6 days
Fixed dates
10 people
from 1 year
Basic
Hotel
Russian
Trekking, Sightseeing tours
Seas, lakes, and waterfalls, mud volcanoes, and bizarrely shaped sheer cliffs. This is Sakhalin, a stunning island where you'll feel like you've entered another world. On this classic tour, we'll visit the most beautiful natural landmarks, take long walks, and savor the natural beauty of these places.
You'll see Sakhalin's highest waterfall, a picturesque cape with an ancient lighthouse, and the Torii Gates towering on a hill, reminiscent of the island's Japanese past. Indeed, Eastern exoticism permeates everything here: on Sakhalin, you can find bamboo undergrowth near pine forests, and the Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Museum of Local Lore is housed in an ancient Japanese building that, even from the outside, is awe-inspiring, and upon visiting, reveals the region's complex history in a captivating and loving manner. We'll dedicate the first day of the tour to exploring the city and its fascinating, eclectic architecture, and then we'll explore the wonders of nature.
You'll visit the mysterious Chertov Bridge and collect sunny pieces of amber on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. You'll experience the island's unique energy by visiting a rock formation that's approximately 70 million years old. While neighboring peaks crumbled to dust, it stood firm, and today it's surrounded by mystical rumors and beautiful legends. We'll also visit the most beautiful beach in Sakhalin (and perhaps in all of Russia) – Tikhaya Bay, which lives up to its name. In contrast, a walk between the famous capes Velikan and Ptichiy will be filled with the cacophony of birds, as numerous flocks nest in the numerous grottoes and caves along this coastline.
Sakhalin is tranquility, breathtaking views, myths and history. And, of course, it's the freshest seafood! We'll definitely stop by a fishing village to stroll through the crab market and perhaps indulge in some local delicacies.
*You can choose a hotel with a level of comfort that suits you. Please note: the final tour price depends on your accommodation.
A cozy and modern hotel in the tourist center of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, just 300 meters from Victory Square. Rooms are fully equipped with satellite TV, a bathroom with a shower, slippers, and toiletries. Guests especially appreciate the pleasant, bright common lounge areas and delicious, hearty breakfasts.
A beautiful, stylish hotel in a park-like area of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, just a 15-minute drive from the airport. The interior combines European and Japanese styles, reflecting the city's eclectic architecture. The hotel grounds and common areas are lush with greenery and flowers, and the rooms are fully equipped. The helpful staff will make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Situated opposite a picturesque park, the hotel boasts an on-site spa, sauna, and several restaurants serving Japanese, Asian, Serbian, and international cuisine. The elegant, spacious rooms are decorated in bright tones and offer everything you need for a pleasant and comfortable stay. Upper-floor rooms offer panoramic views of the hills surrounding Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
We'll meet at the airport. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Afterwards, you'll have some time to rest and have lunch. At 3:00 PM, we'll depart for a sightseeing tour of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk—this green city surrounded by rolling hills deserves special attention. Low-rise due to seismic activity, cozy and eclectic (remember that for over 40 years it was called Toyohara and belonged to Japan), it will immerse you in the unique atmosphere of Sakhalin from the very beginning: closeness to nature, tranquility, and harmony. During the tour, you'll see the world's largest outdoor mosaic, climb to an observation deck, and visit the Local History Museum. This museum is housed in a beautiful Japanese-style building, and the exhibition offers a fascinating insight into the region's history.
We begin our exploration of Sakhalin's natural beauty with a visit to Cape Slepikovsky. Along the way, we'll drive along the incredibly vibrant Kholmsky Pass, immersed in greenery or the rich colors of autumn, depending on the season. Cape Slepikovsky itself is remarkable for two reasons: first, it boasts a beautiful lighthouse, making it the perfect backdrop for atmospheric photographs. Second, the beach on the cape is completely sandy, a rarity for Sakhalin. After visiting the cape, we'll have lunch at a café, stroll along the Kholmsk embankment, and take a train to the Devil's Bridge. The High Bridge (no trains currently run across it) is located in a picturesque spot, surrounded by pristine, wild forests. Many legends surround it—for example, they say that in the silence, you can sometimes hear the whistle of a Japanese steam locomotive from the past. In the evening, we'll return to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Today, our destination is Tikhaya Bay, often included in lists of Russia's most beautiful beaches. Protected from winds and adverse weather, this bay exudes a delightful atmosphere of peace and quiet—hence its name. Along the way to the beach, we'll stop by several other interesting locations: we'll collect amber on the coast near the village of Starodubskoye, see the Torii Gate—the symbolic entrance to a Shinto shrine perched on a hill, and visit Klokovsky Waterfall, considered the highest on the island. We'll also stop in a fishing village to visit a crab market. After a stroll around Tikhaya Bay, we'll have lunch at a café with a stunning panoramic view. Return to the city.
The views you'll enjoy today have become one of Sakhalin's signature landmarks. Cape Velikan is a natural landmark, sculpted by centuries of water and wind, creating a unique landscape. The rocky outcrops form magical arches beneath which the azure waters of the Sea of Okhotsk lap. Here, we'll stroll along the shore to Cape Ptichiy, admiring the numerous grottoes and cliffs where hundreds of birds nest. The cacophony of birds, the sound of the waves, the rustling of the wind, and the stunning lines of these natural masterpieces all create a magical atmosphere. By 6:00 PM, we'll return to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, where you'll have free time.
On the fifth day, we'll head to a place with a unique energy—a rock outcrop nicknamed "The Frog" for its unusual shape. Scientists have determined that this rock is 70 million years old. Mountain ranges once stood here, but they eroded over the centuries, leaving only the rock. It rises above forests of numerous rare trees and plants, such as Kuril bamboo. The rock offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding forests. The Frog itself is the subject of many beautiful myths and legends: for example, it is said that the spirits of the ancient indigenous people of Sakhalin, the Ainu, still reside here. After our walk, we'll have lunch at a café and return to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport. See you soon!
The program doesn't include any challenging routes (although there are some long walks). This tour is suitable for children aged one year and older.
The tour price does not include flights and dinners. We also recommend allowing for souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones.
Yes. The program includes a visit to the crab market in the fishing village. On some days, you'll also have free time in the afternoon to shop for delicacies or gifts.
You can choose the accommodation type that best suits your needs, from 2 to 4 stars. Please note: the tour price depends on this.
The program price is based on double occupancy. Single occupancy requires an additional fee.
Ask your tour coordinator questions
Tour from an official tour operator listed in the Rostourism register
