soviet TRIUMPHS
SPACE-AGE AESTHETICS
THUNDERING ROCKETS
The departure dates of our Baikonur Tours coincide with 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.
“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!”
THE ROUTE
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DAY 1 • COSMIC CENTRAL ASIA
Morning meet-and-greet at Kyzyl-Orda International Airport and introductory briefing about [post] Soviet Central Asia and the rules to observe while visiting Baikonur and its cosmodrome.
Short Soviet-themed sightseeing around and about Kyzylorda and transfer to Baikonur.
Overnight in Baikonur.
DAY 2 • STARDUST AND SPACE ODDITIES
Full-day Soviet-Cosmic sightseeing in and around the city of Baikonur, formerly known as Leninsk in the good old days of the mighty USSR.
Highlights of the day will include—but are not limited to: the Cosmodrome History Museum, the Memorial to Rocketeers, the Yuri Gagarin Monument, Gagarin’s and Korolev’s cottages, the Launch Pad, the Energia bunker, and a vast panoply of Soviet-era monuments, mosaics, and architectural objects
Depending on the current mood of the local authorities, we might also be able to admire 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 • INTO THE WILD SOVIET YONDER
Additional morning sightseeing in Baikonur and transfer to the designated Observation Site* to assist to the actual Soyuz space launch.
Apogee of the day: sit back and gaze in wonder as the Soyuz spacecraft lifts off from its massive launch pad and leaves the Earth towards the deep wide boundlessness encircling our planet.
Post-launch celebration and transfer back to Baikonur town for dinner and drinks.
Overnight in Baikonur.
*The Baikonur Cosmodrome is an active and partially restricted spaceport operated by the Russian Federation within Kazakhstan. Changes to the program and sudden closures of specific facilities of the Cosmodrome—including certain observation sites—may occur due to maintenance and/or discretionary reasons at the whims of ROSCOSMOS and other authorities.
DAY 4 • FAREWELL TO STEPPES
After enjoying a last Soviet meal together, we'll take care of your transfer back to Kyzylorda International Airport.
End of the tour.