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Ekaterinburg The Turning-point City

Maybe it’s something about the Urals Mountains – but significant things keep happening here? This is where you’ll find the border between Europe and Asia – beyond it begins Siberia, which is entirely in Asia. Russia’s industrial revolution began here, and Russia’s first “gold rush” took place here. Perhaps most infamously, this is where the Russian Royal Family were murdered in the first year of Soviet power in 1918. Historically, Russia’s military elite have trained here.

And it was a Ekaterinburger who dismantled Communism and became the first elected leader of Russia – it’s Boris Yel’tsin’s home town. Add in all the great outdoor activities the nearby Urals enable, and there’s more choice than you can manage in a short stay!! How to spend your time is up to you – what will you choose from the OPTIONS below?

THESE OPTIONS ARE INCLUDED IN THE PRICE* OF ALL ITINERARIES CALLING AT EKATERINBURG – YOU JUST HAVE TO TELL US WHICH ONE YOU’D PREFER?! THEY DON’T COST YOU EXTRA*! To ensure availability of transport, local staff and any special equipment, we need you to tell us which option in Ekaterinburg you want to book at the time you send in your booking form! * except for the Husky dog-sledding winter option, for which there’s a small surcharge.

SUMMERTIME OPTIONS (specific dates given for each option)

S3 Romanov Murder Location & Europe/Asia Border
Visit to the Europe/Asia border-marker (40km from town), and then continue to the site where the bodies of the murdered Romanov Royal Family were hidden in 1918 (a monastery has now been built to commemorate the site – Tsar Nicholas has been canonised in the Orthodox Church)
Difficulty: no physical exertion involved. Season: all year. Takes 5-6hrs.

S5 Walking “Taiga” Forests.
The forest here are famous – Russians come just to visit them. This is an easy stroll with a friendly guide who’ll tell about the local ecosystem.
Difficulty: anyone can do it. Season: 11.06. – 15.09 Takes 6 hrs

S7 Siberian Wilderness
Start with lazy river rafting for 6km followed by a hike of 12km through a Siberian Taiga forest. You can explore the underground caves of the Urals.
Difficulty: Only for the fit! Season 12.06 – 11.09 Takes 9-10 hrs.

S8 Siberian countryside experience
Full-day trip to the West Siberian village reserve of Koptelovo – onsite exhibitions about local farming and folk-art traditions. Includes a ride in a droshky (horse-carriage – summer) or troika (sleigh – winter). Trad Russian meal included too.
Difficulty: no physical exertion involved. Season: all year Takes 8-9 hrs

S9 Mountain Bike Adventure in the Urals.
Heading out to the west of the city, a 50km drive will take you to the area of “The Devils Rocks”. During your 16 km bike expedition you will be escorted by an off road mini van. At the end of the trip we will visit the famous Europe-Asia obelisk.
Difficulty: only for the fit!. Season: 12.05 – 18.09 Takes 6 hrs

WINTERTIME OPTIONS (specific dates given for each option)

S8 Siberian countryside experience
S3 Romanov Murder Location (both operate all year round – see Summer Options for details)

W3 Winter Forest Walk.
Winter walking (on paths!) through the forest to the Druzhba caves – including a picnic lunch.
Difficulty: light walking, 14km in total. Season: 01.12-30.02 Takes 8-10 hrs

W4 Downhill Skiing in the Ural Mts.
Ski where President Putin skiis! (well,.sometimes). Full-day trip to Mt Ezhovaya Ski Resort – great slopes, great lifts, great views. Lift/Skis/Poles package purchasable locally at the resort (approx US$25 for one-day package).
Difficulty: you have to be able to ski without instruction Season: 01.12-30.02 Takes 9-10 hours

W1 Siberian Ice Fishing.
Yes, it really is fishing through a hole in the ice – the classic Russian winter occupation. Instruction, hints, rod, line, bait and a fur coat provided (plus transport there and back)
Difficulty: we don’t guarantee you’ll catch anything! Season: 15.11-15.12 and 01.02-15.03 Takes 8 hours (you can come home earlier if you get cold)

W5 Dog Sledding
A trip out to the west of the city where your sledge will be waiting for you. Siberian Khaski dogs will move your own traditional sledge for about 3-4 hours along a forest road.
Season 15.11-22.02* There is a £20 supplement per person for a solo passenger, and £15 per person if two or more passengers. (* not available 25.12. – 11.01.04 inclusive, and during weekends 17 & 18.01.04, 24 & 25.01.04/)

HOTEL UPGRADE IN EKATERINBURG:
Our standard trips in Ekaterinburg are based on Family Stay accommodation with our great local hosts. If you’d prefer the increased privacy of a hotel, we have a deal with the Academy Of Geology Hotel. As you can guess – it’s owned by the Academy of Geologists. It’s quite modest (approx 2*), is run by three nice ladies with a “family hotel” atmosphere (everyone eats breakfast together at the same table etc) and has a super location right in the middle of town.

Upgrade price: Single Room: 40pp/nt, Twin Room: £30pp/nt Upgrade Code: EKAT-H.