MDZ3. Prioksko-Terrasny Reserve

The Prioksko-Terrasny Reserve is located 110 km South of Moscow, on the left bank of the Oka River. Plantlife from three different geographical zones: forest, forest-steppe and steppe grow in abundance. There are light pine forests with stately 160-year old pines, dark spruce forests, birch, linden-tree and mixed forests. The place, called Doly, is covered with steppe flowers, bushes and waves of feather-grass. Bogs, small lakes and forest-rivers with dams and fallen trees, attributable to the native beaver’s activities, add to the diversity of nature in the Reserve.

The aurochs (European bison) as well as American bison look the most interesting species of fauna of the reserve. This biggest European mammal up to 1200 kg in weight used to live in broad-leaved forests but was exterminated by man in wild nature. It has practically no predators in the wild, but unfortunately became almost extinct as a result of intensive hunting. The aurochs breeding center of the reserve plays an important role in restoration of the bison population.

During the excursion you visit the buffer zone of the Reserve, Museum of Nature and the aurochs breeding centre. Moreover there is an exclusive option - a half-day excursion to the main zone (the kernel) of the Reserve with a qualified guide - a scientist from the Reserve.
Our cottage is located at a high slope with a pleasant view of the valley of the Lopasnya River in two kilometers from the Oka River and not far from the Reserve. The enclosed territory also contains a bath-house (Russian banya), a fished pond, a playground for children and a small farm with horses, cows, pigs and poultry.
There is an opportunity of experiencing exciting motor paragliding and horse riding, either individually or accompanied by your family or friends while enjoying the picturesque landscapes. You may also choose to pass the time playing with your children in the garden or enjoy cozy evenings by the fireside.
 

Type: Discovery
Tour duration: 3 days
Season:all-year-round
Recommended Group Size: 1 - 10
Transportation: car/minibus, on foot
 
Itinerary:
 
Day 1. Evening route (around 100 km from MKAD) from Moscow to the village of Turovo close to Prioksko-Terrasny Reserve. Accommodation at a small cozy cottage. Countryside dinner with a warm family atmosphere. Russian banya (optional, free of charge). Overnight stay at the cottage. (D)
 
Day 2. Breakfast. Relaxation. Walking outside. Possible visiting a local private farm (goats, cows, geese, wild boar, rabbits, horses etc). Optional activities (payment on site): fishing in a private fished pond, horse riding, riding by ATV (All Terrain Vehicles), motor paragliding in tandem with a professional instructor (in case of proper weather). Russian banya. Lunch and dinner at the cottage.Overnight stay at the cottage. (BLD)
 
Day 3.  Breakfast. Transfer (around 20 km) to the Reserve headquarters. Excursion to the Prioksko-Terrasny Biosphere Reserve on foot. Visiting the Museum of Nature and the Breeding Centre (1.5 - 2 hour). Return to hotel for lunch. Return to Moscow in the evening. (BL)
 
Legend: B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner.
 

Highlights:

  • Aurouch Breeding Centre (we strongly recommend you to bring carrots or apples for feeding bisons, especially if travelling with children)
  • The enjoyable and fascinating forests of the Prioksko-Terrasny Reserve
  • Picturesque views of the countryside (the Oka and the Lopasnya Rivers, surrounded by forests and fields)
  • Ecological countryside food at the cottage
  • An exciting motor paragliding opportunity in tandem with a professional instructor, experience the soaring feeling of flight! (is also recommended for persons without experience)
  • Optional horse riding in the vicinity of the cottage (for experienced persons only)
  • Russian sauna (banya), where you can benefit from a relaxing atmosphere

Rates for individual tourists 2010:

Group size, PAX
1-10
Price per person, EUR:
  
weekends
179
week days
150

Discounts for tour operators and travel agents. Please inquire.

All the transportation is supposed by your own car/minibus

Map

Included:

  • TWN accommodation (2 nights) in a comfortable small private hotel with full board
  • Russian sauna (banya) with a pool
  • Russian speaking guide - scientist from the Reserve for the excursion
  • Secure parking for your car/minibus

Supplements:

  • Transportation by our car/minibus
Group size, persons 1-3 (car) 4-10 (minibus)
Price per group, EUR 232 296
  • English (other languages - on request) speaking interpreter for excursion + 20 EUR per group

Options (reference rates, to pay on site in RUR):

  • motor paragliding  45 EUR per 10 min
  • ATV riding 55 EUR per vehicle per hour


EXTENSION - THE KERNEL OF THE RESERVE


An exclusive half-day excursion to the main zone (the kernel) of the reserve by car/minibus and on foot with a qualified guide - scientist from the reserve.

Reserves are intended to be places of untouched natural ecosystems. The fundamental idea is the exclusion of people and the prohibition of economic activity, the only exceptions being non-intrusive access allowed to scientists and rangers. Tourism is strongly limited and regulated there. For this reason the current excursion program is unique in its way.

On this route you will have a possibility to get not only in a buffer zone of the reserve which is used for ecotourism, but in the main zone (kernel) which is used for preservation of a biological variety of unique representatives of fauna and flora, realization of applied and basic researches.


Costs for individual tourists:

Group size, PAX 1 2 3 4-5 6-10
Price per person, EUR 147 81 58 47 36

All the transportation is suggested by your own car/minibus

Supplements:

  • extra car + 119 EUR per car/minibus
  • English (other languages - on request) speaking interpreter + 32 EUR per group
  • Transportation by our car/minibus
Group size, persons 1-3 (car) 4-10 (minibus)
Price per group, EUR 37 48


 
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