soviet engineering AND SPACE AGE ALLURE
The departure dates of our extraordinary Baikonur Tours are specifically bound to the launch schedule of the Soyuz spacecraft. Bookings for this tour must be made at least 75 days prior to each scheduled launch. For further information and detailed inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@soviettours.com
“When they saw me in my space suit and the parachute dragging alongside as I walked, they started to back away in fear. I told them, don’t be afraid, I am a Soviet like you, who has descended from space and I must find a telephone to call Moscow!”
DAY 1 • Kyzylorda
Morning meet-and-greet at Kyzyl-Orda International Airport and introductory about the country, the route, and the rules to observe while visiting the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Short Soviet-themed sightseeing around Kyzylorda and early-afternoon transfer to the city of Baikonur, formerly known as Leninsk back in the good old Soviet days.
Overnight in Baikonur.
DAY 2 • Baikonur
Morning transfer to the Gagarin Launch Pad to assist to the roll-out, transportation, elevation and subsequent installation of the space rocket.
Afternoon sightseeing around Baikonur town: Cosmodrome History Museum, Memorial to Rocketeers, Yuri Gagarin Monument, Soyuz Rocket Model, Gagarin’s and Korolev’s cottages, and a vast panoply of Soviet-era monuments, mosaics and architectures.
Tour highlight! According to the current mood of the local authorities, we might also be able to visit the rusting remains of the Buran Spaceplane, hidden in an dusty hangar just outside the main cosmodrome area: a true holy grail for urbex photographers and space-exploration buffs alike!
Overnight in Baikonur.
DAY 3 • Cosmodrome
Morning transfer to Baikonur Cosmodrome and visits to the Proton launch pad, the Energia-Buran launching facilities, the Energia bunker, the Yubileyny airfield and the Saturn tracking station.
Transfer back to Baikonur town and free afternoon to be spent either hunting for more Soviet-era relics or simply relaxing at the lobby bar of your hotel.
Overnight in Baikonur.
DAY 4 • Space Launch
Morning visit to the Cosmonaut Hotel to say hi (or rather “privet”) to the Soyuz space crew.
Transfer to the Cosmodrome for a last quick sightseeing of what we may have missed in the past two days.
Tour highlight! Transfer to the Baikonur Observation Site to assist to the spacecraft Soyuz Launch from the legendary Gagarin Start also known as Site №1.
The observation deck is located just one km from the launch site to let you enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience almost as you were a staff member of the Cosmodrome!
After-launch celebration and transfer back to Baikonur town for dinner and drinks.
Overnight in Baikonur.
DAY 5 • FAREWELL TO STEPPES
After enjoying a last Soviet meal together, we'll take care of your transfer to Kyzylorda International Airport.
For those wishing to take the train/bus to reach further destinations: transfer to the local train/bus station in Kyzylorda.
End of the tour.