Karelia

6:15 AM – Departure on the Lastochka train

Boarding point: St. Petersburg, Finland Station

A modern, high-speed, comfortable train will whisk you to the town of Sortavala, where you can transfer to the retro train.
10:20 AM – Transfer to the retro train in Sortavala

Please note! Tickets for the retro train must be purchased separately. During high season, it is advisable to purchase tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly.

If tickets are no longer available for your chosen dates or you do not wish to travel on the retro train, our guide will meet you at Sortavala station with the bus number from an SMS sent to you the evening before departure. You will then travel to Ruskeala Mountain Park by bus.

10:50 AM – Departure on the retro train to Ruskeala Mountain Park

Boarding takes place at Sortavala railway station.

For those seeking a unique experience, we offer a ride on the retro train "Ruskeala Express" from the mountain park to Sortavala. The carriages are decorated in 19th-century style, with original lamps, wallpaper, and furniture, and the conductors wear stylized uniforms. A real steam locomotive leads the train! This journey through time will make you feel like an aristocrat of pre-revolutionary Russia.

12:05 PM – Arrival at Ruskeala Station

At the railway station, our guide will meet you with the bus number from an SMS sent to you the evening before departure and will escort you to the tour's departure point.

Walking Tour "Ruskeala Mountain Park: A Place Where History is Carved in Marble"

Imagine a place where emerald waters rest framed by snow-white cliffs, and every turn of the trail reveals a view worthy of a movie screen. Welcome to Ruskeala Mountain Park – Karelia's crown jewel, where nature and history have created a perfect duet.

The park's center is the legendary Marble Canyon. This is more than just a picturesque lake, but a true stone chronicle. Marble for St. Isaac's Cathedral and the St. Petersburg metro stations was quarried here, and you can touch the very same layers that adorn the architectural masterpieces of the Northern Capital.

But did you know that the fate of this place could have been quite different? Why were the Swedes, who mined marble here for centuries, unable to unravel the main secret of these places, and what discovery in an abandoned quarry made it the talk of Russia? We will reveal these secrets during the tour.

During your tour, you'll take a walk with a local guide who will reveal the canyon's secrets and offer tips on how to make your visit to the park truly unforgettable—whether it's a boat ride on the marble lake, a visit to mysterious underground grottoes, or views from the observation decks.

After the tour, you'll have free time to stroll and explore the mountain park on your own.

Free time in the Mountain Park.

3:00 PM – Ruskeala Akhinoski Waterfalls and the filming locations of famous films

Another wonder of Karelia is the Akhinoski Waterfalls. This is a place where nature has become a full-fledged director, and the sound of falling water sounds like the soundtrack to famous films.

You'll be able to step inside the authentic film sets where the legendary "The Dawns Here Are Quiet..." was filmed. But the true magic of Akhinoski lies hidden from view.

Did you know that these waterfalls have not only a cinematic but also a fairytale life? Which mysterious forest spirits and heroes of the Karelian-Finnish epic can you encounter on the "Alley of Fairy Tales" lost among the pines? You'll find out only by setting foot on this trail.

Your journey will conclude on a suspension bridge, offering the most spectacular view – one that will remain not only in photographs but also in your memory as a moment of complete immersion in nature.

Entrance to the eco-trail is an optional extra.

3:45 PM – Group assembly and bus departure to the Viking village

4:15 PM – Interactive program "One Day in History" at the Bastion Historical Park

"One Day in History" is a unique journey through time! In one day, you'll experience key eras – from the ancient Vikings to the military conflicts of the 20th century. Here, history comes to life: you don't just listen, you become part of the action. Forget boring textbooks – here you can shoot a bow, forge swords, and raise sails!

What awaits you:

Viking Age: Explore a massive fortress with a palisade, a "Mead Hall," and a working forge. Try archery and feel like a true warrior!

Stone Age: Discover the world of the ancients through rock paintings and petroglyphs while enjoying views of the bay.

Four Fronts: Russia's only museum dedicated to all the Soviet-Finnish conflicts. Try on a historical uniform, try your hand at the shooting range, and take spectacular photos.

Sea Adventure: End the day with a boat cruise on a historic vessel on Lake Ladoga, where you'll learn to sail and disembark on a picturesque island.

This day will give you vivid emotions and unique photos – history has never been so captivating.

Please note! A boat ride on Ladoga is included in the price only during the open navigation period. Navigation begins on June 1.

8:00 AM – Breakfast at the hotel.

9:00 AM – Check out. The group will meet on the bus from your hotel.

10:00 AM – Departure from Sortavala

10:30 AM – Climb Mount Paaso. The best views of Karelia

Mount Paaso, or Paasonvuori, is a picturesque elevation near the town of Sortavala. It offers panoramic views of the natural beauty. It's not only a beautiful place, but also a historical monument preserving the memories of the ancient Karelians.

12:30 PM – Sightseeing tour of Sortavala. And the guided tour "The Mysteries of Vakkosalmi Park"

The town of Sortavala is located on the shores of Lake Ladoga, in the heart of the Ladoga skerries. Part of the city's districts are located on the adjacent islands, so you'll be treated to a spectacular Karelian landscape – rocky fjords surrounding the lake.

The historic part of Sortavala is an encyclopedia of different styles and eras, impressing with its northern beauty, where the Finnish influence is particularly noticeable.

The city's main attractions include the Leander House in the National Romantic style, the former Nordic Bank building, the Rune Singer monument in the park on Väinämöinen Square, and the 19th-century Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

As part of a guided tour, you will visit the city's Vakkosalmi Park with its famous Singing Field and an observation deck offering panoramic views of Lake Ladoga.

Visit to the Karelian Shungite Mineral Center

The mineral center combines a geological museum displaying minerals from the northern Ladoga region in an unusual exhibition, an art gallery featuring works by local artists and photographers, and a recreational and wellness center. At the center, you'll learn about this amazing Karelian mineral, relax in a healing shungite room, and conclude your visit with a herbal tea tasting and souvenir shopping.

2:00 PM – Free time for lunch

The program includes free time to eat on your own, so you can recharge for the upcoming walk.

Walk along the Lake Ladoga embankment

You'll have the opportunity to stroll along the embankment, visit cafes and souvenir shops, and also visit the Kronid Gogolev Private Collection Museum or the Northern Priladozhye Museum.

Visit to a trout farm store and a Karelian balsam shop in Sortavala.

Next, you can stroll around the town, buy souvenirs, and explore the sights of Sortavala, described by your guide during the tour.

6:00 PM – Group assembly. Bus departure to the train station.

Boarding location: st. Komsomolskaya, 2

Landmark: Jarvikala Fish Market

6:38 PM – Departure on the Lastochka train to St. Petersburg

Please note! Boarding on the Lastochka train begins between 6:00 PM and 6:38 PM. Our tour is designed so you'll arrive at the train station well in advance. Train tickets must be purchased independently before the tour begins.

At the end of the program, your guide will accompany you to the train station, from where you'll travel comfortably to St. Petersburg on the Lastochka train.

10:43 PM – Arrival at Finland Station