Big Country Travel: Trips to Russia, Adventure Tours & Vacation Packages

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We invite you to spend an unforgettable four days in Karelia!

The program includes a visit to the main attractions of Petrozavodsk, acquaintance with the mighty waterfall and the first Russian resort "Marcial Waters", as well as enjoying the beauty of the picturesque nature.

You will have an unforgettable experience of visiting Kizhi Island and Ruskeala Mountain Park, the tastes of local cuisine and the opportunity to choose activities according to your taste.

Location

Petrozavodsk

Sightseeing tours

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

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Tour highlights

Karelian journey

You will see many interesting places in Karelia in less than a week

Majestic Kizhi

Visit one of the largest museums of traditional wooden architecture in Russia

Scenic Mountain Park

Take a guided tour of the Ruskeala Mountain Park, which has no analogues either in Russia or in Europe.

Itinerary

Day 1 - A tour of Petrozavodsk. A trip to Kizhi Island
~ 07:50 Meeting at the Petrozavodsk railway station from the side of the platform upon arrival of train No. 18.
The guide greets you with a sign "Wonderful places of Karelia".
If you arrived by earlier trains or by your own transport, then you need to arrive at the meeting time at the Petrozavodsk railway station.
Breakfast.
If you arrive later (train number 92 ~ 09:58), you will be individually met at the railway station. Breakfast is not provided and is replaced by a transfer to meet the group on the route (transfer at no extra charge).
Guided tour of the capital of Karelia (duration 2 hours).
Petrozavodsk is the younger brother of St. Petersburg, born in the same year. It was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great.
You will get acquainted with the historical center, the monument to Peter the Great, the Governor's Park. A promenade along the beautiful city embankment along Lake Onega, where there is a collection of original sculptures located in the open air.
Excursion to Kizhi Island (duration 7 hours).
The Kizhi Museum-Reserve is one of the largest museums of traditional wooden architecture in Russia, a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site.
You will travel to Kizhi Island by Meteor on Lake Onega (1 hour and 30 minutes in one direction).
In the famous open-air museum you will:
get acquainted with the temples of the Kizhi architectural ensemble;
Marvel at the beauty of the 22nd Transfiguration Church, visit the interiors of the Church of the Intercession of the Virgin and the ethnographic exhibition in a peasant hut.;
You will observe the work of craftsmen who demonstrate traditional crafts.
Return to Petrozavodsk.
Supper.
Accommodation at the selected hotel after the end of the excursion program.

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Day 2 - Ruskeala Mountain Park and Valaam Island (optional)
Full-day guided tour (duration about 18 hours).
Ruskeala Mountain Park + optional (for an additional fee) Valaam.
Early departure from Petrozavodsk. Lunch box.
The crossing is about 260 km.
Along the way, you will see picturesque Karelian landscapes, the smoothness of forest lakes and a magnificent panorama of Lake Ladoga framed by rocks.
On the way, you will learn many interesting stories and legends from the guide.
Stop for breakfast at a cafe.
Guided tour of the Ruskeala Mountain Park (duration — 1 hour and 15 minutes).
It is the most visited tourist site in Karelia at the moment. For about 300 years, marble has been mined here to decorate palaces and temples in the Northern Capital.
A marble lake was formed in a huge man-made bowl, which is now admired by numerous tourists.
The rocky grotto and tunnels cut into the rocks, the Italian quarry, the Marble Square will make an indelible impression on you.
There are no analogues to this unique natural object either in Russia or in Europe!
Guests who do not go to Valaam Island can stay in Ruskeala Mountain Park after the tour ends and take a taxi to Sortavala on their own (the taxi cost is approximately 1,500 rubles) or come to Sortavala with a group and walk around the city in their free time, visit museums and cafes.
Transfer to the city of Sortavala (30 km).
For an additional fee, the Wonderful Island of Valaam tour (duration — 7 hours). Booking in advance, paying for the tour guide.
The preliminary cost for 2025 is: an adult – 6,200 rubles, a child under 12 years old – 3,100 rubles, children under 6 years old – free of charge (upon presentation of a birth certificate). The exact cost will be approved in April 2025.
The tour takes place in favorable weather conditions and there is no storm warning!
Transfer by Meteor along Lake Ladoga "Sortavala city – Valaam Island" (1 hour on the way).
Sightseeing tour of the Central estate of the Valaam Monastery.
Visit the majestic Transfiguration Cathedral, where the relics of the monastery's holy founders, St. Sergius and Herman the Wonderworkers of Valaam, rest.
Lenten lunch in the monastery refectory.
The second tour (one of two options at the discretion of the Valaam Monastery):
Nikolsky Hermitage is one of the most beautiful monasteries of Valaam;
"New Jerusalem" — a visit to the Resurrection Skete, Gethsemane Skete, Mount of Olives and the Chapel of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Return to Sortavala.
Departure of the whole group from Sortavala to Petrozavodsk.
Later return to Petrozavodsk.

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Day 3 - The resort "Marcial waters". Girvas volcano. Kivach Waterfall
Breakfast.
09:30 Departure for a country tour "The first Russian resort "Marcial waters" — the ancient volcano Girvas — Kivach waterfall" (duration 8 hours).
An introduction to the interesting history of the Marcial Waters resort (55 km from Petrozavodsk).
Tasting of water from three healing springs.
Inspection of the Church of St. St. Peter the Apostle, built in 1721 according to the drawings of the emperor himself. Then the way lies to the Girvas village area.
You will have the opportunity to see a unique natural monument – the Girvas volcano. It is an extinct volcano in the riverbed of the Suna River.
Just imagine – he lived about two billion years ago.
There are frozen lava, rocks, sand dunes, and dense pine forests.
Lunch at a cafe.
Next, you will admire the most famous waterfall in Karelia. He is praised in Russian poetry as the "northern hero".
Here, in the Kivach Nature Reserve, you will see a real Karelian birch and visit the nature museum.
Return to Petrozavodsk.

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Day 4 - Free day. Additional excursions
Breakfast.
12:00 We are vacating the rooms.
Free time.
We offer guided tours of your choice for an additional fee.:
1. Departure for an exciting and safe rafting trip along the Shuya River. Cost: adult – 3000 rubles/person; children under 14 years old inclusive – 2500 rubles/person, children under 5 years old – free of charge.
Passing simple thresholds will give you a boost of cheerfulness, energy and a great mood!
After the rafting, all the guests will gather around the campfire for a delicious picnic lunch in an equipped forest camp.
Return to the city of Petrozavodsk.
2. A trip to the amazing ancient Karelian village of Kindasovo. Preliminary cost: adult – 3000 rubles/person, pensioner, schoolboy, student – 2800 rubles/person, preschooler – 2200 rubles/person.
Transfer to the village of Kindasovo (55 km).
Travel tour.
You will be introduced to the history of the village of Kindasovo, you will be shown the sights: the Chapel of the Entry into the temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary, traditional Karelian buildings.
You will take a stroll through the village streets, breathe in the intoxicating pine air and discover the first and so far the only monument in the world. To whom? You'll find out on the spot!
You will also get acquainted with the musical culture of Karelia (kantele, euhikko, runes).
A special place in the program is occupied by acquaintance with the pastoral tradition and ancient tools of shepherds.
If you wish, you will be able to learn how to play an ancient traditional Karelian instrument — the kantel!
At the end of the program, tea from a real samovar and Karelian pies will be waiting for you!
Return to Petrozavodsk.
Departure by evening trains.
If you want to extend your vacation in Karelia, please let us know in advance. We will book additional accommodation in a hotel or at a country recreation center.

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Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

3 nights

Comfort

Midscale
Upscale
Premium

The tour includes hotel accommodation.

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

Placement option	Peter Inn 4*	Severnaya 4*	*"Greenfeel" 3 (July-August)**
Double Room	41 200	41 200	41 200
Single room	49 300	50 600	54 500
Extra bed in a double room	34 900	35 400	34 900

Discounts are available on the tour:

a child under 6 years old inclusive – 2,500 rubles /person.;
child under 16 years old inclusive – 2,000 rubles/person.;
a pensioner over 60 years of age – 400 rubles/person.

Greenfeel Hotel 3*

The Greenfeel Hotel is located in Pervomaisky district of Petrozavodsk. Lake Onega stretches 1.8 km away.

Double and triple rooms of various furnishings are offered for accommodation. Each has one or two comfortable beds, a TV, a small desk, and blackout curtains.

There are a lot of cafes, canteens, pizzerias and other places where you can have a delicious meal around the hotel.

If you want to visit the sights and get to know the city, you can go to the Nameless Stream Park, which is located nearby, or to the Botanical Garden. The distance to the railway station is 2.5 km, to the airport — 11.8 km.

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Another option

Hotel "Severnaya" 4*

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

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

Hotel "Peter Inn Petrozavodsk" 4*

The Piter Inn is located in the center of Petrozavodsk, just a 2-minute walk from the central train station. It offers a 24-hour gym, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk.

Each room has a telephone, air conditioning, a TV with digital channels and a safe. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer.

The Paulaner Restaurant, which has its own brewery, serves Bavarian, local and international cuisine. The cafe serves European cuisine, desserts and coffee.

The hotel has conference facilities. Guests can use the laundry service.

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Tour conditions

Group

up to 50 tourists

Minimum age

6 years old

Duration

4 days 3 nights

Group meets at

Petrozavodsk

Included in price

accommodation in rooms of the selected category (3 nights in Petrozavodsk);
meals included in the program (4 breakfasts, 1 lunch box, 1 lunch, 1 dinner);
Petrozavodsk sightseeing tour; Kizhi Island tour;
Ruskeala Mountain Park Tour;
excursion to Kivach Nature Reserve, Girvas Volcano and Marcial Waters resort;
transportation services according to the program;
the work of a guide and an accompanying person (3 days).

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Petrozavodsk and back;
meals not included in the tour program;
taxi from the mountain park to Sortavala (optional) — about 1,500 rubles.;
The Wonderful Island of Valaam tour (preliminary price for 2025, the exact price will be approved in April 2025):
- adult — 6,200 rubles/person.;
- child under 12 years of age — 3,100 rubles/person.;
- children under 6 years old — free of charge (upon presentation of a birth certificate);
visit to the specially protected natural area "Valaam Archipelago" — 200 rubles/person (self-paid);
Shuya River rafting:
- adult — 3000 rubles/person.;
- a child under 14 years old inclusive — 2,500 rubles /person.;
- A child under 5 years old is free of charge.
a trip to the village of Kindasovo (preliminary cost for 2025):
- adult — 3000 rubles/person.;
- pensioner, schoolboy, student — 2,800 rubles/person.;
- preschooler — 2,200 rubles/person.

Booking excursions in advance, when booking a tour, payment is made to the tour guide (in cash).

It's important to know

1. Medical preparations for individual needs.
2. Documents: passport, insurance policy (medical).
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.

It is also important to remember that the period from early May to mid-June is particularly dangerous due to the activity of encephalitic ticks. Prepare in advance for a trip to Karelia during this period – get a preventive vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis, take with you a special ointment, as well as clothes and hats that cover all parts of the body as much as possible.

The best protection against ticks is compliance with safety regulations.:

1. It is not recommended to climb into impenetrable thickets of low-growing shrubs unnecessarily.
2. When moving along the forest road, do not tear off branches.
3. The legs should be completely covered (shorts are not recommended).
4. Sweatpants, tights (preferably with a smooth surface) should be tucked into socks.
5. It is mandatory to have a headdress (cap, headscarf).
6. It is advisable to hide long hair under a headdress.
7. After hiking in the forest, it is necessary to check (shake off) both outerwear and underwear.
8. Examine the whole body.
9. Be sure to comb your hair with a fine comb. If you find a crawling tick, it must be burned. Ticks are very tenacious, it is impossible to crush it.

If you find a tick that has already bitten into your skin:

1. Do not pull it yourself, because you can detach the body from the head (the head can exist without a body).
2. To remove the tick, it is necessary to fill it with camphor or vegetable oil, after 10-15 minutes carefully pull out the tick with tweezers.
3. Lubricate the bite site with greenery or iodine.

Vaccination provides the most effective protection. If the immunization schedule is followed, human diseases are extremely rare and, as a rule, occur in a mild form. The difficulty of vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis lies in the duration of the vaccination course, and you can find out more about it at the vaccination center in your region.

It should be remembered that all vaccinations must be completed 2 weeks before the start of the tick season, i.e. by the end of March.

Tick bite insurance is not included in the price of the tour. We recommend that you insure your health.

Dates and Prices

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29 May – 1 Jun 4 days 3 nights

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5 – 8 Jun 4 days 3 nights

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12 – 15 Jun 4 days 3 nights

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19 – 22 Jun 4 days 3 nights

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26 – 29 Jun 4 days 3 nights

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3 – 6 Jul 4 days 3 nights

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10 – 13 Jul 4 days 3 nights

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17 – 20 Jul 4 days 3 nights

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24 – 27 Jul 4 days 3 nights

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31 Jul – 3 Aug 4 days 3 nights

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7 – 10 Aug 4 days 3 nights

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14 – 17 Aug 4 days 3 nights

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21 – 24 Aug 4 days 3 nights

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28 – 31 Aug 4 days 3 nights

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Reviews

S
Svetlana

about provider

6 Nov, 2024

A wonderful trip with our fantastic guide, Lyudmila, who was with us every step of the way. Everything was quick, well-organized and professional. Thank you!

Wonderful places of Karelia