Once perceived as desolate and inaccessible, the world’s image of Siberia is commencing to change. As travel connoisseurs seek new, exciting and unspoiled places to sit back, play and explore, Siberia is emerging as an uncrowded alternative to conventional adventure tourism destinations. Now, because of a expert tour company, 56th Parallel, experiencing Siberia’s wonders is less complicated and more luxurious than ever.
Based in Sydney, Australia, 56th Parallel’s goal is not to only promote Siberia’s extraordinary opportunities for wilderness adventures, but in addition its unique blend of Russian and indigenous culture and colourful city life. The birth of the corporate passed off during 56th Parallel founder Michael Schneider’s numerous work trips to Siberia during the last 12 years. Humbled and astounded by both the natural wonderful thing about Siberia and the hospitality of its people, he began taking groups of friends on adventure holidays to the region and making connections with people inside the local tourism industry. Working with an experienced team in Australia and Russia, he has this year launched a brand spanking new 56th Parallel website (www.56thparallel.com) with the purpose of sharing Siberia’s true splendour with the sector.
56th Parallel takes its guests to a few of the foremost picturesque and exciting destinations in Siberia while providing a degree of comfort (think boutique 4 and 5 star hotels, VIP transfers and high class restaurants) far beyond what many people go along with Siberia.
The company offers various itineraries catering to all tastes, from action-packed ‘adrenaline’ tours through to more leisurely experiences based around exploring Siberia’s ancient and modern cultures, customs and cuisine. 56th Parallel also provides the chance for guests to create completely customised, private itineraries.
Siberia’s extraordinary vastness and its diverse geography means the alternative of activities on offer is unparalleled. In winter, Siberia offers skiing and snowboarding at both world-class resorts and spectacularly remote, crowd-free mountain slopes. Guests may be able to add a distinctly Russian flavour to their tours, with experiences consisting of the banya (Russian sauna), hovercraft rides, husky dog sledding, Russian ballet performances, and naturally, tasting the world’s finest vodka. A summer tour is usually recommended to profit from Siberia’s surprisingly warm sunshine and the chance to hike within the taiga forest, go rafting and mountaineering, kayak along the rugged Pacific coast, or cruise the turquoise blue waters of Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest lake in the world.
With over 9 unique sites recognised by UNESCO and shut to 100 sites into consideration, Siberia’s natural beauty has attracted Russian tourists, artists, photographers, wildlife lovers and adventure sports enthusiasts for generations. Now the Russian government is creating a concerted effort to advertise international tourism within its borders, and is currently in talks with the european to provide visa free travel for tourists. Furthermore, the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi is decided to provide Russia an important tourism boost. Within Siberia itself, full service tour companies like 56th Parallel, along side a flurry of latest developments from major international hotels mean Siberia is readier than ever to welcome travellers of each persuasion.