What to do and see in Irkutsk, Siberian District: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

There are a lot of stereotypes about Russia and Siberia. For example many people think Siberia is a dark frozen wild place. In deed 6 months per year this area is really frozen (from November till April the air temperature is from -5 C to -35 C). But it is not dark at all! Irkutsk is one of the sunniest places on the planet (we have 318 (!) days of bright sun shining during the year) Some people believe that Siberia is a place with bears walk alone the roads. But bears dont walk along the roads here! It is imposable! Because we have no roads!!! (Russian joke about roads quality in Russia) So during this tour you will get to know the truth about Russia, Siberia and russian people!

Inclusions: Guide

Exclusions: Tips (optional), Private transportation

We are here to propose to you a personalized trip on the Circum Baikal Railway. It will perfectly fit you if you hate crowds and want to get 100% in harmony with nature. This is for you if you are looking for a route that reflects the most iconic spots along the way and doesn't take a lot of time; or if you would like to hugely diversify your knowledge on the subject of the railway construction and the history of the country and be treated as a welcome guest as well as a client. The Circum Baikal Railway is rightfully considered the most beautiful part of the Trans-Siberian Railway. An open-air monument of engineering ideas with its numerous tunnels, bridges, viaducts, and protective walls has become one of the most favorite destinations on Baikal. And we are inviting you to join us on this trip and explore “the golden buckle of Transsib” in a very elegant and convenient way. With us, you will observe the most iconic places for a reasonable price and accompanied by a skilled guide.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle, Snacks, Guide service throught the tour, 4 hour boat excursion

Exclusions:

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

This authentic trip is for those travelers, who want to get acquainted with Asian traditions, with Buryats (local population), who have been shamanists since the old times and started to become Buddhists in the XVIIth century. You will have a chance to meet locals, ride horses and even to live in the gers (nomadic tents). You’ll also have a conversation to real shamans and try national food of Buryats. Living in civilized world, spending plenty of time with phones, laptops and other gadgets, we started to lose connection to the present moment. Vacation in the wild nature of Siberia with fresh air, surrounded by Baikal lake, will fill you with energy and restore health.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Tickets to the museums, Guides services for 11 days, Traditional ritual by shaman, Entrance tickets to the national parks , Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Accommodation is excluded. We can add it at your request depending on the type of roo you choose, Meals

Listvyanka is the best place to visit Lake Baikal especially if you are restricted in time.The minibus / private car will pick you up from the hotel and you will start your way to Listvyanka, which is 70 km away from Irkutsk. After a while there will be a stop and you will visit Talzy. It is an open-air museum of wooden architecture. The next stop will be at the rock of Shaman, the place which is full of legends and mysteries. Soon after this stop we will visit Baikal museum which discloses the secrets of water purity, flora and fauna of the lake. Then we go to the fish market where you can try Baikal omul. After all these cable way will bring you Chersky’s stone – the picturesque place at the top of 748m above sea level.

Inclusions: Private transportation, a bottle of Baikal water, Taltzy museum tickets

Exclusions:

You will be picked up from your hotel by a comfortable minivan. On the way to Listvyanka you will visit the wooden ethnography museum Taltsy and the Baikal limnology museum to find out more about the Siberian exploration by Russians, local people settlements, and scientific study of the lake. In Listvyanka you will rise by a cableway to an observation platform "Czerskiy Stone", with stunning views of Lake Baikal and the source of the Angara River. Then you can visit the famous fish market and taste endemic Baikal fish. What's included: - private transfer: Irkutsk - Listvyanka – Irkutsk - guide service during the tour - Irkutsk city tour around historical center of the town - tickets for a chair lift to the observation point "Cherskiy Stone" - tickets for "Taltsy" museum - tickets for Baikal Limnological Museum - free time to explore Listvyanka and visit a fish market - opportunity for customization

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Guide service throughout the tour, Visit to an open-air Taltsy museum , Chair lift ride to an observation point, Visit to Baikal Limnological Museum

Exclusions:

The part of the railway you will visit on this tour is one of the most ambitious projects of the Russian Empire. Brilliant engineering solutions, skillful workers, and unbelievable expenses! All these have created what we call now the Circum-Baikal Railway. Numerous tunnels, bridges, and retaining walls seem to be a part of the fantastic landscape, which one has a chance to admire. You will travel along the shore and see the stone of Shaman, Port Baikal, some tunnels and have lunch in a picturesque and peaceful place.

Inclusions: Lunch, All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation

Exclusions:

Touch the ancient culture of the Buryat people, who for centuries inhabited the shores of Lake Baikal! During an excursion in the Golden Horde ethnic park, you will see the most carved beautiful yurt of Russia and the houses of local residents, enjoy ethnic music and national dances, and also try traditional dishes.

Inclusions: Lunch

Exclusions:

This tour is an elegant way to get acquainted with a cozy Siberian city called Irkutsk and the nearest town on Lake Baikal which is Listvyanka Village. You'll find yourself on the shores of the deepest and oldest lake on earth, race its waves on a boat excursion, ride a chair lift while observing Baikal with the taiga forest beneath your feet, and snow-capped mountains in the distance, learn some curious facts about Siberia’s exploration, taste delicious Russian cuisine and regional drinks. What's included: • Private transportation Irkutsk - Listvyanka – Irkutsk • Service of an English-speaking guide throughout the tour • Irkutsk city tour around historical center of the town • Visit to the observation point using the service of the chair lift • 40-min boat excursion on Lake Baikal • 60-min free time to visit an open-air fish and souvenir market

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Lunch

During the tour (by car/bus) the guide will show you the city's historical center. You will get acquainted with the history of Irkutsk and will see the city's main streets, churches, famous buildings and monuments. Irkutsk was founded in 1661 on the place of the junction of the Angara and the Irkut Rivers. The Irkut River gave the name to the city. At first, it was just a little wooden town, but it developed very fast, and 25 years later Irkutsk was given the status of the city. Today Irkutsk is one of the largest economic, industrial and cultural centres of Eastern Siberia. The citizens of the city believe that Irkutsk means for Siberia as much as Paris for France and London for England.

Inclusions: Roundtrip transportation to and from your central hotel (Comfortable car/minivan with A/C), Professional English-speaking guide assistance. Other languages upon request, City overview tour

Exclusions: Food / Drinks, Personal expenses, Gratuities, Entrance fees