Russia Private Tour (RUS010) Classic Journey to Lake Baikal in Summer (7 Days 6 Nights)

• Arrive at Irkutsk International Airport (Irkutsk). A private guide and welcome sign holder with a VIP vehicle await to transfer you into Irkutsk, famously dubbed the "Paris of Siberia".
• Take a city tour of Irkutsk to experience the charm of unique traditional carved wooden architecture, visit historic Russian Orthodox churches, and explore Kirov Square in the heart of the city.
• Check in to your hotel in Irkutsk and relax at your leisure after your journey.

hotel Overnight Irkutsk

• Have breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the train station to begin an extraordinary journey along the historic Circum-Baikal Railway.
• Take in the spectacular scenery of rocky cliffs bordering the crystal-clear azure waters of Lake Baikal, passing through several ancient stone tunnels.
• Stop at key viewpoints to take memorable photos by the lake and experience nature up close.
• Enjoy lunch on board the train or at a local restaurant. In the evening, continue to your destination and check in to your lakeside accommodation by Lake Baikal.

hotel Overnight Lakeside Accommodation by Lake Baikal

• Have breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the town of Listvyanka, a fishing village on the shores of Lake Baikal.
• Visit the Baikal Museum to learn about the ecosystem, flora, and rare endemic fauna, such as the Nerpa freshwater seal.
• Enjoy lunch and savor Omul, a delicious endemic fish of Lake Baikal.
• In the afternoon, ride the cable car up to the Chersky Rock viewpoint for a panoramic view of where the Angara River flows out of Lake Baikal.
• Then, enjoy the adorable performances of the Nerpa seals at the Nerpinarium before returning to Irkutsk to rest.

hotel Overnight Irkutsk

• Have breakfast at the hotel. Depart for the Taltsy Open-Air Museum of Wooden Architecture to see wooden houses, wooden churches, and the well-preserved historical way of life of Siberian people.
• Have lunch en route, then continue to Olkhon Island, the largest island in Lake Baikal (includes travel by car and seasonal ferry).
• Arrive at Olkhon Island and check in to your accommodation in the village of Khuzhir.
• In the evening, visit the stunning Burhan Cape (or Shaman Rock), the most sacred site on Olkhon Island, and watch an impressive sunset reflecting over the waters of Lake Baikal.

hotel Overnight Olkhon Island (Khuzhir Village)

• Have breakfast at the hotel. Board a 4WD vehicle (UAZ) for a scenic nature excursion to the northernmost tip of Olkhon Island at Khoboy Cape.
• Marvel at the steep cliffs, unusual rock formations, and expansive vistas of Lake Baikal, which looks like a vast sea.
• Enjoy an outdoor picnic lunch in nature, Siberian style, savoring hot local fish soup.
• In the afternoon, stop for photos at beautiful, pristine natural viewpoints on the island before returning to your accommodation to relax at your leisure.

hotel Overnight Olkhon Island (Khuzhir Village)

• Have breakfast at the hotel, check out from Olkhon Island, and travel back to the mainland.
• Stop to visit the "Golden Horde" Buryat Ethnographic Park to learn about the arts, culture, traditions, and way of life of the indigenous Buryat people.
• Enjoy lunch tasting local Buryat cuisine, and watch a folk performance with a traditional welcome.
• Continue back to the city of Irkutsk, check in to your hotel, and enjoy free time to stroll and shop for local souvenirs.

hotel Overnight Irkutsk

• Have breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy free time to stroll around, take photos, and shop for souvenirs, chocolate, or local Siberian products at your leisure.
• Check out from the hotel. A private car and guide transfer you to Irkutsk International Airport to prepare for your safe flight back to Thailand.