Sightseeing tour: Irkutsk & Lake Baikal

  Russia

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Irkutsk

Description: A short trip featuring the main attractions of Irkutsk - the capital of Eastern Siberia and Listvyanka - a tourist mecca on Baikal coast.

Highlights:
Day 1
Arrival in Irkutsk. Transfer to the hotel, check-in, time at leisure. A sightseeing tour of Irkutsk, during which you will see the historical centre, the place, where over 300 years ago Irkutsk was founded; the Angara river's embankment and the most prominent monuments of architecture. Excursion to the Znamenskiy Russian Orthodox convent with one of the most beautiful Siberian cathedrals noted for its iconostasis and graves on the territory (graves of the Decembrists, Gregory Shelikhov and others). Lunch at a restaurant in the city centre. Excursion to the Decembrist's museum telling about the Revolt of December 14, 1825, its participants and their life in the Siberian exile.
Return to the hotel. Overnight. (meals incl.: lunch)

Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel's restaurant. Departure for a whole-day excursion to Baikal lake (65 km). En route - visit to Taltsy Open-air ethnographic museum - a unique collection of architectural monuments, utensils and other things demonstrating the history, culture and everyday life of the people, who lived in Pribaikalye in the 19th century and the early 20th century.

Also en route - visit to the Buryat obo - a holy place for worshiping local deities and spirits, where you will have a chance to practice this specific rite yourself.
Arrival at Listvyanka settlement located on the shore of Baikal lake. A stop at the Shaman-rock observation platform next to the Angara's outflow from the lake, where you will hear a beautiful local legend and learn some curious customs connected with this place. Lunch at a local restaurant (specialties made of Baikal fish). Excursion to Baikal Ecological museum with a marvelous exposition on the lake's flora and fauna including aquariums with live inhabitants of Baikal. Upon request - virtual submerging to the lake's bottom (for extra charge). Walking tour around the settlement; visit to the functioning Russian Orthodox church of St. Nicholas-the-Miracle-Worker (the 19th century) and the local fish market.
Return to Irkutsk. Overnight. (meals incl.: breakfast, lunch)

Day 3
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport or railway station. Departure. (meals incl.: breakfast)

Cost in US$: 400

Participants Travel to Russia in Groups

Green Express Travel Company's Mission Statement: The key idea of Green Express activities is sustainable development of Baikal region (that brings no harm to the environment) and promoting wonders of Baikal worldwide.

Year Founded: 2001