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Russia has a number of destinations perfect for those looking to soak up some culture on a holiday of a lifetime. While St Petersburg and Moscow are perhaps the best known ones, Irkutsk in Siberia gives its bigger counterparts a run for their money when it comes to offering a fascinating Russian holiday experience. Irkutsk's roots go all the way back to the 17th century, but it was some 200 years later that it really came into its own as a cultural hotspot. The 19th century saw a number of exiled nobles, artists, officials and other figures head to Irkutsk for intellectual stimulation after being banished to Siberia for having a hand in the Decembrist revolt against Tsar Nicholas I. Irkutsk flourished as a result and is now home to numerous churches, museums, arts venues, restaurants and other establishments offering all manner of interesting diversions for those on Russian holidays. Its museums are mainly based at universities and include the Geology Museum, the City History Museum, the Sukachev Art Museum and the Irkutsk Regional Museum. Architecture-wise, there are several pre-industrialisation wooden buildings from the 19th century still standing in the city centre, while its 18th and 19th century churches and cathedrals - including the Ascension Church, Saviour Church, Epiphany Cathedral and the Our Lady of Kazan Church - are also fascinating to gaze at. In terms of nightlife, the focus is more on cafes and restaurants than on bars and clubs, with establishments serving up cuisine from around the world. However, tourists are recommended to taste traditional Russian fare while in Irkutsk, especially bliny, which are rich pastries stuffed with fillings like fruit or cottage cheese. When it comes to day trips and longer getaways that use Irkutsk as a base, visitors have several options to choose from. The famous Lake Baikal - one of the biggest and oldest lakes in the world - is easily accessible by train and is worth a visit for its gorgeous scenery. Elsewhere, the nearby Sayan Mountains offer some equally stunning vistas, while the village of Listvyanka is particularly popular among tourists visiting the area. Visit Intourist to book holidays to Russia. Intourist, the Russian travel specialists, has been opening the gates to travellers wanting to experience the enigmatic spirit of Russia, Ukraine and the Baltics for over 70 years. We have an extensive network of offices, hotels and suppliers and are proud of our unrivalled know-how and ability to provide you with the most reliable, up-to-date, specialist knowledge on Russian holidays available anywhere on the market.
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