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 • 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 • LENINSK—ERR… BAIKONUR!
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 the Cosmodrome History Museum, the Memorial to Rocketeers, the Yuri Gagarin Monument, Gagarin’s and Korolev’s cottages, the Gagarin Launch Pad to assist to the roll-out, transportation, elevation, and subsequent installation of the space rocketand a vast panoply of Soviet-era monuments, mosaics and architectures.
Depending on 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!
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.
Overnight in Baikonur.
DAY 3 • Space Launch
Additional sightseeing
Transfer to the designated Observation Site to assist to the spacecraft launch.
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 certain facilities and sites of the Cosmodrome 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.