Big Country Travel: Trips to Russia, Adventure Tours & Vacation Packages

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The Baikal Classics Tour is a 5–day tour of the most beloved and famous places on Lake Baikal. You will visit Olkhon Island – a place that must be visited! Make a kind of “time travel” by walking on excursions to architectural monuments of wooden architecture or taking a train along the Circum-Baikal railway, get acquainted with flora and fauna at the limnological museum of Lake Baikal in Listvyanka and much more!

Location

Russia, Irkutsk

Sightseeing tours

from

Early
booking

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

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Tour highlights

The Guardian of Lake Baikal

We will see an almost eight-meter bronze sculpture by the famous sculptor Dasha Namdakov

Circum-Baikal Railway

We are waiting for a day trip along Lake Baikal on a comfortable train

Taltsy Museum

Immerse yourself in the authentic historical atmosphere at the Museum of Wooden Architecture

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Irkutsk. Excursion to the Taltsy Museum and Listvyanka village
After arriving in Irkutsk, your summer adventure to Lake Baikal begins!
As soon as the group gathers at the agreed time, you will go to Lake Baikal to a popular tourist village on the shore – Listvyanka.
The road to Listvyanka runs along the picturesque Baikal highway, popularly called "Baikal Rublevka" – here is the elite suburban real estate of Irkutsk.
The track is comfortable and beautiful: there are trees on the sides, as a rule, there are no traffic jams.
The village is located about 70 km from Irkutsk.
After about an hour of travel, you will already see Lake Baikal!
On the way to Listvyanka, you will stop at the Taltsy Open-air museum.
Taltsy is an architectural and ethnographic museum, where examples of wooden architecture of the past centuries are collected.
It is located on the picturesque shore of the Angara River surrounded by the Siberian forest, which gives it an authentic look and an authentic historical atmosphere.
The guide will conduct an exciting tour, after which you will go further to Listvyanka.
On the way you will see the legendary Shaman Stone, which is associated with a beautiful legend.
Visit the Baikal Museum, which not only conducts expositional and educational activities, but also continues to engage in serious scientific research, and therefore you will not find out such information about Lake Baikal "first-hand" anywhere.
This day will end with a return to Irkutsk and check-in at the hotel. You will have a free evening, which you can devote to rest, walking around the city.
You will see: the architectural and ethnographic museum "Taltsy", the limnological museum of Lake Baikal, Shaman Stone, Listvyanka.
Included in the price: accommodation, excursion to Listvyanka and Taltsy, guide, group transfer.

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Day 2 - KBZHD tour
On the morning of the second day, we will have a tour of the Circum-Baikal railway (KBZHD).
KBZHD tour is a day trip along Lake Baikal on a comfortable train.
In the early morning you will leave for the port of Baikal near Listvyanka, from where the tour will begin.
A train is waiting for you here, which moves along the old Circum-Baikal railway.
You will learn the history of railway construction, about the life and history of the local population.
The Krugobaikalka is called the "Golden Buckle of the Steel Belt of Russia", the "buckle" because it connected the Trans–Siberian railway torn by Baikal, and the "golden" because it surpassed all existing roads in Russia in terms of cost of work.
This unique railway line was created at the beginning of the XX century and today is an architectural and landscape reserve. 40 tunnels through the rocks and 16 galleries were built here, as well as bridges and viaducts.
As part of the tour, you will be able to explore many tunnels, take memorable photos of interesting locations, and in the middle of the day you will have a delicious lunch.
The tour involves a stop in an amazing place – at the railway station in Slyudyanka.
It is called the marble wonder of the Transsib.
The station building is made of unpolished Baikal marble, built more than a century ago and still remains in operation: in 2005, the 100th anniversary of the reconstruction of the building was carried out.
Currently, an interactive exhibition is taking place in the building of the Slyudyansky railway station, for example, the floor at the station imitates the water surface of Lake Baikal and the surf.
The tour will end with a visit to the capital of Eastern Siberia – the city of Irkutsk.
You will find: Baikal, KBZHD, tunnels, marble railway station in Slyudyanka, ferry crossing to the port of Baikal.
Included in the price: breakfast, group transfer, accommodation, excursion, lunch.

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Day 3 - The road to Olkhon
After breakfast at the hotel, you will go towards the most popular place on Lake Baikal – Olkhon Island.
Olkhon is a truly unforgettable and one of the most famous places on Lake Baikal, which is rightfully called a place of power and especially powerful energy!
The way to Olkhon will run along a comfortable highway surrounded by beautiful picturesque nature.
Olkhon is an island, and it is reached via a ferry crossing.
Your way to the ferry crossing will be along the "Martian Road", as our tourists often say about the Tagheran steppes.
These are kilometers of open space, in some places picturesquely decorated with rocky remnants, where the road winds like a snake between hills and hills.
After crossing to the island, you will find a road to the center of Olkhon – the village of Khuzhir, where you will settle at the recreation center.
In the evening, you will have free time, which you can spend exploring the surroundings of the village.
Within walking distance is the business card of Lake Baikal, the most popular, recognizable and at the same time energetically strong location – Cape Burkhan, Shamanka rock.
We will go for a walk there at sunset – the rays of the setting sun color the waters of Lake Baikal with burning shades.
This is an incredibly beautiful and pleasant sight and pastime!
You will see: Tazheran steppes, ferry crossing, the road through the steppes of the south of Olkhon, Cape Burkhan, Shamanka rock.
Included in the price: group transfer, accommodation, breakfast, lunch on the way to Olkhon.

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Day 4 - Excursion to the north of Olkhon Island to Cape Khoboy
After breakfast, you will go on an excursion to the picturesque part of the island – to the north, to Cape Khoboy.
The cape is located in the very north of the island.
Being near the edge of the cape, Lake Baikal seems endless, its greatness and spaciousness are felt!
You will also visit Cape of Love (or Cape Shunte-Left).
Locals say that childless couples used to come to the cape, and after the rituals and prayers, they soon had children.
The cape is distinguished by the characteristic shapes of the rocks, and the views from there are fascinating!
In addition, as part of the tour, you will capture Cape Sagan-Khushun (or "Three Brothers"), a sheer cliff of snow–white marble.
A beautiful legend about the three brothers is associated with this cape – they will definitely tell it to you, and being there, listening to the legend, you feel like a participant or at least a witness of the events described.
After that, you will go further along the island: there are picturesque steppes around and suddenly an almost eight–meter bronze sculpture in the form of an unusual tree appears in front of your eyes - this is the creation of the famous sculptor Dasha Namdakov "Keeper of Lake Baikal", his gift to Lake Baikal.
The sculpture is located at some distance from the roads, on a hill.
It looks extremely authentic and majestic!
In the middle of the day, you will strengthen your strength by eating a fragrant lunch against the backdrop of beautiful Baikal nature!
The tour takes place with stops in the most beautiful places where you can take wonderful photos for memory.
Returning to the hotel, you can devote the evening to horseback riding (you must book in advance before leaving for Olkhon), rest.
You will see: Cape Sagan-Khushun, Cape of Love, Cape Sagan-Khushun, Cape Khoboy, sculpture by Dasha Namdakov "Keeper of Lake Baikal".
Included in the price: accommodation, breakfast, excursion, picnic lunch, group transfer, permits to visit the national park.

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Day 5 - Farewell to Olkhon. Return to Irkutsk
On this day, our amazing journey through Olkhon is coming to an end.
Breakfast awaits you in the morning and you will have the opportunity to take a last walk around Olkhon.
In the afternoon, departure to Irkutsk, where the tour program will end.
If you wish, you can complement your unforgettable trip to Olkhon and add an excursion to the south of the island. You will visit such places as: Lake Khankoy, the "Rock Garden", a lonely birch tree, the sunniest part of the island – Khalzany Falls. For more information, you will need to contact your tour organizer. The excursion is not included in the price of the tour, it is paid additionally.
Included in the price: breakfast, group transfer, lunch on the way to Irkutsk.

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Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

or

Camp Site, Hotel

2 nights
Hotel

1 night

Comfort

Basic+
Midscale
Upscale

During the tour we will stop in Irkutsk and Olkhon Island.

It is possible to accommodate up to 4 people in a room (if it is a family).

The cost of accommodation depends on the chosen comfort level:

Economy – accommodation at a recreation center or in a hotel (facilities on the floor or in an adjacent building);
Standard – a comfortable room equipped with a private bathroom (shower and toilet), with the number of beds according to the number of residents;
Comfort is a more spacious and comfortable room in comparison with the "standard" category, equipped with a modern design (shower and toilet inside).

The possibility of staying in a particular accommodation facility also depends on the workload and available dates. For more information, please contact the tour operator.

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

Economy	Standard	Comfort
73 000	83 000	113 000

Surcharge for single accommodation for 1 person, RUB.:

Economy	Standard	Comfort
9 000	16 000	30 000

The possible placement options are presented below.

Children from 0 to 2 years old receive a 25% discount (does not occupy a separate place during the stay, without meals).
Children from 2 to 5 years old receive a 20% discount (all inclusive, as an adult: seat, meals).
Children from 5 to 10 years old inclusive receive a 15% discount (all inclusive, as an adult: seat, meals).

BO "Aldartai", BO "Tatiana's" or similar

The objects of the Economy level accommodation are cozy comfortable houses (amenities on the floor or in the neighboring building).

Another option

BO "Aldartai", Camping hotel "Olkhon" or similar

The Standard level accommodation facilities are cozy rooms with their own bathroom.

Another option

Villa "Malina", TC "Saraisky" or similar

Comfort – a more spacious and comfortable room in comparison with the "standard" category, equipped with a modern design (shower and toilet inside).

Tour conditions

Group

up to 18 tourists

Minimum age

2 years old

Duration

5 days 4 nights

Group meets at

Russia, Irkutsk

Included in price

group transfer throughout the tour;
meals specified in the program: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches;
excursions described in the tour program;
habitation;
guide services (where stated in the program of the day);
permission to visit The National Park.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Irkutsk and back;
meals, if specified in the program independently or at your own expense;
drinks and dishes not included in the main menu according to the program;
additional services specified in the program for an additional fee or not specified in the program;
additional excursions and transfers not included in the program;
equipment rental.

It's important to know

Required: passport, MHI policy;
headdress (cap / hat / bandana);
sunscreen (protection factor of at least 20);
sunglasses (with at least 2 UV protection);
bathing accessories: swimsuit, towel and slippers (for visiting the sauna/hot springs, if provided by the program);
mosquito and tick repellents (recommended to purchase in Irkutsk);
personal first aid kit (if you need specific medicines);
rain cape (raincoat);
photo/video equipment (spare flash cards);
portable charger (power bank);
comfortable shoes (athletic shoes / sandals);
toiletries;
small backpack (for excursions and walks);
sealed packaging for documents;
insulated clothing (jacket / light hat / hoodies / thin gloves);
binoculars;
a seat (a tourist hob).

Dates and Prices

Individual dates available on request

1 Jul – 26 Aug, 2025

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from
$733

31 May – 4 Jun, 2025 5 days 4 nights

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$733

2 – 6 Jun, 2025 5 days 4 nights

Tour option - The classics of Lake Baikal. Mirror route

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$733

12 – 16 Jun, 2025 5 days 4 nights

Tour option - The classics of Lake Baikal. Mirror route

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from
$733

17 – 21 Jun, 2025 5 days 4 nights

Tour option - The classics of Lake Baikal. Mirror route

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from
$733

20 – 24 Jun, 2025 5 days 4 nights

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$733

2 – 6 Jul, 2025 5 days 4 nights

Tour option - The classics of Lake Baikal. Mirror route

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from
$733

7 – 11 Jul, 2025 5 days 4 nights

Tour option - The classics of Lake Baikal. Mirror route

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from
$733

10 – 14 Jul, 2025 5 days 4 nights

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$733

12 – 16 Jul, 2025 5 days 4 nights

Tour option - The classics of Lake Baikal. Mirror route

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No need to pay now
from
$733

17 – 21 Jul, 2025 5 days 4 nights

Tour option - The classics of Lake Baikal. Mirror route

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from
$733

20 – 24 Jul, 2025 5 days 4 nights

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$733

22 – 26 Jul, 2025 5 days 4 nights

Tour option - The classics of Lake Baikal. Mirror route

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from
$733

27 – 31 Jul, 2025 5 days 4 nights

Tour option - The classics of Lake Baikal. Mirror route

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from
$733

1 – 5 Aug, 2025 5 days 4 nights

Tour option - The classics of Lake Baikal. Mirror route

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from
$733

4 – 8 Aug, 2025 5 days 4 nights

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11 – 15 Aug, 2025 5 days 4 nights

Tour option - The classics of Lake Baikal. Mirror route

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from
$733

14 – 18 Aug, 2025 5 days 4 nights

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$733

16 – 20 Aug, 2025 5 days 4 nights

Tour option - The classics of Lake Baikal. Mirror route

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No need to pay now
from
$733

21 – 25 Aug, 2025 5 days 4 nights

Tour option - The classics of Lake Baikal. Mirror route

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from
$733

24 – 28 Aug, 2025 5 days 4 nights

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No need to pay now
from
$733

26 – 30 Aug, 2025 5 days 4 nights

Tour option - The classics of Lake Baikal. Mirror route

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Reviews

D
Dmitry

19 Dec, 2024

about provider

This tour operator is excellent.

19 Dec, 2024
EV
Elena Vyatkina

17 Dec, 2024

about provider

I would like to say a few words about our tour manager Tamara, who promptly answered all our questions and gave great suggestions on how to make the most of our free time. Thank you so much!

17 Dec, 2024

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A
Alexey

3 Dec, 2024

about provider

Everything was fantastic! The tours were punctual, and both the accommodations and travel arrangements were comfortable and met all our expectations. The food at the guesthouse was absolutely outstanding. A big thank you to everyone involved in organizing this tour!

3 Dec, 2024

The classics of Lake Baikal