Moscow – Ekaterinburg – Novosibirsk – Irkutsk – Listvyanka – Irkutsk
Siberia is a vast area lying to the east of the Urals shrouded in myth and mystery. While to the foreigner it conjures visions of salt mines, snow and freezing temperatures, the reality could not be further from the myth.
Itineray in brief
While it is cold in winter with temperatures plummeting to absurd levels, the remaining seasons transform this area into one of the most beautiful one could imagine. Late spring - early summer brings a profusion of wild flowers which literally carpet every valley while the temperatures climb into the 20s and 30s. The lush grass provides food for a variety of deer while bear and wolves inhabit the remoter regions. Autumn turns the trees to amber and the undergrowth to red which is spectacularly beautiful. Although there are many regions to choose from, one of our favourites is the Irkutsk region, one of the largest and most interesting in the whole of Russia. A country in itself, three quarters is covered by taiga (forest) while in the south the Sayan mountains rise to 3,000m. Besides Russians, the Irkutsk region is populated by many indigenous groups such as the Buryats, Evenks and Yakuts. The dignity and hospitality of the local people, the remarkably clean air, the emptiness of the valleys and its mysterious spaciousness attract people from all over the world. It is a fascinating voyage of discovery.The Trans-Siberian railway
While regular flights on a variety of different airlines are available to Irkutsk, perhaps one of the most romantic notions remains a journey on the Trans-Siberian express. The three day journey from Moscow to Irkutsk can, if required, be broken at several different cities en-route before arrival (Ekaterinburg, Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk). After a few days exploring the area, there is an option either to continue east or alternatively taking the more interesting route south through Mongolia and on to Beijing.
Lake Baikal
At 1,637m deep Lake Baikal is the world’s deepest lake and is estimated to hold 17% of the world’s fresh water. Larger than Belgium and with crystal clear water that allows visibility down 40m, the lake has developed its own eco system represented by over 2000 recorded animal and plant species of which 70-80% are found nowhere else. Excursions can include boat trips on the lake, scuba diving in the extraordinarily clear water, horse riding, trekking or, for the more leisurely, a steam train journey along the shore.
Moscow – Ekaterinburg – Novosibirsk – Irkutsk – Listvyanka – Irkutsk
“Trans-Siberian Tour” 9 nights/10 days
Day 1/Fri. Moscow/arrival
AM/PM Arrival in the international Airport (flight TBC). Private transfer to the hotel with ES guide
O/N in Moscow hotel, b/b
Day 2/Sat. Moscow Private transport, ES guide
AM City tour, Red Square, Sparrow Hills, New Maiden Covent and cemetery
PM Kremlin tour (territory and cathedrals, Armoury Chamber)
O/N in Moscow hotel, b/b
Day 3/Sun. Moscow/departure to Ekaterinburg
16:38 Transfer to railway station with ES guide. Train to Ekaterinburg (way time 26 hours)
O/N on board of the train
Day 4/Mon. Ekaterinburg
20.04 Ekaterinburg/arrival, private transfer to the hotel with ES guide
O/N in Ekaterinburg hotel, b/b
Day 5/Tue. Ekaterinburg/departure to Novosibirsk
AM Half-day city tour, visit to the Church on Spilled Blood, Local History Museum and Europe/Asia dividing point. Transfer to railway station with ES guide
18:57 Train to Novosibirsk (way time 23 hours)
O/N on board of the train
Day 6/Wed. Novosibirsk
18:06 Novosibirsk/arrival, private transfer with ES guide
PM check in hotel, short rest, visit traditional Russian banya – steam bath, samovar tea ceremony with Siberian honey
O/N in Novosibirsk hotel, b/b
Day 7/Thu. Novosibirsk/departure to Irkutsk
AM Novosibirsk, City Tour. Transfer to railway station with ES guide
12.34 Train to Irkutsk (way time 31 hours)
O/N on board of the train
Day 8/Fri. Irkutsk
20:44 Irkutsk/arrival, private transfer with ES guide
O/N in Irkutsk hotel, b/b
Day 9/Sat. Irkutsk/Listvyanka settlement
AM Half day city tour with visit to Decembrists’ museum. Transfer to Listvyanka settlement (70 km)
PM Walking city tour in Listvyanka, visit to Limnological museum Ethnographic Museum
O/N in Listvyanka hotel, b/b
Day 10/Sun. Departure Private transport, ES guide
AM/PM Departure transfer to the airport for your international flight