The steppe triangle. Sightseeing tour with a visit to Volgograd, Astrakhan and Elista

An intense sightseeing tour of the three pearls of the south. 

You will be told about modern Volgograd, the famous high–speed tram, the monument to the patron saint of Volgograd and, of course, the tallest statue of Russia - the Motherland. 

Then you will see the picturesque sights of the Astrakhan region: the magnificent architecture of the capital of the region, the salt lake Baskunchak and the lotus fields in the Volga delta.

At the end of the tour, you will travel to authentic Elista. Kalmykia will surprise you with its endless steppe expanses, Buddhist temples, hospitable people and national cuisine.

Location

Volgograd
from
$956
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
7 days
6 nights
Departures
10 - 16 Jul
17 - 23 Jul
24 - 30 Jul
31 Jul - 6 Aug
7 - 13 Aug
14 - 20 Aug
21 - 27 Aug
4 - 10 Sep
Accommodation
  • Hotel
    6 nights
Comfort
  • Upscale
  • Premium
Difficulty
Easy
Suitable for everyone
Group
Up to 45 tourists
Minimum age
6 years old
Group meet at
Volgograd
Contact the tour coordinator
Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)
Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

The hero city of Volgograd
Let's get acquainted with the fascinating history of the Battle of Stalingrad and the city – before and after
Salt lake Baskunchak
Let's try the healing properties of the lake, which is famous for its salt, mud and waters
Fish delicacies
We will taste a delicious fish lunch with delicious dishes, and if desired, we can taste the freshest black caviar
Lotus Blossom
Let's go on a pleasant water excursion to enjoy the incredible sight of blooming lotus fields
The Way of the Buddha
We will admire the story paintings telling about Buddhism and see a unique 9-meter Buddha statue in Central Khurul.
The Way of the Nomad
We will learn about the traditions of Kalmykia, take a picture in a national costume and shoot an arrow.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Volgograd

    09:00 Group meeting in Volgograd at the forecourt near the fountain with a sign "Heirs of the Great Steppe/Steppe triangle".

    Attention! The time of the gathering of the group is indicated by the local time of the region.

    Excursion program "Hero city Volgograd" with a visit to the monument-ensemble "Mamaev Kurgan".

    You will get acquainted with the fascinating history of Tsaritsyn-Stalingrad-Volgograd, learn about its unusual foundation on a river island, about the industry and trade of merchant Tsaritsyn, about the Battle of Stalingrad, a fundamental turning point in World War II, visit the House of Sergeant Yakov Pavlov, one of the bastions of soldiers' glory; Lenin Square; the ruins of Gergard's mill.

    You will be told about modern Volgograd, the "dancing bridge", the famous high—speed tram, the monument to the patron saint of Volgograd and, of course, about the tallest statue of Russia - the sculptural composition "Motherland".

    Visit to the panorama museum of the Battle of Stalingrad.

    It consists of 8 exhibition halls, 4 dioramas, a triumphal, pre-panorama and panoramic halls, a cinema hall, and a military historical library.

    The complex was built on the historical landing site of the 13th Guards Rifle Division of Major General A. I. Rodimtsev in September 1942. With the help of AR technology, which allows us to "revive" the panorama museum's exposition, make it more dynamic and fulfilling, thanks to augmented reality, we will fully immerse ourselves in historical events.

    15:00 Check-in at the hotel of the selected category (two nights). Free time.

    Independent lunch.

    If desired, you can choose interesting leisure activities in your free time for an additional fee:

    • one-hour boat trip along the Volga River (during navigation 24.04-20.10, the cost depends on the type of ship). — from 1000/1500 RUB/person.;
    • visit to the Volgograd Planetarium — from 600 rubles.;
    • visit to the Memorial Historical Museum - from 400 rubles.;
    • visit to the museum "Russia — my history" — from 400 rubles.;
    • visit to the Volgograd Museum of Local Lore — from 600 rubles.;
    • visit to the Museum of Fine Arts — from 400 rubles.;
    • immersive performance-excursion "Fragments of memory" - 2000 RUB/adult, 1500 RUB/children under 16 years old.

    Optional, for an additional fee, lunch and dinner at the hotel:

    • 3* from 800 RUB/person+10% service fee of the hotel restaurant;
    • 4* from 1250 RUB/person+10% service fee of the hotel restaurant;
    • 5* from 1500 RUB/person+10% service fee of the hotel restaurant.
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  • Day 2 - Staraya Sarepta Museum-Reserve
  • Day 3 - Bogdinsk-Baskunchak Nature Reserve
  • Day 4 - Astrakhan
  • Day 5 - Sturgeon Farm — lotus fields
  • Day 6 - Elista is a pearl of the steppe
  • Day 7 - Departure
Difficulty
Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Accommodation
  • Hotel
    6 nights
Comfort
  • Upscale
  • Premium

The tour includes hotel accommodation in Volgograd and Astrakhan.

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

Hotel/Placement2-local1-localOther optionsAdditional place
Estelle + Amber 3*701008100070600 (2-seat PC+stand)64500
Estelle + Baku 3*715008250071800 (2-seat PC+stand)60100
Estelle + Bonotel 3*745008650075100 (2-seat PC+stand) 
Yuzhny 3*+ Amber 3*70700 (2 seats. Flex+standard)79600 / 84600 (Flex+standard)70700 (2 seats. Studio + 2 seats.)64500 (Studio)
Yuzhny 3*+ Baku 3*
71800 (2 seats. Studio + 2 seats.)
79100 / 84000 (Flex+standard)71800 (Studio+2-seats.)60100 (Studio)
Yuzhny + Bonotel 3*75000 (Flex+standard)84000 / 88800 (Flex+standard)75,000 (2-bed Flex/Studio+standard)-
Yuzhny 3*+ Cosmos 4*74500 (Flex+standard) 85600 / 90600 (Flex+standard)74500 (Studio + 2 seats)69000 (Studio)
South + Azimuth 3*80,000 (Flex +standard)97500 / 102500 (Flex+standard)88000 (Studio+Superior)72500 (Studio+Superior)
The Hamptons + Cosmos 4*768009450078200 (2-bed, family room)69000
Hampton + Astrakhan 4*85700110100--
Volgograd + Victoria Palace 5*Under the requestUnder the request--

The cost of an additional day, rub.:

Hotel/Placement2-local1-localOther optionsAdditional place
Yuzhny 3* (Volgograd)3600 (Flex)4200 / 6400 (Flex)3600 (Studio)2250 (studio only)
Estelle 3* (Volgograd)330048003500 (2 beds, PC, comfort room)2250 (comfort room only)
Hampton 4* (Volgograd)450078005000 (2 seats. family.)2250
Volgograd 5*(Volgograd)5500 (courtyard view)9200 (courtyard view)--
Azimuth 3* (Astrakhan)45007700-3300
Bonotel 3* (Astrakhan)35004900--
Yantar 3* (Astrakhan)26004000-2200
Baku 3* (Astrakhan)28003900-1100
Cosmos 4* (Astrakhan)35005500-3200
Victoria Palace 4*(Astrakhan)64009800-On request
Astrakhan 5* (Astrakhan)55008500--

Check-out time in hotels in Volgograd and Astrakhan:

  • 14:00 (local time +1 a.m. Moscow time) – check-in;
  • 12:00 (local time +1 a.m. Moscow time) – eviction.

Early check-in is only possible if you pay for a room for a full day (according to the hotel rules).

The Yuzhny Hotel or The Estelle Hotel or 2 nights
The Yuzhny Hotel

The comfortable Yuzhny Hotel is located in Volgograd. Here, guests can be offered a high level of service. The service includes: free internet, luggage storage, secure parking and daily cleaning.

The interior is decorated in a classic style. The spacious rooms have all the necessary amenities for full-fledged accommodation and accommodation. The rooms will be equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a desk with chairs, a wardrobe, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and toiletries.

There is a bar on site, as well as a restaurant with a wide range of dishes for every taste. Food and drink delivery is available. There is a mini grocery market on the ground floor.

Nearby are the Don Cossack Theater, the Alley of Heroes, cinemas and a shopping center. The airport is 15 km away.

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Another option
The Estelle Hotel

Estel Hotel is located in the central part of Volgograd, close to many public and cultural facilities. Among the services for guests there is a ticket office, luggage storage and more. Free Wi-Fi connection is available throughout the hotel. 

The accommodation is offered in comfortable rooms with a pleasant atmosphere and stylish interior. All categories are equipped with a refrigerator, safe and other necessary appliances. The residents also have access to the facilities of an individual bathroom with high-quality plumbing.

The hotel has its own restaurant, which serves a nutritious breakfast buffet every morning. 

The hotel's location allows for quick access to the train station and bus station. It will be equally convenient to get to the embankment and the river port. The distance to these objects will not exceed 3 km. Not far from it there is a youth theater, the Diamond Zatsaritsinsky shopping center, bank branches and chain stores. The International Airport is a 30-minute drive away.

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Another option
The Hampton by Hilton Hotel

The 4-star Hampton by Hilton Trade Union Hotel is located 2 km from the center of Volgograd. Several additional services are provided for residents - a fitness center, a small library, and parking. Free Wi-Fi is available everywhere.

The modern room stock is designed in a single style and is represented by several categories. Each room has ergonomic beds with snow-white linens, as well as the necessary furniture and appliances. A safe can be used to store personal items. Terry towels and hygiene supplies are provided.

A hearty buffet breakfast is served every morning, where you can enjoy hot dishes. There is also a lobby where you can order drinks and fresh pastries.

There is a high-speed tram stop and Voroshilovsky shopping center within walking distance. Mamayev Kurgan is a 20-minute drive away.

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Another option
Volgograd Hotel

The Volgograd Hotel is located in the historical center of the hero city of the same name. The hotel offers 157 comfortable and modern rooms of various categories. 

The interior of each room is designed in a simple classical style, which will create a welcoming atmosphere for both a working environment and relaxation after a hard day. Professional staff, a cozy atmosphere, and aesthetic enjoyment will make your stay unforgettable.

The hotel has a Moliere restaurant serving European cuisine. The Biarritz SPA complex and a fitness room are available for guests. 

Within walking distance is the Volga River embankment with numerous parks and squares, which are perfect for walking and exploring the city. The famous Panorama-Battle of Stalingrad Museum can be reached in a short time. The distance to the airport is 15 km, to the railway station is 0.5 km.

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AZIMUT City Hotel Astrakhan or The Bonotel Hotel or 4 nights

Tour conditions

Group
up to 45 tourists
Minimum age
6 years old
Duration
7 days 6 nights
Group meets at
Volgograd

Included in price

  • accommodation in a hotel of the selected category (2 nights in Volgograd, 4 nights in Astrakhan); 
  • nutrition: 6 breakfasts at the hotel (depending on the concept of the hotel, a complex buffet, with an early departure from the hotel — a lunch box) and 3 lunches according to the program on days 3, 5 and 6; 
  • immersive performance tour "Tomorrow begins yesterday"; 
  • entrance fees: to the panorama museum "Battle of Stalingrad", "Old Sarepta Museum", "Astrakhan Museum of Local Lore"; Astrakhan Kremlin, hurul "Golden Monastery of Buddha Shakyamuni", Museum of Nomadic peoples, visit to the sturgeon farm; 
  • Volga Delta walk to lotus fields; 
  • transportation service according to the tour program;
  • guided tour service according to the tour program. 

Paid extra

  • air and railway tickets to and from Volgograd;
  • meals not specified in the program or specified for an additional fee (breakfast on day 1, lunch on days 1, 2, 4, 7, and dinner);
  • extra day of hotel accommodation in Volgograd and Astrakhan (before/after the tour);
  • additional excursions:
    • visit to a private brewery with beer tasting and a pleasant ride on the river tram: 3000 — rub./adult, 2800 — rub./children. up to 12 years old (natural juice is offered to children and minors instead of beer; the tour is booked in advance and will take place with a group of 10 people or more; paid on the spot);
    • excursion to the watermelon melon with tasting of different varieties of watermelons: 3600 — rub./adult, 3400 — rub./children. up to 12 years old (the tour must be booked in advance and will take place with a group of 10 people or more; paid on site);
    • an hour boat trip along the Volga River — from 1,500 rubles/adult.;
    • visit to the Volgograd Planetarium — from 600 rubles.;
    • visit to the Memorial Historical Museum - from 400 rubles.;
    • visit to the museum "Russia — my history" — from 400 rubles.;
    • visit to the Volgograd Museum of Local Lore — from 600 rubles.;
    • visit to the Museum of Fine Arts — from 400 rubles.

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

Checklist of things for excursions:

City Sightseeing Tour
  1. Comfortable shoes.
  2. A headdress.
  3. Water.

Lotus fields

 

  1. Documents (passport, birth certificate), as the bases are located in the border area.
  2. A headdress.
  3. Light clothes with long sleeves.
  4. Bathing accessories.
  5. Sunburn products.
  6. Water.
  7. 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.

Mount Bogdo and Lake Baskunchak

 

  1. Comfortable rubber shoes (it is impossible to walk barefoot on the lake, and ordinary shoes can deteriorate from salt).
  2.  A headdress.
  3. Light clothes with long sleeves.
  4. Documents (passport, birth certificate), as the reserve is located in the border area.
  5. Snack and water (check out early in the morning).
  6. Bathing accessories (in the warmer months there is an opportunity to swim on the lake. One-way transfer to the lake 350-500r/person. Shower cabins cost 50p/person).

Astrakhan melon

 

  1. Comfortable shoes.
  2. A headdress.
  3. Water.
Elista
  1. In a Buddhist hurul (temple), shoes must be removed, so if you are not comfortable, take socks with you.
  2. Snack and water (check out early in the morning).
Are plane tickets included in the price of the tour?
Is insurance included in the price of the tour?
What is the weather like in Astrakhan?
What are the features of the region?
Is there a discount for children?
What else do you need to know about the tour?
Do I need to apply for a pass to participate in the tour?

Dates and Prices

  • $956
    10 – 16 Jul 7 days 6 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now
  • $956
    17 – 23 Jul 7 days 6 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • $956
    24 – 30 Jul 7 days 6 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • $956
    31 Jul – 6 Aug 7 days 6 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • $956
    7 – 13 Aug 7 days 6 nights
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    No need to pay now

Reviews Leave a review

  • T
    Tatiana
    about provider
    28 Oct, 2025
    I really enjoyed the tour “The Splendor of the Lower Volga and the Pearl of Kalmykia.” The local providers did an excellent job, everything was perfectly arranged! Many thanks to Maria, the tour coordinator, for her efficiency and reliability! Our guide Evelina was absolutely outstanding, knowledgeable, engaging, and professional! The tour was rich and informative. I highly recommend it to everyone!
  • O
    Olga
    about provider
    21 Oct, 2025
    A well-organized tour of the beautiful (if slightly neglected) city of Astrakhan and its region, which combine stunning natural riches with a fascinating historical heritage: nomads, the Golden Horde, a rebellious spirit, and respected merchants. Special thanks to Maria and Evelina, who were always available and quick to help with any questions or issues that came up.
  • E
    Elena
    about provider
    29 Sep, 2025
    Everything was very well organized. The buses were comfortable, and our guide Maria was always available and ready to help with any questions.