3 days
Fixed dates
10 people
from 7 years
Basic
Hotel
Russian
Gastronomy, Excursion tours
We invite you on a journey through Karelia, where you'll discover the most interesting and photogenic locations and, of course, the unique northern cuisine. You'll be able to prepare and sample lokhikeito and red fish on a log, and also visit the famous mountain park, waterfalls, and the most cheerful village and town of Olonets.
What's the most important part of getting to know any region? Some prefer nature walks, others history and architecture, and still others the culture of the local people. But on any journey, traditional cuisine helps you fully experience the uniqueness of a country or region. Food can reveal a great deal about the people and the land they inhabit. Karelian dishes utilize the bounty of the northern nature: lake fish, mushrooms and berries, as well as game such as venison and elk. Our entire day will be dedicated to a culinary masterclass, during which you'll prepare the most delicate fish soup with cream (lohikeito) and flavorful red fish cooked the traditional way—on a log.
You'll also learn about the traditions and everyday life of the indigenous peoples of Karelia, and how they intertwine with Russian culture. We'll visit a more than 500-year-old Orthodox monastery, one of the most impressive architectural and religious complexes in our country. We'll stop in Olonets, the first Karelian town, and take a tour of the Livvi Karelian Museum. We'll stop in the most cheerful village, where you'll learn about "jouhikko," "piirileiki," and "joygi," and sample spring-water tea and homemade pastries.
You'll also visit the Akhvenkoski waterfalls with their stunning "red" waters and suspension bridges, and explore the Ruskeala Mountain Park, where the waters of a flooded marble quarry reflect the sky and dense green forests on the colorful rocks. From November to March, the vast park is decorated with incredible holiday lighting, making the walk even more magical.
On the first and second evenings of your trip, you'll have free time to explore the capital of Karelia, Petrozavodsk.
* 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.
The tour departs in St. Petersburg at 7:30 AM. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the fascinating history of Karelia: from the ancient Karelians and Vepsians to the arrival of the Slavs, from traditional beliefs to their intertwining with Russian culture. We'll make a stop on the shore of Lake Ladoga, where the Alexander-Svirsky Monastery stands on the border with Karelia, and take a short excursion. Then, along the way, we'll visit the town of Olonets, where you'll learn about the life and crafts of the indigenous people at the Karelian Livvi Museum. We'll take photos on the town's famous suspension bridges. The next stop is Kindasovo, "the most cheerful village in Karelia." An interactive tour of Kindasovo is full of music and laughter, and will entertain you with a fascinating account of local traditions. Arrive in Petrozavodsk by 7:30 PM and check into your hotel. You can explore the city on your own.
Today, you'll sample authentic Karelian cuisine and learn how the region's nature and climate have influenced its development. After breakfast, we'll travel to Karjala Park (40-minute transfer), where we'll take a masterclass in making the festive lohikeito soup. This hearty salmon dish with cream is prepared with a chef who will reveal all the secrets and subtleties, walking you through every step of the preparation process. After enjoying a freshly baked soup, we'll begin our exploration of another unusual local dish: red fish on a log. The captivating process of securing the fish, finding its perfect position in the fire, and waiting for it to cook, surrounded by mouth-watering aromas—it's incredibly exciting and fun! After the tasting, you'll have free time to explore Karjala Park or, if you prefer, take a dog sledding ride.
On the final day of your journey, you'll see two of Karelia's most famous landmarks: the picturesque Akhvenkoski waterfalls with their suspension bridges and nature trail in the tranquil forest, and the Ruskeala Mountain Park. In this vast park, nestled around a spectacular canyon, you can visit a rock garden or an abandoned marble factory, descend into caves, or even imagine yourself as a hero of a Karelian epic. Hundreds of secluded paths, pristine air, tiny lakes, and observation decks—immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of this amazing nature reserve! From Ruskeala, we'll take a retro train (tickets must be purchased separately before the tour) or a bus to Sortavala, then, with a short stop at a trout farm shop, return by bus to St. Petersburg. Arrival at 11:30 PM. See you again!
There is no age limit for the tour. Discounts are available for children under 7, schoolchildren, and seniors.
Breakfasts and meals on the second day (cooking master class). Set lunches along the route are paid for separately; the average bill is 500-700 rubles per person.
You can pay for this option BEFORE the tour begins. If you decide not to buy train tickets, a bus will take you from the park to Sortavala.
In addition to the set lunches (500-700 rubles per person), there are optional expenses: a walk along the ecological trail near Akhvenkoski and active entertainment in Ruskeala.
In October and November, daytime temperatures can drop to +2°C. In winter, average temperatures are -10°C to -15°C, but can drop to -25°C and below. Weather conditions are unpredictable, so check the forecast for your tour dates shortly before departure.
Ask questions to the tour coordinator
Tour from an official tour operator from the Rostourism register
