Tales of the North: Karelia and Solovki

This tour is for those who cannot devote much time to travel, but want to see the famous Karelian islands: Kizhi, Valaam and Solovki.

On this tour, you will plunge into the world of amazing northern nature, visit the legendary monastery, see not only the famous Karelian islands, but also the equally iconic Kivach Waterfall, Ruskeala marble Canyon and interesting cities. This is just a small part of what awaits you on this exciting journey.

All the most interesting things are waiting for you!

Location

Russia, Republic of Karelia, Sortavala
from
$1,315
$1,384
Early Booker Deal
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
6 days
5 nights
Departures
8 - 13 Jun
15 - 20 Jun
22 - 27 Jun
29 Jun - 4 Jul
6 - 11 Jul
13 - 18 Jul
20 - 25 Jul
27 Jul - 1 Aug
Accommodation
  • Hotel
    5 nights
Comfort
  • Midscale
Difficulty
Easy
Suitable for everyone
Group
Up to 50 tourists
Minimum age
4 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

Multifaceted Petrozavodsk
Go on a city tour, a pleasant addition to which will be a walk along the embankment of Lake Onega
Marble Canyon of Ruskeala
Visit the famous mountain park and admire the scenic views from the many panoramic platforms.
Legendary Solovki
You will participate in an interesting sightseeing tour of the village of Solovetsky with a local guide and will be able to explore the Solovetsky Kremlin.
The Mysterious Balaam
Appreciate the beauty of the most beautiful protected area, where you can visit the Transfiguration Cathedral and the concert of the choristers of the Valaam male ensemble
The Mighty Nodding
Admire one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Russia and the nature reserve of the same name
The White Sea petroglyphs
You will see the archaeological complex of ancient rock paintings, which is a UNESCO site.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Sortavala. Valaam Island. Kronid Gogolev Gallery

    08:20 Gathering of the group at the railway station in 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, Mount of Olives with a picturesque view of Ladoga.

    16:50-17:50 Return trip by meteor to Sortavala.

    18:00 Visit to the art gallery of Kronid Gogolev, the famous woodcarver.

    19:00 Check-in at the hotel, dinner, free time and rest.

    3 more photos
  • Day 2 - Ruskeala Mountain Park. Akhinkoski Waterfalls
  • Day 3 - Kizhi Island and Petrozavodsk
  • Day 4 - Mount Sampo. Marcial waters. Girvas paleovolcano. Kivach Waterfall
  • Day 5 - Medvezhegorsk. The White Sea petroglyphs
  • Day 6 - Solovetsky Kremlin
Difficulty
Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Accommodation
  • Hotel
    5 nights
Comfort
  • Midscale

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

For bookings from 3 to 6 months — 5% discount, the price below is without discount.

The cost of the tour is for 1 person:

  • adult – 101,500 rubles.;
  • preferential (pensioners, the disabled, and combat veterans) – 97,200 rubles.;
  • children 3-14 years old – 91,800 rubles. 

Additional payment for one.placement – 14,000 rubles. Discount for additional items.place – 10,000 rubles.

The Ladoga Hotel or Sortavala Hotel or 1 night
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.

3 more photos
Another option
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.

2 more photos
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.

1 more photo
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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The Severnaya Hotel or The Prionezhsky Hotel or 3 nights
Kemka Hotel or Tourist complex "Pier" 1 night

Tour conditions

Group
up to 50 tourists
Minimum age
4 years old
Duration
6 days 5 nights
Group meets at
Russia, Republic of Karelia, Sortavala

Included in price

  • meals specified in the tour program: 
    • 6 breakfasts;
    • 2 lunches (1 in Valaam, 1 in Medvezhegorsk);
    • 2 dinners (1 in Sortavala and 1 in Kemi);
  • 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.

Paid extra

  • railway tickets to Sortavala/From Petrozavodsk and from the city of Kemi;
  • meals outside the program;
  • retro train tickets;
  • additional tour to Sekirnaya Mountain;
  • additional expenses.

It's important to know

Are train tickets included in the tour price?

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

Is insurance included in the price of the tour?
What discounts and special offers are available for this tour?

Dates and Prices

  • $1,384
    8 – 13 Jun 6 days 5 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now
  • $1,384
    15 – 20 Jun 6 days 5 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • $1,384
    22 – 27 Jun 6 days 5 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • $1,384
    29 Jun – 4 Jul 6 days 5 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • $1,384
    6 – 11 Jul 6 days 5 nights
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    No need to pay now

Reviews Leave a review

  • S
    23 Mar, 2026
    Awesome, everything went great!!!
  • GG
    G. Glukhova and I. Voskoboinikova
    7 Mar, 2026
    I had long dreamed of taking a northern tour to visit some of the most legendary places. History, monasteries, wooden architecture, unforgettable nature, and the magical White Nights - this journey brought all of it to life. Thank you very much for making this experience possible.
  • L
    20 Jan, 2026
    The tour was very well designed, informative, and engaging. During the trip, we visited some of the most beautiful places, learned a lot of new things, and reconnected with our history. There is no future without history!!!. Thank you all so much!!!!!