Location: Irkutsk
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Things to do in Irkutsk, Siberian District: The Best Rail Tours
Founded in the mid-17th century as a winter quarters for traders and tax collectors, Irkutsk came to prominence in the 1800s. Participants in the Decembrist revolt against Tsar Nicholas I were exiled to Siberia in droves, turning Irkutsk into their cultural center. Today, it’s one of Siberia’s biggest and most important cities, with over half a million people, many universities, many historic churches and museums, and beautiful Lake Baikal, just about an hour away by train.
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1. Learn Russian while Traveling on the Trans-Siberian Train
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Come to Russia for a "once in a lifetime" experience! During this immersive trip you will learn the melodic and mysterious Russian language while traveling through the immensity of the Russian territory with the mythical Trans-Siberian railway. Traveling by train will offer you incomparable views of the Siberian landscapes. This 14 days trip includes daily Russian language classes with a native certified Russian teacher. You will have dozens of opportunities to apply your new language skills by interacting with the local people, sharing with them unforgettable moments and learning more about the famous Russian soul. Three main stops are planned during this journey so that you can discover more in-depth some of the most fascinating places or Western Russia and Siberia: departing from Moscow the train will stop in Kazan, Yekaterinburg and the Baikal Lake, before a final stop in Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean. A journey of more than 9000 kms across 7 time zones!
Inclusions: 4 train tickets (2nd class), Accommodation in hotels (standard double room) and with host families, 30 hours of Russian language lessons, Excursions with an English-speaking local guide, Meals mentioned in the programme, Significant time spent with a Russian teacher throughout the journey (in addition to lessons), Visa support (voucher and registration fee in Russia)
Exclusions: Gratuities, Flights (flight to Moscow, flight back from Vladivostok), Meals not mentioned in the programme, Personal insurance, Personal expenses
Reviewed By AlexandreR1191
Great trip, fun group, nice guide and very tasty russian food ! also as a quad enthusiast the optional but affordable quad ride was great fun. Thank you again to the team of the Izba for their warm welcome and hospitality ! I'll try to come back for the Winter program. See you !
2. Complete Trans-Siberian Journey by Public Trains Vladivostok to Moscow
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The most epic journey of them all, the Complete Trans-Siberian is the ultimate rail tour, evoking a timeless sentiment of mystery and excitement spanning two continents, ten time zones, 87 towns, 16 rivers and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. The atmosphere created by the passengers from all corners of the globe adds to a truly unique experience. An all time favourite, and cultural and social adventure, this fascinating rail tour eastwards will provide you with a once in a life time experience. Sit back and enjoy thousands of kilometers passing by, observing ever-changing landscapes and views through the window of your train.
Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Arrival and departure transfers (vehicle and driver), Twin hotel accommodation on B&B basis, Guided tours by private vehicle as per program, 2nd class train tickets (4-berth compartments), Full Russian visa support
Exclusions: Flights (please speak with us to get the best prices on flights added to your tour), Russian visa fees paid directly to the Consulate, Travel insurance
Reviewed By AnnaM9520
The tour was organised beautifully, no problems. I was very impressed with St Petersburg - such a magical place. Planing on returning there one day with my family!
3. Grand Crossing Of Lake Baikal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Do you want to go for a real adventure on ice in Siberia? If that’s so, our tour "Grand Crossing of Lake Baikal” was made just for you! Cross the deepest part of the legendary Lake Baikal and find yourself 40 miles (60 km) away from any human habitation. Drawing on our years of experience, we created a brand new tour, for those like you who wish to experience genuine adventures.
Inclusions: Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner
Exclusions: Personal expenses and tips, visa fees and travel insurance, airline tickets
Reviewed By juliegrec0
I am very satisfied with the trip I have just made with BAIKALNATURE. The organization: itineraries, timetables, transport, accommodation, visits, staff was perfect and in all respects in conformity with the proposed program. The program was very rich, but it should sometimes be lightened so that there is a little more time between visits. The visit of Datsan Archan does not seem essential. It adds nothing to what we have already seen of Buddhism. I particularly liked the idea of walking, but it should be noted that they can be difficult for some people with little training. I would especially like to thank our guide Masha. She perfectly managed our group, (4 French and a couple of Americans) with great finesse, handling very well English, French and Russian in a balanced way. He was able to share with us her knowledge of the country, its culture and its attachment to the beauty of landscapes. Very attentive to the needs, to the desires, sometimes to the requirements of each one, she did spare her time to try to satisfy them always with humor, good humor and kindness. So this is a beautiful trip that I will think often in the winter of Paris. Recommended!
4. Tour to Circum-Baikal Railway
Overall Ratings
4.3 based on 6 reviews
Circum-Baikal Railway is a unique monument of the engineering minds of late XIX century. Used to be the the most expensive part of the Transsiberian railway, now it is still the most interesting and beautiful one, became a part of Baikal National Park. Visit of this part of railway will give you an understanding of architecture and construction solutions of that days, and the feel of unique nature of the lake. You will go downhill through taiga forest, following the river of Angasolka till its connection with the lake. It is a small village there, used to build for railway workers. Then you will follow the tracks, touching stones in the tunnels built in early 1900s and feeling the breeze of the lake. After the walk we will have a lunch and enjoy the view of the Southern Baikal from the viewpoint. We highly recommend this tour to everybody who is interested in the Transsiberian railway!
Inclusions: Local taxes, National Park fees, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Food and drinks
5. Trans-Mongolian Railway Tour from Moscow to Beijing.
Because,this is the route through 3 countries with different cultures and this is the part of the longest railway with stopover in 3 capitals plus Baikal lake the deepest lake in the world.This route became a legendary distance which have to cover each traveler.
Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast
Exclusions:
6. Challenge the Baikal Forest Trans-Siberian Railway
This trip is designed for people who love wildlife. You will spend time in the Siberian taiga, in isolation from civilization, electricity. We leave Irkutsk at 7 am. Our way lies by car, local railway train on the TRANS-Siberian railway and then on foot through the wild forest-the Siberian taiga. Cargo (food supply, equipment) is distributed among the participants of the campaign. On arrival, all together will equip the camp. On the second day, a hike and exploration of the Siberian forest, a picnic with a barbecue, the opportunity to make a beautiful photo shoot in the snowy expanses. On the third day there will be free time and then the return journey to the city of Irkutsk. Accommodation is provided in shared forest hunting lodges (without a toilet inside) where wild travelers stay, so other travelers can stay at the same time. Participants of the campaign sleep on a large sleeping deck.
Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions:
7. Transsiberian Grand Budget Journey (Eastbound)
This tour will give you a possibility to explore the vast Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok travelling by regular trains. During your train journey you will experience cultural diversity of Russian regions by making stops in many significant cities. Your journey will be thoroughly organized from pick up and accommodation at arrival point to the last day of your itinerary. All guests will be provided with necessary visa support for this tour. The tour will be interesting for guests who want to see as much as possible and save time and money.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, breakfasts are included only for guests staying at hotels, DBL accommodation at hotels (if 1 pax - SGL accommodation), accommodation in dormitory for guests staying at hostels, train tickets of chosen category, all transfers as per itinerary, visa supporting letter
Exclusions: other meals, insurance, English speaking guide/interpreter , excursion package
8. Transsiberian Grand Budget Journey (Westbound)
This tour will give you a possibility to explore the vast Russia from Vladivostok to Moscow travelling by regular trains. During your train journey you will experience cultural diversity of Russian regions by making stops in many significant cities. Your journey will be thoroughly organized from pick up and accommodation at arrival point to the last day of your itinerary. All guests will be provided with necessary visa support for this tour. The tour will be interesting for guests who want to see as much as possible and save time and money.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, DBL accommodation at hotels (if 1 pax - SGL accommodation), breakfasts are included only for guests staying at hotels, all transfers as per itinerary, accommodation in dormitory for guests staying at hostels, train tickets of chosen category, visa supporting letter
Exclusions: English speaking guide/interpreter , other meals, insurance, excursion package
9. 17-Day Trans-Mongolian Railway Tour from Moscow
On our “Best of Trans-Mongolian” tour, you will visit the important cities of the longest railway in the world from west to east. You will visit the three countries of Russia, Mongolia and China, observing the differences in culture and landscape between each. Our experienced English-speaking guides will look after you at each destination. This journey of a lifetime is a wonderful chance to experience for yourself the real connection between the continents and the great cultures of the world.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Russian visa service, Chinese visa service
Exclusions: Personal travel insurance, Excursions not mentioned in the itinerary. Can be provided on spot, fees apply
Reviewed By Von_Smiles
A very positive experience. I felt very reassured with all of the information received and the handling of the visa which was particularly easy via Go Russia in Germany. No glitches with the pick ups and no delays with the guides. First trip to Russia and I was impressed, so much so that I would book with Go Russia again when I eventually travel back and see more of the country. Julia from Go Russia was extremely competent and helpful.
10. 20-Day Trans-Mongolian Tour from Beijing to St. Petersburg
On this tour, we’ll begin our Trans-Mongolian journey in the fascinating Chinese capital, Beijing, travelling across the Mongolian steppe via exotic Ulan Bator and into Russia. As the train eats up the miles on its journey west, we’ll explore pretty Lake Baikal and charming Irkutsk before heading to historic Yekaterinburg. A comprehensive sightseeing programme in both Moscow and St Petersburg rounds off this unforgettable tour.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Russian visa service, Chinese visa service, Mongolian visa service
Exclusions: Personal travel insurance, Excursions not mentioned in the itinerary. Can be provided on spot, fees apply
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