Great Karelia

Meeting in St. Petersburg. Transfer to Priozersk. Visit to the Korela Fortress. This fortress dates back to the 1300s and houses a museum dedicated to its Russian, Swedish, and Finnish history. Lunch. Transfer to the city of Sortavala. Accommodation. You will walk along the park and visit the House-Museum of Gustav Winter. Dinner.

Breakfast. Transfer by speedboat to the Valaam Island. Valaam is one of the most interesting cultural, historical and nature attractions in the North of Russia. The nature of Valaam is unique and extremely beautiful. Besides its picturesque landscapes, Valaam island is known for its 14th century Valaam Monastery, which is nowadays a permanent residence of monks. Meeting with a guide at the Monastic Bay quay. You can leave your luggage in the hotel’s luggage room. Guided tour to the monastery “Central Homestead”, visit to the Savior Transfiguration Cathedral. Lunch. Concert of monastic chants. Walking tour “New Jerusalem”, visit to the Voskresensky Skit and many more. The final destination of our tour is the Mount of Olives – with a spectacular view of Lake Ladoga from the Chapel of the Ascension of the Lord. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner.

Breakfast. Transfer to the Ruskeala Mining Park. On the way, we will stop to admire the Ruskeala waterfalls and visit the memorial complex “The Cross of Grief”. Walking tour around the park with its unique landscape and canyon. Free time. Transfer to the village of Kinerma. Accommodation. Lunch. Free time. Dinner.

Breakfast. Transfer to Petrozavodsk. Transfer by boat to the Kizhi Island. Stunning examples of Russia’s 18th century wooden architecture. You will see two large churches: the 22-dome Church of the Transfiguration and the nine-dome Church of the Intercession, as well as the wooden bell-tower built in a unique architectural style. Transfer to Petrozavodsk. Accommodation. Diner.

Breakfast. City tour around Petrozavodsk: visit to main sights of the capital of Karelia, interesting facts from the history of the city and the Republic. Visit to the embankment of Lake Onega – with a unique collection of modern avant-garde sculptures. Lunch. Transfer to Belomorsk (269 km). Visit to Petroglyphs of Lake Onega and the White Sea. Accommodation. Dinner.

Breakfast. Transfer to the Solovetsky Islands (or Solovki). Visit to the Solovetsky Kremlin. The Solovetsky Monastery is a museum, classified as a World Heritage Site, and a home to a handful of monks. The natural beauty of this place is breathtaking – wild northern bays and headlands, calm lakes, and thick forests. Situated in cool waters of the Onega Bay in the far north of Russia, Solovetsky is a destination off the beaten track. The most intact building is the Annunciation Church, built at the end of the 16th century and containing the tombs of the saintly founders of the monastery. Climb to the top of the majestic Saint Nicholas Church, with an adjoining bell tower, provides a breathtaking overview of the island. Accommodation. Free time. Dinner.

Breakfast. Free time. Transfer to Kem. Night trains to Moscow or Saint Petersburg.