Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Irkutsk, the “Paris of Siberia.” Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy your first breath of crisp Siberian air. Rest well, your adventure starts tomorrow!

Start your day at the Central Market, where the air is filled with the scent of smoked fish, pickles, and the buzz of fur-clad vendors. Hunt for Soviet memorabilia or dive into a plate of pelmeni, those delicious Siberian dumplings. Visit the Moscow Gate, a historic triumphal arch honoring Siberian conquest followed by the Cossack Monument, unveiled in 2011 to commemorate the early Cossack pioneers in the region. Take a stroll past pastel-colored houses and gold-domed churches, all while learning how this city became a haven for exiled artists and thinkers. End the day with a relaxing Russian Banya (Optional) —whisk yourself with birch branches for the full experience!

Begin your day with a short drive to Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest lake, now transformed into a 2km-thick ice highway! Next, visit the Taltsy Museum and step into a 17th-century Siberian village preserved in ice, then hop on a Soviet-era cable car to Chersky Stone for jaw-dropping views of the Angara River’s frozen mouth. The real thrill? Dog Sledding across Baikal’s glassy surface, led by some seriously energetic huskies! End the day at the Baikal Museum, where you’ll meet the cute nerpa seals—the lake’s only freshwater seals. Visit the Nicholas Church, a Russian orthodox church before hitting up Listvyanka’s Fish Market—bargain for some amber jewelry or a carved mam-moth bone trinket to remember your Siberian adventure!

Begin your day with an 8-hour ride on a Khivus Hovercraft across Baikal’s frozen expanse! Your journey kicks off at Peschanaya Bay, where wind-sculpted "ice trees" rise from the lake, followed by a stop at Maloe More for stunning photos of bubble-filled turquoise ice. Halfway through, break out the caviar and vodka for a "Baikal Kiss" toast—because when in Siberia, right? Arrive at Olkhon Island, the spiritual heart of Baikal, where shamanic traditions still thrive. Wild fact: the ice is so clear, locals drill holes to fish—and you can see down 40m!Note: During ice excursions on Olkhon Island, toilet facilities may be limited due to its remote and natural environment.

Begin your day with a thrilling ride in a rugged UAZ Jeep, Siberia’s answer to a Land Rover, as you explore Olkhon’s wild southern shores. First, visit Shaman Rock, where locals leave offerings to Baikal’s spirits, followed by a stop at Cape Dragon, where wind-carved ice forms dragon-scale patterns on the cliffs. At the Buddhist Stupa, spin the prayer wheels for good luck, then warm up with a picnic lunch of hot ukha (fish soup) by a cozy bonfire. As you explore, remember: Olkhon is sacred to the Buryat people, so avoid whistling indoors—it’s believed to “call the wind.”

Begin your day with a venture north to Cape Khoboy, where frozen waves create surreal Ice Caves and massive hummocks (giant ice bubbles). Your private photographer will capture stunning shots against the electric-blue ice, while a drone films your walk across the frozen surface—walking on water, but, you know, with ice! Later, explore Kharansty Island’s grottoes, where sunlight transforms the ice into a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors. For the best photos, wear bright colors—they really pop against the monochrome landscape!

Return to Irkutsk via the Ethno Park Golden Horde, a living museum of Mongolian nomads, where you’ll step into Siberia’s past. Visit the Golden Horde Buryat Museum where you can learn about its history, beliefs, and daily cultural practices. Try your hand at archery, sip fermented mare’s milk (kumis), and enjoy a Folk Show with throat singing and eagle hunting demos. As the evening settles in, feast on slow-cooked lamb and buuz (dumplings) around a bonfire, swapping stories with Buryat herders. If you're on the lookout for a unique souvenir, grab a hand-painted khomus (Jew’s harp)—a traditional Siberian instrument!

Take a last stroll through 130 Kvartal, Irkutsk’s hipster quarter, where cafes and Soviet murals create a unique vibe. Visit the Kazan Cathedral, with its candy-colored domes shimmering in the sunlight, and snap a final picture with the City Symbol Babr, a mythical tiger-holding sable. Then, transfer to the airport, clutching your matryoshka dolls and a camera full of frozen fairytale memories. If you have any leftover Rubles, be sure to grab some morozhenoe (Russian ice cream) at the airport—it’s surprisingly delicious, even in winter! Bid farewell to Russia. We hope you had a memorable vacation with ASA Holidays and thank you for your support!

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