10 DAYS RUSSIAN FAR EAST: UNTOUCHED WILDERNESS & FORGOTTEN HISTORY

Arrival in Khabarovsk

Arrive in Khabarovsk and enjoy early check-in at your hotel, with time to rest and refresh. In the afternoon, begin your discovery of this historic city at Amur Cliff, where Khabarovsk was founded, and admire the monument to Governor-General Muravyov-Amursky, immortalized on the 5,000-ruble banknote. Continue along the riverfront to the iconic Amur Bridge, learning its history and significance, before returning to the city.

From Golden Domes to Imperial Exile

Spend a full day exploring Khabarovsk’s cultural and historical landmarks. Visit Soboro-Komsomolskaya Square, Glory Square, and the Great Patriotic War Memorial before marveling at the golden domes of the Transfiguration Cathedral, Russia’s third largest. Walk along elegant Muravyov-Amursky Street, lined with classical façades, and pause in the central squares that embody the city’s proud heritage.

Travel to the Puyi House-Museum in Krasnaya Rechka, where the last emperor of China was held under Soviet custody in 1945. The preserved wooden house vividly reflects the atmosphere of his exile and the dramatic turn of his destiny.

Arrival at Kamchatka

Transfer to airport for a flight to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

Today is a day for unhurried arrival and relaxation. After your flight, you will be transferred to the Blue Lagoon Spa Hotel, set amidst Kamchatka’s dramatic natural scenery. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the hotel’s inviting thermal pools, wellness facilities, and tranquil surroundings – an ideal way to settle into the rhythm of this remote and remarkable land.

Valley of Geysers

Take to the skies on a spectacular helicopter flight (share basis) to the UNESCO-listed Valley of Geysers, one of the largest geyser fields in the world. Here, plumes of steam rise against a backdrop of lush valleys and volcanic ridges, while boardwalks wind through this geothermal wonder for close-up views of its dramatic eruptions. Continue to fly to Nalychevo Valley and take a dip in natural hot springs before enjoying a picnic lunch in the wild.

Kuril Lake – Salmon Run & Bear Encounters

Fly by helicopter (share basis) to Kuril Lake, arriving during the peak salmon run, when brown bears gather along the shores to fish in the clear shallows – an unforgettable display of nature’s raw spectacle. Weather permitting, make a landing in the vast caldera of Ksudach Volcano (at the discretion of the crew and depends on weather condition) to enjoy the magnificent view. Conclude the day with a relaxing soak in the remote Khodutka Hot Springs, where mineral-rich waters bubble in the open air.

*Important Note: All helicopter excursions are strictly weather-dependent and may need to be rescheduled to another day during your stay. Should weather conditions make it impossible to operate the flight on any day of the program, and the excursion is ultimately cancelled, each guest will receive a refund for the cancelled helicopter tour. 

Avacha Bay & Starichkov Island Cruise

Begin the day with a boat cruise across Avacha Bay, a striking, glacier – carved inlet – approximately 24 km long and 3 km wide-celebrated as the second largest and most picturesque bay in the world. As your vessel glides toward the Pacific, you’ll pass the iconic “Three Brothers” rock formations, natural sentinels guarding the bay’s entrance. Continue to Starichkov Island, a protected reserve teeming with seabird colonies, while seals and sea otters rest on nearby reefs. A fresh seafood lunch is served on board.

Camel Mountain Hike

This morning, transfer by all-terrain vehicle to the foothills of the mighty Avachinsky Volcano, a journey of around two hours. Upon arrival at the base camp, take time to rest before your trek. The hike to Camel Mountain takes about three hours and is considered moderate with height difference of 400 meters (starting point at base camp of altitude around 800m towards Mount Camel of about 1200m), rewarding you with breathtaking views of Avachinsky and Koryaksky volcanoes, Avacha Bay, Petropavlovsk, Elizovo, the Avacha River, and the Nalychevo Valley.

Arrival in Vladivostok & City Icons

Transfer to airport for your flight to Vladivostok.

Upon arrival in Vladivostok, crossing the bridge over Amur Bay into a city of sweeping harbours and maritime heritage. Begin your exploration with the Vladivostok Railway Station, terminus of the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway. Continue to the Marine Passenger Terminal and the lively Central Square, before strolling along historic Svetlanskaya Street, lined with elegant 19th-century buildings. Visit the graceful Nikolai Triumph Arch and end the afternoon at Korabelnaya Quay, where the city was founded in 1860.

Scenic Coast & Historic Quarters

Begin the day with an excursion to Primorskiy Safari Park, a unique sanctuary for rescued animals where Siberian tigers, Far Eastern leopards, bears, and deer live in natural forest surroundings.

Continue to Glass Bay (Steklyannaya Bay), where the shoreline glitters with smooth sea glass shaped by decades of ocean waves.

Return to the city to explore the C-56 Submarine Memorial, stepping inside to learn its wartime story, before ending the day in Millionka, Vladivostok’s atmospheric former Chinatown, now home to stylish cafés and boutiques.

Russky Island & Farewell

Cross the soaring cable-stayed bridges to Russky Island for a final day of discovery before departure. Pause en route at the Tokarevsky Lighthouse, Vladivostok’s most iconic beacon and one of the oldest on the Russian Pacific coast, standing at the entrance to Golden Horn Bay. On Russky Island, explore the modern landmarks built for the 2012 APEC Summit and visit the Far Eastern Federal University campus. Take in sweeping sea vistas, a fitting finale to your Far Eastern journey.

In the evening, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.