Tourists reviews of vacations in the Arctic

We took a tour to the Kola Peninsula and spent a long time choosing a tour operator — eventually finding Big Country almost by accident. The program was great, and we booked the tour with accommodations included. Everything was very convenient; the transportation was included, the food was great and everything matched the program perfectly! We are completely satisfied with the trip 🙂 The guides also delivered on the itinerary 100%. In the future, we'll definitely book more tours across this vast country with this provider. Highly recommended!

I was on this tour from 07/19/24 to 07/21/24, and it surpassed all my expectations. The landscape was incredibly varied: from temperate forests to northern woods, boreal forests, and open tundra. The beauty of this place is breathtaking and awe-inspiring. The tundra, so complex and mysterious, defies capture in any photograph—it truly has to be experienced firsthand :) I was captivated by the raw, majestic power of the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean. The water is freezing, crystal clear, and a stunning sea-green 😊. The vast, gentle hills and rocky landscapes sometimes make you feel like you’re on another planet. And the smells! :) The tundra and ocean carry scents as vibrant as the colors around them—it’s unforgettable :) The polar day was something I’d never seen before :) The sun doesn’t set at all, which feels so unusual but amazing :) And of course, the animals and sea life! :) Meeting whales and watching them in their natural habitat was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure :) The soft noses and kind, gentle eyes of the reindeer will stay with me forever. I also have to mention the local cuisine, especially the fish. Normally, I’m not a big fan, but this trip made me rethink that entirely :) If you want to immerse yourself in another world and experience something truly unique, you absolutely need to visit the north.

An unforgettable tour!🔥 My dream of seeing whales finally came true! It was incredible 💫 Besides the whales, I got to see seals, visit a traditional village with reindeer, and even feed deer, yaks, and donkeys. The goats really made my day—they’ll give you a ‘paw’ for a carrot! 😂

I really enjoyed the tour! Everything was well-organized, and in just a few days, we were able to take in the stunning beauty of Karelia and gain a deeper understanding of its history. A big thank you to all the providers.

It’s impossible not to fall in love with Karelia. The stunning landscapes, the sacred sites deeply connected to our homeland’s history—it all feels truly magical. Karelia will stay in my dreams, and the memories of this journey will last forever.

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.

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!!!

We went on the tour in December 2023, and the program was incredibly rich and engaging. We accomplished everything we planned and even more. We're still thrilled about our trip! Special thanks to Dmitry—a person who truly loves his work and, most importantly, his city. We took a little piece of that love for Murmansk home with us ❤️

Ekaterina is an outstanding guide! The hike was incredibly engaging, and I’ve been wanting to visit these places for a long time. I’m so glad I finally got the chance to go. It was such a positive and uplifting experience! The organization was fantastic! I highly recommend it to everyone!

Great tour!

We absolutely loved it! Many thanks to the tour team. The service exceeded expectations – a lovely hotel and excellent food. The Arctic is an amazing place. We’ll definitely be back.

Good afternoon! The trip was absolutely wonderful. Everything was well-organized, the atmosphere was friendly, and it was both fun and fascinating. The guides and drivers were fantastic. Thank you so much ☺️

Everything was great! I strongly recommend it!