Moscow and Lake Baikal Winter Tour - Extended

Assemble the Delhi airport depending on your flight timing to board flight to Moscow. Reach Moscow as per your flight timing and get received by our representative at the airport. Transfer to your hotel (early check in will be subject to availability and upon extra supplement). Rest of the day is free at leisure. If we reach early morning, then in the evening, we will take a metro ride to visit the walking street of Nikolskaya Ulitsa which is the central shopping district of Moscow. Many stores and restaurants are located here. Get entertained by a lot of street performers playing music or performing their traits. The street is most beautiful at nights when the hanging decorated lights are on.

Overnight at Moscow. (D)

After breakfast proceed for a day tour of Moscow. Touring the city by car is an opportunity to see some of the most interesting places in Moscow. Over the course of three hours, we will visit the Lover's Bridge, Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Victory Park, and have a stop near the magnificent Novodevichy convent. The highlight of the tour is Moscow State University, a stunning example of Stalinist architecture, and Sparrow Hills, the highest point in the city for a panoramic view of Moscow.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Moscow Kremlin - the former residence of Russian tsars and Soviet rulers is still used today. You will have a chance to visit the three unique cathedrals built in the 15th and 16th centuries as well as the Patriarch Palace famous for its great collection of 17th-century clothing, tableware, jewelry, and other wonders of the past. You'll see the famous Tsar Cannon and Tsar Bell and take a look at the President's helicopter pad (Entry to the Armory & Diamond Fund is not included – We can add it to your tour upon request at extra supplement). Later in the evening, we can visit the Old Arabat Street one of Moscow’s oldest walking street where you can enjoy the beautiful artworks, handmade items and also meet people who represent a variety of cultures of the ex USSR republics.

Overnight at Moscow. (B, D)

The day is free for you to select any from our host of optional tours on offer. You can choose for a day trip to Sergiev Posad which is a 6 hours tour at the outskirt of Moscow. You can even opt to spend the afternoon by visiting VDNKH Russian Exhibition Center and the space museum. You will also have the option to visit the Russian Countryside and meet the locals and spend the day with them while having lunch and enjoy life as the Russian people do. Or you can simply opt for a much leisurely Vodka museum tour along with some afternoon Vodka tasting session. Another exciting experience is to try your hand at shooting real life bullets using AK47 Rifle at the Russian Army Training Society. You will get training, and then will shoot 10 bullets. Bring a target back home as a souvenir! Whichever tour you choose from, we can assure you that you’ll have an experience of a lifetime. In the evening, transfer to the airport to board flight to Irkutsk.

Overnight on transit. (B)

Reach Irkutsk early morning (Irkutst time zone is 5 hours ahead of Moscow – Hence when you reach Irkutsk from Moscow, its already morning at Irkutsk). Upon reaching Irkutst, transfer to your hotel. Since you’ll be tired from the long overnight flight journey, we have kept this day free for you to take rest and get refreshed for the upcoming days of Lake Baikal journey. Alternatively, you can choose to explore the city of Irkutsk on your own today, or you can opt for a day long excursion to Listvyanka village (70 km), the most popular tourist village on Lake Baikal. It is located directly at the Angara river outflow, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its natural beauty. Check in to your hotel and take some rest to get refreshed from the long flight journey. Later in the afternoon, explore the Listvyanka town. Take the chair lift to the Chersky rock 728 meters above sea level from where you can get a breathtaking panoramic view of the Listvyanka village, Angara river's source and the skyline flowing with the Baikal waters. Get acquainted with the history of the great Baikal Lake, it's flora and fauna and of course you will see a nerpa - Baikal endemic seal! You will also have free time for walking along the Baikal shore and for the first time, walk on its transparent ice. On our way back to the centre of the village, we check out the Fish Market. Smoked OMUL – Baikal endemic testy fish – is highly recommended to try. Return to your hotel by evening.

Overnight at Irkutsk. (D)

After breakfast, leave Irkutsk and travel north 250 km to the Olkhon Island. Olkhon is populated primarily by the Buryati who are of Mongolian descent and whose Buddhist practices coexist with their shamanism. From the end of January till the end of March stops are done on ice to see clear black ice and ice formations along the shore. Lunch en route, served in Buryat village of Elantsi, then make the ice crossing to Olkhon Island. Make stops at the icy caves, frozen bubbles and black ice fields. Explore Khuzir, the island's main village and walk through the settlement to the Cape of Burkhan to see the Sunset at famous Crag of Shaman (Rock Temple) which was generally. Traditional dinner and overnight in the guesthouse in Khuzir. 

Overnight at Olkhon Island. (B, L, D)

In the morning after breakfast, depart from Khuzir village to explore North of Olkhon Island and classic Lake Baikal vistas. Heading north make stops at Kharaldai cape, Sagaan-Khushun Capes, Shunte and Uzuri bays, coastal icy caves, frozen blue hummocks and stretches of beach along the way. After a picnic lunch, return back to Khuzir village by late afternoon. You can opt for a refreshing Russian Banya (Steam Bath) at Khuzir which is a great way to relax in the freezing weather of Siberia.  

Overnight at Olkhon Island. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, start from Khuzir village and drive to the south of Olkhon Island. Excursion to the southern part of the island will take you to the Maloe Sea. On the route you will pass several islands, grottos, caves and stunning ripples which have frozen in ice. Ogoi Island - this is the largest island in the Maloe Sea located opposite Cape Khorgoy and it is considered to be a source of spiritual energy. At its summit there was once a lighthouse, but today in its place is a white Buddhist stupa of enlightenment. Many people come especially to Olkhon and Baikal on a spiritual journey and to visit this place, believing it will provide spiritual cleansing and replenish their energy.

Overnight at Olkhon Island (B, L, D)

After breakfast, drive to the ferry-station. Make an ice crossing to the mainland and drive to Irkutsk. Stop en-route at the road cafe in the Buryat village of Elantsi or Bayandai. Approximate time of arrival in Irkutsk is 17:00. Upon arrival check in to the hotel.

Overnight at Irkutsk. (B, D)

Early morning transfer to the airport to board return flight from Irkutsk to Moscow. Upon reaching Moscow, change the airport to board your return flight to India. Reach India late at night with unforgettable memories of winter at Siberia.

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Optional Extension: On day 9, take a flight from Murmansk to Saint Petersburg and spend 2 nights at the beautiful St Petersburg doing a full day sightseeing of the famous attractions of St Petersburg. Experience the Russian Sapsan Train ride (Bullet Train) from St Petersburg to Moscow and take a flight back to India on Day 11.

2 Breakfasts and 1 Dinner included in this extension tour with an option to add a Dinner in the Cruise on River Neva.