Russia: The Treasures of Baikal 6 Nights/ 07 Days

Day 1: Irkutsk

ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT

MEETING WITH THE GUIDE

TRANSFER FROM THE AIRPORT

CITY TOUR (1/2 DAY)

Get ready to explore a centuries-old Siberian merchant center! You will see the remains of the fortress Irkutsk including the Spasskaya Church, which was part of Irkutsk Kremlin. As the stronghold grew, merchants were coming here to settle and trade riches of Siberia - mainly furs. The fancy designs of their wooden homes will help you feel the spirit of the time. Your journey through centuries will take you to the house where Decembrists, Russian noble rebels lived in exile, a beautiful gingerbread-like 19th-century building of the History Museum and further, to the memorial grave of Alexander Kolchak, the legendary general of the Russian Civil War.

LUNCH AT THE RESTAURANT (EUROPEAN)

CHECK-IN AT THE HOTEL

FREE TIME FOR DINNER

Overnight at Hotel || Meals: Lunch

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Day 2: Irkutsk, Circum-Baikal railway, Listvyanka

BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL

MEETING WITH THE GUIDE

CHECK-OUT OF THE HOTEL

TRANSFER TO THE RAILWAY STATION

CIRCUM-BAIKAL RAILWAY (WITH LUNCH)

Let's explore Baikal following the old routes! We invite you for a tour along the Circum-Baikal Railway which is known as one of the world's most beautiful and sophisticated railroad. Its every kilometer is a result of construction work as complex as no other railway has ever seen. You will see century-old stations, bridges, tunnels and magnificent stone galleries. Not to mention the stunning views of Baikal from its southeastern shore! It will be a long tour, so we have already taken care of your lunch.

TRANSFER TO LISTVYANKA

CHECK IN AT THE HOTEL

DINNER AT THE HOTEL

Overnight at Hotel || Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 3: Listvyanka

BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL

MEETING WITH THE GUIDE

BAIKAL MUSEUM

In this museum, you will get acquainted with the diversity of the Lake Baikal's flora and fauna species, as well with its geology and geography. You will experience

a virtual dive in the underwater life of the Lake Baikal through the portals of a submarine. You will be amazed by the mix of authenticity and technology of this museum that will make your visit a real discovery of the Lake's environment!

CABLE CAR TO CHERSKY STONE

Chersky Rock is an observation platform, located on the height of 728 meters above the sea level. Having reached the top of the mountain by chairlift, you will enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Baikal, Listvyanka, the source of Angara River, Hamar-Daban, the legendary Shamanka Stone and even the train, passing through the old railway. Amazing pictures are guaranteed!

 

LUNCH AT THE RESTAURANT (EUROPEAN)

 

NERPINARY

Baikal nerpa (seal) is the symbol of the region and one of its most beautiful inhabitants. What makes it special is that this is the only area where you can meet them - they cannot live far away from their homeland. Because of their reticence and timidity, it is almost impossible to see Baikal nerpas in natural habitat - but you will have this opportunity during your visit to Nerpinarium! You will be fascinated by their ability to play football, jump, count,

play with the rings and sing.

CITY TOUR

Listvyanka is an urban-type settlement, situated in 70 kilometers from Irkutsk, near the point where the Angara River leaves Lake Baikal. Despite its modest size, Listvyanka is one of the busiest tourist spots in the whole Siberia. This town has always been an inhabited place in the region for 300 years and hosted a shipbuilding workshop. During this tour, you will visit the St. Nicolas Church, which dates back from the XIX century.

FREE TIME FOR DINNER

Overnight at Hotel || Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

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Day 4: Listvyanka, Olkhon island

BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL

CHECK OUT OF THE HOTEL

MEETING WITH THE GUIDE

 

TALTSY MUSEUM

Until the mid-20th century, both Russians and Siberian native tribes produced wooden architecture. Irkutsk managed to preserve this heritage at Taltsy, a unique open-air museum. Once you step in, you completely forget about modern life. The fascinating 17th-century fortress towers and authentic huts invite you to explore the history of the region first-hand. Don't pass up the chance to get inside one of these fancy homes and see the authentic way of Siberian living with your own eyes! If you want to immerse yourself even more deeply into the original ethnic culture, you can attend traditional craft workshops and unforgettable performances at the museum.

TRANSFER: LISTVYANKA - OLKHON

FREE TIME FOR LUNCH

CHECK IN AT THE HOTEL

 

WALKING TOUR TO CAPE BURHAN (SHAMANKA)

The most famous place of Baikal's Lake is located not far from Khuzhir. This place is called Shaman-Rock. Now Burhan is the main attraction of the island, the place of shamanic power. Shaman-rock, one of the nine holy shrines of Asia, has become one of the most famous images of Lake Baikal. If you are in search of magic places all around the world, then this is a place to begin or end your journey!

DINNER AT THE HOTEL

Overnight at Hotel || Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

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Day 5: Olkhon island

BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL

FULL DAY EXCURSION "CAPE KHOBOY"

When exploring Olkhon, make sure you pay a visit to Khoboy Cape, one of the most powerful places of the island. According to a Buryat legend, gods presented the first shaman with a gift of spiritual power at Khoboy. Since then, it's been a tradition for shamans to conduct their mysterious rituals here. The sight attracts all sorts of occult enthusiasts. When you see this mighty, breathtakingly beautiful nature, you will not be at all surprised that people of the past believed that gods love Khoboy!

LUNCH-PICNIC

DINNER AT THE HOTEL

Overnight at Guest House || Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 6: Olkhon island, Ust Ordynskiy, Irkutsk

BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL

CHECK OUT OF THE HOTEL

MEETING WITH THE GUIDE

TRANSFER: OLKHON - IRKUTSK

ETHNOPARK "GOLDEN HORDE": LUNCH, EXCURSION, FOLKSHOW, MEETING WITH SHAMAN

Baikal is famous for its beautiful nature, but there is something else that makes the unique image of the place complete. Over the course of centuries, the Buryat people have lived around the great lake, cherishing their own authentic culture. The Zolotaya Orda, or Golden Horde, park preserves the ethnic group's way of life. Colorful national dress, live ethno music and dance, tantalizing traditional cuisine and authentic Buryat homes… A tour to the Golden Horde Park will be an unforgettable journey to a time when people lived in perfect harmony with nature! Local Buryats will accompany you to explain everything you see. You will enjoy a spectacular folk show with dancing, singing, contests and games. A real shaman will help you develop a spiritual connection with Siberian nature. Finally, you will try traditional Buryat cuisine and pine tree nut vodka at your lunch in a yurt!

CHECK-IN AT THE HOTEL

FREE TIME FOR DINNER

Overnight at Hotel || Meals: Breakfast

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Day 7: Bishkek

BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL

MEETING WITH THE GUIDE

CHECK-OUT OF THE HOTEL

TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT AND DEPARTURE

The order of the visits might be changed. However, all visits mentioned in the program will be provided in full.

Overnight at Hotel || Meals: Breakfast

END OF SERVICES