Tourists reviews of vacations in the Far East

Before this trip, the farthest point in Russia my wife and I had visited was a cape on Russky Island. Now we found ourselves 220 km farther from home, with Cape Aniva lying 6,794 km away in a straight line. Enough of the numbers—let’s get back to the trip itself. First of all, I’d like to mention that the weather on the island was just fine, with only the last two days being cloudy. This didn’t dampen our experience in the least, largely thanks to the excellent organization and the care shown by our guide, the drivers and the rest of the staff. For instance, we never imagined that meals in the open field could be so varied and beautifully presented (other agencies we know of often make do with instant noodles and sandwiches). But here, we enjoyed cedar plank redfish (!), a dish worthy of a fine restaurant. The team's chef prepared it right there on the shore of Silent Bay. Our thanks also go to the managers for arranging our stay in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. The Mega Palace Hotel was comfortable, with high-quality service in both the hotel and its restaurant. As for our impressions of Sakhalin itself, the island’s natural beauty made a lasting impact on us. The stunning coastal cliffs, green hills veiled in mist that drifts down to the sea, and, of course, Cape Aniva with its legendary lighthouse, seals sunbathing on the rocks and flocks of seagulls. Even though St. Petersburg is also a seaside city with plenty of seagulls, on Sakhalin they are just so big and so... loud. One vivid memory is the trip to Birds Cape along a narrow forest road. Honestly, I was wondering what we’d do if we met an oncoming car on such a path, which to my experienced driver’s eye seemed barely wide enough to pass. Yet, not only did we manage, but our massive Land Cruiser even overtook another car, cheerfully flashing the hazard lights as we passed. In general, Sakhalin is a land of used, right-hand-drive Land Cruisers and Pajeros—a very practical choice for off-road drives and coastal trips, and they’re easy to find with Japan so nearby. An unexpected surprise: on the second day of the tour, we went oyster gathering at the oyster banks on Lake Busse. We didn’t just collect oysters, we ate them fresh on the spot—with lemon and champagne! Right on the shore! Afterwards, we enjoyed a rich and delicious lunch, topped off with some 'klopovka' liqueur from Dmitry, the captain of the excursion. Our trip to Sakhalin was a fantastic experience!

From July 16 to 22, 2024, we took part in the Kamchatka Express tour. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to everyone. I think it’s perfect for a first introduction to Kamchatka.

Kamchatka! This word always sounded so mysterious, enticing, almost unreal to me. I’m so glad I happened to see on social media that people actually travel there—it's possible! My first tour, 'Water and Flame,' was just the spark I needed. The idea of exploring Kamchatka through this very program lit me up, and I have no regrets! The itinerary is thoughtfully planned for balanced activity levels and variety. There’s no overload, but never a dull moment either. The tour also offered different accommodation options to fit any budget, which was super convenient.

Thank you for the excellent organization of the tour. The program was engaging, and every detail was well thought out. Special thanks to the guides and chefs. This tour gave us the chance to experience Kamchatka from many different angles.

A fantastic choice for anyone who prefers not to carry heavy backpacks or sleep in a tent. Big thanks to the tour team for adjusting the excursions based on the weather. As always, a wonderful group, new connections, and an abundance of positive vibes!

The tour was packed to the brim – in such a short time, we managed to experience Kamchatka from all angles and even get a taste of it 👍🫶

I really enjoyed the tour—it provides a great introduction to Kamchatka. It's suitable for people of all ages. The accommodation at the Laguna Hotel was excellent, with plentiful food and rejuvenating thermal baths.

A trip to Kamchatka is a unique experience in itself.... I was very pleased that the tour was well-organized, carefully planned, and exactly as described.. the only exception was the bears—we didn’t get to see any—and the weather, which was mostly foggy and rainy.. Of course, the tour operators can’t control that, so it’s not really a complaint... :) Spotting a bear would have been a lucky bonus, and the weather is always unpredictable, especially with the Pacific Ocean being so temperamental..Overall, the guides did an excellent job .. They were attentive, professional, and went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time.. They were also incredibly kind and helpful.. The accommodations, by the way, were very comfortable...

We’ve just returned from an amazing trip to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. There is beauty and vibrancy in everything: the nature, the ocean, the volcanoes, the weather, and, of course, the people. The program was incredibly diverse, with each day offering something unique and full of unforgettable experiences.

A great, interesting and full of various activities tour!

Unfortunately, the bad weather didn’t let us fully appreciate the beauty of Kamchatka. However, it didn’t diminish the overall experience of the trip. We stayed at the Sputnik Hotel, which we really enjoyed. It had several thermal pools, a fantastic sauna, delicious breakfasts, and a great variety of dinners. During our journey, we visited volcanoes, spotted an Arctic ground squirrel and a bear, flew over an active volcano, went fishing, hiked to waterfalls, bathed in thermal springs, navigated through the forest in off-road vehicles, and, of course, enjoyed plenty of fresh fish.

The tour was absolutely wonderful :) A big thank you to the tour team for such a well-planned vacation. It was all positive vibes. Sakhalin will forever hold a special place in my heart – love at first sight, and it’s here to stay.

Absolute delight! Flawless organization, professional guides, stunning landscapes, culinary delights, and unforgettable experiences! Thank you so much!

I joined the tour from June 16 to June 23, 2024. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our guides at every stage of the route for their professionalism, organization, flexibility, and above all, their passion for their work, their region, and the people they share its beauty with! The weather is the most crucial factor in the success of a tour, and June is an unpredictable month for visiting Kamchatka – it all comes down to luck. I believe we were very fortunate with the weather. Despite forecasts warning that "things are complicated and uncertain, and we’ll have to adapt," we had excellent visibility and the opportunity to see valleys, volcanoes, and breathtaking views. The food was fantastic (special thanks to the chefs Natalia and Yevgeni at the Vulkan shelter), transportation was safe, and there were plenty of laughs along the way! We had an amazing time, and I can’t wait to return!

Many thanks to the tour providers, and special thanks to our guide Mikhail for creating such a wonderful experience and atmosphere. Kunashir is magical ❤️

The tour was impeccably organized. Galina, our guide, demonstrated excellent knowledge of Sakhalin's history and provided clear, thoughtful answers to all our questions. The team went above and beyond, offering helpful tips on where to eat, which museums to visit, and where to shop for souvenirs, seafood, and imported goods. The dinners were exceptionally well-planned—always delicious, creative, and beautifully presented. On Iturup, we had a less experienced guide, but we were told this was due to the early season. Instead, we focused on enjoying the island's stunning natural beauty. Every excursion was flawlessly coordinated, with safe and comfortable transportation. As for accommodations, be aware of some specifics: at the Komandor Hotel, if you’re on the 5th floor, you may hear noise from the bar on the 6th floor late into the night. It’s best to request a different floor when checking in. Guests at the Gagarin Hotel have also reported noise issues. By contrast, the Belka Hotel is described as quiet and cozy, and the Palace Hotel lives up to its star rating. On Iturup, you’ll stay in a guesthouse where shower gel and shampoo aren’t provided, and you’ll be asked to remove your shoes at the entrance. While this might feel unfamiliar to some, it’s best to be prepared. If you won’t be hiking on Kunashir, you can leave trekking poles off your packing list. All in all, Sakhalin and the Kuriles are breathtakingly beautiful. Just bring a good attitude and enjoy! A big thanks to the team for showcasing this region in all its splendor.

The Kamchatka in June tour will forever hold a special place in my heart. It was truly unforgettable—breathtaking views of unparalleled beauty and an abundance of unforgettable experiences!

I loved everything! The program was delivered exactly as promised. The tour was expertly planned—well-paced and not overwhelming, with every excursion thoughtfully organized.

This was our first time traveling with a tour, and we had anticipated some hiccups with the guides, meals, or accommodations. But none of that happened—we were completely satisfied with everything. The program was well-detailed, and we managed to follow it closely despite some changes in the weather, though we were fortunate in that regard as well. The tour was engaging and moderately demanding. For some elderly participants, it was admittedly a bit challenging at times, but we simply took breaks and waited when needed.

I'm grateful THIS experience happened in my life. While I usually prefer lazy beach vacations, the sights and impressions I gained in Kamchatka were absolutely worth the effort this trip required. I’m not an animal enthusiast by any means, but seeing killer whales, bear cubs with their mother, a ground squirrel, a marmot, and a fox in the wild was truly mesmerizing! The tour includes fascinating and iconic locations on the peninsula. There's a lot of debate about whether the cost of a helicopter tour is justified. I also hesitated for a long time but eventually decided to go for it. I have no regrets and wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone! As for the downsides: 1) The weather is unpredictable and often alters planned routes. Cloud cover can sometimes obscure the views. 2) Vendors and staff at some guesthouses are NOT particularly customer-oriented. It’s best to be prepared for that. 3) There are no budget-friendly prices—anywhere. That said, the overall impression is remarkable. My photo library is now enriched with stunning material, and my perspective has been broadened in so many ways.