Embark on an exciting journey through Karelia, a land of lakes, forests and ancient secrets! 

Stunning landscapes, unique natural and historical monuments, as well as unforgettable experiences await you.

You will see the famous Ruskeala Mountain Park, powerful waterfalls, holy islands and ancient monasteries, plunge into the atmosphere of northern nature and feel its magic.

This tour is a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and get full of Karelian energy.

Location

Russia, Republic of Karelia, Sortavala
from
$948
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
8 Days
7 Nights
Departures
  • Group departures
    • 1 – 8 June
    • 6 – 13 July
    • 10 – 17 August
or
Accommodation
  • Hotel
    5 nights
  • Camp Site
    2 nights
Comfort
  • Upscale
Difficulty
Easy
Suitable for everyone
Group
From 35 to 50 tourists
Minimum age
7 years old
Group meet at
Russia, Republic of Karelia, Sortavala
Contact the tour coordinator
Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)
Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

Ruskeala Mountain Park
Admire the beauty and grandeur of the marble Canyon
Capital of Karelia
Take a walk along the Onega embankment and make a wish at the "Wishing Tree"
The mysterious Kizhi Island
Go to the island, which is the "calling card" not only of Karelia, but also of Russia.
Kivach Waterfall
You will see one of the largest lowland waterfalls in Europe
Solovetsky Islands
Immerse yourself in the history of the Solovetsky Monastery, learn about its past and feel the indescribable atmosphere.
The power of shungite
Visit the relaxation room filled with the power of a rare rock

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Ruskeala Mountain Park

    Meeting in Sortavala, train No. 160A at 08:22 at the entrance to the railway station from the city. A guide with a sign greets you.

    Breakfast in a cafe in the city.

    Departure by comfortable bus to Ruskeala Mountain Park.

    Excursion to Ruskeala Mountain Park — Marble Canyon.

    The park was established in 2005 on the basis of the Ruskeala Marble Quarry, a unique monument of Russia's industrial heritage.

    Marble mining was started here in 1769 by decree of Catherine II to decorate the famous buildings of St. Petersburg: the Marble Palace, St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Mariinsky Palace, etc.

    The combination of Karelian nature and human activity has given these quarries a surprisingly picturesque appearance that attracts travel enthusiasts not only from Karelia.

    The next stop is at the Ruskeala Akhvenkoski waterfall.

    The bathing scene of one of the heroines of the film "And the dawns here are quiet" was filmed at this waterfall.

    Amazingly picturesque nature invariably attracts the creators of modern films with its mysterious beauty and some kind of mysterious power.

    In 2010, a fantasy film "The Dark World" was shot here.

    Entrance to the waterfall is paid for on the spot at the ticket office.

    Return to Sortavala.

    Dinner at a cafe in the city.

    Accommodation at the Piipun Piha Hotel.

    Time to rest.

    10 more photos
  • Day 2 - Valaam Island (for an additional fee)
  • Day 3 - Guided tour of the capital of Karelia. Kizhi Island Tour
  • Day 4 - Kivach Waterfall
  • Day 5 - Solovetsky Islands
  • Day 6 - Boat trip to Bolshoy Zayatsky Island (for an additional fee)
  • Day 7 - Sekirnaya Mountain, Botanical Garden (for an additional fee)
  • Day 8 - Departure home
Difficulty
Suitable for everyone
Tour organizer's comments

The tour has large bus crossings of up to 300 km in one direction.

Accommodation

Accommodation
  • Hotel
    5 nights
  • Camp Site
    2 nights
Comfort
  • Upscale

The tour includes accommodation in hotels and at the tourist complex.

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

Placement optionCost, rub.
Double occupancy, adult81 000
Double occupancy, child under 10 years old78 000
Extra seat, child under 10 years old58 500
Extra seat, adult61 500
Single occupancy112 000

Tourists from St. Petersburg can leave Kemi on the seventh day of the tour by evening train No. 011 from Kemi to St. Petersburg. In this case, a discount is provided (please specify when booking).

Piipun Piha Hotel 1 night

The hotel is located in the Republic of Karelia. It offers internet access, a terrace, a sauna, a gift shop, a parking space, a laundry service and a shuttle service.

The rooms have all the necessary furniture and appliances for a comfortable stay.

The hotel has a restaurant where hearty and delicious breakfasts are served. The bar offers a wide range of refreshing drinks.

The distance to the train station is just over two kilometers. The journey to the airport takes about three hours.

4 more photos
The Piter Inn Hotel 2 nights
The Berth Tourist Complex 2 nights
Solovetskaya Sloboda Hotel 2 nights

Tour conditions

Group
From 35 to 50 tourists
Minimum age
7 years old
Duration
8 days 7 nights
Group meets at
Russia, Republic of Karelia, Sortavala

Included in price

  • accommodation in hotels;
  • meals according to the program (8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner);
  • transportation services along the route;
  • The guide's job;
  • entrance tickets for excursions;
  • guided tours included in the price of the tour:
    • Petrozavodsk City Tour;
    • Kizhi Island Tour;
    • Ruskeala Mountain Park tour — Marble Canyon;
    • Kivach Waterfall tour;
    • visit to the Kivach Nature Reserve Museum;
    • visit to the Karelian Birch Arboretum on the territory of the Kivach Nature Reserve;
    • sightseeing tour of the Solovetsky Monastery.

Paid extra

  • railway tickets to Sortavala and back from Kemi;
  • meals not included in the tour program;
  • entrance to the Akhvenkoski waterfall (self-paid on the spot at the ticket office);
  • boat trip to Bolshoy Zayatsky Island with an excursion (to be booked with the tour, to be paid on the spot);
  • excursion to Valaam Island (to be booked upon purchase of the tour, to be paid on the spot);
  • fee for visiting the protected area "Valaam Archipelago" (self-payment on the website of the Directorate of Specially Protected Natural Territories of Regional Significance of the Republic of Karelia);
  • the tour "Sekirnaya Mountain. Holy Ascension Skete" (to be booked together with the tour, to be paid on the spot).

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

1. Medical preparations for individual needs.

2. Documents: passport, insurance policy (medical), when traveling with children — children's birth certificate.

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. Headdress: 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.

9. For photo and video equipment, take care of an airtight package in case of rain.

To visit monasteries and temples, women will need a headscarf and a skirt below the knee, and men will need long trousers. 

Please note that in summer, especially in early June, temperature differences from +30°C to +10°C are possible. Therefore, take care in advance of warm clothes, windbreakers, hats and comfortable, familiar, worn shoes, because you will have to spend a lot of time on your feet.

What are the requirements for clothing for visiting temples?
Are plane tickets included in the tour price?
What will be the discount if I leave in the evening on the 7th day of the tour?
Is insurance included in the price of the tour?
Are there any changes in water excursions?
Will there be a mobile connection on the route?
What else do you need to know about the tour?

Dates and Prices

  • $948
    1 – 8 Jun 8 days 7 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now
  • $948
    6 – 13 Jul 8 days 7 nights
    No seats left
  • $948
    10 – 17 Aug 8 days 7 nights
    No seats left

Reviews

  • AS
    Anaid Shahbazyan
    about provider
    19 Mar, 2025
    From the moment we were met at the train station to the hotel, the guides, and all the excursions, everything was flawlessly organized. I enjoyed every part of it.
    6 more photos
  • IT
    Igor Tikhonov
    about provider
    17 Mar, 2025
    I enjoyed everything about the tour