The Best Of Baikal

City tour, Red Square, Kremlin, Armoury chamber, O/n Moscow

AM Orientation tour - Red Square – GUM - “Stalin`s Seven Sisters” / Highscapers - Sparrow Hills (city’s best viewpoint) – New Maiden convent (outside) Your private vehicle and the guide will be waiting for you to invite you for an exciting tour of Moscow which is more than 878 years old. Our first stop is at the Red Square. Originally a commercial centre, Red Square has been at the very centre of Russian history since the 15th century, from Ivan the Terrible’s confession of his misdeeds to the people in 1550, to great demonstrations, executions and the great parades of the Soviet Union’s military might. Ironically, “krasny” originally meant beautiful; it came to mean “red” only in the last century! From the time of Ivan the Great the square was used as a huge gathering place for public events, markets, fairs and festivals. The magnificent square encompasses an area of over $ 70,000 square metres and is bounded by the Kremlin walls, St.Bazil’s cathedral, the Historical museum and GUM departments store, the shopping arcade, that was completed in 1893. At the southern end of Red Square is the almost fairy-tale like building of St Basil’s cathedral, commissioned in 1552 by Ivan the Terrible to celebrate his conquering of Kazan; legend has it that the architect was later blinded so that he could never repeat such a building that is so traditionally Russian. It is built of brick and comprises many colourful asymmetrical helmet & onion domes situated over nine chapels. Go to the best viewpoint on Sparrow hills, from which you could easily see most of the city. Sink in the atmosphere of the medieval Russia, when even daughters of tsars were doomed to become nuns (such were the rules, visiting the refined New Maiden Convent (outside). This is one of the most beautiful of the city collection of buildings, located to the south-west of the city centre, with 16 gilded domes, founded in 1524. Many noble women, including Peter the Great’s first wife and his sister took vows and spent the rest of their lives here and are buried here. Time for lunch PM Kremlin territory, cathedrals, Armoury museum After lunch visit the oldest part of Moscow – the Kremlin. You might be surprised how many ancient and magnificent structures one can see within its walls: 15th century cathedrals (the coronation, wedding and bury place of Russian rulers), bell-tower, Patriach’s Palace, Grand Kremlin Palace and of course the richest museum - Armoury. The Armoury has a fantastic collection of insignia of Imperial power, precious clothes, ceremonial harness and unique collection of imperial carriages. The 17th century throne of Alexey Romanov covered with a mosaic of turquoises and 900 diamonds, a pheloneon of Metropolitan Platon decorated with 150,000 pearls (it took the embroiderer 2 years to work on the pattern!), the famous Faberge eggs – is a tiny part of the whole collection. O/n Moscow

Arrive in Irkutsk, transfer to the hotel, city tour, O/n Irkutsk

Arrival in Irkutsk international airport IKT. Meet and greet by a local English speaking guide. Transfer to city center and sightseeing tour around Irkutsk. City tour consists of visiting historic part of Irkutsk with wooden houses, Angara river which flows from lake Baikal just through Irkutsk and local orthodox church. Irkutsk was founded in 1661 when the Russian military cossack troops established a fortress on the right bank of the Angara River. From late 17th century, it was a political, economical and cultural center of Siberia. The city's Russian classical architecture dates from the period of the 1880s when the city boomed after gold was discovered in the area. Most of the brick mansions and grand public buildings varying in architectural styles were constructed in the late 19th - early 20th century. You will see many small one- and two-stored wooden houses or cabins that are decorated with "wooden laces" (hand-made carvings) as well as modern constructions of the 20th century. During this city tour of Irkutsk, our guide tells you about the Siberian city evolution, shows the most interesting sights and peculiar features of one of the most beautiful cities in Russia Lunch in a local restaurant with typical Siberian dish. Check in a hotel. O/n in Irkutsk.

Full day in Listvyanka – Wooden architecture museum, viewpoint over Baikal, huskies dog sled, O/n Listvyanka

After breakfast we will start sightseeing tour in the area of 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. One of the most experienced Siberian husky owners live near Listyanka, visit to his house where huskies live. During winter months they participate in competitions where dogs can run hundreds of kilometers in Siberian winter. Listen to his stories and see Siberian huskies. And try dog sled! Afterwards a visit to Baikal museum which will show many important parts of the World’s oldest lake and its unique environment. Lunch in a local restaurant trying local fish. Walking for about 1 hour to Chersky Stone from here opens up a fascinating view over lake Baikal and Angara river. (We will use a chairlift). Visit open sky wooden architecture museum Taltsy. This museum in the open air has a large collection of original wooden houses equipped with the old-style furniture and domestic utensils. They were brought from several local villages. The museum shows the style of life in the 16th to 19th century Russian villages and Buryat and Evenk gers. You can observe the interiors of a Russian fort and the 15th century watchtower, a Siberian izba (house) and a chapel, a Shaman yourt and other interesting thin Return back to Listvyanka. Visit to a local market. Check in a hotel. O/n Listvyanka.

Full day in Olkhon natural reserve, Khoboi Cape visit, O/n Olkhon island

SACRED NATURAL WONDER OF SIBERIA. OLKHON ISLAND After breakfast we sit in special UAZ jeeps which are able to drive these ground roads. We will reach northern part of Olkhon island with its beautiful, untouched and stunning nature. Cape Khobov with a view over lake. You have the feeling as if you were at the edge of the Earth! Have lunch in the picturesque place. Continue to The cliff - Peak of Love. Three Brothers Rock. At the evening return to Khuzhir village. O/n Olkhon Island