Five summer days in Karelia: from Kizhi to Ladoga skerries

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Join a cool journey through picturesque Karelia!

We will walk around Petrozavodsk, get acquainted with the architectural masterpieces on Kizhi Island, enjoy the majestic nature in the Ruskeala Mountain Park, taste the healing water in the Marcial Waters, touch the history of the Viking age in Bastion Park, if desired, approach the relics of saints on Valaam or go to admire the Ladoga skerries.

Location

Petrozavodsk

Sightseeing tours

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

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Tour highlights

Fabulous Kizhi

Get acquainted with the heritage of Karelian masters and feel the atmosphere of ancient times

The taste and aroma of Karelia

You will taste local delicacies, including berry tinctures, mead and other fragrant drinks

Marcial Waters Resort

Immerse yourself in the natural harmony of Karelia and taste the water from three springs

The marble world of Ruskeala

Enjoy the marble landscapes of Ruskeala, where canyons and a transparent lake will become a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city

Spiritual journey to Valaam

Visit ancient monasteries, churches and shrines where prayer and meditation merge with the majesty of nature

Bastion Park

Immerse yourself in the world of Vikings and Soviet-Finnish armed conflicts in this atmospheric historical park

Itinerary

Day 1 - A tour of Petrozavodsk. A trip to Kizhi Island
We meet our dear guests at the Petrozavodsk railway station upon arrival of train No. 18 (~ 07:50).
Tourists who arrived on earlier trains or on their own transport approach the meeting place.
Breakfast in a cozy cafe.
If tourists arrive later (train No. 92), a meeting at the railway station and a free transfer will be arranged for them to meet the group on the route. In this case, tourists have breakfast on their own.
A tour of the capital of Karelia. Petrozavodsk is the younger brother of St. Petersburg, born with him in the same year. It was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great. You will get acquainted with the historical center, the monument to Peter I, the governor's Park.
A promenade along the beautiful city embankment along Lake Onega, where there is a collection of original sculptures located in the open air.
Excursion to Kizhi Island, the pearl of Karelian wooden architecture (duration 7 hours). A trip by Meteor along Lake Onega to Kizhi Island (1 hour and 30 minutes on the way).
Visit the famous open-air museum, where a unique collection of monuments of wooden architecture is collected. You will see the 22nd Transfiguration Church after restoration, visit the interiors of the Church of the Intercession of the Virgin and the ethnographic exposition in the peasant hut, where traditional peasant crafts are demonstrated.
Return to Petrozavodsk.
Supper.
Accommodation at the selected hotel after the end of the excursion program.

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Day 2 - The resort "Marcial waters". Girvas volcano. Kivach Waterfall
Breakfast.
Country tour "The first Russian resort "Marcial waters" – Girvas volcano – Kivach waterfall".
An introduction to the interesting history of the resort "Marcial Waters", founded by Peter I in the XVIII century. Tasting of water from three healing springs. Inspection of the Church of St. St. Peter the Apostle, built in 1721 according to the drawings of the emperor himself.
Then the way lies to the Girvas village area.
You will have the opportunity to see a unique natural monument: the Girvas volcano.
It is an extinct volcano in the riverbed of the Suna River. Just imagine – he lived about two billion years ago. There is solidified lava, rocks, sand dunes, and dense pine forests.
Lunch at the cafe. Tasting tinctures from local berries as a gift!
Next, you will admire the most famous waterfall in Karelia, sung in Russian poetry as the "northern hero". Here in the Kivach Nature Reserve you will see a real Karelian birch and visit the Nature Museum.
Return to Petrozavodsk.
Visit to the branded liquor store of the Alkovorld distillery. All products, including vodkas, bitter and sweet tinctures, gins, bitters and balms, contain only natural ingredients and are bottled in their own production, founded in 1879 in Petrozavodsk.

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Day 3 - Ruskeala Mountain Park
Breakfast. Room release.
Departure to the Ruskeala Mountain Park.
The crossing is about 250 km. Along the way there are picturesque Karelian landscapes, the surface of forest lakes and a magnificent panorama of Lake Ladoga framed by rocks.
Travel information.
On the way, stop at the Ruskeala waterfalls on the Tohmajoki River, where the filming of the cult Soviet film "And the Dawns are quiet here" took place. Now it is a great place for walking and taking photos against the background of nature.
Here you can walk along the ecotrope with hinged bridges and look at the waterfalls from above (for an additional fee ~ 400 rubles/adult, 300 rubles./children, pensioners, students).
Ground tour of the Ruskeala Mountain Park. It is the most visited tourist site in Karelia at the moment.
For about 300 years, marble has been mined here to decorate palaces and temples of the Northern capital. A Marble lake was formed in a huge man-made bowl, which is now admired by numerous tourists. The rock grotto and tunnels cut into the rocks, the Italian quarry, the Marble Square will make an indelible impression on you. There are no analogues of this unique natural object either in Russia or in Europe!
Free time on the territory of the mountain park.
For an additional fee (additional services are purchased directly on site, at the ticket offices of the mountain park, not booked in advance):
boat trip;
excursion "Underground Ruskeala";
trolls over Marble Lake (zip-line);
bungee.
There are several cafes and souvenir shops on the territory of the mountain park.
17:00 Departure from the mountain park to the city of Sortavala by bus.
We recommend purchasing a ticket for the Ruskeala Express retro train No. 922H on the route Ruskeala-Sortavala (departure at 17:00, arrival in Sortavala at 18:05). This interesting journey will take place in the stylized atmosphere of the early twentieth century. There is a dining car on the train. Buy train tickets in advance on the Russian Railways website (not included in the tour price). The bus will meet you at the railway station in Sortavala.
Accommodation at the hotel.
Supper.

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Day 4 - A free day or a Wonderful Valaam Island tour
Breakfast.
For an additional fee, the Wonderful Island of Valaam tour (duration 7 hours, booking an excursion in advance, when booking a tour, payment to the guide on the spot).
Attention: The tour takes place under favorable weather conditions and in the absence of a storm warning.
Transfer by Meteor on the Sortavala-Valaam route along Lake Ladoga (1 hour on the way).
Sightseeing tour of the Central estate of the Valaam monastery. Visit to the majestic Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior, where the relics of the holy founders of the monastery, St. Sergius and Herman of Valaam Wonderworkers, rest.
A fast lunch in the monastery refectory.
The second tour (one of two options at the discretion of the Valaam Monastery): St. Nicholas Skete is one of the most beautiful skeets of Balaam or "New Jerusalem" – a visit to the Resurrection Skete, Gethsemane Skete, Mount of Olives and the Chapel of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Return to the city of Sortavala.
In your free time, you can visit the exhibition hall of Kronid Gogolev, the People's Artist of Russia. The master worked in a unique manner (wood carving), his works are known all over the world. The main themes in the work are devoted to the Russian North, its expressive nature, ordinary people, their way of life and holidays.

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Day 5 - Bastion Park. On request Ladoga skerries
Breakfast. Room release. We leave our belongings in the hotel's luggage room.
Visit to the historical park "Bastion" (Sortavala).
On the territory of the park, guests visit museums and interactive sites:
Museum of Living History of the Viking Age "Svartbjarnarborg" – "Mustankarhunlinna" – "Fortress of the Black Bear";
The Museum of Living History "Four Fronts", which is dedicated to the Soviet-Finnish armed conflicts of the XX century;
The Stone Age eco-site is a natural space with petroglyphs on stones;
the exhibition of wooden sculptures "The secret life of insects".
The price of the visit includes a tasting of mead in the "Fortress of the Black bear" and thematic excursions in museums!
Lunch.
Transfer to the railway station of Sortavala.
On request, for an additional fee, a boat tour of the Ladoga skerries (according to weather conditions, duration – 2 hours, capacity of one boat – 6-10 people).
The Ladoga Skerries have long been recognized as one of the most picturesque corners in the Northwest. During the walk you will plunge into the world of beautiful nature and rocky islands, feel the atmosphere of Karelia, enjoy the harsh, but extremely charming views.
In addition to the water part, you will have a stop on Honkasalo Island with an ascent to the highest point - the roof of Ladoga, where you will be given free time to consider, remember, and photograph everything.
Departure home from Sortavala by train:
15:50 to Moscow and St. Petersburg No. 038B (arrival in St. Petersburg at 21:23, arrival in Moscow the next day at 06:02);
18:32 to St. Petersburg No. 824B "Swallow" (arrival at 22:43);
20:36 to Moscow No. 160A (arrival at 09:50 the next day).
If you want to extend your vacation in Karelia, please let us know in advance. We will book additional accommodation at the hotel or at the country club.
See you soon in Karelia!

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

4 nights

Comfort

Upscale
Premium

The tour includes accommodation in hotels.

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

When staying in Sortavala in the hotel "Seurahuone" or "Ladoga":

	Double room	Single room	Additional place
The Runa Hotel	46 700	53 900	37 700
Hotel Severnaya 4*	49 200	57 200	39 200
Hotel "Fregat" 4*	51 700	60 400	39 300

When staying in Sortavala at the Rodina Hotel:

	Double room	Single room	Additional place
The Runa Hotel	48 500	63 300	38 600
Hotel Severnaya 4*	50 800	66 600	40 300
Hotel "Fregat" 4*	53 400	69 800	40 600

Discounts:

a child under 6 years old — 2,600 rubles.;
a student under 16 years of age — 2,100 rubles.;
a pensioner over 60 years old — 400 rubles.

You can specify the accommodation requirements: DBL (2-bed room with one bed) or TWIN (2-bed room with two separate beds).

The Fregat Hotel

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

The rooms are equipped with a minibar and a flat-screen TV with Smart TV technology. They are equipped with a work desk, a telephone and a safe. The modern private bathroom has underfloor heating, a hairdryer and toiletries.

The hotel's restaurant serves a buffet breakfast, as well as European and Russian cuisine. The gym and lobby bar of the Fregat Hotel are open around the clock.

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Another option

Severnaya Hotel

The Severnaya Hotel is located in the very center of Petrozavodsk, surrounded by the main attractions and infrastructure facilities. Guests can take advantage of high—quality service - free Wi-Fi, luggage storage and a gym.

The hotel offers cozy 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. Everything is prepared exclusively from fresh products.

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

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Another option

The Runa Hotel

This hotel is located in the center of Petrozavodsk, 500 meters from the central train station. Runa Hotel offers free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk.

The bright rooms of the hotel are decorated in warm colors. Each room has a TV and an electric kettle.

There is a kitchen area with a refrigerator, microwave and necessary utensils. The hotel also has a cooler. A variety of cafes and restaurants can be found within a 10-minute walk.

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Tour conditions

Group

up to 35 tourists

Minimum age

5 years old

Duration

5 days 4 nights

Group meets at

Petrozavodsk

Included in price

accommodation in rooms of the selected category (2 nights in Petrozavodsk, 2 nights in Sortavala);
meals according to the program (5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners);
sightseeing tour of Petrozavodsk;
excursion to Kizhi Island;
excursion to the Marcial Waters resort, Girvas volcano, Kivach Nature Reserve;
excursion to the Ruskeala Mountain Park;
excursion to the Bastion Historical Park;
transportation services according to the program;
the work of a guide and an accompanying person according to the program.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Petrozavodsk and back from Sortavala;
Valaam Monastery (2 excursions, lunch, Meteor ride):
- 5,500 rubles/adult;
- 2,800 rubles/child up to and including 12 years old;
- children under 6 years old inclusive – free of charge (upon presentation of a birth certificate);
the fee for visiting the Valaam Archipelago (see "Important to know") is 100 rubles/person.;
boat tour of the Ladoga skerries, the preliminary cost for 2024 is 3,500 rubles/person (the exact cost will be approved in April 2024);
railway tickets for the Ruskeala Express retro train;
meals not included in the price of the tour.

It's important to know

1. Medical preparations for individual needs.
2. Documents: passport, insurance policy (medical).
3. Comfortable sports shoes:

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

4. 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.

5. Headgear: cap, panama hat (with visor).
6. Bathing suit.
7. Personal hygiene products.
8. Useful equipment:

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

It is also important to remember that the period from early May to mid-June is particularly dangerous due to the activity of encephalitic ticks. Prepare in advance for a trip to Karelia during this period – get a preventive vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis, take a special ointment with you, as well as clothes and hats that cover all parts of the body as much as possible.

The best protection against ticks is compliance with safety regulations:

It is not recommended to climb into the impenetrable thickets of low-growing shrubs unnecessarily.
Moving along the forest road, do not tear off branches.
The legs should be completely covered (shorts are not recommended).
Sweatpants, tights (preferably with a smooth surface) should be tucked into socks.
It is mandatory to have a headdress (cap, shawl).
It is advisable to hide long hair under a headdress.
After hiking in the forest, it is necessary to check (shake off) both outerwear and underwear.
Examine the whole body.
Be sure to comb your hair with a fine comb. If you find a crawling tick, it must be burned. Ticks are very tenacious, it is impossible to crush it.

If you find a tick that has already dug into your skin:

In no case do not pull it yourself, because you can tear the body away from the head (the head can exist without a body).
To remove the tick, it is necessary to pour it with camphor or vegetable oil, after 10-15 minutes carefully pull out the tick with tweezers.
Lubricate the bite site with green paint or iodine.

Vaccination provides the most effective protection. If the immunization schedule is followed, human diseases are extremely rare and usually occur in a mild form. The difficulty of vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis lies in the duration of the course of vaccinations, you can find out more in detail at the vaccination center in your region.

It should be remembered that all vaccinations must be completed 2 weeks before the start of the tick activity season, i.e. by the end of March.

Tick bite insurance is not included in the tour price. We recommend that you insure your health.

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Reviews

S
Svetlana

6 Nov, 2024

about provider

A wonderful trip with our fantastic guide, Lyudmila, who was with us every step of the way. Everything was quick, well-organized and professional. Thank you!

6 Nov, 2024

Five summer days in Karelia: from Kizhi to Ladoga skerries

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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