Tourists reviews of vacations in the Arkhangelsk region

Not even the rainy weather could dampen the wonderful impression Arkhangelsk and its surroundings left on us. The guides were excellent, the hotel was great, and the tour was very well organized. The nature was stunning, and we learned a lot about our vast country.

Good afternoon! Our tour took place from July 8 to 13, 2024, with a group of 14 people. All planned activities were carried out, and despite the weather conditions, there were no major disruptions. The staff was professional and well-prepared, and both accommodation and meals were well organized. There were a few minor issues: the actual itinerary differed slightly from what was stated in the contract, and some excursions were delayed due to boat malfunctions and schedule changes. Nevertheless, we were able to see everything we had hoped for.

The tour was fantastic – I highly recommend it. Seven days was just the right amount of time to unwind and recharge. We were also really lucky with the weather.

I truly enjoyed every part of the trip — from being met at the railway station, to storing our luggage at the hotel, to the bus ride that took us to Rabochiostrovsk. Yes, there were a few minor issues, but nothing significant in hindsight. The tour itself was fascinating, and the local guide exceeded all expectations — she was well-organized, attentive, and always ready to help. I'm really glad I had the chance to visit Valaam and Solovki. In Petrozavodsk, I explored the riverside promenade on my own, visited a local shop just before closing, bought some delicious fish, and met many interesting new people.

My husband and I took this trip together and overall, we really enjoyed it. In our opinion, the tour was well thought out and organized. For a first visit to Karelia, it offers more than enough. What stood out the most? Without a doubt, the stunning natural beauty of Karelia – endless forests, lakes, and rivers. The boat ride across Lake Ladoga to Valaam was unforgettable, as were visits to Kizhi Island, the White Sea coast, and of course, the Solovki. On the Solovetsky Islands, I especially want to mention our guide Yuri – a remarkable person with encyclopedic knowledge, his own thoughtful perspective on historical events, and a clear, engaging way of speaking. It was truly a pleasure to listen to him!. On the way back from the Solovki, we had some rain and a slightly choppy sea, which added a bit of adventure to the trip. A tip for anyone traveling to Karelia: bring a good raincoat and an extra pair of shoes – ideally waterproof :D.. I highly recommend this tour for anyone discovering Karelia for the first time.

An excellent tour. I was traveling with my 12-year-old son and 5-year-old granddaughter, and the organization was top-notch. The itinerary was well thought out, and the bus was very comfortable. The hotels in Petrozavodsk and Kem were great. We visited many beautiful and historically significant places. Highly recommended.

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 ❤️

This was my first-ever trip to the Solovetsky Islands — and my first time traveling as part of a tour group. I have to say, Solovki left me with a mix of impressions. On one hand, the natural beauty is stunning (rocky shores, the sea, dwarf trees and shrubs, soft moss). On the other hand, there are remnants of former prison barracks that evoke a quiet sadness. Right beside them, people live in simple homes that still hold a unique northern charm. The tour was thoughtfully organized to give first-time visitors a complete and authentic introduction to the island. After this experience, I could easily see myself returning — not just for three days, but for 5 to 7 — to truly immerse myself in village life, its rich history, long forest walks, mussel or fishing trips, boat rides around the island, and unforgettable sunrises and sunsets. Here’s a brief overview of our itinerary: 1. The evening before our departure, the group gathered for an introduction and briefing. 2. Early breakfast, hotel check-out, luggage loaded onto the boat, then a 50 km crossing of the White Sea. Upon arrival, our luggage was transported to the hotels while we had a guided tour of the village and the Solovetsky Monastery, followed by lunch and hotel check-in. Free time afterward. 3. Breakfast buffet. We had several excursion options: hiking to one of the bays, exploring old camp sites on foot, mussel fishing and tasting, or combining a couple of activities. Free time in the afternoon. 4. Breakfast, hotel check-out, excursion to the Botanical Garden and Mount Sekirnaya, free time, then transfer back to Kem by motorboat and on to the train station. 5. I want to give a special shout-out to our fantastic guides: Marina at the monastery, the incredibly charismatic and cheerful Vladimir (who made us delicious fire-grilled mussels), the friendly and knowledgeable Alexandr (Botanical Garden and Mount Sekirnaya), and the witty bus drivers who welcomed us with fun stories and safely saw us off. 6. My personal tip: don’t miss the mussel tour — it’s as tasty as it is interesting:), and either rent a bike (look out for flyers handed out at the pier) or just explore the island and village on foot. There’s so much to discover — photo opportunities and hidden gems around every corner! A "jeep tour" on local roads — which the locals jokingly call the ‘high-speed route’ — was a fun little adventure all its own. Search for the famous Meeting Stone, bike around, stroll through the village at sunset… All in all, a perfect introduction to Solovki — definitely a 5 star experience!!!

From June 24 to June 30, 2024, we went on a tour of Karelia+the Solovki Islands. The scenery was absolutely stunning, and the stories we heard were fascinating. Visiting Solovki with our guide Yuri left a lasting impression. I’d love to go back.

I’d like to thank the providers and guides for an incredible tour. It was rich in experiences and meticulously planned down to the smallest detail. The breathtaking nature of Karelia and Solovki, combined with fascinating stories and insights from guides who genuinely love their homeland, made this trip truly outstanding!

A sea of impressions and yes, the White Sea :] Right from the start, it's worth mentioning that this trip is perfect for those seeking vivid, contemplative experiences and a true break from city life without needing trekking boots or a heavy hiking backpack. If you're into sun loungers and cocktails, this probably isn't for you. But for me, it was an amazing way to unwind and reset. We were lucky with the weather, in poor conditions, trips to the islands on Lake Onega, Lake Ladoga, and Solovki can be canceled or limited, so it’s good to be prepared for that. As the saying goes, “to each their own”: Ruskeala Park was highly recommended to me as a place of breathtaking beauty, but unlike Kizhi and Valaam, the former quarry didn’t quite deliver the same “wow” factor, though it was still a feast for the eyes :) Some people in our group ended their tour 2–3 days early due to shortened time on Solovki. Personally, I'd recommend staying longer and joining the additional excursions, they truly amplify the experience.

It couldn't be better.

Good evening, Alexandra! I really enjoyed the tour. Thank you so much! It was both moving and informative!

Visiting the north of Russia was a fascinating experience with so many impressions. I especially enjoyed Kargopol, the excursions to Kenozero National Park, and Malye Korely. My favorite souvenir is traditional Kargopol toys. The tour service was excellent, and the food along the routes was delicious

The tour was wonderful! We got to see and learn all the most important things. It’s just a pity that everything went by so quickly, so there wasn’t much time to really enjoy it. I’d love to come back again, take a leisurely walk, unwind from the hustle and bustle, and fully admire the beauty of Karelia!

We really enjoyed the trip. We came back tired but full of impressions and emotions. In the village of Kindasovo, we would have liked to spend some time walking around the village itself. And during the boat trip on the lakes in Solovki, there was no commentary. We were just taken around slowly for about 1,5 hour.

Amazing tour! Interesting. Rich. Well-balanced. The itinerary is perfectly packed. In just a short time, you get to see the main landmarks and highlights. And of course, the stunning nature of Karelia - an incredible blend of water, forests, and open spaces! A lifetime wouldn’t be enough to truly discover the Russian North, but the Holy Triangle tour is a perfect place to start :)

The excellent tour “Arkhangelsk – Gateway to the Arctic” was a wonderful opportunity to get to know the city of Arkhangelsk. Everything was perfectly organized, our driver, Herman, was excellent, and our guide, Marina, from the host company, was truly outstanding. She’s a real professional with a pleasant voice, whose love for her homeland shines through her deep knowledge of the history of Arkhangelsk and Pomorye. Thanks to Marina’s stories, my husband and I fell in love with this region, and we highly recommend everyone to visit it.

The tour took place from June 27 to July 2, 2024. Since I live in the Central Federal District, I was truly impressed by the landscapes and nature of Northwestern Russia, Karelia and parts of the Arkhangelsk region. I’ll remember these places for a long time; they’re so different from where I live. I really liked Petrozavodsk, it’s a cozy, compact, and clean city with many interesting historic buildings and a beautiful promenade along Lake Onega. The excursion to Kizhi Island was not particularly impressive: it was hot, there were swarms of gadflies, and our guide scared us a bit at the beginning with warnings about vipers. Still, the huge 22-domed wooden Church of the Transfiguration was truly awe-inspiring. I skipped the ethnographic exhibition in the peasant house because I was too tired. The rest of the trip: visits to Ruskeala Mountain Park, Valaam Island, and especially the Solovetsky Archipelago, I absolutely loved. I hope to come back and spend more time there someday. The Kivach Nature Reserve and its waterfall, however, didn’t impress me much, there are plenty of similar sights in other regions. Our guide Alexandr from Medvezhyegorsk, who led the tour about the construction of the White Sea–Baltic Canal, stood out for his passion and genuine love of local history. I’d also like to highlight Maria, our guide on the Solovetsky Monastery tour, she was fantastic. She always waited patiently for everyone to gather, spoke clearly and knowledgeably about historical and religious topics, and answered all our questions. Her tour was both informative and engaging! Wonderful work ! I also really enjoyed the optional walking tour “The History of Solovki Prison Camp”, it was fascinating.

A wonderful sightseeing tour that covered the most beautiful spots.Perfectly timed and well organized. I enjoyed every moment.