St. Petersburg – Valaam – Kizhi – Petrozavodsk – Staraya Ladoga – St. Petersburg 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 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. At 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 coast 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 of the Konevsky Monastery with a visit to the chapel on the Horse stone"
  A walking tour of Konevets Island starts from the Chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (patron saint of travelers!), followed by a detailed tour of the monastery square with a visit to the main temple of the monastery – the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where the relics of St. Arseny are kept. And immediately – the upper temple of the cathedral, where you can become a listener to the concert of the choristers of the monastery, visit the Church shop with a great selection of souvenirs.
  
  Next, you can see the hermitage in the name of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God on the Holy Mountain, admire the bulbous dome of the Assumption Chapel in the forest, made in the Old Russian traditions, and approach the unique landmark symbol of Konevets Island – the Horse Stone (the chapel was built directly on a huge solid granite boulder). The tour ends on the picturesque shore of Lake Ladoga. The presentation of this and other attractions is accompanied by an emotional story by the guide, whose competence, artistry and enthusiasm determine the impression of the tour.
  
  The estimated duration is 2 hours, the length of the route is about 6 km.
  The tour is included in the price.
  

• "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.
  

• "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 central part of the city"
  This tour introduces you to the history of Petrozavodsk (the same age as St. Petersburg, founded in 1703), starts from the passenger port and visits one of the best monuments to Emperor Peter the Great, followed by a beautiful walk with a photo shoot on the famous Onega Embankment, and a walk along Petrovsky Square to Pushkinskaya Street (one of the oldest streets in the city). Visit the Theater Square (former Cathedral Square), as well as the Memorial of Glory and the historical center of the city with the Round Square ensemble.
  The tour is included in the price.
  
• "Bus and walking tour to the Kivach Nature Reserve"
  The excursion program includes a trip to the oldest nature reserve "Kivach" with a tour of the second largest plain waterfall in Europe. As well as a walk through the arboretum of the reserve, a visit to the grove of the famous Karelian birch, the Nature Museum. The distance to the waterfall is 80 kilometers (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes on the way). You can take beautiful photos of the waterfall from 3 viewing platforms and buy souvenirs on the territory of the reserve. On the way – travel information about the main attractions of the city of Petrozavodsk and the Republic of Karelia.
  The tour is paid separately
  
• "Bus tour to the city of Kondopoga"
  Departure from the port of Petrozavodsk to Kondopoga (45 km).There is a guided tour on the way. Arrival in Kondopoga.
  
  Arrival at the Palace of Arts, where the mysterious king of musical instruments, the organ, awaits us, because that's what Mozart called it! There are two organs in the palace. Both were brought from Hamburg and assembled by German organ makers Rudolf von Bakkerath. One is large, it has about 4,500 thousand pipes and 67 registers. Guided tour of the palace with marble statues, painted ceilings and luminous staircases.
  
  Organ music concert. You will hear classical works, as well as modern music, which takes on a completely different sound when performed by an organ. After the concert, we will have some time to visit the "organ backstage" to see how this keyboard and wind instrument works and ask questions to the organist. We are going to a lesson on playing a unique musical instrument, the kantele. We will hear the gentle sounds of the kantele and try to perform simple melodies ourselves. The guests will also take part in the production of traditional Karelian pastries - "kalitok" pies. "On the way" – delicious tea from a hospitable hostess and it's time to return. Transfer to Petrozavodsk.
  The tour is paid separately
  

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 MuseumThe tour is paid separately
  
• "Northern Wedding Tradition Tour"The tour is paid separately
  

• "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
  

The last meal service is breakfast.

The end point of all excursions is the Moscow Railway Station in St. Petersburg.

• Peterhof Lower Park Bus and Walking Tour
  The suburbs of St. Petersburg are famous for the majestic palaces that noble Russian nobles built for themselves. Peterhof is one of the most beautiful country residences built in the style of the French Versailles.
  
  The Peterhof State Museum-Reserve is the most visited museum in Russia. Every tourist coming to St. Petersburg is simply obliged to see the fountain capital! And it is during this tour that you will be able to visit and have a quiet time in the Lower Park of Peterhof.
  The tour is paid separately
  
• "Bus tour to Pushkin with a visit to the Catherine Palace with the Amber Room and Catherine Park"
  In Tsarskoye Selo, you will visit the Catherine Palace and stroll through the Catherine Park. You will see live what the famous Baroque of the architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli looks like, walk through the enfilades and halls of the palace, accompanied by a guide's story, get acquainted with the works of art presented in the palace. And, of course, you will enter the world–famous Amber Room, the history of which is full of twists and turns and mysteries - the guide will tell you about them.
  
  Catherine Park is notable for being filled with pavilions and sculptures, many of which appeared here in Peter the Great's time, has both French and English parts, and is extremely picturesque. Enjoy the magnificent architecture created by the geniuses of Rastrelli, Cameron, and Stasov.
  The tour is paid separately