Luxury Cruises
UNESCO
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Jay is fascinated by Siberia's spectacular landscapes, historic architecture, diverse ethnic mix and extreme climatic conditions - truly one of our planet's remotest lands.
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Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors.
The world’s oldest and deepest freshwater lake, Baikal is a destination packed with jaw-dropping scenery, ancient mysteries and natural wonders. Embark aboard the ship Imperia for an eight-day tour of Baikal’s treasures, in floating comfort and luxury. Explore the mainland bays and sacred islands on this memorable adventure. From the sand dunes and curved cliffs of Akademicheskaya Bay, the soaring peaks at Sosnovka and the view from Observation Rock to Russian baths and healing waters of the area’s natural hot springs, there’s recreation and relaxation for all. The same goes on board; boasting four-star facilities including swimming pool, sauna and on-deck entertainment, the Imperia is a floating hotel with all the amenities.
Hop aboard the Imperia, your palatial floating home for eight days of exploring in Lake Baikal, the blue heart of Siberia. Lake Baikal, a UNESCO-designated site, is the oldest (25 million years) and deepest (1,700 m) lake in the world. It contains 20% of the world's total unfrozen freshwater reserve. Set sail for the beautiful Kadilnaya Valley for a relaxing sauna and local cuisine. Visit the stunning caves and rock formations and take a picnic on the lake shore before sailing to Akademicheskaya Bay for its sand dunes and Russian baths. Enjoy dinner onboard the Imperia as you sail for Olkhon Island.
After breakfast onboard, disembark at Olkhon Island, the largest in Lake Baikal and an important center of ancient traditions. Visit the sacred rock and witness a shaman ceremony before exploring the flora and fauna. After lunch on board, explore the island in a Russian UAZ jeep and relax with a picnic of traditional fish soup cooked on an open fire. Enjoy leisure time aboard the Imperia for the evening.
Early risers have the opportunity to visit a rookery of Baikal seals around the Small Ushkaniy Islands, a heavily protected nature reserve. During breakfast onboard, enjoy the scenery as you sail for Chiwirkuyskuy and Zmeinaya Bay, famous for its healing hot springs. Enjoy a swim or on-deck entertainment in the evening as you sail onwards.
Enjoy breakfast onboard with the Barguzin Mountains overhead. Disembark at picturesque Sosnovka Bay, with a picnic lunch, ready for an excursion up the creek, between the peaks, glaciers and waterfalls. After an exhilarating day, enjoy dinner back on board and unwind in the ship sauna or your cozy cabin.
Have a leisurely breakfast as the Imperia docks at Avaya Bay and disembark ready for another day trip. Take the hike inland to the sparkling Frolikha Lake, enjoy a picnic lunch on the shore and perhaps a refreshing dip. Pass the evening with a little entertainment on board as you sail onwards.
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast. Disembark and enjoy a guided tour around the naturally beautiful Davsha settlement for the morning. Hop back onboard the Imperia for lunch and pass a relaxing afternoon to yourself enjoying the views and facilities as you sail back towards Akademicheskaya Bay.
Known as the Siberian Riviera, the bay is one of the most scenic parts of Baikal, with its sculpted cliffs. Arriving after lunch, enjoy exploring this exquisite spot and take the hike from Peschanaya Bay to Observation Rock for a stunning panoramic view of the lake. Alternatively take the less strenuous Bell Tower walk for a view of Babushka Bay.
by FT's Travelista - How to Spend It 
by U.S. News & World Report 
