This is a wonderful opportunity to discover the best of Karelia - one of the most beautiful parts of Russia. You will see the unique Kizhi complex, listed on the Unesco’s World Heritage List, mysterious petroglyphs , the signs left by an ancient people, which puzzle many archeologists in Russia and abroad, and finally, the legendary Solovetsky Islands , the heart of this mysterious land and full of legends.
You will learn that the Solovetsy Island has a long and tragic history. You will see the ancient Christian Orthodox Monastery, turned into prison and labor camp by Stalin’s order, now restored to being a monastery. An inclement climate, the gloomy history of the Stalinist period and examples of the unbelievable spiritual strength of the inhabitants this island combine give this island a very special place in human history. You will spend an unforgettable week discovering the historical, cultural and architectural gems of the Russian North – Karelia is getting closer now!
Arrival in St. Petersburg. Transfer to the hotel. Guided city tour around St. Petersburg. Free time in the afternoon. In the evening you can enjoy a ballet or opera performance at one of the best St. Petersburg's theatres (tickets on request). Overnight in a hotel.
Day 2
Breakfast in the hotel. Visit to one of the world famous museums, the Hermitage. In the evening transfer to the railway station to catch your train to Petrozavodsk, the capital of Karelia region.
Day 3
Arrival to Petrozavodsk. Transfer to the hotel. Guided city tour around Petrozavodsk. In the afternoon hydrofoil to Kizhi Island. Lunch en route. Return to Petrozovodsk. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 4
Breakfast. We drive today to the White Sea cost (approx. 450km.) on the way stopping at the nature reserve “Kivatch” and the petroglyphs site. Arrival to Kem – our today’s destination. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 5
Breakfast. Departure to the Solovetsky Islands by ferry (3-3.5 hours). Transfer to the hotel. Lunch. Tour to the Solovetsky Monastery Complex. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 6
Breakfast. Paddling along the lakes and man made canals of the Island (approx. 5 km long, 3-5 people per boat). Embark on a walking tour to Sekirnaya Mountain. Visit the Botanical Garden founded by monks in the 19th century. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 7
Breakfast. Free time. Optional: a boat tour to the Big Zayatsky Islands. Departure to Kem. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 8
Early morning transfer to the railway station. Day on train. In the evening arrival to St. Petersburg. Transfer to hotel. Check in.
Day 9
Free time to explore city by yourself. Transfer to airport to catch your flight back home.
Major Highlights of this Tour:
St. Petersburg: The St. Isaac’s Cathedral , The Peter and Paul Fortress
Solovetsky monastery (UNESCO World Heritage List)
Museum of wooden architecture on Kizhi Island (UNESCO World Heritage List)
Europe's largest lowland waterfall Kivach
Petroglyphs
For detailed itinerary of the tour please click here
PRICES
EXCL. FLIGHTS: £999 INCL. FLIGHTS: £1,259 * NO HIDDEN COSTS!
Accommodation & meals:
2 nts 3* hotel DBL SPb, 5 nts 2* hotel DBL Karelia
8 breakfasts, 4 lunches Transport: Small coach and boat Tour staff & support: English-speaking guide, transfer driver Other services & Info >>>
TOUR MAP
If you want to view the Map of Russia, please click here
)
