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

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In one tour, you will visit cities, historical and cultural monuments and natural wonders: Makhachkala and Derbent, the Naryn-Kala fortress, the "land of towers" — the ghost villages of Kahib and Goor, Chirkey hydroelectric power station and reservoir, Sulak Canyon and the famous Sarykum dune!

Try the dishes of the Caucasian national cuisine, attend a master class on making pendants and join the atmosphere of peace and comfort of ancient high-mountain villages.

Location

the city of Makhachkala

Sightseeing tours

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

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Tour highlights

The history of ancient Derbent

The city, which has survived for thousands of years, has managed to preserve its "face" and now impresses with its beauty

Boat trip

Let's ride on the surface of the largest Chirkeysky reservoir in the Caucasus

A delicious tour

Let's go to the workshop where they make urbech using ancient technologies, learn the history and taste

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival. Makhachkala
Welcome to Dagestan.
After arrival, you go to the hotel, check in and relax.
Timing of the day:
09:00-19:00 Meeting at the airport;
transfer to the hotel;
accommodation in Makhachkala.

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Day 2 - Sarykum barkhan, Sulak canyon, boating on the Chirkeysky reservoir
Let's start today with a visit to probably the warmest place in Dagestan, and it's no wonder, because it should be warm in the desert, even hot.
We will walk barefoot through the dune, and then we will go to the deepest canyon — Sulak canyon.
A thin blue thread of the river stretches through the mountain range — this is the Sulak Canyon.
It's an amazing sight when you stand at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level and see a river under your feet, at a dizzying depth, along which small boats scurry.
But, we will ride on such boats ourselves, only our skating will be on a huge man—made sea - the Chirkeysky reservoir.
Timing of the day:
9:00 departure;
9:40 barkhan Sary-Kum;
12:00 Sulak Canyon;
15:00 boat tour of the reservoir;
18:30 accommodation in Makhachkala.
Location: Makhachkala.
Meals: breakfast at the hotel.

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Day 3 - Gunib, Saltinsky waterfall
The village of Gunib is located on a high mountain of unusual shape, its edges are raised, and in the center there is a depression.
Aul Gunib is climbing the slope of this mountain.
The fate of this small village is such that many famous people have visited it and even one of the representatives of the imperial family lived for a while.
Everything related to the history of this village will be told to us at the local museum, and after that, we will take a walk around its sights.
After exploring the high mountain village, we will go down and visit a very unusual waterfall.
Timing of the day:
8:00 departure;
12:30 p.m. guided tours;
20:00 accommodation in Makhachkala.
Location: Makhachkala.
Meals: breakfast at the hotel.

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Day 4 - Khunzakh, Stone bowl, visit to the workshop for making urbech
Dagestan resembles a huge box filled to the brim with fascinating things.
The Khunzakh plateau, which stretches at an altitude of about two kilometers, attracts travelers with its waterfalls.
Here we will visit the house where Rasul Gamzatov grew up.
The stone bowl is another mystery of these places, when and why did it appear?
Well, how can you not try one of the most delicious and healthy dishes of Dagestan — urbech!
Today you will visit the workshop where it is made using ancient technologies and learn about its useful qualities.
Timing of the day:
8:00 departure;
11:30 guided tour;
20:00 accommodation in Makhachkala.
Location: Makhachkala.
Meals: breakfast at the hotel.

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Day 5 - Tour of Derbent, Naryn-Kala fortress
The fortress of Naryn-Kala appeared on the ancient trade route back in the IV century and since then has always towered over the sprawling city at its foot.
According to the apt expression of A.A. Bestuzhev-Marlinsky - "... Here the Caucasus, crumbling into hills, disappears into the waves of the Caspian Sea ...".
Many centuries have passed over the ancient city, but it continues to live and develop, being both ancient and young.
Not every city has such a story in store for it.
Timing of the day:
9:00 departure for the route;
12:00 Derbent;
14:30 Naryn-Kala fortress tour, magala walk, embankment;
20:00 accommodation in Makhachkala.
Location: Makhachkala.
Meals: breakfast at the hotel.

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Day 6 - Kahib and Goor
Today our way lies to two ancient villages of Kahib and Goor.
Here we will try authentic local cuisine, prepared with love and tradition by the residents of the village.
We will learn not only about their traditional dishes, but also about the life of the locals, their customs and culture, and visit the famous Troll language.
Timing of the day:
8:00 departure;
12:00 Kahib;
14:00 lunch with local residents;
15:00 Goor. The Troll's Language;
20:00 accommodation in Makhachkala.
Location: Makhachkala.
Meals: breakfast at the hotel.

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Day 7 - Irganai reservoir, Untsukul with a master class on making a pendant
Among the huge variety of traditional crafts, perhaps one stands out for its unusual nature, this is the Untsukul metal carving on wood.
Today you will not only see how it is all made, but also try to make something yourself.
The Irganai reservoir is an artificial reservoir that appeared due to the construction of one of the many hydroelectric power plants, but it is so beautiful that no one can drive past and not admire it.
Timing of the day:
9:00 departure;
11:30 Irganai reservoir;
12:30 p.m. Uncool with a master class on making a pendant;
18:00 accommodation in Makhachkala.
Location: Makhachkala.
Meals: breakfast at the hotel and lunch on the route.

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Day 8 - Makhachkala market. Departure
We suggest visiting the local market, where the aromas of fruits and herbs make your head spin.
Pamper your loved ones with the generous gifts of the local nature, and come back to us for more interesting stories.
Transfer from Makhachkala to the airport from 09:00 to 19:00.

Meals: breakfast at the hotel.
If you want to visit the local market on your own, we recommend that you leave at 12:00 and later.

Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Tour organizer's comments

Basic, physical activity is minimal.

The tour is suitable for tourists of any level of physical fitness. But there are places that will require additional physical training from you: Gamsutl, Karadakh gorge, Goor, Kahib.

Accommodation

Hotel

7 nights

Comfort

Upscale

The tour provides accommodation in hotels in 2-, 3-bed rooms with all amenities in a hotel in Makhachkala.

The cost of the tour per person depends on the date of arrival:

from 02.03 to 20.04 — 80,000 rubles.;
from 27.04 to 05.10 — 90,000 rubles.;
from 12.10 to 21.12 — 80,000 rubles.

Please specify additional accommodation conditions when booking.

The surcharge for 1-bed accommodation is 18,600 rubles.

The possible placement option is listed below. It can be replaced with similar ones.

The beach is only a 6-minute walk away. The Metropol Hotel is located in Makhachkala, a 10-minute walk from the Caspian Sea coast. It offers table tennis, an indoor swimming pool and a free fitness center. Free Wi-Fi is available.

The hotel offers comfortable rooms decorated in warm colours and equipped with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Featuring a shower, the private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Some rooms have a balcony.

The Metropol Hotel has a bar and a restaurant. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can assist guests with laundry and ironing services. The car can be left free of charge in the private parking.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 1 to 14 tourists

Minimum age

8 years old

Duration

8 days 7 nights

Group meets at

the city of Makhachkala

Included in price

Meals: breakfast;
hotel accommodation in 2-, 3-bed rooms with all amenities;
transportation services on the route;
tour guide services;
airport — hotel — airport transfer.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Makhachkala and back;
meals not included in the tour program;
entrance tickets to cultural and recreational facilities according to the tour program;
master class on making pendants;
environmental fees;
boating on the reservoir;

Additionally, you can order:

entrance tickets to cultural and recreational facilities outside the tour program;
private transfer;
The surcharge for 1-bed accommodation is 18,600 rubles.

It's important to know

cash (it doesn't catch the net well in the mountains);
personal first aid kit and insect bite repellent (if necessary);
lightweight long sleeve shirt (the shirt will protect your hands and neck from burning);
cap / panama hat;
swimwear;
comfortable sports hiking shoes for the season (not to be confused with sneakers and ballet flats!);
jacket (early morning and late evening air temperature +8...+12C);
Optional for girls: dress for a photo shoot;
a raincoat (preferably not a disposable one) or a membrane jacket;
sunglasses;
sunscreen, lipstick.

Please do not take excessively low-cut clothes with you, shorts should not be above the knee, men should make do with light sweatpants. It is recommended for women to take a light knee-length dress with closed shoulders for walks, excursions and moving.

Dates and Prices

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11 – 18 May 8 days 7 nights

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18 – 25 May 8 days 7 nights

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25 May – 1 Jun 8 days 7 nights

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1 – 8 Jun 8 days 7 nights

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8 – 15 Jun 8 days 7 nights

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15 – 22 Jun 8 days 7 nights

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22 – 29 Jun 8 days 7 nights

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29 Jun – 6 Jul 8 days 7 nights

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6 – 13 Jul 8 days 7 nights

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13 – 20 Jul 8 days 7 nights

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20 – 27 Jul 8 days 7 nights

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27 Jul – 3 Aug 8 days 7 nights

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3 – 10 Aug 8 days 7 nights

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10 – 17 Aug 8 days 7 nights

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17 – 24 Aug 8 days 7 nights

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24 – 31 Aug 8 days 7 nights

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31 Aug – 7 Sep 8 days 7 nights

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7 – 14 Sep 8 days 7 nights

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14 – 21 Sep 8 days 7 nights

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21 – 28 Sep 8 days 7 nights

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28 Sep – 5 Oct 8 days 7 nights

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5 – 12 Oct 8 days 7 nights

Tour option - Mesmerizing autumn-winter Dagestan

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12 – 19 Oct 8 days 7 nights

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19 – 26 Oct 8 days 7 nights

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26 Oct – 2 Nov 8 days 7 nights

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2 – 9 Nov 8 days 7 nights

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9 – 16 Nov 8 days 7 nights

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16 – 23 Nov 8 days 7 nights

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23 – 30 Nov 8 days 7 nights

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30 Nov – 7 Dec 8 days 7 nights

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7 – 14 Dec 8 days 7 nights

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14 – 21 Dec 8 days 7 nights

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21 – 28 Dec 8 days 7 nights

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Reviews

AK
Alexandra Kroitoru

about provider

14 Apr, 2025

Everything was perfect

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I
Irina

about provider

3 Apr, 2025

The local managers carried out the entire program of our "Resort Romance" tour flawlessly. During the trip, we had a wonderful opportunity to escape the noise of the city and the hustle of metropolitan life. Every day, we were surrounded by stunning landscapes: mountains, rivers, fields, and gardens. Everywhere we looked, animals were peacefully grazing: cows, horses, sheep. Taking in these views felt truly relaxing... Bringing a deep sense of harmony with nature. Our group was small and flexible, just 10 people (ages 45-50+), traveling in a comfortable bus. Our guide, Eduard, made the experience even more enjoyable. What we appreciated most was that he let us set our own walking pace, never rushing us or imposing a fixed rhythm. He also gave us plenty of free time to explore the sights or shop for souvenirs: a rare and valuable quality in a guide. We were all incredibly grateful for that. Eduard shared many fascinating stories about the region and its history, always answering our countless questions with patience and enthusiasm. We loved everything about this trip.
D
Dmitry

about provider

14 Mar, 2025

The tour provider responded to all questions promptly and efficiently arranged the transfer and hotel. The guide was a knowledgeable and reliable professional.

Fascinating Dagestan