Karelia

6:45 AM – Bus pickup at Ploshchad Vosstaniya metro station

Boarding location: St. Petersburg, Ploshchad Vosstaniya metro station, 10 Ligovsky Prospekt

Landmark: Bukvoed bookstore

7:00 AM – Bus departure from Ploshchad Vosstaniya metro station

7:25 AM – Bus pickup at Ozerki metro station
If you choose this pickup location, please inform the manager when purchasing your tour!

Boarding location: St. Petersburg, Ozerki metro station, Vyborgskoye Shosse, public transport stop

Landmark: Okey supermarket

7:30 AM – Bus departure from Ozerki metro station Ozerki metro station

Bus tour to Priozersk "Legends of the Karelian Isthmus: from the Vikings to the Present Day"

On the way, you'll be immersed in the centuries-old history of these lands. We'll pass through places once traversed by the Varangians and uncover the secrets of names that conceal traces of ancient tribes. You'll see the seething Losevskie Rapids – the only ones of their kind in the entire Leningrad Region.

What do these places have in common with the Finnish epic poem "Kalevala," and what secrets do the waters of the Vuoksi River hold? You'll discover this during the tour!

9:30 AM – Technical stop in Priozersk

On the way, we'll make a stop where you can rest and stretch a bit before continuing the tour.

10:00 AM – Bus tour "Road to the Land of Waterfalls"

Enter the village of Berezovoye to the famous Valley of Waterfalls, and immerse yourself in the world of the Karelian taiga. We'll travel along scenic roads and learn about the unique ecosystem of this region, where mixed forests and clear rivers create ideal conditions for dozens of waterfalls. Enjoy the views from the window and prepare to encounter a place where amazing cascades cascade along a small section of the Iijoki River, and breathtaking views from wooden bridges!

11:00 AM – Visit to the Valley of Waterfalls Ecopark

The Valley of Waterfalls is a place where the most vivid images of Karelia come to life. This is not just a park, but an entire world created for travelers who appreciate pristine nature. You'll not only be able to witness the power of northern nature on dedicated routes but also experience the ancient Sami culture, meet reindeer, and sample authentic Karelian cuisine. Here you'll find:

an eco-trail – the park's main, specially equipped walking trail will take you along the banks of the Iijoki River and past a cascade of waterfalls;

a suspension bridge will add a thrill to your walk, offering breathtaking views of the river and surrounding forests;

a stroll through the arboretum – an opportunity to discover the diverse Karelian flora;

a visit to a Sami village, a forge, and a watermill – a journey into the culture of one of the most ancient peoples;

an encounter with reindeer and elk – a chance to discover the true symbols of the North;

an encounter with huskies – a guaranteed flood of positive emotions and warm memories;

After your walk through the eco-park, stop by the "Honey from Dobroded" museum! Free tastings of Karelian honey, mead, Ivan-tea, and unique jams made from pine cones and wild berries await you. Learn about ancient beekeeping traditions and choose delicious souvenirs – from cloudberry jam to chocolate with local berries.

12:30 PM – Bus tour "Sortavala: A City of Two Names and Three Cultures"

On the way to Sortavala, you'll experience more than just a trip; you'll experience a journey across borders and eras. This cozy town on the shores of Lake Ladoga is one of the few in Karelia that has managed to preserve its unique soul. Here, Finnish restraint meets Russian latitude, and the rocky landscape is harmoniously complemented by elegant architecture.

You'll see the famous Leander House and other Finnish buildings that create a unique European atmosphere. But behind the facades of these buildings lie fascinating stories.

Did you know that Sortavala has been part of three different countries throughout its history, changing names twice? What unique architectural "code," left by Finnish architects, helps us decipher the city's fate right on the walls of its old buildings? The answer awaits you on our guided tour.

Listening to your guide and watching the streets pass by, you won't just see the city—you'll understand its character, which combines the harshness of Ladoga with northern elegance.

1:30 PM – Free time for lunch

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

For your convenience, a group lunch can be arranged at the café.

Set lunches are not included in the tour price and are payable on site, if desired.

2:30 PM – Bus excursion “Ahinkoski Waterfalls: Where Film Scenes and Fairy Tales Come to Life” and a walk across the suspension bridges among the waterfalls of the Tohmajoki River

Before you immerse yourself in the majesty of the Marble Canyon, you'll have the opportunity to experience another wonder of Karelia: 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 along the "Alley of Fairy Tales" hidden among the pines? You'll only discover this 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 with nature.

Entrance to the eco-trail is available for an additional fee.

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

Please note! Arrival time at the park may be slightly adjusted depending on traffic and weather conditions. Your guide will provide the exact start time. Total time in the park is 3 hours.

Imagine a place where emerald waters rest surrounded 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 greatest treasure, where nature and history create a perfect duet.

The center of the park is the legendary Marble Canyon. This is not 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.

Did you know that the fate of this place could have turned out quite differently? 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'll uncover these mysteries during our 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 the views from the observation decks.

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

7:00 PM – Departure from Ruskeala Mountain Park

8:00 PM-9:00 PM – Arrival in Sortavala. Hotel check-in

The rest of the time is free to explore the city on your own: dine at one of the local cafes or stroll along the shore of Lake Ladoga. It is a quiet and peaceful city with an interesting Finnish-Russian history reflected in its architecture and landmarks.

8:00 AM – Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and group assembly.

On the second day of your trip, you'll have the opportunity to explore a unique place in Karelia – Valaam Island. We offer you the option that best suits your taste: a classic excursion to Valaam on the Meteor or a relaxing boat ride, where you'll spend time on Valaam on your own, and on the way back, visit the famous Ladoga skerries and even stop on a picturesque uninhabited island – the choice is yours!

Option 1: High-speed boat excursion to Valaam Island

Please note! Before visiting the Valaam archipelago, which is a specially protected natural area, a mandatory payment of 200 rubles is required by government decree.

9:00 AM – Departure for Valaam Island on the Meteor

From the pier in Sortavala, you'll travel to Valaam on the high-speed ferry Meteor.

10:00 AM – Walking tour of Valaam Island. Part One

The first part of the tour lasts 2 hours. Your guide will tell you the fascinating history of the monastery and its surrounding areas. You'll climb the Holy Staircase to Mount Tabor, from where you can take in the spectacular views of the monastery, garden, and Monastery Bay. You'll see the marble Znamenskaya Chapel and walk under the arches of the Holy Gates, above which stands the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul.

Next, you'll walk through the monastery courtyard, to the cell buildings where the monks live. You'll see the ancient Dormition Refectory Church and the Church of the Valaam Icon of the Mother of God. Particular attention is paid to the main sacred site – the restored Holy Transfiguration Cathedral, where you can venerate the relics of the Valaam miracle workers, the founders of the monastery, Sergius and Herman.

12:30 PM – Lunch in the monastery refectory
You will sample dishes from the monastery refectory, prepared with natural ingredients according to ancient recipes. Lunch is included in the tour price.

1:30 PM – Walking tour of Valaam Island. Part Two

The second part of the tour lasts 1.5 hours. Your route to the Nikolsky Skete will take you across a chain of islands connected by wooden bridges. Along the way, you will explore the apple orchard and the monastery customs office. At the Nikolsky Skete itself, you will see the tented-roof Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, with its snow-white cell block and granite cross.

Please note! The organizers reserve the right to replace the "St. Nicholas Skete" tour with the "New Jerusalem" tour.

4:00 PM – Return to Sortavala on the Meteor.

Travel recommendations: The island itself has a cooler climate than the city. When choosing clothing, please consider the lake crossing and extended outdoor activities.

When visiting the interior, the following rules apply: no hats for men, headscarves and skirts for women. Revealing clothing such as shorts, tank tops, etc. is not permitted.

Also, please ensure comfortable footwear for the approximately 3-kilometer walking tour of the island. However, the route is on level paths and does not require much effort.

Option 2: Boat trip with a visit to Valaam and the Ladoga skerries

Please note! Before visiting the Valaam archipelago and the Ladoga skerries, which are a specially protected natural area, according to government regulations, you must pay a mandatory fee of 200 rubles for Valaam and 350 rubles for the Ladoga skerries.

8:30 AM – Group assembly at the pier

9:00 AM – Departure for Valaam by boat

10:00 AM – Arrival at Monastery Bay. Independent tour of the island

Your exploration of Valaam will begin with arrival at picturesque Monastery Bay, offering the most majestic view of the monastery.

You have time to explore Valaam on your own, and we can recommend an excellent route:
Climb the historic granite stairs to Mount Tabor. Walk past the Znamenskaya Chapel to the Holy Gates of the monastery. Explore the architectural ensemble of the monastery courtyard with the Assumption Church. Visit the main Transfiguration Cathedral.

At the end of your walk, you can browse the souvenir shops and stores and purchase unique local souvenirs.

1:00 PM – Departure for a boat cruise along the Ladoga Skerries

You'll ride a speedboat along the jagged shores of Lake Ladoga, one of Karelia's main natural attractions.

2:00 PM – Visit to the Ladoga Skerries

The Ladoga Skerries are a rocky archipelago in Lake Ladoga, memorable for their impressive appearance – dozens of small islands with jagged rocky shores on the vast surface of the lake. The sun's rays play on the lake's waters, the rocks jut majestically from the water, and the green islands create a stunning contrast—this walk is sure to impress anyone with a passion for the nature of the Russian North.

3:00 PM – Arrival in Sortavala. Free time.

Trip recommendations:

The island itself has a cooler climate than the city. When choosing clothing, consider the lake crossing and the extended outdoor time.

When visiting the interior, the following rules apply: no hats for men, headscarves and skirts for women. Revealing clothing such as shorts, tank tops, etc. is not permitted.

Also, please ensure comfortable footwear for the approximately 3-kilometer walking tour of the island. The route is on level paths and is not particularly strenuous.

Upon returning, you will have free time to dine at a city café and sample the local cuisine.

General continuation for all programs.

5:00 PM – Group assembly. Bus Departure to Petrozavodsk

After a rich walk in the fresh air, your group boards the bus and heads towards Petrozavodsk.

Boarding Point: 1 Suvorov Street

Landmark: Jarvikala Fish Market

23:00 PM – Arrival in Petrozavodsk. Check into hotels. Free time

7:30 AM – Breakfast at the hotel. Group assembly.

9:15 AM – Departure on the Kometa to Kizhi Island.

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

To board the Kometa, you will need to present a printed voucher, which you will receive at your hotel reception.

Arrival at Kizhi Island. A guided tour of the island with a local guide.

The island is home to an open-air museum of traditional peasant culture and religion of the Russian North. It features wooden architecture, iconography, 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 Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. 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 complex is the 22-domed Church of the Transfiguration, steeped in many legends. In the neighboring Church of the Intercession, you'll see masterpieces of Karelian icon painting. One of the oldest wooden churches surviving from the Rus' era, the Church of the Resurrection of Lazarus of Murom, will also be worth a visit.

1:00 PM – Free time on Kizhi Island

After the tour, you'll have free time. During your free time, you can book additional programs on the island: a horse-drawn carriage ride, a boat ride, a bicycle ride, a master class in traditional crafts, learning about the mystery of restoration, and more. A particularly pleasant experience is simply strolling and enjoying the ringing of bells over the island.

Additional programs are booked and paid for on site. Your guide will explain how to arrange this.

1:45 PM – Transfer by Kometa to Petrozavodsk

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

3:00 PM – Arrival in Petrozavodsk. Free time

After arriving in the city, you will have some free time. You will then rejoin the group and continue your journey.

4:30 PM – Departure for St. Petersburg

Technical stop at the Farmstead Complex

En route, we will make a stop where you can rest and stretch your legs.

Estimated arrival time in St. Petersburg:

First stop: 10:30 PM – Ulitsa Dybenko metro station

Final stop: 11:00 PM – Ulitsa Dybenko metro station m. "Ploshchad Vosstaniya"