One of the best ways of seeing the country is by train on the trans Mongolian railway, which allows holidaymakers to see some spectacular scenery from the comfort of a cosy carriage while also stopping off at top locations such as Irkutsk, Ulan Bator and Beijing. Such tours typically begin in Moscow, where visitors can take in sights such as St Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin while also seeing a variety of treasures and artefacts at exhibitions around the city.

Don't forget to make the most of Moscow's fantastic food and arts scene, as well as its wide array of clubs and bars. One of the main stops on your railway tour is likely to be the Siberian city of Irkutsk, which boasts some pretty architecture, a huge market and easy access to the magnificent Lake Baikal and its natural scenery.

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As this is a trans Mongolian tour, however, the highlight will surely be a stop in Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia. There are so many things to see and do here you might be tempted to return to the city another time. It has beautiful palaces and temples, massive public squares and some awe-inspiring mountain scenery to take in.

Specific highlights include the Gandan monastery, Sukhbaatar Square, the Choijin Lama temple, the Bogd Khaan palace, the National Art Gallery, the Zaisan Hill Memorial and a number of fascinating museums. If you end your tour in China, your final stop will be Beijing. The Chinese capital is an unparalleled travel destination packed with many unforgettable sights, including the Forbidden City, the Ming Tombs, the Great Wall and Beijing Zoo.