If you are travelling on one of our Classic Trans-Siberian Journeys, you are able to choose from an exciting selection of optional adventures in Yekaterinburg and Lake Baikal featured below. Please note that these Optional Adventures are not available to anyone who has booked a Costsaver Journey.
Make the most of your time in Yekaterinburg with one of these little gems. All options are to be booked and paid in advance, please advise us if you wish to book any of these activities. Alternatively spend your time at leisure in Yekaterinburg.
Take a day trip to Peschanoe Lake and walk along the river banks, taking in the breathtaking views, before heading to the 17th century Ural village of Reshoty, which has maintained its ancient way of life. Russian wooden houses, made without nails, are still used today. This excursion is offered during the summer.
Test your dog sledding skills! You will be accompanied by a skilled instructor who will explain how to manage the dogs and sled and then its up to you to take control! This is an experience of a lifetime, as you see the snowy landscape as the dogs race along. You will be supplied with sheepskin coats and warm overalls. This exciting activity is offered during the winter.
Take a day trip to the ancient Ural village of Koptelovo, dating back to the 17th century, it is firmly rooted in the past. Explore the village and visit an old Russian house that was built without a single nail and a stable yard where you can try some tasty traditional Ural cakes. This excursion is offered all year round.
Enjoy a few hours of exhilaration on the Russian slopes! Ezhovaya mountain has excellent slopes (1500m) and 7 modern lifts. At the bottom of the mountain there’s a place to hire mountain-skiing equipment and snowmobiles and a ski school for those needing a helping hand! The views are stunning and this is one of the best areas to ski in the Middle Urals. This activity is offered in the winter.
Spend a day rafting on catamarans along the quiet rivers - either Chusovaia or Serga, which flow between the beautiful Ural mountains. Picturesque views along the way of the mountains, rocky foreshores and even a chance to catch fish and pick up mushrooms and berries for dinner. All the necessary equipment is provided. This day trip is offered during the summer.
Visit the bird rehabilitation and monitoring centre which has many kinds of birds such as falcons, steppe eagles and quails. After seeing the mini bird zoo, the hunting show commences. You will be shown the ancient technique of the hunt: taking off and landing on your hand, attaching on a stuffed animal and how the bird’s flight is controlled. This excursion is offered all year round.
Make the most of your time in Listvyanka on the shores of Baikal, by choosing one of our 5 optional activities that most appeals to you. All options are to be paid in advance, please specify your preference at time of booking. Alternatively spend your time at leisure by beautiful Lake Baikal.
Transfer from Irkutsk and enjoy a leisurely trek through the taiga of the beautiful Primorsky Mountain, to a nearby bay on the shores of Lake Baikal. Camp overnight in a scenic spot and soak up the views. The following day trek to Listvyanka and before returning to Irkutsk. This trek is offered during Siberia's summer months.
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Listvyanka and have some fun in the snow, cross country skiing on the shores of Lake Baikal with a picnic lunch. Then return to Listvyanka for a steamy banya. This skiing excursion is offered during Siberia's winter months.
In the summer guided walking tour of Listvyanka and take a boat from Listvyanka to picturesque Port Baikal, where you will enjoy a guided walk along the Circum Baikal route with picnic lunch. In winter, walking tour of Listvyanka, plus a guided walk along the frozen shores of Lake Baikal with lunch. This excursion is offered all year round.
Lake Baikal is one of the Underwater Wonders of the World! On this exciting diving excursion, witness canyons, caves, vertical drops and an abundance of marine life during your 2 dives in Lake Baikal. All necessary equipment is provided. Plus a guided walking tour of Listvyanka. Diving is offered during the summer.
Guided tour or Listvyanka and enjoy some fun in the snow on the shores of stunning Lake Baikal! First up is a snow mobile driving lesson, then its off to practice your new skills on a ride to a small village not far from Listvyanka. Stop for lunch, then ride back to Listvyanka for a banya. This excursion is offered during Siberia's winter months.
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