Feel like a pioneering adventurer and embark on a journey along the Lena River, one of the longest rivers in the world. Aboard the M/S Mikhail Svetlov from Yakutsk discover remarkable rock formations and uninhabited areas and take in the changing landscape of Siberia before reaching the Arctic Circle, where small settlements are home to reindeer breeders and the summer sun never sets.

A series of lectures and seminars by experienced speakers will introduce you to the history of the scientific and pioneering achievements in the Yakutia-Sakha Republic. Listen to interesting facts about the natural resources, particularly the diamond deposits, as well as astonishing discoveries of Mammoth fossils, and the ecological situation of the Lena River. Daily concerts, games, cocktail parties, and reading sessions will keep your evenings busy.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1

ARRIVE YAKUTSK

Fly to Yakutsk. Transfer to the river port and board the M/S Mikhail Svetlov. On an optional city tour of Yakutsk discover the impressive collection of historical artefacts at the Museum of Local Lore, including one of the world’s only complete woolly mammoth skeletons. (D)

DAY 2

LENA PILLARS

Arrive at Lena Pillars, a natural rock formation stretching 80 kilometres along the banks of the Lena River. Admire this natural phenomenon from a viewing platform in the taiga. (B,L,D)

DAY 3

CRUISING

Cruise on the Buotama River mouth, near the village of Bulgunnyahtakh. In 2006, wood buffaloes were brought to the area from Canada with the aim of restoring the bison herd in Yakutia - the historical homeland of the animals. View the bison and learn about their re-acclimatisation to life in Russia. (B,L,D)

DAY 4

BUOTAMA RIVER

The journey reaches a section of the Lena River that enters the Central-Yakut lowland where there are many lakes and marshes on the river plain. The ship follows the route of the Aldan River, one of the largest tributaries of the Lena River, surrounded by the stunning Verkhoyansk Mountains. (B,L,D)

DAY 5

CRUISING

Cruise to Zhigansk, a settlement beyond the Polar Circle, established as a fort in 1632 the same time as Yakutsk. The population of 3,000 is mainly concerned with hunting, fishing and cattle breeding. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the town, where it is possible to buy fur boots made from reindeer. (B,L,D)

DAY 6

KUSUR

Visit Kusur, a small settlement in the north of the Arctic Circle. Here the men are engaged in reindeer husbandry and hunting and the women make beautiful traditional clothes decorated with fur and beads. (B,L,D)

DAY 7

TIKSI

The ship arrives at the town of Tiksi, the most northerly destination of the tour. Here, the sun appears day and night over the summer months until it disappears for a long winter. Embark on a tour of the town and surrounding tundra, and visit the Regional Museum. (B,L,D)

DAY 8

CRUISING

Spend a full day on board cruising along the Lena River - one of the greatest rivers of Siberia and one of the largest water arteries of the world, with a large estuary of over 32,000 square kilometres. Today the ship reaches the Arctic Ocean where the Lena River ends, cutting through mountains of solid rock forming a series of canyons and granite walls rising up to 400 metres high. (B,L,D)

DAY 9

STEPANOVKA VILLAGE

Today visit a fisherman's house and learn about how he lives here in remote Siberian and taste delicious fish soup. (B,L,D)

DAY 10

POLAR CIRCLE

Spend the day cruising in the Polar Circle. During the winter solstice (December 21-22) northward of the Polar Circle the sun does not rise at all and during the summer solstice (June 21-22) the sun does not set. During the trip the ship will cross the Polar Circle in the Zhigansky district. (B,L,D)

DAY 11

CRUISING

Enjoy a full day cruising. Pass one of the widest points of the Lena River at the confluences with its main tributaries - the Vilui and Aldan rivers. Admire this spectacular area, home to over 40 islands. (B,L,D)

DAY 12

THE GREEN STAGING POST

Enjoy a walk on this wild bank, see bounty of nature and enjoy a beautiful sunset. In the evening, enjoy a symbolic Fire of friendship and songs in different languages will be performed. (B,L,D)

DAY 13

SOTTINTSY

In the afternoon the ship reaches the village of Sottintsy. Here visit the local museum dedicated to Russian explorers and the lifestyle of first settlers. (B,L,D)

DAY 14

DEPART YAKUTSK

Arrive back into Yakutsk early in the morning. Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)

Pricing Information

14 day tour, from £2935 per person

Price Includes

Accommodation in outside twin cabins with private facilities
All transfers
Three meals per day (B= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) commencing with lunch on day of embarkation and ending with boxed breakfast on day of disembarkation
Full sightseeing programme as detailed with English speaking guide as per itinerary
All onboard entertainment programmes
Port taxes
Russian visa support documents

Price Excludes

International and internal flights (please contact us for best available prices)
Russian Visa
Travel Insurance
Gratuities
Additional expenses such as bar, laundry and beauty salon

Price Includes

Price Excludes

Price Notes

Single cabins are available - please contact us for prices. We can also book triple and quadruple cabins on this Russian cruise - please contact us for reduced prices.

Itinerary Dates
22 Jul 2019 - 04 Aug 2019
09 Aug 2019 - 22 Aug 2019
23 Aug 2019 - 05 Sep 2019
23 Jul 2020 - 05 Aug 2020
12 Aug 2020 - 25 Aug 2020
26 Aug 2020 - 05 Sep 2020

M/S Mikhail Svetlov

The M/S Mikhail Svetlov is a three deck passenger motor ship which was built in Austria. It has modern navigation equipment, good maneuverability and is designed to explore interior waterways. The boat is fitted with modern furniture and equipment. Each room has a radio, shower and toilet. There is a restaurant with 82 seats, a bar with 50 seats and a conference hall. The length of the ship is 90 m, a width 15 m, draft 1.6 m. Cruising speed is 21.5 km/h.

Deck Plan (39kb)

Click on images to enlarge

Tour Route Map

Russia, Yakutsk
Russia, Viluy River
Russia, Zhigansk
Russia, Tiksi
Russia, Natara
Russia, Sottintsy
Russia, Yakutsk

Image Gallery

Click on images to enlarge

Reviews

I am home safe and sound after a wonderful cruise. It was magnificent visiting an area that I knew little about. I learnt so much about the area of the Sakha republic and the people and their life, customs and beliefs. The voyage is highly recommended and I loved and enjoyed every moment. Thank you so much for your due care and for efficiently taking care of my arrangements. I am extremely satisfied.

Denis Browne

August 13, 2018