Big Country Travel: Trips to Russia, Adventure Tours & Vacation Packages

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All the most interesting things in Karelia are waiting for you on this tour!

You will visit the first Russian resort of Marcial Waters, learn how to make products from shungite, visit the island of Valaam, go to the Ruskeala Mountain Park and take part in a master class on cooking traditional Karelian pies.

You will also spend a day rafting, taste traditional Karelian cuisine and stroll through the historical center of Petrozavodsk.

Location

Petrozavodsk

from

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

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Tour highlights

Impressive mountain park

Take a guided tour of the famous Marble Canyon

Amazing shungite

Visit the unique facility where the manufacture of shungite products from the Zazhoginsky deposit takes place

Delicious master class

Try your hand at cooking traditional Karelian wickets and have lunch in an ethnic chum by the hearth.

The Mysterious Balaam

Take part in a sightseeing tour of the central estate of the monastery with a visit to the cathedral, church, chapels, cell buildings, outbuildings and hotel buildings.

Rafting

Take an exciting ecological trip to the Karelian forest, where you will find a rafting trip along the Shuya River full of emotions and impressions.

A spiritual tea party

You will taste delicious and fragrant Ivan tea made from Karelian herbs

Itinerary

Day 1 - Excursion "Legends of the Salmi Strait". Marcial Waters Resort. Kivach Waterfall
Arrival in Petrozavodsk by train No. 018A.
The guide meets you on the platform, at the building with the spire.
Breakfast in the restaurant.
Ecological tour "Legends of the Salmi Strait".
Visit the Church of the Presentation of the Lord, the Botanical Garden of Petrozavodsk State University, which is located among rocks and coniferous forests on the slope of a relict volcano.
Visit to the unique natural monument of the legendary throne rock "Devil's Chair", which offers a stunning panorama of Petrozavodsk and the Petrozavodsk Bay of Lake Onega.
A visit to the unique KARSTONE facility, which manufactures products from the most useful mineral on earth – shungite from the Zazhoginsky deposit.
The homeland of shungite is Zaonezhye, one of the most distinctive places in Karelia and the Russian North.
Recently, shungite has become known far beyond the borders of Karelia due to its properties.
You can form your opinion by visiting the "shungite cave", where you can have a relaxation session.
You will enjoy a tasting of delicious and fragrant ivan tea made from Karelian herbs.
The walls of the room are lined with shungite tiles.
Products made of "black stone" will be offered to your attention, which you can purchase as souvenirs.
Lunch at a cafe on the route.
Visit Kivach Waterfall, one of the largest lowland waterfalls in Europe. A tour of the Nature Museum and a grove of Karelian birch trees.
Departure for a country tour with a visit to the first Russian resort of Marcial Waters.
Visit to the Church of St. Peter the Apostle, built in 1721 for vacationers of the resort.
It contains chiseled candlesticks made by Peter the Great, an original iconostasis celebrating the victory of Russian weapons in the Northern War (paintings from the first quarter of the 18th century), carved wooden sculpture and other elements of the temple that have been preserved since Peter the Great.
Transfer to the hotel.
Placement.

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Day 2 - Valaam Island and Ruskeala Mountain Park
Early departure for the tour from the hotel.
Breakfast is a dry ration.
Transfer to Ruskeala Mountain Park (250 km).
Marble Canyon tour.
During this tour you will get acquainted with the unique natural landscapes.
For more than 70 years (until the middle of the nineteenth century), decorative light gray marble was broken out in local quarries to decorate the temples and palaces of St. Petersburg, the fountains of Petrodvorets, the columns of Tsarskoye Selo and Gatchina.
Magical lakes with clear water in a beautiful Ruskeal marble bowl will make an indelible impression.
Transfer to the town of Sortavala (30 km).
Arrival in Sortavala.
Departure along Lake Ladoga to Valaam Island (50 minutes on the way).
Sightseeing tour of the central estate of the monastery with a visit to the Transfiguration Cathedral, the Assumption Church, chapels, cell buildings, outbuildings and hotel buildings.
Lunch in the monastery refectory.
New Jerusalem tour.
The center of the "New Jerusalem" is the Resurrection Skete, located on the high Ladoga coast, which was completely restored and consecrated for its 100th anniversary in 2006.
The lower church of this hermitage, which resembles early Christian temples in its decoration, has a semblance of the cave of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
From the Resurrection Skete, the forest road goes towards the man-made Garden of Gethsemane, where, among the southern broad-leaved trees and picturesque lilac bushes, there is a small, cozy Gethsemane skete with the wooden Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The tour ends on Mount of Olives, where one of the most poetic views of Ladoga opens from the Chapel of the Ascension of the Lord.
The "New Jerusalem" tour can be replaced by the "Nikolsky Hermitage" tour.
Return to Sortavala.
Later return to Petrozavodsk.

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Day 3 - Rafting on the Shuya River
Breakfast at the hotel.
An exciting little ecological trip to the Karelian forest, where you will enjoy safe rafting on the Shuya River, full of emotions and impressions.
During the rafting, you will overcome three thresholds of the initial category under the guidance of instructors.
Rafting does not require physical training. Impressions and emotions will stay with the participants for a long time!
After the rafting, all participants will have a picnic lunch in the forest by the campfire on the banks of the Shuya River.
Return to Petrozavodsk.
Day 4 - The village of Kindasovo. Master class on gate preparation
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure for an interactive country tour to the national Karelian village of Kindasovo.
The village of Kindasovo combines the culture of Karelian people and the peculiar Kindas humor in a unique way.
Arriving there, you will find yourself in a fairy tale! You can enjoy the silence of the Karelian forest, breathe in the intoxicating pine air!
Here you will be treated to real Karelian pies and fragrant tea with herbs!
You will hear the enchanting sounds of kantele and jouhikko, find out what eiga is, why Karel needs a big house and who is in charge of the village.
Transfer to a rural tourist complex on the banks of the Shuya River.
Lunch in an ethnic plague by the fireplace in a pine forest.
A master class on cooking traditional Karelian gate cakes. A skilled craftswoman will tell you how to bake this favorite dish. He will show you how to make rye dough, potato filling, and dough rolling and pinching techniques.
You will be able to participate in the preparation yourself and, of course, taste the wonderful Karelian gates.
Tea party with hand-made gates.
Return to Petrozavodsk.

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Day 5 - A tour of the historical center of Petrozavodsk. Kizhi Island (optional)
Breakfast, room release.
Walking tour of the historical center "From the history of Petrozavodsk".
You will see:
the architectural ensemble of the Round Square,
Governor's Garden,
Theater Square,
the embankment of Lake Onega with the world's only open-air museum of modern avant-garde sculpture.
For an additional fee, we offer you an excursion to Kizhi Island (to be booked upon purchase of the tour, to be paid on the spot). The cost will be known after 04/01/2025.
In the program:
transfer by high-speed vessel "Komet" to Kizhi Island (travel time 1 hour and 15 minutes),
Kizhi Museum Reserve Sightseeing Tour,
an inspection of the masterpieces of wooden architecture, which are included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
Return to Petrozavodsk.
Departure to Moscow or Saint Petersburg by train No. 017A.
The program with an excursion to Kizhi Island ends on the embankment at approximately 19:00.
The program without an excursion to Kizhi Island ends on the embankment at 12:00.

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

4 nights

Comfort

Upscale
Premium

The tour includes hotel accommodation.

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

Placement option	«Piter-Inn»	«Karelia&SPA»	"The Frigate"	"Cosmos"	Severnaya	"The bag of impressions"
Double Room	52 600	57 700	60 100	60 400	53 200	55 100
Single room	62 400	65 100	73 600	78 900	64 600	71 000
Extra bed in a double room	45 500	–	47 100	45 500	46 300	47 100

There is a discount for children on the tour:

a child under 12 years old inclusive – 4,400 rubles/person.;
a child from 13 to 17 years old inclusive – 1,200 rubles /person.

Hotel "Piter-Inn" 4*

The Piter-Inn is located in the center of Petrozavodsk, just a 2-minute walk from the central train station.

It offers a 24-hour gym, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk.

Each room has a telephone, air conditioning, a TV with digital channels and a safe.

The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer.

The Paulaner Restaurant, which has its own brewery, serves Bavarian, local and international cuisine.

The cafe serves European cuisine, desserts and coffee.

The hotel has conference facilities.

Guests can make use of the laundry service.

Standard room single room, size 19-24 sq. m., maximum capacity for 2 adults, additional location — on request.

Equipment:

working area;
carpeting;
satellite TV;
telephone;
safe deposit;
fan;
central air conditioning system with individual control;
Wi-Fi;
There is a shower cabin in the bathroom.;
Underfloor heating;
bathroom accessories;
a shoe sponge.

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Another option

Karelia SPA Hotel

Karelia&SPA Hotel is located in the very center of Petrozavodsk.

It offers a well-equipped spa and rooms with panoramic views of Lake Onega and the surrounding park.

The bright rooms feature wooden floors and wooden furniture.

The rooms are equipped with a TV.

A work desk and a private bathroom are provided.

Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

The elegant restaurant has large windows overlooking Lake Onega.

A buffet breakfast and a variety of traditional local dishes are served daily.

Guests of the hotel can book spa treatments and visit the sauna.

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Another option

The Fregat Hotel

The Fregat Hotel is located in a green corner of Petrozavodsk, in the city center on the picturesque embankment of Lake Onega — one of the most beautiful and romantic places in Russia. The hotel complex combines the comfort and tranquility of a country hotel with transport accessibility.

The Fregat Hotel offers its guests 80 rooms of five different categories.

60 Standard rooms, including 1 family room and 1 room for people with disabilities.

Each room features:

central ventilation/air conditioning system;
fire safety system, electronic locks;
plasma panel and interactive television;
bathroom amenities and underfloor heating in the bathroom;
desk, telephone, safe, hairdryer, mini-bar;
free Wi-Fi Internet.

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Another option

Kosmos Hotel

The modern Cosmos Petrozavodsk Hotel is located in a picturesque part of Petrozavodsk, not far from the famous Onega Lake.

Comfortable rooms are provided for accommodation, made in a classic, simple design. The rooms have all the necessary furniture and appliances, a private bathroom or a shower room with a toilet.

There is a restaurant on site. There is a wide range of dishes available here.

You can hold a seminar or a business meeting in an equipped conference room with appliances.

The train station can be reached in 10 minutes by public transport, and in 30 minutes to the airport. There is a beautiful promenade within walking distance, along which you can stroll.

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Another option

The Severnaya Hotel

The Severnaya Hotel is located in the very center of Petrozavodsk, surrounded by major attractions and infrastructure facilities.

Guests can take advantage of high-quality service: free Wi-Fi, luggage storage and a gym.

The hotel offers comfortable and modern rooms, which are fully equipped with everything you need. Each room has everything you need: ergonomic furniture, modern appliances and an individual bathroom. Regular cleaning is carried out everywhere.

Delicious and hearty breakfasts are served every morning, which are fully equipped with everything you need. There is also a restaurant consisting of several halls.

There is a bus stop near the hotel, as well as a museum of local lore and picturesque parks for long walks.

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Another option

The hotel "Bag of impressions"

The Bag of Impressions Hotel is located in the northeastern part of Petrozavodsk, near the city's embankment.

The hotel has different types of rooms, both standard and superior comfort. The facilities include comfortable beds, necessary furniture, a private bathroom with hygiene products, a TV, and Wi-Fi.

A buffet breakfast is served every morning.

The train station is 2 kilometers away, and Petrozavodsk Airport is 18 kilometers away. Petrovsky Square and the Onega Tractor Plant Park are located nearby.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 2 to 50 tourists

Minimum age

5 years old

Duration

5 days 4 nights

Group meets at

Petrozavodsk

Included in price

sightseeing and transportation services on the route;
entrance tickets to the display objects;
hotel accommodation in rooms of the selected category;
meals included in the tour program (5 breakfasts, 4 lunches);
the work of a tour guide.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Petrozavodsk and back;
meals not included in the tour program;
excursion to Kizhi Island (to be booked upon purchase of the tour, to be paid upon arrival on the tour) – the cost will be known after 04/01/2025.

It's important to know

Medical preparations for individual needs.

Documents: passport, insurance policy (medical).

Comfortable sports shoes:

sneakers or moccasins, but not new, but familiar and comfortable;
replacement shoes (light running shoes or sneakers).

Sportswear for hot and cool weather:

The jacket is windproof, waterproof;
raincoat;
warm tracksuit (sweatshirt, pants);
T-shirts with long (from sunburn) and short sleeves;
sports trousers;
shorts;
socks.

Headdress: cap, panama hat (with visor).

A bathing suit.

Personal hygiene products.

Useful equipment:

small backpack (20-30 l);
a flashlight with spare batteries;
sunscreen (required);
sunglasses.

For photo and video equipment, take care of airtight packaging in case of rain.

To visit country excursions, you must have comfortable shoes and clothes.

Dates and Prices

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$616

31 May – 4 Jun 5 days 4 nights

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7 – 11 Jun 5 days 4 nights

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12 – 16 Jun 5 days 4 nights

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21 – 25 Jun 5 days 4 nights

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28 Jun – 2 Jul 5 days 4 nights

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$616

5 – 9 Jul 5 days 4 nights

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12 – 16 Jul 5 days 4 nights

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19 – 23 Jul 5 days 4 nights

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26 – 30 Jul 5 days 4 nights

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2 – 6 Aug 5 days 4 nights

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9 – 13 Aug 5 days 4 nights

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16 – 20 Aug 5 days 4 nights

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23 – 27 Aug 5 days 4 nights

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30 Aug – 3 Sep 5 days 4 nights

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Reviews

E
Elena

27 Mar, 2025

A wonderful trip! Saying we liked it would be an understatement! In just 5 days, we managed to visit all the most remarkable places. The itinerary was packed, yet by the evening of the second day, it felt like we had been in Karelia for at least a week :) at the same time, everything was well-paced, with no sense of rush or chaos. The only place where time really felt too short was Ruskeala Park: we were torn between taking photos and listening to our guide’s fascinating stories, and before we knew it, the time was up. But that just gives us a great reason to come back :) I was pleasantly surprised by the well-organized logistics and attention to detail throughout the trip. Now, I recommend this tour with "Big Country" to all my friends!
E
Elena

about provider

26 Mar, 2025

Many thanks to the entire team of "Big Country" and our guide, Tatiana! She was with us throughout the trip, making even the longest journeys engaging with her fascinating stories. But the most unforgettable moment was wading across the river, allowing us to witness the second waterfall in all its breathtaking beauty!

A great trip to Karelia

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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