Things you should know - before you go

What's included

Small Group Journeys

The services of an experienced Group Leader (except on 'Experiential' tours)
Small groups - maximum of 15 people, see ‘Essentials’ of your chosen journey.
All transportation as specified in the itinerary.
Meals as specified in the itinerary.
Excellent English-speaking local guides where specified.
Comfortable well located tourist class hotels and guesthouses (upgraded hotels for Premium and Private Train journeys).
All transfers except arrival on day one and departure on the final day.
No 'single supplement' charges for passengers wishing to share.
Year round departures.
Sundowners Overland invaluable 'Pre Departure Information’

Independent & Tailor Made Journeys

Choose from Classic or Traveller journeys.
All transportation (includes four-berth rail compartments when on trains) as specified in the itinerary.
Arrival Transfers (AT) and Departure Transfers (DT) in each stopover city as specified in the itinerary.
Flexibility to add extra nights in stopover cities, upgrade hotels, pre-book sightseeing and arrange additional transfers.
Departures throughout the year.
Sundowners Overland invaluable 'Pre Departure information'.

What's not included (all journeys)

Flights and taxes unless specified in the itinerary.
Travel insurance.
Visa fees.
Vaccinations.
Tipping.
Meals not specified in the itinerary.
Items of a personal nature (laundry, shopping, drinks etc).

Things you should know - before you go

Joining & Ending - Small Group Journeys (transfers)
All our Small Group Journeys begin at the designated hotel on day one of the journey. Similarly they will end at the hotel on the morning of the last day. A pre departure meeting is usually held on the evening of the first day. These details will be provided with your pre tour documentation. If you would like to have a prepaid transfer from or to the airport at the beginning or end of your journey then contact us to arrange this.

Luggage & Packing
On all journeys?(except Private Train journeys) you will be required to carry your own luggage on or off the trains, through stations and between vehicles and hotels. Please only bring what you can carry. We recommend using a single backpack / rucksack, or soft bag as your main luggage, a moderate size suitcase with retractable handle and wheels is also suitable for most journeys. Do not bring oversize suitcases or bags. All these luggage types fit more easily into the luggage spaces on trains, buses and jeeps. You should also carry a small daypack for personal items used during the day (camera, water, snacks etc.). A hidden money belt for carrying valuables is also useful.

Porterage
Porterage is not included on any Sundowners Overland journey (except Private Train journeys) so it is important that you are able to carry your own luggage. A backpack or suitcase with wheels may be the easiest and most convenient solution for many travellers.

Tipping
Across Asia, people have become accustomed to the new freedoms and opportunities of a capitalist economy. Tipping has become an essential (and expected) supplement for those working with foreign tourists, eg: drivers, guides and porters. We have found from experience, that it is convenient for the Group Leader or an elected group member to collect a kitty and administer it according to the group's decision. Your contribution will be collected on day one of the journey. A tip kitty saves the need for regular use of small denomination bills and our pre tour information will help you to budget for this.

Age & Suitability
Our journeys are suitable for almost everybody and age is rarely a factor. A willingness to be involved, a positive and flexible approach to travel and an understanding of the particular demands of your chosen journey will ensure your enjoyment on one of the most satisfying and rewarding travel experiences of your life.

A minimum age of 18 applies to our Small Group Journeys. For children under this age please call Sundowners Overland to discuss our guidelines for travelling with children.

Visas & passport
Depending on the nationality of your passport, it is safe to assume that a visa will be required for all or most countries you intend to visit regardless of the journey chosen. Many of these visas will be issued on the strength of an 'invitation letter', which we will obtain and provide to you. With each booking Sundowners Overland provide full visa support including detailed visa guidelines for each country. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a passport (with at least six months validity from the date of completion of your Sundowners Overland journey) and any visas necessary to enter or transit any countries involved in the journey.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all 'Small Group Journeys'. For personal benefit and peace of mind, we strongly recommend travel insurance for 'Tailor Made Journey’ itineraries. Policies must provide adequate cover for the loss of personal items and any potential medical expenses. Group members will not be permitted to participate in the trip until your Group Leader has seen evidence of travel insurance coverage. For a policy quote or to purchase a suitable policy please click here.

How & When to Book
With only 15 places available on our 'Small Group Journeys' - early booking is recommended to be sure of travelling on the journey of your choice. As soon as you know the journey and departure date you would like to book, please contact Sundowners Overland or your travel agent to secure your place.

While not restricted by group numbers, ‘Independent’ & 'Tailor Made Journeys' should be booked early to secure best availability of transportation and accommodation. Confirmation will be provided on receipt of your deposit and completed and signed booking form.

A Word of Warning - Silk Road
Central Asia is not altogether new, but modern-day tourism to the region is. Early travellers on the ancient Silk Road were not expecting comfortable hotels and 'western' facilities, they were seeking and discovered much more. The stunning scenery, friendly hospitality and collision of cultures at this crossroads of East and West are the ingredients for a unique and rewarding adventure. However, with the sometimes-frustrating nature of the countries visited, you will need to exercise patience and approach things with a sense of humour. If you expect everything to run as planned, if you want a predictable and consistent quality in your accommodation and transport - DO NOT travel to Central Asia! If you love adventure and want a completely unique travel experience, join us and we guarantee your journey will be a rewarding and memorable experience.

Dossiers (Small Group Journeys)
While all of the essential information you require for booking your journey is included in the brochure we also provide a dossier on every journey. These dossiers contain more detailed information related to many aspects of the journey such as itineraries, spending money, recommended reading, luggage, etc - all of which are useful in the final planning of your journey. To receive a dossier simply call Sundowners Overland or your travel agent, or download a copy from the Journeys section of this site.

Our Experienced Team
Sundowners Overland' Trans Siberian Railway & Silk Road operations office was founded in Melbourne, Australia, in 1973. Sundowners Overland is committed to expert advice and planning and have the most experienced team working behind the scenes to ensure your holiday of a lifetime runs smoothly. Our team regularly travel to Central Asia and aboard our rail adventures and have led many of our trips to enhance their knowledge and keep informed of the latest changes. So if it's Siberia or the Silk Road or the many great places in between, you can be sure that we've already travelled it ourselves, many times.