While regular flights by variety of different airlines available to Irkutsk, still one of the most interesting route remains a journey by the Trans-Siberian express.
We would like to invite you to see the most popular places in Siberian region of Russia.

Sincerely,
Helen Isaeva

Siberia

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. 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. To see more information on web site

Most popular places to visit

Irkutsk The city was founded in 1661 when the military Cossack troops established a fortress on the right bank of the Angara river. Later on it became the political, economical and cultural centre of Siberia however most of the city’s brick mansions and grand public buildings were constructed towards the end of the 19th century when the city boomed after gold was discovered in the area. 64kms south of Irkutsk is Lake Baikal.

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.

Listvyanka The small but tourist-wise settlement of Listvyanka is located on the western shore of Lake Baikal. This old-style Siberian village situated at the source of Angara River is famous for its trade history. From the 18th century a ferry took merchants across the lake on their way to Mongolia, China and the Far East.

The Trans-Siberian railway The 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. Again any amount of stops can be made during the journey.

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. 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: n 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 To see the program