3 days
Fixed dates
10 people
from 3 years old
Basic
Hotel
Russian
Trekking, Sightseeing tours
A rich and varied program awaits you: in just three days, you'll visit the legendary Kizhi Museum-Reserve, majestic Valaam, Ruskeala Park with its myriad attractions for every taste, the mysterious Akhvenkoski Waterfalls, and the picturesque Ladoga skerries. You'll also have time to explore the beautiful town of Sortavala, where we'll make our stop.
You'll visit the region's most significant sites—natural, architectural, religious, and historical. On the first day, you'll visit the Akhvenkoski Waterfalls, famous for their wooden suspension bridges. This place is so cinematic that several films, such as "The Dawns Here Are Quiet," have been filmed there. Then, you'll visit Ruskeala, a must-see destination for any trip to Karelia. An ancient marble canyon, mysterious underwater tunnels, an interactive program about Karelian myths, or exploring secluded forest trails—choose your favorite activity!
We'll also visit Karelia's two main lakes and two beautiful islands. We'll sail across Lake Ladoga to Valaam, the most important center of Orthodox Christianity in Russia and a wonderful example of how majestic churches and chapels can blend harmoniously into the northern landscape. Those who wish can stay on Valaam for almost the entire day, exploring it with a guide. If you're drawn to nature, we suggest a boat trip among the Ladoga skerries—a scattering of small rocky islands on the sparkling surface of the water. On our final day, we'll visit Lake Onega and Kizhi Island (incidentally, the stress in the island's name falls on the first syllable). Here you'll see numerous stunning examples of wooden architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration, crowned with 22 domes.
*You can choose a hotel that suits your comfort level. The hotel may be replaced with an equivalent one depending on availability on your tour dates.
This cozy hotel offers 31 rooms—even though they're compact, you'll feel right at home. The rooms are decorated in calming tones and a discreet, classic style. The hotel is located a few kilometers from Sortavala, surrounded by quiet parks and green spaces. Free Wi-Fi is available. The rooms are equipped with all the necessary amenities, from tea and coffee making facilities to a hairdryer and toiletries.
This hotel is located right on Lake Ladoga, in the historic center of Sortavala. With only 19 rooms, each guest feels welcome and receives the utmost attention from the staff. The spacious rooms with high ceilings combine elegant classicism with charming Karelian flair. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Guests especially appreciate the national cuisine served at the hotel's restaurant.
A business-class hotel in the historic city center. Spacious, modern, and stylish rooms overlook the beautiful Lake Onega. The hotel's design is imbued with a maritime theme: paintings of old ships, an abundance of fish dishes in the restaurant, and blue and beige tones in the rooms and common areas. 24/7 room service and a friendly staff will make your stay as comfortable as possible.
A luxurious, modern hotel on the shores of Lake Onega. Most rooms offer stunning panoramic views. The spacious rooms are equipped with Italian furniture and all necessary appliances. Guests can relax in the sauna, play billiards, or sit comfortably in the glass-roofed lobby enjoying live music. The restaurant serves Karelian cuisine with a modern twist from the experienced chef.
Our journey begins early in the morning in St. Petersburg. After departing the city on a tour bus, a couple of hours later we'll stop at a picturesque location called "Valley of Waterfalls," where you'll hike along an eco-trail. Mysterious Karelian forests, a river, turbulent rapids, and adorable reindeer—your first encounter with Karelia will be unforgettable! We'll have lunch in the atmospheric town of Sortavala, and then head to the Akhvenkoski Waterfalls, famous for its wooden suspension bridges over the water. After snapping dozens of fantastic photos, we'll head to Ruskeala Park, arguably the most famous location in Karelia. You'll spend four hours in the park. First, a guided tour will tell you about this amazing place, followed by free time. Spend it as you wish! Ruskeala offers a wide range of entertainment, from an interactive section dedicated to the Karelian epic to boat rides along the canyon and a zip line.
Today you'll see the true gems of Karelia—Lake Ladoga and the legendary island of Valaam. It's up to you to decide how much time you want to spend exploring Valaam. If you decide to stay longer, after disembarking in picturesque Monastery Bay, we'll take a two-hour guided walking tour. You'll climb the 19th-century granite staircase to Mount Tabor to admire the surrounding area from above, visit the marble Znamenskaya Chapel, see the oldest refectory church, and, of course, the main building of the architectural complex—the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior. After lunch, the tour continues: you'll head to the Nikolsky Skete across wooden bridges spanning the islands. If you'd like to shorten your time on Valaam and explore the beauty of the northern nature, you can explore the island without a guide, and in the afternoon, take a boat ride through the stunning Ladoga skerries. Dozens of small rocky islands covered in greenery are a delightful sight, reminiscent of the famous Scandinavian skerries in miniature. In the afternoon, both groups return to Sortavala for a stroll and dinner. In the evening, they travel to Petrozavodsk.
This is the last day of the tour, but many more unforgettable experiences await! We'll set sail on the high-speed "Meteor" across Lake Onega for Kizhi Island. Here, you'll find examples of Russian wooden architecture, as well as numerous cultural and everyday artifacts from the northern peoples—the Karelians and Vepsians. Majestic churches and ancient houses, mills and barns, traditional costumes and iconographic masterpieces—you'll feel transported back centuries and immerse yourself in the lives of our ancestors. The guided tour will last approximately two hours, where you'll learn a wealth of information about the region's history, hear dozens of legends and tales, and visit Kizhi's most important buildings, including the Church of the Transfiguration, crowned with 22 domes, one of the oldest wooden churches in Russia. After the tour, you'll have free time to enjoy a leisurely stroll or any other activity, such as participating in exciting workshops or enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride. After lunch, we'll return to Petrozavodsk. From here, the return transfer to St. Petersburg begins. We'll stop at a village restaurant, where you'll enjoy a delicious dinner and, if you wish, purchase farm produce.
The program is suitable for both children and active seniors. We offer discounts to children and teenagers under 16, as well as students and adults over 60.
Breakfast is included in the tour price. Set lunches and dinners are paid for separately. Lunch costs an average of 500-700 rubles per person.
A service fee of 100 rubles per person is required to visit Valaam Island. Optionally, you can also pay for a walk along the Akhvenkoski Waterfalls eco-trail and any activities in Ruskeala Park during your tour.
Karelia is a northern region, so it's quite cool. The average temperature in late spring is +10°C (50°F), but in summer, there can be significant fluctuations, ranging from +19°C (66°F) to +30°C (86°F) during the day, with nights being quite cool. Also, keep in mind that the islands are always cooler than the cities. Therefore, bring warm clothing: a sweater or windbreaker.
Pay a 100-ruble fee and wear appropriate clothing. Men are not allowed to wear hats, while women are required to wear headscarves and skirts. Clothing for both sexes should not be revealing (no T-shirts or shorts allowed).
Ask your tour coordinator questions
Tour from an official tour operator listed in the Rostourism register
