Astrakhan and the Caspian Sea

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An eventful summer tour will introduce you to the riches of Astrakhan — its architecture and history, the beautiful Volga and its natural attractions.

And then you will go to the Caspian Sea in beautiful Dagestan! You will spend the whole day swimming and sunbathing on the golden beach. And after relaxing by the sea, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Sulak Canyon and the Chirkeysky reservoir, as well as the secrets of ancient Derbent.

Location

Astrakhan

Sightseeing tours

from

US$ 449

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Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

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Tour highlights

The Pearl of Astrakhan

We will visit the Astrakhan Kremlin, one of the 12 preserved kremlins in Russia

Inhabitants of the Volga Delta

We will visit the Volga Delta, where there are about 300 species of birds alone, more than 100 of which are listed in the Red Books of various levels

Lotus Blossom

Let's enjoy the subtle aroma of lotus fields and swim on one of the islands of the Volga delta

Colorful Derbent

We will walk along the ancient streets with a thousand-year history, visit the famous Naryn-Kala fortress and the Derbent Brandy Factory

Dizzying beauty

From a bird's eye view we will see one of the deepest canyons in the world and the deepest Sulak Canyon in Europe

The coast of the Caspian Sea

We will have a whole day to relax on the beach, enjoy sunbathing and plenty of swimming

Itinerary

Day 1 - Sightseeing tour of Astrakhan. Local History Museum
Arrival in Astrakhan. Group transfer to the hotel.
13:00 Set lunch in a cafe in the city.
After lunch, the excursion program begins with the oldest of the regional museums in Russia.
The expositions of the Museum of Local Lore reflect the history, nature, culture and identity of the Astrakhan region. Astrakhan has long been famous for its fish resources, the diversity of which is described by the exhibition hall "Fishes of the Caspian Basin".
In addition, you will be able to visit the most unique and mysterious exposition of the museum — "Gold of the Sarmatians", in the collection, which presents artifacts that have no analogues in any catalog in the world.
The program of the stay continues with a sightseeing tour of the city of Astrakhan.
The excursion includes a visit to the most picturesque places of the city of Astrakhan: the Central embankment of the Volga River, as well as the main streets of the city, where ancient merchant mansions are located, most of which have been perfectly preserved to the present day, an inspection of the territory of one of the largest theaters in Europe — the Astrakhan Opera and Ballet Theater.
In addition, as part of the sightseeing tour, you will have the opportunity to plunge into the history of the ancient multinational trading city by visiting the Iranian and Armenian farmsteads.
The pearl of this tour, of course, is a visit to the Astrakhan Kremlin, one of the 12 preserved kremlins in Russia.
18:00-18:30 The end of the excursion program.
Transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation at the hotel.
Free time.
After checking in, you will have the opportunity to walk around the city on your own, or take a boat trip:
along the Volga by tram (the trip will take a little more than an hour, the cost starts from 650 rubles / person);
along the city canals by trimaran (a water tour lasts 1 hour, the cost starts from 500 rubles/person, available by appointment).

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Day 2 - Volga Delta
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30-09:00 An incredible journey to the Volga River delta begins, during which the steppe landscapes of the Astrakhan region and the largest delta in Europe will appear in all its glory.
Upon arrival at the recreation center located in the rolling part of the delta, a water excursion begins, where you will have the opportunity to get to know the nature of the Astrakhan region, see picturesque landscapes, as well as the inhabitants of the Volga Delta (there are more than 300 species of birds alone, more than 100 of which are listed in the Red Books of various levels!).
The most attentive will be able to see the white-tailed eagle, count the number of varieties of herons and make a wish for splashing fish.
In July and August, the lotus blossom period begins on the Caspian ripples and it is at this moment that the delta turns into one of the most unique corners of the world, because there is no such water area covered with lotuses anywhere else, and lotus fields reach 5,000 hectares!
After returning to the recreation center, you will have a set lunch with elements of traditional Astrakhan cuisine.
In their free time, a swimming pool and a recreation area are available for everyone on the territory of the recreation center.
17:00 Arrival in Astrakhan.
The end of the excursion program.
Free time.

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Day 3 - Astrakhan Biosphere Reserve
Breakfast at the hotel. Room release.
09:00 Departure to the Astrakhan Biosphere Reserve.
The road to the reserve takes 1.5-2 hours, taking into account the ferry crossing, but thanks to the interesting travel information from the guide, time flies imperceptibly.
The Astrakhan Biosphere Reserve is one of the unique corners of nature, where the habitats of rare animals, birds and plants have been preserved untouched by man.
This is a real paradise for scientists, ornithologists and just lovers of nature, silence and harmony. And, of course, the reserve is the largest water area for the distribution of lotuses on our planet.
After arriving at the reserve, you will go on an excursion along the ecological trail "Found Delta", which lasts for 2 hours: 1 hour by boat and 1 hour hiking along the trail.
The route passes through two sections of the trail on wooden platforms and ends at a two-tiered observation deck located near the picturesque lotus thickets.
During a walk along the ecotrope, you will be accompanied by a guide who will tell you about the unique flora and fauna of the Volga Delta and pay attention to its special inhabitants.
During the excursion service, a set lunch is provided on the territory of the reserve.
15:30-16:00 Arrival in Astrakhan.
Organized transfers to the hotel.
The travel time is approximate, it depends on the work and workload of the ferries!
21:30-22:30 Organized transfer from the hotel to the place of collection and departure to the Caspian Sea.
22:00-23:00 Approximate departure time (local time).
Overnight transfer by tourist bus.

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Day 4 - The Caspian Sea and Derbent
07:00 Arrival in a small village on the shore of the Caspian Sea — Izberbash. The arrival time is approximate!
Important! 14:00 Check-out time at the hotel in the village. Izberbash, however, you can leave your things at the reception or on the bus and walk to the colorful market or go to the beach to swim and sunbathe on the shore of the Caspian Sea.
For an additional fee, you can have breakfast in the hotel cafe (estimated cost — from 300 rubles /person).
Please note that it is Moscow time in the Republic of Dagestan!
The most visited place of the resort is the Central Beach.
Its length reaches up to 3 km, and its width reaches 200 m. The coastline is covered with fine sand mixed with shells, rare pebbles and water-smoothed fragments of stones.
The beach is surrounded by picturesque ridges, in some places they protrude into the sea, acting as breakwaters. The beach is ideal for families with children. There are places of shallow water, the bottom is flat, without sharp stones.
The beach infrastructure includes changing cabins, shade canopies, showers, sun beds and parking. Local women swim in long dresses, but they are used to tourists in swimsuits here, they do not attract attention.
The central beach of Izberbash is kept clean and is gradually developing, complementing the infrastructure with new amenities and entertainment.
Lunch on your own in the hotel cafe.
13:00 Departure to Derbent.
VisitingThe citadel of Naryn-Kala (for an additional fee of 400 rubles).
This tour will acquaint you with the history of the construction in the V-VI centuries AD by the Iranian kings from the Sassanid dynasty of the Derbent defensive complex made of stone citadel "Naryn—Kala", the only large fortification monument in our country that has come down from the VI century in such magnificent preservation.
You will get acquainted with the unique water supply system of the fortress and the city, with the ruins of the Khan's Palace — one of the largest architectural complexes of the citadel, built in the second half of the XVIII century (in 1768) by the imperious ruler of the Eastern Caucasus Fet-Alikhan Kubinsky, with underground prisons, the Khan's bathhouse.
A walk through the Old Town.
Juma Mosque (external inspection).
The monument complex includes a mosque, a fence with eastern and northern gates, and a madrasah. This is one of the oldest mosques not only in the territory of modern Russia.
Visit to the main fountain in Derbent.
The fountain in Derbent is the largest multimedia fountain in Russia, which releases more than 2 thousand jets of water up to 30 meters high into the sky.
It is located in the renovated Nizami Ganjavi Park between Heydar Aliyev, Pashabekov and Gagarin Streets. Since its opening, the park has become a center of attraction for locals and tourists and one of the main attractions of the city.
Souvenir shop and purchase of products.
Transfer to Izberbash.
Arrival in Izberbash.
Check-in at the hotel.
Vacation on the shore of the Caspian Sea.
Dinner on your own.
The time is approximate.

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Day 5 - A free day or an excursion to Gunib for an additional fee
Self-service breakfast in the hotel cafe.
A free day for a beach holiday.
The central beach of Izberbash is kept clean and is gradually developing, complementing the infrastructure with new amenities and entertainment.
You can relax on the Caspian Sea.
The resort is suitable for a family holiday: it is quiet, the beaches are spacious, and the sea water is very clean. On the equipped sections of the beach there is a basic infrastructure for vacationers: cabins, toilets, rental of sun loungers, cafes and canteens.
For an additional fee, we offer you to go on an excursion to Gunib (3000 rubles/person, 7 hours). It is booked in advance, and will take place with a group of 10 people or more (paid upon arrival).
This is a mountain settlement with gorgeous viewing platforms. Along the way, the guide will tell you about the local culture and traditions.
You will find an observation deck at the highest point of Gunib. Dagestan is, first of all, a mountainous region, and the views here are truly fascinating.
In the Middle Ages (from the 12th century), the famous Andalalian free society was located on the territory of the Gunib district, which had one of the most just and democratic political structures at that time, which included almost all the villages of the district.
There are more than 300 historical, cultural and architectural monuments on the territory of the district, covering the period of history from 10 thousand years BC to the 20th century
And it's not for nothing that even the great Russian artist Ivan Aivazovsky immortalized Gunib on his canvas. Aivazovsky painted his painting from the height of the neighboring Kegersky plateau.
You will see:
Saltinsky Gorge;
Tsarskaya Polyana;
Gunib Fortress;
memorial complex "White Cranes";
the landscape from the observation deck on the Gunib plateau.
Lunch for an additional fee is 850 rubles.

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Day 6 - Sulak canyon, Nokyo complex for an additional fee
Self-service breakfast at the hotel (for an additional fee).
Room release, things are placed on the bus.
Take a snack with you on the road. There will be a late lunch according to the program.
08:00 Gathering of the group and departure for an excursion to an amazingly beautiful corner of nature, one of the deepest canyons in the world and the deepest Sulak Canyon in Europe.
Departure to Sulak Canyon.
10:30-15:00 Stay at Sulak Canyon (1.5 hours on the road).
Sulak Canyon is one of the most striking and fascinating natural attractions of Dagestan. It stretches for tens of kilometers north of the Gimrinsky ridge, where the Sulak River originates.
Once upon a time, its waters seemed to exude strong rocks, separating the Gimrinsky and Salatavsky ridges from each other, and a majestic gorge formed between them.
Scientists and tourists reasonably compare it with the famous Grand Canyon of Colorado. Significantly inferior to it in length, the Sulak Canyon is slightly deeper than the Colorado Canyon and certainly no less picturesque.
Boating on request (Chirkeyskoye reservoir/Sulak River: for an additional fee — from 1,500 rubles).
Departure to the Amber Trout farm.
The unique innovative fish farming enterprise Yantarnoye is located on the banks of the Sulak River near Kizilyurt. It is a real oasis with parks, houses, gazebos for recreation, ethnozones and aviaries with animals.
16:00-17:00 Arrival, lunch time (for an additional fee, from 850 rubles).
Visit to the Nokyo complex, which unites three caves (entrance ticket for an additional fee — from 700 rubles)
One is located on the left bank of the Sulak River and two on the right.
The total length of the labyrinths is several hundred meters.
The caves are connected by a suspension bridge, which is equipped 60 meters above the water. There are viewing platforms on both sides of the bridge where you can take a photo for memory.
The main extreme entertainment of the complex is a 250-meter high-speed descent through the gorge on a steel rope.
18:00-19:00 Group gathering and departure of buses to Astrakhan.
Overnight transfer by tourist bus to Astrakhan.
By prior arrangement, you can book a transfer to the airport of Makhachkala (the road to the airport is 1.5 hours).

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Day 7 - Completion of the tour in Astrakhan
Early arrival in Astrakhan.
Arrival in Astrakhan is approximately in the range of 5-7 am.
The time in the program is approximate.
Self-service transfer to the airport and railway station.

Difficulty

For any person

Accommodation

Hotel

4 nights

Comfort

Upscale
Premium

The tour includes accommodation in a hotel in Astrakhan, in the village. Izberbash and 2 overnight trips by tourist bus.

The cost of the tour for 1 person, depending on the accommodation, RUB.:

Hotel	2-local	1-local	Additional place
*Volga-Volga 3 (continental breakfast)**	39500	48350	39500
*Yantar 3 (continental breakfast)**	42850	53400	41700
*Cosmos 4 (breakfast buffet)**	43600	54700	42500
*Azimut 3 (breakfast buffet)**	45100	58850	43200
*Victoria Palace 4 (breakfast buffet)**	51300	69350	–

The cost of an additional day, RUB.:

Hotel	2-local	1-local	Additional place
*Volga-Volga 3 (continental breakfast)**	1200	1900	1200
"Amber" 3*	2100	3250	1800
*Cosmos 4 (breakfast buffet)**	2300	3600	2000
*Azimut 3 (breakfast buffet)**	2700	4700	2200
*Victoria Palace 4 (breakfast buffet)**	4350	7500	–

Volga-Volga 3*

The Volga-Volga Hotel Complex is located in the historical city of Astrakhan, in the Volga Delta. It offers a sauna, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and a restaurant.

The rooms of the complex are decorated in an elegant style. They are equipped with air conditioning, a TV, a telephone and a refrigerator. The private bathrooms are equipped with a hairdryer.

The Volga-Volga Complex's restaurant serves European cuisine.

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Another option

"Cosmos" 4*

This hotel is located in the center of Astrakhan, next to the main railway station and bus station. It offers modern rooms with flat-screen TVs and soundproof windows. Free parking is available. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

The rooms at the Cosmos Astrakhan Hotel are decorated in bright colors. They are equipped with air conditioning and a work desk. Each room is equipped with toiletries, a hairdryer and a free bottle of mineral water.

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Another option

"Azimuth" 3*

Azimut Astrakhan Hotel is located on the banks of the Volga River. It offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. The historical center of Astrakhan is just a 5-minute walk away.

All rooms at the Astrakhan Azimut Hotel have a refrigerator and a private bathroom. Some rooms offer views of the Volga River and the Astrakhan Kremlin.

A buffet breakfast with local and international dishes is served every morning in the Azimut's restaurant. Coffee and tea are served in the cozy lobby of SMART Living. Delicious snacks can be purchased at the Grab&Go counter.

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Another option

Victoria Palace 4*

Offering free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and rooms with a minibar, this hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Astrakhan Kremlin and 300 metres from the banks of the Volga River.

All rooms at the Victoria Palace Hotel are decorated in an elegant style. The floor is carpeted. Bathrooms are equipped with bathrobes and slippers.

The European Restaurant serves European and Russian cuisine. There is also an outdoor summer cafe at the hotel. Cocktails and drinks are served at 4 bars, including a piano bar and an Aqua bar by the pool.

The Victoria Palace Hotel has a sauna, a massage room and a swimming pool with a waterfall.

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Another option

"Amber" 3*

The Yantar Hotel has opened its doors in sunny Astrakhan, near the main streets and attractions.

For recreation, comfortable categories are offered, different in terms of pricing policy. Each room is decorated in a pleasant color scheme and harmonious design, equipped with a comfortable bed and other furniture, appliances and a private bathroom.

In the cafe with the same name, visitors can taste inexpensive and hearty dishes of both national and European cuisine.

The complex provides services for business meetings, seminars, as well as any celebrations.

The airport is 9 km away and the train station is 1 km away. There are architectural monuments and cultural centers within walking distance.

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Tour conditions

Group

up to 45 tourists

Minimum age

6 years old

Duration

7 days 6 nights

Group meets at

Astrakhan

Included in price

accommodation in a hotel of the selected category in Astrakhan (rooms with amenities);
accommodation in a hotel in the village. Izberbash (rooms with amenities, distance from the sea from 100-500 m.);
excursion service according to the program (Astrakhan Kremlin, Museum of Local Lore (2 expositions), recreation center services, ecotrope in the Astrakhan Biosphere Reserve, Derbent, Sulak Canyon);
transportation services according to the program;
meals according to the program in Astrakhan (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches).

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Astrakhan and back (by prior arrangement, at the end of the tour, you can book a transfer to Makhachkala airport);
meals not specified in the program or specified for an additional fee (breakfasts in Dagestan – from 300 rubles/breakfast, lunches – from 500 rubles/lunch);
meeting on the eve of the tour on request;
early check-in at the hotel;
entrance ticket to the Naryn-Kala fortress – from 300 rubles;
entrance ticket to the Maiden Towers, Juma Mosque – from 100 rubles;
boat trip along the Sulak canyon/Chirkeysky reservoir – from 1500 rubles;
excursion to Gunib – 3000 rubles/person.;
visit to the Nokyo cave complex – from 700 rubles/person.;
additional services and entertainment not included in the program, optional;
souvenirs.

It's important to know

Check list of things for excursions:

City sightseeing tour

Comfortable shoes
Headdress
Water

Lotus fields

Documents (passport, birth certificate), as the bases are located in the border area
Headdress
Lightweight Long Sleeve Clothing
Bathing accessories
Sun protection products
Water
The rule of behavior on the water: while the boat is moving, it is necessary to wear a life jacket, it is strictly forbidden to get up and move around the boat, drinking alcoholic beverages is prohibited, bathing is possible only in strictly designated places.

Astrakhan Biosphere Reserve

Documents (passport, birth certificate), as the reserve is located in the border area
Headdress
Comfortable shoes
Lightweight Long Sleeve Clothing
Snack and water (in case lunch is not included in the tour)
The rule of behavior on the water: while the boat is moving, it is necessary to wear a life jacket, it is strictly forbidden to get up and move around the boat, drinking alcoholic beverages is prohibited, bathing is possible only in strictly designated places

Astrakhan region is located in a unique corner of nature: the place where the Volga flows into the Caspian Sea. It will not work to swim in the sea, because there is no coastline in the Astrakhan region, but you can swim in the warm waters of the great Russian Volga River. In addition, it is a region with a rich history, colorful multinational flavor and diverse gastronomy.

In cafes and restaurants in the city, you can enjoy local cuisine (please note: drinking alcoholic beverages brought in all cafes and restaurants is strictly prohibited).

The time is +1 Moscow time. There is no TELE2 mobile operator in the region!

In all hotels, you can use the wifi connection service for free.

Urban public transport operates from 6.00 to 19.00-20.00 local time. The rest of the time, you can use taxi services, Yandex and Uber services operate in the region, the average cost of a trip around the city is 150-350 rubles.

Astrakhan souvenirs.

The most common souvenirs from Astrakhan are, of course, fish delicacies and caviar. You can buy fish products for every taste and purse at the fish market. Please note that in order to export black caviar and valuable fish species (sturgeon), you must have a receipt confirming the purchase (in the absence of a receipt, the products have the right to confiscate).

The usual themed magnets, plates and crafts on the Astrakhan theme are also sold there. Next to the fish market is the Mikhailovsky deli, where you can buy ready-made dishes of local cuisine. There is also an Aquarium store nearby, where you can buy fish snacks, canned food and other gastronomic specialties of the region.

Main attractions and activities.

The Astrakhan Kremlin.

The central entrance to the Kremlin is located at 2/14 V.Trediakovsky Street. Entrance to the Kremlin is free, opening hours are from 7.00 to 21.00.

Exhibitions operate on the territory of the Kremlin from May to September.

Theaters.

There are 4 theaters in Astrakhan: drama, puppet, young audience and opera and ballet. Tickets for productions of Astrakhan theaters can be purchased on the website www.kassir.ru .

Undoubtedly, the pearl of the theatrical life of the city is the Astrakhan Opera and Ballet Theater, which, in addition to bright productions, impresses with its beauty and scale, unique interiors made according to individual sketches, and the first mechanism for transforming the auditorium in Astrakhan.

Walking along the waterways of Astrakhan is one of the most sought-after entertainment for guests of the city.

From May to September, you can ride along the Volga around the island.Urban on a river tram.

The opening hours and the current ticket price can be specified by phone 8(8512)29-79-11.

In addition, walks on small trimarans and boats are offered to everyone on the Central Embankment.

The lotus blossom period attracts tourists to the Astrakhan region every year.

The Volga River Delta is the only place in the world where hectares of lotus fields are located.

The first lotuses bloom in mid-July, but mass flowering is observed in August and early September.

Dates and Prices

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9 – 15 Jul 7 days 6 nights

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23 – 29 Jul 7 days 6 nights

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6 – 12 Aug 7 days 6 nights

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20 – 26 Aug 7 days 6 nights

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Astrakhan and the Caspian Sea

Location

Tour highlights

Itinerary

Accommodation

Tour conditions

Included in price

Paid extra

It's important to know

Dates and Prices

Similar tours