The Great Arctic journey. Bus tour to the White Sea from St. Petersburg

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We invite you to take a great trip around the Arkhangelsk region!

On this tour you will have a fascinating interactive tour, a visit to the Kargopol sector of the Kenozersky National Park, an ethnographic program in the village of Morkhishchinskaya, an acquaintance with the cities of Kargopol, Arkhangelsk, Severodvinsk and Velsk, as well as the Malye Korely Museum and a visit to Yagry Island.

There is everything here: forests, rivers, lakes, tundra and rocky Arctic islands, and summer in Arkhangelsk is the best time to travel, when nature pleases with lush greenery and clean sea air!

Location

Saint-Petersburg

Sightseeing tours

from

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

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Tour highlights

Picturesque expanses

Get the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the nature of the Russian North

Hospitable Kargopol

During the tour, you will get acquainted with the history of the city from the time of its foundation to the present day.

Adventures to suit your taste

If you wish, you can complement your trip with a visit to Kiy Island and Golubino Park.

Charming Velsk

Go to the county town of Velsk, where you will walk along the embankment of the Vaga River, see the building of the former zemstvo and visit the museum of local lore.

The beauty of wooden architecture

Visit Malye Korely, a place where nature, culture and folk art create a unique atmosphere.

Majestic Arkhangelsk

You will visit the ancient city on the shore of the beautiful Northern Dvina River, combining the features of the regional center and the unique charm of the Russian North.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Transfer to Vytegra. Interactive tour. Transfer to Kargopol
Departure from St. Petersburg by bus at 07:00 from the metro station "Dybenko Street".
07:00 Transfer to Vytegra.
A guided tour with short stops at iconic places. So our great Arctic journey begins, with beautiful landscapes flashing by the window.
The guide begins his story, and there are unforgettable impressions and many beautiful photos ahead. Get your cameras ready!
Lunch at a cafe in Vytegra (additional charge).
Interactive excursion to the Arctic Rescue Training and Scientific Center "Vytegra" of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations.
The harsh nature of Lake Onega makes navigation on it a very difficult and even dangerous occupation. In 2009, the Arctic Rescue Training and Research Center "Vytegra" of the Russian Emergencies Ministry was built on a sand spit between Lake Onega and Lake Tudozero.
The Center combines three areas of activity: conducting search and rescue operations, training and educating rescuers from all over the country, and conducting scientific activities related to the development of the security system for the population and territories of the Arctic region.
During the tour of the center, visitors can get acquainted with emergency rescue equipment, a pool for divers, training and equestrian complexes. There is also a museum of the history of the rescue business "Legacy of the Times".
On the territory of the center, you can visit the church of St. Jonah Klimenetsky, the patron saint of all those traveling on the waters of Lake Onega.
Important! This facility is a high-security enterprise, and excursions can be refused without explanation. In this case, the program will be replaced by a visit to the B-440 Submarine Museum.
Transfer to Kargopol.
Check-in at the Kargopol 3* hotel.
Free time.

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Day 2 - Kenozersky National Park. Ethnographic program in the village. Morkhishchinskaya
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Kenozersky National Park.
Visit to the Kargopol sector of the Kenozersky National Park.
The second day of the tour will give us the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in the nature of the Russian North.
Kenozersky National Park, a specially protected natural area, is a reference system of the historical human habitat, an object that has preserved the centuries—old history and culture of the Russian North. Evidence of this is the preserved natural complexes and objects, numerous monuments of material and spiritual culture, architecture, monumental painting, icon painting, archeology, and rich ethnographic material.
Ethnographic program in the village. Morkhishchinskaya street.
Traveling along the Lekshmozera route, you will pass through one of the most valuable natural heritage sites of the Kenozero region – the Ozovaya Ridge, part of the watershed between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. The unusual exhibition "Landscape Theater "Northern Equator" originates here.
Original art objects made by artists, sculptors, and architects from different countries are subtly integrated into the surrounding space. Some will make you smile, others will make you think!
Lunch (extra charge).
Free time for an independent walk along the ecological trail and a visit to the Ecomuseum. In the museum, you will learn how the territory was settled, why the local marshes are so valuable, what is remarkable about the Kenozerye water network, where the oldest northern monastery is located, and much more.
Return to the hotel.
Free time.

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Day 3 - The city of Kargopol. Transfer to Arkhangelsk
Breakfast at the hotel.
Room release.
Sightseeing tour of Kargopol with a visit to Cathedral Square.
The tour introduces the history of the city from the time of its foundation to the present day. A leisurely walk along the embankment of the Onega River, which reflects the magnificent stone temples of the XVI–XVIII centuries.
The spirit of the patriarchal city is supported by merchant mansions preserved in the city center. There is a bell tower on Cathedral Square, and its bells can be heard far away.
Ascent to the observation deck of the bell tower (additional charge).
If desired, you can climb to the observation deck, which offers a bird's-eye view of the city.
Free time for independent walks and visits to museum sites.
Transfer to the village. Robin for lunch (extra charge).
Transfer to Arkhangelsk.
Check-in at the Dvina 4* hotel.
Free time.

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Day 4 - Sightseeing tour of Arkhangelsk. The Malye Korely Museum
Breakfast at the hotel.
Sightseeing tour of the city of Arkhangelsk.
Arkhangelsk is an ancient city on the shores of the beautiful Northern Dvina River, combining the traditional features of the Russian regional center and the unique charm of the Russian North. It is the country's main strategic point in the Arctic, the center of exploration and development of the Northern Sea Route.
Transfer to the open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture "Malye Korely".
Malye Korely is an open–air museum of wooden architecture. It is a unique synthesis of the natural landscape, monuments and folk art.
Every visitor finds here what they miss so much in the hustle and bustle of modern urban life: the silence of the modest northern nature, the warmth of the wooden walls of Pomeranian dwellings and temples, the soul-cleansing bells, the daring fun of a peasant holiday.…
The museum's exposition includes more than a hundred buildings, the earliest of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
Lunch (extra charge).
Guided tour of the Kargopol-Onega sector.
The "Journey through Kargopol" exposition introduces the folk culture of the Russian North, monuments of wooden architecture of the XVI — XX centuries and the secrets of their construction, the construction of a courtyard house, a black furnace, as well as the lifestyle and lifestyle of peasants in the southwestern districts of the Arkhangelsk region.
Free time to visit other sectors and walk through the forest.
Return to the hotel.
Free time.

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Day 5 - Sightseeing tour of Severodvinsk. The Museum of Local Lore. Visit to Jagra Island
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Severodvinsk.
Sightseeing tour in Severodvinsk.
The city, located on the shores of the White Sea, is relatively young — it was founded in 1938. Severodvinsk is a city with a difficult fate, a city of military-strategic importance, which was not marked on the map of Russia until the 2000s. It is here that the design and construction of nuclear submarines takes place, as well as the ship repair and shipbuilding center.
Visit to the Museum of Local Lore in Severodvinsk — interactive program "Museum Submarine".
You will hear a story about the history of Russian shipbuilding and submarine construction technologies. The exhibition includes interactive exhibits: a construction kit in the form of a nuclear submarine. It demonstrates the diving of a submarine, the launch of ballistic missiles, as well as the operation of acoustics.
Lunch at a cafe in the city (additional charge).
Visit to Yagry Island with a guided tour.
A delightful walk along the coast of the White Sea.
You can see the White Sea, walk along the beach under the pine trees and breathe in the sea air on Yagry Island.
In summer, the embankment is full of all shades of pink due to the abundance of rose hips growing here. It is for this reason that Jagry Island is also called Pink Island. This name is connected with the legendary figure of the English captain Richard Chancellor, who landed here back in 1553. His name is associated with the beginning of diplomatic relations between Russia and England. Captain Chancellor, who came down to the pink shore of the island, mistook the rose hips for a rose and named the island Pink. A monument was also erected on the embankment in memory of this expedition in 1998.
Return to the hotel.
Free time.

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Day 6 - Free day or a trip to the island of Kiy (for an additional fee)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day.
On your free day, you can walk around the city on your own, go to a seafood restaurant and visit the famous museums of the city. Our guide will be very happy to tell you where to go and what to visit in the city on this day. There is also an operating pier near the hotel, which will take you along the Northern Dvina River for a small fee.
Package "Day 6 "Kiy Island " with meals" (additional payment 4700 rubles).
For the tour participants who are not tired of excursions, we offer a trip to Kiy Island. Be prepared for a very early departure, as the crossing to the island depends on the tides of the White Sea. Information on the time of departure is provided on the eve of the trip.
Transfer to Onega with a guided tour.
Ferry to Kiy Island.
A small speedboat will take you to the island.
Sightseeing tour of the island.
The island of Kiy is made of granite rocks, and only in some places there are sandy beaches, which do not leave us much time to travel by boat. The more interesting and valuable it becomes!
Inspection of the Onega Monastery of the Cross.
Lunch.
Free time.
In warm weather, you can swim in the White Sea and sunbathe on the rocks.
Tea time.
The ferry back.
Return to the hotel.

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Day 7 - Free day or Golubino Park and Pinezh caves (for an additional fee)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day.
On your free day, you can walk around the city on your own, go to a seafood restaurant and visit the famous museums of the city. Our guide will be very happy to tell you where to go and what to visit in the city on this day. There is also an operating pier near the hotel, which will take you along the Northern Dvina River for a small fee.
Package "Day 7 "Park Golubino " with meals" (additional payment 6700 rubles).
Early departure to Golubino Park, Pinezhsky district. Pinezhsky district can rightfully be proud of its pristine nature, picturesque banks of the Pinega River and unique karst caves.
Tea party with local pastries.
Eco-tour to the waterfall "Holy Stream".
We used to associate waterfalls with mountainous terrain, with sudden changes in altitude, which you would not expect from the Arkhangelsk region at all. However, very close to the Golubino forest hotel, in the depths of the forest, there is a waterfall that is not very high, but powerful enough. Formed by an underground stream, it seems to appear out of nowhere. The water here does not freeze even in the most severe frost, its temperature is always about 2-4 degrees. In summer, it gives coolness and vivacity – the air near the waterfall warms up to a maximum of +12.
Lunch.
Visit the famous Pineja caves.
The Pinezh caves are a unique phenomenon, one of the most famous and mysterious sights of the Arkhangelsk region. On the territory of the Pinezhsky Nature Reserve, the number of caves reaches one hundred and forty! These are the longest cave formations in the European part of Russia, their length exceeds 50 km.
The study of the Pinezhye karst and caves began in the 60s of the twentieth century. The caves are shallow, but they are very elongated in length. Karst processes are actively transforming the earth's surface and its depths — the Pinega Caves offer a rare opportunity to observe natural changes in shapes and terrain during human life. It's like time is frozen inside, but at the same time it's so alive. Melting ice, stalactites and stalagmites, snow crystals and an underground river: there will be enough emotions for a long time!
Walking tour through the taiga to the karst cave. Descent into the cave accompanied by an experienced instructor.
Included: transportation and tour support, instruction, helmet, flashlight.
Important! Minimal physical training, special clothing and cork boots are recommended for visiting caves. Take your own or rent it on the spot in Golubino Park for an additional fee (300 rubles).
The temperature underground rarely rises above zero degrees even in summer, and karst surfaces can be sharp and dirty. You should also keep in mind possible humidity and groundwater.
Free time for independent walking in the park.
Return to the hotel.

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Day 8 - Transfer to the county town of Velsk. Sightseeing tour of the city. Transfer to Vologda
Breakfast at the hotel.
Room release.
Transfer to the county town of Velsk.
Our journey is slowly coming to an end, and we are going to the county town of Velsk.
Late lunch (extra charge).
Sightseeing tour of the city from the V. F. Kulakov Museum of Local Lore.
You will walk along the embankment of the Vaga River, see the building of the former zemstvo and the Church of Seraphim of Sarov. Visit the local history museum.
Transfer to Vologda.
Check-in at the Vologda 3* hotel.
Free time.

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Day 9 - Completion of the program. Return to St. Petersburg
Breakfast at the hotel.
Room release.
Visit to the "Real Vologda product" store.
On the last day of the tour, we have prepared a light program for you. You can buy the missing souvenirs, delicious treats and stroll around the city.
Free visit to the Architectural and Ethnographic Museum of the Vologda region "Semenkovo". An attempt to immerse oneself in the life of a northern village, to get acquainted with the traditions and structure of the household of the XIX–XX centuries.
Lunch (extra charge).
Return to St. Petersburg.
It is possible to return to the city later, depending on the traffic conditions.

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

8 nights

Comfort

Upscale

The tour includes accommodation in 3* and 4* hotels along the route.

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

double room with separate beds – 76860 rub.
double room with a double bed – 76860 rub.
single room – 91790 rub.

The Dvina Hotel is located in the center of Arkhangelsk and offers everything you need for a pleasant stay.

The hotel has a library, fitness center, sauna, shuttle service and guided tours. High-speed internet is available throughout the territory. Free parking is provided for cars.

The hotel has rooms of different categories and sizes. Each guest will be able to choose the appropriate option. All rooms are equipped with comfortable beds, functional furniture and modern appliances. The bathroom has high-quality plumbing.

The restaurant serves delicious international cuisine, drinks and light snacks.

For business events, the hotel offers a spacious conference room with the necessary equipment. The staff will help organize the event.

The Local History Museum, Gostiny Dvor and the Lomonosov Drama Theater are within walking distance of the hotel. The distance to the railway station is about four kilometers, and to the airport is 14 kilometers.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 21 to 32 tourists

Minimum age

18 years old

Duration

9 days 8 nights

Group meets at

Saint-Petersburg

Included in price

transfer by comfortable bus;
professional support of an experienced guide;
accommodation in 3* and 4* hotels along the route;
guided tour service along the route;
meals specified in the program (breakfast);
personal radio equipment for comfortable listening to guided tours.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to St. Petersburg and back;
meals not specified in the program or specified "for an additional fee";
additional services (optional, paid upon purchase of the tour, prices are approximate):
- package (day 6) "Kiy Island" with meals – 4700 RUB/person.;
- package (day 7) "Golubino Park" with meals – 6700 RUB/person.;
- Meal package: lunches at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9 days – 5700 rubles/person.
ascent to the bell tower (payment on the spot, approximate price) – 165 rubles.;
cork boots (payment is made on the spot, the price is approximate) – 300 rubles;
Semenkovo (on–site payment, approximate price) - 300 rub.

It's important to know

Air and railway tickets are not included in the price of the tour. You can purchase them yourself or contact us for help.

Dates and Prices

$1,060

17 – 25 Jul 9 days 8 nights

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$1,060

10 – 18 Aug 9 days 8 nights

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Reviews Leave a review

E
Elena

about provider

10 Apr, 2025

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I'm so glad I chose the 'Across the Expanses of Perm the Great' tour in July 2024. It was a high-quality, engaging, and thoughtfully designed journey through the entire Perm region. The trip was full of fascinating discoveries: ancient monasteries, unique museums, the distinctive Permian animal style and wooden deities, the history of salt production and the Stroganovs in the Urals, and much more. The natural beauty of Parma was breathtaking: dense forests, countless rivers, mountains, and even an ice cave. The hotels were comfortable, and the breakfasts and lunches were tasty, often featuring elements of local cuisine. Traveling in a small group made the experience even more enjoyable, after all, it's usually seasoned travelers who venture to the Perm region. One special moment was when we all got to bake and taste traditional gingerbread made from an old recipe, for many of us, it was a first. Huge thanks to our amazing guide, Andrey, and to Venaris, our incredibly skilled driver!