM
  • 3 nights in Beijing at the deluxe Hotel Kempinski
  • One night aboard the China Orient Express (from Beijing to the Mongolian border)
  • Nine nights aboard the Nostalgic Istanbul Orient Express (from the China / Mongolian border to Moscow)
  • All meals in Beijing and aboard the trains
  • Comprehensive sightseeing and excursions throughout your journey, including English-speaking local guides
  • Escorted by Uniworld Tour Directors from your arrival in Beijing until your departure from Moscow
  • Lectures aboard the train (educational program and informal discussions)
  • All transfers and luggage handling

Included shore excursions:

  • Beijing - Tour to the Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square
  • Beijing - Peking Duck dinner and Beijing Opera performance
  • Beijing - Tour the Beijing Zoo, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven
  • Beijing - Tour the magnificent Ming Tombs and Great Wall
  • Ulaanbaatar - Tour the city, Gandan Buddhist Monastery and Natural History Museum
  • Ulaanbaatar - Mongolian folk show
  • Ulan Ude - City tour and Ethnographic Open-Air Museum
  • Ulan Ude - Buryat folk ensemble show
  • Lake Baikal - Walking tour and Ecological Museum
  • Lake Baikal - Boat ride and Museum of Siberian Wooden Architecture
  • Irkutsk - Tour the Znamensky Orthodox Church
  • Irkutsk - Classic music concert
  • Novosibirsk - City tour
  • Yekaterinburg - City tour
  • Yaroslavl - City tour

Eligibility

We consider this a moderately strenuous program, involving some walking and stair climbing. Life on the trains is relaxed and casual. All members of the trip are expected to be in active good health, enjoy traveling as part of a group and be interested in expedition travel. We recommend the trip for seasoned travelers only.

Beijing to Moscow | Itinerary | The Train

beijmoscrail@rextravel.com To check availability or receive additional information
on The Beijing to Moscow Rail Journey,
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reprinted with permission of Uniworld

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