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Russian Christmas at Lake Baikal
7 days, 6 nights from 1535 £
Shout 'S Rozhdestvom!' (Merry Christmas) as you celebrate Christmas in Russia. This itinerary is full of excursions and is bound to be a Christmas to remember. During the Soviet Union days, Christmas celebrations were widely discouraged in Russia but nowadays the great Christian holiday has been revived!
Lake Baikal holds 20% of the world’s total unfrozen fresh water 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.
Highlights of the tour:
Lake Baikal
Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of the Pearl of Siberia. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and holds 20% of the world’s freshwater. It stretches for 636 km longwise and 80 km widthwise. The Baikal’s maximum depth is 1,637 m. It is known as a "laboratory of biodiversity" as it is home to nearly 3,000 species of animals and plants, many of which are found nowhere else, such as a unique breed of freshwater seal.
Irkutsk
Irkutsk, capital of South Baikal, is one of the largest Siberian cities and was a key stop for caravans from Buchara and even China. Today Irkutsk became a center of gold-mining production and is developing fast. In the city you can discover unique examples of Irkutsk architectural heritage, such as “White house”, which was first a palace of the merchants Sibiryakovs, then a residence of East Siberia governor-general.
Listvyanka
Listvyanka village is located on the shore of Lake Baikal 65 km away from Irkutsk city. This village was founded in the18th century and got its name from larch trees growing on the nearest cape. At the end of the 1920s, a Limnologicalstation was founded here; later it became the Limnological Institute of the Siberian Branch of the Academy of Sciences. Its museum is already 10 years in existence and is visited annually by over 50,000 people. The exhibits acquaint visitorswith the history of studying and researching Lake Baikal, its fauna and its flora.
Russian Banya
Try a truly Russian winter experience - banya! Banya has always played an important role in Russian culture serving not only as a place of relaxation and body care but also as a place for catch-ups and sociolising. Enjoy this quintessential Russian experience, a must-do in winter!
Sleigh Ride
Make you winter magical by treating yourself to a sleigh ride, one of the oldest Russian winter amusments! Enjoy the sound of snow crunching under your sleigh while admiring the views of Russia in winter.
Cross Baikal with Khivus hovercrafts
What is the best thing about Lake Baikal in winter? Freedom of movement and the possibility to quickly and easily access any point of this natural treasure! Embark on the Khivus boat to see the views never available in summer.
Day 1, 24 December: ARRIVAL IN IRKUTSK
Upon arrival in Irkutsk, you are transferred to your hotel for a welcome lunch before finding your feet with a guided tour of the snow covered city including the Church of our Saviour and Kirov Square. Meal Included: Lunch.
Day 2, 25 December: IRKUTSK - LISTVYANKA
After breakfast, transfer to Listvyanka Village on the banks of Lake Baikal. A visit to the Baikal Museum gives you an insight into the flora and fauna of Lake Baikal - many of which are unique to the area. In the afternoon, stock up on souvenirs at the local market before taking a walking tour to the Tchersky Stone platform for stunning panoramic views of the lake. After an adrenaline fuelled dog sledding ride (10 min in a 1 person sledge), head back to the hotel for a full traditional Russian Christmas dinner (set menu) and relax in a banya. Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3, 26 December: LISTVYANKA
Visit the Talsty Open Air Ethnographic Museum located on the banks of the Angara River. The museum is home to examples of Eastern Siberian wooden architecture and will give you an insight into life in rural Russia. Join in the Christmas celebrations with carol singing, traditional games, dances and a thrilling troika ride (provided for a group of 4 minimum) before returning to the hotel for your evening meal. Meal Included: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 4, 27 December: LISTVYANKA - ARSHAN
Following breakfast, board the 'Khivus' boat (if weather permits!) to transfer across frozen Lake Baikal for a visit to the Circum Baikal Railroad- arguably the most picturesque section of the Trans Siberian railway *boat trip provided for a small group. From here, travel onwards by car to Arshan (281 km), located in the famous Tunkin Valley. This area has a unique climate and in winter is warmer than the average temperature in the region. Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5, 28 December: ARSHAN
Discover the Tunkin Valley on a full day excursion. View waterfalls, mineral springs and Buddist temples before visiting a Mongolian market where you can pick up some authentic local souvenirs. Enjoy a national Buryat dinner in the evening. Meal Included: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 6, 29 December: ARSHAN - IRKUTSK
After breakfast, visit the hot mineral springs at the Zhemchug Settlement. Enjoy lunch in a local cafe (payable locally) then transfer to your hotel in Irkutsk (240 km). In the evening share tales with your fellow travellers at the Farewell Dinner. Meal Included: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 7, 30 December: IRKUTSK - END OF THE TOUR
Wave goodbye to Siberia as you are transferred to the airport for your flight home. Meal Included: Breakfast.
Hotel "Angara Hotel" 
3 crown
Address
Sukhe-Bator Str. 7, Irkutsk, Russia, 664011
Location
This comforatble hotel is located in the heart of Irkutsk just a few steps from the Kirov Square and the main tourist attractions of the city. Therefore, most of rooms have beautiful panoramic views of the Irkutsk. The Irkutsk Airport is only a 15-minute drive while the railway and bus stations are just a 5-minute drive from the hotel.
Accommodation
- 298 Rooms
- 493 Places
In-room
- Comfortable work area
- Spacious Wardrobe
- CRT TV
- Telephone, intercity communication
- Adjustable floor lamp
- Electronic lock
- Free Internet
- Hair dryer
- Mini fridge
- Toiletries
- Tea pair
- Brush for footwear
Leisure
- Sauna
- Billiard VIP Club
- Restaurants and bars in the hotel
Krestovaya Pad
3 crown
Address
664520, Irkutsk region, Listvyanka settlement, Gornaya street, 14 A
Location
Set just 50 yards from the banks of Lake Baikal, Krestovaya Pad Hotel offers spectacular views, a sun terrace and a sauna.Russian Christmas at Lake Baikal
Flight details:
Flight details: 
Please speak with us to get the best prices on flights added to your tour
Please note:
We use live currency update, price may slightly fluctuate daily
IntoRussia Ltd reserves the right to change hotels to similar ones of the same standard and change the
order of excursions
The deposit is payable on the tour - please enquire at the booking stage
Extras:
If you are travelling in a small group, please contact us for preferential rates starting from £815 per person
for a group of 10 passengers (and from £735 per person with SPECIAL OFFER)!
| DEPARTURE 2018 | Prices based on 2 passengers travelling, per person from, excluding flights |
24 DECEMBER 2018 | SOLD OUT £1635 per person* |
| DEPARTURE 2019 | Prices based on 2 passengers travelling, per person from, excluding flights |
24 DECEMBER 2019 | ON REQUEST |
Included in price:
• 6 nights 3* accommodation based on 2 sharing a twin/double with private en suite facilities including breakfast
• Varied meal plan as outlined in the tour itinerary (including a traditional Russian Christmas dinner!)
• Transfers as outlined in the tour itinerary
• Excursions as outlined in the tour itinerary
• Dog sledding**
• Traditional Russian banya in Listvyanka (subject to weather conditions and availability)
• Services of an English speaking guide
• Khivus Boat Ride**
Not Included:
• Flights (please speak with us to get the best prices on flights added to your tour)
• Russian visa processing
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