Grand tour of Karelia and Solovetsky Islands

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Treat yourself to an exciting trip to Karelia– a land where nature and history are intertwined in a unique harmony.

Stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, mysterious places and an atmosphere of real adventure await you.

You will get a great opportunity to feel the power of the Ruskeala marble canyon, immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Valaam and Solovki, and enjoy the beauty of Kizhi Island, the pearl of wooden architecture.

This tour will give you unforgettable emotions and impressions that will stay with you forever!

Location

Petrozavodsk

Sightseeing tours

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Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

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Tour highlights

Impressive Kizhi

You will get acquainted with the masterpieces of wooden architecture and hear the bells ringing on the island, which seems to have descended from the pages of a fairy tale.

Solovetsky Archipelago

You will see an ancient monastery and mysterious labyrinths on the shore of the White Sea

The Marble Miracle

Admire the sheer walls of the marble canyon and the waterfalls that have inspired many creative personalities.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Petrozavodsk city tour, interactive program
Upon arrival of train No. 18, meet your guide at the railway station, sign "Grand tour of Karelia".
Breakfast in a cafe in the city.
Bus sightseeing tour of Petrozavodsk and a walking tour of the unique open-air museum of Modern Art (sculpture exhibit on the embankment of Lake Onega).
During the tour you will get acquainted with the history of the city, as well as with its modern appearance.
You will explore historical squares, visit the Governor's Park, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and walk along the embankment of Lake Onega.
An interactive program.
Return to Petrozavodsk.
Accommodation in the selected hotel, standard rooms with amenities.
Breakfast is included in the price.

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Day 2 - Free day or additional excursion "Valaam and Ruskeala"
Free day.
Excursion for an additional fee "Valaam and Ruskeala" (reservation in advance, payment on the spot).
The duration of the tour is 18-20 hours.
~05:00 Early departure to see everything.
Please take a "lunch box" on the way at the reception desk of your hotel.
Transfer to the Northern Ladoga region (250 km).
On the way, visit the memorial "Poklonny Krest", erected in memory of the Winter War.
Guided tour in Ruskeala Mountain Park — the famous marble canyon.
The sheer marble walls of the canyon make a strong impression on visitors.
After the tour ends, visit the Tokhminsky waterfalls (Akhvenkoski waterfalls), where the film "And the Dawns here are quiet" was shot.
Transfer to the port of Sortavala.
Departure along Lake Ladoga to Valaam Island (45 minutes on the way by Meteor).
Full program on Valaam (5 hours stay on the island, walking programs):
Guided tour of the Central manor of the monastery.
Excursion to one of the hermitages of the Valaam archipelago (according to the technical capability of the monastery):
An excursion to the Nikolsky hermitage is one of the most beautiful monasteries of Valaam.
"The New Jerusalem." The Resurrection Skete, the Gethsemane Skete, ascend Mount Olivet to the Chapel of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Lunch in the monastery refectory (lenten).
Valaam is the Northern Athos, the holy monastery, the magical land. At one time, N. Roerich, I. Shishkin, A. Kuindzhi, F. Tyutchev, representatives of the Romanov dynasty, and prominent church figures loved to visit Valaam.
Valaam will not leave you indifferent!
Return to Sortavala.
~00:00 Late arrival in Petrozavodsk.
A lunch box and a fast lunch (for those who go on a guided tour) are included in the price.
For those who are not going on a tour, breakfast at the hotel is included.

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Day 3 - Kizhi Island
Breakfast in the hotel cafe.
Meeting with a guide on the embankment of Petrozavodsk (independent arrival at the specified time).
A trip by "comet" to Kizhi Island (1 hour and 20 minutes along Lake Onega. On the island — 4 hours).
Kizhi Island is the pearl of Zaonezhye, located among the Kizhi skerries.
The main attraction of the island is the museum of wooden architecture, in the center of which is the ensemble of the Kizhi cemetery.
During the island tour, you will visit a traditional peasant's house, learn a lot about Karelian crafts and traditions, listen to the bells and see one of the main Orthodox shrines of the Russian North — the Church of the Resurrection of Lazarus.
Return to Petrozavodsk.
Free time.
Breakfast is included in the price.

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Day 4 - Kivach Nature Reserve, moving to Kem
Breakfast in the hotel cafe.
Room release, check-out with your belongings.
Departure by comfortable bus to Kem (470 km).
Visit to the Shungite Center.
You will get acquainted with the mysterious mineral, here you will learn about the properties of shungite and its application, visit the shungite relaxation room, rest in which will give you an incredible charge of living energy.
After that, we will treat you to Karelian ivan tea.
On the way, a country excursion to the Kivach Nature Reserve, the oldest in Russia and the first in Karelia.
During the tour of the reserve you will see the most famous waterfall of Karelia — Kivach and the arboretum of the famous Karelian birch.
Lunch at a cafe on the way.
Arrival in Kem.
Accommodation at the Prichal Hotel, located on the shore of the White Sea (economy hotel, rooms with amenities).
Free time.
Breakfast and lunch are included in the price.

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Day 5 - Solovki. The central manor of the monastery and the cape of labyrinths
Early rise.
Breakfast in the hotel cafe.
Departure of the ship to Solovki.
Crossing the White Sea (2 hours on the way).
Arrival on the island.
Transfer of things to the hotel.
Guided tour of the Central manor of the monastery.
Lunch at a cafe.
Hotel accommodation, standard rooms, with amenities.
A walk to the Cape of labyrinths on the picturesque shore of the White Sea.
Here you can see dancing birches and labyrinths of stones.
Free time to buy souvenirs, visit shops.
Breakfast and lunch are included in the price.

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Day 6 - Sekirnaya Mountain and Botanical Garden, departure
Breakfast in the hotel cafe.
Room release by check-out time.
Things can be left in the hotel's luggage room.
Bus tour to Sekirnaya Gora, where during the time of the Solovetsky camps there was a penal isolation unit – a place of punishment for prisoners.
You will see a unique lighthouse church.
Excursion "The Botanical Garden – the Makaryevskaya desert".
You will see one of the northernmost botanical gardens in Russia, which is located on the territory of the former monastery of the Makaryevskaya desert.
Lunch.
Free time.
Departure to 16:00, 19:00, 20:30 — Please let us know in advance which flight is needed.
Due to the limited number of seats on the ships, departure information must be provided no later than 2 weeks before the start of the tour. In the absence of data, the distribution is based on the residual principle — delays on railway trains are possible.
Transfer to Kem railway station.
Departure by train to Moscow/Saint-Petersburg.
It is possible to book an additional overnight at the Pier Hotel after the tour.
Breakfast and lunch are included in the price.

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

4 nights
Camp Site

1 night

Comfort

Midscale
Upscale
Premium

The tour includes accommodation in hotels.

The cost of the tour for 1 person, depending on the accommodation, RUB.:

	Hotel "Zarechnaya" 3* (Petrozavodsk) + Pier (Kem) + Solovetskaya Sloboda/Solovki Hotel/Shelter (Solovki)	Fregat Hotel 4* (Petrozavodsk)+ Berth (By whom)+ Solovetskaya Sloboda/ Solovki, hotel/Shelter (Solovki)	*Peter Inn 4 Hotel (Petrozavodsk) + Berth (Kem) + Solovetskaya Sloboda / Solovki Hotel/ Shelter** (Solovki)
Double room with amenities	66 800	71 900	66 300
Single room with amenities	82 300	89 000	83 700
Additional place	—	56 000	54,500 (on request)

Check-out time at the hotel: check-in after 15:00, check-out before 12:00.

Check-out time in hotels on Solovki: check-in after 13:00, check-out before 10:00.

If necessary, you can book an additional one. overnight at the Pier Hotel after the tour:

double room — 4,400 rubles.;
single room — 3,500 rubles.;
breakfast — 700 rubles.

Discounts:

for children under 9 years old inclusive — 5,600 rubles.;
for children up to and including 12 years — 2,800 rubles.;
pensioners (women over 55 years old, men over 60 years old) — 1000 rubles/person.

When children move in unaccompanied by their parents (for example, with their grandparents, etc.), a notarized copy must be issued.

When foreign citizens check in at the tourist complex "Pier" (Rabochostrovsk, Kem), a registration fee is charged (self-payment on site).

The Zarechnaya Hotel

The hotel is located in the central part of the city, on the banks of the Lososinka River.

The famous landmark of Petrozavodsk, the Doll House, as well as the Provincial Park and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are within walking distance.

All rooms have modern furniture, European-level plumbing, double-glazed windows with mosquito nets, LCD TV, refrigerator, Internet, telephone.

Single Room (standard)

The room is equipped with a large bed, refrigerator, telephone, mirror, TV, bathroom, shower and toilet.

Double Room (standard)

The room is equipped with two beds, bedside tables, refrigerator, telephone, mirror, TV, bathroom, shower, toilet.

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Another option

The Fregat Hotel

The Fregat Hotel is located in the center of Petrozavodsk, in a quiet and picturesque location on the shores of Lake Onega. The hotel has a restaurant. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and secure parking is available.

The rooms are equipped with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV with Smart TV technology. They are equipped with a mini-bar, a work desk, a telephone and a safe. The modern private bathroom comes with underfloor heating, a hairdryer and toiletries.

The hotel's restaurant serves a buffet breakfast, as well as European and Russian cuisine. The fitness center and lobby bar at the Fregat Hotel are open 24 hours a day.

The hotel is located in the city center, a 5-minute walk from the beautiful Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The Karelian Republic Theatre is a 7-minute walk away.

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Another option

Peter Inn Hotel

The Peter Inn Hotel is conveniently located in the center of Petrozavodsk and offers its guests high standards of service and a wide range of services. The reception is open 24 hours a day.

The rooms are bright rooms that are decorated in a modern style. Functional furniture and appliances are installed in each category.

Meals are served in the restaurant, which serves local, Bavarian and international cuisine.

Business meetings, conferences and trainings are held in the equipped conference hall. The staff will organize a business meeting of any format and will take into account all the details and nuances.

Besovets International Airport is 17 kilometers away from the hotel.

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Solovetskaya Sloboda Hotel

The Solovetskaya Sloboda Hotel is located in the center of the village, a 3-minute walk from the world-famous Solovetsky Monastery and 187 m from the Gulag Museum.

Each guest will be able to choose a suitable accommodation option from 45 comfortable and cozy rooms. All rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, a sleeping place, and a flat-screen TV. There is a billiard room and a library on site.

For an additional cost, guests can purchase delicious local dishes, as well as lunches and dinners at the hotel's restaurant. There is a restaurant with a bar on site.

The guest house provides its guests with a spacious conference room for business events and banquets. The hall is equipped with necessary furniture and appliances.

Solovetsky Port is a 20-minute walk away. Within walking distance there is the Church of the Annunciation, the Solovetsky Monastery and the Assumption Church. The distance to the airport is 1.4 km, and the Kem Railway Station is 54.2 km away.

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Another option

The hotel "Shelter"

Priyut is a small hotel that has opened its doors cordially in the village of Solovetsky.

The rooms are decorated in a country style and have everything you need for a comfortable stay. The cozy atmosphere and homely atmosphere will make your stay as comfortable as possible.

An individual menu can be prepared for you upon request.

If you wish, you can come to the guest house with a pet. Parking spaces are also provided at no extra charge.

The area is great for cycling.

Another option

Solovki Hotel

The Solovki Hotel is located in the village of Solovetsky in the forest area, near the shore of the White Sea. The Cape of Labyrinths and the Solovetsky Monastery are located nearby. The hotel consists of 5 buildings built in the traditional Russian style. The administrative building houses a restaurant, a bar, a souvenir shop and an accommodation service.

The hotel has 46 Standard and Junior Suites. The rooms are decorated in the style of log cabins with mosquito nets on the windows.

Arkhangelsk Airport is located at a distance of 240 km, the railway station is 235 km away. There are several churches, a monastery and a Holy Lake within walking distance.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 2 to 50 tourists

Minimum age

5 years old

Duration

6 days 5 nights

Group meets at

Petrozavodsk

Included in price

accommodation in hotels according to the program;
sightseeing and transportation services;
meals included in the tour program (6 breakfasts, 3 lunches + 1 lean lunch for those going on an additional tour on the second day of the tour);
transportation and tour services;
entrance tickets to museums.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Petrozavodsk and back from Kemi;
Valaam + Ruskeala tour (reservation in advance, payment on the spot):
- from 05/01/2025:
  - adult — 12,100 rubles/person.;
  - child under 12 years old — 7,700 rubles/person.;
  - pensioners (from age 60), schoolchildren aged 12-17, students — 11,600 rubles/person.;
- until 05/01/2025:
  - adult — 11,000 rubles/person.;
  - child under 12 years old — 7,300 rubles/person.;
  - pensioners (from age 60), students — 10,500 rubles/person.;
visit to the Valaam Archipelago specially protected natural area (self-paid on the website of the Directorate of Specially Protected Natural Areas of Regional Importance of the Republic of Karelia);
meals not included in the tour program;
extra night at the Pier Hotel after the tour:
- double room — 4,400 rubles.;
- single room — 3500 rub.;
- breakfast — 700 rubles.;
registration fee for the settlement of foreign citizens in Kemi (self-payment on the spot).

It's important to know

an identity document in an airtight package (for children – a birth certificate);
compulsory medical insurance policy;
comfortable shoes – sneakers or sneakers;
waterproof, windproof jacket;
raincoat;
a warm sweater or a warm tracksuit (sweatshirt, pants);
sports trousers;
lightweight headdress;
bathing suit;
sunglasses;
personal hygiene items: soap, towel, toothbrush and toothpaste;
repellents and remedies for mosquito and tick bites;
personal first aid kit;
photo and video equipment + sealed packaging for them in case of rain;
a small backpack (20-30 l).

Dates and Prices

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1 – 6 Jun 6 days 5 nights

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8 – 13 Jun 6 days 5 nights

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15 – 20 Jun 6 days 5 nights

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22 – 27 Jun 6 days 5 nights

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29 Jun – 4 Jul 6 days 5 nights

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6 – 11 Jul 6 days 5 nights

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13 – 18 Jul 6 days 5 nights

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20 – 25 Jul 6 days 5 nights

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27 Jul – 1 Aug 6 days 5 nights

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3 – 8 Aug 6 days 5 nights

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10 – 15 Aug 6 days 5 nights

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17 – 22 Aug 6 days 5 nights

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24 – 29 Aug 6 days 5 nights

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31 Aug – 5 Sep 6 days 5 nights

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7 – 12 Sep 6 days 5 nights

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Reviews

K
Konstantin

about provider

22 Apr, 2025

The local tour operator was excellent. Vera did a fantastic job, she shared lots of interesting information along the way, which made the journey enjoyable and far from tiring. Many thanks to all the staff who accompanied us throughout the trip.

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K
Konstantin

about provider

26 Jul, 2024

Grand tour of Karelia and the Solovetsky Islands, a very interesting and exciting tour. Comfortable accommodation and buses. Qualified guides. A competent, positive, responsible guide Vera Ivanovna. Thank you very much.

Grand tour of Karelia and Solovetsky Islands

Location

Tour highlights

Itinerary

Accommodation

Tour conditions

Included in price

Paid extra

It's important to know

Dates and Prices

Reviews

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