Saint Petersburg – Valaam – Staraya Ladoga – Kizhi – Moscow on the ship Swan Lake

• "Water and walking tour between Nikonovskaya and Monastyrskaya bays of Valaam Island with a visit to the Central estate of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery"
  Boat tour of the most beautiful places of the Valaam archipelago: along its western coast, from Monastyrskaya Bay, on the high shore of which the central estate of the Valaam Monastery with its majestic Transfiguration Cathedral is located, to Bolshaya Nikonovskaya Bay. The route of the ship passes by small islands, picturesque straits and secluded island hermitages – Nikolsky and Predtechensky. The recently restored church of St. Nicholas Skete, whose amazing harmony and harmony opens precisely from the water, is truly one of the masterpieces of Russian architecture of the second half of the nineteenth century and the main decoration of the reviving Valaam monastery. The Predtechensky Monastery, which has the strictest regulations, is traditionally closed to the public, and only from the water can you see the main tower of its bell tower and the light gray granite cross of worship, which stands out vividly against the background of reddish rocks and dark green pine needles.
  
  The sightseeing tour of the central estate of the Valaam Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery traditionally begins from the pier of the Monastery Bay, where ships of the Valaam fleet arrived in the 19th century. The monastery, located on a high cliff, looks particularly beautiful from the twentieth century. From the pier, the road leads to the foot of Mount Tabor, to the top of which rises a wide staircase of 62 steps, built in the middle of the last century. To the left of the staircase there is a view of the famous monastery garden, charming with its delicate beauty most of all during the time of flowering and quiet golden autumn. Above the garden, along a patterned cast-iron grating running along the edge of the cliff, a path was laid, from where the monks of old Valaam admired the gloomy, reflecting reddish rocks of the waters of the Monastery Bay, meeting or escorting boats with pilgrims. Next, the path goes past the marble Znamenskaya chapel to the Holy Gates of the monastery, decorated with the Peter and Paul Gate Church, which in former times was the house temple of royalty arriving in Valaam. After passing through the Holy Gates, the guests enter the monastery. A special place is given to visiting the monastery's main functioning church, the majestic Transfiguration Cathedral, where the relics of the monastery's holy founders, St. Sergius and Herman the Wonderworkers of Valaam, rest.
  
  During the tour, guests will see the Assumption Refectory Church, the oldest surviving church in Valaam, and the church of the Valaam Icon of the Mother of God, consecrated in 2002. They will walk along the cell buildings and outbuildings, as well as admire the recently restored Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Life–Giving Spring" where church chants are held. In the souvenir shop, you can buy some of the products of monastic crafts to take away the "piece of Valaam" as a souvenir.
  The tour is included in the price.
  
• Valaam Hermitage Walking Tour
  A walking tour based on the desire to show and reveal the rare harmony of wild, harsh northern nature and strict ascetic monastic life. The tour route passes through three Valaam hermitages: Voskresenskiy, Gethsemane and Konevsky.
  
  The Voskresensky and Gethsemane hermitages with their peculiar architectural and landscape design form the famous "Valaam Palestine", located in the western part of the island. Valaam, near the pier of cruise ships in Bolshaya Nikonovskaya Bay. In the area of the remote inner Igumen lakes and Konevsky skete, guests will encounter a completely different corner of Valaam – unusually quiet and hidden. It was here that the hermitage of the hermit Damaskin, the future famous Valaam abbot, was once located. The always smooth water surface reflecting the dense coniferous forest, the oak alley forming a transparent rustling arch, the wooden bridges connecting the low shores, the dense, healing, juniper–scented air - all this creates a special soothing atmosphere.
  
  The excursion "The Hermitages of Valaam" ends at the monastery farm, which has been supplying the monastery with excellent dairy products since the end of the 19th century to the present day. The guide's story will touch upon the economic and economic life of the monastery. A special place in the tour is given to getting acquainted with the unique natural complex of the Valaam archipelago, its flora and fauna.
  
  The route length is 6 km.
  The tour is included in the price.
  
• "Walking tour to the rocky shore of Valaam Island"
  The tour route runs from the berth of Bolshaya Nikonovskaya Bay to the southwest of the Valaam Archipelago in the area of the picturesque Rocky Coast Bay, where Finnish military fortifications were located in the 30s of our century. The story of the tour introduces the history of the Valaam Monastery during the Soviet-Finnish and World War II, as well as the unique nature of Valaam and the surrounding Lake Ladoga, the largest lake in Europe.
  
  The route length is 4 km.
  The tour is included in the price.
  

• "Walking tour along the path of Holy Russia"
  During the tour, tourists visit the territory and temple of the Nikolsky Monastery, Varyazhskaya Street, as well as the Holy Dormition Maiden Monastery. Stop at the monument to Rurik, accompanied by a guide. The tour ends with a visit to the Holy Dormition Convent with a sightseeing tour of its territory. After that, the tourists will have free time, and then they return to the ship on their own.
  
  This program offers a unique opportunity to explore the historical and cultural sites of Russian Orthodoxy, enjoy the beauty of monastic buildings and learn new facts about ancient monasteries. Visit two active monasteries at the same time.
  
  The tour is included in the price.
  
• "Walking tour with a visit to the Old Ladoga Fortress"
  The excursion program introduces more than a thousand years of the city's history, archaeological and architectural monuments. The tour includes a visit to the fortress complex, the exposition "Military and Political History of Ladoga" in the Gate Tower, the exposition "Archeology: from the Neolithic to the Early Middle Ages" in the Arrow Tower and Varyazhskaya Street. For an independent visit during the tour, the exposition "Churches of Saints George and Dmitry Solunsky. History, frescoes."
  
  The tour begins in the historical center of Ladoga, near the walls of the ancient fortress. There is an assumption that the first stone fortress was built here back in the 9th century, but over time, the fortifications were repeatedly rebuilt. The ruined and restored fragments of fortifications of the XII-XV-XVI centuries are open for viewing: parts of the fortress spinning wheel, a trade arch, towers. The restoration of four of the five towers has been completed.
  
  The Gate Tower houses an exhibition dedicated to the military and political history of Ladoga. Models of the fortress of the firearms period, diagrams and images telling about the events of the XVII-XVIII centuries are presented for viewing.
  
  The exposition in the Arrow Tower of the fortress is devoted to archaeological research. In total, more than 3.5 thousand objects of archeology are presented for viewing, supplemented by cartographic and visual materials. The third floor of the tower displays part of the collection of Neolithic antiquities: fragments of ceramic vessels, bone, horn, flint and local stone. The fourth battle features the exhibition "Ladoga in the Early Middle Ages." The central part of the hall is occupied by a mock-up of an Earthen Hillfort with a stone fortress under construction at the turn of the 9th–10th centuries. The presented finds comprehensively represent the life and everyday life of the townspeople of the VIII-X centuries: jewelry and costume details, crafts, religious beliefs, trade and shipping, military, hunting, fishing, agriculture, home improvement, games and entertainment.
  
  The tour introduces you to the history of two temples located in the courtyard of the fortress: the stone church of St. George of the 12th century and the wooden church of St. Dmitry Solunsky of the 17th century.
  The next part of the walking route is a walk along Varyazhskaya Street, which is accompanied by a guide's story about the settlement of the central part of modern Old Ladoga, partially preserved buildings of the turn of the XIX–XX centuries; a monument to Princes Rurik and Oleg.
  The tour is included in the price.
  
• "Bus and walking tour to Tikhvin with a visit to the Tikhvin Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin"
  Immerse yourself in history with a sightseeing bus tour of the city of Tikhvin in the Leningrad region, founded 320 years before St. Petersburg.
  
  During the tour, you will visit the Holy Dormition Tikhvin Monastery, where the miraculous Tikhvin icon is located, which "traveled radiantly through the air" from Constantinople to the banks of the Tikhvinka River. During the German occupation, the icon was lost and returned to the Tikhvin Monastery in 2004. The monastery is also known for its unusual belfry. The gateway of the Tikhvin water system (1811-1956) has been preserved next to the monastery. This system, along with the Mariinsky and Vyshnevolotskaya, was an important trade route connecting the Caspian Sea with the Baltic Sea.
  
  The city is also famous for its heroic past. Thanks to the victory over the Swedes in 1613, the House of Romanov began to strengthen near the walls of the Tikhvin Monastery, and it was the events of the defense of Tikhvin that historians called "the first victory of Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich."
  
  During the Great Patriotic War, during the Tikhvin defensive operation, the German command's plan to link up with Finnish troops and complete the siege of Leningrad was thwarted. If this had happened, Leningrad, and with it the Baltic Fleet, would have been lost.
  
  The most famous local resident is the Russian composer N.A.Rimsky-Korsakov. You will see the house from the window of the bus where he spent his childhood.
  
  The tour is paid separately
  
• Bus tour to Veliky Novgorod
  Our adventure will begin with a gathering at the pier in Staraya Ladoga, where we will board a bus and embark on an exciting journey to Veliky Novgorod. During the tour, our guide will give information about the places we are passing through.
  
  After a technical stop, we will arrive in Veliky Novgorod, where we will be met by a Kremlin guide who will tell us about the history of the city, Detinets, famous personalities and St. Sophia Cathedral. We will also visit St. Sophia Cathedral and you will have time to buy souvenirs, including Novgorod gingerbread.
  
  Next, we will go to Yaroslavovo Dvorishche, where we will learn about the Novgorod Veche, the events around St. Nicholas Cathedral and trade. Lunch at one of the cafes in the city.
  
  The total time in Veliky Novgorod will be 3.5-4 hours, including time for photography, buying souvenirs and gingerbread. After that, we will head back to Staraya Ladoga, continuing the tour and exchanging information along the way.
  
  This unique tour will immerse you in the history and culture of Ancient Russia, allowing you to visit the ancient city with a rich history – Veliky Novgorod.
  The tour is paid separately
  

• "Bus tour to the Holy Trinity Alexander Svirsky Monastery"
  Travel information along the route. Walking tour of the monastery. The main objects of the exhibition are the Transfiguration Cathedral (1641-1644), the Trinity Cathedral (1695-1697).
  The tour is included in the price.
  
• "Bus tour to the Vvedeno-Ostrovsky Oyatsky convent"
  Travel information along the route. Walking tour of the monastery. Main objects of the exhibition: The 15th century Vvedensky Cathedral. (until 1764), bell tower. The Holy spring of the Icon of the Mother of God "The Life-giving Spring" with miraculous iodine-radon water.
  The tour is included in the price.
  
• "Walking tour of Svirstroy village "Live tour from the first person""
  This tour will allow you to take a leisurely walk along the Svir River and through the cozy streets, learning about the complex history of the village of gidrostroiteley. You will hear a story about the monument to the victorious soldiers of the Great Patriotic War, get acquainted with the life of the post-war period and learn about the activities and recreation of the local population today.
  
  After completing the tour, you will return to the pier on your own, leaving unforgettable impressions in your hearts from an exciting journey through the history and modern life of the village of Svirstroy.
  
  The tour is included in the price.
  

Picnic on the shore.

• Walking tour of the village of Mandrogi with a visit to the temple of the Prophet Elisha, the glade "Lukomorye" and the Vodka Museum
  Get acquainted with the history of the village, visit handicraft workshops of folk crafts and crafts, located in authentic 19th-century houses, transported to Mandrogi from Vologda and Arkhangelsk regions.
  
  The group will take a ferry across Petkelev Creek to the Lukomorye glade, where sculptural compositions made of wood depicting fairy-tale characters from Russian fairy tales are presented and enjoy the beauty of the northern forest. Then the group will follow the forest road to the church of the "Old Testament Prophet Elisha." Participants will hear the guide's story about the history of the church in Mandrogi, get acquainted with the features of the temple architecture of the late 19th century and will be able to place a candle to the revered temple icon.
  
  The tour itinerary includes a visit to the Vodka Museum and an inspection of the exposition (almost 4,000 bottles of traditional drink collected from all over the world), the guide will introduce you to the rules of drinking in Russia and invite you to participate in a mini-tasting: taste vodka or strong tincture of your choice (50 ml).
  The tour is paid separately
  
• "Northern Wedding Tradition Tour"
  You will learn about the traditions of the northern wedding and immerse yourself in a multimedia performance about the family of a village artist based on house paintings.
  The tour is paid separately
  

• "Walking tour of Kizhi Island with an inspection of the architectural ensemble of the Kizhi cemetery"
  The Kizhi Museum-Reserve is one of the largest open–air museums in Russia. It is a unique historical, cultural and natural complex, which is a particularly valuable object of cultural heritage of the peoples of Russia. During the tour you will see the pearl of the museum collection – the ensemble of the Kizhi Pogost, which is included in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List.
  The tour is included in the price.
  
• "Excursion to the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site"
  Find yourself under the arches of the largest wooden temple in the world! The main event of 2020 is the opening of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord after 40 years of restoration! A unique temple with a centuries-old history reopens its doors for you. It's definitely worth seeing with your own eyes!
  The tour is paid separately
  

• "Walking tour of the territory of the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery ensemble"
  In 1397, on instructions from the Most Holy Theotokos, who was in his vision, Archimandrite Kirill of the Simonov monastery arrived in the vast area of ancient Beloozero together with monk Ferapont of Simonov, his companion, and here on the deserted shores of Lake Siversky, among dense forests, laid the foundation of the monastery, which later became known as Kirill-Belozersky. In the XV–XVII centuries, it was one of the largest and richest monasteries in Russia, the center of the spiritual life of the Russian North. The Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery complex includes the ensembles of the Bolshoy Uspensky and Ivanovsky monasteries ("Old Town"), the "New Town" and the territory of the defunct Ostrog fortress between them.
  
  The monastery is surrounded by fortress walls with monumental towers decorated with brick patterns. The main building of the ensemble is the Assumption Cathedral (1497). Today, the monastery is one of the most spiritually attractive places in Russia. A monastic monastery is being revived here, getting along with the Historical and Art Museum, the keeper of wonderful icons, as well as the personal belongings of the Miracle Worker Cyril himself. Since its foundation, the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery has continued to shine with the light of the Orthodox faith in the Russian North. The Venerable Nil Sorsky, Martinianus Belozersky, Savvaty Solovetsky, Alexander Oshevensky, and Cornelius Komelsky emerged from the walls of this monastery.
  The tour is included in the price.
  
• "Interactive excursion program in the historical complex "Sugorye": "The Russian North – the mysterious Middle Ages""
  You will hear about the ancient past of Belozerye, learn about the famous archaeological site Krutik, located on the Great Volga Route "from the Varangians to the Arabs", passing along the Sheksna River, admire the legendary Mount Maura and the picturesque Gorodetsky Island, where the prince's court was located in the Middle Ages.
  
  • Visit to the "Princely Gridnitsa", the ceremonial chamber for feasts and receptions.
  
  A real time travel! An introduction to an ancient Russian dwelling and its structure; medieval costume as a "passport" of a man of the past, the charm of antique jewelry, armor and weapons from the time of the Battle of Kulikovo. The costumed interactive program takes the form of a military council of the prince and his retinue, with a selection of historical characters from among the guests themselves, dressed in historical clothes and armor, observing ancient Russian traditions and rituals.
  
  • Visit to the "Viking House".
  
  During the early Middle Ages, Swedish Vikings from Gotland Island, warriors and merchants, were frequent visitors to Russia, including Belozerye, where they stayed for recreation and barter. The ancient Scandinavian dwelling, the Viking way of life, their famous weapons, costumes, cuisine, traditions and crafts, musical culture and skaldic poetry. Exposing historical myths. The program takes place in the form of a feast of Viking warriors returning from a campaign.
  
  • Creative act: live medieval music.
  The tour is included in the price.
  

• "Walking tour of the city of Uglich with a visit to the historical, architectural and art museum "Uglich Kremlin"
  You will get acquainted with the city of Uglich, its architecture and its centuries-old history.
  
  The walk will start with a visit to the Kremlin, located on the picturesque banks of the Volga River. The princely chambers, the oldest building in the city and one of the oldest examples of residential architecture in Russia have been preserved on its territory. Here stands the Transfiguration Cathedral, built in the 18th century and painted by a group of artists led by serf Timofey Medvedev. Travelers are always fascinated by the biblical stories that adorn the walls and resemble the works of famous Italian Renaissance artists. Also, the six-tiered iconostasis with unique icons of the XVII-XVIII centuries deserves special attention.
  
  On the territory of the Kremlin, you will visit the Church of Tsarevich Dimitri "on blood", inspect the architectural monuments on the territory of the Uglich Kremlin Ensemble, inspect the monument to "Saint Tsarevich Dimitri", visit the Chambers of the Appanage Princes (1st floor) and the Transfiguration Cathedral. The acquaintance with Uglich will continue in one of the monasteries.
  
  This small town, which is part of the Golden Ring of Russia, has been loved by tourists for many years. Many of them return to Uglich again and again. What is the secret of his appeal? We suggest you answer this question yourself after the tour.
  The tour is included in the price.
  
• "Walking tour of the city with a visit to the Museum of Hydropower"
  A unique exposition is presented on three floors and in 11 halls, telling about the history of the development of hydropower in Russia and in the world, about outstanding people of the profession, generation and transmission of electricity, construction and installation of hydroelectric power plants, as well as about the Earth's hydro resources. A two-storey building from the 30-40s of the last century, which previously housed the Volgolag administration, was converted into a museum of hydropower.
  The tour is included in the price.
  
• "Walking tour of merchant Uglich with a visit to the museum of urban life"
  The path will pass along the embankment, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Volga River. Tourists will cross Selivanovsky Creek, see the military enlistment office building, which previously housed a linen factory, and hear a story about the factory's owners and their occupation. The guide will tell you about modern production in Uglich – cheese and watch factories. Guests will learn about the Suponevsky Palace and its secrets, as well as what a mark the construction of the hydroelectric power plant has left in the history of the city.
  
  Then the guests will visit the church of the Korsun Icon of the Mother of God, and if possible they will be greeted by the priest – rector of the church. The walk will continue along central Yaroslavskaya Street with a story about interesting facts from the lives of merchants who lived there. After entering the central square of the city of Uspenskaya, guests will find themselves in the Museum of Urban Life, located in the building of the former city public library. After crossing the threshold of the museum, tourists will get acquainted with the life and everyday life of a provincial town of the XIX century, learn about the structure of a prosperous house, about the lifestyle, traditions, customs, leisure, fashion of the Uglich people at that time. Guests will visit a fun fair, where a broken-down clerk with jokes and jokes will offer all kinds of goods, as well as guests will find out how the screenings and weddings took place.
  
  The tour ends at Assumption Square.
  The tour is included in the price.
  
• "Walking tour of Uglich with a visit to the Museum of Leather Craft"
  In 2024, the Museum of Leather Craft offers an updated excursion program "Russian leather – myths and realities". The museum's exposition has also been updated and modernized. The friendly museum staff will tell you about leather production in Russia (from primitive workshops to large factories and tanneries), as well as about the formation of the craft in the country and, in particular, in Uglich. The tour introduces great figures and reveals the realities of the first Russian leather money. At the end of the program, guests will be invited to try themselves as counterfeiters and take part in the creation of souvenir leather money.
  
  Then, tourists will walk along the street named after the famous poetess Olga Bergholz, whose poems lovingly reflect Uglich; they will hear the story of the ancient fire tower and merchant houses, they will hear. Next, guests will discover the beautiful ensemble of the current women's Alekseevsky Monastery, which houses the miraculous icon of the Mother of God "The Unquenchable Candle", the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, painted by Athos monks, lost and miraculously returned to its monastery.
  
  The tour ends at Assumption Square.
  The tour is included in the price.
  

The last meal service is lunch.