Karelia

6:45 AM – Bus pickup at Ploshchad Vosstaniya metro station
Boarding location: St. Petersburg, Ploshchad Vosstaniya metro station, Ligovsky Prospekt, 10
Landmark: Oktyabrskaya Hotel, parking along the sidewalk from the Bukvoed bookstore to the end of the building
7:00 AM – Bus departure from Ploshchad Vosstaniya metro station

7:25 AM – Bus pickup at Ulitsa Dybenko metro station

If you choose this pickup location, please inform the manager when purchasing your tour!

Boarding location: St. Petersburg, Ulitsa Dybenko metro station
Landmark: public transport stop at 21 Bolshevikov Street

7:30 AM – Bus departure from Ulitsa Dybenko metro station Dybenko Street metro station

A signature tour about the peoples and lands of the Ladoga region

The beginning of the journey is the beginning of a fascinating story told by our guide. From the very origins of Karelia to the arrival of the Slavs, their influence on the Karelians and Vepsians, and the intersection of different cultures. A specialist in this area will highlight the profound interconnectedness of the sites you'll visit. Of course, there will also be a quiet time to rest and recharge before the busy day ahead.

10:00 – Technical stop at the Farmstead complex
We'll make a stop along the way so you can rest and stretch a bit before continuing the tour.

10:30 – Bus tour "St. Alexander of Svir: The History of a Saint of the Northern Ladoga Region"
Continuing your immersion in the history of the region, you'll learn about St. Alexander of Svir. Our story will cover his journey from the young Amos, who left for Valaam, to the founding of a monastery in the remote forests. We will tell of the great miracle—the apparition of the Holy Trinity—that determined the monastery's construction site, and how its legacy has been preserved through the centuries.

12:00 PM – Tour of the Alexander-Svirsky Monastery

Nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Ladoga lies one of the most grandiose monastic complexes in Russia. Its history began in the 16th century with a miracle—the apparition of the Holy Trinity to St. Alexander of Svir.
Today, you can see this monastery in all its glory: mighty walls, harmonious churches, and manicured grounds, all developed over centuries under the patronage of the Russian tsars. This is a place where history, architecture, and faith are intertwined, promising an unforgettable experience.

1:30 PM – Lunch
The program includes free time to eat on your own, so you can gain strength for the upcoming excursion.

For your convenience, we can arrange a group lunch at the café.
Set lunches are not included in the tour price and are payable on site.

3:00 PM – Tour of the Karelian Livvik Museum in Olonets

Olonets is the first Karelian town and the cradle of modern Karelia. At the local museum, you'll immerse yourself in the culture of the Karelian Livvik people through unique exhibits, interactive exhibitions, and a guided tour that creates a special atmosphere, as the museum staff are true enthusiasts who are passionate about the history of their native land.

6:00 PM – Interactive program in the most cheerful village of Kindasovo

Kindasovo is the most cheerful village in Karelia, and the residents of Kindasovo declare themselves a "sovereign state" with its own laws and citizenship.

No sooner have you arrived than you'll find yourself in the arms of the hospitable "Family of Merry Folks." During the interactive program, they will introduce you to the musical culture of Karelia, and you will be able to proudly say you know the meaning of the words "kantele," "joukhikko," "joygi," "piirileiki," and "runes." A special feature of the program is an introduction to the shepherd's tradition and ancient shepherd's instruments, which everyone is welcome to play.

Afterwards, guests will be drawn to a table with a steaming samovar and told how the Kindasovo people cooked porridge and why they ran to the barn for butter. And of course, you won't be allowed to leave without Karelian homemade pastries and spring-water tea! Kindasovo has a unique atmosphere that makes you want to return again and again.

9:00 PM – Arrival in Petrozavodsk. Hotel check-in, free time

8:00 AM – Breakfast at the hotel, check-out

Breakfast is available at all hotels except budget hotels.

9:30 AM – Sightseeing tour of Petrozavodsk

Petrozavodsk is a hospitable northern city that grew out of an arms factory founded by Peter the Great. Petrozavodsk's signature feature is the Onega Embankment, a nearly one-and-a-half-kilometer stretch paved with Karelian granite slabs. It is a magnet for residents and visitors alike, hosting all festivals and significant events.

The embankment is a veritable open-air museum featuring an exhibition of sculptures donated by artists from the city's sister cities.

Here you'll see the famous Minnesota fishermen, who have already become a symbol of the city, the "Tübingen Panorama" from Germany, a rotunda that makes for particularly beautiful photographs, and, of course, the Wishing Tree, which, according to tourists, truly helps make dreams come true—all you have to do is whisper them into a special ear.

10:15 – Departure on the "Kometa" to Kizhi Island

An exciting cruise on a high-speed boat across the vast expanses of Lake Onega awaits you.

Please note: In the event of adverse weather conditions (storms, etc.), the program may be subject to change. If the weather service cancels your trip to Kizhi Island, we will offer you a comparable program or refund the cost of transportation and excursion services to Kizhi Island.

Arrival on Kizhi Island. Excursion around the island with a local guide.

The island houses an open-air museum of the traditional peasant culture and religion of the Russian North. It features wooden architecture, icon paintings, and household items created in Karelian, Vepsian, and Russian villages over the centuries.

The Kizhi complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Moscow Kremlin and the St. Petersburg Hermitage. Your exploration of Kizhi Island begins with a walking tour (approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes). Houses, barns, mills, and northern churches exude a noble antiquity.

The centerpiece of the Kizhi Pogost ensemble is the 22-domed Church of the Transfiguration, steeped in many legends. In the neighboring Church of the Intercession, you'll see surviving masterpieces of Karelian icon painting. One of the oldest wooden churches surviving from the Russian era, the Church of the Resurrection of Lazarus of Murom, is also worth a visit.

2:00 PM – Free time on Kizhi Island

After the tour, you'll have free time. During this time, you can book additional programs on the island: a horse-drawn carriage ride, a boat ride, a bicycle ride, a workshop on traditional crafts, learning about the mysteries of restoration, and more. It's especially enjoyable to simply stroll and enjoy the ringing of bells over the island.

Additional programs must be booked and paid for on site. Your guide will be happy to assist you with this.

3:45 PM – Transfer by Kometa to Petrozavodsk

After the tour, you can relax on the comfortable Kometa and take stunning photos of the panoramic view of Lake Onega.

5:00 PM – Arrival in Petrozavodsk. Free time. End of the program.

After returning from Kizhi Island, you'll have free time to dine at one of the city's many restaurants and explore the city. We recommend trying authentic Karelian cuisine.

We suggest concluding your program on the Lastochka high-speed train at 6:00 PM, but you can choose any other transportation option or continue your journey through Karelia on your own!

6:00 PM – Departure from Petrozavodsk on the Lastochka train

Please note: Train tickets must be purchased separately.

Arrival time in St. Petersburg:

Terminal station: 10:55 PM – Ladozhsky Station