"Russian Falconry"

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“Russian Falconry” 

 

               

Revived in the best Russian traditions, our Falconry Tour is planned for everyone wishing to try this recreational pastime of the tsars and to let you feel a part of what it was like in previous centuries.

 

Day 1: arrival to the tourist center (Tula’s region). (Transport facilities are available from Moscow and other cities at extra cost).

 

Breakfast (in the hotel)

 

There are 4 variants of the program “Falconry”:

 

A) “Hunt game”(only for a group of 1- 4 persons).

 

You will see a fascinating performance of our falcons fly and stoop to the lure in a field and be amazed at its dexterity and speed. A hound (English pointer) will pounce a “prey” (a pheasant) and a falconer launches a falcon. You will participate in it following the falcon and watching all the process of retrieving.

 

B) “Falconry show” (duration 1-1,5 hour)

 

       You will have a briefing on falconry, types of falcons, and ways of teaching the birds and how to rear them. You will learn interesting facts about these raptors and the ancient art of falconry.

 

     After that we will have a spectacular falcon demonstration that would take approximately 40 minutes. You will see how the birds are prepared, understand how to call-out, and beckon the falcon enticing it with a lure (live prey is not used).

 

     Then you will practice some of the elements shown to you: you will learn how to launch the bird and retrieve the falcon on your glove. All these unforgettable moments of your bravery will be captured in photos. At your will we can organize photos shoot with traditional Russian costumes of the tsar’s era.

 

The next two variants are suitable ONLY for experienced riders. *

  

C) Hunting on horseback with falcons (duration apx. 5 hours) for wild fowl (partridge, hazel grouse, etc.) You will have a unique opportunity to try out your skills in a hunting using a falcon.

 

D) Hunting on horseback with hunting dogs for wild hare (duration apx. 5 hours). Since a prey is wild and the result of a hunting process is unknown it gives more unpredictability to the adventure.

 

Our specialists will assist you any time and offer help in case needed.

 

       * The program might be canceled due to severe weather.

 

Lunch (in the hotel)

 

After fascinating impressions of the falconry you will get a nice opportunity of relaxing your tired body and brighten up your mind in a traditional Russian bathhouse which is famous by its wet sweating room where the temperature often exceeds 93 degrees Celsius and by a massage with bunches of birch, oak or juniper in order to improve the circulation.

 

Later you will enjoy the ceremony of drinking tea from Russian herbs made in famous national teapot “samovar” with local sweet honey cakes “pryanik” with a filling of chocolate, apple jam, plums, candied fruit, etc.

 

If you wish we can organize a traditional Russian dinner which includes typical dishes like pickles, smoked bacon, marinated mushrooms, soups, etc. (extra charges applicable).

 

Day 2: “Peasant breakfast”. In the early morning you will get a chance to feel yourself in a role of Russian peasant and try your skills in a milking of a cow or a goat. At breakfast you will taste this fresh milk with traditional home baked pies and cakes.

 

Departure from the hotel.

 

Arrival to the museum of the great Russian writer Leo Tolstoy “Yasnaya polyana”. You will have a wonderful excursion on the territory of the museum with visiting the main house, stable, apple orchard,   etc. Yasnaya Polyana has been leading it calendar since the end of XVII century when its first owners the Kartsevy appeared here. The estate had gone through several stages before it completely changed during absolute reconstruction taken by grandfather of L.N. Tolstoy prince Nikolay Sergeevich Volkonsky. He may be considered to be the constructor of that Yasnaya Polyana in which later L.N. Tolstoy spent his life. Yasnaya Polyana– the unique memorial and natural reserve. Here ancient buildings surrounded with picturesque parks, gardens and forests have been saved. Here the traditions of Tolstoy’s family are still alive. The walk in Yasnaya Polyana will transfer you to the world of Russian noble estates of the 19th century.

 

Lunch.

 

Arrival to “Kozlova zaseka”. It is the nearest railway station to “Yasnaya polyana” which was used by Leo Tolstoy and his family and which was restored as it was in his time. In 1974 the station got the status of a cultural heritage object.

 

     There you will see the wooden station building, platforms, documents, photographs and things preserved from the 19-th century. You will be shown a short documentary on Leo Tolstoy , his wife and their children.

 

     There you will also find a rare sight, it is an ancient well which is still in use. You will experience to taste its clean water by fetching it with well buckets and drinking from huge wooden mugs and then to taste the traditional “black” bread baked with coriander.

 

Departure from Tula. (Transport facilities are available for Moscow and other cities at extra cost).

   

P.S. We really believe it will be exciting and memorable performance for the lovers of adventures!