Baikal Lake Tour

Moscow, Irkutsk, Listvyanka, Bolshie Koty, Irkutsk, Sunday-Sunday, 8 days / 7 nights

Siberia / Baikal Lake Tour 2022 Moscow, Irkutsk, Listvyanka, Bolshie Koty, Irkutsk, Sunday-Sunday, 8 days / 7 nights

This 8-day group tour has 1 overnight on plane, 3 nights in Irkutsk in 4-star hotel, 2 nights in Listvyanka and 1 night in Bolshie Koty in wooden chalets. The tour is based on full day sightseeing, full board and expert English-speaking escort.

DAY ONE - Moscow

  • Depart Moscow (DME airport) to Irkutsk by Siberian airlines (S7), the second largest carrier in Russia.
    Duration 5 hours 30 minutes, time difference +5 hrs or GMT +8.
    Alternatively, you may choose to fly by Aeroflot. Both airlines use modern Western aircrafts. In case you decide to have an extra night in Moscow before the flight, a private transfer to DME airport will be provided at no extra cost.
  • Overnight on plane.

DAY TWO - Irkutsk

  • Arrive to Irkutsk.
  • Transfer to the hotel Victory, early check-in, time for rest. Lunch at the hotel.
  • Panoramic tour of Irkutsk
    With a population over 1 million people, Irkutsk is one of the oldest and most attractive Siberian cities. It is situated on the banks of the powerful Angara River near its outlet from the Lake Baikal. Not much has been preserved from the 19th century wooden town because of the numerous fires. You will se a couple of stone cathedrals and typical wooden houses scattered between Soviet-era buildings.
    Optional visit to local lore museum.
  • Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.

DAY THREE - Irkutsk

  • Visit to the Trubetskoy house.
    Now it is a museum of Decembrists – the prisoners of the state, exiled to Siberia after the uprising in 1824. Stripped of much of their wealth, they helped bring modern European culture to what was still a developing land. The house of Trubetskoy is still immaculately kept as a tribute to his contribution to the city’s history.
  • Transfer to Ust-Orda - a settlement of Buryat people.
    Descended from Mongolians who settled the area in the third century, the Buryat have been fairly successful in maintaining their traditions. For instance, many still speak their native Mongol dialect. They are traditionally Buddhist or Shamanist (a pagan tradition), although some have converted to Christianity under Russian influence
  • Visit the SHAMANS and see the folk show followed by traditional Buryat lunch.
    Return to Irkutsk.
  • Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.

DAY FOUR - Irkutsk, Listvyanka

  • Leave Irkutsk for a 10-hours journey to the lake Baikal along the famous Circum-Baikal rail road.
    Built in 1899 it contains thirty-eight tunnels for a total length of 9063 m, 18 open stone and concrete galleries, 248 bridges and viaducts. The Circum-Baikal has no equal in Russia as to the richness of engineering constructions. Now it is one of the most popular tourist routes to the lake Baikal. The train has many long stops during which one can enjoy breath-taking views or visit local villages.
  • Picnic lunch on train is served by your guide.
    Taste hot soup and a shot of vodka in one of the villages.
  • The railroad experience ends in port Baikal where you board a ferry to the village of Listvyanka.
  • Check-in at the hotel Krestovaya Padj (Cross Fold). Overnight.

DAY FIVE - Listvyanka

  • Start the day with visit to the Museum of Baikal Lake (Limnology Museum).
    "Blue Pearl of Siberia," Baikal is the world's largest, deepest, and perhaps still purest freshwater lake, holding 20% of the world's surface fresh water. The water and surrounding forests are home to myriad animal and plant species including the ring seal, sturgeon, and brown bears, many found nowhere else on earth.
  • Continue with a walking tour of Listvyanka village with visits to the Church, the fish and souvenir market as well as most picturesque view points of the lake.
  • Lunch at local restaurant. Free time with guide at disposal.
    Optional visit to the Nerpinatium (Nerpa is Baikal fresh-water seal).
  • Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.

DAY SIX - Listvyanka, Bolshie Koty

Leave Listvyanka by private boat to the village of Bolshiye Koty - a remote and isolated settlement with less than 100 dwellers.

  • You will have a possibility to hike a part of the distance to the village along the steep rocky shore of the lake.
  • Check-in at Bolshie Koty Chalet. Lunch at the hotel.
  • After lunch start a walking tour of the village.
    Climb atop the highest rock to see the stunning panorama of the village and the lake from the bird’s view. Enjoy the beauty and serenity of this region.
  • Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.

DAY SEVEN - Bolshie Koty, Listvyanka, Irkutsk

  • Free morning for independent exploration.
  • Return to Listvyanka by hydrofoil in time for farewell lunch with traditional Baikal fish specialties.
  • On return to Irkutsk visit the open-air museum of Wooden Architecture.
    See interiors of typical Siberian houses, partly covered yards and barns, small churches and wooden fortification walls.
  • Check-in at the hotel Victory. Dinner. Overnight.

DAY EIGHT - Irkutsk, Moscow

 

  • Check-out, transfer to the airport with your guide.
  • Fly to Moscow at noon arriving in the early afternoon because of the time difference.

PACKAGE RATES 2017 PER PERSON:

Please inquire about valid prices at russia@escapetravel.spb.ru. Rates include daily breakfasts, all taxes, services of experienced licensed guide (main languages available), transportation, entrance fees and meals as per the itinerary