Russia, Siberia

Don't spend much time in Irkutsk, go straight to Listvyanka on Lake Baikal.

Do a boat trip on the lake and spend whatever time you can around the lake, it is beautiful. Try the Omul.

You will have a million touts trying to take you by taxi to Listvyanka but you can go by minibus for a lot cheaper from the bus station which is on the other site of Irkutsk from the train station. Try and get someone to help you find the minubus as it may not be easy to spot.