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

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On this tour you will visit an amazingly picturesque region with the most interesting monuments of architecture and history.

As part of the trip, you will visit the main attractions of Karelia, get the opportunity to ride the Ruskeala Express retro train, get acquainted with the capital of Karelia, take a Meteor to Kizhi Island, visit the Marcial Waters resort and the Ruskeala Mountain Park.

Location

Petrozavodsk

Sightseeing tours

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

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Tour highlights

The legendary island

You will take part in an excursion to Kizhi Island, where you will get acquainted with the temples of the Kizhi architectural ensemble.

Scenic Mountain Park

Take a land tour of the Ruskeala Mountain Park

The first Russian resort

Taste the water from three springs and get acquainted with the interesting history of the Marcial Waters resort

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Petrozavodsk. Marcial Waters Resort, 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 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 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 exhibition 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 the 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, an adult – 500 rubles/person, a child, a pensioner, a student – 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.
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 - Free day. Wonderful Island of Valaam tour (optional)
Breakfast.
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 under favorable weather conditions and in the absence of a storm warning.
Transfer by Meteor along Lake Ladoga "Sortavala city – Valaam Island" (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 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.
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.

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Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

3 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 at the Seurahuone 2* or Ladoga 2* hotel:

	Double room Accommodation (twin standard)	Single room placement	Additional place
*Peter Inn 4 Hotel**	46 600	53 300	38 900
Hotel "Severnaya" 4*	46 600	54 300	38 900
Hotel "Greenfeel" 3*	46 600	56 900	36 900

When staying in Sortavala at the Rodina 4* hotel:

	Double room accommodation (Twin standard Homeland)	Double room accommodation (comfort double Rodina)	Single room placement	Additional place
*Peter Inn 4 Hotel**	48 200	50 400	64 400	36 900
Hotel "Severnaya" 4*	48 200	50 400	60 800	39 900
Hotel "Greenfeel" 3*	48 200	50 400	61 800	39 900

Discounts:

a child under 6 years old inclusive — 2,500 rubles /person.;
school students up to and including 16 years old — 2,000 rubles/person.;
a pensioner over 60 years old — 400 rubles/person.

Peter Inn Petrozavodsk Hotel 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.

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Another option

Hotel "Severnaya" 4*

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

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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Tour conditions

Group

up to 50 tourists

Minimum age

5 years old

Duration

4 days 3 nights

Group meets at

Petrozavodsk

Included in price

accommodation in rooms of the selected category (2 nights in Petrozavodsk, 1 night in Sortavala);
meals according to the program (4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners);
Petrozavodsk sightseeing Tour;
Kizhi Island tour;
excursion to the Marcial Waters resort, Girvas volcano, Kivach Nature Reserve;
Ruskeala Mountain Park Tour;
transportation services according to the program;
the work of the guide and the accompanying person according to the program.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Petrozavodsk and back from Sortavala;
meals not included in the tour program;
railway tickets for the Ruskeala Express retro train;
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);
visit to the specially protected natural area "Valaam Archipelago" — 200 rubles /person (self-paid).
entrance to the ecotrope with suspension bridges at Ruskeala waterfalls:
- adult – 500 rubles/person.;
- child, pensioner, student – 400 rubles/person.

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, 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 greenery 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 find out more about it 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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7 – 10 Jun 4 days 3 nights

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14 – 17 Jun 4 days 3 nights

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21 – 24 Jun 4 days 3 nights

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28 Jun – 1 Jul 4 days 3 nights

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5 – 8 Jul 4 days 3 nights

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12 – 15 Jul 4 days 3 nights

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19 – 22 Jul 4 days 3 nights

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26 – 29 Jul 4 days 3 nights

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2 – 5 Aug 4 days 3 nights

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9 – 12 Aug 4 days 3 nights

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16 – 19 Aug 4 days 3 nights

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23 – 26 Aug 4 days 3 nights

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30 Aug – 2 Sep 4 days 3 nights

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Reviews

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).
I
Irina

about provider

10 Apr, 2025

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Every detail of the trip was carefully planned, we were absolutely thrilled!! The food was fantastic too! Thank you!
S
Svetlana

about provider

6 Nov, 2024

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!

Four summer days in Karelia: Kizhi — Marcial waters — Kivach — Valaam — Ruskeala

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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