The luxury of the Lower Volga and the pearl of Kalmykia

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A leisurely vacation in the Astrakhan region with a visit to the capital of Kalmykia – Elista.

On this tour you will see all the most picturesque places of Astrakhan, go to the Volga Delta, where you will get acquainted with the local flora and fauna on a water excursion, and in July and August you will find an incredible sight – the lotus blossom!

You will feel the real Kalmyk hospitality: you will see the largest Buddhist temple in Europe, purify your soul and thoughts by passing under the Golden Gate “Altyn Bosch”, learn about the traditions of the peoples of Kalmykia and taste the national cuisine.

Location

Astrakhan

Sightseeing tours

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

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Tour highlights

Picturesque Volga Delta

Let's count the number of varieties of herons, make a wish for splashing fish and swim on the island

The capital of the Golden Horde

We will walk along the narrow streets, inspect residential buildings and other buildings recreated using IV century technologies

Delicious national traditions

Let's try exotic salty Kalmyk tea and sweet bortsoki in Kalmykia

Itinerary

Day 1 - Sightseeing tour of the city of Astrakhan
Arrival in Astrakhan. Group transfer to the hotel.
12:20-13:00 Gathering of the group from the hotels for the excursion program.
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 exposition of the x Museum of Local Lore reflects 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, guests will be able to visit the most unique and mysterious exposition of the museum — the "Gold of the Sarmatians", which contains 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, guests 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 check-in, guests will have the opportunity to walk around the city on their 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 900 rubles / person).

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Day 2 - Volga Delta (lotus flowering period — July and August)
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30-09:00 Gathering of the group from the hotels.
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 guests 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, guests will enjoy a set lunch with elements of traditional Astrakhan cuisine. In their free time, a swimming pool and a recreation area are available on the territory of the recreation center.
17:00-18:30 Arrival in Astrakhan.
Transfer to the hotel. Free time.

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Day 3 - Elista is a pearl of the steppe
06:30-07:20 Early breakfast at the hotel.
07:20-08:00 Gathering of the group from the hotels. Guests 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 special impression for the guests will be left by a visit to the private museum of nomadic peoples located on the territory of the Chess Town, 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. Transfer to the hotel

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Day 4 - Sarai Batu is the capital of the Golden Horde
07:00-08:30 Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30-09:00 Gathering of the group from the hotels. Take a snack with you on the road (sandwiches, fruits, water).
09:00 Departure to the scenery of the ancient capital of the Golden Horde — Sarai Batu. It takes 2 hours to get to Sarai Batu, but thanks to the interesting travel information from the guide, time flies by unnoticed.
On this journey, you will visit the place where one of the most progressive cities of its time, Sarai Batu, was once located. Now the village of Saltpetre is located here, in the vicinity of which archaeological excavations of the ruins of the city, called Saltpetre settlement, are carried out annually.
It is here that ancient artifacts have been found that reveal the secrets of the life of the great Golden Horde tribe. On the way, you will have the opportunity to see with your own eyes the site of the archaeological excavations "Saltpeter hillfort" and a memorial sign.
The excursion program continues in the Sarai Batu Museum complex, which is a set built for the filming of the feature film "Horde".
Here you can stroll through the narrow streets, explore residential buildings and other buildings recreated using IV century technologies, as well as see with your own eyes the medieval water supply system. Not far from the scenery there is a playground with sand sculptures "Dreams of Barkhans" and the historical museum "Yurt of Khan" for independent visits.
For an additional fee, those who wish can ride a camel, take pictures in historical costumes and shoot arrows.
15:30-16:00 Arrival in Astrakhan.
A set lunch in a cafe in the city.
The end of the program is in the city center. Independent return to the hotel.

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Day 5 - Free day. An additional tour is optional
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day.
For an additional fee, it is possible to purchase an excursion to the Bogdinsky-Baskunchak reserve, it is booked and paid for when buying a tour (in this case, seats are guaranteed, when paying in Astrakhan — according to availability):
06:30-07:20 Early breakfast at the hotel.
07:20-08:00 Gathering of the group from the hotels. 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. Guests will be able to take photos against the background of Martian landscapes, hear the melodies of singing rocks and recharge their 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).
Attention! 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.
The cost of the tour in 2025 is being clarified.
The price includes: transport service, guide support, set lunch, ecological collection of the reserve.

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Day 6 - Departure
Breakfast at the hotel until 12:00.
Room release.
12:00 Organized group transfer to the railway station, airport.

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

5 nights

Comfort

Upscale
Premium

The tour includes accommodation in a hotel in Astrakhan.

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

Hotel	2-local	1-local	Additional place
Cosmos 4* (breakfast buffet)	45500	55150	42050
Azimut 3* (breakfast buffet)	48300	63300	44550

The cost of an additional day, RUB.:

Hotel	2-local	1-local	Additional place
"Cosmos" 4*	2750	4300	2200
"Azimuth" 3*	3750	6600	–

"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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Tour conditions

Group

up to 45 tourists

Minimum age

6 years old

Duration

6 days 5 nights

Group meets at

Astrakhan

Included in price

accommodation in a hotel of the selected category (rooms with amenities);
guided tour service according to the program;
transportation services according to the program;
meals according to the program (5 breakfasts and 4 lunches);
entrance tickets according to the program (Astrakhan Kremlin, Museum of Local Lore (2 expositions), Sarai Batu complex, Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha, Museum of Nomadic Peoples).

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;
excursion to the Bogdinsky-Baskunchak reserve – approximately 5000 rubles/person.
additional services and entertainment;
boat trip (by appointment):
- on the Volga by tram – from 900 rubles / person.

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.
Batu Shed	Headdress Bathing accessories (in the warmer months it is possible to swim on the Ashuluk river)
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 it is possible to swim on the lake. Transfer to the lake in one direction 350-500r/person. Showers cost 50 rubles /person).
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 annually attracts tourists to the Astrakhan region.

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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1 – 6 May, 2025 6 days 5 nights

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8 – 13 May, 2025 6 days 5 nights

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22 – 27 May, 2025 6 days 5 nights

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26 Jun – 1 Jul, 2025 6 days 5 nights

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3 – 8 Jul, 2025 6 days 5 nights

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10 – 15 Jul, 2025 6 days 5 nights

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17 – 22 Jul, 2025 6 days 5 nights

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24 – 29 Jul, 2025 6 days 5 nights

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31 Jul – 5 Aug, 2025 6 days 5 nights

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7 – 12 Aug, 2025 6 days 5 nights

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14 – 19 Aug, 2025 6 days 5 nights

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21 – 26 Aug, 2025 6 days 5 nights

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4 – 9 Sep, 2025 6 days 5 nights

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11 – 16 Sep, 2025 6 days 5 nights

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18 – 23 Sep, 2025 6 days 5 nights

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