Meet you guide and driver at the hotel and start the trip with an overview of the city. During this tour you will have a possibility to enjoy the city from all points of view: you will visit the main sights of historical center of Vladivostok. Then you will be able to enjoy the city view from the water, and, to complete the tour, you will lift on the famous Vladivostok’s funicular to see the panoramic view of the city from its highest point - Eagle’s Nest Observation Platform. You will also visit the Fortress of Vladivostok and Submarine Museum.

Fortress of Vladivostok

The old Vladivostok Fortress is the city’s most popular and distinct sight. This complex of unique fortifications is rightfully considered one of the most powerful coastal fortresses in the world. The construction of the fortress started in the late 19th century: after the fall of Port Arthur during the Russian-Japanese war of 1904–1905, the Vladivostok defense fortifications had to be improved. In the year 1923, an agreement between Russia and Japan about Vladivostok's demilitarization was signed. However, the Vladivostok Fortress was reactivated in the early 1930s when a new war with Japan was brewing. This was the time when the Voroshilov Battery was built on Russky (Russian) Island. The Vladivostok Fortress is a giant compound that includes numerous facilities and units. They are scattered over a vast territory, from the suburbs of Vladivostok to the islands of the Peter the Great Bay. You can stumble on fortifications everywhere in Vladivostok. The Vladivostok Fortress Museum restored the old rituals: the change of the guard of honor, the rising of the flag, and the daily shot of the cannon at noon. The Vladivostok fortress has not been involved in military actions, however, the mere fact of its existence accomplished its mission: the military power of the fortress was so imposing that nobody dared to attack the city.

Submarine Museum S-56

Like most maritime cities, Vladivostok erects monuments dedicated not only to people, but also to ships. Perhaps the most interesting among them is the S-56 submarine. The building of a diesel-electric Soviet S-class submarine S-56 (“S” stands for “Srednyaya”, which means “medium” in Russian) began in Leningrad (now known as St. Petersburg) and was completed in Vladivostok by Ship Repair Center. She was launched and commissioned in October 1941. A year later, the sub made an unprecedented move for duty to the Northern Fleet — crossing both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.In the north, the S-56 successfully fought against a fascist’s fleet. She engaged in eight military campaigns, sunk four targets (two warships and two cargo ships), and damaged numerous other targets. In 1944, the sub was awarded the ‘Order of the Red Banner’, and in 1945 she was honored with the prestigious ‘National Guard’ title. The S-56 is believed to be the most successful Soviet submarine that fought in World War II. Today the Soviet S-class submarine S-56 is one of the highlights of the “Military Glory of the Pacific Navy Fleet” memorial complex. It is also listed as a branch of the Military Historical Museum of the Pacific Navy Fleet, meaning that her service, despite decommissioning, continues. The original interior of the submarine’s central and bow compartments is well preserved, so one can see real sailors’ bunks, peer inside the torpedo tube, and look out through the periscope. They say that during the war, the “Fifty-Sixth” was declared dead 19 times, yet she always returned; and now she is unsinkable forever.

Boat Trip

When the tour boat pulls away from pier, Vladivostok is revealed from a viewpoint that the city’s founders saw. You will find out how interesting it is to change your perspective, when instead of a seascape opening from a bird's-eye view, you discover all kinds of capes, hills, and coves from sea level. During the trip, you can take many amazing shots and capture the most interesting places from previously inaccessible angles.

Eagle’s Nest Observation Platform

Vladivostok is a city in the hill, and the hill makes a perfect natural lookout with its breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Eagle’s Nest is the most popular and well-kept observation point. In fact, it is an excellent place to start getting familiar with the city of Vladivostok.The vantage point offers a magnificent bird’s-eye view over the city and Zolotoy Rog (Golden Horn) Bay. Visitors enjoy a stunning city skyline, the bay view, and fresh sea air. After all, Vladivostok is one of the most beautiful and unique cities in Russia.Here you will also find a monument of the creators of the Slavic alphabet, Cyril and Methodius, a mural of the critically endangered Far Eastern leopard painted by the South African artist Sonny, a friendship stone with Vladivostok’s sister city in Japan, and the Arch of Desires. If your time in Vladivostok is limited, a visit to Eagle’s Nest viewpoint will be your chance to see the city in the best light. Here, scenic views are offered at any time — day or night!

Tour ends with a transfer back to your hotel.