Journey from Sortavala to Petrozavodsk: Valaam, Ruskeala, Kizhi

Beautiful Sortavala and hospitable Petrozavodsk invite you to visit!

On this tour you will get acquainted with the architecture of the Northern Art Nouveau, immerse yourself in the world of Karelian minerals, climb Mount Paaso and the picturesque Ruskeala Mountain Park. A visit to the legendary islands of Valaam and Kizhi will give you vivid impressions and the opportunity to touch the spiritual treasures of the Russian North.

Location

Republic of Karelia, Sortavala
from
$796
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
4 days
3 nights
Departures
5 - 8 Jun
19 - 22 Jun
26 - 29 Jun
3 - 6 Jul
10 - 13 Jul
17 - 20 Jul
24 - 27 Jul
31 Jul - 3 Aug
Accommodation
  • Hotel
    3 nights
Comfort
  • Midscale
  • Upscale
Difficulty
Easy
Suitable for everyone
Group
From 4 to 16 tourists
Minimum age
5 years old
Group meet at
Republic of Karelia, Sortavala
Contact the tour coordinator
Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)
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Tour highlights

Memorable architecture
During the tour of Sortavala, you will be transported back a century and look at the city as an encyclopedia of original architecture.
Masterpieces of Kizhi Island
Get acquainted with the many-headed temples of Kizhi, visit a traditional peasant manor and listen to the bells.
Multifaceted Petrozavodsk
You will see the Governor's Garden, visit the mouth of the Lososinka River and stroll along the beautiful embankment of Lake Onega.
The charm of the mountain park
Take a walk along the marble canyon, during which you will admire the clear water in a beautiful Ruskeal marble bowl.
The legendary Valaam Island
Take part in a sightseeing tour of the central estate of the monastery with a visit to the Transfiguration Cathedral and the Assumption Church.
Diving into history
If you wish, you can travel from the mountain park to Sortavala on the atmospheric Ruskeala Express

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Arrival in Sortavala. Sightseeing tour of the city. The Mineral Center. Paaso Mountain Climb

    08:19 Arrival in Sortavala by train No. 160 B.

    Group meeting at Sortavala railway station.

    Breakfast.

    Sightseeing tour of the city.

    Sortavala is the unofficial capital of the Northern Ladoga Region. A city that has been ruled by Sweden, Finland and Russia in its history. In this chamber city, on the shores of Lake Ladoga, you can see the junction of cultures.

    Sortavala will surprise you with the architecture of the Northern Art Nouveau, many buildings designed by outstanding Finnish architects have been preserved. Elegant but austere wooden houses in the style of provincial Finland will not be able to leave you indifferent.

    You will be transported back a century and look at the city as an encyclopedia of Finnish architecture. You will learn about the outstanding details of the past, whose fate was connected with Sortavala – Nicholas Roerich, Kronid Gogolev, Gustav Winter.

    Visit to the Mineral Center.

    The Mineral Center is an art space that expands the concept of "museum" and offers residents and guests of Karelia to immerse themselves in the world of minerals in different formats and colors.

    The program of the visit to the Museum of Minerals includes a tour of the exposition with minerals of Ladoga region, an inspection of paintings by Karelian artists, a visit to the only Shungite cave in Ladoga region and a tasting of Karelian ivan tea infused with shungite water. Exclusive souvenirs can be purchased as a keepsake.

    Climbing Mount Paaso.

    The landscape theater "Mount Paaso" consists of two components: the first is a historical trail equipped with a wooden staircase consisting of 365 steps, exactly according to the number of days per year. The route length is just over one kilometer in both directions. There are viewing platforms on the route, and artistic lighting is available in the evening.

    Secondly– the archaeological site "Paaso Settlement" is located on the top of Mount Paasonvuori. The archaeological excavations at the settlement have been completed, and now it is a beautiful viewing platform, from where a view of the beauty of Karelia opens from a height of 79 meters.

    There are several wooden benches at the top of the mountain where you can sit down, relax and enjoy the view.

    Lunch.

    Accommodation at the hotel after 15:00, rest.

    For an additional fee, we offer:

    Covered boat tour of Ladoga Skerries National Park with landing on the island (duration 2 hours).

    Departure for a guided tour of the Ladoga Skerries National Park with a landing on the island of Honkasalo. Ladoga Skerries is a national park located on the northern and northwestern shores of Lake Ladoga in Karelia. There are about 650 rocky islands and steep cliffs, as well as the rugged coastline of the lake itself for 250 km.

    The rocky islands on Ladoga were formed millions of years ago and turned out to be unique. There are more rare animals and plants in this area than in any other place in the republic.

    Khonkasalo Island is one of the most picturesque islands of the Ladoga skerries, with Mount Vakhtimyaki located on it.

    The price includes: transportation and sightseeing services, payment for visiting the Ladoga Skerries National Park.

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  • Day 2 - Stop at the Akhinkoski waterfall. Ruskeala Mountain Park
  • Day 3 - Departure to Valaam Island. Sightseeing tour of the central manor of the monastery
  • Day 4 - Petrozavodsk city tour. Kizhi Island
Difficulty
Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Accommodation
  • Hotel
    3 nights
Comfort
  • Midscale
  • Upscale

The tour includes accommodation in hotels in Sortavala and Petrozavodsk.

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

1. At the Ladoga 2* Hotel:

  • 57,700 rubles/person – for an adult when staying in a double room;
  • 62,400 rubles/person – for an adult with single occupancy;
  • 54,300 rubles/person – for an adult with triple occupancy in the main place in a triple room.

2. At the Swallow's Nest Hotel without stars:

  • 61,000 rubles/person – for an adult when staying in a double room;
  • 75,400 rubles/person – for an adult with single occupancy;
  • 52,200 rubles/person – for an adult when staying in a Comfort room for an additional fee. the place.

3. At the Rodina 4* Hotel:

  • 62,300 rubles/person – for an adult when staying in a double room;
  • 78,300 rubles/person – for an adult with single occupancy;
  • 50,300 rubles/person – for an adult when staying in a double room for an additional fee. the place.

4. At the Valoranta hotel without stars:

  • 63,000 rubles/person – for an adult when staying in a double room;
  • 78,000 rubles/person – for an adult with single occupancy.

Discounts for children:

  • Up to and including 12 years – 7700 rubles/person.;
  • Up to 13-17 years old inclusive – 4000 rubles/person.
The Ladoga Hotel or The Swallow's Nest Hotel or 2 nights
The Ladoga Hotel

Ladoga is located in the city of Sortavala. It offers: Wi-Fi, daily cleaning, 24-hour front desk, sauna. 

Cozy and bright rooms of various categories and pricing policies have been prepared for accommodation. Each room has the necessary furniture and appliances for a comfortable stay.

Meals are served in the hotel's restaurant. It serves delicious dishes and a la carte drinks.

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Another option
The Swallow's Nest Hotel

The Swallow's Nest Hotel is located in the town of Sortavala, in an old mansion, a monument of the architectural heritage of the Finnish province.

Rooms of different capacities and comfort levels are available for accommodation. Amenities include fast Wi—Fi, a plasma TV, good sound insulation and a bathroom with cosmetics, a hairdryer and a set of towels.

The rooms are equipped with a refrigerator and tea set. Guests can have a snack at Kalevala Cafe, 0.3 km away, or Dorozhnoye Cafe, 0.7 km away.

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Another option
Rodina Hotel

Rodina is a hotel in the city of Sortavala, which has a good location and offers first—class service. The services include daily cleaning, laundry, parking for cars and Wi-Fi.

The hotel includes 25 rooms in a stylish design. An LCD TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator are provided for your stay. The private bathroom has a shower cabin, as well as bathrobes and cosmetics.

The in-house restaurant serves a wide range of dishes. Room service is also available.

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Another option
The Valoranta Hotel

The VALORANTA Hotel is located on the shores of Lake Ladoga, in the historical part of Sortavala, where the bustling port of the Northern Ladoga Region once stood.

VALORANTA is a place where you can feel the tranquility of the northern nature and the power of Lake Ladoga.

On the territory of VALORANTA, you can visit the VOLNA restaurant, located in the same building.

The Piter Inn 1 night

Tour conditions

Group
From 4 to 16 tourists
Minimum age
5 years old
Duration
4 days 3 nights
Group meets at
Republic of Karelia, Sortavala

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 specified in the program;
  • the work of a tour guide.

Paid extra

  • railway ticket to Sortavala and back from Petrozavodsk;
  • meals not included in the tour program;
  • Ladoga Skerries tour;
  • Ruskeala Express ticket.

It's important to know

Are there any possible changes in the program?

The Company reserves the right to change the procedure for providing services without reducing their volume. In case of stormy weather and adverse weather conditions, trips to the islands of Kizhi and Valaam may be canceled.

What do you need to know about breakfast arrangements?
What do you need to know about hotels?
Is insurance included in the price of the tour?
Are train or plane tickets included in the price of the tour?

Dates and Prices

  • $796
    5 – 8 Jun 4 days 3 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • $796
    19 – 22 Jun 4 days 3 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • $796
    26 – 29 Jun 4 days 3 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • $796
    3 – 6 Jul 4 days 3 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • $796
    10 – 13 Jul 4 days 3 nights
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    No need to pay now

Reviews Leave a review

  • O
    Olga
    about provider
    11 Dec, 2025
    The host company organized our entire vacation in Karelia, and our wonderful guide, Olga, accompanied us everywhere, always making sure we were handed over smoothly to the next person. We were met, assisted, and transferred at every step. Everything was excellent!!! So many positive emotions!!! Our group was fantastic too! It’s a shame our time in Karelia went by so quickly.
  • E
    Elena
    about provider
    1 Aug, 2025
    Everything was perfectly organized.
  • R
    Razida
    about provider
    2 May, 2025
    5 more photos
    Everything was well organized, the information was provided on time, and all our questions about the tour were answered with care. Thank you!