Travel Forum / Destinations / Asia / November 2005

(This message was originally posted in rec.travel.europe)
Hi,

If you don't want to read all of this slightly long message, the gist
is that I want to hear peoples' experience of specific tour operators
who organised a trip on the trans-siberian express.

I'm thinking about going on the trans-siberian (trans-mongolian
actually) railway in 2006.  I like the look of the tours run by the
Russia Experience (www.trans-siberian.co.uk), primarily because these
seem to be the only pre-arranged tours which include a decent amount of
time in a number of locations en route.  I don't really want to see
Ekaterinburg and Ulan-Bator from the railway platform, I want to have
at least a day in each place if not an overnight stay.  From that point
of view, the Russia Experience seems excellent, but it comes at a price
(seems to be much more than any other company).  I don't mind paying
the price if the end result is an excellent holiday.

Has anyone used this company?  Can anyone make other recommendations
based on their experience?  I'm really after hearing any experience of
a specific tour operator etc. - someone who can arrange homestays or at
least accommodation in the more remote locations.  I've seen the
articles in the Moscow Times
(http://www.moscowtimes.ru/stories/2001/03/23/101-full.html), and in
the June 1998 issue of National Geographic.  I've looked at a number of
websites, including the Russia Experience
(http://www.trans-siberian.co.uk/), MonkeyShrine
(http://www.monkeyshrine.com/) and others.  Now I need some first- or
second-hand experience of particular operators, if possible, before I
spend a significant amount of cash.

Anyone been on something similar to a 'package holiday' on the
Trans-Sib?

If it makes any difference, I intend to travel with my wife, and I
speak a little Russian.

Any responses will be gratefully received.  Thanks very much,
Jon.