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I N TIONRTUORS S I AUSSIA BROCHURE B R O C H U R E 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 2019-2020 Holidays in and

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® IntoRissia is a trade mark for IntoWorldTravel The biggest country in the world, Russia has always been a popular destination for people all over the world seeking to explore its unique character which combines European and Asian values, cultures, traditions and lifestyles. From the bustling megapolises of and St Petersburg to the seemingly endless forests of and untouched beauty of Baikal - Russia has it all.

2019 is a perfect time to see Russia at its best. Polished and cheerful after the success of the World Cup, it has gained new popularity with tourists and business people alike.

Marvel at the treasures of the Hermitage in St Petersburg and Armoury Chamber in Moscow, Explore the beautiful Baikal (containing 20 precent of the all fresh in the world), sunbathe in Sochi or even climb mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in ! Another highest peak worth seeing is Lakhta Centre. Finished in 2018, it is one of the tallest buildings in Europe!

This year IntoRussia will be celebrating its 87th birthday. Throughout the years we have been creating group tours and exciting individual packages to satisfy even the most demanding of a customer. We know and love Russia and we will be happy to share it with you by making your holiday in Russia truly special. Because 2019 sells out very fast, this year our brochure covers 2020 as well!

We hope to see you in Russia in 2019/20!

Nikolay Chernov Director of IntoRussia Contents

CITY BREAKS CRUISES

T wo Capitals Tour (Moscow, St Petersburg)...p.1 M/S Zosima Shashkov (Moscow-St Moscow City Break...... p.2 Petersburg) ...... p.28-29 St Petersburg City Break...... p.3 M/S ...... p.30-31 Best of Russia...... p.4-5 River Cruise to Siberia...... p.32-33 Discover Sochi...... p.6 Adventure Cruise.....p.34-35 Romanov dynasty Tour...... p.7-8 Across the Top of the World...... p.36-37 City Break...... p.9 Jewel of the Russian ...... p.38-39 and New Year at ...... p.10 A DVENTURE TOURS

Classic Kamchatka Adventure...... p.40-41

Bears and Volcanoes...... p.42-43 TRANS-SIBERIAN Land of Active Volcanoes...... p.44

BY PUBLIC TRAINS Heli-Skiing in Kamchatka...... p.45 Trans-Siberian Railway Tour and Lake Polar Circle Adventure...... p.46 Baikal...... p.11 Pure Altai...... p.47-48 Classic Trans-Siberian Journey...... p.12 Oymyakon Winter Tour...... p.49 BAM Trans-Siberian Journey...... p.13-14 Expedition to Chukotka...... p.50-51 Tailor-Made Trans-Siberian Journey...... p.15

BY PRIVATE TRAINS BALTIC CITY BREAKS Tsar's Gold Trans-Siberian Journey...... p.16-17 Classic Baltics Holiday...... p.52 Tsar's Gold Trans-Mongolian Journey...... p.18 Classic Baltics Tour and Poland...... p.53-54 Tsar's Gold Trans-Manchurian Journey...p.19-20 Golden Eagle Luxury Trans-Siberian Journey Winter Wonderland...... p.21-23 GEORGIA Imperial Russia Trans-Siberian Tour...... p.24-25 Discover Georgia...... p.55

VISA-FREE

M/S Princess Anastasia SILK ROAD Helsinki - St Petersburg - Helsinki...... p.26 The Orient Silk Road Express...... p.56 Helsinki - St Petersburg - Tallinn Helsinki.....p.27 Stockholm - Helsinki - St Petersburg - Helsinki ...... p. 27 Stockholm - Helsinki - St Petersburg - Tallinn - Stockholm...... p.27

City Breaks Two Capitals Moscow and St Petersburg

WHAT'S INCLUDED Arrival and departure transfers 7 nights at 4* accommodation Train Moscow-St Petersburg Sightseeing with English-speaking guides Museum entrance fees (except for the city tour and Metro) as per itinerary Visa support HIGHLIGHTS Church of the Saviour on Blood See the main sights of Moscow such as Red Square, the , Bolshoi Theatre and more Explore the amazing Metro Tretyakov gallery of Russian Art City tour of St Petersburg including a visit to Peter and Paul's fortress Awe at the treasures of the Hermitage Day trip to Pushkin

Visit Russia's two greatest assets, Moscow and St Petersburg. DEPARTURES Discover the vibrant and lively capital Moscow with its intriguing 2-5 departures per month history and spectacular architecture, and its younger sibling, the 8 graceful St Petersburg with its sparkling waterways and unrivalled GUIDE PRICE elegance. From £9 04 pp days To allow you to experience their sheer opulence, incredible history Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room and endless examples of world class art, architecture and fashion, IntoRussia has combined these two accessible cities in our most popular tour, packed with exciting excursions.

Day 1 Fly to Moscow Day 3 Moscow Day 5 St Petersburg On arrival in Russia’s capital you will Visit the mighty Explore the best of Russia’s former be met by our driver and transferred to grounds, a true political landmark. capital on a city tour which includes a your hotel in the city centre. Relax or Included is a visit to the Armoury where visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress.(B) begin your adventure with independent you can find the largest collection of exploration. Fabergé eggs and 9 halls of unique Day 6 St Petersburg treasures. Today you will visit the Treasury of the Day 2 Moscow In the afternoon visit the colourful Arbat world culture - the Hermitage with After your guide will meet district where you can enjoy performers, masterpieces from all time greats you for a tour of Gorki Leninskie. It market stalls and various eateries. including Da Vinci, Monet and now houses a Lenin museum, where Explore Moscow’s famous Metro Michelangelo. (B) you can see a re-creation of Lenin’s System known all over the world. (B) Kremlin office, as well as his vintage Day 7 St Petersburg Rolls-Royce – one of only 15 such Let’s leave St Petersburg for a while and automobiles in the world. Day 4 Moscow/St Petersburg take an out of town excursion to the In the afternoon enjoy your city tour of After breakfast, check-out and be picturesque of Pushkin to admire Moscow with photo stops, viewing the ready with your luggage. Your guide the golden domes and the Amber Room famous landmarks such as Red will take you to the world-famous of Catherine’s Palace. (B) Square, the Kremlin, , Tretyakov Art Gallery.

Bolshoi Theatre, Cathedral of Christ In the afternoon board the Sapsan Day 8 St Petersburg the Saviour, Victory Park, Novodevichy high-speed train to St Petersburg. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before Convent, the White House, and the In less than 5 hours and you will find transferring to the airport for your flight famous Moscow streets. (B) yourself in the heart of the Northern home as you wave goodbye to Russia, Venice. (B) until next time! (B)

For an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 50 45 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 1

Moscow City Break

WHAT'S INCLUDED Arrival and departure transfers 4 nights at 4* accommodation Sightseeing with English-speaking guides Museum entrance fees (except for the city tour and Metro) Meals as per itinerary Visa support

HIGHLIGHTS See the main sights of Moscow such as Red Square, the Kremlin, Manezhnaya square Bolshoi Theatre and more Russia’s mysterious capital has so much to offer! Our Moscow Explore the amazing Metro City Break is designed to allow you to discover the best of the Tretyakov gallery of Russian Art 5 capital in a short space of time. So whether this is your first time in Moscow or a return visit you are sure to make the most DEPARTURES days of your time here. From the mighty Kremlin and glorious 2-5 departures per month Armoury to the beautiful scenes of the Metro and shopping in GUIDE PRICE the Arbat district, this is an experience not to be missed. From £ 585 pp Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room Day 1 Fly to Moscow Day 3 Moscow On arrival in Russia’s capital you will After breakfast meet your guide to visit be met by our driver and transferred to Gorki Leninskie. In Lenin’s later years, your hotel in the city centre. Relax or he and his family spent time at the begin your adventure with independent 1830s Morozov manor house, set on Day 4 Moscow exploration. lovely wooded grounds, 32km Today you tour the mighty Moscow southeast of the capital. Designed by Day 2 Moscow Kremlin grounds, a true political Fyodor Shekhtel, it now houses a After breakfast at the hotel, your landmark. Included is a visit to the Lenin museum, where you can see a guide will will take you to the world- Armoury where you can find the re-creation of Lenin’s Kremlin office, famous Tretyakov Art Gallery to largest collection of Fabergé eggs in as well as his vintage Rolls-Royce – explore one of the best collections of the world and 9 halls of unique one of only 15 such automobiles in the art in Russia treasures and thousands of exhibits. world. In the afternoon enjoy city tour In the afternoon embark on the tour (B) with photo stops, viewing the famous of the Moscow Metro, where each Day 5 St Petersburg landmarks which include Red Square, stations is full of history and amazing Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before the Kremlin, Sparrow Hills, Bolshoi beauty. Later today you will find transferring to the airport for your flight Theatre, Cathedral of Christ the yourself exploring the colourful Arbat home as you wave goodbye to Russia, Saviour, Victory Park, Novodevichy district where you can enjoy street until next time! (B) Convent, the White House, and the art, market stalls and various famous Moscow streets. (B, L) eateries. A great place to try Russian Izmailovsky kremlin and market ! (B)

Add-ons: International Flights Theatre tickets Visit to Mini river cruise along the river Russian Banya experience Bunker 42 tour Visit Ostankino Tower Explore Russian market

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour M oskva City business centre .

F or an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 2 St Petersburg City Break

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Arrival and departure transfers 4 nights at 4* accommodation Sightseeing with English-speaking guides Museum entrance fees Meals as per itinerary Visa support HIGHLIGHTS

City tour of St Petersburg including a visit to Peter and Paul's fortress Awe at the treasures of the Hermitage St Isaac's Cathedral Day trip to Pushkin DEPARTURES A city break to St Petersburg is a taste of true Russian 2-5 departures per month elegance. The former capital has everything from the world GUIDE PRICE renowned Hermitage with its hidden treasures to the 5 From £ 510 pp impressive Pushkin Palace, one of the most striking palaces in Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room days Europe. This five day city break allows you to embrace the best of St Petersburg and is sure to spark the desire to come back for more!

Day 1 Fly to St Petersburg Day 3 St Petersburg On arrival in Russia’s second capital Today is the day of great experiences: you will be met by our driver and you will visit the Treasury of the world transferred to your hotel in the city culture - the Hermitage. Stand back centre. The rest of the day is free to and surround yourself with one of the explore as you please. world’s largest art collections and view masterpieces from all time greats including Da Vinci, Monet and Day 2 St Petersburg Michelangelo. (B) Start your day with a city tour, which Inside St Isaac's Cathedral will include a ride along Nevsky Day 4 St Petersburg Prospect lined with marble palaces of Let’s leave St Petersburg for a while Russian royalty and aristocracy, with and enjoy an out-of-town excursion most fashionable boutiques and art to Pushkin to admire the golden salons arranged in old settings of the domes and the Amber Room of 18th century; the Admiralty; the Catherine’s Palace. (B) Monastery of Alexander Nevsky (one of four Russia’s Lavras with its Day 5 St Petersburg magnificent Trinity Cathedral and its Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before cemetery where Dostoevsky, transferring to the airport for your Tchaikovsky and other world flight home as you wave goodbye to The river celebrities were buried); St. Isaac Russia, until next time! (B) Cathedral with «The Bronze

Horseman» unveiled in Senate Square; the Resurrection Cathedral on the Spilt Blood, one of the most Add-ons: unusual monuments of Russian International Flights Orthodox architecture built on the spot Theatre tickets where Alexander II was assassinated Mini river cruise along the Neva river and many more. Visit to Peterhof Explore onward to the Peter and Paul The opening of the bridges nightly Fortress and uncover its intriguing cruise Opening bridges history. (B)

.

For an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 3

Best of Russia

The ancient town of Suzdal WHAT'S INCLUDED

This all encompassing tour provides a real experience not only of the two breathtaking main cities of 10 Moscow and St Petersburg, but also a range of diverse and picturesque surrounding towns and . Including everything from visits to vodka museums with traditional tastings to dining with Russian days families and boat cruises, this tour has it all. Prepare for the cultural adventure of a lifetime as you get a sense of "Real Russia".

Your route: Moscow • Vladimir • Suzdal • • • • Tver • Novgorod Veliky • St Petersburg

Day 1 Fly to Moscow Transfer to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the first night of your Russian adventure. Dinner at the "Kalinka" restaurant.

Day 2 Moscow Enjoy a city tour of Moscow with the best landmarks Moscow can offer. See Red Square, St Basil's Cathedral, GUM, Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and more, finishing the eventful day with a visit to the famous Kremlin! Dinner in the evening. Route

WHAT'S INCLUDED DEPARTURES Day 3 Vladimir Arrival and departure transfers After breakfast set off for Vladimir. The 9 nights at 3-4* accommodation city has a special place in the history of Sightseeing with English-speaking Russia as it once served as the country's guides capital. Start your day with a city tour of Meals as per itinerary Vladimir where you will see the Visa support magnificent Assumption Cathedral, the HIGHLIGHTS Golden Gate and the glorious Cathedral of Saint Demetrius. Later today visit See the most famous highlights of Bogoliubovo and enjoy a and Moscow and St Petersburg folklore show before spending the night in Visit UNESCO Heritage sites of Suzdal. Vladimir and Nvgorod Velikiy

Enjoy your visit to the Vodka museum Day 4 Suzdal - Kostroma Benefit from nine amazing city tours Take a city tour of Suzdal before travelling Visit the Museum of Levitan to Kostroma and visiting the Museum of Take a master class at the Linen Levitan (famous Russian landscape painter) Factory in Ples. Accommodation will be provided at the Hotel in Kostroma. Dinner at the GUIDE PRICE hotel. From £ 2300 pp Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk From £510 pp 4

Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room Day 5 Kostroma - Yaroslavl Day 7 Tver - Velikiy Novgorod Day 8 Velikiy Novgorod - St Take pleasure in a city tour of After your morning meal embark on a Petersburg Kostroma with a visit to the city tour of Tver. The city's history Enjoy the city tour of Novgorod Ipatievsky Monastery. Make the best goes back to the 12th century and, Velikiy, the city which was of an unusual trip to a Linen Factory therefore, it boasts a great cultural recognised as a World Heritage site where you have the chance to take a heritage which you will explore today by UNESCO in 1992. The city was master class. Afterwards, depart for before travelling to Novgorod Velikiy. the centre of the whole Novgorod Yaroslavl where you take a city tour Spend the rest of the day at your Republic in the 14th century and and visit the Spassky Monastery leisure exploring Novgorod Velikiy or managed to save a lot of its history before departing for Uglich. Dinner in relaxing at the hotel. Dinner is and charm for you to explore. Later the evening. included. today depart for St Petersburg where you will spend the first of two nights. Enjoy your dinner in the evening.

Day 9 St Petersburg Visit the magnificent and also the classic Petrodverets Palace and Gardens, otherwWisHe AknTo'Sw nI NaCs PLeUteDrEhoDf. The Day 6 Uglich grounds of the palace boast around A city tour of Uglich will be followed 200 fountains which operate in the by a visit to the Vodka Museum summer months. where you can taste the traditional Russian beverage. In the afternoon Day 10 St Petersburg depart for Tver where you can relax in Your adventure comes to a close as your hotel after dinner. you are transferred to the airport.

DEPARTURES

Yaroslavl, Strelka park

Russian vo2d-5k aper month Cathedrals of Vladimir

Best of Russia is available all year round on enquiry basis as a private tour

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk From £510 pp 5

Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room Discover Sochi

WHAT'S INCLUDED Arrival and departure transfers 5 nights at 4* accommodation Sightseeing with English-speaking guides Entrance fees Visa support HIGHLIGHTS See the beautiful Winter Theatre Awe at the magnificent views from Akhun mountain Enjoy a cup of at former Stalin's datcha (country house) Enjoy swimming in the sea or skiing St Isaac's Cathedral Inside St Isaac's Cathedral in winter! Sochi city view DEPARTURES Sprawled along the shores of the lies the jewel of the Tailor-made tour on enquiry basis Russian Riviera, Sochi. Bought to the limelight as the fantastic GUIDE PRICE host of the 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Sochi From £8 05 pp has set itself up to become a ‘must see’ city for visitors to Russia. Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room 6 The city has over 140km of rugged coastline, smattered with days manmade sandy beaches and palm trees - a perfect destination for a beach holiday. In winter, it is a great place for ski enthusiasts! Our Sochi tour takes in the main sights of this up and coming city including the Summer Residence of the infamous Josef Stalin; the mystical Matsesta Springs, an ideal area for nature lovers; and Krasnaya Polyana, home of one of the best skiing resorts in Europe, settled in the stunning Mountains.

Day 1 Arrive in Sochi Day 3 Sochi Day 5 Sochi Welcome to Sochi - the favourite Today travel to the beautiful Following breakfast in the hotel, enjoy Russian resort! Upon arrival Krasnaya Polyana resort in the another day of free time – why not transfer to your hotel for your first Caucasus Mountains, home to one take an out of town hike in the Sochi evening of the best skiing resorts in Europe. National Park to view the beautiful Don't forget your camera - the Zmeika Waterfalls? Contact us for more details. Day 2 Sochi panoramic views from the cable

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before cars are something you will never Day 6 Sochi embarking on a tour of the city want to forget! Bid farewell to wonderful Sochi as you visiting the most popular are transferred to the airport for your Day 4 Sochi attractions. Highlights of the tour flight home. Now that you have had an include the enormous Winter introduction to the jewel of the Theatre which looks just as Russian Riviera, spend the day at stunning during the day as it does leisure to further explore what lit up at night; the legendary Sochi has to offer. A trip to the Matsesta Springs; and Stalin's Akhun Mountain Observation summer residence where you can Tower will give you a fantastic enjoy a cup of tea on his favourite bird’s eye view of the city – contact terrace. us for more information. View from Akhun mountain Opening bridges

Family skiing holiday in Sochi from 3 days/2 nights Enjoy breath-taking views of the mountains while sliding down the hills of one of the most famous skiing resorts. 102 km of ski tracks and slopes excellent for both experts and beginners alike. In Sochi Rosa Khutor resort you can not only enjoy skiing but also skating, SPA treatment and excellent food at an altitude of 2,320 metres! Skiing packages in Sochi vary in len gth from 3 to 15 days and include airport transfers, accommodation, bu ffet breakfast, ski-passes to enjoy skiing, SPA programmes, skating an d a number of discounts for the services of the Rosa Khutor resort. C ontact us to find out more! .

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 6 Romanov dynasty tour

St Isaac's Cathedral Inside St Isaac's Cathedral Sochi city view

WHAT'S INCLUDED

The Royal family of Romanovs were in power of the Russian WHAT'S INCLUDED Empire for more than 300 years and saw it grow, change Arrival and departure transfers and develop throughout centuries. Having strong 9 nights at 3* accommodation connections with other royal families all over the world, Train tickets (one night on a train) Nicholas II being Georges V’s first cousin, the Romanovs Sightseeing with English-speaking 11 always had strong influence on the of historical guides days events. Their death a century ago was a shocking and tragic Entrance fees event that changed the course of history not only in Russia Visa support but the whole of Europe. Follow the steps of the Romanovs from their establishment on the throne in Moscow and HIGHLIGHTS creation of magnificent St Petersburg to the heart- Visit Peter and Paul's fortress - the wrenching events of 1918 in Yekaterinburg. birthplace of St Petersburg Awe at the magnificent palaces and Day 1 Fly to St Petersburg opportunity to visit the world fountains of Peterhof Welcome to St Petersburg, the key famous theatres of St Petersburg Pay a visit to the world-famous city of the Royal Russia. Our drivers and see an opera or a ballet Hermitage will meet you at Pulkovo Airport and performance. (B) Learn about the first Romanovs at take you to the hotel. Check in and Day 3 St Petersburg the Cathedrals of the Kremlin spend your first night relaxing or Spend a day out in Peterhof Explore the Romanovs' heritage of exploring the city at your leisure. (middle may - early autumn) or Yekaterinburg

Pushkin (autumn - early spring). Day 2 St Petersburg Peterhof, also known as Russian DEPARTURES After breakfast set off to explore the Versailles, is famous for its palaces magnificent St Petersburg. The city Tailor-made tour on enquiry basis and a myriad of fountains. Look out owes its birth to one of the most for the „Joke Fountains‟ – if you GUIDE PRICE famous Romanovs - . step on the wrong paving stone, From £1 360 pp Uncover the story of the creation of you will get wet! You can also Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room the new capital and delve into the enjoy the picturesque view of the milestones of the Romanovs’ rule in Gulf of Finland. Pushkin is a home the magnificent city on the Neva to Catherine’s Palace and Park, the river. See Peter and Paul's fortress, symbols of Russian Imperial chic the birthplace of St Petersburg and and might. Explore the unique the burial ground of the Romanov and the second largest art and culture interiors designed by renowned tsars and tsarinas, Church on Spilled museum in the world! View architects and delve into the lavish Blood built on the place where masterpieces from the all time greatest lifestyle of the monarchs. (B) Alexandr II was tragically murdered painters including Da Vinci, Monet and

on his way to sign the first draft of the Day 4 St Petersburg Michelangelo. In the evening we will constitution along with other gems of Enjoy the world-renowned works of board a train to the capital of Russia! the city. This evening will be an art in Hermitage, the winter Arrival and check in. (B) residence of the Russian monarchs

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 7 Day 5 Moscow After breakfast set off for your first Moscow adventure – the city tour. Visit the cradle of the Romanov dynasty and explore its highlights in every detail. (B)

Day 6 Moscow Visit the Kremlin with the Cathedrals where the first Tsar of the dynasty took the throne in 1613 at the delicate age of 16. The highlight of the visit is a chance to see the treasures of the Armoury Chamber which still houses many personal belongings of the Imperial family. (B) Ganina Yama

Day 7 Departure to Yekaterinburg Peterhof An opportunity to explore Moscow independently. Your train journey to Yekaterinburg starts in the evening WHAT'S INCLUDED and covers a part of the famous Trans-Siberian line. Relax and enjoy the view behind the window. (B)

Day 8 Yekaterinburg Arrive at Yekaterinburg and have an evening of the independent exploration of this beautiful city.

Day 9 Yekaterinburg After breakfast your tour guide will take you on the city tour of the city where the Romanovs spent their last days. Visit the Church on Blood Cathedral, built on the site where Nicholas II and his familly were shot Nicholas II and George V and the Monastery of Ganina commemorating the tragic events of 1918. Depending on your choice, you can either board a train to start your Tobolsk adventure or spend an DEPARTURES evening exploring Yekaterinburg. (B)

Day 10 Yekaterinburg Option 1 Spend day exploring Yaroslavl, Strelka park Tobolsk, a historic capital of the Siberia , with your guide. The town boasts a unique Tobolsk Kremlin and was a home for Nicholas II and his family while in exile. In the evening board the train back to Yekaterinburg. Option 2 Alternatively, take a trip to one of the main attractions of the region: the Europe- border. Stand with one leg in each !

Day 11 Yekaterinburg Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel 2-5 per month r before your departure back home. We hope to see you soon!

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk From £510 pp 8

Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room Kazan City Break

St Isaac's Cathedral Inside St Isaac's Cathedral

Kul Sharif Mosque Dubbed the third capital of Russia, Kazan is a ‘must see’ on the culture lovers to do list. Draped in rich history, the city is over 1000 WHAT'S INCLUDED years old and is constantly transforming. The city was among the Arrival and departure transfers FIFA host cities in 2018 too! Visit the Old Tartar Village and 4 3 nights at 4-5* accommodation Island with its fairy tale buildings and extraordinary story. Sightseeing with English-speaking days Other top sights are the distinctive Kremlin, portraying a peaceful guides fusion of cultures with a Mosque and an Orthodox Cathedral side by Entrance fees side within its gleaming white walls; and Bauman Street, a great Visa support pedestrian area where you can pick up souvenirs, have a coffee or just relax and soak up the atmosphere. HIGHLIGHTS Day 1 Arrive in Kazan Day 3 Kazan Visit the magnificent Kremlin Fly to Kazan to begin your After breakfast you are transferred to Have a trip to Sviyazhsk Island adventure. Meet your driver at the Sviyazhsk Island, the cultural gem of the Explore the Raifa Monastery - one airport and transfer to the 4* Hotel. Republic of . View the unique of the most visited landmarks of the An evening of free time allows you historical monuments including the city to discover what the city has to fascinating Cathedral of the Holy Virgin, DEPARTURES offer. one of the oldest wooden churches in Tailor-made tour on enquiry basis Russia, visit the Raifa Monastery which Day 2 Kazan is located in a beautiful wooded area on GUIDE PRICE After breakfast at the hotel, you will the banks of a lake. The monastery is From £8 05 pp one of the most visited places in meet your guide and start the full Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room day exploration of the city (10:00- Tatarstan and is home to the Holy Trinity 18:00). Start with the Panoramic Cathedral, famous for its remarkable city tour; you will see such gems as acoustics. (B) Spasskaya tower (the main gate of the Kremlin), Kul Sharif mosque – Day 4 Kazan the main mosque of the city and the Bid farewell to the Capital of Republic, cadet school corps, Tatarstan as you are transferred to cathedral, cannon the airport for your flight home. (B) yard, the Tatarstan Republic Governor's Palace, the symbol of Kazan-the famous "falling" tower of Syuyumbike. Later, have a break for , and continue in the afternoon with the visit to the UNESCO world heritage site - the View of Kazan Kazan Cathedral . (B) .

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 9 Russian Christmas at Lake Baikal

WHAT'S INCLUDED Arrival and departure transfers 6 nights at 3* accommodation Sightseeing with English-speaking guides Dog sledding Traditional troika ride Khivus boat ride Visa support

HIGHLIGHTS See the famous ice of Baikal Try Russian banya Delicious St Isaac's Cathedral Inside St Isaac's Cathedral Dog and horse sledding Frozen Lake Baikal Sochi city view DEPARTURES Shout 'S Rozhdestvom!' (Merry Christmas) as you celebrate Tailor-made tour on enquiry basis Christmas in Russia. This itinerary is full of excursions and is GUIDE PRICE bound to be a Christmas to remember. During the From £1 535 pp 7 days, Christmas celebrations were widely discouraged in Russia Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room but nowadays the great Christian holiday has been revived! days Lake Baikal holds 20% of the world’s total unfrozen and is the deepest lake on the planet. The water is crystal clear . and during the winter months creates remarkable turquoise tinged ice. This itinerary gives you an insight into Russian festive traditions, celebrations and fantastically picturesque surroundings.

Day 1 Arrive in Eastern Siberian wooden Day 5 Arshan Upon arrival in Irkutsk, you are architecture and will give you an Discover the Tunkin Valley on a full transferred to your hotel for a insight into life in rural Russia. Join day excursion. View waterfalls, welcome lunch before finding in the Christmas celebrations with mineral springs and Buddist your feet with a guided tour of the carol singing, traditional games, temples before visiting a Mongolian snow covered city including the dances and a thrilling troika ride market where you can pick up Church of our Saviour and Kirov (provided for a group of 4 minimum) some authentic local souvenirs. Square. (L) before returning to the hotel for Enjoy a national Buryat dinner in your evening meal. (B, D) the evening. (B, D) Day 2 Irkutsk-Listvyanka

After breakfast, transfer to Day 4 Listvyanka-Arshan Day 6 Arshan - Irkutsk

Listvyanka Village on the banks of Following breakfast, board the After breakfast, visit the hot mineral Lake Baikal. A visit to the Baikal 'Khivus' boat (if weather permits!) to springs at the Zhemchug Museum gives you an insight into transfer across frozen Lake Baikal Settlement. Enjoy lunch in a local the flora and fauna of Lake Baikal - for a visit to the Circum Baikal cafe (payable locally) then transfer many of which are unique to the Railroad- arguably the most to your hotel in Irkutsk (240 km). In area. In the afternoon, stock up on picturesque section of the Trans the evening share tales with your souvenirs at the local market before Siberian railway *boat trip provided fellow travellers at the Farewell taking a walking tour to the for a small group. From here, travel Dinner. (B,D) Tchersky Stone platform for onwards by car to Arshan (281 km), Day 7 Irkutsk stunning panoramic views of the located in the famous Tunkin Wave goodbye to Siberia as you lake. After an adrenaline fuelled Valley. This area has a unique Opening bridges are transferred to the airport for dog sledding ride (10 min in a 1 climate and in winter is warmer your flight home. (B) person sledge), head back to the than the average temperature in hotel for a full traditional Russian the region. (B, L, D)

Christmas dinner (set menu) and relax in a banya. (B, L, D) D og sledding

Day 3 Listvyanka Visit the Talsty Open Air

Ethnographic Museum located on the banks of the River. The museum is home to examples of

R. ussian Banya

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 10 Trans-Siberian by public trains Trans-Siberian Railway Tour and Lake Baikal This Trans- is perfect for those wishing to experience the best of Russia and China in one railway adventure. The journey WHAT'S INCLUDED starts in the magnificent capital of Russia, Moscow, takes you to the Arrival and departure transfers 14 pure unexplored beauty of Lake Baikal and finishes in the bustling 6 nights at 3-4* accommodation days city of Beijing. The journey of contrasts and different lifestyles will 2d class train tickets unlock the unique beauty and secrets of where the West meets Day trip to Listvyanka East.You can add more cities and excursions to your trip or spend Meals as per itinerary Red Square more days in Moscow and Beijing. Visa support Your Route: Moscow • Irkutsk •C Lhisutrvcyha nokfa t h• eB eSiajinvgiour on Blood

Day 1 Fly to Moscow Day 9 - 12 On board HIGHLIGHTS Welcome to Russia! Arrive in Moscow Board the train early the morning to Visit the vibrant Russian capital, and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the start your journey to China. Enjoy the Moscow rest of your day at leisure. changes of scenery behind the Enjoy the amazing views of window while relaxing in your Russia Day 2 Moscow compartment. Explore the beauty of Lake Baikal After breakfast set off on your Visit the energetic lively Beijing independent Moscow adventure. We Day 13 Beijing recommend visiting the iconic Kremlin Arrive in Beijing in the morning and DEPARTURES with its charming cathedrals, have a check into the hotel. Today you have Tailor-made tour on enquiry basis walk along the bustling Arbat Street an opportunity to explore the heart of and explore the Metro system. Want to China. To make this day more GUIDE PRICE make the day more memorable? Add memorable book a city tour to learn From £1 085 pp one of our excursions to your trip! (B) more about this lively city. Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room

Day 14 Beijing Day 3 Depart Moscow Check-out after breakfast and Today you will start your Tans- Siberian transfer to the airport. adventure. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, after which you will meet your driver, who will take you to the railway station Route to board your train. (B)

Day 4 - 6 On board Marvel at the beauty of Russian nature, its small towns and rural villages while travelling through country. You will pass Yaroslavl, the gem of the famous , Yekaterinburg, historical landmark on the map of Russia, the scenic located on the Yenisei River and many more!

Day 7 Irkutsk Welcome to Irkutsk, the highlight of Siberia on the Angara river. Check into the hotel and spend the evening at your leisure.

Day 8 Listvyanka Today you will set off on a day-trip to the village Listvyanka known as the 'Baikal Riviera'. Enjoy the fresh air, untouched Lake Baikal beauty of Lake Baikal and do not forget your camera! (B) .

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 11 Classic Trans-Siberian Journey The most epic journey of them all, the Classic Trans-Siberian is the ultimate rail tour, evoking a timeless sentiment of mystery and excitement spanning two , ten time zones, 87 towns, 16 rivers and some of 15 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 days 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. Your Route: Moscow • Irkutsk • Listvyanka • Ulan Bator • Beijing

Day 1 Fly to Moscow Day 8 Listvyanka Begin your journey in Russia’s Breakfast. Tour of Listvianka with a WHAT'S INCLUDED cosmopolitan capital, Moscow. visit to Baikal Museum.Transfer to Arrival and departure transfers Transfer to the Cosmos Hotel (or Irkusk. Accommodation at 4* hotel. (B) 8 nights at 3-4* accommodation similar) and relax with an evening 1 night in a yurt meal. (D) Day 9 On board 2d class train tickets After early breakfast transfer to Sightseeing with English-speaking Day 2 Moscow railway station to catch your Ulan- guides Broaden your horizons with an Bator train. (B) Meals as per itinerary introductory city tour of Moscow’s most Church of the Saviour on Blood Visa support famous sights including a visit to the Day 10 Ulan Bator mighty Red Square and the HIGHLIGHTS After arriving in the capital city of , a UNESCO Visit the vibrant Russian capital, and begin your journey to World Heritage Site. In the afternoon – Moscow Terelj National Park, take in the free time. (B) Enjoy the amazing views of scenery of Turtle Rock and discover Russia Day 3 Depart Moscow the beauty of the vast steppe with an Explore the beauty of Lake Baikal After breakfast you will embark on a exciting horse riding excursion. Learn Sleep in a Mongolian Yurt tour to the Kremlin with a visit of a about ancient nomadic traditions, Explore Ulan Bator Cathedral and the Armoury. Included in hospitality and way of life while having Visit the energetic lively Beijing the UNESCO World Heritage List, the lunch with a local family. Continue DEPARTURES Moscow Kremlin boasts magnificent your Mongolian adventure by sleeping 1 departure every month gold-domed cathedrals, the gigantic in a traditional yurt. (B, L, D)

Tsar Cannon and Tsar Bell, the Grand GUIDE PRICE Kremlin Palace and many other historic Day 11 Ulan Bator From £2 339 pp buildings. Visit one of the cathedrals to Embark on a panoramic city tour and Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room admire frescoes and icons created by view the renowned sights such as the old masters. Visit the Armoury historic Gandan Monastery, Natural Chamber, home to a rich collection of History Museum, Bogd Khan Winter gold and silver articles, precious Palace, Zaisan Hill and Sukhe Bator stones, and tsar’s crowns and other Square. Afterwards transfer to the Day 15 Beijing regalia. After the tour, transfer to Khabu Hotel. (B, L) As your epic adventure comes to an railway station to start your Trans- end transfer to the airport for your flight Mongolian adventure. Day 12 Ulan Bator home. (B) Breakfast. Free time. (B) Day 4 - 6 On board Route These days are spent relaxing aboard Day 13 Depart Ulan Bator the train, enjoying the unique Trans- Enjoy the sunrise this morning as you Siberian experience. wake up early for breakfast. In the morning, you will be transferred to Day 7 Irkutsk - Listvyanka the railway station to board the train. Arrival at Irkutsk at 11:31 local time. (B) Meeting with guide at railway station.

Lunch. City tour. Transfer to Listvyanka Day 14 Beijing settlement with stop in Taltsy village, After crossing many time zones and visit to open air Ethnographic museum. fascinating landscapes, you finally Accommodation at “Legend of Baikal” arrive in Beijing! Transfer to your hotel in Listvyanka. Dinner at hotel. (D) hotel to unpack and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

An extended 16-day version of this tour is available. The tour follows the same route with an addition of Mongolian Yurt Yekaterinburg on days 4-5. The price starts from £2,488

For an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 12 BAM Trans-Siberian Railway Journey The Baikal- Mainline (BAM) is one of Russia‘s two great railways. The other, the Trans-Siberian Railway, is much more famous and well-travelled. The BAM, however, is running parallel but about 500km to the north 17 and takes you through much more spectacular scenery, much less explored parts of Lake Baikal and through some towns that feel as though the Soviet Union never ended and very rarely host any foreign visitors. The days nature and climate in the BAM zone seems to be more severe than along the Trans-Siberian railway with longer and colder winters, short summers. There are a lot of dwarf plants, trees and white moss covering vast territories. On the other hand, the Russian wisdom says "The colder climate is, the warmer people are". People who live in the North are famous for their hospitality! Your Route: MOSCOW • Krasnoyarsk • Severobaikalsk • Tynda • Komsomolsk-On-Amur • • Day 1 Fly to Moscow Day 4 - 5 On Board Welcome to Moscow, the mesmerizing The two days will be spent on the train WHAT'S INCLUDED capital of Russia! You will be met by – you will have the chance to admire Arrival and departure transfers your driver and transferred to the hotel. the passing landscapes of Russia or 8 nights at 3-4* accommodation You can relax in your room or start an meet your fellow travellers. The train is 2d or 3d class train tickets independent exploration. Situated just a perfect place to meet many like Visa support steps from Partizanskaya metro minded people of different nationalities! station, Izmailovo Gamma is the unique HIGHLIGHTS Church of the Saviour on Blood hotel complex: surrounded by Day 6 Krasnoyarsk Visit the vibrant Russian capital, Izmailovo Park and Izmailovo Kremlin, Arrive in Krasnoyarsk at 13:56. You will Moscow its location puts the travellers in an be met by your driver and transferred Explore Krasnoyarsk ideal setting and it takes just 10 to your hotel. Krasnoyarsk is a very Awe at the beauty of Lake Baikal minutes by metro to get to the very cozy, friendly city, the mecca for rock- Visit Severobaikalsk heart of Moscow – to the Red Square climbers and just a nice place to visit. Explore Tynda and Krasnoyarsk - and the Kremlin. Overnight in the hotel. There is something for everyone here: on - Amur great museums and restaurants, and Discover the gem of Far East- Day 2 Moscow the beautiful National Park Stolby, Vladivostok After breakfast, a full day of located just 20 minutes by car from the DEPARTURES discovering Moscow awaits you. You city center. Overnight in the hotel. Tailor-made tour on enquiry basis can choose to book optional excursions or explore independently. Day 7 Depart Krasnoyarsk GUIDE PRICE Take a walk on the famous Red After an early breakfast at the hotel, From £2 339 pp Square, pop in to the Tretyakov Art you will be transferred to the train Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room Gallery or, for history buffs, visit the station to catch your train to fascinating anti-nuclear facility Bunker Severobaikalsk. Relax and enjoy the 42 Cold War Museum: the only one passing view or try practicing your declassified military object in Russia, skills! Overnight lake, surrounded by the mountains. It is which is located at a depth of 65 on the train. probably the most interesting destination meters under the ground in the centre on the BAM, yet fewer than 200 Western of Moscow! Overnight in the hotel. (B) Day 8 Severobaikalsk tourists a year visit. Severobaikalsk is an Arrive in Severobaikalsk where you will unrivalled base for outdoor adventure. Day 3 Depart Moscow be met by the driver and transferred to You can explore bays, islands, Enjoy your breakfast before checking the hotel. Severobaikalsk is a small mountains, hot springs, nature preserves, out of the hotel. You will be transferred town located on the shores of Lake indigenous villages and ; swim, to the train station to catch the train to Baikal; the world's deepest, purest and sail, canoe and cruise in the summer; ski, Krasnoyarsk! Overnight on the train. (B) ecologically most diverse freshwater skate and ride the ice in winter; photograph the unique birds and seals; and catch and taste the native fish. Overnight in the hotel.

Mongolian Yur Route Amur tiger

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 13 Day 9 Depart Severobaikalsk departs in the evening. Khabarovsk is the local fish market: you can try Enjoy your breakfast in the hotel and a city on the Amur River in the Russian Kamchatka crabs, king prawns or make sure to have a walk before Far East, near the Chinese border. small crayfish, and enjoy it right there, catching your next train! You will be Often overlooked due to its proximity to on the benches overlooking the transferred to the train station in time Vladivostok, Khabarovsk could easily waterfront. for your train to Tynda, departing at be a highlight in the long line of smaller Have a ride on Vladivostok’s funicular 1250. Overnight on the train. towns and cities along the Trans- that will take you right next to the main Siberian route. Khabarovsk offers viewing platform, at the top of Eagle’s Day 10 Tynda attractive parks, beaches, outdoor beer Nest Hill. The Hill offers the best Today you arrive in Tynda at 16:25 and tents with live music, and classic panorama views of the city! Do not are transferred to your hotel. In the architecture. The city also houses forget your camera as the views of 1970s and 1980s, Tynda was referred some of the best museums in the area. Vladivostok are truly breathtaking. to as the capital of the Baikal-Amur Be on time at the train station as the Eagle’s Nest is in fact an extinct Mainline and gained great fame. It was train to Vladivostok departs at 18:24! and a part of the Sikhote Alin a starting point for construction brigades Mountain range! Why not visit the S-56 Submarine Museum or Center that left to laying railways all the way to Day 15 Vladivostok for Contemporary Art, and many more Komsomolsk-on-Amur. Today, the city You arrive in Vladivostok at 07:54 – interesting sights. The city finds itself has lost its grandeur, as its population your final stop on the BAM route. Your between western and eastern has declined from 60000 to 30000, but driver will meet you at the train station Church of the Saviour on Blood influences; the food can be Russian, still it has its own charm. Overnight in and you will be transferred to the hotel. Italian, Czech, Georgian, Chinese, the hotel. Have a walk or simply relax in café Japanese and even North Korean. If while your room is prepared (check in you get a chance, try sea urchins – Day 11 Depart Tynda from 14:00). Overnight in the hotel. you can even fish for them yourself! After breakfast in your hotel, you can check out and leave your luggage, as Overnight in the hotel. (B) Day 16 Vladivostok you have a few hours free before the After breakfast in the hotel, enjoy the next train. Why not visiting the full free day in the city! Vladivostok, Day 17 Depart Vladivostok Museum of BAM history? In the located more than 9,000 kilometers Enjoy your last breakfast in Russia afternoon, you will be transferred to the from Moscow, has a lot to offer. Visit before your transfer to the airport. (B) train station for the train to

Komsomolsk on Amur. (B) Vladivostok

Day 12 On board Today is spent on the train.

Day 13 Komsomolsk - on - Amur Your train arrives early at 06:17. Komsomolsk-on-Amur is the second largest city of and the 3rd largest city of the after Vladivostok and Khabarovsk, standing on the left bank of the Amur River, 404 km north-east of Khabarovsk (by road). The distance to Moscow is about 8,800 km. The city works surprisingly well as a short stopover - especially if you have an interest in photography; there are a number of buildings in Stalin's Neo- renaissance style in the city center, and many of the housing blocks are adorned with both sculptured and painted murals with soviet themes. This evening you will go back to the train station to board the train towards Khabarovsk. Your train departs at 22:00. Overnight on the train.

Day 14 Khabarovsk Arrive in Khabarovsk early in the morning. Make sure to use your time Mongolian Yur well as your next train to Vladivostok Khabarovsk Route

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 14 Tailor-Made Trans-Siberian Railway Journey

Lake Baikal view

Broaden your horizons and wander off the beaten track on a holiday with a difference! IntoRussia can help you create your own Russian dream holiday with a tailor made Trans Siberian railway journey. From accommodation, visas and railway tickets to flights, excursions and special requests just tell us your ideas and leave the rest to us! Our 3 most popular routes are detailed below, the Trans Siberian, Trans Mongolian and Trans Manchurian.

TRANS SIBERIAN FACILITIES MOSCOW- KAZAN- EKATERINBURG- OMSK- NOVOSIBIRSKKRASNOYARSK- Carriages are made up of 2nd class 4 IRKUTSK- ULAN UDE- KHABAROVSK- VLADIVOSTOK berth compartments, each with 2 lower Stretching for over 9,000km the Trans Siberian railway was built between 1890 and and 2 upper berths, and of 1st class 2 1905 to connect Moscow with the industrial city of Vladivostok. There is an berth compartments, which are exactly abundance of diverse places to explore along the way including Ekaterinburg in the the same size but do not have the Mountains, Irkutsk, the capital of Eastern Siberia, and the breathtaking natural upper berths. A reading light, clean bed wonder, Lake Baikal. linen and a small towel are provided. Most trains have a restaurant car TRANS MONGOLIAN where you can purchase meals and MOSCOW- KAZAN- EKATERINBURG- OMSK- NOVOSIBIRSK- KRASNOYARSK drinks. In some cases half board travel - IRKUTSK- ULAN UDE- ULAN BATOR- BEIJING can be arranged at the time of The Trans Mongolian railway allows you to discover the history and culture of 3 booking. fascinating countries. The line follows the same route as the Trans Siberian from Moscow, through Russia as far as Ulan Ude, home of the , where it branches off and journeys on to Ulan Bator in Mongolia and finally to Beijing, the capital of China.

TRANS MANCHURIAN MOSCOW- KAZAN- EKATERINBURG- OMSK- NOVOSIBIRSKKRASNOYARSK- IRKUTSK- ULAN UDE- HARBIN- BEIJING Travelling through Russia, the Trans Manchurian railway transports you to the vast lands of China where you can visit the picturesque city of Harbin, known among other things for its awe-inspiring month long Ice Festival every . The line follows the same route as the Trans Siberian from Moscow to Ulan Ude, it then branches off at the town of Tarskaya and heads through Harbin to the mesmerising capital city of Beijing. The Great Wall of China

KEY DESTINATIONS:

MOSCOW NOVOSIBIRSK ULAN UDE

KAZAN IRKUTSK VLADIVOSTOK

PERM LISTVYANKA ULAN BATOR

LAKE BAIKAL Route EKATERINBURG BEIJING

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 15 by private trains Tsar's Gold Trans-Siberian Journey (Vladivostok to Moscow and in reverse) Embark on an epic railroad adventure, as you traverse the world’s largest country by train on the legendary Trans- Siberian Railroad. This Trans-Siberian rail journey combines travel on the Tsar’s Gold 16 private train with regular trains, taking you all the way from the Pacific port of Vladivostok to the gleaming days capital Moscow (and in reverse). See the most spectacular scenery that Russia has to offer, accompanied by an experienced multi-lingual tour director and a physician travelling on the train. A sophisticated on- board program complements a comprehensive excursion and sightseeing package to make your journey truly memorable. Your Route: Vladivostok • Khabarovsk • • Ulan Ude • Lake Baikal • Irkutsk • Siberia • Novosibirsk • Ekaterinburg • Kazan • Moscow

Day 1 Fly to Vladivostok up on your reading or simply enjoy the In the morning, you arrive in life-affirming scenery, as the fertile WHAT'S INCLUDED Vladivostok, the largest city in Russia’s strip of Siberia passes by your Return Airport transfers Far Eastern District. In the afternoon, a window. Along the way you pass the 5 nights in hotels along the route guided bus tour of the city includes a city of Chita at the junction of the Accommodation as booked on the Soviet submarine museum and Trans-Manchurian and Trans-Siberian Tsar’s Gold private train fantastic views of the city from Eagle’s Railroads; the town of Svobodny, English-speaking tour guides Nest Hill. (B,L,D) former site of Stalin-era prison camps; throughout the journey and the town of Birobidzhan in the Local travel guides Day 2 Vladivostok Jewish Autonomous . (B,L,D) All transfers and bus tours In the morning visit the Oceanarium, according to itinerary where you will learn about the marine Days 7 Ulan Ude All entry fees life of the . Afterwards go Your Trans-Siberian train journeys All meals according to your itinerary on a boat trip around Russia’s largest along the green, picturesque valley of On board entertainment Pacific port. In the evening you depart the River. Soon you arrive in on a regular train and are welcomed HIGHLIGHTS Ulan-Ude, the friendly capital of the on board with a cup of tea. Did you Visit the vibrant Russian capital, Republic of , Russia, where spot the 9,288 engraved on the Moscow you stroll through its city streets on a pedestal of the sculpture? That’s how Explore the beauty of Lake Baikal guided tour. (B,L,D) many kilometres separate you from Enjoy the amazing views and tour your final destination, Moscow— that’s the best cities of Russia nearly 5,800 miles! (B,L,D) Days 8 Ivolginsky Buddist Learn more about Russia with the Monastery fun on board activities Day 3 Khabarovsk Today explore Ivolginsky Datsan, the Today you arrive in Khabarovsk, the largest and most important Buddhist DEPARTURES second largest city in Russia’s Far monastery in Russia. Head back to 28 April to 12 May town, and before the sun sets, board Eastern District. On a guided bus tour GUIDE PRICE the Tsar’s Gold private train. Here, you of the city, you visit the Khabarovsk From £4 231 pp Regional Museum and enjoy the wide settle into your snug and secure new Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room sandy beaches of the Amur River. home for the rest of your Trans- Siberian rail journey. (BLD) Days 4 Taiga Tuck in to breakfast to fortify yourself before an excursion to the nearby Khechzyr nature reserve. Stroll through lush evergreen landscapes. This is the taiga, the pristine country still home to Siberian tigers. (B,L,D)

Days 5-6 Big Country Settle into the rhythm of rail travel, as you head west for the next two days. Freed from the hectic schedule of everyday life, get to know your fellow train passengers, take the time to catch Route .

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 16 Days 9 Lake Bailkal Day 14 Kazan night on a tour that includes the almost A day dedicated entirely to enjoying the Today is dedicated to the picturesque dream-like Red Square and famously blissful Lake Baikal, the oldest and and historic Kazan, the capital of the palatial subway stations. Relax after deepest freshwater lake in the world. Republic of Tatarstan, on the banks of your urban adventure in your central You arrive directly at Port Baikal. the Volga. Tour the city’s traditional and comfortable top-range hotel. Relax, take a dip, explore the and take in the (B,L,D) picturesque villages, and soak up the fascinating stories of the wild and bloody relations that played out scenery on a ferry ride. On warm Day 16 Moscow between the , and nights, dinner is served as a picnic on Today you will see the surreal and Russians, exactly where you’re the elegant shores of this pristine lake. candy-cane Russian masterpieces of standing. Overnight on board. (B,L,D) (B,L,D) St. Basil’s Cathedral and Novodevichy Convent. You will visit the lovingly Days 10 Irkutsk Day 15 Moscow reconstructed Cathedral of Christ the You’ve arrived in Irkutsk, one of Moscow, one of the most vivid, dynamic Savior and pass by the notorious Siberia’s largest cities. Tour the city’s and richly-historic cities on Earth. Get former KGB headquarters, the colourful market, theatre and up close to the otherworldly and world- imposing architecture of the Sovietera twomanor site of the Irkutsk local famous Kremlin grounds and White House and Lomonosov history museum. Have a relaxed experience its magnificent cathedrals University, before bidding farewell to dinner in the evening before bed—your and interiors. After dinner, you take in this bold and charismatic city. Transfer Church of the Saviour on Blood hotel room is centrally located. (B,L,D) the opulence and color of Moscow at for your flight back home. (B)

Days 11 Siberia Life on board A day of once-in-a-lifetime views enjoyed from the comfort of your private train. (B,L,D)

Days 12 Novosibirsk In the charming city of Novosibirsk, you’re welcomed warmly with and salt associated with hospitality, and friendship in Russia. You arrive in Siberia’s biggest city at noon and take a tour that includes the majestic river . Overnight on board. (B,L,D)

Day 13 Yekaterinburg Yekaterinburg is the historic capital of the ancient Ural Mountain region. Its position on the Asian-European border makes for a city of fascinating influences and combined cultures. You visit the painstakingly preserved city center and fairytale-like Church on Blood, which commemorates the site where the Romanovs, Russia’s last Tsar dynasty, were shot by revolutionists. Your train leaves Asia Restaurant on board for Europe. Restaurant on board

Siberian tiger

Mongolian Yur Bolshoi compartment Route

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 17 Tsar's Gold Trans-Mongolian Journey Experience the unique charms of Ulan Bator, the dynamic capital of Mongolia. Then get a taste for the 12 breadth of Russian life, from the solitude of Lake Baikal’s shores to the vibrant bustle of Moscow’s streets. Our trips are accompanied by an experienced multi-lingual tour director and a physician travelling on the days train. A sophisticated on-board program complements a comprehensive excursion and sightseeing package to make your journey truly memorable. Your Route: Ulan Bator • Ulan Ude • Lake Baikal • Siberia • Novosibirsk • Ekaterinburg • Kazan • Moscow Day 1 Fly to Ulan Bator Days 7 Siberia Day 11 Moscow Arrive in Ulan Bator and transfer to A day of once-in-a-lifetime views Enjoy the surreal and candy-cane Russian your hotel. Relax, refresh and prepare enjoyed from the comfort of your masterpieces of St. Basil’s Cathedral and for the adventure ahead. private train. Mountains of forest Novodevichy Convent. Visit the Cathedral and mist glisten in the sunlight. of Christ the Savior and pass by the Day 2 Ulan Bator Rivers crashing along jagged rocky notorious former KGB headquarters, the Today visit the painstakingly restored banks. Huge, imposing skies, White House and Lomonosov University. Buddhist Gandan Monastery and the shifting in rhythm with the tracks. Transfer for your flight back home. (B) historic Choijin Lama Temple. Enjoy Entertaining lectures on local evening performances of dynamic and customs and culture double as WHAT'S INCLUDED captivating traditional Mongolian music social get-togethers between now Return Airport transfers (optional). (B,L,D) firm friends, complete with Russian 2 nights in hotels along the route canapés and hospitality. (B,L,D) Accommodation as booked on the Day 3 The Mongolian Alps Tsar’s Gold private train Today you experience the stunning English-speaking tour guides Day 8 Novosibirsk natural beauty of the Mongolian Alps. throughout the journey Warm welcome to Novosibirsk! You Picnicking in a yurt in the beautiful Local travel guides arrive in Siberia’s biggest city at noon outdoors is the perfect way to dine. Try All transfers and bus tours according and take a tour which includes the the Mongolian specialty of lamb in milk, to itinerary majestic river Ob. (B,L,D) with for those feeling brave: a All entry fees drink of fermented mare’s milk, known All meals according to your itinerary Day 9 Yekaterinburg as the beer of the nomads. Afterwards, On board entertainment Yekaterinburg is positioned on the have an insight into the horsemanship Asian- European border.You visit HIGHLIGHTS so central to Mongolian culture and see the painstakingly preserved city Visit the vibrant Russian capital, a traditional wrestling match and an center and fairytale-like Church on Moscow archery performance. In the evening, Blood, which commemorates the Explore the beauty of Lake Baikal your private train tours onward to the site where Russia’s last Tsar Enjoy the amazing views and tour Russian border. (B,L,D) dynasty was shot by revolutionists. the best cities of Russia Day 4 Ulan Ude Your train leaves Asia for Europe. Explore the amazing capitals of Your Trans-Siberian train journeys along (B,L,D) Mongolia the green, picturesque valley of the Learn more about Russia with the Day 10 Kazan Selenga River. Soon you arrive in Ulan- fun on board activities Today is dedicated to Kazan, the Ude, the friendly capital of the Republic DEPARTURES capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. of Buryatia, Russia, where you stroll Frequent departures from May to Sep Tour the city’s traditional Russian through its city streets on a guided tour. GUIDE PRICE architecture and take in the (B,L,D) From £3 753 pp fascinating stories of the local Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room Kremlin. You learn about the wild Day 5 Baikal and bloody relations that played out A day dedicated entirely to enjoying the between the Tatars, Cossacks and Route blissful Lake Baikal You arrive directly at Russians exactly where you’re Port Baikal, where there are plenty of standing. (B,L,D) opportunities to capture some perfect shots as you travel the Circum-Baikal Day 11 Moscow Railway. On warm nights, dinner is Get up close to the world-famous served as a picnic on the shores of the Kremlin grounds and experience its lake. The perfect end to a relaxing day. magnificent cathedrals and interiors. (B,L,D) After dinner, take in the opulence and color of Moscow at night on a Day 6 On Board tour that includes the almost dream- You’ve arrived in Irkutsk, one of like Red Square and famously Siberia’s largest cities. Tour the city’s palatial subway stations. Relax after colourful market, theatre and the Irkutsk your urban adventure in your central local history museum. Have a relaxed and comfortable top-range hotel. dinner in the evening before bed. (BLD) (BLD) Mo. ngolian horsemanship

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 18 Tsar's Gold Trans-Manchurian Journey

Beijing

Experience one of the greatest travel adventures. Your journey along the Trans-Siberian Railway, one of 16 the world’s most fascinating train routes, is even more interesting, comfortable, and entertaining with our days privately chartered train. This grand private train journey from Moscow to Beijing via Lake Baikal and Mongolia is your chance to fulfil the dream of a lifetime.

Your Route: Moscow • Kazan • Yekaterinburg • Novosibirsk • Irkutsk • Lake Baikal • Ulan Ude • Ulan Bator • Gobi Desert • Beijing Day 4 Yekaterinburg Day 1 Fly to Moscow Your train stops in Yekaterinburg, the WHAT'S INCLUDED You are greeted at the airport by your historical capital of the Urals. The city guide and accompanied to your hotel. Return Airport transfers is remembered as the place where the Our “City of Lights” tour shows you 5 nights in hotels along the route Russian tsar Nicholas II and his family around the beautifully illuminated Accommodation as booked on the were murdered in 1918. During the Russian capital. Stroll across the Tsar’s Gold private train city tour you will see the Cathedral of famous Red Square with your travel English-speaking tour guides the Saviour on the Spilled Blood built guide and take a short metro trip to throughout the journey in 2003 in commemoration of that view several of Moscow’s particularly Local travel guides tragic event, and the city centre so beautiful metro stations. Afterwards, All transfers and bus tours according attractively restored in 2009. Back on you retire to the comfort of your hotel to itinerary board, you continue on your journey and have dinner. (D) All entry fees through the vast steppes of western All meals according to your itinerary Siberia. (B,L,D) Day 2 Moscow On board entertainment

In the morning take a tour of Moscow, Day 5 Novosibirsk including the grounds the Kremlin and HIGHLIGHTS You arrive in Novosibirsk, the heart of its magnificent cathedral from tsarist Visit the vibrant Russian capital, Siberia, where you are welcomed in times. Toward evening, you are Moscow the traditional Russian fashion with greeted aboard your private train prior Explore the beauty of Lake Baikal bread and salt. During your city tour, to departure. A relaxed get-together in Enjoy the amazing views and tour you will experience the most Soviet of the dinning car offers the chance to the best cities of Russia all cities during your journey. You see meet your fellow travellers and learn Explore the capitals of Mongolia the enormous Trans- Siberian more details about your private train. and China Monument and the mighty Ob River. (B,L,D) Learn more about Russia with the Night aboard the train. (B,L,D) fun on board activities

Day 3 Kazan Vodka tasting In the morning you arrive in Kazan, the Day 6 On Board capital of Tatarstan. Take a tour of the Your train crosses the wide Yenisei DEPARTURES Kazan Kremlin (UNESCO World River and rolls on through Siberia. The Frequent departures from May to Sep Cultural Heritage) with its wonderful train’s chefs once again demonstrate GUIDE PRICE panoramic view over the Volga, where their skills as they serve the guests From £ 4018 pp you learn about the turbulent history of Russian specialties in a “tsar’s feast”. A Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room the relationship between the Tatars, vodka tasting accompanied by clever the Cossacks, and the Russians. Your toasts offers you a very enjoyable train resumes its journey eastwards in opportunity to combine pleasure and the evening. (B,L,D) Russian hospitality. (BLD) .

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 19 Day 7 Irkutsk Today your train reaches Irkutsk, the capital of Eastern Siberia in tsarist times. During your city tour you see, among other things, the picturesque Siberian wooden houses and a memorial to Tsar Alexander III (the initiator of the Tran-Siberian Railway), which was erected in 2003 where the Trans-Sib Obelisk previously stood. After lunch you take an excursion to an informative open-air museum with a focus on life and work in historical Siberia. You spend the night in a 4 star hotel in Irkutsk. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Lake Baikal Life on board Route Travel to Listvyanka, a Siberian village on the shores of Lake Baikal. From the Day 11 The Mongolian Day 14 China Church of the Saviour on Blood village, a boat brings you across the Alps After breakfast a bus brings you to A tour lasting several hours takes you to lake’s deep to Port Baikal, Terelj National Park, east of Ulan Bator. Beijing’s most beautiful and important where your private train is waiting. You Here you get to see the nomadic sights, including the photogenic Temple then travel for several hours directly herdsmen’s exotic settlements of of Heaven with its park, the huge alongside Lake Baikal, on the original tradition tents, horse herds, and Tiananmen Square, and some of the route of the Trans-Siberian Railway. scraggly yaks, a type of wild Tibetan city’s contemporary architectural Your train halts for several hours at a cattle. A small Mongolian horse-riding achievements, such as the new “Bird’s particularly scenic spot, for you to truly demonstration is put on for you and you Nest” Olympic stadium and several enjoy the majestic calm of this unique enjoy a picnic lunch served in these futuristic sky scrapers. In the afternoon, natural wonder. Dinner is served as a splendid surroundings. In the evening you are able to enter the Forbidden picnic on the shores of Lake Baikal, you continue on aboard your train City, the former imperial palace, and weather permitting. You spend the towards China. (B,L,D) view its numerous temples and halls. night aboard the train. (B,L,D) You spend the night in your Beijing Day 12 Crossing the Gobi Desert hotel. (B,L) Day 9 Ulan Ude Around noon, you arrive at the Day 15 The Great Wall of China and The journey continues along the banks Mongolian- Chinese border, where Peking Duck of Lake Baikal and then through the your chartered Chinese train is waiting. Your tour today takes you to the Great splendid Selenga Valley and the wild The Russian private train cannot Wall, the eighth wonder of the world. solitude of eastern Siberia’s continue towards Beijing because of The giant wall extends for more than mountainous steppes. Take a tour of the different track gauge in China. Your 6000 km through the countryside. On Ulan Ude during an intermediate stop train reaches the Chinese capital in the way you visit the Ming Tombs, the there. Spend the night aboard the train. approximately 16 hours. The Chinese burial site of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors, (B,L,D) train does not include wagons in the with its impressive Spirit Way. In the Nostalgic Comfort or Bolshoi evening you enjoy a farewell dinner of Day 10 Ulan Bator categories. You spend the night aboard world-renowned Peking Duck. You In the morning you arrive in Ulan Bator. the train. (B,L,D) spend the night in your Beijing hotel. During your city tour you see the (B,L,D) impressive Gandan Buddhist Day 13 Beijing Monastery and the odd Choijin Lama You arrive in the hustle and bustle of Restaurant on board Day 16 Departure Temple. Beer gardens are very popular Beijing in the morning. After transferring After breakfast, you transfer to the in Mongolia, and your evening includes to your hotel, spend the rest of the day airport. (B) a visit to the city’s best. Afterwards, at leisure. (B,L) you have the unique chance to attend a performance of traditional Mongolian folk arts, including throat singing, horse-headed fiddle playing, national costumes, and dances (tickets are € 14/ $ 15, to be paid on site). (BLD) On request, we can organise alternative lodging in a yurt in the beautiful landscape of the Mongolian Alps (supplement € 35/ $ 40). This is a rare Mongolian Yur experience and a dream come true for Route Gobi desert Moscow Metro nature lovers.

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 20 Golden Eagle Luxury Trans-Siberian Journey Winter Wonderland

View of Lake Baikal

The Winter Wonderland Train Tour on board the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express is an experience that you can never forget. This extraordinary train tour is packed with excursions and with four and five star 15 accommodation on arrival in Moscow and before departure from Vladivostok you are sure to enjoy the luxury. days The Golden Eagle is the ultimate in luxury train travel and allows you to choose an accommodation option to suit your budget; select from Gold, Silver or New Heritage Class. Experience a Russian winter like no other; take a ride on an open horse drawn sleigh round Suzdal and prepare to be enchanted by an all male choir performance, all in one day! Your Route: MOSCOW • Vladimir • Suzdal • Yekaterinburg • Novosibirsk • Irkutsk • Lake Baikal • Ulan Ude • Ulan Bator • Khabarovsk • VLADIVOSTOK Day 1 Fly to Moscow Arrive in Moscow, where you are met -domed spires, the beautiful WHAT'S INCLUDED and transferred to the luxury five-star facade of the famous GUM department Experienced Tour Managers Ritz-Carlton. Superbly located in store, constructed in Tsarist times, and Arrival and Departure Transfers Moscow city centre, and within easy the sombre and evocative site of Hotel and Onboard Accommodation walking distance of Red Square, the Lenin’s tomb. If you have been to Welcome and Farewell Dinners Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre, this Moscow before we offer included Route Guide, Itinerary and historic hotel offers spacious and Freedom of Choice touring where you Information Pack luxurious accommodation. The O2 can visit other sights of Moscow such Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Daily Lounge, a stylish rooftop terrace, as the State Tretyakov Gallery (National Drinks with Meals and from the Bar features panoramic views over the Red Museum of Fine Art) or the Space Lounge Car Square and the Kremlin. The spacious Museum. Onboard Service ESPA spa centre includes a hot tub, Today you are welcomed on board by Guided Off-Train Excursions indoor pool, and 14 treatment rooms. the train staff with a glass of Freedom of Choice Touring Crystal lighting, candles and beautiful champagne waiting in the Bar Lounge Onboard Doctor and Medical facilities create the perfect atmosphere, Car as the train prepares for departure. Facilities and a wide variety of spa treatments, as Day 3 Vladimir/Suzdal Porterage well as the sauna, are available. There The historic city of Vladimir was All Gratuities is also a fitness centre, and a beauty founded in 990 and is one of Russia’s HIGHLIGHTS salon. Why not extend your stay in oldest communities with an archi- Explore the main Russian cities Moscow to explore more of the city at tectural wealth. The whole city was Discover the beauty of Lake Baikal your leisure or have time to take in a decreed a UNESCO World Heritage Learn more about Russia with the performance at the world-renowned Site. Our tour takes in Uspensky fun on board activities Bolshoi Theatre? Tickets need to be Cathedral, built between the 12th and Enjoy the delicious Welcome and pre-booked. 15th centuries. It is considered one of Farewell Dinners the most important of Russian cathe- Vodka tasting Day 2 Moscow drals, where many of the prominent Our touring programme of Moscow Russian Tsars were crowned. DEPARTURES takes us to the grandeur of the Kremlin – Late Feb and early Mar, the spiritual, historical and political heart classic route available throughout the of Moscow – and to see the treasures of year the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber. We GUIDE PRICE also visit Red Square, an iconic symbol From £1 3,795 pp of Russia’s former military and political Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room might with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral’s magnificent Vladimir

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 21 The pastoral town of Suzdal is one of Day 6 On board Lake Baikal and today will be an most perfectly preserved walled cities Today we relax on board as our train unforgettable part of our Trans-Siberian in Russia dating back to 1024 and is travels through Siberia. In comfort journey. located 22 miles from Vladimir. Here enjoy the ever-changing panoramas For five hours we wind our way through we visit the atmospheric St. Euthymius of natural snow-covered beauty unfold tunnels along cliff hugging tracks above Monastery to witness an enchanting before us. the frozen lake with a vista of snow- choral performance. capped peaks along the far shore forming a picture-perfect backdrop. Day 4 Yekaterinburg Day 7 Irkutsk Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Our visit to Irkutsk, the ‘Paris of world and during winter is completely Yekaterinburg is the capital of the Siberia’, takes in the most significant frozen. We are taken in a hovercraft on Urals. Known as the Great Divide, the sites and museums in this fascinating the frozen lake to the place where the Ural Mountains create the natural city, including an exploration of the ice fishing, dog sledges and border between Europe and Asia so classic wooden architecture with its snowmobiles are situated and you will that the cultural and architectural intricately carved lace-like decorations enjoy the perfect vantage point to influences of European and Asian that has given many of this region’s appreciate the magnificence of this civilisations come together in this buildings such a distinctive and unique Life on board unspoilt location. fascinating and cosmopolitan appearance. We also visit the There is the opportunity to watch the landscape. Our city tour takes us to the Decembrist House museum which is under-ice fishing and try the freshly poignant site where the Romanov, Tsar dedicCatheudr ctoh t hoef tmhe mSoarvyi oouf rth oen Blood caught fish which will be smoked in a Nicholas II of Russia, was executed aristocrats who were exiled to this mobile smokehouse and served warm with his family by the Bolsheviks in remote outpost after the failed uprising with ice-cold vodka. Delicious! 1918 following 78 days of of 1825, and we recreate the imprisonment. Now a church dedicated atmosphere of that time with a to their memory, this site provides us champagne reception and private Day 9 Ulan Ude with a powerful insight into the turmoil concert. The ethnic and cultural diversity of Ulan of the Russian Revolution. As an additional option for your day in Ude, the capital of the Buryat Republic, Irkutsk you may wish to visit a offers a unique insight into its heritage. traditional Russian Banya (sauna). As we tour the area you will notice the Day 5 Novosibirsk different faces of these welcoming A modern ‘Soviet’ city, we experience Buryat people. During our exploration the life and character of Novosibirsk’s of the Old Believers’ Village we have rich culture where the arts and Day 8 Lake Baikal the opportunity to learn about the sciences predominate. The city is Our day by Lake Baikal offers a real culture and history of these religious located in the heart of Russia and is highlight of travelling through Siberia in people as we are treated to a concert situated on both banks of the River Ob. winter. Few natural sights can surpass featuring local traditions and folk Our city tour takes us to Lenin Square the beauty and grandeur of singing. where the imposing Opera House is located. An architectural marvel, it houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is one of the largest opera houses in the world. In front of the Opera House, we visit an impressive statue of Lenin – a marvellous opportunity to have your photograph taken with this iconic political leader. Alternatively, our Freedom of Choice tour goes south of the city to visit Restaurant on board Novosibirsk’s excellent Railway Museum, which displays locomotives and rolling stock from the late 1800s, including carriages of the Tsars, through to the Soviet era. Pre-departure

Mongolian Yur On board Route Moscow Metro

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 22 Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet. Due to its military importance, the city was closed to foreigners between 1930 and 1992. Vladivostok (literally translated as ‘Ruler of the East’) offers visitors an interesting opportunity to explore its principal military attractions including a visit to a preserved WWII submarine. Our city tour will also take us to the iconic suspension bridge over Golden Horn Bay, one of the largest of its kind worldwide, which opened in Route 2012 for the APEC conference.

Day 10 Ulan Bator learn about the country’s intriguing Day 15 Vladivostok Our adventure takes us into Mongolia, history. Following breakfast, you will be Ulaan Baatar. Mongolia, once the very We also have the opportunity to visit a Life on board transferred to Vladivostok Airport to centre of an enormous empire led by traditional Ger and meet a nomadic begin your journey home. , is a country of beautiful family. landscapes, nomadic people and rich in Church of the Saviour on Blood culture and history. Mongolia is famous for Day 11 - 13 On Board ALTERNATIVE LUXURY its endless green Steppes, grazing Enjoy a more leisurely pace as we ROUTES livestock and white, nomadic Gers (Yurts) travel through the beautiful landscape dotted all across the countryside. of the Russian Far East. You may like Detailed information available on We start the tour at Gandan Monastery, to attend one of the interesting lec- request and on the website: one of Mongolia’s most important tures or Russian language lessons. Buddhist Monasteries housing a •15 DAY GOLDEN EAGLE community of over 500 monks. The full Day 14 Vladivostok LUXURY TRANS-SIBERIAN name, Gandantegchinlen, translates as After travelling through 8 time zones FROM £12,895 ‘the great place of complete joy’. At and covering a staggering 6,600 miles • 12 DAY EXPLORER Chinggis Square (formerly Sukhbaatar along this iconic railway, the Golden LUXURY EXPRESS FROM Square) we can see the central Eagle pulls into its final destination, £9,695 monument to Genghis Khan, undoubtedly Vladivostok. Vladivostok is a military • 13 DAY NAADAM FESTIVAL the most feared and revered Mongol, and port, located on the western shores of TOUR FROM £12,895 visit the National Museum where we the Sea of and is home to the • 15 DAY BAM TRANS- SIBERIAN EXPLORER FROM £12,895 • 16 DAY CASPIAN ODYSSEY FROM £17,495 • 21 DAY SILK ROAD JOURNEY FROM £19,295 Restaurant treats

Cabins Silver Class Gold Class

Restaurant on board

Imperial Suite

Route Moscow Metro

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 23 Imperial Russia Trans-Siberian Journey Russia, Mongolia & China

Experience one of the greatest travel adventures. Your journey along the Trans-Siberian Railway, one of the world’s most fascinating and safest train routes, is even more interesting, comfortable, and entertaining on 15 board the grand Private Imperial Russia Train. This private train journey from Moscow to Beijing via Lake days Baikal and Mongolia is your chance to fulfil the dream of a lifetime. Our trips are accompanied by an experienced English speaking tour leader and a physician travelling on the train. An interesting on-board program complements a comprehensive excursion and sightseeing package to make your journey truly memorable. Your Route: MOSCOW • Kazan • Ekaterinburg • Novosibirsk • Irkutsk • Lake Baikal • Ulan Ude • Ulan Bator • Erlian • BEIJING

Day 1 Fly to Moscow Welcome to Moscow, the mesmerising Capital of Russia! You are met at the airport and transferred to the hotel for a night stay.

Day 2 Moscow After breakfast embark on a grand city tour. Visit to the Moscow Kremlin which is a symbol of the Russian State, one of the greatest architectural complexes in the world, a treasure house of magnificent relics and monuments of art. Walk along the Arbat Street, visiting the Cathedral of Route Christ the Savior and sightseeing tour of Moscow metro stations. Take a stroll Day 6 On board WHAT'S INCLUDED along Arbat Street in the historic centre of Today relax on board while the train Return Airport transfers Moscow before transferring to the railway crosses the vast Russian landscape on 3 nights in hotels along the route station to board the private chartered way to Irkutsk. You can chose to join in Accommodation as booked on the Imperial Train to Beijing. (B, L, D) many activities that are offered on the Imperial Russia train train and get to know your fellow English-speaking tour guides passengers. (B, L, D) Day 3 Kazan throughout the journey Welcome to Kazan, capital of the Local travel guides Tatarstan Autonomous Republic. Enjoy a Day 7 Irkutsk All transfers and bus tours according city tour of the city including the Welcome to Irkutsk, the capital of to itinerary impressive Kremlin with its sparkling Siberia! Tour to the historical city All entry fees onion domes and tall minarets. At Lunch, center including a visit to the All meals according to your itinerary take a master class in the Tatar cuisine. Decembrists’ Museum, the «wooden ( B, L, D) lace» house, also called the «House of HIGHLIGHTS Europe», the most beautiful and Explore the capitals of Russia, Day 4 Yekaterinburg amazing streets of the city — Bolshaya Mongolia and China Today you arrive in Yekaterinburg, the Prospektnaya, today — Karl Marx Discover the beauty of Lake Baikal capital of the Urals. Enjoy a great city street. Enjoy linch at teh city Pay a visit to the most exciting tour dedicated to the last days of last restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Russian cities Russian tsar. You will see the Church on Taltsy Museum of Architecture and Meet a traditional Byryat family Blood erected to commemorate a tragic Ethnography which is located in a DEPARTURES historical event, the orthodox monastery picturesque place on the right bank of Summer months with temples that are considered to be the Angara River. (B,L,D) GUIDE PRICE pearls of Russian construction. Visit the From £ 5713 pp memorial built at the boundary of Asia Day 8 Lake Baikal Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room and Europe. (B, L, D) Welcome to Baikal. Take a ferry to the lakeside village of Listvyanka. Visit the Day 5 Novosibirsk Chersky Stone observation point with Today you arrive in Novosibirsk, beautiful view on the southern part of fauna of the lake.Before lunch, enjoy a Russia's third largest city, located in the the lake and the source of the Angara leisurely stroll around the village of southwestern part of Siberia on the River; it is undoubtedly one of the most Listvyanka. Afterwards, visit the local fish banks of the Ob River. Embark on a city favorite places for tourists and and souvenir market. Return to Port tour and join an excursion to the open air photographers. Visit the Baikal Baikal to relax and enjoy a picnic dinner Museum of Railway Machinery. (B, L, D) Museum which displays the flora and on the shore of the lake. (B,L,D)

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 24 Day 9 Ulan Ude Day 12 Erlian Day 14 Irkutsk In the morning, the train arrives in Ulan Today, arrive at the Mongolian/Chinese Today take an excursion to the Great Ude. Formerly a closed city for border and connect with the private Wall and the Summer Palace. In the foreigners, it is now the capital of the Chinese train for the final leg to Beijing. evening enjoy the farewell dinner in Buryat Autonomous Republic and home (B,L,D) one of Beijing's restaurants. (B,L,D) to the largest statue of Lenin's head! Buryatia is also the centre of Buddhism Day 13 Beijing Day 15 Irkutsk in Russia. Ethnic and cultural diversity of Welcome to China! Today the train Transfer to the airport for your journey this area offers a unique understanding arrives in Beijing; embark on a city tour home. (B) of its heritage of the world’s to visit the capital's highlights: the religions.Whilst here visit a Buryat family Tiananmen Square — the world's who will teach you how to cook the largest urban area that can fit about a ALTERNATIVE ROUTES: traditional Buryat dish pozy, how to play million people; the Forbidden City - dice, use a bow, wear a traditional imperial palace during the Ming and Northern Lights New Year Tour Buryat costume, assemble and Qing dynasties. Continue to the 10 days from £3836 disassemble a felt yurt. Later in the mesmerizing Summer Palace. Check Trans - Siberian: Moscow to afternoon, transfer back to the train and into Hotel Beijing Jianguo (or similar) Vladivostok head for the Russia-Mongolia border at for two nights and in the evening enjoy 14 days from £5550 . (B,L,D) a traditional Beijing Duck Banquet. (B,L,D) Day 10 Ulan Bator Welcome to Ulan Bator, the Capital of Mongolia. On the way to the camp of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, visit the main square and Zaisan. Upon arrival to the camp some time will be given to settle yurt and freshen up prior to lunch. After lunch, enjoy an excursion to the Turtle Rock and take in the beautiful scenery of the surrounding area. Highlight of the day will be hiking tour to the top of overlooking hill from where you can admire the view of the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. You will visit a nomadic family and get introduced to the authentic lifestyle and Beijing culture of Mongolian nomads and try traditional dairy food. You may chose to take part in the traditional Mongolian Horse riding (optional) or disassembling and building of a smaller Mongolian yurt. Spend the night in the ger camp. (B,L,D)

Day 11 Ulan Bator After Breakfast at the camp, transfer back to Ulan Bator. Visit Gandan Monastery, Mongolian Natural History Museum and Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan. Enjoy a Mongolian BBQ lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional Folk Kazan show before boarding the train for the journey to Beijing, China. (B,L,D)

Local treats First Class cabin

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 25 Visa Free M/S Princess Anastasia

Red Square

Church of the Saviour on Blood M/S Princess Anastasia

Visa free cruises are becoming an increasingly popular way to visit the majestic St Petersburg. Passengers of all nationalities can enjoy St Petersburg for 72 hours without a Russian visa travelling overnight by a comfortable ferry. The visa-free scheduled ferry connection by M/S Princess Anastasia operate between Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn and St Petersburg cruising comfortably all year round. Enjoy the magnificent second Russian capital and its impressive highlights staying in the historical heart of the city.

5 days Route 1: Helsinki - St Petersburg - Helsinki

Day 1 Helsinki Day 3 St Petersburg Day 4 St Petersburg Evening departure from Helsinki to St After having breakfast at your hotel, After breakfast at your hotel, explore Petersburg by M/S Princess Anastasia explore the city independently or take an the city independently or take an optional excursion to Winter Palace optional excursion to the Catherine Day 2 St Petersburg Hermitage Museum or Yusupov Palace. ´s palace in Pushkin or Peterhof On arrival in St Petersburg (around Return to your hotel for the night. Palace. Both optional tours ends to 14:00), meet with your guide at the the ferry terminal. Depart St terminal and enjoy the panoramic city Petersburg at 18:00on board of M/S tour around the major highlights such Princess Anastasia as Peter & Paul Fortress, Admiralty, St.

Nicolas Cathedral, Palace Square and Day 5 Helsinki Smolny Convent. Have a relaxing night Arrival in Helsinki in the morning at the chosen hotel in the heart of the city. WHAT'S INCLUDED

. Accommodation on board of M/S

Add-ons: Princess Anastasia Helsinki city tour 2 nights at 3-4* accommodation in Visit Nuuksio National Park St Petersburg The Helsinki Card City tour of St Petersburg Cruise of Helsinki's waters HIGHLIGHTS Hermitage tour Visit the beautiful capital of Finland Peterhof Panoramic city tour including a visit Pushkin in the Peter & Paul Fortress with Senate Square, Helsinki local English speaking guide

. DEPARTURES 1-5 departures per month From £904 pp GUIDE PRICE Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room From £ 486 pp Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room Pushkin town

For an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 26 6 Route 2: Helsinki - St Petersburg - Tallinn days - Stockholm Tallinn

Day 1 Helsinki Day 6 Stockholm Evening departure from Helsinki to St Arrival in Stockholm in the morning. Petersburg by M/S Princess Anastasia Optional accommodation in Stockholm and/or a ferry trip to Helsinki by choice are Day 2 - 4 St Petersburg available on request. Days 2 - 4 follow the itinerary of Route 1 with a departure to Tallinn on Day 4

Day 5 Tallinn GUIDE PRICE Arrival in Tallinn in the morning. See the From £ 470 pp medieval old town with cobblestone Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room streets and towers. Departure from Tallinn in the evening. Stockholm

6 Route 3: StChourcchk of htheo Salvmiour o-n BHlooed lsinki - St days Petersburg - Helsinki

Day 1 Stockholm Day 3 - 5 St Petersburg Add-ons: Evening departure from Stockholm to St Days 3, 4 and 5 follow the itinerary of International flights Petersburg by M/S Princess Anastasia Route 1 for days 2, 3 and 4. Add more nights in Helsinki/Tallinn/Stockholm Day 2 Helsinki Day 6 Helsinki Helsinki/Tallinn/Stockholm city tour Helsinki is a compact city where most .A rrival in Helsinki in the morning. Visit Nuuksio National Park sights are within walking distance and Optional accommodation in Helsinki The Helsinki Card getting around town is very easy. Enjoy and/or a ferry trip to Stockholm by Cruise of Helsinki's waters the city before your evening departure choice are available on request. Tallinn Food Tour from Helsinki to St Petersburg at 18:00. ABBA Museum Mini Cruise . Stockholm Pass Stockholm Food Tour Hermitage tour Peterhof Pushkin

. 7 Route 4: Stockholm - Helsin ki - St days Petersburg - Tallinn - Stockholm WHAT'S INCLUDED Day 1 Stockholm Day 6 Tallinn Accommodation on board of M/S Evening departure from Stockholm to St Arrive to Helsinki sea port for a short Princess Anastasia Petersburg by M/S Princess Anastasia visit early in the morning and proceed 3-4* accommodation in St to Tallinn by noon. See the medieval Petersburg old town with cobblestone streets and Day 2 Helsinki City tour of St Petersburg Helsinki is a compact city where most towers. Depart Tallinn in the evening sights are within walking distance and towards Stockholm. HIGHLIGHTS getting around town is very easy. Enjoy Visit the beautiful capitals of your city before the departure from Day 7 Stockholm Finland/Sweden and Estonia Helsinki to St Petersburg. Arrive to Stockholm in the morning. Panoramic city tour including a visit in the Peter & Paul Fortress with Day 3 - 5 St Petersburg GUIDE PRICE local English speaking guide Days 3, 4 and 5 follow the itinerary of From £ 512 pp DEPARTURES Route 1 for days 2, 3 and 4. Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room 1-5 departures per month

Pushkin

For an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 27 Cruises M/S Zosima Shashkov 3

WHAT'S INCLUDED Arrival and departure transfers Accommodation on board Full board catering Luggage handling in river ports and on board the ship Sightseeing with English-speaking guides Captain’s Farewell dinner (special menu) Captain’s welcome cocktail reception Red Square Zosima Shashkov cruise ship Visa support HIGHLIGHTS See the most beautiful Russian cities on the way from Moscow to St Petersburg Welcome “bread and salt” ceremony On board entertainment including Russian language course and Russian songs lessons, live music concerts, dancing music in bars nightly, Captain’s bridge tour, etc

Clear waters of Karelia DEPARTURES This captivating 12-day cruise from Moscow to St Petersburg is a from May to October unique opportunity to discover the beauty of the two capitals GUIDE PRICE 12 stopping en route to explore the ancient towns of the Golden From £1 223 pp days Ring. As well as inspiring excursions IntoRussia also gives you Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room the chance to immerse yourself in traditional Russia as you taste such as Shashlyk in Mandrogi.

Route: MOSCOW • Uglich • Yaroslavl • Goritsy • Kizhi • Mandrogui • ST PETERSBURG

Day 1 Fly to Moscow Day 3 Moscow years the Romanov dynasty succeeded Welcome to the gorgeous capital of Today is free for you to spend it at your to the throne. Today’s Uglich does Russia - Moscow! Upon arrival your leisure either relaxing onboard or cherish its history and you can still see driver meets you at the airport and exploring the city center. Optional tours: the relics of the past. That is the Church transfers you to the port for boarding trip to Sergiev Posad, visit to the of St Dmitry on the spilt Blood. Built in your cruise ship. Dinner is served Tretyakov Gallery, tour to the 1690 on the spot where Dmitry had been onboard Novodevichy Convent or transfer to the murdered it appears on the horizon with city center. After the optional tours you its red walls and blue domes as one Day 2 Moscow return onboard and your amazing sails north on the Volga. Today you will Today enjoy a panoramic bus city tour cruise starts. have a walking city tour with visits to the around the most interesting Moscow territory of the Uglich Kremlin, the sights, including Tverskaya street, the Day 4 Uglich Church of St. Dimitry on the Blood and Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Uglich used to be the seat of the Transfiguration Cathedral. Historical Museum, GUM and Red princedom back in the 13th century. Square. After lunch at the restaurant Uglich is the town where one of the visit the Kremlin territory and one of its most momentous events of the Cathedrals. Optional tour: Armoury Russian history took place in the 16th Chamber (booked in advance). After century. It was then that the last the tour you return to your ship. member of the Ruirik dynasty, the

Optional evening activity: National folk young Tsarevich Dmitry was show "Kostroma", circus performance murdered. That dreadful event gave

(booked in advance) or Moscow by rise to what later became known as . night city tour with a metro ride. the time of trouble and only after 15

For an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 28 from around the Onega region to Fortress with a visit to the St. Peter illustrate the architecture common to and Paul’s Cathedral. After lunch at the Russian North.The focal point, the city restaurant you go on a 3- referred to as the Kizhi Ensemble, hour guided tour of the Hermitage comprises the awe-inspiring 22- Museum. Optional evening activity: domed Transfigu ration Cathedral Folk Show or St. Petersburg city tour (1714), the neighbouring Church of by night. Intercession (1774) and the bell tower between the two. Another Day 10 St Petersburg significant structure is the modest Today you travel to the outskirts of Cha pel of the Resurrection of St. Petersburg to see the former Lazarus. Built in 1391, it is the oldest summer residence of Russian tsars standing wooden church in Russia. and emperors - Peterhof. Enjoy a walking tour in Lower Park exploring Day 8 Mandrogui the Grand Cascade with the Samson Manezhnaya square Inhabited by talented craftsmen, Route Fountain and the Monplaisir Palace. Mandrogui is a reconstructed village, Optional evening activity: St. Peters- Day 5 Yaroslavl built on the bank of the Svir River to burg rivers and canals boat ride. Among the precious jewels of old Russian illustrate the traditions and lifestyle of cities Yaroslavl shines with a particular Russia's past. Experience provincial bright, unfading light. Founded in 1010 by Russian lifestyle, watch the artisans Day 11 St Petersburg Prince Yaroslav the Wise, the city and craftsmen mak ing Today is free for you to spend it at prospered as a trading port and a center “matryoshkas”, carving wood, your leisure. Optional tour: trip to of textile manufacture. No other city in sewing, and ... visit the Vodka Pushkin and Pavlovsk. In Pushkin Russia can boast such a wealth of the Museum, which boasts 250 varieties you explore the Catherine’s Palace 17th - century architecture. Today you of the national drink. with its Grand Hall and Amber Room, make a stop in Yaroslavl and have a bus and take a walk in its beautiful park. tour with visits to the Church of St. In Pavlovsk you visit the famous Paul Day 9 St Petersburg Nicholas the Wonderworker, the local Palace and stroll through the park. Upon arrival in St. Petersburg enjoy market, the Church of St. Elijah the Optional evening activity: ballet a guided panoramic tour around the Prophet (from the outside) and the former performance. main city attractions, including Governor’s House where you enjoy an Nevsky Prospect, the St. Isaac’s interactive tour with a music concert and Cathedral and the Saviour on Spilled Day 12 St Petersburg dances. Blood. Later you have a walking tour After breakfast you disembark and to the Peter and Paul Fortress with transfer to the airport for your flight. Day 6 Goritsy Welcome to the Northwest of Russia, the village of Goritsy, home to the Resurrection Convent, standing at the shoreline. From Goritsy a bus will drive you to the town of Kirillov, 8 kilome ters Mandrogui Kizhi away, to tour one of the major Orthodox strongholds of Old Russia, the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake. Founded in the 14th century, the monastery has preserved its re markable architecture and fascinates the visitors by its majestic churches enclosed within austere fortress walls. The monastery is also famous for its museum of icons some of them are the oldest in Russia.

Day 7 St Kizhi Kizhi is home to the open-air museum of fascinating wooden architecture. Walking on the island, you can see old wooden churches, chapels, bell towers, pea- sant houses, granaries, barns, windmills, bathhouses which were all brought Treats on board

Upgrade: The route is also available on board of M/S Nikolay Chernyshevsky and M/S Hospitality on board

For an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 29 M/S Nizhny Novgorod 4

WHAT'S INCLUDED Arrival and departure transfers Accommodation on board Full board catering Luggage handling in river ports and on board the ship Sightseeing with English-speaking guides Captain’s Farewell dinner (special menu) Captain’s welcome cocktail reception Visa support HIGHLIGHTS See the most beautiful Russian cities Red Square Nizhny Novgorod cruise ship on the way from Moscow to Astrachan Welcome “bread and salt” ceremony This 14 day cruise along Russia's longest river, the Volga, and On board entertainment including 14 the Don, is the perfect way to explore Russia's beauty. Leaving Russian language course and Moscow, you will sail through stunning landscapes and alight to Russian songs lessons, live music days explore the architecture and history of charming remote towns concerts, dancing music in bars and cities. nightly, Captain’s bridge tour, etc

Route: MOSCOW • Uglich • Yaroslavl • Kostroma • Cheboksary • Nizhny DEPARTURES Novgorod • Kazan • Samara • Saratov • Volgograd • ASTRAKHAN September

Day 1 Fly to Moscow the crew and of the staff and Captain’s GUIDE PRICE Welcome to the gorgeous capital of Welcome Cocktail will take place in the From £1 659 pp Russia - Moscow! Upon arrival your evening. Enjoy some great Live music Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room driver meets you at the airport and in the bar before retiring to your cabin transfers you to your hotel. Dinner for the first night on the River. aboard (for late arrivals boxed lunch is provided instead). Cathedral. Set sail towards Nizhny Day 4 Uglich Novgorod! You can chose to wake up early for a Day 2 Moscow morning exercise class before Today you have a panoramic bus city Day 6 Nizhny Novgorod breakfast. Take part in great on-board tour around the most interesting Nizhny Novgorod, founded in 1221, is the entertainment (Souvenir Shop lecture Moscow sights, including Leningradsky 5th largest city in Russia! Today Nizhny about the Traditional Russian crafts, avenue, Tverskaya street, Theatralny Novgorod is a large river port, trade and Russian language class, Bingo and passage, Lubyanka, KGB building, cultural centre. During the bus city tour many more). During your city tour of Manezh square, Red Square. After you will visit Kremlin grounds. Optional: Uglich you will see such places as lunch at the city restaurant you have a Art Gallery after the city tour. Kremlin, Dmitry on the Blood Church guided tour to the Kremlin - Palace of and Transfiguration Cathedral. In the Congresses, Senate square: Arsenal, evening set off to Yaroslavl! Senate buildings; residence of the President of the Russian Federation, Tsar Bell and Tsar cannon, Cathedral Day 5 Yaroslavl and Kostroma Square ensemble: Assumption After breakfast you depart for a bus Cathedral, Archangel Cathedral and tour of Yaroslavl: visit the local market, Annunciation Cathedral with visit to Church of St Elijah the Prophet one of them. Optional evening activity: (outside), and Church of St. Nicholas Moscow by night city tour with a metro the Wonderworker, interactive tour of ride; National folk show “Kostroma”. former Governor’s House (Art Gallery).

Back on board enjoy a Russian song Day 3 Moscow class or an optional Master class of Start the day with a nice breakfast Russian Matryoshka doll painting while before embarking on a Tretyakov Art you are travelling towards Kostroma. In

Gallery tour. Enjoy lunch aboard. At Kostroma join a city tour to see such

17:30, set off to Uglich! Presentation of sights asIpatiev monastery and Trinity . Route

For an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 30 Day 7 Cheboksary Day 11 Volgograd Day 13 Astrachan The capital of the Chuvash republic First called Tsaritsyn, then renamed From Moscow to Astrakhan – 3000 in the Volga region, Cheboksary was Stalingrad and eventually Volgograd, km. With the completion of the founded in the middle of the 15th the city has a unique geographic impressive Moscow-Volga canal in century. The city is full of ancient location on the crossroads of land 1937, the capital was finally linked churches and monasteries. You can and waterways linking Europe and to the great system of waterways join a morning bus city tour and Asia. It was established in the 16th that runs from St Petersburg on the chose more afternoon optional century to defend the strategic point Gulf of Finland all the way to excursions such as visit to a Beer where the Volga and Don Rivers astrakhan on the . As a Museum with tasting and Ioshkar-Ola meet. Volgograd acquired its sinister result, it is possible today to follow city tour. Set sail to Kazan! notoriety during WW II at the time of the entire trade route along the the battle of Stalingrad, the turning Volga, from Moscow all the way to Day 8 Kazan point for the Russian resistance to Astrakhan, the ancient capital of the The capital of the Tatarstan is often Hitler, and for the war as a whole. Tatars. While cruising you will sail called the “Pearl of the Central Volga Mamayev hill, the site of the battle's along almost the entire length of the Region”. Founded in the 13th century fiercest fighting is now a memorial Volga River to the edge of the by the , who at that time dominated by a 239-ft statue of Caspian Sea. Optional: art gallery, occupied Russia, it served as the seat Russia the motherland wielding a Volga Delta. of the mighty Golden Horde or “Tatar” sword. Optional: Panoramic museum Empire. Presently, it is the city of 1 Stalingrad battle. Day 14 Astrachan million inhabitants (half Russian, half WHAT'S INCLUDED .After breakfast you disembark your Tatar) and absolutely charming with a Day 12 On board ship and your driver transfers you unique blend of the Muslim and Sit back and enjoy the on-board to the airport for your flight back Christian cultures. Kazan is the entertainment as you cruise towards home. birthplace of the opera singer Fyodor the city if Astrakhan.

Chaliapin and of the great ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev. After a bus city tour, set sail to Samara. Enjoy some great on-board entertainment and a tour of Captain’s Bridge!

Day 9 Samara The history of today's 1.5-million resident city dates back to the 16th century. Founded as a fortress to guard Russian lands against relentless nomadic forays, Samara was but a far- flung peripheral settlement until 1851 when the city became the centre of the newly formed Samara gubernia (region).Vibrant development of the city began in the second half of the DEPARTURES 19th century with the construction of Entertainment on board stonework mansions, banks, public buildings and industrial facilities. Most of them still stagger with the diversity of architectural styles and the Nizhny Novgorod elegance of shapes. It was then that Samara received its theatres, museums and the public library. Optional: Stalin Bunker.

Day 10 Saratov Founded in 1590 by , Saratov is the boyhood home of Yuri Gagarin, the world's first cosmonaut. Enjoy the landmarks of the city - the 17th-centuryTrinity Cathedral, built in Moscow baroque 2-5 per month style, the greenery of "Lime Tree Park", the calm pedestrian Kirov street lined with elms. Optional: Master-class of matryoshka painting.

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk From £510 pp 31

Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room Lena River Cruise to Siberia

WHAT'S INCLUDED Arrival and departure transfers Accommodation on board Sightseeing with English-speaking guides Entertainment on board Entry permit to Visa support HIGHLIGHTS Enjoy the amazing nature of Siberia See the famous Inside St Isaac's Cathedral Cross into the Polar Circle Lena River Visit the most famous towns of Siberia and learn more about the Set sail on one of the world’s longest rivers on board the M/S Mikhail local way of life Svetlov. This cruise is perfect for nature lovers as the Lena River is rich in many minerals, making it the perfect habitat for a plethora of DEPARTURES species. This unique cruise features a comprehensive sightseeing 2 departures in July and August 14 programme for those craving a real Russian adventure.The M/S GUIDE PRICE Mikhail Svetlov is a relatively small vessel holding up to 180 days From £17 29 pp passengers. Each cabin boasts a large picture window allowing you Based on sharing a quadruple cabin to take in the changing landscape of Siberia as you journey down the Lena River. Nightly entertainment takes place in the music salon where you can socialise with fellow passengers. Route: YAKUT SK • Lena Pillars • Buotama River • Zhigansk • Kusur • Port Tiksi • Lena Tube • Siktyakh • Sottinsty •

Day 1 Arrive in Yakutsk Day 4 Mountains Day 7 Tiksi Welcome to Siberia! Upon arrival in Cruise through the Central-Yakut Visit the town of Tiksi, known as the 'sea Yakutsk you are transferred to the lowland, a large valley with many gates of Yakutia'. This beautiful village ship. Take an optional city tour in and marshlands in the river plain. Take has months of complete darkness in the the afternoon (payable locally). in the sights of the Verkhoyansk winter, followed by a period of white Depart from Yakutsk at 7 pm. (D) Mountains. (B, L, D) nights in the summer. (B, L, D)

Day 2 Lena Pillars Day 5 Zhigansk Day 8 On board Arrive at Lena Pillars, a natural rock Today visit Zhigansk- the first Enjoy a day on board the Mikhail Svetlov formation stretching 80 kilometres settlement beyond the Polar Circle. where you can relax and view the along the banks of the Lena River. Enjoy a cultural concert performed by surrounding beauty of the Lena River Admire this natural phenomenon local actors which will give you a real delta - a network of small and large from a viewing platform in the taiga. taste of life in this remarkable place. streams and canals with more than 1500 (B,L,D) (B, L, D) isles. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Mouth of the Buotama Day 6 Kusur Day 9 Siktyakh River Kusur is a small settlement in the North Today visit the small village of Siktyakh Today visit the Buotama River of the Arctic Circle which will enchant located on the scenic high bank of the estuary- an area rich in wildlife- and amaze you with the simplicity of Lena River and home to a preserved experience the natural wonder for village life. Feel charmed by the wooden Orthodox church from the 18th yourself. (B, L, D) hospitality of the locals. (B, L, D) Ocepnetnuirny.g ( Bbr, iLd,g De)s

Lena Pillas M/S Mikhail Svetlo.v

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 32 Day 10 Polar Circle Cross into the Polar Circle and take in the sights of the magestic Zhigansk district. (B, L, D)

Day 11 On board Today is spent on board the ship. Gaze in awe at the remarkable breadth of the Lena River as you leave the endless water of the Northern Polar Circle. (B, L, D)

Day 12 The Green Staging post Today you have the chance to admire the true beauty of the surrounding nature with Route a green stop. Have a walk along the river bank and enjoy a beautiful sunset before you an insight to rural Russian life with its displays of traditional wooden an evening of entertainment performed by architecture and monuments. (B, L, D) the locals. (B, L, D) WHAT'S INCLUDED Day 13 Sottintsy Day 14 Farewell Yakutia Arrive in Scottinsty where you visit the Open Bid farewell to Siberia as your cultural adventure draws to a close. (B) Air 'Druzhba' Museum. The museum will give

The town of Tiksi

VESSEL FEATURES:

• Sun Deck

• Cinema

• Bar

• Saloon

• Restaurant DEPARTURES • Hairdressing Saloon

• Sauna

• First-Aid Post

• Twin/Trpl/Qdpl/Sgl cabins as well as Suites

Bear in Taiga

2-5 per month r

On board

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk From £510 pp 33

Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room Sea of Okhotsk Adventure Cruise

St Isaac's Cathedral Inside St Isaac's Cathedral Sea Otters

Be enchanted by the breathtaking changing scenery of the Russian Far East. This itinerary is perfect for bird watchers, photographers, nature lovers and thrill seekers! The upper of the Sea of Okhotsk remain frozen for much of the year and winter storms make it an inhospitable place. This expedition will unlock many secrets of this virtually unexplored region. On Talan 12 Island you will visit a huge colony of Crested Auklets and on the cliffs tumbling round the back of forgotten days islands, you’ll find thousands of seabirds. Soaring above the archipelagos is the huge and beautiful Steller’s Sea Eagle. But birds compose only part of the rich wildlife tapestry of the region. You will see rivers which churn with salmon during the breeding season and spectacular taiga forests where wolves, Big Horned Sheep and Arctic Fox roam. During the excursions ashore you should also catch sight of the mighty Kamchatka Brown Bear.

Route: Island • Tyuleniy Island • Piltun Bay • Iony Island • Shantar Archipelago • Malminskie Island • Okhotsk • Talan Island • Koni Peninsula • Yamskiye Islands •

Day 1 Sakhalin Island, Port of Day 3 Piltun Bay, Sakhalin Island WHAT'S INCLUDED It was the discovery of oil and gas in Arrival/Departure transfers This morning, board a coach for this region which put Sakhalin Island On board accommodation transfer to the Port of Korsakov on many people’s maps. Piltun Bay is Meals some 40 minutes south of the city an important habitat for the small All expedition shore excursions of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk where the population of western Gray Whales. Visa support group will board the Spirit of Researchers monitor the population HIGHLIGHTS Enderby. Once on board you will be during the summer months. Keep your 6 islands of the beautiful Sea of shown to your cabins and there will eyes peeled for the Gray Whales that Okhotsk be a chance to unpack and explore live here, travelling by Zodiac inshore Watch Northern Fur Seals and the vessel. There will be briefings to the shallower waters where they are Steller Sea Lions and many birds in and introductions to the ship, staff known to feed. their natural habitat and crew after sailing towards the Visit Magadan - one of the most Sea of Okhotsk. Day 4 Piltun Bay, Sakhalin Island notorious Russian cities Iony Island lies in the middle of the Sea DEPARTURES Day 2 Tyuleniy Island of Okhotsk, it is really just a rock, but 25June 2019 Today visit little known Tyuleniy what it lacks in physical size it more Island off the south east coast of GUIDE PRICE than makes up for wildlife. Birds Sakhalin Island. This small island is From £5560 pp (+ $500 paid locally) appear to take up all available space; a strong hold for Northern Fur Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room there are guillemots, kittiwakes and Seals and Steller Sea Lions. Fur various species of auklets, with seal numbers have increased since Parakeet, Whiskered and Least being an International Covention signed the most prominent. The group will in 1911 banned seal hunting here. Zodiac cruise around the island as In the 1990s Steller Sea Lions Steller Sea Lions occupy the few rocky started breeding on the island and beaches, making any landing their colony now numbers about impossible 2,500 animals. Sea conditions permitting the group plan a landing Days 5 & 6 Shantar Archipelago here for an opportunity to Iony Island lies in the middle of the Sea photograph the seals and sea lions. . Seal of the Sea of Okhotsk of Okhotsk, it is really just a rock, but

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 34 what it lacks in physical size it more Day 10 Koni Peninsula Northern Fulmars. The most abundant than makes up for wildlife. Birds appear This is a mountainous region to the of these is the Least Auklet. Zodiac to take up all available space; there are south-east of the town of Magadan, cruise around the coast as no landings guillemots, kittiwakes and various part of which is included in the are permitted. species of auklets, with Parakeet, Magadanskiy . This Whiskered and Least being the most reserve protects among other animals Day 12 Magadan prominent. The group will Zodiac cruise Brown Bear and Snow Sheep. Many of The name Magadan is synonymous around the island as Steller Sea Lions the groups landings are expeditionary, with Stalin’s oppressive Gulags or occupy the few rocky beaches, making in that although the crew have landed prisons but there is very little evidence any landing impossible at a number of places along the coast, now of this town’s tragic past. The many will be new and unknown them, local museum has an excellent so they are never quite sure what the Day 7 Mal’minskie Islands display about the Gulags but the most group will find. That is part of what Here there are birds everywhere, in the poignant reminder is the ‘Mask of makes this style of travel so air, in the water and on the land. The Sorrow’ a large monument on a hill interesting. species include Spectacled Guillemot, overlooking the town. Today Magadan Ancient Murrelet, Rhinoceros Auklet, is a town of about 100,000 people. Day 11 Yamskiye Islands Parakeet Auklet, Horned and Tufted Fishing is important and gold mining is These islands are claimed by some Puffin, and both experiencing a revival. The infamous biologists to be the largest bird colony in Common and Brunnichs Guillemot. Highway or the ‘Road of the CNhourtrhc hP aocfi ftihc.e A Scacvoiroduinrg o tno Bbilrodod There is also a good population of Bones’ connects Magadan with counts there are an estimated 7 million Steller’s Sea Eagles on the island and Irkutsk and ultimately greater Russia. birds nesting on Matykil Island, the on the adjacent mainland. Landing on The group should arrive here midday largest in the group. Birds include the island is restricted to a small gravel where the journey ends and you will Common and Brunnichs Guillemot, spit; however on the mainland you can be transferred to the airport for your Crested, Parakeet and Least stretch your legs and explore the taiga flight home. Auklets, Tufted and Horned Puffins and forest.

Route

Tern chick

Day 8 Okhotsk Town Okhotsk is the centre of fishing in the region. The port exports significant quantities of salmon and other fish. Visit the town, landing by Zodiac up the river near the town centre. The local people are generous and welcoming and will provide entertainment in the town centre and a cultural display. Your cruise ship

Day 9 Talan Island An internationally known, but very difficult bird island to get to, Talan is infamous largely because of the hundreds of thousands of Crested Auklets that nest there. There are also an extraordinary number of kittiwakes nesting along the cliffs and not surprisingly a large population of Steller’s Sea Eagles. The crew plan to circumnavigate the island by Zodiac before landing and then return in the late evening to witness the huge flocks Mongolian Yur of Crested Auklets amassing at sea Route before coming ashore. Khabarovsk

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 35 Across the Top of the World

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Arrival/Departure transfers On board accommodation Meals All expedition shore excursions Visa support

HIGHLIGHTS

Cross the Arctic Circle Watch polar bears, grey whales, This unique expedition crosses the Arctic Circle and includes the musk oxen and amazing snow geese 15 isolated and pristine Wrangel and Herald Islands and a significant section of the wild North Eastern Siberian coastline. The landscape Explore the beauty of the Bering days here is relatively undiscovered as it has only become accessible in Sea recent years by the thawing in the politics of the region and the retreat of summer pack ice in the Chukchi Sea. DEPARTURES The region is kn own for the multitude of Polar Bears that breed here. It also boasts 5 August 2019 the world's large st population of Pacific Walrus and lies near major feeding grounds 22 July 2019 for the Grey Whales that migrate thousands of kilometres north from their breeding GUIDE PRICE grounds in Baja, Mexico. , Musk Ox and Snow Geese can normally be From £8730 pp (+ $500 paid locally) seen further inland. This is the perfect cruise adventure for nature lovers, bird Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room enthusiasts and photographers!

Your Route: • Anadyrskiy Bay • Nuneangan and Atakamchechen Islands • Cape Dezhnev • Kolyuchin Island • Wrangel and Herald Islands • North Siberian Coast • Kolyuchin Inland • and Chukotka Coast • Anadyr

Day 1 Anadyr Days 4 Cape Dezhnev Day 5 Kolyuchin Island Welcome to Anadyr! Depending on your Sea conditions permitting, the group Inhabited today only by walrus and time of arrival you may have the chance will land at Cape Dezhnev early this seabirds, this was once an important to explore Anadyr, before getting to morning. The north-eastern most point Russian Polar Research Station, one of know your fellow voyagers and of the Eurasian continent, it is a number dotted across the Arctic. Near expedition team on board the Spirit of sometimes possible to see the coast the derelict buildings are some of the Enderby. Once everyone is on board, of America from this remote and most spectacular bird cliffs in the Arctic depart on your adventure. lonely settlement. A few nautical miles where puffins, guillemots and gulls can to the west of Cape Dezhnev you visit be observed and photographed up Day 2 Anadyrskiy Bay Uelen Village, the most north-eastern close. In the morning, join the expedition staff village in Russia. The population is and crew for some briefings and predominantly Chukchi and the village Day 6 - 10 W28r aAnpgriel lt oa n1d2 MHearyald Islands lectures while sailing towards the Bering is one of the largest centres for Ice and weather conditions permitting, Straits. This is also a great opportunity traditional Chukchi and Inuit art in the the next few days will be spent on for some bird and cetacean watching. world. Be entertained by villagers and and there will also be an Later in the afternoon the group plan to visit the bone-carving workshop attempt to include a visit to nearby Zodiac cruise some spectacular bird during your visit. Herald Island. Many landings can cliffs in Preobrazheniya Bay. be made here to search out wildlife, wild

Days 3 Yttygran, Nuneangan and Atakamchechen Islands Yttygran Island is home to the monumental ancient aboriginal site known as Whale Bone Alley. Created from immense whale jawbones and skulls to form arches, the site has global archaeological importance and stretches along the beach for nearly half a kilometre. Stay on the lookout for Gray Whales while passing Nuneangan and Atakamchechen Islands where seabirds Beard Seal Route nest and walrus can be found. .

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 36 flowers and Arctic landscapes. Polar Day 13 Bering Strait and Chukotka Day 14 At sea Bears will be high on the list of animals Coast Unwind and relax on board as you sail to see and with a little patience you Today you will pass the Diomede across Anadyrskiy Bay towards should be rewarded with a number of Islands, sometimes called Tomorrow Anadyr. Share tales with your fellow encounters. Musk Oxen and reindeer Island and Yesterday Isle because they voyagers on your final evening. were introduced to the island in the straddle the International Date Line. 40’s and 70’s though reindeer numbers Here Russia and America are separated Day 15 Anadyr are low. The group will also have a by only 2.3 nautical miles of the ocean. After breakfast it will be time to say chance to visit Dragi Harbour where Later this afternoon make an expedition your goodbyes. Transfer to the airport the survivors of the Karluk, which was landing on the Chukotka coast to enjoy for your flight home. crushed by ice in 1914, scrambled the wildlife and tundra landscape. ashore and lived until they were rescued. Wrangel Island is a Russian Federal Nature Reserve of international significance and importance particularly as it is a major Polar Bear denning area. Also each summer thousands of birds migrate here to breed, including Snow Geese, Snowy Owls, skuas, Arctic Terns, Ross’s, Sabine and Ivory Church of the Saviour on Blood Gulls.

Days 11 North Siberian Coast Bounded by narrow sand ridges with numerous lagoons and inlets, this area offers plenty of places to land and explore this extensive coastline. Be on Polar Bear the lookout for whales, walrus and other wildlife. You will see Chukchi villages whose residents survive in an unforgiving climate, hunting seals and whales just as their ancestors did.

Days 12 Kolyuchin Inland So huge that it is visible from satellite photos, this inlet contains vast numbers of waterfowl and migratory waders. The group will visit the Belaka Spit near the mouth of the inlet. It is a wild, desolate landscape that is strangely beautiful. Search the dunes and tidal areas for birdlife including Emperor Geese and Spoon-billed Sandpipers. Gray Whales frequent the area and are sometimes spotted Wrangel Island, Overland Traverse feeding only a stone’s throw from the shore.

Siberian tiger

Mongolian Yur Route Coat of Arms of Anadyr Zodiac and Walrus

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 37 Jewel of the Russian Far East

HIGHLIGHTS

Welcome to Far Eastern Russia! Step outside your comfort zone WHAT'S INCLUDED 13 and embrace the vast, unspoiled wilderness on this 13 day adventure tour. During spring and summer the region is a hive of Arrival/Departure transfers days activity. The thousands of birds that migrated here to On board accommodation take advantage of the phenomenal abundance of food will Meals be preparing to leave. The reindeer and Mountain Sheep will be All expedition shore excursions feeding in preparation for the harsh winter while the Brown Bears, which will have Visa support fed extensively on in the early in the early summer, will be concentrated on HIGHLIGHTS the rivers and creeks and feeding on salmon. The late summer sun and the onset of autumn colours will make the landscape look like a picture postcard. Visit one of the most Cross the most beautiful regions of Russia - Your Route: Anadyr • • Bukhta Gavilla • Pika River and Far East Meinypil’gyno • Bukhta Natalii • Tintikun Lagoon • Koryakskiy Reserve and Watch brown bears, grey whales Verhoturova Island • Karaginskiy Island • Commander Islands • Olga and birds in their natural habitat Bay • Zhupanova River and Bukhta Bechevinskaya • Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy Learn more about the exciting Day 1 Anadyr were much lower. Because of strong history of Kamchatka tides around the cape there is an feeding in preparation for the harsh DEPARTURES winter while the Brown Bears, which will abundance of food and it is not 19 August 2019 have fed extensively on berries in the uncommon to see large numbers of early seabirds and a lot of Grey Whales GUIDE PRICE which often congregate here too. From £8730 pp (+$500 paid locally) Day 2 Egvekinot Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room We spend the day in and around the town of Egvekinot on the shores of Day 4 Pika River and Meinypil’gyno Kresta Bay. The town was built by We start the day with a visit to the prisoners who were then forced delta of Pika River – a well known to construct a road to the mine. Explore walrus haul out. Later in the day, we the town which has an excellent visit Meinypil’gyno, a small settlement museum. The town is only a few miles located on a 40km long shingle spit. It south of the Arctic Circle and today you is a traditional village although will travel to the point where the Arctic renovated under the recent Chukotka Circle crosses the road to Lul’tin and government; enjoy local hospitality beyond, allowing you to see and from the village ensemble who experience the tundra habitat which perform some of their traditional dominates much of Chukotka. dances.

Days 3 Bukhta Gavilla Day 5 Bukhta Natalii The bukhta (or bay) was named after Along the Koryak Coast there are Commander Vitus Bering’s ship, the St many beautiful fiords (bukhtas or , of the First Kamchatka bays) and none are more beautiful Expedition. This coastline is rich in than Bukhta Natalii. This fiord has two marine mammals and one creature you smaller fiords that drain into it from the will be looking for, in particular, is the south. Hike from one bay to another walrus. Behind the expansive beach whilst surrounded by the magnificent there is a lagoon the group can explore mountain landscapes and tundra for waterfowl and waders. Cape Navarin vegetation. marks the place where the land bridge to began when sea levels Beard Seal Route

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 38 Day 6 Tintikun Lagoon Much of the southern Govena Peninsula was recently made into a state reserve. There are a number of fiords included in the reserve; one of the most spectacular is Tintikun Lagoon which is one of the most picturesque locations found anywhere in the world. A large population of brown bears inhabits this area, if you are fortunate you should see a number of them.

Day 7 Koryakskiy Reserve and Verhoturova Island We will start the morning in Kamchatka Harbour Seal Brown Bear country, an undisturbed Life on board habitat within the Koryakskiy Reserve, where the group will go bear watching. Day 11 Olga Bay Day 13 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy Church of the Saviour on Blood Brown bears frequently visit this area Olga Bay is a part of the very large During the night the Spirit of Enderby which is completely protected and Kronotskiy Reserve, which also includes will enter Avacha Bay which is one of rarely visited. In the afternoon visit the world-famous Valley of the Geysers. the greatest natural harbours in the Verkhoturova Island where Tufted and The habitat has lush Kamchatka forests world. From here, transfer to the airport Horned Puffins, Pigeon, Common and coming right down to the beach. The for your flight home. Brunnich’s Guillemots and also area around Olga Bay is frequented by Parakeet and Least Auklets can be large numbers of Gray Whales that are seen. On nearby rocky islets there is a usually quite friendly to visiting boats. regular non-breeding haul out of Steller The rising volcanoes in the background Sea Lions. will provide a beautiful setting to explore real Kamchatka wilderness.

Day 8 Karaginskiy Island A few miles to the south of Verhoturova Day 12 Zhupanova River and Bukhta Island is the much larger Karaginskiy Bechevinskaya Island. Here you will encounter some This morning the group will make their of the first ‘forests’ of the voyage. This way along the Zhupanova River by is a change from the tundra, a sure Zodiac. This journey allows you to sign that you are getting further south. explore a river habitat which is Autumn is the best time for the wild common in Kamchatka. Steller’s Sea berries and you can marvel at the Eagles are known to nest in the lower reaches of the river. richness of the local flora, as many of Brown Bear them should be at their best.

Day 9 -10 Commander Islands The wildlife-rich Commander Islands were first discovered by Commander Vitus Bering when his ship was wrecked here in 1741. He perished on Restaurant on board the island along with many of his men. The reports from those that survived led to a ‘fur rush’ and the settlement of the islands. There are two large islands (Bering and Medny) with two smaller islands Ariy Karmen and Toporkov. Explore the islands through a combination of landings and Zodiac cruises. Stop at the village of Nikolskoye and visit the fur seal rookery at North-West Cape and Zodiac cruise around the impressive bird colony at Arctic Foxes Mongolian Yur Ariy Kamen. The is also a chance to Route visit the gravesite of Vitus Bering or the For images of cruGisoeb ic daebsienrst visit www.into-russia.co.uk remarkable Medny Island.

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 39 Adventure tours Classic Kamchatka Adventure WHAT'S INCLUDED Accommodation at the hotel, in the recreation centre Full board except lunch at cafe in Milkovo Transfers per programme All necessary equipment (tents, dishes, rafts etc. except sleeping bags) All excursions per programme with entrance fees (except optional tours) Red Square Zosima Shashkov cruise ship Local English speaking guides- interpreters Subsidiary crew when it is needed Visa support

Kamchatka volcano HIGHLIGHTS Welcome to Kamchatka! Explore the vast, unspoiled wilderness of Explore the exciting volcanoes of this amazing region. During the tour you will visit active volcanoes Kamchatka 13 Mutnovskiy and Gorely, which are some of the most beautiful Try out rafting . You will cross Kamchatka from the Camping days South to the North and moving from one climate zone to another, An opportunity to meet brown bears you will go to the central Kamchatka, to the location of the largest A chance to see the volcanoes in . You will visit one of the most interesting DEPARTURES places in Kamchatka - Kluchevskaya group of volcanoes, in which there is the frequent departures during summer highest and the famous volcano - Kluchevskoy (4,750 m). This is the area of the GUIDE PRICE most intense volcanism in Russia. While rafting on the river Bystraya, which runs From £2 090 pp through stately mountain range, you will be able to fish and watch the wildlife of Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room Kamchatka: birds, salmon runs in the rivers, and possibly brown bears. And also, during the tour, you can swim in the natural hot springs and pools with thermal waters! Route: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy • Avachinskaya Bay • Mutnovsky volcano • Gorely volcano • Valley of Geysers • Kluchevskaya volcanoes • cones • Dead forest • Malka Village • Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy

Day 1 Petropavlovsk siphons and steep slopes made of (depending on weather conditions and Arrive in Petropavlovsk where you gleaming glacier. The Mutnovsky payable locally). Fly around Karymsky transfer to the hotel. Later on meet crater is the one of the most (1486m) and Maly Semyachik (1560m) with your guide for an evening meal outstanding volcanic phenomenon in volcanoes, walk excursion at the Valley. and discuss the trip. (D) Kamchatka. The steep slopes This valley cannot be compared with any surrounded the wide and deep cavity other unique objects in the world. There Day 2 Avachinskaya Bay of the crater with gleaming glaciers, are more than 20 big geysers in the Take a boat trip in the beautiful crushed cracks and lunges boiling valley. Velican (Giant), Zhemchuzhny Avachinskaya Bay where you can fumaroles (ascent lasts for (Pearly), Sakharny (Sugary), Troinoi view the nesting place of many of approximately 8 hours). Night in tents. (Triple), Konus (Cone), Fontan Petropavlovsk sea birds at (B, L, D) (Fountain), Maly (Small), Bolshoy (Big), Grandmother’s Rock Island and Shchel (Split) – here are some names. Starichkov Island in the open Pacific Day 4 Gorely volcano There are geysers that gush forth every Ocean. Enjoy an evening trip to Today, climb the Gorely volcano 10-12 minutes, while others may erupt Mutnovsky volcano (100km) to set up (1829m), hiking past flowing lava and once in 4-5 hours. Lunch is served at the camp and spend the night in a tent cinder fields until you reach craters Valley. In the evening moving to the under the stars. (B, L, D) which house volcanic lakes. In the area of settlement Malka (130 km) on evening, relax with a swim in thermal the vehicle (4WD). Setting the camp. Day 3 Mutnovsky volcano pools. (B, L , D) S wimming in the hot springs. Night in Take in the breathtaking scenery as t ents. (B, L, D) you ascend to the crater of the Day 5 Valley of Geysers Mutnovsky volcano (2323m). You will Relax or take an optional excursion to D. ay 6 Kluchevskaya volcanoes see active boiling fumaroles, mud Valley of Geysers by helicopter T oday, travel onwards to the

For an independent tailor-made to ur please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 40 Kluchevskaya volcanoes (460km), stopping en route for lunch in the settlement Milkovo (payable locally). If you are lucky to visit this area when the weather is relatively good, you are likely to have a fantastic panoramic view of some of the highest volcanoes in Kamchatka: Krestovsky (4057 m), Ushkovsky (3903 m), Kluchevskaya Sopka (4750 m), Kamen (4579 m), Plosky Tolbachik (3082 m) and Ostry Tolbachik (3672 m). Night in tents. (B, D)

Day 7 Kleuchevskaya volcanoes Discover the legacy of the 2013 volcanic eruption in Kleuchevskaya LPiefetr opna bvoloavrds k -Kamchatskiy where fresh lava flows. You can also see natural stone sculptures from Day 11 Bystraya River on the Bystraya River before being Church of the Saviour on Blood where the lava has hardened. Continue rafting along the Bystraya transferred to Petropavlovsk for your Afterwards, head back to camp for a River, taking in the surrounding nature. final night in the Russian Far East. (B, L night of relaxation. (B, L, D) You might even see bears or sea eagles! Enjoy some fishing before spending the Day 8 Tolbachik cones evening in tents. (B, L, D) Day 13 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy Transfer by car to the North Visit the local fish market and take the Breakthrough to climb the Tolbachik chance to go shopping and purchase cones which resemble miniature Day 12 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy some final souvenirs. You are then volcanoes standing at 100-200 metres Make the most of your final day rafting transferred to the airport. (B) tall. From here, move on to the Southern Breakthrough to walk across the “dead wood” area of slag and ash Rafting from an eruption in 1975. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Dead forest Walking to the “Dead forest”, a forest which was destroyed by hot volcanic ash in 1975. Moving to Milkovo settlement (230 km). Accommodation at hotel Geolog. (B, D)

Day 10 Malka Village Today transfer to Malka Village in an all-terrain vehicle (180km), stopping en Restaurant on board route for lunch in a cafe and a visit to the Ethnography Museum (lunch is payable locally). Once you reach Malka you will begin rafting along Bystraya River! The evening is spent in tents beside the river. (B, D)

Arctic Foxes Avachinskaya Bay Valley of Geysers Route Gobi desert

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WHAT'S INCLUDED Accommodation at the hotel Meals as per programme Transfers per programme All necessary equipment (tents, dishes, rafts etc. except sleeping bags) All excursions per programme with entrance fees (except optional tours) Local English speaking guides- interpreters salmon fishing in the lake Subsidiary crew when it is needed Visa support Red Square Zosima Shashkov cruise ship HIGHLIGHTS Brown bear, Kamchatka Explore the exciting volcanoes of Take in the unspoiled beauty of Kamchatka in the Russian Far Kamchatka East on this exhilarating adventure tour! This special itinerary is Watch bears in their natural habitat 10 devoted to watching Kamchatka brown bears in their natural Camping habitat as well as taking in awe inspiring panoramic views of A chance to see the Valley of Geysers days picturesque wilderness. Revel in the opportunity to swim in the Bathing in pools largest healing hot springs in Kamchatka; take an optional cruise Salmon fishing through Avacha Bay to view sea bird colonies; and visit active DEPARTURES volcanoes. This truly is the adventure tour of a lifetime! frequent departures during summer

Day 1 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy Day 3 Dvukhyurtochnoye Lake GUIDE PRICE Welcome to the Russian Far East! Vehicle transfer to Kozyrevsk village From £2 800 pp Upon arrival in Petropavlovsk, you are (500km). Helicopter flight to Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room transferred to your hotel before taking Dvukhyurtochnoye Lake (40 minutes). a trip to Paratunka where you can During the flight, the weather permitting, relax with a swim in the thermal water. you can see Alney and Chashakondzha volcanoes. Accommodation at the Option 2: Bear watching in the morning. Day 2 Avachinskaya Bay recreational and tourist base on the lake Drive (80 km, 1 h) to Klyuchi settlement Spend today at your leisure or go on of "Dvukhyurtochnoye", in wooden which is situated close to the foot of an optional tour (paid locally). Option houses, in rooms for 4-6 people. Klyuchevskoy volcano (the highest 1: Helicopter excursion to the Valley Bathing in the healing waters of the hot volcano of Eurasia continent, 4750 m). of Geysers, flight around Karymsky springs. Lunch in the wardroom. Rest. Accommodation at a private hotel. Visit (1486m) and Maly Semyachik Walk (600 meters) to the shore of a to the volcano museum, strolling I the (1560m) volcanoes, walking excursion mountain river "Dvuhyurtochnoye." settlement and along the Kamchatka at the Valley. This valley cannot be Observing bears catching fish river. (B) compared with any other unique spawning. (B,L,D) objects in the world. There are more Day 6 than 20 big geysers in the valley. Day 4 Bear watching Option 1: Observing the sequences of There are geysers that gush forth Bear watching and salmon fishing on eruption 2013 (“young” cone, fresh lava every 10-12 minutes, while others the lake. Boating on the lake. Bathing in flows, caves – “lavovody”, the stone may erupt once in 4-5 hours. Lunch the healing hot springs. Enjoy fresh- sculptures and the heaps of hardened at the Valley. caught fish, and more. (B,L,D) lava). Spending the night in tents. Option 2: Boat trip around Avacha (B,L,D) Bay. Watching sea bird colonies of Option 2: Drive by off road car (45 km, Kamen Island, Three Day 5 1,5 h) to the foot of Shiveluch volcano Brothers Rocks. Going out into the Option 1: Bear watching in the morning. (3307 m). Walking (2-3 h) in the ash and Pacific Ocean to Starichkov Island. Drive to the foot of the beautiful volcanic pumice fields, canyon “Gamulov Wings” Watching the sea birds colony massif formed by volcanoes Ostry and and “Dead forest”. By the evening drive (including the Steller's sea eagle) Plosky Tolbachik. On the road, on a back to Klyuchi settlement. (B,L) which is the biggest in Kamchatka. clear day see the highest volcanoes of Sea fishing. Lunch with salmon fresh Kamchatka: Krestovsky, Ushkovsky , Day 7 soup. In the evening moving to the Klyuchevskaya, Stone, Plosky Tolbachik Option 1: Travel by car to the North settlement Milkovo. Accommodation and Ostry Tolbachik. Overnight in tents. breakthrough. Climbing to Tolbachik in hotel «Geolog». (B) (BLD)

For an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 50 45 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk . 42 cones, which are volcanoes in miniature, their height of 100-200 meters. Moving to the South breakthrough (15 km.). Visit the break, a walk in the "dead forest", crushed slag and ash eruptions in 1975. In the evening moving to the settlement Kozyrevsk, which is situated on the shore of the River Kamchatka (90 km, 3 hours). Accommodation in the private tourist shelter, in the wooden houses on the special equipped place. Classic Russian bath. Walking (B,L,D) Option 2: Drive (130 km, 3,5 h) to the large mountainous combe formed of ridges of volcanoes Krestovskiy , LifBer oonw nb obaeradr , Kamchatka Ushakovskiy, Klyuchevskoy, Kamen, Bezymyannyi, Ploskiy Tolbachik and Ostry Tolbachik. Walking (3-4 h) Day 9C hPuertrcohp oafv tlohves Ska-Kviaomurc hoant sBkloiyo d Day 10 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy towards the canyon (450 m deep) of Spend the day at leisure or visit the Transfer at 9:00 to the local fish market. the river Studenaya. From there you Valley of Geysers (paid locally, see day Transfer to the airport. (B) can enjoy a splendid panorama to 2) Klyuchevskaya volcanoes group. Drive to the main road (55 km, 2,5 h) and then by bus to Milkovo village (180 km, 2,5 h). Accommodation at hotel Geolog. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Option 1: Returning to Petropanlovsk- Kamchatsk (480km, 6-7 hr). On the way stop and lunch in Milkovo and bathing in Malki hot springs. Accommodation, rest. (B) Option 2: Visit to the local museum of the aborigines of the Kamchatka river. Lunch at a café. Returning to Petropanlovsk-Kamchatsk (300km, 4-5 hr). On the way stop and bathing in Kluchevskaya Volcano Malki hot springs. Accommodation, rest. (B)

Restaurant on board View of Petropavlovsk - Kamchatsky

Route Gobi desert

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WHAT'S INCLUDED Accommodation (hotels and tents, dormitory in cabins) Full board except meals at cafes in Milkovo Transfers per programme All excursions per program with entrance fees Local English speaking guides/interpreters Base equipment (tents, rafts) Subsidiary crew when needed Visa support HIGHLIGHTS Red Square Zosima Shashkov cruise ship Explore the exciting volcanoes of Kamchatka Plosky and Ostry Tolbachik Formation Camping Be enchanted by the breathtaking changing scenery of the A chance to see the Valley of Geysers 11 Russian Far East in this impressive tour of Kamchatka. Highlights Bathing in pools include entering a crater of Mutnovsky, the most impressive active Learn more the exciting local history days volcano in Kamchatka; Avacha Bay, Gorely Volcano, Tolbachik DEPARTURES Volcano Area and the Valley of Geysers. summer months Day 1 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy observing 3 craters with volcanic GUIDE PRICE Upon arrival you are transferred to lakes(it lasts for approximately 6 From £1 710 pp your hotel to meet your guide and hours). In the evening, take a ride to Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room discuss your upcoming adventure. (D) the recreation centre and relax with a swim in thermal pools. (B, L, D) canic eruption in Kleuchevskaya where Day 2 Avachinskaya Bay fresh lava flows. You can also see natural Start the day with a boat cruise in stone sculptures from where the lava has Day 5 Paratunka Avacha Bay to see the nesting places hardened. Afterwards, head back to camp Enjoy a free day in Paratunka or take of a variety of seabirds at Babushkin for a night of relaxation. (B, L, D) an optional tour by helicopter to the Kamen (Grandmother’s Rock) and Valley of the Geysers or to Kurilskoye Starichkov Island in the open Pacific .D ay 8 Tolbachik cones lake to watch bears (both payable Ocean. Take the chance to do some Travel onwards to the Northern locally). The Valley of Geysers cannot sea fishing and indulge in some fresh Breakthrough to climb the Tolbachik cones be compared with any other unique fish soup for lunch before returning to which resemble miniature volcanoes objects in the world. There are more dry land. In the afternoon you are standing at 100-200 metres tall. From here, than 20 big geysers that gush forth transferred by off road car to the move on to the Southern Breakthrough to every 10-12 minutes, while others may Mutnovsky volcano where you will visit the cones. (B, L, D) erupt once in 4-5 hours. Lunch is at walk to a beautiful waterfall to set up . the Valley. In the evening we move to camp for the evening. (B, L, D) the area of settlement Malka. After Day 9 The Dead Forest setting up the camp, enjoy a swim in Explore the Dead Forest (the forest area Day 3 Mutnovsky volcano the hot springs. Night in tents. (B, L, D) covered with volcanic ashes as the result Take in the awe-inspiring scenery as of the powerful eruption of Tolbachik Volcano in 1975). Later, moving to Milkovo you ascend to the crater of the Day 6 Kluchevskaya volcanoes settlement. Accommodation at hotel Mutnovsky volcano. Here you can see Travel onwards to the Kluchevskaya Geolog. (B, D). active fumaroles, mud siphons, volcanoes with a lunch stop at the mountain lake. The Mutnovsky crater is settlement Milkovo (payable locally). the one of the most outstanding Cross the Kamchatka River before Day 10 Ethnography Museum volcanic phenomenon in Kamchatka. driving to the foot of the spectacular Visit the Ethnography Museum of the The steep slopes surrounded the wide Polsky and Ostry Tolbachik formation. Kamchatka river’s aborigenes. Way back and deep cavity of the crater with In good weather, this location provides to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy. Night at gleaming glaciers, crushed cracks and amazing panoramic views of the hotel. Farewell dinner. (B, D) lunges boiling fumaroles (ascent lasts Kamchatka’s highest volcanoes. Enjoy approx 8 hours). Night in tents. (B, L, D) a relaxing evening sleeping under the Day 11 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy stars. (B, L, D) Visit the local fish market and take the Day 4 Gorely volcano chance to go shopping and pick up some Today, climb the Gorely volcano , hiking Day 7 Kluchevskaya volcanoes final souvenirs before your flight home. past flowing lava and cinder fields, Discover the legacy of the 2013 vol-

For an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 44 Heli-Skiing in Kamchatka

WHAT'S INCLUDED Transfers per programme Accommodation in the city and in the mountain lodge and dinners in the guesthouse, breakfasts and dinners in the touristic lodge; on routes Snowmobiles services Guide's and interpreter's services Visa support Professional photographer's services Rent of the avalanche and special equipment (beeper, probe, shovel, Heli-skiing experience avalanche backpack) Helicopter Mi-8 flight time (8 hours) Red Square Zosima Shashkov cruise ship We now offer an unforgettable adventure for very good skiers - Entrance fee to the Museum of 8 maybe as well a highlight of your skiing career? The helicopter will Volcanoes drop you off high up on the top of lonely volcanoes; enjoy virgin days slopes and marvellous landscape during the ultimate heli-skiing HIGHLIGHTS trip! Incredible heli-skiing experience Heli-skiing Visit to the interactive popular science Day 1 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy Day 5 Heli-skiing in Kamchatka Museum of Volcanoes Today you arrive in Petropavlovsk, the Breakfast. Today, Heli-skiing in the area Optional dog-sledding, surfing, ski- capital of Kamchatka (airport in of the Southern group of volcanoes tour / backcountry, snowmobile trip to Elizovo town, 30 km from the city). awaits you. Have a relaxing lunch at the the Mayachniy Cape You will be picked up at the airport foot of the mountains. Return to DEPARTURES and transferred to the hotel. The Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Dinner and February and March transfer takes about 30 minutes. Meet the night at the hotel. Such facilities of the team and discuss the program of the guest house as sauna are optional. GUIDE PRICE the trip. Get to know the teammates From £4 390 pp over dinner. Jump in the sauna to get Based on 3 adults sharing a trpl room Day 6 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy your energy levels up! (extra fee Breakfast. Today join in an excursion applies). to the only interactive popular science

Museum of Volcanoes in Russia! Day 2 Vilyuchinsky, Mutnovsky, trip to the Mayachniy Cape, heli-ski (contact Dinner and the night rest at the hotel. Gorely volcanoes the managers for more info). Dinner. Night

Breakfast. Today, get your gear on for rest. Heli-skiing in the area of the Southern Day 7 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky group of volcanoes (Vilyuchinsky, Breakfast. Relax or enjoy optional Day 8 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Mutnovsky, Gorely). Enjoy Lunch at excursions such as dog-sledding, sur- Transfer to the airport with stop at the fish the foot of the mountains or in the fing, ski-tour/backcountry, snowmobile market and the gift shop.. crater. Return to the hotel. Dinner. Heli-skiing experience Such facilities of the guest house as sauna are optional.

Day 3 - 4 Heli-skiing in Kamchatka Breakfast. Departure to the heli-ski program and afterwards to the tourist base camp in the mountains. Bathing in the hot thermal pool under the open sky. Enjoy a night in the lodge!

For an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 45 Polar Circle Adventure

WHAT'S INCLUDED Full board Twin accommodation based on two passengers sharing Accommodation in traditional “chuma” yurts All necessary transfers Snowmobile rental English speaking guide Border Pass Visa Support HIGHLIGHTS Visit one of the most northern Reindeer Red Square Zosima Shashkov cruise ship inhibited areas Travel to remote Salekhard, the only city in the Polar Circle, on Learn about the culture of the local this exciting 8 day adventure tour! Explore this remarkable place- people 8 home to reindeer herders and positioned on top of a quarter of the Sleep in a traditional chuma lodge world gas reserves. Discover the dynamic culture ofH theeli -Nskeininetgs DEPARTURES days tribe and learn about their turbulent past in the challenging Tailor-made on enquiry basis environment of the Siberian arctic. Memorable features of the tour include visiting a reindeer herder’s camp where you can learn to GUIDE PRICE harness reindeer, taking part in ice fishing and becoming From £3 555 pp acquainted with the Nenet traditions and unique way of life. Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room

Day 1 Arrive in Salekhard Day 4 - 6 Nenets people settlement Arrive in Salekhard where you are Over the next few days you have the transferred to your hotel for some free chance to get acquainted with the time before dinner. (D) wonderful world of the Nenets people. Day 8 Salekhard Wear traditional clothing, learn about Your Far North journey has come to an their beliefs and customs, visit their Day 2 Salekhard end as you are transferred to the airport sacred places, and even discover how After breakfast, embark on a city tour for your flight home. (B) of Salekhard- the closest city to the to ice fish and harness the reindeer Polar Circle! Highlights include a visit team! (B, L, D) to the Obdorsk Jail and the Church of St. Peter and Paul. In the afternoon Day 7 Salekhard transfer to Gorno-Knyazevsk village to After breakfast, travel back to Salekhard learn about the culture of the local for an evening of free time to share people before going to the Yamal- stories of your once in a lifetime Nenets District Museum to discover adventure with your fellow travellers. (B, the traditions of the indigenous people L, D) Salekhard Heli-skiing experience of the Far North. (B, L, D) Traditional chuma lodge

Day 3 Salekhard Enjoy breakfast before being transferred to the herder camp where you can enjoy local cusine before spending the night in a traditional chuma lodge. (B, L, D)

Nenets Tribe life

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Altai river

Sharing its border with Kazakstan, Mongolia and China, Altai WHAT'S INCLUDED 12 boasts more than 7000 lakes, snowy mountains, virgin forests and diverse wildlife. Belukha Mountain is Siberia’s highest peak listed Full board (except 1st day and day 11) days as a UNESCO’s World Natural Heritage. Explore it and much Accommodation at tourist bases and more on our exciting Altai adventure! Altai All necessary transfers Day 1 Arrive in Barnaul Patmos island where the women's skit English speaking guide and museum Arrive in Barnaul and transfer to your of the Barnaul Znamensky monastery is entries hotel. Relax after your flight before located. By the temple you will see the Boat rental on Lake Teletskoe meeting your guide at 1 pmto discuss image of the Blessed Virgin with the All support documents your trip. After lunch (paid locally) baby, cut down in the rock. Visa Support embark on the tour of Barnaul, You Later today walk along the Hbealni-ks okfi itnhge will visit the Altai State History Katun river to Chemal hydroelectric HIGHLIGHTS Museum, with more than 150 power station. After lunch you will thousand exhibits, private Museum of explore the Checkas canyon. Go up to Visit one of the most picturesque Pharmacy of the Altai Mountains, take the waterfall to the view point to enjoy regions of Russia a walk in Nagorny park and along the the breathtaking view of the Katun river. Learn about the culture of the local Ob river embankment to enjoy lovely Drive to the Oroktoiskiy bridge, a people city views. picturesque, very narrow and deep Travel across the stunning Teletskoye place on the river. (B,L,D) Lake by boat Accommodation in traditional tourist Day 2 Biysk and maral breeding bases complex Day 4 The Karakol valley DEPARTURES After breakfast travel to the Altai Today after breakfast you will continue June to September Mountains by a minibus making a stop exploring the region by travelling along in Biysk, the old traditional merchant the Chuysk tract and passing through GUIDE PRICE town, founded by Peter the its highest point — the Seminsky From £1 495 pp Great. Another stop - the Arzhan-Suu mountain pass. Arrive at the Uch- Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room wellspring. The water here is Enmek ethno-natural park where you saturated with silver, copper and other will stay at the tourist complex and try minerals. Next stop is the maral the traditional Altai cuisine. In the breeding complex where you will meet afternoon walk through the Karakol famous for its ancient rock paintings marals and wild horses grazing on valley, where you will see the ancient named Petroglyphs. The oldest of them , and will learn the process mounds. dates back to the 8th millennium BC! of preparing velvet antlers. In the In the evening participate in the concert Today you will stay at the Kochevnik evening stay in the hotel on the bank of throat singing. You will also be Tourist base. (B,L,D) of the Katun river and enjoy your shown how to play the traditional Day 6 dinner. (B,L,D) musical instruments, and will be given an opportunity to try it yourself! (B,L,D) Your journey continues to the unique Geyser lake of the unique bright Day 3 Chemal and Che-Chkysh Day 5 Kalbak-Tash Hole turquoise color. Stop over at the Kurai After breakfast explore the Chemal Enjoy your breakfast before you go steppe to admire the snowy peaks of the village with its «ails», traditional further to the south of the Altai North-Chuysk mounatins. Later today you dwellings. You will immerse into the Mountains. Stop at the awe-inspiring will see the Altai Mars, the unusually atmosphere of X-XIII centuries and Chike-Taman pass at the altitude of coloured mountains of the Kyzyl-Chin learn more about the nomads' culture 1295 m and later at the confluence of river valley. Have a walk, take pictures and lifestyle. Later today take a walk the Chuya and Katun rivers. Your next and enjoy your lunch outdoors. Overnight along the hanging bridge to the stop is the Kalbak-Tash Hole at the tourist base. (B,L,D)

For an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 47 Day 7 The Katu-Yaryk mountain pass and the Chulyshman river valley After breakfast continue your adventure through the narrow passages of the Red gates (red-coloured rocks), cross the Ulagan mountain pass, the highest in Altai, and explore the Pazyryk Tumuli (kurgans) with ancient Scythian burial mounds. Enjoy your lunch outdoors before admiring one of the famous Altai landscapes – the view from the Katu-Yaryk pass top over the Chulyshman river valley. You will stay at the Ezen tourist camp tonight. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Waterfall Kurkure Today you will cross the Chulyshman Life on board river by boat and hike to the Kurkure waterfall (more than 30 m tall). On Tourist base, Altai Church of the Saviour on Blood return you can opt for another optional trip or spend the afternoon and evening at leasure). (B,L,D)

Day 9 Stone Start your day driving to the mouth of the Karasu river. Here is where your trekking to the Stone mushrooms will start. Make sure you have your comfortable shoes on! After lunch you will set off to the southern bank of lake Teletskoye. Overnight at the Kyrsay tourist base. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Lake Teletskoye and waterfall Korbu Today you will cross the magnificent Lake Teletskoye by boat. Your next stop will be at the Korbu - tall breathtaking Katun River waterfalls. You will stay at the Artybash Kluchevskaya Volcano village, locateded in the North of the lake. (B,L,D)

Restaurant on board Day 11 National Museum of Altai Republic After breakfast explore the nature, history and culture of Altai in the National Museum of Altai Republic. One of the main exhibits is the mummy of the Altai Princess, found on the Ukok plateau. In the evening you will arrive back in Barnaul and stay in the hotel. (B,L)

Day 12 Barnaul Enjoy your breakfast before your transfer to the airport. (B)

Stone mushrooms

Route Gobi desert

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 48 Oymyakon Winter Tour

Reindeer of Oymyakon

Embark on the world-class exclusive reindeer sleigh ride through WHAT'S INCLUDED the wilderness of Oymyakon area. It is the world’s coldest 10 All necessary transfers inhabited place located in the Eastern part of the Republic English speaking guide andmuseum days (Yakutia). Experience an unforgettable adventure and stay at entries reindeer herders’ camp in a wooden cabin! Make sure to wrap up Meals and drinks during 2-day well: December, January, and February are the coldest months reindeer sleigh expedition with temperature sometimes dropping to -60C! March is the Tents, stove, generator, and reindeer warmest month to travel with temperature around -25C in the skin (serves as floor cover in tents) daytime. rent It is the ultimate Winter adventure tour for active people! Sleeping bags Day 1 Yakutsk Satellite phone for emergency calls we will cover 280 km. On Htheeli -wsakyii,n wge Welcome to Yakutsk! You will be met Visa Support at the airport and transferred to hotel. will stop in Tomtor to visit the ice cave HIGHLIGHTS You will meet your guide at 12:00. with huge crystals and ice sculptures Spend half a day on a city tour getting (entry ticket paid locally). We arrive at Visit the coldest inhibited place to know Yakutsk. the reindeer's winter base in the Unique reindeer-sledding experience evening. Your adventure starts today Staying with the local people with a dinner and overnight spend in a Visit to the ice cave Day 2 Drive from Yakutsk to stove-heated wooden cabin at the herder's place. DEPARTURES Today, you are travelling to December Khandyga. We have 453 km to go GUIDE PRICE and about 9h to reach the final Day 5 Herders Winter Camp From £1 495 pp destination. Overnight in the Today we prepare for the long Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room apartment-based private hotel in reindeer sleigh ride. You need to Khandyga. make sure you observe herder's work the sleds for the ride. After lunch we start on preparing the reindeer sleigh as our sleigh ride journey back to herders' Day 3 Drive from Khandyga to you will join in the work! Breakfast, place on the different route. This time we Oymyakon lunch, dinner are included. cross around 50 km. We arrive at the Today we continue the transfer to camp in the evening. Dinner. Overnight in Oymyakon, the coldest place in Russia - Day 6 Sleigh Ride a stove-heated wooden house at the we will be travelling for up to 12h Early morning after breakfast we herders' camp. enjoying amazing sceneries of prepare for the reindeer sleigh ride. Verkhoyansk Mountain Passes! After a We are packing the sleds and tying Day 8 Drive to Khandyga late dinner, spend the night with a local reindeer to the sleds. After lunch we After breakfast we start our journey back family in a wooden house in start the amazing, once in a lifetime to Yakutsk. After all the belongings are Oymyakon. experience of the Reindeer sleigh ride packed, we have a quick lunch and drive (a traveler sit on a separate sled with from the herders' place to Khandyga. 350 Day 4 Oymyakon and transfer to 2 reindeer in the caravan). Distance km will take around 9 h. Herders Winter Camp to ride is around 30 km. We will stop In the morning, enjoy your breakfast at the temporary overnight spot. We Day 9 Drive to Yakutsk and embark on a tour of Oymyakon will be setting up our own tents. A full day of crossing the wilderness is before travelling to the Herders Camp! Dinner and overnight in a tent. ahead of us. We arrive in Yakutsk in the Visit to the Pole of Cold Stella, walk evening. around Oymyakon village and have Day 7 Sleigh Ride lunch. Drive from Oymyakon to the Enjoy your chilly breakfast in a tent. Day 10 Yakutsk reindeer herders' camp: in around 6h Another day of preparing reindeer and Transfer to Yakutsk Airport in the morning.

For an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 49 Expedition to Chukotka

Whale, Chukotka Dive into the wilderness of the north-easternmost part of the WHAT'S INCLUDED Eurasian continent. You will cross the bays and sea passages, Accommodation as per itinerary 12 meet the local people,Chukchi and Eskimos, and have a chance Full board to watch the amazing wildlife of the region. You will also have a days All necessary transfers chance to bathe in Senyavin Hot Springs. This expedition is a English speaking guide and museum lifetime experience you will never forget! entries Day 1 Arrival in Anadyr learning local traditions of fishing Borderline zone permit On arrival you will be met by including whale hunting! Seafood lunch Flights Anadyr — the village of your activity instructor at the airport before a walking tour of the village and Lavrentiya — Anadyr and transferred to your a visit to the base of marine hunters. Visa Support accommodation. Today you are (B,L,D) Heli-skiing HIGHLIGHTS staying in a private apartment and Visit one of the most beautiful regions treated with , Russian - Chukotka Day 5 Reindeer herders' camp for lunch. Later today, Watch seabirds, whales and seals Today is a free day for you to explore learn more about Anadyr, the capital Trying traditional home-made food the village. You can also opt for of Chukotka Autonomous District and Meeting reindeer herders visiting a reindeer herders' camp (paid the largest city in this area. You will Bathing in a hot spring locally). Travel through the wilderness see the prominent local sights and Enjoy throat singing and other of Tundra before meeting reindeer visit a wooden Holy Trinity traditional entertainment herders. You will exchange gifts, listen Cathedral.Dinner in the evening. Try to the stories about life in tundra and the famous Russian caviar and other DEPARTURES have a traditional meal together. local specialities. (L,D) August Participate in the workshops of venison meals and throwing a lasso to GUIDE PRICE Day 2 Museum and workshops in catch a deer. (B,L,D) From £4 035 pp Anadyr Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room Today pay a visit to the Museum of Chukotka Heritage in Anadyr and Day 6 Back to Lorino Day 7 Mechigmen Bay and enjoy a bone carving or tailoring After breakfast with reindeer herders, Yanrakynnot workshop! In the evening you will travel back to Lorino with a picnic on the Whatch the seabirds and seals at have a chance to see a performance way. (B,L,D) Mechigmen Bay. After a picnic move to of a folklore throat singing or a dancing group before enjoying your home-made dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Flight to Lavrentiya After breakfast we will make way to the Anadyr airport to fly to the village of Lavrentiya. After lunch we will take you on a walking tour around this traditional village. Tonight you will stay in a private apartmentat in the village of Lorino where you will enjoy home- made dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 4 A boat tour to the sea On you boat tour today you will have a chance to see grey whales and Yttygran Island, Whale bones

For an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 50 the Getlyangen lagoon, whereyou will enjoy a wonderful wildlife observing whales and bearded seals. In the afternoon you will arrive at the village of Yanrakynnot and enjoy your walking tour before dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Senyavin Hot Springs Today is a day of relaxation and bating in the hot springs. You will stay in a guest house National Park. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Islands with a wildlife Grey whale After breakfast travel to Yttygran Island Horned Puffins by a motor boat. You will see grey whales, walruses, seals and such seabirds as Pelagic Cormorant and Church of the Saviour on Blood Horned Puffins on your way. A world- famous mysterious monument of Eskimo history and culture 'Whale Alley' will leave a lasting impression on you. Next spot is Nunengan Island and the largest 'bird market' in the Senyavin Strait — thousands of birds like guillemot, kittiwake gull, pelagic cormorant, are nestling here. Enjoy a picnic before you reach Rumilet Bay. By off-road vehicle you will get to the village of . Here you will have a tour, visit a local museum and see the monument dedicated to Vitus Bering and the first expedition to Kamchatka. (B,L,D) Horned Puffins

Day 10 Novoe Chaplino Day 11 Returning to Anadyr Day 12 Anadyr After presentation in the Beringia National After early breakfast you will be After crossing Anadyr Bay by ferry Park, travel by off-road vehicles to the transferred to the Airport to fly back to you will have a tour of the Eskimo settlement of Novoe Chaplino, Anadyr. In Anadyr you will go salmon abandoned military base of Gudym where you will meet the indigenous fishing at the Anadyr Bay. After a picnic with a picnic there. In the afternoon people. Then you will be transferred back on the beach, you can buy caviar and you will be transferred to the airport to the village of Provideniya where you other souvenirs. In the evening enjoy a for your flight to Moscow. (B,L,D) will stay tonight.(B,L,D) farewell dinner at the restaurant 'Otke Restaurant on board House'. (B,L,D)

Stone mushrooms Reindeer Route Gobi desert

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 51 Baltic city breaks Classic Baltics Holiday

Whale, Chukotka

There has never been a better time to experience the charm and WHAT'S INCLUDED 8 beauty of the Baltic States, and discover this unique set of Accommodation as per itinerary countries for yourself. Famed for their spires, steeples and old Buffet breakfasts days cobbled streets, but with so much else to offer as well, to visit the Welcome drink beautiful Baltic States is to experience a fairytale. This Classic 2 lunches on the way (Day 3 and Day Baltics Holiday will introduce you to the endless charm and rich 6) history of these beautiful capitals of , Latvia and Estonia All necessary transfers in just 8 days. English speaking guide Route: VILNIUS (Lithuania) • RIGA (Latvia) • TALLINN (Estonia) Entrance tickets to Rundale palace & park and Riga Ethnographic Open-air Day 1 Fly to Vilnius Day 5 Riga Heli-skiing museum Today you arrive in the picturesque A day at leisure allows you to relax and HIGHLIGHTS and historical capital of Lithuania. possibly indulge in a spot of shopping in Sightseeing in stunning Vilnius Transfer to the centrally located 3* the charming city, or choose from one of Discover the beautiful Riga Panorama Hotel. Enjoy a welcome our optional guided excursions. (B) Explore the amazing Tallinn meeting and a drink to get you settled into the Baltic lifestyle. DEPARTURES Day 6 Tallinn May to September Day 2 Vilnius A morning departure from Riga towards A sightseeing tour allows you the historic city of Tallinn includes a visit GUIDE PRICE appreciate a city steeped in culture. to the Ethnographical Open Air From £ 640 pp Take the afternoon at leisure to Museum en route, and a tour of the Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room explore further independently, or traditional Estonian town of Parnu. choose an optional guided tour. (B) Lunch is also provided en route. Continue to the 3* Metropol Hotel in

Tallinn. (B, L) Day 3 Riga Transfer to the financial and commercial heart of Latvia - the Day 7 Tallinn Tallinn beautiful Riga. En route, visit the Hill Estonia's capital is explored with an of Crosses and the striking 18th informative city tour. Afterwards, have Century Rundale Palace. Lunch is some free time in Tallinn or take an also provided en route. Transfer to the optional guided 2 hour tour of the 3* Konventa seta hotel. (B, L) beautiful Kadriorg Park and Palace. (B)

Day 4 Riga Day 8 Riga A city tour unveils the main sights and Transfer to the airport as your impressive beauty of this destination. memorable trip comes to an end. (B) (B) Riga Vilnius Why not add a visit to the magnificent St Petersburg to your trip? To extend your itinerary contact one of our travel specialists! Yttygran Island, Whale bones

For an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 52 Classic Baltics Tour and Poland

View of Warsaw This is all-urban experience. To get more contrast we start in Krakow, Poland and will work our way to Tallinn, Estonia to make sure we meet all the differences in between. We will tick 4 beautiful countries – Poland, 13 Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Starting from historical royal Krakow to unparalleled Warsaw. Next stop –Kaunas, the former capital of Lithuania, the unsung hero city of Lithuania and, of course, visit Vilnius – the current days capital. Keep in mind all red roofs of Vilnius because these roofs will be the first recognizable thing in Riga too. Some say Vilnius and Riga are quite similar, others deny this – well, you’ll get the chance to compare it by yourself. Your last stop on this beautiful journey – charming Tallinn with all secrets, stories and legends about it.

Route: KRAKOW (POLAND) • WARSAW (POLAND) • GIZYCKO (POLAND) • WHAT'S INCLUDED VILNIUS (Lithuania) • RIGA (Latvia) • TALLINN (Estonia) Transfers per itinerary 12 overnights at centrally located 4 star Day 1 Fly to Krakow Town with the Royal Castle, St John’s hotels Today you arrive in the historical city Cathedral, the Old Town Market Square Buffet breakfast of Krakow and transfer to your hotel and the Barbican. In the afternoon is Welcome meeting with champagne- 4* Novotel Krakow Centrum (or offered an optional excursion to the cocktail or juice similar) . A welcome meeting with Royal Lazienki Park with the Palace on Heli-skiing Personalised welcome package your guide will take place at the hotel. the Water. The evening offers an Entrances to the museums per optional Polish dinner at Restaurant programme Dawne Smaki. Service of an English speaking guide Day 2 Krakow Portage at hotels For half a millennium Krakow was the royal capital of Poland and for Day 5 Warsaw - Gizycko HIGHLIGHTS centuries the city walls have guarded We continue through the well forested Tick 4 countries its traditions and secrets. The morning North Poland into the Masurian Experience 11 cities (Krakow, Warsaw, sightseeing tour takes us to the Old Lakeland, a myriad of postglacial lakes Riga, Sigulda, Tallinn and more) Town with the St. Mary’s Church, the representing some of the most beautiful Enjoy nature in various locations Jagiellonian University, the Cloth Halls nature in the whole of Poland. The (Jasna Gora Monastery, Poland's and Wawel with the Wawel Castle and afternoon excursion of the Masurian forests and lakes, Gauja National park) the Wawel Cathedral. The afternoon Lakeland takes us to picture-postcard Visit the hill of Crosses. town Mragowo, further to the beautiful offers an optional excursion to the DEPARTURES famous Wieliczka Salt Mine, an Baroque church in Swieta Lipka and to Tailor-made on enquiry basis amazing labyrinth of tunnels going the town of Gizycko, surrounded to all GUIDE PRICE down as far as 327 meters. The sides by the lakes. In the afternoon From £1 250 pp evening offers an optional Polish check-in at your hotel. Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room dinner at Restaurant Hawelka. Spend the evening at leisure in the city Krakow centre.

Day 3 Krakow - Warsaw We leave for Czestochowa, the spiritual heart of Poland, where we visit the Jasna Gora Monastery with the Black Madonna. Through the flat low-laying plain of Central Poland we reach Warsaw in the early afternoon. Check-in at your hotel.

Day 4 Warsaw Warsaw is essentially a post-war city with a meticulously reconstructed Old Town. The morning sightseeing tour includes the Royal Route and the Old Yttygran Island, Whale bones

For an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 53 Day 6 Gizycko - Vilnius Day 9 Riga highway to the Estonian summer Today we continue along the eastern Founded in 1201 by the German bishop resort of Parnu. We do a short tour of fringe of the Masurian Lakeland with Albert, Riga is the largest of the three the resort before we continue endless blue lakes and attractive resort Baltic capitals and boasts a real through the North Estonian land of towns into Lithuania. We do a stop in kaleidoscope of architectural styles. forests and arrive in Tallinn early Kaunas, the former capital of Lithuania, The walking tour of the Old Town afternoon, check-in at the hotel. to admire the beautiful Old Town and the includes Riga Castle, the Dome elegant white Baroque Town Hall before Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, the we arrive in the late afternoon to Vilnius. Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers, the Day 12 Tallinn Large and Small Guilds and the Tallinn is a charming blend of Freedom Monument. The afternoon is medieval tranquillity and modern Day 7 Vilnius reserved for an optional visit to Jurmala, urban life. The medieval Old Town is Vilnius is known for its more than 1.200 the vibrant Latvian sea resort, famous a busy place in the summer with its medieval buildings and 48 churches. The for its wooden architecture and sandy many shops, galleries, souvenir morning sightseeing tour includes a beaches. The evening offers an markets, outdoor cafés and panoramic tour of the city and a walking optional organ concert at the Dome restaurants. The sightseeing tour tour of the Old Town with Vilnius Cathedral. takes us around the old medieval city Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, Peter and walls and into the Old Town where Paul Church, St. Anne’s Church, Old we see Toompea Castle, Dome Day 10 Riga University and the Gates of Dawn. The Church, Alexander Nevsky After we got acquainted with Riga we afternoon offers an optional excursion to Cathedral, medieval Old Town Hall have the possibility of discovering Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania, and Great Guild Hall. In the medieval Latvia. The optional tour for with the well preserved Trakai Castle, afternoon an optional excursion is this morning takes us to the stunning beautifully located on an island in Lake offered to Kadriorg Park and visit to scenery of the Gauja National Park and Galve. In the evening enjoy an optional KUMU, the award-winning new the town of Sigulda. We listen to the folklore dinner at Restaurant Belmontas. Estonian Art museum, with its medieval Latvian legend of the Rose of collections of classic and Turaida and see the ruins of the Day 8 Vilnius - Riga contemporary fine art. The evening Episcopal Castle and of the Castle of Heading for Riga, the first stop is the offers an optional medieval dinner at the Knights of the Sword before we Hill of Crosses, one of the most holy Restaurant Maikrahv. return to Riga. The afternoon offers an sites of Catholic Lithuania. After optional visit to the Ethnographical crossing into Latvia we soon reach Open Air Museum, a spacious Day 13 Tallinn the magnificent Rundale Palace, the exposition of 18th century country life. Bid Farewell to Tallinn and transfer former summer residence of the In the evening enjoy an optional Latvian to the airport for your flight home or Duke of Courland. Following a dinner at the stylish Restaurant Forest. ferry terminal for onward travel. guided tour of the palace we travel through the rolling hills of Southern Latvia to reach Riga late afternoon, Day 11 Riga - Tallinn check-in at the hotel. The tour continues along the coastal

Tallinn

Stone mushrooms

Route Gobi desert

For more holidays please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 54 Georgia Discover Georgia Batumi WHAT'S INCLUDED Transfers per programme Accommodation on a BB basis Guide Service Wine tasting as per programme Tbilisi – Batumi – Tbilisi train tickets 1 farewell dinner All entry tickets HIGHLIGHTS Explore the capital of Georgia See the most famous highlights of Georgia including Batumi Wine tastings DEPARTURES jyg Tailor-made on enquiry basis GUIDE PRICE From £1 299 pp Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room

Visit this unforgettable Georgia famous for its natural wonders, 9 ancient history, rich cultural heritage, delicious wine and the Day 7 Batumi renowned Georgian hospitality. Explore the breathtaking Breakfast. Sightseeing tour of Batumi – days countryside, travel between cities and discover the magical visit to news and old parts of the city. Tbilisi - Georgia will steal your heart. Visit to the Archeology museum and enjoy a hot cup of coffee in the café Day 1 Fly to Tbilisi tasting. Continue to Gremi architectural close to the sea. *Optional lunch. After Arrive to Tbilisi International Airport. complex dated 16th-17th centuries – lunch drive to Batumi Botanical Garden Meet with the guide and driver former residence of Kakhetian kings. that has no analogy in a sense that Transfer to hotel for overnight. Arrive to Royal Batoni hotel for rest. different landscape types are located Overnight. here side by side. Return to Batumi. Day 2 Tbilisi Day 4 Kvareli – Signagi Overnight in hotel. Breakfast. Sightseeing tour of Tbilisi – Breakfast. Drive to Tsinandali estate Day 8 Batumi – Tbilisi capital of Georgia. The city is and first winery founded by one of the Breakfast. Take a morning train to extraordinary for its turbulent history, famous poets and public figures Tbilisi. Arrive to Tbilisi Railway station elegant and remarkable architecture Alexander Chavchavdze in 19th and transfer to hotel. Farewell dinner in destroyed and restored through century. Explore the site and visit the Georgian city restaurant. Overnight in centuries, but keeping entire style of winery where the oldest bottle of wine hotel. Georgian orthodox religion and dates back to 1814. Drive to Signagi – traditions. Walk through old city. Visit royal town surrounded by the defiance to Metekhi church dated 13th century, wall with 23 towers built by the king Day 9 Tbilisi Sulfur Bathes, Narikala fortress of 4th Erekel II in 18th century. Visit to the Transfer to Tbilisi International Airport 2 century, Sioni cathedral initially built in local winery “Pheasant’s Tears” for wine hours before departure flight. 7th century, Anchisakhti basilica dated tasting. Overnight in hotel in Signagi. Wine tasting to 6th century. *Optional lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch visit to Tbilisi National Museum. Evening walk Day 5 Signagi – Tbilisi along Rustaveli Avenue. Overnight in Breakfast. In the morning visit to Bodbe hotel. Convent known from 9th century. Drive to Tbilisi. Transfer to hotel. Free evening Day 3 Tbilisi - Gombori Pass - Kvareli for own arrangements. Overnight in Breakfast. Drive to eastern Georgia to hotel. Kakheti wine growing region. Drive to Telavi – center of Kakheti province over Day 6 Tbilisi – Batumi Why not add the neighbouring Gombori Pass. Visit to Alaverdi Breakfast. Take a train to Batumi – beautiful Armenia to your centre of Adjara province. After arrival to cathedral initially built in 7th century. journey? Continue to the local family wine cellar. the railway station, transfer to the hotel. Contact us for more information! Local family lunch and wine Free eveYntitnygg rfoarn r eIsslta. nOdv,e Wrnhigahlet ibn ohnoetesl .

For an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 55 Silk Road The Orient Silk Road Express from Tashkent to Samarqand

WHAT'S INCLUDED 4 overnights on the Private Train 1 hotel overnight in Bukhara Batumi All meals according per programme Sightseeing including all entrance fees according to the program me Transfers per programme Doctor on board HIGHLIGHTS Explore the world-famous Silk Road Learn about the culture and local people on the way

DEPARTURES September GUIDE PRICE From £ 720 pp Based on 2 adults sharing a dbl room

Comfortably cross Uzbekistan by private train. Visit the most significant, historic and fascinating cities along 6 the Central Asian Silk Road—Tashkent, Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara. Choose from four comfortable cabin days types: Habibi, Ali Baba, Aladdin and Kalif, with Kalif being the most luxurious with private en suite facilities in each cabin.

Day 1 Fly to Tashkent the halcyon days of the Great Silk Day 5 Khiva The journey begins with boarding your Road. Foreign , furs and After breakfast you will go to the private train in the evening, departing especially silk fabrics were stored and Southern border of the seven river for Shakhrisabz. Overnight on board. handled in the caravansaries. In the old lands, in the oasis of Khiva. When you (D) city (UNESCO-World Culture Heritage) stand before the mighty city wall of you'll see the Kaljan Minaret and the Khiva with its gates and bastions of Day 2 Shakhrisabz Labi-Hauz Ensemble. In front of the clay, you are in another world: Around Today you will experience a folklore Nasreddin-on-the-donkey monument the Kalta Minor Minaret life still pulses performance in the unique tradition of you’ll listen to some anecdotes about today as it did in old times, and on a this region and get to know the him. In a madrassa courtyard you tour you see palaces, mosques, inhabitants in their authentic everyday watch a performance of local dances, minarets, mausoleums and Koranic life. A friendly welcome is guaranteed! and a presentation of colourful national schools that show you, what medieval Next you will follow the Great Silk costumes with musical oriental urban development must have Road and arrive in the green city, the accompaniment.Overnight: Hotel Asia been like. You will enjoy lunch in the birthplace of Tamerlane. Here, in Bukhara (or similar). (BLD) atmosphere of the former Summer Shakhrisabz (UNESCO-World Palace of the Emir. Heritage Site) you’ll tour the Day 4 Samanid Mausoleum Overnight on board. (BLD) monumental memorials of the barbaric Today, you’ll experience Bukhara in an Mongol Prince and also have the all-day tour program, including lunch. Day 6 Samarkand opportunity to watch the thriving bustle Bukhara is a large, unique and After breakfast your Private Train will of this lively town. In the evening you'll authentic art museum that maintains its arrive in Samarkand. (B) depart on your Private Train to old oriental face. In the morning, we Bukhara. On board: Uzbek wine guide you to the magnificent Mire-e- tasting. Arab Madrasah and the most beautiful Overnight on board. (BLD) and precious building in , More Silk Road itineraries are the Samanid Mausoleum. Then you'll available. Contact us for Day 3 Bukhara take a tour through the fortress Ark. more information! Situated in the middle of the Kyzyl Kum You'll see the coronation hall and visit desert, Bukhara features about one the summer residence of the last Emir. thousand monuments, which recall In the Yetvteyngirnagn y Iosular ntrda,i nW dheaplaer tbso. n(BeDs )

For an independent tailor-made tour please contact us on 0207 603 5045 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk 56 Registered Address: 27 Old Gloucester Street London, WC1N 3AX United Kingdom Tel: (020) 7603 5045 e-mail: [email protected] For terms and conditions please visit: www.into-russia.co.uk