Unknown Sakhalin and Kunashir — the "black" island of the Kuril Ridge

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The distant and beautiful Kuril Islands are waiting for you on this journey!

You will see Aniva Lighthouse and try fresh oysters for lunch in Busse Lagoon, take memorable photos at Cape Columnar, take mud baths in Boiling Lake.

You will also spend an unforgettable week surrounded by volcanoes and the sea.

Location

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Sightseeing tours

from

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

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Tour highlights

Fresh seafood

You will collect oysters and go to their tasting

Mud baths and thermal springs

Have a rest, relax and get healthier in the healthy waters

The perfect photo zone

Arrange a photo shoot among the bizarre rocks

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival to Sakhalin. Sightseeing tour of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel, accommodation.
Check-in at the hotel from 14:00 (early check-in is possible with an additional 50% / room / day).
Sightseeing tour of the city (2 hours).
During the tour, you will learn how the city grew and developed during the period of Japanese rule (at that time it was called Toyohara), you will see preserved Japanese buildings built in the same distant times, including one of the oldest buildings built in 1908 and the most striking buildings built in 1937.
Get acquainted with the most beautiful places of the modern, cozy city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and the main attractions of the island capital: the observation deck of the STK "Mountain Air", which offers a magnificent view of the whole city (access to the middle area is carried out by motor transport).
We will visit three squares — Lenin, Victory and Glory, as well as Chekhov Center Square.
Welcome dinner in Sakhalin style.
We will begin our journey with an introduction to Sakhalin cuisine. At our dinner you will taste the famous hemultan soup, salads from Sakhalin wild plants.
Over dinner, we will discuss the details of the trip and give you the necessary attribute for a trip to Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands.
The weather on Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands is changing very quickly, and to make your trip comfortable, we have prepared a raincoat for you. Your clothes will always stay dry, even in the most inclement weather.
Transfer to the hotel after dinner. Rest.

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Day 2 - The Frog Outlier is a place of power. Departure to Kunashir Island. A walk along the coast
Breakfast in the hotel restaurant or cafe (if breakfast is included in the room rate).
Check-in of the room.
Departure for the excursion Ostanets Frog is a place of power.
Departure to the route, travel time ~ 30 minutes (12 km) to the village. A message, then departure for the route on foot.
It is believed that the Vesochka district is the energy center of Sakhalin.
Frog Rock is a 70 million—year-old natural wonder, a very unusual energetic place.
The journey time along the ecological trail to the foot of the mountain takes about 20 minutes. Then there is a short but steep climb to the "Frog" outlier, which takes 20-30 minutes.
An amazing landscape opens from the top and in good weather you can see Aniva Bay, lakes Tunaycha and Lake Changeable. 
You will see magical stones in the form of a Sphinx, Solar and Lunar glades, stones of "questions and answers" and will be able to swim in the "energetic" river Ayichka.
A light snack (dry ration).
Transfer to the airport.
The start of check-in for the flight.
Departure to Yuzhno-Kurilsk.
Arrival in Yuzhno-Kurilsk.
Transfer to the hotel.
Walking along the coast, sightseeing along the coast, kekura Damn Finger and Damn Gate
Dinner at the hotel cafe.
Recommendations: comfortable sneakers or trekking shoes are needed on the "Ostanets Frog" route.
Day 3 - The fumarole field of the Mendeleev volcano
09:00 Breakfast in the cafe of the Iceberg hotel.
10:00 departure for the tour: fumarole field of the Mendeleev volcano.
An active volcano in the southern part of Kunashir Island.
It was named in honor of the outstanding Russian chemist D. I. Mendeleev in 1946. A complex stratovolcano with a central extrusive dome.
There are many fumaroles and hot springs on the slopes of the volcano, the surface of the slopes is covered with coniferous-deciduous forests with dense undergrowth of Kuril bamboo and cedar elfin. The status of a state monument of nature was assigned to it in 1983.
10:30 Arrival at the beginning of the trail.
Exit to the fumarole field on foot.
Despite the difficulty in climbing the field, the path leading to it is very interesting.
12:00 Arrival at the fumarole field.
Visual inspection.
A walk through the field. PHOTOSESSION.
13:00 Bathing in the thermal stream of the Mendeleev volcano.
14:00 Camping snack (tea brewed in nature, vegetable, meat, fish, bread, cookies, apple).
15:00 Departure on the way back to the parking lot.
16:30 Departure to Yuzhno-Kurilsk.
17:00 Return to the hotel
Dinner (on your own).
Attention! In the area of the fumarole field, precautions must be taken, be sure to follow the instructions of the attendant — you can fall into the fumarole, get chemical burns.
Important information: The route is of medium difficulty: 17 km by road from Yuzhno-Kurilsk, 3 km from the road to the fumarole field over rough terrain, mostly climbing (one way). The duration of the tour is 6-7 hours.
Recommendations: on this route, it is advisable to have comfortable sneakers or trekking shoes, mosquito repellent, bathing accessories, towel, cotton gloves, in adverse weather conditions, do not forget to take a raincoat and raincoats for shoes or rubber boots.

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Day 4 - Golovnin volcano Caldera, Boiling Lake, Hot Lake
09:00 Breakfast in the hotel cafe.
09:30 Departure for an excursion to the Caldera of the Golovnin volcano, Boiling Lake, Hot lake.
Golovnin Caldera (caldera is a cauldron—shaped depression with steep slopes and a flat bottom, formed as a result of the collapse of the top of the volcano).
The diameter of the caldera along the ridge is more than four kilometers. One can imagine the force of the explosion that occurred here during the eruption of the volcano.
Inside the caldera, at an altitude of 130 meters above sea level, there are two lakes: Boiling and Hot.
Jets of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide gases — solfatars, hot water emissions, thick steam and constantly changing water color create an impressive picture!
Another excursion for hiking enthusiasts (don't forget to take trekking poles)!
A lot of emotions are waiting for you: admiration for the views, surprise at new knowledge, pleasure from swimming in the warm mud of a boiling lake, cheerfulness from the coolness of a hot lake!
10:00 Stop at the observation deck overlooking the Golovninsky cliff.
10:30 Arrival at the beginning of the trail.
Exit to the caldera on foot.
During the crossing, stop at the observation deck overlooking the caldera and the Japanese coast across the strait!
Don't forget to turn off the mobile transmission on your smartphone — you may receive a substantial bill for using the mobile Internet in Japan.
13:00 Arrival at the cordon of the reserve.
Camping snack (tea from a thermos, vegetable, meat, fish cuts, bread, cookies, apple).
14:00 Exit to the lakes in the caldera.
Visual inspection. Ascent to the observation deck.
Passage along the "hot" trail of the Boiling Lake.
15:00 Reception of mud baths in the Boiling lake.
Swimming in the Hot lake.
16:00 Departure on the way back to the parking lot.
18:00 Departure to Yuzhno-Kurilsk.
19:00 Return to the hotel.
Dinner (on your own).
Attention! In the area of the fumarole zone on the lake. When boiling, precautions must be taken, it is necessary to step in the wake of the accompanying person – you can fall into hot mud, get chemical burns. You can swim and take mud baths only in certain places.
Important information: from Yuzhno-Kurilsk to the reserve, we travel by car, then follow on foot to the caldera of the Golovnin volcano. The total duration of the walking trip is ~ 16 km (round trip).
Recommendations: on this route, it is advisable to have comfortable sneakers or trekking shoes, mosquito repellent, bathing accessories, a towel, in case of adverse weather conditions, do not forget to take a raincoat and raincoats for shoes.

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Day 5 - Excursion to Cape Columnar. Departure to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
09:00 Breakfast in the hotel cafe.
10:00 Departure to Cape Columnar.
Cape Columnar is a unique place where the natural paving stones of the "Red Square" are replaced by views of stone pencils weighing 40 tons and deep—sea fjords.
The bizarre rocks in which you hear the sound of organ music are true thousand-year-old monuments.
After all, they were the first areas of the earth that appeared from the depths of the ocean, and were preserved almost in their original form until our era.
Dear ladies, do not forget to take your favorite dress with you and have an amazing photo shoot among the stunning views of Cape Columnar!
13:00 Lunch of fresh Kuril delicacies by the sea.
Relaxing by the sea.
Those who wish can swim!
Boarding vehicles. Transfer to the airport.
Check-in for the flight.
Departure from Yuzhno-Kurilsk.
Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Meeting. Transfer to the hotel.
Important information: Driving to the exit point of the route, then walking along the seashore for about 40 minutes to Cape Columnar in one direction.
Recommendations: on this route, it is advisable to have comfortable sneakers or trekking shoes, rubber slippers for walking on a rocky bottom in water, mosquito repellent, bathing accessories, a towel, in adverse weather conditions, do not forget to take a raincoat and raincoats for shoes or rubber boots.

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Day 6 - Aniva Lighthouse and lunch with oysters at Busse Lagoon
05:45 Car pickup at the hotel, departure to the place of the general gathering of the group at the Aniva lighthouse.
Important! The night before, order your breakfast with you at the hotel reception.
06:00 Departure from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to Novikovo village.
08:30 Arrival in the village. Novikovo. Briefing, preparation for going to sea.
09:00 Departure from Novikovo village on PVC motorboats.
11:00 Arrival at Aniva Lighthouse.
The Aniva Lighthouse (yap. Naka — Siretokomisaki) was established in 1939 on a small Sea Lion rock, near the inaccessible rocky cape Aniva.
It is not only the most original and complex technical project of the Karafuto period, but also an outstanding world achievement in the practice of lighthouse construction at that time.
The need to build a lighthouse was due to unpredictable treacherous currents, mixing the waters of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Bay of Aniva, frequent fogs and rocky banks.
12:00 Transfer to Cape Marble.
During sea crossings, we can meet sea lions, seals, dolphins and killer whales.
13:00 Arrival at Cape Marble. A walk, a photo shoot.
13:30 Departure to the village. Novikovo.
14:30 Arrival in the village. Novikovo. Preparation for departure to the village of Muravyovo (laguna Busse).
14:45 Transfer to Busse Lagoon.
15:15-18:00 Stay on the lagoon coast.
A master class on opening oysters. PHOTOSESSION.
Lunch of freshly caught seafood and wild oysters. There will be a lot of oysters!
You will have an exciting journey to a unique "restaurant" of seafood cuisine with tasting of wild oysters, completely unique in their taste qualities, which you can try only on Sakhalin.
On the menu: ½ glass of wine, fresh scallop, red caviar, sliced fish, wild oysters with lemon and branded oyster sauce, baked oysters with cheese and garlic, Sakhalin Childhood dish (seasonal fish baked in burdock leaves), Sakhalin ear, fresh vegetables, fruit drink, tea/Coffee.
18:00 Transfer from Busse Lagoon to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
20:00 The end of the excursion to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Return to the hotel or to the gathering place.
Attention! While on board a swimming vehicle, you must adhere to generally accepted norms of behavior, not create dangerous or threatening situations. A life jacket must be worn, if you are seasick, you must take a medication for motion sickness. During excursions, take care of cultural and historical monuments, as well as take care of nature.
A boat trip depends entirely on the mercy of the sea. In case of bad weather conditions and inability to go to sea, the boat trip will be canceled or replaced with an auto tour to Cape Evstafia.
Recommendations:
Aniva Lighthouse — on this route, on the way by boat by sea, do not forget to take a raincoat, hat, cotton gloves.
Lunch with oysters: take your favorite wine with you. Dry white wine, prosecco and brut go well with oysters.

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Day 7 - The end of the program. Departure from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
07:00 Breakfast in the hotel restaurant or cafe (if breakfast is included in the room rate).
Delivery of rooms.
Check-out time is until 12:00 (late check-out is possible with an additional 50%/room/day).
Transfer to the airport with the opportunity to visit (by prior arrangement) the fish market.

Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Tour organizer's comments

No special physical training is required for traveling, but you need to be ready for hiking up to 16 km per day, steep ascents and descents

Accommodation

Hotel

6 nights

Comfort

Midscale
Upscale
Premium

The tour provides accommodation on Kunashir Island in the Iceberg Hotel, building 1, standard rooms with amenities per block.

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

For double occupancy on Kunashir Island	Surcharge for single accommodation on Kunashir island	Child under 12 years old in double or triple occupancy
99 908	4 500	96 908

An additional fee is paid for the hotel in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (cost for 1 person for 3 nights), RUB.:

Hotels	Double occupancy	Single occupancy	Extra nights double/single room
Youth 3*	8 700	14 700	2 900 / 4 900
Squirrel 3*	9 600	16 350	3 200 / 5 450
Jubilee 3*	9 900	16 020	3 300 / 5 650
Gagarin 3*	10 800	17 400	3 600 / 5 800
Mega Palace Hotel 4*	11 700	19 950	3 900 / 6 650
Santa Risot Hotel 4* (two 1.5-double beds)	15 000	25 800	5 000 / 8 600
Santa Risot Hotel 4* (one large bed)	15 750	27 210	5 250 / 9 070
Paradise Risot Hotel 4*	18 000	33 000	6 000 / 11 000

When booking accommodation in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk on your own, please take into account:

transfer to arrival / departure (meeting /departure) is provided for an additional fee: 600 rubles per person one way, within the city, without arrival at the market;
the tourist must independently arrive at the gathering place of the group for transfer to the airport upon departure to the Kuril Islands, the place and time for collection is confirmed the day before or independently arrive at the airport;
upon the group's return from the Kuril Islands, the transfer takes tourists only to the base hotels;
the tourist must independently arrive at the starting point of the group excursions according to the program, the place and time for collection is confirmed the day before, at the end of the tour, tourists are delivered only to the base hotels.

Belka Hotel

The first hotel in the Far East, made according to Finnish technology in a wooden style made of milled timber.

The three—storey building with a basement was built according to an individual project developed by Japanese architects, with maximum preservation of all the unique properties of wood - a healthy microclimate, special deep warmth, comfort, creating a favorable atmosphere and giving a sense of security and peace. Within the walls of the hotel there is an atmosphere of warm, taiga wood in its pristine beauty.

Hotel It was opened in 2003.

Renovated in 2019.

In all rooms: TV, Internet Wi-Fi, safe, air conditioning, refrigerator, mini-bar, bathrobe, slippers, personal hygiene products, hair dryer.

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Another option

Gagarin Hotel

Gagarin Hotel it is located in a quiet location in the park area of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, a 15-minute drive from Khomutovo Airport. The Gagarin Hotel offers a sauna with a mini-pool.

The rooms of the Gagarin Hotel in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk are decorated using elements of Japanese and European styles. They are equipped with a work desk and a TV with more than 100 satellite channels. Featuring a bath, the private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers.

A full buffet breakfast is served every morning at the hotel. The Gagarin restaurant specializes in European cuisine.

Guests can relax in the karaoke bar. A park named after him is located next to the hotel. Gagarina with a beautiful rock garden.

Free parking is available on site at the Gagarin Hotel. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can arrange a shuttle service for guests.

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Another option

Mega Palace Hotel

This hotel is located on the Far Eastern Russian island of Sakhalin, at the foot of the Susunai Mountains. It offers an international restaurant, a spa and a nightclub. The center of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is a 15-minute drive away.

The multi-storey Mega Palace Hotel offers modern rooms and apartments with antique-style furniture. All rooms are equipped with cable TV, a safe and a minibar.

The spa facilities include a fitness center, a hot tub and a sauna. In the evening, guests can visit a karaoke bar or a nightclub with DJ performances.

A buffet breakfast is served every morning. The Marquis Restaurant serves Russian, European and Japanese cuisine, while Serbian cuisine can be enjoyed at the Grill in the Sky restaurant. There is also an Asian restaurant "Asia" and a Japanese BamBoo restaurant. Guests can relax at the Duke Karaoke Bar.

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Another option

The Santa Resort Hotel

Santa Risot Resort Hotel is located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, next to the picturesque Gagarin Park at the foot of Parkovaya Mountain, a 10-minute drive from the city's business district. It offers a sauna, a hot tub, a restaurant and a tennis court.

The Rubin Restaurant serves Russian, European, Pan-Asian and Japanese cuisine. At the Kristall Bar, guests can order exotic cocktails, which can be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace with panoramic views.

Rooms at the Santa Risot Resort feature a balcony and free Wi-Fi. They are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a minibar. The private bathrooms are equipped with toiletries, bathrobes and a hairdryer.

The Santa Risot Resort features a spa complex with a sauna with a swimming pool, as well as a well-equipped gym.

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Another option

The Yubileynaya Hotel

This hotel is located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, a 10-minute walk from the Gorny Vozdukh Ski Center. It offers rooms with a microwave, a sauna and free private parking.

The rooms at the Yubileynaya Hotel are decorated in a classic style and feature a work desk and a bathroom with a hairdryer.

The Time Cafe serves European and Oriental cuisine, and there are several restaurants within a 10-minute walk of the hotel.

Guests can relax in the sauna. Gagarin Park, where entertainment programs are held, is a 3-minute walk from the Yubileynaya Hotel.

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Another option

Paradise Risot Hotel

A new hotel has opened in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in the immediate vicinity of the Mountain Air ski resort.

Paradise Resort Hotel is located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, 4.3 km from Victory Square. It offers a restaurant and a bar. The resort offers family rooms.

Rooms at the resort are equipped with a desk and a flat-screen TV. Rooms at Paradise Resort have a private bathroom with a bidet and a hairdryer. The windows offer views of the city. All rooms are equipped with a refrigerator.

A buffet breakfast is served daily at the hotel.

The hotel staff speaks English and Russian and will be happy to provide guests with information about the region at the reception.

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Another option

Yunost Hotel

Yunost Hotel is located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, 300 metres from Victory Square. It offers a restaurant, a shared lounge and free private parking. The hotel is 4.1 km from the center of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and 4.4 km from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Train Station. Those who wish can book family rooms.

Rooms at Yunost Hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. Bed linen and slippers are provided.

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Another option

Pacific Plaza Sakhalin Hotel

This hotel is located on the main street of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk – Mira Avenue. The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms and a fitness center. The Chekhov Theatre is just a 5-minute walk from Pacific Plaza Sakhalin Hotel.

The elegant rooms at the hotel are decorated in a classic style and feature a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a safe. The private bathroom comes with bathrobes and slippers.

A buffet breakfast is served at the modern Aromas Cafe, while Valentine's Restaurant serves European and Asian cuisine. In turn, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Susunai Mountains from the Lounge 8 bar.

The local administration building is just a 5-minute walk from the Pacific Plaza Sakhalin Hotel. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Train Station is a 10-minute drive from Pacific Plaza Sakhalin Hotel, and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport is 8 km from the hotel.

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Tour conditions

Group

up to 25 tourists

Minimum age

8 years old

Duration

7 days 6 nights

Group meets at

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Included in price

guided tours according to the program;
transfers according to the program;
accommodation on Kunashir Island in the Iceberg Hotel, building 1, standard rooms with amenities per block;
meals according to the program;
transportation services on the routes;
excursion service on Sakhalin Island;
escort by a guide to Kunashir island;
preparation of permits for staying in the border area of Kunashir island;
accident insurance, insurance coverage up to 100,000 rubles.;
raincoat.

Paid extra

flights to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and back;
hotel in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk — from 8,700 rubles/person. for 3 nights;
when booking accommodation in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk on your own, please take into account:
- transfer to arrival / departure (meeting /departure) is provided for an additional fee — 600 rubles per person one way, within the city limits, without arrival at the market;
dinners on Kunashir Island indicated in the program marked "independently" and meals that are not included in the program;
air ticket on the route Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk — Yuzhno-Kurilsk — Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk:
- adult — 14,800 rubles.;
- child (2-12 years old) — 7,900 rubles.;
surcharge for early check—in at the hotel - 50%/room/day;
the surcharge for late check—out from the hotel is 50%/room/day.

It's important to know

Camping equipment:

clothes:
- a warm sweater;
- warm wool socks;
- windbreaker;
- windproof and waterproof jacket;
- raincoat;
- thermal underwear;
- t-shirts;
- shorts;
- bathing suit;
headdress, accessories:
- a panama hat or a cap;
- knitted hat;
- sunglasses;
- cotton gloves;
shoes:
- comfortable sneakers, worn, with a tenacious sole or trekking boots, waterproof sneakers;
- sandals for walking on water, slates.

A raincoat and raincoats for shoes will be issued before the start of the tour.

On each route, you must have a change of clothes and shoes with you.

Documents:

passport, voucher;
medical insurance policy;
insurance policy;
birth certificate (if a child is flying with you).

Dates and Prices

The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, for clarification

$974

27 Jul – 2 Aug, 2025 7 days 6 nights

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$974

17 – 23 Aug, 2025 7 days 6 nights

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$974

14 – 20 Sep, 2025 7 days 6 nights

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Reviews

AA
Alexey Alexandrovich Tolmachev

13 Nov, 2024

about provider

The experience was incredible: the vast Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Okhotsk, rolling hills, volcanoes, mountain roads by jeep, miles of sea journeys, and new friends along the way. In Kurilsk, we were warmly welcomed and surrounded by kind, helpful people. A special thanks to Guram and Svetlana, Igor and Nikita. And many thanks to the 'Big Country' team, especially Dmitry. Explore the wonders of Russia...

13 Nov, 2024

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Unknown Sakhalin and Kunashir — the "black" island of the Kuril Ridge

Location

Tour highlights

Itinerary

Accommodation

Tour conditions

Included in price

Paid extra

It's important to know

Dates and Prices

Reviews

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