Mixing the great unknown with a pretty sizeable vodka consumption is always a good idea, which is why, en route from London to Australia, I boarded the 'vodka train' through Russia, Siberia, Mongolia and China.
The train journey is a 21-day exploration of Russia, Siberia, Mongolia and China, and is a great way to explore the lesser-known areas of Central Asia. The tour runs through St Petersburg, Moscow and Lake Baikal in Russia, the Mongolian capital of Ulanbataar, and Beijing, with local 'honchos' (or tour guides) meeting the group at each stop to take us out on the town and show us the sights.
The scope of adventure on this journey is incredible. There's larger-than-life architecture and communist history in St Petersburg and Moscow, natural wonders in Siberia, stays at Mongolian Ger camps, and snarfing fried scorpions at Beijing's night market. Not to mention the days in between stops, watching half the world roll by between multiple vodka shots and platform breaks in some very remote locations – yes, the 'vodka train' is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Sundowners Overland offers journeys along some of the most untouched tourist destinations in the world – including the Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian railways, the Silk road, and tours through Central Asia. sundownersoverland.com
