Five summer days in Karelia: from Kizhi to Ladoga skerries

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Join an exciting 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, optionally 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

Mighty waterfalls

Appreciate the beauty of the famous Kivach waterfall and Ruskeala waterfalls

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

Get the opportunity to visit ancient monasteries, churches and shrines

Bastion Park

Immerse yourself in the Viking world in an atmospheric historical park

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Petrozavodsk. The resort "Marcial waters". Girvas volcano. Kivach Waterfall
~ 07:50 Meeting at the Petrozavodsk railway station from the side of the platform upon arrival of train No. 18.
The guide greets you with a sign "Summer days in Karelia".
If you arrived by earlier trains or by your own transport, then you need to arrive at the meeting time at the Petrozavodsk railway station.
Breakfast in a cozy cafe.
09:30 Departure for a country tour "The first Russian resort "Marcial waters" — the ancient volcano Girvas — Kivach waterfall" (duration 8 hours).
An introduction to the interesting history of the Marcial Waters resort (55 km from Petrozavodsk), founded by Peter the Great in the 18th 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 are frozen lava, rocks, sand dunes, and dense pine forests.
Lunch at a cafe.
Next, you will admire the most famous waterfall in Karelia. He is praised 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.
Accommodation at the selected hotel after the end of the excursion program.

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Day 2 - Petrozavodsk city tour. Kizhi Island Trip
Breakfast at the hotel.
Guided tour of the capital of Karelia (duration 2 hours).
Petrozavodsk is the younger brother of St. Petersburg, born 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 the Great, 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 (duration 7 hours).
The Kizhi Museum-Reserve is one of the largest museums of traditional wooden architecture in Russia, a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site.
You will travel to Kizhi Island by Meteor on Lake Onega (1 hour and 30 minutes in one direction).
In the famous open-air museum you will get acquainted with the temples of the Kizhi architectural ensemble.
Marvel at the beauty of the 22nd Transfiguration Church, visit the interiors of the Church of the Intercession of the Virgin and the ethnographic exposition in a peasant hut.
You will observe the work of craftsmen who demonstrate traditional crafts.
Return to Petrozavodsk. Supper.

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Day 3 - Ruskeala Mountain Park
Breakfast. Room release.
Guided tour to the Ruskeala Mountain Park (the duration of the trip is about 10 hours). The crossing is 250 km.
Along the way, you will see picturesque Karelian landscapes, the smoothness of forest lakes and a magnificent panorama of Lake Ladoga framed by rocks.
On the way, you will learn many interesting stories and legends from the guide. On the way, stop at Ruskeala Waterfalls on the Tohmajoki River.
The filming of the cult Soviet film "And the dawns here are quiet" took place here. Now it is a great place for walking and taking photos against the background of nature.
If desired, you can walk along the ecotrope with hanging bridges spanning waterfalls and look at them from an unusual angle (for an additional fee: adults – 500 rubles/person, children, pensioners, students – 400 rubles/person).
Land 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 in the Northern Capital.
A marble lake was formed in a huge man-made bowl, which is now admired by numerous tourists.
The rocky grotto and tunnels cut into the rocks, the Italian quarry, the Marble Square will make an indelible impression on you.
Free time on the territory of the mountain park.
For an additional fee:
boat trip;
Underground Ruskeala Tour;
Trolls over Lake Marmara (zip-line);
bungee.
There are several cafes and souvenir shops on the territory of the mountain park.
You can purchase additional services directly on the spot, at the ticket offices of the mountain park. They cannot be booked in advance.
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. 922A on the Ruskeala — Sortavala route (departure at 17:00, arrival in Sortavala at 18:10).
It will be an atmospheric journey in interiors stylized for the beginning of the twentieth century.
There is a dining car on the train.
Purchase train tickets in advance on the Russian Railways website (not included in the price of the tour).
The bus will meet you at the railway station in Sortavala.
Supper.
Accommodation at the hotel.

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Day 4 - A free day or a Wonderful Valaam Island tour
Breakfast at the hotel.
For an additional fee, the Wonderful Island of Valaam tour (duration 7 hours, booking the tour in advance, when booking the tour, payment to the guide on the spot).
Attention: the tour takes place in favorable weather conditions and there is no storm warning.
Transfer by Meteor along the Sortavala-Valaam route along Lake Ladoga (1 hour on the way).
Sightseeing tour of the Central estate of the Valaam Monastery. Visit the majestic Transfiguration Cathedral, where the relics of the monastery's holy founders, St. Sergius and Herman the Wonderworkers of Valaam, rest.
Lenten lunch in the monastery refectory.
The second tour (one of two options at the discretion of the Valaam Monastery): Nikolsky Skete is one of the most beautiful sketes of Valaam or "New Jerusalem" – visit 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, a national artist of Russia. The master worked in a unique manner (wood carving), his works are known all over the world. The main themes in his work are devoted to the Russian North, its expressive nature, ordinary people, their everyday life and holidays.

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Day 5 - Bastion Park. On request Ladoga skerries
Breakfast at the hotel. Room release. We leave our belongings in the hotel's luggage room.
Visit to the Bastion Historical Park (Sortavala).
On the territory of the park, guests visit museums and interactive playgrounds.:
Viking Age Living History Museum "Svartbjarnarborg" – "Mustankarhunlinna" – "Black Bear Fortress";
The Four Fronts Museum of Living History, which is dedicated to the Soviet-Finnish armed conflicts of the 20th century;
The Stone Age eco-playground is a natural space with petroglyphs on stones;
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 themed tours in museums!
Lunch.
Transfer to Sortavala railway station.
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 renowned 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, and enjoy the harsh but extremely charming views.
In addition to the water part, you will stop on the island of Honkasalo with an ascent to the highest point - the roof of Ladoga, where you will be given free time to look at everything, remember, and photograph.
Departure home from Sortavala by train:
18:25 to St. Petersburg No. 824B "Swallow" (arrival at 22:39);
20:52 to Moscow No. 160A (arrival at 09:08 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 provides accommodation in hotels in two cities: Sortavala and Petrozavodsk to choose from.

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

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

	Double room	Single room	Additional place
Hotel "Greenfeel" 3*	58 200	69 900	43 900
*Peter Inn 4 Hotel**	58 200	66 300	45 900
*The 4 Severnaya Hotel**	58 200	67 300	45 900

When staying in Sortavala at the Rodina Hotel:

	Double room	Double room (Comfort double in the Rodina hotel)	Single room	Additional place
Hotel "Greenfeel" 3*	61 400	65 800	87 800	44 900
*Peter Inn 4 Hotel**	61 400	65 800	84 200	46 900
*The 4 Severnaya Hotel**	61 400	65 800	85 200	46 900

Discounts:

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

Greenfeel Hotel 3*

The Greenfeel Hotel is located in Pervomaisky district of Petrozavodsk. Lake Onega stretches 1.8 km away.

Double and triple rooms of various furnishings are offered for accommodation. Each has one or two comfortable beds, a TV, a small desk, and blackout curtains.

There are a lot of cafes, canteens, pizzerias and other places where you can have a delicious meal around the hotel.

If you want to visit the sights and get to know the city, you can go to the Nameless Stream Park, which is located nearby, or to the Botanical Garden. The distance to the railway station is 2.5 km, to the airport — 11.8 km.

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Another option

Severnaya Hotel

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

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 Piter Inn Hotel

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 use the laundry service.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 1 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;
Wonderful Island of Valaam tour:
- adult — 6,700 rubles/person.;
- a child under 12 years of age — 3,400 rubles/person.;
- children under 6 years old — free of charge (upon presentation of a birth certificate);
the fee for visiting the Valaam Archipelago (details in the "Important to know" section) is 200 rubles/person.;
Ladoga Skerries boat tour:
- adult – 2,500 rubles/person.;
- a child from 3 to 9 years old inclusive – 1,250 rubles /person.;
- child under 3 years old – free of charge;
the fee for visiting the Ladoga Skerries National Park is 350 rubles/person. It is possible to pay for the visit using a QR code upon boarding the ship or independently on the official website. There are preferential categories of citizens who are exempt from payment;
railway tickets for the Ruskeala Express retro train;
meals not included in the price of the tour.

Booking excursions in advance, when booking a tour, payment is made on the tour to the guide (in cash).

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 with you a special ointment, 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.
When moving along the forest road, do not tear off branches.
The legs should be completely covered (shorts are not recommended).
Sweatpants and tights (preferably with a smooth surface) should be tucked into socks.
It is mandatory to have a headdress (cap, headscarf).
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 bitten into your skin:

In any case, do not pull it yourself, because you can detach the body from the head (the head can exist without a body).
To remove the tick, it is necessary to fill 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, as a rule, occur in a mild form. The difficulty of vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis lies in the duration of the vaccination course, and you can learn more 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 season, i.e. by the end of March.

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

Dates and Prices

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28 Jun – 2 Jul 5 days 4 nights

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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

N
Nina

about provider

15 Jun, 2025

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Thank you so much for organizing such a wonderful experience. The excursions were heartfelt and meaningful, and the guides were fantastic. We visited some truly remarkable places and were very pleased.:) I’d especially like to mention our guide Lyudmila — a warm, kind-hearted woman who shared incredibly engaging and insightful information.
A
Anna

about provider

6 Jun, 2025

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I discovered the tour provider "Big Country" online while searching for vacation options on the White Sea. Out of many offers, theirs stood out and immediately caught my attention. I submitted a request and received a callback very quickly. From that point on, nearly all communication — including booking and registration — was handled through Telegram, with the occasional phone call when clarification was needed. The managers were consistently polite and friendly. It was my first time working with them, and I sincerely hope it won’t be the last. There are several things I especially appreciated about the organization of the Solovetsky Islands tour: 1). The option to book a private room (without roommates) for an additional fee — a big plus for solo travelers. 2). The ability to pay for the trip in installments by a set deadline. "Big Country" offers a convenient payment system where you can always check the total cost, the amount already paid, and the remaining balance. Multiple payment methods are accepted — card, bank transfer, and more. After each payment, I received Big Country receipts and confirmations via email and Telegram. 3). The managers responded promptly to any questions I had during the trip. 4). A transfer was provided from the train station to the hotel, with early check-in arranged at the hotel in Rabocheostrovsk. 5). Meals were thoughtfully included: breakfast before departing to the island, a set lunch after the island and monastery tour, and buffet breakfasts at the hotel. 6). We were accompanied by a lead guide who explained everything clearly, met us at the tourist base, and made sure the group knew where to go — from breakfast locations to the pier for the boat to Solovki. After the tour, she also ensured a smooth return to Kem. On the islands themselves, she handed us over to local guides for excursions and met us again afterwards. 7). The tour was very well organized. Aside from the scheduled excursions, there was plenty of free time to explore at your own pace. Some rented bikes to ride through the village or forest, others went on boat rides, and some simply wandered around enjoying the scenery. 8). A return transfer to the train station and a follow-up message after the trip — small touches, but much appreciated. All in all, the experience was outstanding — great service + excellent organization+ a high level of comfort. The providers really left a lasting impression.
S
Svetlana

about provider

17 May, 2025

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Thank you. Everything was excellent. From the warm welcome at the train station to the hotel check-out before heading home, everything was well organized. I also appreciated that we had some free time to explore the beautiful sights of Karelia on our own (although we were told we'd have two hours at each stop, they were often combined, which made the schedule feel a bit rushed).

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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