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Coach Holidays, Escorted Tours & Events

0330 440 3999, monday - friday 9am to 5pm, alfa travel| coach tours & trips 2024.

Alfa Travel Departures From: Nationwide departures available throughout England and North Wales

Why choose Alfa Travel?

• Alfa holidays are terrific value
• They offer a great choice of holiday destinations across the UK and Europe
• Alfa holidays tend to include more excursions with more included content than most other operators
• They have an outstanding fleet of modern luxury coaches
• Their pick up service offers a wider choice of joining points than the majority of their competitors
• They are very proud of the standard of their drivers
• The hotels they use - many owned by their sister company Leisureplex – are of a consistent standard
• The offer a wide selection of Partner Hotels to offer you more choice than ever
• Entertainment is included on at least 4 nights per week at most of their hotels
• Their holiday descriptions are very clear about what is included and they do not omit necessary meals or excursion content just to get down to an eye catching price
• Alfa do not have any hidden extras; with no charges for pick up points, front seats or specific room types

Although they offer some short breaks, Alfa Travel tends to concentrate on holidays of at least 4 nights duration. Most of their UK holidays are 4, 6 or 7 nights long. Their overseas holidays, which include a wide range of destinations in Ireland and the near Continent, vary from 4 to 11 nights.

Alfa Travel Hotels

The majority of Alfa’s passengers will stay in one of the twenty two hotels owned and operated by their sister company Leisureplex. These hotels are dedicated to the coach tour market and the common ownership gives them the ability to ensure that the content and quality of your stay is first class. Additionally, they operate to a variety of other Partner hotels which have been carefully selected and checked to ensure they meet their rigorous standards. All the Leisureplex Hotels and a majority of the other hotels they use provide entertainment in the evenings

Personal, friendly service

Alfa prides itself on the approachability of their staff and the friendliness of the service which they provide. Whether it's their reliable, happy-to-help drivers or the dedicated staff at their 22 Leisureplex hotels, they always seek to provide the best service possible in order to make your coach holiday or seaside break as relaxing and enjoyable as possible

Alfa Travel Popular For…

Main summer seaside holidays and 5 day breaks throughout the year.

Alfa Travel Coaches

All of the vehicles in their fleet are manufactured and maintained by Mercedes Benz to ensure the best possible standard of comfort and reliability. They are all air conditioned and provided with reclining seats with three point seat belts; they also have a washroom and drinks servery. At peak times, they supplement their fleet with vehicles from a select group of reliable local operators with years of experience in the coach holiday business 

Alfa Travel Awards

2019 – BRONZE – Coach Tour Driver of the Year – UK Coach Awards

2019 – FINALIST – Medium Fleet Operator – UK Coach Awards

2019 – FINALIST – Most Group Friendly Hotel Chain – Group Travel Award

2019 – FINALIST – Coach Operator of the Year- Route One Awards

2018 – WINNER – EO Rising Star - Employee Ownership Awards

2018 - FINALIST - Coach Tour Driver of the Year - Coach Tourism Awards

2018 - FINALIST - Coach Tour Operator of the Year - Coach Tourism Awards

Alfa Travel Pickups

Alfa operates five separate holiday programmes via five ‘hub and spoke’ or ‘feeder’ systems based on: (1)  Bowburn Motorway Services on the A1 near Durham (holidays from Tyneside and Teesside), (2) Burtonwood Motorway Services on the M62 near St.Helens (holidays from North West England, West and North Wales), (3) Tamworth Motorway Services on the M42 (holidays from the Potteries, West and East Midlands), (4) Reading Motorway Services on the M4 (holidays from South East England including Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Dorset, Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Greater London) and (5) Woodall Services on the M1 (holidays from Yorkshire, Humberside, North Lincolnshire, North Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire).  

Other useful info

The insurance offered by Alfa does not have any age restrictions and is very competitive. For the sale of insurance, they are an Appointed Representative of Wrightsure Insurance Services (Hampshire). They are also members of ABTA, the Coach Tourism Council and the Confederation of Passenger Transport. They are members of various Group associations including AGTO, New Meridian and Coach Tourism Association.

Head Office Address: 

Alfa Travel Ltd,   Euxton Lane, Euxton,  Chorley,  Lancashire,  PR7 6AF.

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Alfa Travel   Reviews

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Reviews 4.5.

1,909 total

Most relevant

Five days Eastbourne A very smooth driver from the start we…

A very smooth driver from the start we fell asleep on both the outward and inward coach travel, The hotel was one of the best Leisureplex we have been in ,a lovely room,manager and staff very caring,first class food and service in the dining room,good trips out again by a good driver

Date of experience : 20 April 2024

This was our first vist to Tenby

This was our first vist to Tenby, we found everythig first class. Our room was spotless the view was fantastic, all the hotel staff were very friendly and helpful, all the meals were excelent and well presented,and all the waiters could not do enough for you.All the Alfa holidays we have had with you we have never been disapointed, so well done to everyone and keep up the good work.

Date of experience : 22 April 2024

Reply from Alfa Travel

Hi Leslie, Thanks for taking the time to leave us such a great 5* review! We will pass your lovely comments onto the team at the Cliffe Norton Hotel and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Great Holidays with Alfa

Weymouth 8th April was wonderful,Hotel great. The food and choices were fantastic,couldn't fault anything. Service and the staff were brilliant. Newquay in February was also fantastic,Elliot Hotel lovely,food great. Really Enjoyed Eden project.

Date of experience : 08 April 2024

Hi Neil, So glad to hear you enjoyed the holiday, and thank you for leaving us a lovely 5* review. We look forward to welcoming you back!

Our first Alpha holiday

Our holiday was great as we were celebrating our Golden Wedding which was very special to us.The hotel & service was excellent really friendly & helpful staff with great evening entertainment.The driver was friendly and helpful.

Date of experience : 10 April 2024

Waymouth a great place to visit.

The company of fellow passengers and the location Royal Hotel, Weymouth. The majority of the waiting staff were amazing. However, I witness and experienced the assistant manager being very rude and very off hand with a number of people. The room especially the bathroom was not clean on my arrival and I cleaned the bathroom myself. I also found the driver very aggressive at times on the road and did not appreciate the hand signals he gave to other drivers which were visible to those of us sat at the front. I would love to return to Weymouth but would pick a different hotel.

Date of experience : 13 April 2024

Hi Sharon, We are so sorry to hear you didn't have a great experience with us at the Royal Hotel, we would like to look into the issues you have raised so we have requested some further information, or you can contact us directly by emailing [email protected]. Please include your booking reference.

The company on the bus made new…

The company on the bus made new friends, room was spotless ,service in the breakfast / tea left a bit to be desired,, but food was good , when it did arrive ,bar staff and prices excellent, travel to and from was seamless

Date of experience : 19 April 2024

We were self driving

We were self driving. The hotel was good, comfortable beds and very friendly and helpful staff. The only problem was that the water was very hot and very difficult to adjust the shower to a slightly cooler setting.

The Coach and driver were excellent

The Coach and driver were excellent. Comfortable coach, helpful and friendly Driver. Hotel and Staff lovely, good was excellent and enjoyed the Excursions. Rooms nice and clean, good service. Having some entertainment was great and courtesy drink was amazing. Booked another holiday loved it, thank you for making it enjoyable

Hi Rosalind, Thanks for taking the time to leave us a great 5* review! We look forward to welcoming you back soon!

The whole experience was great

The whole experience was great. The driver,the hotel, the food,the entertainment,the tours. The company was marvellous and we have made so many new friends. Alfa travel should be very proud of themselves.

Date of experience : 17 April 2024

Hi Pamela, Thanks for taking the time to leave us such a great 5* review! We are delighted to hear that everything went well and you enjoyed your break.

Thoroughly enjoyed myself, especially as I went on my own, as I was a little nervous by myself.

Its nice to let someone else do the driving and take you to all the interesting places in that area.

Date of experience : 14 April 2024

Kev is a top driver!

On our trip to Dunoon we had a brilliant driver (Kev) who drove very safely. He told us interesting facts about the places we visited and was always cheerful and entertaining. Our room in the hotel was cold. An extra radiator and a blanket solved the problem. We were on the top floor, hot water took a long time to arrive and was not usually available before 6.30 am. We really enjoyed our holiday and will be travelling with Alfa again.

Hi Peter, Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We are so glad to hear that the situation didn't spoil your holiday and we hope to welcome you back soon!

Our driver Jim was great very helpful…

Our driver Jim was great very helpful ,hotel food very good staff pleasant ,I had a cosy room very good I shall book in next holiday I think trips could do with changing Rye was good but the wine place no good looking forward to next hols with you

Hi Linda, Thanks for taking the time to leave us a 5* review, we are glad you enjoyed your stay with us and hope to welcome you back soon.

Spent 4 nights staying at the Metropole…

Spent 4 nights staying at the Metropole Torquay, Chris was our driver and he was great, kept us all entertained and was an exceptional driver. Nothing was to much trouble, had a great time, many thanks. Really good value for money, so nice to be served on at meal times, hotel staff very good .

Hi Cath, Thanks for taking the time to leave us such a great 5* review! We will pass your lovely comments onto the team at the Metropole Hotel and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Big Thankyou for a Wonderful Holiday

All the wonderful hardworking staff at the Shanklin Hotel Russell the amazing driver who went over and above felt so safe inthe coach Love everything about the trip Thankyou

Hi Mrs Salisbury, Thanks for taking the time to leave us such a great 5* review! We will pass your lovely comments onto the team at the Shanklin Hotel and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

A great self drive holiday to Porthcawl…

A great self drive holiday to Porthcawl despite the atrocious weather. The Seabank Hotel was comfortable, smart and clean and well equipped. Staff were friendly, courteous and efficient. Rooms were meticulously cleaned daily. Food was good and ample. There were Wilf problems with intermittent reception and sometimes noe at all. Overall a very enjoyable stay.

Hi Hugh, We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your stay with us at the Seabank Hotel in Porthcawl and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Great holiday

Great holiday the trips out were very varied and interesting. The hotel was very good, the staff very helpful and efficient.

Hi, So glad to hear you enjoyed the holiday, and thank you for leaving us a lovely 5* review. We look forward to welcoming you back!

Many miss out…

Very good overall could be improved ( in our opinion ) by having a system. Of central tipping because so many of the staff (who play an equal part ) don’t seem to benefit . We will be back it was very enjoyable thank you

Hi, Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review, we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Alfa experience

Hotel was good staff very friendly our driver was very knowledgeable and helpful and we’ve booked another holiday with your selfs

Date of experience : 12 April 2024

Hi Yvonne, So glad to hear you enjoyed the holiday, and thank you for leaving us a lovely 5* review. We look forward to welcoming you back!

Terrible experience, never again!!!

Absolutely dire service from our coach driver who was a huge intimidating person! He was petulant, petty and liked to gossip about those on the trip. He would do this within the group members and hotel staff. He could be quite aggressive and misogynistic, he frequently made snide digs at anyone who didn’t please stroke his ego and made for a unpleasant trip for several. He frequently confused guests with chopping and changing his times on returning to the coach, as well as cutting short half and full day excursions. They charged several travellers single supplement when the hotel itself had single rooms and do not charge a supplement. This is disgusting and should be refunded, but I’m sure they’ll make excuses. The hotel they chose was dreadful and did not in anyway cater for anyone disabled or less able bodied. Had there been an emergency it would have proved fatal. On the whole the journey and hotel were dreadful and I like several others would not use either again, even one star is too much. Unfortunately, the hotel information is incorrect. The hotel does not charge a single person supplement as stated by them whilst I was there but which you heavily charged me for! And clearly you did not check health and safety, had you done you would not have put elderly and disabled people in a hotel ill equipped, the hotel manager stated this and that they would have refused the booking had they known. As for the hotel you’ve been emailed. In fact you were emailed about the whole debacle and have not bothered in replying! This just about sums up the incredibly poor service! THIS COMPANY IS TRULY APPALLING!…they lie and do not hold themselves accountable. Steer clear!!!

Date of experience : 24 April 2024

Hi Scarllett, having checked our records, it appears that you haven't travelled with us since August 2022, when you left an almost identical review about your stay in Harrogate. We did reply in detail to your comments on 31 August 2022 and we can send these on to you, if you can no longer find them. Our customer care manager also called you to discuss your feedback at the time. As we have explained to you, we do get charged a single supplement by the hotel you stayed at and we have to pass this on to customers. As a business we have over 20,000 holidays with no single supplements and we are always working with our partner hotels to try and reduce and eliminate these charges, however when they charge them we do have to pass them on to customers. As an employee owned business we take Health and Safety very seriously, we have an independent Health and Safety consultant who audits our hotels every year and all of our preferred partner hotels are required to complete detailed health and safety assessments every year. You say that the hotel isn't suitable for the elderly, however this hotel was owned by a well known coach operator for many years and the majority of its customers are travelling on a coach holiday. If you need us to re-send the correspondence from two years ago, please email [email protected] and will forward this on to you. REPLY- Hi Scarllett, we have double checked and we have the emails from Trustpilot that show the review was definitely left by your username. If you would like to email [email protected] we can provide you with this evidence. We have flagged this review to Trustpilot as it goes against their rules which require your review to be based on an experience in the last 12 months. we also respectfully ask that you only post factual information, as we provide ourselves in our excellent levels of transparency and customer service and we would never provide false information.

Your driver made me cry he upset me…

Your driver made me cry he upset me several times ,I have phoned to customer service , He was rude from the start had ago before I got on coach , about me waiting to get on as I was having a coffee. Never once on holiday did he introduce himself of say thank you for travelling with Alfa , never did head count on way home till we were on ferry and gentleman two rows in front of us said your a bit late mate you left two behind , There was 6 in our party and one was a young man with special needs he was so upset as it was first time on coach trip the driver had him so worried was unbelievable. But here’s to a positive side the hotel was fantastic staff awesome, food plenty , presentation fab , taste wonderful, an service excellent ,

Hi May, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we really value your feedback, to help us improve we have requested some further info - ideally your booking reference so we can look into the issues further. We hope to welcome you back soon!

Alfa Travel Coach Holidays 2024 Tours in the UK, Ireland & Europe

Alfa Travel 2024 Holidays

Alfa Travel 2024 holidays are on sale now! You can book from a great selection on holiday options from 3 – 8 days. Great value for money coach holidays and self drive breaks will take you all around the UK & Ireland throughout 2024 and into 2025.

New for 2024 is the announcement that there will be no single supplements in Leisureplex Hotels. This deal applies all year round and is obviously subject to availability so get booked early to make sure you get one of these single room deals! 

Cosy Doubles for solo travellers have been introduced at Leisureplex hotels. These are smaller than a standard double but offers a bit more room. These new rooms are available for single travellers at a supplement (selected hotels only)

There are room upgrades with Leisureplex superior rooms. Ideal for a special occasion or just because you deserve it!

Alfa travel is one of the fastest growing coach holiday firms in the UK and most of the coach holidays are on their own fleet of modern luxury coaches. Some of the accommodation they feature is in one of the 24 hotels their sister company Leisureplex owns. Alfa Travel offer a number of coach holidays to the most popular holiday destinations throughout the UK, and Ireland. Alfa Travel is a fully bonded tour operator members of the Association of British Travel Agents. (ABTA)

Alfa Travel Coaches

Alfa travel know how important it is to travel in comfort and style. The majority of Alfa holidays are operated by their own fleet of 51 Alfa Mercedes Tourismo coaches, with a range of features that will make your journey as comfortable as possible. In the cases when you are not travelling on one of their own coaches, they work with preferred partner operators who also operate to Alfa’s high standards. 

Many of the Alfa coaches feature Individual reclining seats, air conditioning and On- board toilet facilities (or there are regular comfort stops) For many the most important factor is the driver and Alfa holidays make sure theirs are knowledgeable, friendly and go that extra mile to make sure you have the holiday you deserve.

Alfa Travel Super Saver Coach Holidays

Alfa Travel feature a large number of hotels and destinations around the country. Super Saver holidays offer the same holiday experience as you would get if you were to book a named holiday. The only difference is that you will not find out your holiday destination until two weeks before your departure date!

So if you are stuck for choice and fancy the excitement of a super saver holiday there are lots of dates and durations to choose from. Plus you may even save money against the cost of a named holiday.

To book a Super Saver online, simply choose your departure date and length of stay. Follow the easy to follow online booking instructions and enter your names. You will then receive your booking confirmation which will be followed two weeks before departure with your exact destination revealed.

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Alfa Coach Holidays Late Deals and Special Offers

Alfa Travel like many holiday firms do from time to time have some spare capacity left and these are offered at a reduced rate particularly if you book direct online on the Alfa Travel official website. You can make some big savings on some Alfa Travel coach holidays just by going direct online. Alfa Travel update all their special offers and it is best to check on their web site regularly for special offer updates and late deals >  click here

David Urquhart Travel now Alfa Travel Scotland

David Urquhart Travel has changed it's name to Alfa Travel Scotland. After providing coach holidays for over 40 years as David Urquhart Travel, Alfa Travel are continuing to offer Scottish holidaymakers great value coach holidays from Scotland. There are lots of great coach holidays and trips to choose from and there are lots of departure points throughout Scotland.

• Departures from East Central Scotland – Edinburgh, Livingston, Bathgate & Falkirk
• Departing from Fife – St Andrews, Leven, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy, Cowdenbeath & Dunfermline
• Departing from West Central Scotland – Kilmarnock, Paisley, Glasgow, East Kilbride & Hamilton
• Departing from Aberdeen & Tayside – Aberdeen, Stonehaven, Montrose, Abroath, Forfar, Dundee & Perth.

Alfa Holidays Hotels (Leisureplex)

Alfa Travel sister company Leisureplex owns and operates over twenty hotels around the UK, many in popular British seaside locations like Blackpool and Scarborough. All the bedrooms feature the same high standard of facilities including extras like hairdryers, tea/coffee making facilities, colour TVs and more. 

If you are staying at a Leisureplex hotel and are on an Alfa Travel coach holiday then you will receive breakfast and 3 course dinner and on some dates lunch is also included. There is a choice of meals and also a selection of vegetarian/vegan options. 

There is generally entertainment provided in the hotels at least four evenings a week. If you just want a quiet evening the hotels are usually large enough to offer both so you can pick and choose. Just check before you book to make sure the hotel you have chosen is suitable for your holiday requirements. Despite the fact that many of the guests tend to be over 40 the hotels still offer child reductions for families looking for a traditional family seaside holiday.

Alfa Travel Pick Up Points

Alfa Travel has lots of local departure points throughout England including the North West, North East, Midlands and South East of England. Most of the major towns and cities in England and North Wales are covered. You can now travel from Scotland with departures from Aberdeen & Tayside, East Central Scotland, Fife and West Central Scotland. 

Rather than have lots and lots of feeder points Alfa travel operates from four different regions of Scotland, England and Wales to cut down on the time you are waiting to get going on your holiday. This cuts down on longer journeys and even changes of coaches that some other coach holidays require!

Alfa Coach Travel Extras

All Alfa coach holidays have a selection of excursions included in the price. You can of course do your own thing if you prefer rather than go on an excursion. 

Alfa Travel Self Drive Hotel Breaks

If you prefer to travel by car and make your own way to your destination with Alfa Travel you can. You can take advantage of the great hotel rates and also the convenience of having your own car. You can stay in the same hotels as you would on a coach holiday, and plan your own itinerary and  you will receive the quality accommodation and premium service that comes with every Alfa Travel holiday.

You have a choice of accommodation from 24 Leisureplex hotels around the UK. A choice of durations to suit your travel plans, rooms are en-suite and you get a full British breakfast and a three course evening meal . The hotels offer Wi-Fi throughout and depending on when you stay, there is usually evening entertainment provided as well. For short breaks in Dunoon in Scotland and the Isle of Wight your return ferry tickets are included. 

The self drive deals generally run from Monday – Friday and from Friday – Monday. (hotel breaks hotels are listed below) 

Alfa Travel Seaside & Popular Destinations for 2024

Alfa Travel has access to accommodation from its sister company in 23 locations throughout the UK including popular British seaside resorts.

• Blackpool – Queens Hotel
• Fort William – Croit Anna Hotel
• Dunoon – Selborne Hotel
• Bridlington – Monarch Hotel
• Melrose – Waverley Castle Hotel
• Scarborough – Cumberland Hotel
• Criccieth – George IV Hotel
• Tenby – Cliffe Norton Hotel
• Cromer – Hotel De Paris
• Porthcawl – Seabank Hotel
• Great Yarmouth – New Beach Hotel
• Eastbourne – Queens Hotel
• Exmouth – Cavendish Hotel
• Bournemouth – Devon Towers
• Shanklin – Shanklin Hotel
• Sandown – Bayshore Hotel
• Llandudno – Hydro Hotel
• Torquay – Metropole Hotel
• Torquay  – Regina Hotel
• Newquay – Eliot Hotel
• Ilfracombe – Imperial Hotel
• Weston-super-Mare – Anchor Head Hotel
• Weymouth – Royal hotel  
• Bognor Regis – Royal Norfolk Hotel

Special Event Breaks with Alfa Travel

Alfa Travel feature a great range of short breaks that include tickets to live shows and events. There great trips include your return coach travel, accommodation and depending on the itinerary an extra excursion as well. These holidays make it easy to see or visit an event you may otherwise not be able to attend.

There are West End London theatre breaks to some of the most popular London shows. Plus there are shows around the country as well as tribute bands and Psychic weekends. Perhaps you would like to visit the film set of one of your favourite TV shows or film locations.

The TV locations include visiting Bridlington & The Emmerdale Village Tour or Highclere Castle the home of Downton Abbey. Another popular break is Blackpool combined with the Coronation Street Experience. Not forgetting Warner Bros. studio tour in London and the Making of Harry Potter.

Royal Coach Breaks

Alfa Travel Royal Breaks include ©The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a private tour of Ardgowan House and Windsor Castle & Tower of London.

Sporting & Outdoor Events with Alfa Travel

These short breaks include events such as the world famous Blackpool Illuminations and the Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry in Scotland. Perhaps a visit to the races with four days at the Cheltenham Festival or the Grand National. In August there are a few air shows around the country. The first is the Blackpool Air Show followed by the Eastbourne Air Show and then the Bournemouth Air Show. Dates and the full itinerary are available in full on the Alfa Travel web site.

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Alfa Travel coach tours

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Stay details

Alfa Travel run a selection of covid-secure coach tours to Scotland including the Highlands and Islands. You can explore Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, Fort William Tours normally include dinner, room and breakfast plus all excursions and you can enjoy entertainment most evenings. Joining your coach tour is easy with an extensive list of local pick-up points.

Destinations include:

• Bannockburn
• Blairgowrie
• Fort William

The coach tours have various pick-ups across England:

• Eastern and South East

Most Alfa holidays are operated by their own fleet of mostly modern Mercedes luxury coaches. These all have an on-board washroom and are air conditioned. Selected third-party coach operators supplement our own fleet during peak periods and the majority have air conditioning.

Essential info

• Special offers for your holiday in the Scottish Highlands and Islands
• Scotland travel: How to travel to Scotland
• Best beaches in Scotland: Highlands and Islands
• Can you see the Northern Lights in Scotland?
• Best midge repellent and midge net Scotland: how to prevent midge bites (& stop midge bites itching)
• Do you need a passport to go to Scotland?
• Things you need to take wildlife watching

Information correct at time of posting. Map location provided as a guide. Please check business’ own website for location and latest info.

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Alfa Travel   Reviews

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Reviews 4.5.

1,909 total

Most relevant

The Waverley castle hotel

The Waverley castle hotel, Melrose, nice hotel , lovely grounds on the River Tweed, Our driver Ian, was always courteous, friendly, and professional. Edinburgh excursion was interesting. One of the best Alfa tours I have been on

Date of experience : April 08, 2024

Reply from Alfa Travel

Hi Ann, So glad to hear you enjoyed the holiday, and thank you for leaving us a lovely 5* review. We look forward to welcoming you back!

Hotel Performance

I enjoyed my holiday on the whole. The dining room staff were great. I was disappointed with one or two of the meals as the meat was tough and a couple of desserts were very stodgy. However, on the whole, the food was good. My bedroom was very clean as were all the public areas. There were plenty of comfortable chairs. The staff were always ready to help.

Date of experience : April 17, 2024

Hi Regina, Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review and for your feedback. We will pass your comments onto the team, and hope to welcome you back soon!

Everything is well organised

Everything is well organised, from feeder to hotel and reverse. Hotel was excellent with cheerful staff good food, clean rooms.

Date of experience : April 22, 2024

Hi Alan, Thanks for taking the time to leave us such a great 5* review! We are delighted to hear that everything went well and you enjoyed your break.

Alfa,Brilliant Coach Holiday

Been on a few holidays now with Alfa & found them to be excellent. Impressed with how once luggage is loaded on coach at local pick up point to being taken to room on arrival at hotel we don't have to struggle,its all done for you.We have'nt had a bad experience yet,food great,staff at hotels great,entertainment great & even excursions included. Wonderful!!

Date of experience : April 01, 2024

Hi Sharon, Thanks for taking the time to leave us a great 5* review! We look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Royal Scotland

Our driver was exceptionally good his name was Bret and he said it was his own coach not one of Alfas

Date of experience : April 15, 2024

Hi Philip, Thanks for taking the time to leave us a great 5* review! We look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Spring holiday at Cromer

The coach driver was very knowledgeable and the hotel very clean , even though our bedroom could benefit from an update. The food was okay but the fish pie had hardly any fish in fact it was mainly mash potatoes!!

Date of experience : April 13, 2024

Hi Pamela, Thanks for taking the time to leave us a great 5* review, we will pass your feedback to the team about the food and hope to welcome you back soon.

A family group of 6 senior citizens…

A family group of 6 senior citizens travelling to Cromer. Easy booking by telephone. Smooth coach journey via Burtonwood Interchange. Hotel de Paris is in a prime position opposite the pier, the rooms were warm with clean, comfortable beds and the food good. The assistant manager Yasmin was excellent and top marks go to our young waiter William! A pleasant holiday at an affordable price - we certainly feel we had value for money! A big thanks also to Dave (our driver) and Leah at customer care who managed to locate my husband’s glasses in lost property x

Hi Harry, We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your stay with us at the Hotel De Paris in Cromer and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Professional service

Unfortunately my luggage was sent to the wrong address, but with the efficiency of your staff it was delivered to me the following day,very impressed.

Date of experience : April 21, 2024

Hi Barry, Thanks for taking the time to leave us a 5* review. We're so glad to hear that your situation has been resolved and we look forward to you travelling with us soon.

We will be back!

* Fabulous suite ( well worth the upgrade price) * Delicious food, promptly served by polite staff. * Beautiful decor, throughout the hotel. * Great housekeeping in bedroom and bathroom * Polite, helpful staff, on the reception desk. * Super swimming pool. * Very pleasant lounge areas for relaxing around the hotel.

Dear Mr Mayo, Thank you so much for a lovely 5* review, we really appreciate your comments and look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Derek our driver was amazing

Derek our driver was amazing. Very knowledgable about where we were going and the history of the places we visited. Fantastic trips to different places and 2 free days so we could please ourselves.

Date of experience : April 06, 2024

Hi, We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your holiday with us! Thank you for taking the time to leave us a great 5* review and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

The hotel was very nice and food …

The hotel was very nice and the food was first class.the staff were very welcoming but the weather (which no one can do anything about) could have been kinder. The driver was very friendly and informative of arrangements

Date of experience : April 10, 2024

Hi Amy, Thanks for taking the time to leave us such a great 5* review! We are delighted to hear that everything went well and you enjoyed your break.

Newquay - Eden Project.

Efficient transfers, lovely clean hotel and great food. All staff from drivers to bar staff and waiters extremely helpful and friendly. Great trip x

Hi Lynn, Thanks for taking the time to leave us such a great 5* review! We will pass your lovely comments onto the team at the Eliot Hotel and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Lovely Hotel

Nice hotel and good food which was always hot, quite an achievement when serving so many. Good friendly and informative coach driver. The evening entertainment was good especially the last night (Thursday 4th Apri) he was exceptional. Of course a half price bar also helped.

Dear Mr Law, Thanks for taking the time to leave us such a great 5* review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your break. We hope to welcome you back soon!

Great Yarmouth

Good hotel with good food. Excellent location. Day trips were to new places for us so we enjoyed them very much. We had great weather (how did you manage that Alfa?). Driver was good in giving out information. All in all a great 5 day break.

Hi Cris, Thanks for taking the time to leave us such a great 5* review! We are delighted to hear that everything went well and you enjoyed your break.

Torquay trip

From booking to coach driver all staff friendly and helpful. However when dropping off on excursions too much time given to shops and towns. I,e, Exmouth, dropped in town centre and only saw lovely coast line on drive by.

Date of experience : April 07, 2024

Hi Maureen, Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review, we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Great experience from start to finish

Great experience from start to finish. Pick up early change over quick. Driver was great. Hotel brilliant. Plenty of choice at meal times. Food always hot and served by pleasant staff. Bedroom was spacious and very clean.

Hi, So glad to hear you enjoyed the holiday, and thank you for leaving us a lovely 5* review. We look forward to welcoming you back!

Great hotel, service and staff

The hotel was excellent. As was the service from the staff in all departments. Had a lovely room with a view of the Little Orme and the meals were very good with a good choice to select from. The excursions were great visiting some lovely places and travelling through picturesque scenery. Fabulous holiday and looking forward to next visit in August.

Hi Pauline, Thanks for taking the time to leave us a great 5* review, we will pass your kind comments on to the team at the Hydro and look forward to welcoming you back in August.

Great first experience

Wills was a great driver, funny, helpful and friendly. Eliot hotel was lovely, friendly staff, comfy room, good food, good entertainment every night, great prices for drinks, close to everything. Good excursions, but weather let us down so couldn't explore as much. Would definitely travel with Alfa again.

Hi _Carol, Thanks for taking the time to leave us such a great 5* review! We will pass your lovely comments onto the team at the Eliot and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

I booked with Alfa travel to go to Shanklin Hotel…

I booked with Alfa travel to go to Shanklin 3rd or 4th April on basis that excursions would include Alum Bay & the Needles, having seen the northern points (Osborne House included-FREE with Robinsons) of interest some 6 years ago with Robinsons staying at the Oceanview. When we got on the coach of our supposed Alum Bay, etc, trip on Thursday18th was the first indication I had of any problem regarding the excursion being cancelled. It appears from local newspaper articles that the road closures causing the non visit, were known about at the most recent, if not earlier, by 25th MARCH. Why then were clients NOT advised of this when booking ( My case being at start of April) ? Perhaps like me they would not have booked with Alfa, for trips to towns I'd seen or could visit on local service buses, previously. So having boarded the coach, the driver had what seemed the brass neck not to offer a better or equivalent trip to maybe Osborne House FREE, but to ask people to pay £10 for a 30 min trip around Cowes Harbour, prior to which we would visit Yarmouth. I for one declined. By coincidence, the boat's skipper just happened to be there to give us his blurb. Why were those going expected to pay the driver rather than the crew in Cowes ? Surely he wasn't working as an unpaid skivvy for the skipper ? In Cowes I noticed the jetty board showing this trip of 30 mins for £10 but on the adjoining board was a trip of 1 3/4 HOURS for the same price. Regarding the hotel: the Shanklin's rooms were clean & adequate. The waiter service was excellent by Charlotte, not so Kristina(?) who rollocked me for having the audacity to turn up at the breakfast table 5 mins early ! I think she needs to be learnt how to speak to PAYING guests in a pleasant manner, rather than a confrontational one . Yesterday she let someone have it both barrels for having the nerve to sit at the wrong table. They offered to move to placate her, but then she decided as they'd touched the cutlery etc, then it would be better to stay there! The only highlight from my trip was the opportunity to visit Pompey on the hovercraft to see the Victory, Warrior & Mary Rose exhibitions. Nothing memorable otherwise, just another forgettable experience!

Hi Tony, We are sorry you have not had a great experience on holiday with us, we need to look into the issues you have raised here so we have requested further information from you. If you would like to get in touch with us directly please email [email protected] with your booking reference number.

Kent review

The coach travel & driver were great the trips were great but the hotel was poor in that the evening meals were very poor no comparison with the Alfa hotel on the Isle of Wight we stayed in last year.

Hi Mr Mcalavey, Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review and for your feedback. We will pass your comments onto the team, and hope to welcome you back soon!

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Understand [ edit ]

Tyumen was founded in 1586 as the first Russian settlement in Siberia. During World War II, the city grew rapidly as many industries relocated further away from the war.

The region has plentiful oil resources and the city is now home to many companies in the Russian oil and gas industry. As a result, Tyumen has the highest GDP per capita of all cities in Russia, even higher than that of Moscow.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ], by train [ edit ].

All Trans-Siberian trains stop at Tyumen . Travel time is 36-48 hours from Moscow . 57.145886 65.522885 2 Tyumen railway station is located at ulitsa Privokzal'naya, 22, south of the city centre.

By marshrutka [ edit ]

By taxi [ edit ].

Taxis are plentiful and you can even negotiate hourly rates.

See [ edit ]

Monuments [ edit ]

Tyumen has many unique statues and monuments.

• Monument to the Homeless Dog
• Monument to students from Tyumen Schools Who Did Not Come Back From The War
• Monument to Conductor
• Lenin Statue
• Monument to Machine Tool Builders
• Sculpture Harp
• Father Statue
• Happiness Tree Sculpture
• Sculpture of Street Cleaner
• Monument of Mother
• Monument to the Janitor
• Monument to Yuri Hervieu
• Monument to Liquidators
• Fountain-Monument to Tyumen Oblast
• Monument to Afghan Soldiers
• City Garden Monument
• Monument to Country Doctor
• Monument to the Postman
• Monument to Workers in Rear Area
• Monument to Grigoriy Rasputin
• Globe Monument

Religious buildings [ edit ]

• Church of the Saviour
• Holy Trinity Men's Monastery
• Znamenskiy Cathedral
• Saint Archangel Michael Church
• Holy Cross Temple
• Saint George Ascension Church
• Saint Dmitriy of Don Temple
• Saint Nicholas Temple
• The Temple in Honor of the Annunciation
• Tyumen Chapel
• Tyumen Synagogue

Museums [ edit ]

• The Kolokolnikovs' Estate Museum Complex
• City Council Local History Museum
• Fine Arts Museum
• Masharov's House Museum

Do [ edit ]

• Walk along the embankment of the Tura River. Walk across the Bridge of Lovers, a pedestrian bridge.
• Tyumen Drama Theatre - ul. Respubliki, 129 (+7 345 240-98-23)
• Tyumen Puppet Theater

Parks [ edit ]

• Tsvetnoy Park is a beautiful park that includes the Monument to the Homeless Dog.
• City Park of Culture and Leisure
• Forest Park of Gagarin
• Park of Deputies
• Gilevskaya Grove
• Siberian Cats Park
• Victory Park

Buy [ edit ]

• Solnechnyy Mall
• Premyer Mall
• Galeria Voyage Mall

Eat [ edit ]

There is a McDonald's restaurant in the park at ul. Lenina #54.

• Assorti Restaurant , ul. Babarynka, 1к6 , ☏ +7 345 223-42-34 . Pizza, sushi, soups, and various menu options.  

Sleep [ edit ]

With the exception of some high-end hotels, all hotels and hostels offer free WiFi and many have computer terminals. Almost all accept credit cards. Hotels and hostels will usually provide a visa invitation and registration for an additional fee.

Splurge [ edit ]

• 57.153643 65.547471 1 DoubleTree by Hilton Tyumen , ul. Ordzhonikidze, 46 ( in the city centre ), ☏ +7 345 249-40-40 . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 12:00 . 40-inch LED TVs, indoor heated swimming pool, beauty salon, solarium, room service. ( updated Nov 2018 )

Learn [ edit ]

There are 3 universities and several colleges.

Connect [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

• Has custom banner
• Has map markers
• Airport listing
• Eat listing with no coordinates
• Drink listing with no coordinates
• Sleep listing with no coordinates
• Listing with multiple email addresses
• Has routebox
• Has Geo parameter
• Tyumen Oblast
• All destination articles
• Outline cities
• Outline articles
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Tyumen, Russia

Tours, Attractions and Things To Do in Tyumen

Tyumen travel guide.

• 2. Attractions
• 3. Souvenirs

History of Tyumen

Prior to Russian rule, the Tatar city of Chimgi-Tura marked the site of modern Tyumen, Russia and served as the capital of the Siberian Khanate. In 1586, Tyumen was the very first city to be founded by the Russians in Siberia. Part of the Ural Region until 1944, today it is the administrative center of Tyumen Region and one of Russia’s key industrial and cultural centers.

The name of the city is still a mystery to researchers. Some suggest that it came from the Tatar word "tumen", meaning "army of ten thousand", while others speculate that the name is a combination of the words "tyu" and "myana", which together mean "my property". Today in the Tatar language, the word "tyumen" literally translates as "lowland", which is an appropriate term for a city which straddles the Tura River.

Whichever theory is accurate, one thing is for sure: today there is something in Tyumen to surprise and delight any traveler desiring to experience firsthand the mysterious romance of Siberia .

Tyumen Attractions

Most Tyumen city tours begin at Tura River Embankment, one of the area’s most scenic spots from which sweeping views of Holy Trinity Monastery and Church of the Holy Cross Exaltation open up from Lovers’ Bridge.

Historical Square marks the site of Tyumen’s earliest settlements. Not far from Historical Square is Holy Trinity Monastery, which opened in 1616 and is the oldest surviving hermitage in the city today. One of Tyumen’s most significant religious sites, it attracts many Orthodox pilgrims from Western Siberia and the Urals. The monastery is accompanied by a gorgeous green square which is particularly beautiful in spring when the apple trees are in bloom.

An equally important religious monument is Znamensky Cathedral (Cathedral of the Sign), located in Tyumen’s historical center. The original 17th- century church was wooden, but after repeatedly burning down it was replaced the following century with a stone cathedral built in the Siberian Baroque style. Major reconstruction work was completed in 1904, and the end result far exceeded expectations. Today Znamensky Cathedral continues to evoke awe with its striking iconostasis and cheerful exterior.

A walk down central Republic Street, where many 19th-century buildings can still be seen, will conjure up images of life in a bygone era. Kolokolnikovs’ Estate Museum Complex, which survived many fires, deserves special attention, as does House Averkiev with its extraordinary balconies and the former City Duma, which today houses the Regional Museum of Local Lore.

Twenty-first century Tyumen can be seen in all its glory as you wander Tsvetnoy Boulevard and Siberian Cats Park, whose name is derived from the square’s many cast-iron feline figures. Tyumen Regional Museum of Fine Arts serves as the city’s central showroom and is particularly known for its unique works of Russian cult artists such as Ivan Aivazovsky, Ilya Repin and Boris Kustodiev.

Tyumen has a good selection of restaurants offering cuisines for every taste and budget. For tourists, however, Chum Restaurant-Museum is a must. The restaurant serves unique Siberian dishes and is decked out in regional memorabilia. Guests even have the option to dine inside a semi-private cabinet designed to resemble a traditional chum (tent) .

Tyumen Souvenirs

In keeping with its Siberian roots, memorabilia with images of reindeer, red fish and bears are all popular. Fur coats and clothing items made from reindeer skins reflect the beauty of local traditional dress and are sure to keep you warm even in the dead of winter. Original figurines carved from bone make an unusual gift, while anyone with a sweet tooth will want to pay a visit to Kvartet Candy Factory, whose chocolates and other sweets decorated with Tyumen landscapes are equally decorative and delicious.

Grab your coat and come for a visit to Tyumen, Russia, the magnificent pearl of Western Siberia!

Bucket list travel on a budget: Expert tips for airfare, loyalty programs, credit card perks and more

Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy dives into ways to save this summer.

Many travelers have their sights set on summer getaways , but with everything from baggage fees to fuel costs impacting the price of a ticket, "Good Morning America" is asking travel experts to share tips for booking bucket list destinations on a budget and finding savings along the way.

Travel expert Nicky Kelvin, senior director of content for The Points Guy, offered his tips for affordable travel techniques.

Where to find the best flight deals

Kelvin encourages travelers to utilize Google Flights and other free price-tracking tools to compare fare prices and snag the best deal.

He also suggests using both the calendar and map features within Google Flights to see which airports, dates and destinations how the lowest fare.

From the Google Flights homepage on a computer, click "explore destinations" and select a departure city without adding a destination. Then zoom out on the map to see the best prices for destinations all over the world.

Get the most out of free travel loyalty programs

Travelers should be earning points for anything and everything that they are buying or booking from airline and hotels to car rentals, Kelvin said.

In addition to the points that can can help travelers earn free flights and hotel stays, Kelvin said to look for extra perks just for joining.

Hyatt rewards, for example, offers all guests free breakfast.

For Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Car Rental, he said you can add your spouse or domestic partner as an additional driver for free.

Loyalty programs are great for airlines too. JetBlue, for example, allows enrolled customers -- even if they don't have enough points for a flight -- to use points for discounts. Plus, with any airline, as you accumulate points to earn status, you can get free seating upgrades.

Travel credit cards with cash back perks

Along with earning points, travel credit cards give you protection for your trip like insurance to help with lost or damaged baggage and trip cancellation protection

Chase debuts new airport lounge: Gourmet menus, sleek interiors, free facials redefine hospitality for airport travel

As for credit cards, The Points Guy team suggests the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card as an all-around pick -- you get 75,000 miles after meeting your minimum spend in the first three months. Which Kelvin said is a value of over $1,300.

If you're looking to earn the most miles, he said look to the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

"You'll earn the most points on all your purchases with this one," he said.

Finally, if you want a credit card with no fee, Kelvin suggested the Bilt Mastercard, which he said is particularly great for renters because you can earn points on what's likely someone's biggest expense.

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Save money on international phone plans for summer trips.

If someone's trip is taking them out of the country, using a cell phone internationally can cost $10 to 15 per day. For a family of four, that's more than $400 for a week.

If your phones support eSIM, Kelvin suggested purchasing a data plan for your destination through an app such as Airalo, Truphone or GigSky.

For example, one of Airalo's global SIM plans costs $9 for one week, which could save a family close to $350 dollars, depending on their existing international coverage.

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Passage to Siberia: Exploring historic Tyumen

Tyumen. View up the Tura River. From left: Church of the Elevation of the Cross, School of Commerce, Trinity Monastery with Church of Sts. Peter and Paul and Trinity Cathedral. September 4, 1999

At the beginning of the 20th century, Russian chemist and photographer Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky developed a complex process for vivid color photography. His vision of photography as a form of education and enlightenment was demonstrated with special clarity through his images of architectural monuments in the historic sites throughout the Russian heartland.

Tyumen. View up the Tura River. From left: Annunciation Cathedral (demolished); Church of Elevation of the Cross; Church of the Ascension & St. George; Trinity Monastery. Summer 1912

In June 1912, Prokudin-Gorsky ventured into western Siberia as part of a commission to document the Kama-Tobolsk Waterway, a link between the European and Asian sides of the Ural Mountains. The town of Tyumen served as his launching point for the journey north to Tobolsk, on the Irtysh River.

Cathedral of Icon of Virgin of the Sign, south view. August 29, 1999

During his journey, Prokudin-Gorsky took several extraordinarily valuable photographs of both Tyumen and Tobolsk . My photographs of Tyumen and Tobolsk were taken in the late Summer of 1999.

Humble beginnings

Cathedral of Icon of Virgin of the Sign, southwest view. August 29, 1999

Considered the earliest permanent Russian settlement in Siberia, Tyumen was founded in 1586 on the site of a Tatar encampment at the confluence of the Tura and Tiumenka Rivers. The initiative for its creation came from Boris Godunov, the power behind the throne of Tsar Fedor (son of Ivan the Terrible) and, eventually, to become tsar himself in 1598. 

Cathedral of Icon of Virgin of the Sign, south facade. August 29, 1999

Godunov was closely allied with the Stroganovs, who from their commercial center at the northern town of Solvychegodsk had sent a detachment of Cossacks commanded by a certain Yermak deep into Siberia to challenge the power of the ruler of Siberian Tatars, Khan Kuchum. Although the precise dates are open to question, it appears that, in the Fall of 1581, Yermak captured Chingi-Tura (later Tyumen), but abandoned his conquest, in order to proceed straight to Kashlyk, capital of Khan Kuchum, whom Yermak defeated in 1582 during a battle near the Irtysh River. 

Church of the Miraculous Image of the Savior, southwest view. Originally built in 1794-1819, this is an excellent example of "Siberian Baroque" architecture. August 29, 1999

Following Yermak’s death in a surprise Tatar raid in 1584, his conquests remained temporarily unconsolidated after his death. Nonetheless, Boris Godunov was aware of the enormous significance of Siberia and launched a campaign to found settlements, as he did in other border areas of the medieval Muscovite state.

Church of the Ascension & St. George, south view. Originally built in 1770-89, defaced during the 1930s & restored after 2003 with rebuilding of bell tower. September 4, 1999

Like other early Russian Siberian towns, Tyumen originally served as a garrison fortress for Cossacks and other troops, who protected newly developing trade routes in all directions. The eastern connections with China gained particular importance during the 17th century. 

Location, Location, Location

Church of the Elevation of the Cross, southeast view. Built in 1774-91. August 29, 1999

Tyumen’s location on the Tura River also provided a direct link westward with the gateway town of Verkhoturye founded by Boris Godunov on the Asian side of the Ural Mountains in 1598. And to the east and north of Tyumen, the Tura River merges with the Tobol, which in turn joins the great Irtysh near Tobolsk. By virtue of its location, Tyumen was destined from the beginning to play a significant role in the Russian development of Siberia.

City Council Building. Originally built in 1828-33 in a simplified neoclassical style. Chiming clock was added in 1857. August 29, 1999

The opening of Siberia for Russian colonization during the late 16th and 17th centuries was an epic confrontation between the vast distances of this severe land and the enterprise of Russian merchants, whose commercial interests coincided with the tsars’ appetite for eastern expansion. Although its rivers were only tributaries of the Irtysh (itself a tributary of the great Ob River), Tyumen was well situated to utilize Siberia’s vast water network.      

Kolokolnikov house, corner of Republic Street 18 & Turgenev Street. Originally built in 1804 by the merchant Ivan Ikonnikov, this superb example of classical wooden architecture was acquired in 1888 by the merchant Ivan Kolokolnikov, who modified the original design. August 29, 1999

Like most early Russian towns in Siberia, Tyumen originally served as a fortified settlement for Cossacks and other troops, who in the 17th century protected newly developing trade routes, particularly with China. 

Nikolai Masharov mansion, Lenin Street 24. Built in the late 19th century by the founder of the Tyumen Ironworks. August 29, 1999

When the southern boundary of Moscow’s Asian territory became more settled during the 18th century, Tyumen’s importance increased for the development of transportation as well as small commercial and industrial enterprises. Its status as a transportation nexus also involved the exile system, which sent convicts and political exiles throughout Siberia.

Orthodox Church HQ

Commercial building (corner of Republic & Kirov Streets) built by the merchant Nikolai Yadryshnikov in 1897. Example of highly decorated "brick style" favored for commercial buildings in late 19th century. August 29, 1999

As a regional administrative point for western Siberia, Tyumen rapidly became a center of the Russian Orthodox Church. Its Trinity Monastery was founded in 1616 on the high right bank of the Tura River. Originally dedicated to the Transfiguration, the monastery was a modest collection of log buildings until its transformation in the early part of the 18th century by an energetic Ukrainian prelate, Bishop Fyodor Leshchinsky.          

School of Commerce (now Engineering Institute). Completed in 1914 during a Siberian building boom stimulated by development of commerce along the TransSiberian Railway. August 29, 1999

As an ally of Peter the Great, Bishop Fyodor saw architecture as a reflection of a broad cultural transformation and the Church of the Trinity that he built at the monastery in 1709-1715 is Tyumen’s earliest surviving building. Gutted during the Soviet era, the Trinity Church has been renovated (with modifications) together with its neighbor, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, built in 1741-1755. Fortunately, Prokudin-Gorsky photographed both shrines in 1912. 

Tekutyev Crafts School, Dzerzhinsky Street 2. Completed in 1914, the building is a fine example of provincial "style moderne". August 29, 1999

These early examples of a provincial baroque style served as a model for other 18th-century churches in Tyumen, culminating with the lavish Cathedral of the Icon of the Virgin of the Sign (Znamensky), which has recently been splendidly refurbished. Built in several phases between 1768 and 1891, the cathedral displays the florid decoration typical of much of Siberian church architecture.            

Submitting Siberia

Shaichik mansion, Lenin Street 47. Built in 1914 by Yankel Shaichik, major store owner & trader in dry goods. August 29, 1999

The daunting vastness of Siberia’s reaches gradually submitted in the 19th century to new forms of transportation. The first steamboat to ply a Siberian river was constructed here in 1838. 

Burkov house, Dzerzhinsky Street 30. Built at turn of 20th century by Vasily Burkov, trader in Siberian grain on an international level (China, Japan). August 29, 1999

The greatest impulse for economic growth came with the completion of a railroad from Yekaterinburg, on the east slope of the Ural Mountains in 1885. This line ultimately became an important segment of the Trans-Siberian Railroad, transporting the wealth of Siberia’s forests, mines and new agricultural regions, as well as leather and other products of local factories. 

Kozlov house, Turgenev Street 9. Built at end of 19th century by Ivan & Maria Kozlov, local merchants. August 29, 1999

At the turn of the 20th century, over half a million settlers passed through the town toward Siberia’s open, fertile lands. Fortunately, remnants of this period have survived in the central part of the city. 

Nikolaevskoe (Nicholas) Primary School, Lenin Street 5. Wooden building constructed in 1897 as part of a public schools network. August 29, 1999

This memory of the past is especially evident in the city’s remarkable wooden houses, with elaborate framed and carved window surrounds in a style specific to Tyumen. These massive window constructions often include carved panels below the sill as an additional decorative and protective device.

Wooden houses. L:eft: Volodarsky Street. Built at end of 19th century, the house has exuberant carved decorative window frames. Right: Komsomol Street. Built around 1900 as a wing of the A. G. Andreev estate, this small structure displays remarkable examples of decorative fretwork. August, 1999

Their solid construction allowed rows of large windows in wooden houses even in this harsh climate, thus bringing maximum available light to interiors during the long Siberian winters.

The present & future  

Log apartment house, no. 57 (street unknown; house may have been demolished). Fine example of carved window frames on typical log structure. August 29, 1999

Tyumen today is the capital of an enormous province - stretching from Kazakhstan in Central Asia north to the Arctic Ocean - that is one of the world’s richest energy producing regions. Tyumen has benefited from this bounty of natural resources and is at present one of the few Siberian cities to show major population growth: from slightly over half a million in the 2002 census to some 850,000 in the latest estimate. As usual in Siberian cities, most residents live beyond the historic center in Soviet-era housing developments.           

Minshutin house, Vodoprovodnaia Street 43. Built in 1891, the house was restored in 1998 by architect A. Klimchenko with decorative window frames carved by Vadim Sheetov. September 4, 1999

A walk through the historic center of town shows vivid contrasts of modest pre-revolutionary brick and wooden buildings, rarely more than two stories in height, with ponderous Soviet buildings and sleek new commercial centers. Some of the new structures are private apartment houses, others are banks and office buildings and still others form a part of the expanding Tyumen State University. 

Minshutin house, detail of decorative carving by Vadim Sheetov. September 4, 1999

In the early 20th century, Russian photographer Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky developed a complex process for color photography. Between 1903 and 1916, he traveled through the Russian Empire and took over 2,000 photographs with the process, which involved three exposures on a glass plate. In August 1918, he left Russia and ultimately resettled in France where he was reunited with a large part of his collection of glass negatives, as well as 13 albums of contact prints. After his death in Paris in 1944, his heirs sold the collection to the Library of Congress. In the early 21st century, the Library digitized the Prokudin-Gorsky Collection and made it freely available to the global public. A few Russian websites now have versions of the collection. In 1986, architectural historian and photographer William Brumfield organized the first exhibit of Prokudin-Gorsky photographs at the Library of Congress. Over a period of work in Russia beginning in 1970, Brumfield has photographed most of the sites visited by Prokudin-Gorsky. This series of articles juxtaposes Prokudin-Gorsky’s views of architectural monuments with photographs taken by Brumfield decades later.

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