The edge of the Volga steppes. Sightseeing tour to Astrakhan region and Kalmykia

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A harmonious combination of man-made and natural attractions of Astrakhan and Elista. You will see ancient merchant mansions, the ancient preserved Kremlin in Astrakhan, as well as a large Buddhist temple, the Golden Gate "Altyn Bosch", the pagoda “Seven Days“ and the monument "Exodus and Return” in Elista.

The impressions of this tour will be complemented by the endless steppe landscapes, the protected area of the Bogdinsky-Baskunchak Reserve and the indescribable national flavor of the nomadic people!

Location

Astrakhan

Sightseeing tours

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

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Tour highlights

The Sacred Mountain of Bogdo

Let's take a picture against the background of Martian landscapes and hear the melodies of singing rocks

The life of nomadic peoples

We will learn about the traditions of the peoples of Kalmykia, take pictures in national costume and shoot arrows

Guardian of the Centuries

The Astrakhan Kremlin is one of the 12 surviving kremlins in Russia and will tell us many informative stories

Itinerary

Day 1 - Sightseeing tour of the city of Astrakhan
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 Local History Museum 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 of which there are 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 this day, a tour 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.
18:00-19:00 Transfer to the hotel.
After checking in, you can walk around the city on your own, or take a trip:
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);
a boat trip along the city canals on a trimaran (a water tour lasts 1 hour, the cost starts from 500 rubles/person)
Boat trips are available by appointment.

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Day 2 - Bogdinsky-Baskunchak Nature Reserve
06:30-07:00 Early breakfast at the hotel.
07:00 The beginning of an exciting trip to the protected area of the Bogdinsky-Baskunchak reserve with a visit to the Sacred mountain Bolshoe Bogdo and the "Astrakhan Dead Sea" — Lake Baskunchak. The road to the reserve takes 4.5-5.5 hours, but thanks to the interesting travel information from the guide, time flies by unnoticed.
Bolshoe Bogdo Mountain is a landscape wonder and the highest point of the Caspian lowland. You will be able to take pictures against the background of Martian landscapes, hear the melodies of singing rocks and recharge your batteries from a Buddhist place of power.
The next stop is the salt lake Baskunchak. In addition to the fact that the lake is an "All-Russian salt shaker", its waters, mud and brine have healing properties, so bathing in the lake will not only bring a lot of pleasure, but also benefit the body.
A transfer to the bathing areas is organized for an additional fee (medium and long breaks — from 500 rubles /person).
Important! Take with you bathing accessories, a hat, water and rubber shoes (slippers, slates, etc.) so that you can walk around the lake and swim.
The order of inspection is determined by the guide on the spot.
Important! In bad weather (rains), transfer to Bolshoe Bogdo Mountain is provided by PAZ buses and is paid on site in the amount of 300 rubles per person.
During the excursion service, a set lunch is provided in the cafe of the village.
24:00-01:00 Arrival in Astrakhan.

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Day 3 - Elista is a pearl of the steppe
06:30-07:00 Early breakfast at the hotel.
07:00 You will go on an excursion to the capital of Buddhism in Russia — the authentic Elista, the capital of the Republic of Kalmykia. The journey to Elista takes 3-4 hours, but thanks to the interesting travel information from the guide, time flies by unnoticed.
The amazing thing will begin on the road: the endless steppe expanses, through which the Great Silk Road ran and the caravans of nomads walked, pacify and help to tune in to the creative mood so characteristic of Buddhism.
It is this attitude that will allow you to fully enjoy the objects of a sightseeing tour of the city: the largest Buddhist temple in Europe, the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha, the Seven Days pagoda, the Dragon and the Boy fountain, Druzhba Park, and also pass through the Altyn Bosch — the Golden Gate, believed to purify soul and thoughts.
The program also provides for an inspection of the monument "Exodus and Return". A visit to the private museum of nomadic peoples, located on the territory of the Chess Town, will leave a special impression, where you can learn more about the traditions of the peoples of Kalmykia, take pictures in national costume and shoot arrows.
Before leaving for the return trip, a visit to local shops is provided, where you can buy groceries for the road, as well as souvenirs.
During the excursion service, a national lunch is provided in the cafe of the city of Elista.
21:00-22:00 Arrival in Astrakhan.

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Day 4 - Departure
Breakfast at the hotel.
Rooms are available until 12:00.
12:00 Organized group transfer to the railway station, to the airport.

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

3 nights

Comfort

Midscale
Upscale
Premium

The tour includes accommodation in a hotel.

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

Hotel	2-local	1-local	Additional place
Volga – Volga 2* (continental breakfast)	22 500	25 100	22 500
Yantar 3* (continental breakfast)	25 900	30 200	24 700
Cosmos 4* (breakfast buffet)	26 600	31 500	25 500
Azimut 3* (breakfast buffet)	28 100	35 600	26 200
Victoria Palace 4* (breakfast buffet)	34 300	46 100	–

The cost of an additional day, RUB.:

Hotel	2-local	1-local	Additional place
Volga – Volga 3*	1 200	1 900	1 200
"Amber" 3*	2 100	3 250	1 800
"Cosmos" 4*	2 300	3 600	2 000
"Azimuth" 3*	2 700	4 700	2 200
Victoria Palace 4*	4 350	7 500	–

Volga – Volga 2*

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

4 days 3 nights

Group meets at

Astrakhan

Included in price

accommodation in a hotel of the selected category (rooms with amenities);
excursion service according to the program (Astrakhan Kremlin, Museum of Local Lore (2 expositions), Buddhist hurul “Golden Monastery of Shakyamuni”, Museum of nomadic peoples, Bogdinsky-Baskunchak reserve);
transportation services according to the program;
meals according to the program (3 breakfasts and 3 lunches).

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Astrakhan and back;
meals not specified in the program;
meeting on the eve of the tour on request;
early check-in at the hotel;
additional services and entertainment;
boat trip (by appointment):
- on the Volga by tram – from 650 rubles /person.;
- by city channels on a trimaran – from 500 rubles/person.

It's important to know

Check list of things for excursions:

City sightseeing tour

Comfortable shoes
Headdress
Water

Bogdo Mountain and Baskunchak Lake

Comfortable rubber shoes (it is impossible to walk barefoot on the lake, and ordinary shoes can deteriorate from salt)
Headdress
Lightweight Long Sleeve Clothing
Documents (passport, birth certificate), as the reserve is located in the border area
Snack and water (check out early in the morning)
Bathing accessories (in the warmer months there is an opportunity to swim on the lake. One-way transfer to the lake 500 rubles/person. Shower cabins for an additional fee.

Elista

In a Buddhist hurula (temple), shoes must be removed, so if you are not comfortable, take socks with you;
Snack and water (check out early in the morning).

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 Astrakhan themes 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 Gorodskoy Island 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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from
$226

12 – 15 Sep, 2025 4 days 3 nights

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The edge of the Volga steppes. Sightseeing tour to Astrakhan region and Kalmykia

Location

Tour highlights

Itinerary

Accommodation

Tour conditions

Included in price

Paid extra

It's important to know

Dates and Prices

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