Holy places of Karelia: Alexander Svir Monastery, Valaam and Kizhi

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Karelia is not only a region famous for its beautiful nature, but also one of the major Russian centers of Orthodoxy. Here, stone monasteries sit side by side with wooden churches, holy springs gush from the ground, and the spirit of peace and harmony inevitably envelops everyone who visits them.

We invite you to travel to the holy places of Karelia, where in three days you will have time to feel the spiritual power of the Russian North, see the splendor of the temples of the Valaam Monastery, worship the holy relics in the Alexander Svir Monastery, admire the laconic severity of wooden churches on Kizhi Island.

Location

Republic of Karelia, Petrozavodsk

Sightseeing tours

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

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Tour highlights

The Sacred Island of Valaam

Take a meteor ride to Valaam, one of the most beautiful monasteries in Russia, remote from civilization and located on protected islands in Lake Ladoga

Open-air Museum

One of the pearls of Karelia awaits you – the Kizhi Museum-Reserve is an amazing place that has been attracting travelers and pilgrims from all over the world for several centuries.

One of the oldest monasteries in the North

Visit the Alexander Svirsky Monastery and see its main shrines: the incorruptible relics of St. Alexander Svirsky, the place of the appearance of the Holy Trinity, and myrrh-streaming icons.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Alexander Svirsky Monastery
We will meet you at Petrozavodsk railway station at 08:00 with a large red sign.
After breakfast, we will go to the south of Karelia to touch the holy relics, enjoy the beauty of nature and the splendor of the monastery's architecture. Travel time is 2.5-3 hours.
The Alexander Svir Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the North. It was founded by Saint Alexander Svirsky at the end of the XV century in a picturesque place on the shore of Lake Roshchinsky.
Upon arrival, we will go on a sightseeing tour of the monastery.
Historically, the monastery consists of two complexes – Troitskiy and Preobrazhensky.
We will visit both of them, learn facts from the history and modern life of the monastery, and see its main shrines: the incorruptible relics of St. Alexander Svirsky, the site of the appearance of the Holy Trinity, the site of St. Alexander's prayer exploits, and myrrh-streaming icons.
The monastery is famous not only for its Orthodox shrines, but also for its architectural monuments – churches, chapels, which we will definitely visit.
After the tour, lunch awaits us in the refectory.
Then you will have free time for walking. On the territory of the monastery there is a holy spring where you can collect water, as well as a chapel where those who wish can take consecrated sand.
Then we will board the bus again and head back, filled with the peace, wisdom and energy of these places.
Upon arrival in Petrozavodsk, we will check into a hotel.
In your free time, we recommend walking around the city and having dinner at our cafe of Karelian national cuisine – Kalitochnaya (Lenin Ave., 26) or having tea with gates at Furyndalnaya (Lenin Ave., 5).
There is also a large gift shop nearby with a unique assortment.
08:00 Meeting at the railway station.
Breakfast.
08:30 Departure for the tour.
11:30 Arrival at the monastery, sightseeing tour.
13:30 Free time, lunch.
16:00 Departure to Petrozavodsk.
18:30 Accommodation at the hotel.
Day 2 - Valaam Island
Early in the morning we will go to the south-west of Karelia to Sortavala. The journey time is 3.5-4 hours.
During this time, the guide will tell you about the Valaam Monastery: the history of its formation, the Finnish and Soviet periods, the life and role of the monastery in modern Russia.
We will have lunch boxes with us so that we can have breakfast on the road.
Valaam, one of the most beautiful monasteries in Russia, is remote from civilization and is located on protected islands in Lake Ladoga.
The uniqueness of the northern nature and magnificent architecture attract pilgrims and tourists from all over the country.
When we get to Sortavala, we will transfer to the comet and cross Lake Ladoga. The journey takes 50 minutes.
Our tour of the Central estate of the Valaam Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery will begin at the pier of the Monastery Bay.
We will visit the main church of the monastery, where the relics of the founding fathers, St. Sergius and Herman, are laid to rest.
We will see the Assumption Refectory Church, the oldest surviving one on Valaam, and visit the church of the Valaam Icon of the Mother of God. We will inspect the cell buildings, outbuildings and the fraternal cemetery.
Then we will have a concert of church hymns by the choir of the Valaam Monastery.
Lunch will be held in the refectory, where lenten dishes prepared according to Orthodox canons will be served.
After lunch, we will take a meteor to another part of the island – Nikonovskaya Bay.
Please strictly observe the tour schedule and arrive at the pier on time. Meteor departs without delay.
Here we will continue the tour and take a walk through the area, which is called the "New Jerusalem".
First, let's look at the Resurrection Skete, towering over Ladoga.
Then we will pass by the picturesque Garden of Gethsemane and get to the monastery of the same name with the wooden church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The tour will end at Mount of Olives, which offers one of the most poetic views of Ladoga.
The Valaam Pilgrimage Service reserves the right to replace the "New Jerusalem" excursion with an equivalent "Nikolsky Skete" excursion.
After a busy program, we will return by meteor to Sortavala, transfer to the bus and go to Petrozavodsk. The journey time is 3.5-4 hours.
06:30 Departure by bus from Petrozavodsk.
11:00 Meteor landing in Sortavala.
12:00 Sightseeing tour of the Central estate of the Valaam Monastery.
13:30 Lunch in the refectory.
14:30 Transfer by comet to Nikonovskaya Bay.
15:00 Continuation of the tour.
17:00 Departure by comet to Sortavala.
18:00-22:00 Return trip to Petrozavodsk.

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Day 3 - Kizhi Island
After breakfast and room release, we will be taken to the Rechnoy Vokzal, where we will transfer to the comet and drive along Lake Onega to Kizhi Island. The journey time is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Kizhi Island is the most recognizable place in Karelia and one of the largest open–air museums in Russia.
It contains monuments of wooden architecture of the Russian North: chapels, peasant huts, barns, mills, as well as ancient icons and household items.
The main attraction of the museum is the magnificent Kizhi Cemetery– a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We will spend 4 hours on the island, which includes free time for walks and additional excursions.
But first we will go on a sightseeing tour of the island: we will see the Kizhi ensemble and the majestic 22-main Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, we will look into the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In addition to the Kizhi cemetery, there are peasant houses and farm buildings on the island.
Let's go to one of these houses to get to know the traditional way of life of the Zaonezhsky peasants, examine the interiors and hear about the national customs of the Karelians.
After the tour, you will have free time.
You can visit additional programs: visit the Transfiguration Church, climb the bell tower, immerse yourself in the topic of shipbuilding, visit the forge and make a souvenir.
Or go further to explore the island on foot or by bike, which can be rented.
By the time of departure, we will meet at the pier and board the comet, which will take us back to Petrozavodsk.
The program will end at Petrozavodsk railway station at 17:30.
Breakfast.
08:30 Transfer from the hotel to Petrozavodsk River Station.
09:30 Departure by comet to Kizhi Island.
11:00 Guided tour and free time on the island.
17:00 Return to Petrozavodsk.
17:30 Transfer to the railway station.

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Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

2 nights

Comfort

Premium

The tour includes accommodation in a hotel in Petrozavodsk (2 nights).

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

Placement	Cost
Double occupancy	44 900
Single occupancy	50 900
Additional placement. location	40 900

Discounts:

for children from 4 to 14 years old (inclusive) — 4,100 rubles;
for pensioners, veterans of the database, and the disabled — 1,700 rubles.

Discount when booking 3-6 months before the tour is 5%, the price is without discount.

Accommodation in Petrozavodsk is possible in the following hotels:

North;
Prionezhskaya;
Onega Castle;
The valise;
Cosmos;
13 chairs;
Peter INN;
Peter.

These are some of the best hotels in Petrozavodsk, consistently providing a high level of service and high-quality accommodation.

You will receive breakfast at the hotel in the price of the tour. All excursions will also start from the hotels (a maximum of 10 minutes walk from the meeting point for the tour, including on the day of check—in and check-out, as large buses are difficult to access some hotels).

You can write your wishes in advance regarding the choice of a specific hotel, and we will try to ensure that you stay there, but the specifics of group tours are such that the accommodation schedule is drawn up at the last moment, based on the available room quotas in the hotels we have booked.

The Severnaya Hotel

The Severnaya Hotel is located in the center of Petrozavodsk, just 1 km from Lake Onega and a 15-minute walk from the train station and public transport stops.

The hotel offers a wide range of rooms, suites and apartments, equipped with everything necessary.

The hotel has a business center with meeting facilities.

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Another option

The Prionezhsky Hotel

The Prionezhsky Club Hotel is located in Petrozavodsk, in its historical district, on the shore of the lake.

The hotel has comfortable rooms, the comfort and facilities of which allow you to relax after an eventful day. Apartments are recommended for long-term stays.

Meals are served in the restaurant with a bright and cozy room, as well as impeccable service. The bartender will prepare any classic or exclusive cocktail.

The conference hall accommodates 45 people and has the necessary equipment and ergonomic furniture. Upon request, the staff will develop a coffee break menu.

The hotel is located in a picturesque area, which is suitable for walks, secluded recreation, as well as for active sports.

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Another option

Onega Castle Hotel

The Onega Castle Hotel is located in the center of Petrozavodsk. From the windows of the hotel you can enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the surroundings of the city.

All rooms are distributed according to comfort and furnishing. If desired, you can additionally order sleeping places. There are a number of attic rooms from which you can see the lake scenery.

There is a restaurant serving international and Russian dishes. You can try several dishes of Karelian cuisine. The bar provides various types of drinks, as well as cold snacks.

The swimming pool is open to the public, and you can also use the sauna or spa center. You can book a hall for special events.

The nearest attraction is the embankment with the monument "Fishermen". The local Museum of Local Lore is within walking distance.

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Another option

The Sakvoyazh Hotel

The Sakvoyazh Hotel is located in the northeastern part of Petrozavodsk, in the vicinity of 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. Some rooms have a sauna and a kitchenette. You can book rooms with a view of the courtyard or the city.

A buffet breakfast is served every morning, featuring various dishes made from organic products.

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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Another option

Cosmos Hotel

The modern Cosmos Petrozavodsk Hotel is located in a picturesque part of Petrozavodsk, not far from the famous Onega Lake. A wide range of services is provided for guests.

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 bathroom.

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

Boutique hotel "13 chairs"

Boutique hotel "13 chairs" is located in the center of Petrozavodsk. It offers uniquely decorated rooms and an indoor pool with sauna. It offers free Wi-Fi and free private parking.

All rooms are decorated in a classic style and feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a safe and a refrigerator. The bathroom comes with free toiletries, slippers and a hairdryer. A continental breakfast is served every morning in the hotel's cafe. There is an additional charge for access to the pool with sauna and hot tub.

A children's playground is available for the youngest guests. Lake Onega is a 5-minute walk away, and lively Lenin Avenue is 900 m away.

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Another option

Peter INN Hotel

The Peter INN Hotel is conveniently located in the center of Petrozavodsk and offers its guests high standards of service and a wide range of services. The reception is open 24 hours a day.

The rooms are bright rooms that are decorated in a modern style. Functional furniture and new appliances are installed in each category. The bathrooms are individual for each room. Some rooms offer stunning views of Lake Onega.

Meals are served in the restaurant, which serves local, Bavarian and international cuisine. There is also a sushi bar and a lounge cafe on site.

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Another option

The Petra Hotel

The Petra Hotel is located in the heart of Petrozavodsk, in a historic building.

The hotel has only a few rooms, which creates an atmosphere of homely comfort and tranquility. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a TV, a refrigerator and a private bathroom. There is also a work area, bottled water, a hairdryer and free Wi-Fi.

On the ground floor there is a gastro bar "BOTTEGA", where you can taste dishes of European, Italian, Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. The hotel also serves a full breakfast.

There are parks, squares, pharmacies and shops within walking distance of the hotel. The distance to Besovets Airport is 14.4 km, and the railway station is 0.4 km away.

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Tour conditions

Group

up to 50 tourists

Minimum age

4 years old

Duration

3 days 2 nights

Group meets at

Republic of Karelia, Petrozavodsk

Included in price

3 breakfasts, 2 lunches;
the work of a tour guide;
hotel accommodation;
all entrance tickets according to the program;
bus transportation service;
Meteor rides to Kizhi Island and Valaam Island.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Petrozavodsk and back;
meals not included in the tour program;
souvenirs and extras. expenses are optional.

It's important to know

Required: identification documents.

Recommended:

repellent;
women's headdress for visiting the temple;
windbreaker with hood;
sunglasses;
comfortable shoes.

Dates and Prices

$556

28 – 30 May 3 days 2 nights

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$556

4 – 6 Jun 3 days 2 nights

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$556

11 – 13 Jun 3 days 2 nights

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$556

18 – 20 Jun 3 days 2 nights

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$556

25 – 27 Jun 3 days 2 nights

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$556

2 – 4 Jul 3 days 2 nights

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$556

9 – 11 Jul 3 days 2 nights

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$556

16 – 18 Jul 3 days 2 nights

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$556

23 – 25 Jul 3 days 2 nights

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$556

30 Jul – 1 Aug 3 days 2 nights

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$556

6 – 8 Aug 3 days 2 nights

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$556

13 – 15 Aug 3 days 2 nights

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$556

20 – 22 Aug 3 days 2 nights

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$556

27 – 29 Aug 3 days 2 nights

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$556

3 – 5 Sep 3 days 2 nights

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$556

10 – 12 Sep 3 days 2 nights

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Reviews

L
Larisa

about provider

20 Mar, 2025

I would like to thank the tour providers for their excellent work in arranging accommodation, meals, transportation, tour registration, and selecting the sightseeing locations. A special thanks to our guide, Anna, whose love for her region shines through. She is not only a true professional but also a kind-hearted person. Many thanks!

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O
Olga

about provider

2 Nov, 2024

I was very impressed with the guides and would gladly recommend them to friends and family. Our guide, Marina, shared fascinating insights about Karelia and made sure everyone felt completely at ease.

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N
Natalya

about provider

21 Oct, 2024

Ihr seid einfach großartig! Macht weiter so

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Holy places of Karelia: Alexander Svir Monastery, Valaam and Kizhi

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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