The best of Karelia from Moscow

Karelia
From: 18 950 ₽
Available dates
Duration

3 or 4 days

Tour type

Fixed dates

Band size

10 people

Children

from 7 years

Complexity

Basic

Accommodation

Hotel

Tour language

Russian

Category

Excursion tours

Why go?

  • Experience the harmony of the mysterious Karelian forests and lakes
  • Walk on suspension bridges over waterfalls
  • Learn about the myths and beliefs of indigenous peoples
  • Enjoy the power of the water element
  • Take the best shots against the backdrop of Marble Canyon
  • Try the healing mineral waters

About the tour

This tour is designed specifically for guests arriving in Petrozavodsk on a direct flight from Moscow—you'll see Karelia's main attractions in comfort in just a few days! Immerse yourself in the region's tranquil atmosphere and enjoy the incredible Karelian nature, briefly escaping the bustle of the city to lush forests, deep canyons, and majestic waterfalls.

What's included in the program?

You'll discover fairytale Karelia, its natural beauty, the diverse culture of its indigenous peoples, and its centuries-old history. Despite the tour's short duration, we'll visit its most famous locations: the Akhvenkoski Waterfalls, where the films "The Dawns Here Are Quiet" and "The Dark World" were filmed; the vast Kivach Nature Reserve; the famous Ruskeala Mountain Park; the town of Sortavala with its eclectic old architecture; the Ladoga Skerries; the healing Marcial Waters; and the region's capital, charming and atmospheric Petrozavodsk. During transfers to each location, your guide will share a wealth of interesting and amusing facts about Karelia.

Walk across the suspended wooden bridges over the Akhvenkoski Falls, take stunning photos of the colorful rocks of the Marble Canyon, and explore miles of hidden trails around it. Experience the myths of this region by trying to catch the horse Khiisi in Kalevala Park and descend to the underground lake in the caves. Enjoy the wonderful blend of eras and national styles on the streets of Sortavala and Petrozavodsk, and feel the powerful roar of the Kivach Waterfall, compressed by red basalt cliffs. Try the healing mineral waters at a resort founded by Peter the Great...

This tour is a universal "reset" button that will help you find harmony and peace. The

3- and 4-day programs differ only in the day of departure to Moscow: either on the third evening after the excursion or on the morning of the fourth day.


Accommodation on tour *

*You can choose a hotel that suits your comfort level

Piter Inn 4*, Petrozavodsk

A European-standard hotel in the heart of the city. Incredibly stylish and light-filled rooms, with every detail thoughtfully designed. Guests particularly praise the friendly and attentive staff, as well as the tranquil atmosphere, quiet surroundings, and superbly comfortable beds—a pleasant and fulfilling rest after a busy day. The hotel restaurant serves local and Bavarian cuisine.

Cosmos 4*, Petrozavodsk

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.


Tour route

More details about the route

Day 1. First meeting with Karelia

We'll meet at Besovets Airport. The transfer to Petrozavodsk will take about half an hour. Upon arrival in the city, you'll check into your hotel, then have free time. You can have a leisurely dinner at the hotel restaurant (dinner is not included in the tour price) or at any café in the city, then take a leisurely stroll through Petrozavodsk's city center. We recommend a stroll along the Onega Embankment, which features unusual art objects from all over the world, as well as Lenin and Kirov Squares, where you can see historic buildings from different eras and listen to street musicians. If you prefer to relax rather than explore the region's capital, no problem, as a guided tour is included on the final day of the program.

Day 2. Waterfalls, Marble Canyon, and the Ladoga Skerries

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll take a bus to the Akhvenkoski Waterfalls. Along the way, you'll see the magical Karelian taiga, hills, and forest rivers, and your guide will explain the culture and customs of the local indigenous peoples. Despite their small size, the Akhvenkoski Waterfalls captivate with their mystical beauty—famous Russian films have been filmed here. After a walk by the waterfalls, we'll continue on to the Ruskeala Mountain Park. We'll begin with a tour with a local guide, and then you'll be free to explore the park independently: stroll along secluded trails around the Marble Canyon, ride the zipline, or descend into the caves. After lunch (not included in the tour price), transfer to the ancient town of Sortavala on the shores of Lake Ladoga, with breathtaking views of the famous Ladoga skerries. On the way back to Petrozavodsk, we'll stop at a trout farm store, where you can buy delicious Karelian treats for yourself, friends, and family. 

Day 3. Kivach, Marcial Waters, Petrozavodsk

After breakfast, we'll head to the Kivach Waterfall Nature Reserve, the second-largest plains waterfall in Europe. It looks especially magical in autumn, surrounded by golden trees, and in winter, cloaked in a fluffy blanket of snow. You'll take a walk by the waterfall, climb to the observation decks, and optionally visit the Museum of Nature. Then we'll head to the Marcial Waters spa resort, founded by Peter the Great. The healing waters, fresh air, and fascinating history of this unique place await you. Even a short visit to the resort will leave you feeling invigorated and well-being. By 4:00 PM, we'll return to Petrozavodsk, where your guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of the beautiful capital of Karelia, including, of course, the Onega Embankment.
If you choose the three-day program, after the tour, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Moscow.

The 4-day program includes breakfast at the hotel and airport transfer. See you soon!

Included in price

  • Transfer by comfortable bus (bus capacity depends on the group size)
  • Transfer from and to the airport
  • Accommodation in the best hotels in Petrozavodsk in the city center and on the shore of Lake Onega (depending on the selected hotel category), 2 nights
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Excursions as per the program, including route excursions with a professional guide throughout the tour
  • Entrance fees to Ruskeala Mountain Park
  • Marble Canyon excursion in Ruskeala Mountain Park with a certified local guide
  • Entrance fees to the Kivach Nature Reserve
  • Tickets to Petrozavodsk and back
  • Active entertainment in the Ruskeala mountain park (excursion "Underground Space" through the Ruskeala caves, rental of boats, trolleys, rope park and more): at park prices
  • Ecological trail at Ahvenkoski waterfalls
  • Lunches and dinners

It is important to know

The tour activities don't require any physical preparation, so we welcome tourists of all ages—even preschoolers and active retirees.

Breakfast is included on all program days. Lunch and dinner are provided independently; the average cost per meal is 500-700 rubles per person.

In addition to lunches and dinners, please budget for souvenirs and treats for yourself and your loved ones. Active entertainment in Ruskeala Park (optional) and the nature trail by the waterfalls are available for an additional fee (400 rubles per person)

In October and November, Karelia is already quite cool, with daytime temperatures dropping to +2°C and freezing at night. By the second half of November, snow is already everywhere. In winter, average daytime temperatures are -10°C to -15°C, but can drop to -25°C and even lower. We recommend checking the weather forecast for your tour dates and choosing clothing accordingly. Comfortable waterproof shoes, a hat, and seasonal gloves/mittens are essential.

From: 18 950 ₽

Owner

Olga

Olga

Ask questions to the tour coordinator

Rostourism

Official tour operator

Tour from an official tour operator from the Rostourism register

Similar tours