3 days
Fixed dates
10 people
from 3 years
Basic
Hotel
Russian
Jeep tours, ATVs, Rafting, Trekking, Excursion tours
A tour builder that anyone can customize! The basic program includes visits to three of the most interesting and famous locations: the Akhvenkoski waterfalls with their suspension bridges, Ruskeala Park with its Marble Canyon, and the lively village of Kindasovo. You choose the active part of the tour: rafting on the Shuya River, off-roading in jeeps or ATVs, trekking with friendly huskies, or a canoe trip.
If you need a quick reset and a break from everyday life, this tour is the perfect choice! The program includes exciting excursions to Karelia's main attractions. You'll stroll across wooden bridges over the Akhvenkoski waterfalls, see the beautiful Marble Canyon in Ruskeala Park, visit Olonets, the first city in Karelia, and participate in an interactive quest in the village of Kindasovo. In a fun and engaging way, you'll learn about the history of the region, where Russian culture and the exotic customs of its indigenous peoples, pagan myths, and Orthodox Christianity intertwine. You'll also be able to fully enjoy the tranquil and mysterious Karelian nature, strolling through the forests amid the rustling leaves and the sound of running water.
The highlight of the tour is the second day, where you choose your own activities. We offer several options, ensuring everyone will find something to suit their taste. If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, the thrill of speed, and the thrill of overcoming obstacles, explore the Karelian off-road terrain in jeeps or ATVs—accompanied, of course, by experienced instructors for maximum safety. If you prefer a relaxing stroll in nature, choose a trek through picturesque landscapes accompanied by playful and active huskies. Or perhaps you prefer water sports? Then rafting on the turbulent Shuya River or canoeing on Lake Beloye are for you!
* The hotel may be replaced by an equivalent hotel depending on availability on the dates of your tour.
Business class hotel in the historical center of the city. The spacious, modern and stylish rooms offer views of the beautiful Lake Onega. The hotel's design is imbued with a maritime theme: drawings of ancient ships, an abundance of fish dishes in the restaurant, blue and beige tones in the design of rooms and common spaces. Room service 24/7 and friendly staff will make your stay here as comfortable as possible.
Luxurious modern hotel on the shores of Lake Onega. Most rooms offer stunning panoramic views. 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 while enjoying live music. The restaurant serves Karelian cuisine with a modern interpretation from an experienced chef.
We'll leave St. Petersburg early in the morning. Along the way, your guide will tell you a fascinating story about the history of Karelia—a region where cultures, beliefs, and the destinies of peoples intertwine. After stopping at a farm where you can grab some coffee or pastries for the journey, we'll arrive at the Alexander-Svirsky Monastery by 12:00. This 16th-century architectural complex is located on the border of Karelia and played a vital role in spreading Russian culture and Orthodoxy to the lands of the indigenous peoples. After a tour of the monastery, we'll have lunch. Our next stop is Olonets, the first town in Karelia, where you can literally experience the life of Ancient Rus' and even play ancient musical instruments at the interactive Karelian Livvi Museum. Later in the evening, we'll visit the most vibrant Karelian village of Kindasovo. You'll participate in an interactive program, learn the meaning of the unusual words "piirileiki" and "jouhikko," and sample delicious traditional homemade pastries. At 9:00 PM, we'll arrive in Petrozavodsk, where you'll check into your hotel and relax after a busy day.
On the second day, you can choose your own activities. We offer several exciting options:
1. Rafting on the Shuya River. 8 kilometers of whitewater and three rapids! Since these are category 1-2 rapids, the rafting is suitable even for beginners.
2. Jeep tour to the village of Manyga. This is not a standard excursion, as you will be behind the wheel of powerful SUVs (after a thorough briefing, of course). Forests, river crossings, and deep ruts make for an unforgettable off-road driving experience. Along the way, we will stop at a forest lake, where we will barbecue over charcoal and explore several abandoned historic villages with beautifully preserved buildings.
3. Canoeing on Lake Beloye. A more tranquil, but very interesting experience! The canoe trip will take place on Lake Beloye in Karjala Park. Calm waters, a oneness with northern nature, and the opportunity to swim in the invigoratingly cool waters of the lake (depending on the season).
4. Husky trekking. Another activity in Karjala Park. You'll visit a kennel, where you'll meet friendly, lovable, and active dogs, and then go trekking with them through a picturesque forest section along the Shuya River.
5. ATVs. For those who dream of conquering off-road terrain! You'll receive detailed instructions and a short training course on ATV operation, and then set off on a ride through a picturesque pine forest.
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll bid farewell to Petrozavodsk and head to the amazing Akhvenkoski Waterfalls. Low, yet swift and turbulent, these waterfalls are captivating primarily for the mysterious beauty of the surrounding landscape and the wooden suspension bridges spanning the turbulent waters. Here, you can stroll along an eco-trail among wooden statues of fairy-tale characters from the Karelian epic and take dozens of atmospheric photos on the bridges. In the afternoon, we'll visit the famous Ruskeala Mountain Park. Its central attraction is the Marble Canyon, from which stone was once quarried to decorate the famous buildings of St. Petersburg. For example, the Hermitage's window sills are made of local marble, and St. Isaac's Cathedral is adorned with it. A short guided tour awaits you, and the rest of your time in the park is free to spend as you wish: simply strolling, grabbing a bite to eat, shopping for souvenirs, or getting an adrenaline rush on the zipline over the canyon. You can leave the park on the legendary retro train or by bus. On the way back to St. Petersburg, we'll stop at a trout farm store. We'll arrive in the city by 11:30 PM.
The program is suitable for children of all ages. However, please note that some of the second day's activities have age or height restrictions.
The tour price includes breakfasts at hotels. Lunches and dinners are at your own expense.
Entertainment on the second day of the tour, a walk along the eco-trail near the Akhvenkoski waterfalls, and additional activities in Ruskeala (optional) are paid separately.
You can travel along the Ruskeala-Sortavala route on the famous retro train; tickets are paid separately; you need to purchase them before the start of the tour on the Russian Railways website. If you choose to leave by bus, you can stay longer in the mountain park. The group reunites in Sortavala and continues the return journey by bus.
Ask questions to the tour coordinator
Tour from an official tour operator from the Rostourism register
