Pearl necklace of Karelia. Summer tour for 9 days

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We invite you to the tour, winner of the All—Russian Route of the Year award.

The program is perfectly balanced, has no overnight trips, is built taking into account a lot of time for sightseeing without haste and really covers the whole of Karelia!

You will visit Kizhi, Valaam, Solovki, Petrozavodsk. You will see the White Sea petroglyphs, take a walk in the Ruskeala Mountain Park and visit the Marcial Waters resort. You will also learn how to make Karelian gates and take a boat ride on the White Sea.

Location

Republic of Karelia, Sortavala

Sightseeing tours

Contact the tour coordinator

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

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Tour highlights

Boat trip

Take a boat trip through the Ladoga Skerries, a unique ecosystem of stone islands, rocks and bays

Cooking class

Learn how to make Karelian gate — pies from rye unleavened dough with fillings

Marble Canyon of Ruskeala

You will see one of the main pearls of Karelia, and if you wish, take a ride on an atmospheric retro train

Atmospheric locations

You will visit the Bastion Historical Park, a large interactive platform where visitors are directly immersed in the Viking Age.

Places of power

Admire the mysterious stone labyrinths on the Solovetsky Islands

The first Russian resort

Visit the Marcial Waters, where three wells with iron-rich water await you.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Sightseeing tour of Sortavala. Valaam Island
08:20 Gathering of the group at the railway station of Sortavala. For those who cannot start the tour in Sortavala, it is possible to leave Petrozavodsk at 04:00 a.m. on our bus, at no extra charge.
08:40 Breakfast at the cafe.
09:10-10:50 Sightseeing tour of Sortavala with an inspection of local architecture — monuments of Northern Art Nouveau.
11:00 Departure by meteor to Valaam Island. Crossing Lake Ladoga is 50 minutes.
11:50 Arrival at the Monastery Bay.
Walking tour of the central estate of the monastery: the Transfiguration Cathedral and the concert of the choristers of the male ensemble "Valaam".
Transfer by meteor to Nikonovskaya Bay.
Lenten lunch in the refectory.
New Jerusalem Tour: visit the Resurrection Skete, walk to the man-made garden and Gethsemane skete with the wooden church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The tour ends on Mount of Olives with a picturesque view of Ladoga.
16:50-17:50 Return trip by meteor to Sortavala.
18:15 Check-in at the hotel, dinner, free time and rest.
Please note! In the event of a storm and the cancellation of meteor flights within 3 days, a trip to Valaam Island is replaced by an excursion to the White Bridges Waterfall (Yukankoski) in a URAL car and a visit to the almadine pomegranate deposit with their extraction.

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Day 2 - Ladoga skerries. Kronid Gogolev Gallery. Viking Fortress Museum. Mount Paaso. Master class on gates
09:00 Breakfast at the hotel.
09:30-11:30 Boat trip along Ladoga Skerries, a unique ecosystem of stone islands, rocks and bays.
Landing on one of the islands.
11:45-12:45 Visit to the Kronid Gogolev Gallery with an exhibition of paintings made in a unique manner of wood carving.
13:00-13:40 Lunch in a cafe.
14:00 Excursion to the Bastion Historical Park, a large interactive playground where visitors are directly immersed in the Viking Age.
16:00-18:30 Ascent to Paaso Mountain, at the top of which are the remains of the ancient settlement of Karel.
Walk through Vakkosalmi Park in the center of Sortavala and climb the ancient steps to Mount Kuhavuori with a view of the city.
18:30 Dinner and a master class on Karelian baking.

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Day 3 - Ruskeala Mountain Park. Departure to Petrozavodsk. Akhinkoski Waterfalls
08:45 Breakfast at the cafe and room release.
09:30 Departure to Ruskeala by bus or at 10:05 by retro train (tickets are purchased independently).
11:30 Sightseeing tour of Ruskeala Park (1.5 hours). The 1.5-kilometer-long eco-trail around the marble bowl of the quarry has many panoramic platforms.
Free time for walks and entertainment in the park.
15:00 Lunch at the Gard restaurant.
15:30 Departure to Petrozavodsk. The journey takes 4 hours.
Stop at the Ahinkoski waterfalls on the Tohmajoki River. The famous Soviet film "And the dawns here are quiet..." was shot here.
For those who wish, there is an ecological trail with bridges suspended directly over the waterfalls.
21:15 Arrival in Petrozavodsk.
Dinner at the restaurant and accommodation at the hotel.

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Day 4 - Petrozavodsk city tour. The Kalevala Universe exhibition. Concert of the national ensemble
Breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 Big sightseeing tour of Petrozavodsk.
An introduction to the industrial history of the city at the former site of the factory and a visit to the Alexander Nevsky Temple.
12:30 p.m. Interactive exhibition dedicated to the cultural symbol of Karelia — the Karelo-Finnish epic "Kalevala".
2:30 p.m. Lunch.
16:00 Concert of the national Kantele Ensemble, which has been performing since 1936. The artists will present instrumental, vocal and dance performances.
Free time and rest.

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Day 5 - The embankment of Lake Onega. Kizhi Island
Breakfast at the hotel.
Walk along the main promenade of the capital of Karelia – the embankment along Lake Onega.
09:30 Gathering at the river station.
10:00 Departure by meteor to Kizhi Island. Crossing the lake is 1.5 hours.
11:30 Guided tour of the museum-reserve: Kizhi cemetery, peasant houses, chapels. Visit the interiors of the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Oshevnev House.
Free time.
15:30 Departure by meteor to Petrozavodsk.
17:00 Arrival at the River station.
18:00 Late lunch at the hotel.
Free time.

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Day 6 - Mount Sampo. Marcial waters. Girvas paleovolcano. Kivach Waterfall
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Departure for a guided tour of the Golden Ring of Karelia – sights near Petrozavodsk:
Mount Sampo is a tourist complex with art objects and a beautiful view of the forest and Lake Konchozero from the top.
Marcial Waters is the first Russian resort opened by Peter I. There are three wells with healing water with a high iron content on the territory.
The Girvas paleovolcano is a frozen lava flow at the site of an ancient vent and the picturesque nature around it. It's not for nothing that many films were shot here.
2:15 p.m. Lunch.
14:45 - 16:15 Drive to the Kivach Nature Reserve and get acquainted with the waterfall of the same name, which is a symbol of Karelia.
17:30 Return to Petrozavodsk.

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Day 7 - Medvezhegorsk. The White Sea petroglyphs
Breakfast at the hotel.
07:30 Departure to the city of Kem.
Stop and take a short tour of Medvezhegorsk.
Inspection of the gateway of the White Sea-Baltic Canal in the village of Povenets and the Church of St. Nicholas, built in memory of the prisoners who died during the construction of the BBK.
Visit to the Sandarmokh tract, a place of mass graves of repressed and GULAG prisoners.
12:30 Lunch.
15:30 Excursion to the White Sea petroglyphs, a UNESCO site, an archaeological complex, which is a gallery of rock carvings. The drawings are 4.5-5.5 thousand years old.
20:30 Arrival in Kem/P. Rabochiostrovsk.
Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

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Day 8 - Solovetsky Kremlin and Sekirnaya Mountain
06:45 Breakfast at the hotel.
07:30 Boarding the ship.
08:00 Sea crossing to Solovki. Travel time is 2 hours.
10:00 Sightseeing tour of the village of Solovetsky and a story about the Solovetsky Kremlin from a local guide.
13:30 Lunch.
Accommodation at the hotel.
15:00 Sekirnaya Mountain tour: Holy Ascension Skete and a unique lighthouse church; observation deck with panoramic views of the island; guide's stories about the penal isolation unit and the executions of prisoners during camp times, Savvatievsky skete and the Solovetsky Jung school; stop at Bolshoe Korzino Lake and the history of the lake canal system on the island.
Return to the village of Solovetsky.
Rest.
Independent dinner.

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Day 9 - Zayatsky Island and the village of Solovetsky
07:30 Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30 Guided tour of the village and a story about the history of the settlement and its modern life, people and their way of life, about the famous White Sea algae, methods of their extraction and production.
10:00 Excursion to Bolshoy Zayatsky Island: mysterious stone labyrinths of primitive people, wooden church of St. Andrew's skete, boulder pier.
13:30 Return to Bolshoy Solovetsky Island and lunch.
Free time.
16:00 Sea crossing to Rabochiostrovsk on a motor ship.
18:00 Arrival in Kem.
Transfer to the railway station.
Completion of the program.

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Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

7 nights
or

Hotel, Camp Site

1 night

Comfort

Basic+
Midscale
Premium

The tour provides accommodation in standard rooms with amenities in hotels in Petrozavodsk, Sortavala, Kemi and Solovki.

5% discount from 3 to 6 months before the start of the tour. The prices below are without discount.

The cost of the tour is for 1 person:

adult – 185,000 rubles.;
preferential (pensioners, the disabled, and combat veterans) – 178,500 rubles.;
children 3-14 years old – 172,000 rubles.

Additional payment for one.placement – 20,000 rubles. Discount for additional items.place – 10,000 rubles.

The Severnaya Hotel

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

Guests can take advantage of high-quality service: free Wi-Fi, luggage storage and a gym.

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 Petra Hotel

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

A small number of rooms will allow you to enjoy your stay in a homely and cozy atmosphere. They are equipped with air conditioning, a TV, a refrigerator and a private bathroom. A work area is installed, bottled water, a hairdryer are offered, and Wi-Fi is available on site.

The BOTTEGA gastro bar is located on the ground floor, serving dishes from Europe, Italy, Asia and the Middle East.

There are various parks and squares, pharmacies and shops nearby.

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Another option

Karelia SPA Hotel

The hotel is located in the city center at Gulling Embankment, 2.

The hotel has cozy and bright rooms, which have everything you need for a comfortable stay: comfortable furniture, TV, desk. The bathroom has a shower and toiletries.

It features a chic restaurant, a spa, a swimming pool and a sauna. Free parking and Wi-Fi are available on site. The restaurant serves breakfast and a variety of local dishes.

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Another option

The Fregat Hotel

The Fregat Hotel is located in the historical center of Petrozavodsk, on the embankment of Lake Onega. One of its distinctive features is the walls. They are decorated with drawings of ancient ships of the Russian navy.

There are 80 comfortable rooms of various categories available for guests. All of them are equipped with comfortable sleeping places, high-quality furniture and modern appliances.

Meals are served at the restaurant, which offers the largest selection of steaks and fish dishes in the entire city.

Nearby there is the city embankment, the National and Musical Theaters, and the Museum of Fine Arts. Petrozavodsk Bus and Train Stations are approximately a 10-minute drive away.

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The Prionezhsky Hotel

The Prionezhsky 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. 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 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 cozy Onega Castle Hotel is located in the heart of Petrozavodsk. Some rooms offer panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Various categories are prepared for the accommodation of guests, differing in comfort and furnishing. Each room is decorated in a classic style and equipped with everything you need, including: private bathroom, TV and a set of functional furniture.

The hotel has a restaurant that serves fresh and delicious buffet breakfasts.

You can spend your free time enjoying the views of Lake Onega. Within walking distance there are: Issersonovsky Square, the Zakharov House, the Forge of the Kizhi Museum, the Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich Spring.

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Another option

Hotel "Bag of impressions"

The Bag of Impressions Hotel is located in the historical, business and cultural center of Petrozavodsk, in close proximity to all state institutions of the city, museums, theaters and shopping malls, which will delight guests, because it is so important to maintain punctuality in a large and bustling city.

The very center of Petrozavodsk, but quiet and peaceful — the hotel is located on a one-way street, away from city highways and transport arteries.

Within walking distance is the famous city embankment with parks, squares, recreation areas, Markelov exercise equipment and unsurpassed views of Lake Onega.

The advantage of the hotel is a calm, intimate atmosphere that allows you to relax after a busy day, as well as hold a business meeting. The hotel staff is attentive to each guest and guarantees attention and impeccable quality of service in the field of hospitality.

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Another option

Cosmos Petrozavodsk Hotel

The modern Cosmos Petrozavodsk Hotel is located in a picturesque part of Petrozavodsk, not far from the famous Onega Lake.

Comfortable rooms are provided for accommodation, made in a classic, simple design. The rooms have all the necessary furniture and appliances, for example: a comfortable bed with fresh linens, wardrobe, desk, armchair, bedside tables, coffee table, air conditioning. Valuables can be put in the safe. The private bathroom has plumbing, a mirror, and cosmetics.

The rooms have a refrigerator. The on-site restaurant offers a wide range of dishes.

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Another option

The Piter Inn

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.

The Paulaner restaurant, which serves Bavarian cuisine, is located on the ground floor of the hotel. There is also a cafe "Coffee Shop", where there is a wide variety of homemade tea, fragrant coffee, delicious desserts, and European cuisine is served there.

Besovets International Airport is 14.4 km away from the hotel, and the railway station is 0.2 km away.

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Sortavala Hotel

The Sortavala Hotel is located in the city of the same name.

The hotel offers 67 comfortable and cozy rooms of various categories. Each room has comfortable furniture and appliances, namely a TV with cable TV, a refrigerator, a hairdryer and a bathroom. There is an elevator for easier movement around the hotel.

A delicious and hearty breakfast is served every morning at the Boulevard Restaurant.

You can also use the beauty salon, sauna or medical room on the ground floor of the hotel.

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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 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

Piipun Piha Hotel

Piypun Piha Hotel is located in Sortavala, away from the hustle and noise of the city streets on the shores of Lake Ladoga.

There are 19 rooms of various categories for a comfortable stay and a cozy restaurant for a pleasant stay.

Elegant classics, splendor and original Karelian flavor are combined in the interior and surroundings of the hotel. The pastel colors prevailing in the design of the comfortable rooms and the guest area of the hotel create an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

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Another option

The White Nights Hotel

The White Nights Hotel is located in the village of Helyulya, 77 m from the State Farm public transport stop. Telman."

The cozy and bright rooms can accommodate from two to three guests. They have everything ready for a comfortable stay: Wi-Fi, LCD TV, hairdryer and private bathroom with shower.

Guests can arrange their own meals at the restaurant, which serves Russian and Caucasian cuisine.

There is a river next to the hotel, and a local cultural center is within walking distance.

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Another option

Kaunis Hotel

Kaunis is located in the very center of Sortavala. All conditions for a comfortable stay are presented here. Free high-speed internet is available throughout the property. Staff at the 24-hour front desk will help you stay and answer your questions.

Comfortable rooms of various capacities are available for accommodation. Each of them has functional furniture, a flat-screen TV, a telephone, and cable TV. The private bathroom is equipped with a shower, toilet, sink, hairdryer and toiletries. Each guest is provided with a set of towels.

Guests can visit cafes, canteens and restaurants within walking distance.

Kirov Square, St. Nicholas Church, the Rotunda landmark, and the Museum of the Northern Ladoga Region are located within two kilometers.

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Solovetskaya Sloboda Hotel

The Solovetskaya Sloboda Hotel is located in the center of the village, a 3-minute walk from the world-famous Solovetsky Monastery and 187 m from the Gulag Museum.

Each guest will be able to choose a suitable accommodation option from 45 comfortable and cozy rooms. All rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, a sleeping place, and a flat-screen TV. There is a billiard room and a library on site. A shuttle service is available upon request.

Breakfast is included in the room rate. For an additional cost, guests can purchase delicious local dishes, as well as lunches and dinners at the hotel's restaurant. There is a restaurant with a bar on site.

The guest house provides its guests with a spacious conference room for business events and banquets. The hall is equipped with necessary furniture and appliances.

Solovetsky Port is a 20-minute walk away. Within walking distance there is the Church of the Annunciation, the Solovetsky Monastery and the Assumption Church. The distance to the airport is 1.4 km, and the Kem Railway Station is 54.2 km away.

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Another option

The Solovki Hotel

The Solovki Hotel is located in the village of Solovetsky in the forest area, near the shore of the White Sea. The Cape of Labyrinths and the Solovetsky Monastery are located nearby. The hotel consists of 5 buildings built in the traditional Russian style. The administrative building houses a restaurant, a bar, a souvenir shop and an accommodation service.

The hotel has 46 Standard and Junior Suites. The rooms are decorated in the style of log cabins with mosquito nets on the windows. Each room has its own bathroom.

For lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy local cuisine. Packed lunches are available on request. The bar serves international cocktails.

Arkhangelsk Airport is located at a distance of 240 km, the railway station is 235 km away. There are several churches, a monastery and a Holy Lake within walking distance.

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Another option

Varyazhsky farm

Khutor Varyazhsky offers accommodation in rooms with a shower, towels, wardrobe, bed linen and heating.

The territory of the farm is guarded, equipped with video surveillance and alarm system. The buildings are connected by wooden paths. There is a lake nearby. There is also a storage service.

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Tour conditions

Group

up to 51 tourists

Minimum age

7 years old

Duration

9 days 8 nights

Group meets at

Republic of Karelia, Sortavala

Included in price

meals specified in the program (9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 4 dinners (2 in Sortavala, 1 at the recreation center, 1 in Kemi on the seventh day);
master class on gates;
the work of a tour guide;
accommodation in hotels;
all entrance tickets according to the program;
bus transportation service;
meteor ride to Kizhi Island and Valaam Island;
passage by boat to Solovki;
boating on Ladoga skerries.

Paid extra

railway tickets to Sortavala Petrozavodsk and back from Kemi;
meals not specified in the program;
additional services and excursions;
retro train tickets.

It's important to know

Railway tickets are not included in the price of the tour. You can purchase them yourself or contact us for help.

Dates and Prices

$2,523

9 – 17 Jun 9 days 8 nights

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$2,523

23 Jun – 1 Jul 9 days 8 nights

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$2,523

7 – 15 Jul 9 days 8 nights

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$2,523

21 – 29 Jul 9 days 8 nights

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$2,523

4 – 12 Aug 9 days 8 nights

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$2,523

18 – 26 Aug 9 days 8 nights

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Reviews Leave a review

E
Evgenia

about tour - Pearl necklace of Karelia. Summer tour for 9 days

5 Jun, 2025

Thank you so much for the amazing organization! 😊 The trip was rich, engaging, and informative! Beautiful destinations, excellent hotels, delicious food – everything was top-notch :)A special thanks to the guides who were with us every step of the way, offering help, support, and sharing both their knowledge and passion ❤️
IT
Irina Tupitsina

about provider

27 May, 2026

From the very beginning of the booking process by email to the end of the trip, everything was organized clearly, smoothly, and conveniently.
Z
Zhanna

about provider

21 May, 2026

Many thanks to the team at “Big Country” for the excellent organization. The tour went smoothly from start to finish, without any problems or disruptions.

Pearl necklace of Karelia. Summer tour for 9 days

Location

Tour highlights

Itinerary

Accommodation

Tour conditions

Included in price

Paid extra

It's important to know

Dates and Prices

Reviews Leave a review

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