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‘Cultural highlights of Russia’ Winter Tour


This 13-day experience includes several days in a campsite in the Siberian taiga, visits to the ancient villages of Siberia, a fascinating glance into the history of the Romanovs, and a few days in the Russian capital of Moscow.
Overview
A fascinating cultural collective exploring the breadth of Russian identity from the decline of the Romanov’s to the lasting legacy of Siberia. This unique winter tour promises to be one of the most exhilarating and fascinating tours of Russia that really allow you to get to grips with the true spirit of this vast country. If you enjoy learning about new cultures and customs and are looking for a Winter break to remember, then look no further. This 13-day experience includes several days in a campsite in the Siberian taiga near Krasnoyarsk, an excursion to the “Shushenskoe” Ethnographical Museum, visits to the ancient villages of Siberia, A fascinating glance into the history of the Romanovs, and a visit to the Russian capital of Moscow.
Camping in winter taiga forest
Shushenskoye Ethnographic Museum Reserve
Excursion to a Cossack farmstead
Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Power Station
Visiting the ancient churches of Yeniseysk
Krasnoyarsk city tour
4-hour guided tour of Church-on-the-Blood, Ganina Yama and the secret grave of Romanovs
Underground tour
St Basil’s Cathedral
Moscow Kremlin and Red Square
Itinerary


Krasnoyarsk
Situated on the Yensei River, Krasnoyarsk is the third largest city in Siberia and an important junction on the Trans-Siberian Railway. The city has been hailed by Anton Chekov among others, as one of the most beautiful cities in Siberia and even the entirety of Russia. It is best known for the Stolby Nature Sanctuary, an idyllic national park set within rolling hills and rocky outcrops, found just 10km south of the city.
Day 1
Arrival in Krasnoyarsk with city tour
After arriving in Krasnoyarsk, you will meet your driver who will take you to your hotel ready for check-in.
After checking in, you will have time for a short rest before meeting your guide in the hotel lobby. You will stop for lunch in a local café before enjoying a 3-hour tour of the city.
During your city tour you will see Mira square, the monument to Andrew Dubenskoy, and outstanding views of the city from Karaulnaya Hill. You will also visit the Praskeva Pyatnitsa chapel and walk along the quaint old streets that really let you discover the soul of Krasnoyarsk.
After your tour, you will end your day with a short visit to the Krasnoyarsk Regional Museum, widely considered to be one of the best museums of history and ethnography in Russia. The museum was reopened in 2001 and now offers a unique historic collection including mineral samples that can only be found in Siberia. You will have a unique opportunity to buy some of them as a souvenir and bring a small part of Siberia to your home!
In the evening you will visit a local restaurant for a traditional Siberian dinner before returning to your hotel.
Lunch & Dinner
Arrival Transfer
City Tour
Karaulnaya Hill
Scenic Surrounds
Krasnoyarsk Regional Museum
Souvenir Shopping
Yenisey River
Religious Buildings & Monuments
Travel to


Lesosibirsk
A small town in Krasnoyarsk Krai situated on the Yenisei River, Lesosibirsk is best known for its wood processing plants built after World War II. The town has grown over time to incorporate other close by settlements including Novoyeniseysk in 1989 and the Achinsk–Maklakovo railway connected the area with the Siberian Railway. Lesosibirsk can trace its origins back to the village of Maklakov Lug (Maklakovo) which had existed on the site since the mid 17th century.
Day 2
Yeniseysk city tour
Today, you will head north into region along Yenisey tract to the town of Lesosibirsk.
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel in Krasnoyarsk and meet your driver for the journey to Lesosibirsk. Along the way, there may be an opportunity to stop at a local temple in Kazachinskoye to stretch your legs before visiting the magnificent Krestovozdvizhenskiy Cathedral, known as one of the largest churches in Siberia standing at 67 metres high.
In the afternoon, you will make a stop at Kazachenskoye village for a quick lunch before continuing your journey to Yeniseisk, one of the most ancient Siberian towns where you will embark on a unique city tour.
Yeniseysk’s past is closely connected to the unification of Eastern Siberia and Russia. For 150 years, this town was the main gateway to the Eastern Siberia and known as “the father” of all Siberian towns. During the tour, you will see the Church of Iver, the Saviour Cathedral, Epiphany Cathedral, and more. You will also get the chance to talk to the Father Superior, Nikonor.
After your city tour you will visit a local art school for children for an opportunity to take part in art making masterclass, before embarking on an excursion to an authentic Cossack farmstead for horseback riding in a phaeton and the chance for photographs in Cossack costumes.
Around 19:00, you will arrive at the “Rybnaya Zaimka” tourist camp where you will enjoy an evening meal and spend the evening.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Krestovozdvizhenskiy Cathedral
Church of Iver women monastery
the Saviour Cathedral
Religious Buildings & Monuments
Scenic Surrounds
authentic Cossack farmstead
Cultural Immersive Experience
Masterclass
Travel to


Yeniseysk
Situated on the Yenisei River in Krasnoyarsk Krai, Yeniseysk is a small town founded in the early 17th century. The town was the first to be founded on the Yenisei River from which it derives its name and was vital in the Russian colonisation of East Siberia in the 17th–18th centuries. Although the town later dwindled in importance due to the strategic railroad being due south, the Yeniseysk Old Town has been considered a heritage site by the Russian government.
Day 3
Free time in the Siberian taiga
After a camp breakfast, you will have the rest of the morning free to experience camp life. Take walks along the banks of the Yenisey River and traverse the beautiful winter landscapes of the Siberian taiga.
After lunch you will begin the journey back to Krasnoyarsk where you will be dropped off at the train station for the overnight train to Abakan.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Yenisey River
Camping experience
Exploring the Taiga
Prominent Landscape
Transfer to Train
Night on the Train
Travel to


Shushenskoye Village
A popular village situated at the confluence of the Yenisei and Big Shush rivers, Shushenskoye is best known as the site of Vladimir Lenin’s exile between 1897 and 1900. In 1970 a museum dedicated to Lenin’s time in Shushenskoye was opened and remains a popular destination for tourists along with its beautiful nature reserves. It has since become the site of the Music and Crafts of Siberia festival which takes place every July.
Day 4
Excursion to “Shushenskoe” Ethnographical Museum
You will arrive in Abakan early in the morning where you will stop for breakfast at a local café before departing for Minusinsk.
On arrival in Minusinsk, you will have a short 1-hour city tour where you will get to learn the history of the area, see the Spas Cathedral, market, old merchant houses and walk around the historic centre. Afterwards, you will visit the Decembrist Museum before leaving and heading to Shushenskoe village through a scenic pass used by ancient civilizations to the present day.
After arriving in Shuskenskoye village, you will stop for lunch at a local café and check into your guest house where you will be able to have a short rest. Next, you will enjoy a thrilling excursion to the ethnographical museum “Shushenskoe” where you will get to learn more about the local culture of the people that call the region home through artefacts and architecture.
After leaving the museum, you will return to your camp where you will spend the night in a wooden guesthouse and enjoy an evening meal.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Minusinsk city tour
Decembrist Museum
Sayan Mountains
Scenic Surrounds
Shushenskoye Ethnographical Museum
Camping experience
Cultural Immersive Experience
New Destination by Train
Travel to


Abakan
Abakan is the capital city of the Republic of Khakassia, Russia, founded in the 17th century at the confluence of the Yenisei and Abakan Rivers. The city is home to several important landmarks including the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral, “Good Angel of Peace” sculpture, the Park of Topiary Art, and the Khakas National History Museum. Abakan marks an important junction and terminal station on the Abakan-Tayshet Railway.
Day 5
Abakan city tour
Today, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the guesthouse before having some free time to spend as you see fit.
After a relaxing morning, you will have lunch and embark on an excursion to the Sayano-Shushenskaya hydro-electric power station. The Dam is situated on the Yenisey River and is the largest power plant in Russia.
After your trip to the power station, your guide will take you on a spectacular sightseeing excursion around Abakan where you will get to see all the highlights of the Khakassian capital along with its renowned local lore museum.
Once your city tour has ended, you will check into your hotel and have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with your guide. You will have the rest of the evening to relax or do some last-minute exploring.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam
Scenic Surrounds
City Tour
National Museum of Khakassia
Khakassian culture
Free Time
Day 6
Free time in Abakan
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and have the rest of the day free to explore Abakan. In the evening, you will meet your driver at the hotel and will be taken to the train station where you will catch the overnight train to Yekaterinburg.
Breakfast
Free Time
Transfer to Train
Night on the Train
Day on the Train
Scenic Surrounds
Night on the Train
Travel to


Yekaterinburg
Yekaterinburg stands close to the divide between Russia and Kazakhstan and is known as the ‘window on Asia’ due to its close proximity to the border. The city is commonly referred to as Russia’s ‘third capital’ as it is ranked third for tourism, transport, and economic size. It holds crucial significance in Russian History as the final resting place of the Romanov dynasty.
Day 8
Romanovs in Yekaterinburg excursion
In the afternoon, you will arrive at Yekaterinburg Passazhirsky Station where your driver will meet you and take you to your hotel to check-in. You will have some time to freshen up before embarking on a spectacular guided tour that explores the history of the Romanov dynasty and their final days.
The tour will begin with a visit to the Church on the Blood that stands on the site where the last Tsar of Russia, Emperor Nicholas II, and his family were executed by Bolsheviks in 1918. Erected in 2003, it is a new church but what makes it special is that the basement of the original house is still part of the structure. Next you will visit the former Ipatiev’s house where you will see wax figures and authentic photographs of the Tsar’s family, before heading to the monastery at Ganina Yama, and Koptyaki village.
Your tour will end with a visit to a local dumpling restaurant for a traditional Russian meal before heading back to the hotel.
Lunch & Dinner
New Destination by Train
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
History of the Romanov dynasty
Monastery at Ganina Yama
Cultural Immersive Experience
Food & Drink Experience
Day 9
Yekaterinburg city tour
Today, you will discover more about one of Russia’s most influential locations with a fascinating tour of the city where you will get to see all the highlights.
After breakfast, you will start your city tour where you will see the historical centre including the dam on Isset river, the monument to the founders of the city, the chapel of Saint Catherine, the patroness of Yekaterinburg; the first stone-built house in Yekaterinburg – The General Mining Office; and the merchants’ houses of the 19th century standing on the banks of the city pond. Your tour will continue with a visit to the city’s main and oldest square – 1905 Square, where the City Administration building stands, along with the Russian Army Square with the Memorial to the Soviet soldiers of the Afghanistan War.
Once your tour has finished your will be picked up by your driver and taken to your next destination, the Europe-Asia Border marker. Enjoy the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Urals first-hand and learn more about the history of the Great Sibirsky Road, the nearby towns, and cross the Europe-Asia border, marking the event with a glass of wine.
After your visit to the border has finished, you will head back to Yekaterinburg where you will have the rest of the day free to explore the city for yourself.
Breakfast & Lunch
‘1905’ Square
City Tour
Iset River Dam
Religious Buildings & Monuments
Europe-Asia border marker
Prominent Landscape
Russian Army Square
Day 10
Day on the train
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel in Yekaterinburg and meet your driver for the transfer to the train station.
You will spend the rest of day on the train to Moscow. You will have plenty of free time to relax and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Russia from the edge of your seat!
Breakfast
Transfer to Train
Night on the Train
Day on the Train
Travel to


Moscow
Russia’s official capital, Moscow, is the political and religious heart of the country. The city has the highest density of billionaires, is the world’s most populated inland city and boasts six out of Europe’s ten tallest buildings. It continues to be a major tourist destination in Europe growing year on year with famous attractions including Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, and the Kremlin.
Day 11
Moscow city tour by car
In the morning, you will arrive at Moscow Kazansky Train Station where your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. After check-in, you will have a bit of time to freshen up.
Your activity for today will be an introductory city tour by car where you will get to see Moscow’s most famous landmarks including Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum and the State Historical Museum. You will then continue along the tranquil Moskva River embankment for spectacular views of the Kremlin followed by the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, New Maiden’s Convent, and Moscow State University.
Next, you will be taken to Sparrow Hills’ observation spot to see Moscow at its finest with its spectacular panoramic views before travelling on through the Memorial Complex at Poklonnaya Hill and Victory Park, to the New Arbat, Boulevard Ring, Pushkin Square, and Tverskaya Street, finishing at Manezhnaya Square.
After your city tour by car, you will have the rest of the day free to explore the city for yourself or rest at the hotel.
New Destination by Train
City Tour
Moscow Kremlin
Red Square
Lenin’s mausoleum
Poklonnaya Hill Memorial Complex
Moskva River Embankment
St Basil’s Cathedral
Free Time
Day 12
Moscow Metro tour
Your final day will include plenty of free time to explore the best Moscow has to offer.
After breakfast, you will kick off your morning with an exclusive tour of the Moscow Metro, known for having some of the most decadent and beautiful stations in the world.
In the afternoon you will be free to explore Moscow for yourself, do some last-minute shopping or relax at your hotel.
Breakfast
Moscow Metro
Free Time
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Breakfast
Free Time
Departure Transfer
Where you can stay
A hotel can be the make or break of any experience, and we understand that choosing the right hotel is important to our travellers. Check out our range of hotels ahead of time, and learn more about our standard 3-star options and the luxury 5-star upgrades that are available in the destinations you will be visiting.
Please note that the selection of hotels included here are examples of where you may stay on your tour, we will pick the best option for you based on your travel requirements.
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Dates & Rates
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*This tour’s total cost is an estimate, based on travel costs prior to tickets being released. The price is subject to fluctation of up to 10%.† Based on 2 people sharing a twin room.
More information
What’s included
Accommodation as part of the tour
English speaking guide (other options available)
Entrance fees to museums (as part of the tour)
Food and drink (as mentioned in the tour itinerary)
Full board meals (Day 2-12)
Masterclass in the art school
Permit to national parks and reserves
Russian Tourist Visa Invitation
Transport (as specified in the tour itinerary)
What’s not included
Food and drinks (unless specified)
International train / plane tickets
Optional excursions and activities
Personal costs (souvenirs, additional snacks etc)
Russian visa
Tips for drivers/guides/in restaurants
Travel / medical insurance
Travel Tips
All travellers are asked to check the vaccination requirements before travel. Visit our Vaccines and Health page to find out more
Any dietary or allergy requirements will need to be disclosed before the start of the tour
Medication should always be taken with you and kept on your person
Please ensure that you keep any personal documents and valuables on your person at all times
WIFI will be available at most of the hotels, although mobile coverage may vary in rural areas
Your local guides will recommend stops where you can go souvenir shopping during your tour
Special notes
There are no special notes for this tour
Suggested reading
Enrich your travel experience with our list of top recommended books from specialist travel guides to compelling novels. Whether you are looking for something to pass the time on the train, or want to get to grips with the local history, reading is essential to turning your trip into a fully-fledged experience.
Russia: Lonely Planet
The ultimate guidebook to Russia that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s Russia is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling to this vast country from how to get around, the best places to eat in its most popular cities, what you need to see while you are there, cultural highlights, currency and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips about key attractions such as the Moscow Kremlin, Lake Baikal and the Romanov sites, this guide includes detailed maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
Siberia: A Cultural History
A mysterious and wholly undisturbed land situated in what is now the heart of Russia, Siberia has been steeped in myth and intrigue from the West, yet this vast frozen tundra with endless forests has been a sanctuary to the wildlife, fauna and local communities that call it home. Siberia is a cradle of civilisation, the origin of several ancient Turkic empires, and home to many indigenous cultures who would later travel to the Americas and beyond. Tracing the history of this little-known region, Haywood provides a glimpse into the historic landmarks and natural phenomenon of the region as well as the culture of its largest cities, Irkutsk, Tobolsk, Barnaul and Novosibirsk.
Moscow, St Petersburg & the Golden Ring
The ultimate guidebook to the Golden Ring that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s Moscow, St Petersburg and the Golden Ring is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling to these three spectacular regions including the best places to eat, what you need to see while you are there, cultural highlights and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips about key attractions such as the Moscow Kremlin, the Peterhof and the many monasteries and cathedrals of the Golden Ring cities, this guide includes regional maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
Moscow: A Traveller’s Reader
A masterful anthology documenting Moscow’s turbulent growth through the lives of its people from the bloody reprisals of Peter the Great to the literary greats of the 19th century. The city spent much of its early life in turmoil from being the subject to much greater empires including the Tatars, to being burnt down numerous times, yet rising from the ashes twice as magnificent each time. Kelly’s compelling narrative covers all of Moscow’s major milestones over 700 years in engaging detail. A must-read for anyone interested in the history of Russia.
Extras & Upgrades
Extras
Sorry, we currently do not have any extras readily available for this tour. However, if you are interested in customising your travel experience, please contact our Sales team at travel@realrussia.co.uk for assistance.
Upgrades
Sorry, we currently do not have any upgrades readily available for this tour. However, if you are interested in customising your travel experience, please contact our Sales team at travel@realrussia.co.uk for assistance.
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