St Petersburg to Bali - Babushkas, Buddhas and beaches

Itinerary

Days 1-2 St Petersburg

This rail odyssey starts in Russia's extravagantly beautiful cultural capital. Stroll through its leafy parks perhaps, visit one of many quirky museums or even follow in the footsteps of Rasputin on a walking tour of the city.

Days 3-4 Moscow

Orthodox churches stand proudly alongside Soviet icons and chic modern boutiques in the nation's capital. Be transported back in time at the Kremlin and don't miss the eccentric St Basil's Cathedral.

Days 5-7 Trans-Siberian Railway

Sip vodka as the lush taiga rolls by - it's all in a day's work on this journey along the world's most famous train line.

Day 8 Irkutsk

Wander through the streets of Irkutsk and explore the city's interesting mix of traditional Siberian and communist-era architecture.

Days 9-11 Lake Baikal

Experience the serenity of the world's deepest lake.

Days 12-13 Ulan Ude

Chill out in this striking city with it's unique mix of indigenous and Russian cultures. From here, venture into the fearsome Genghis Khan's territory.

Day 14 Ger Camp

Spend a night in the rolling hills of the Mongolian countryside, sleeping in a traditional felt tent known as a 'ger'.

Days 15-16 Ulaanbaatar

Witness the old and new faces of Ulaanbaatar - make time to see the Winter Palace of the last Emperor as well as the recently restored Gandan Monastery.

Days 17-19 Beijing

The last stop is in the impressive Chinese capital of Beijing. Stay a few days longer to climb the Great Wall - a fitting conclusion to this epic journey.

Days 20-21 Great Wall

No trip to China is complete without a visit to the Great Wall. Walk along a remote section of the wall and spend the night in a simple guesthouse nearby.

Days 22-24 Xi'an

Meet the local Hui people in the Muslim Quarter, admire the distinctive Great Mosque, or ride a bike around the impressive Ming Dynasty city wall. Don't miss a visit to the famed 2,200 year old Terracotta Warriors.

Days 25-27 Shanghai

Walk along the elegant Bund, check out the space-age skyscrapers of Pudong or go bargain hunting in Yuyuan Bazaar. Perhaps catch a performance by the famous Shanghai Acrobats in the evening.

Days 28-31 Yangshuo

With its smoky horizons, dramatic limestone peaks and lush countryside, Guangxi is one of China's most photogenic regions. We have plenty of time to try tai chi, take cooking lessons or cycle along country lanes.

Days 32-34 Longji Terraces

From our base in a hilltribe village, explore the towering Longji rice terraces on foot. The extensive terraces are an incredible feat of farm engineering and cling spectacularly to the side of 800 m high mountain peaks.

Days 35-36 Hong Kong

Our stay in Hong Kong is short so be prepared for some fast-paced action. Head to the shops and bargain hard, cruise the harbour, take the cable car to Victoria Peak or check out the local nightlife.

Days 37-40 Guiyang/Kaili

Immerse yourself in a world of colourful local dress, traditional architecture and the unique cultures of the Miao people on a three day adventure through the countryside of Guizhou Province. Trek past mountains and markets and spend the night in sleepy villages along the way.

Days 41-42 Kunming

Wander through the bird and flower markets of Kunming or take a day trip out to the otherwordly Stone Forest. Be sure to try some local fruit wine in the evening.

Days 43-45 Sapa Trek

Cross the border to Vietnam and discover a strikingly different countryside to explore. Starting at the old French hill station of Sapa, trek through the extraordinary rural mountainscapes that are home to the colourful H'mong, Tay and Dzao people.

Days 46-47 Hanoi

An overnight train to Hanoi delivers us back to the fast pace of city life. Use free time to wander the tree-lined boulevards, shop for mementos in the Old Quarter or catch a sitting of Hanoi's famous water puppet show.

Days 49-50 Hanoi

Take an optional walking tour to Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda.

Days 51-53 Hue

Explore the sights of Hue, perhaps cycling out to the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen emporers or Imperial Citadel with its Forbidden Purple City.

Days 54-55 Hoi An

Dig the relaxed vibe in Hoi An, strolling around town, exploring its fascinating market or maybe rest on nearby Cua Dai Beach. This is a great stop to have a suit tailored or improve your culinary skills with a cooking lesson.

Days 56-58 Nha Trang

Beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters await in Nha Trang. Chill out, and consider trying snorkelling or taking a boat trip out to nearby islands.

Days 59-60 Ho Chi Minh City

The air hums with the heady sound of bargaining in the shopping city of Ho Chi Minh, where streets are lined with shops, stalls and vendors with enticing wares. Head underground on an optional tour to explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.

Day 61 Phnom Penh

Elegent Phnom Penh is full of fascinating sights, such as the Killing Fieldsd of Choeung Ek and the gorgeous Silver Pagoda.

Day 62 Homestay

Witness everyday Cambodian life and enjoy a traditional-style dinner on a homestay.

Days 63-65 Sihanoukville

Unwind in the tropics in Sihanoukville, a riot of beach, mangrove forests and atmospheric little bars.

Day 66 Phnom Penh

Back in Phnom Penh there is time to hit the Central Market or maybe grab a massage.

Day 67 Kampong Cham

The locals here make their living fishing, and growing tobacco and sesame so it's a good place to get a look at Cambodia's cottage industries. The temples at 'Man Hill' and 'Woman Hill' are well worth a visit.

Days 68-70 Siem Reap

Gateway to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, Siem Reap also has other attractions: the floating village of Tonle Sap, tasty Khmer restaurants and the Gecko Environment Centre to name a few.

Days 71-74 Bangkok

Explore the mad streets of bustling Bangkok.

Day 75 Overnight Train

Leave the hustle and bustle behind, taking a sleeper train south to Surat Thani.

Days 76-77 Khao Sok National Park

Head to Khao Sok National Park by songthaew. Take a guided walk through the jungle to a small Buddhist temple and stay overnight in rustic bungalows.

Days 78-80 Krabi

Mellow out on pristine beaches, snorkel among colourful reefs or go island-hopping.

Days 81-82 Penang

Chinese temples, colourful bazaars and night markets combine to make a fascinating introduction to Malaysia.

Day 83 Cameron Highlands

Sample the local produce at a tea plantation while enjoying panoramic views.

Days 84-85 Kuala Lumpur

Get a glimpse of the city's Islamic life at the Jamek mosque or head out to Bangsar for a taste of 'KL' nightlife.

Day 86 Melaka

A historic fusion of Chinese, Indian, Malay and European influences, Melaka retains an old-world Asia air. Try a riverboat ride, stop in at a temple or mosque, or climb the steps to St Paul's Church.

Day 87 Singapore

At Newton Circus, indulge in an extensive range of cuisines reflecting the country's multicultural heritage.

Day 88 Jakarta

Check out the traditional sailing schooners of Batavia or visit the cultural theme park, Taman Mini.

Days 89-91 Pangandaran

Get close to local wildlife on a nature walk. Don't miss the bats' sunset flight to the fruit trees on the west beach.

Days 92-94 Yogyakarta

Java's cultural centre is perfect for seeing traditional dance performances or the incredible Borobudur.

Day 95 Seloliman Nature Reserve

Unwind on our peaceful retreat while learning about ecological farming from our volunteer hosts.

Day 96 Mount Bromo

Get in touch with Javanese herbal medicine before our journey to the amazing Tengger Caldera and Mount Bromo.

Days 97-98 Lovina

Greet the sunrise on Mount Bromo. Later, snorkel or go on a dolphin-spotting trip in Lovina.

Day 99 Tirtagangga

Relax amid terraced rice-fields or swim in Raja's Water Palace where pools are fed by underground springs.

Days 100-102 Ubud

Go wild doing a traditional kecak dance to cap of this huge overland adventure. There is plenty of time to explore the cultural heart of Bali, perhaps popping into a gallery or visiting the monkey forest.