Tour to Karelia for 3 days

1 day:

06:30 - The bus service to the p.m. Rebellions

Place of landing: St. Petersburg, m. sq. Uprising, Ligovsky Prosp., 10

Landmark: Hotel Oktyabrskaya, parking along the sidewalk from the bookstore "Bukvoed" to the end of the building

07:00 – Departure of the bus from the square. Rebellions

07:30 – The bus to the metro station Dybenko. Landing site: St. Petersburg, m. Dybenko, public transport stop. Landmark: on the m side. Dybenko, along the tramways.

07:35 – Departure of the bus from the metro station Dybenko.

09:00 – Author’s excursion “History of Veps and Karelians”. Two people, two fates.

The beginning of the journey is the beginning of a fascinating story that will consist of the stories of our guide. From the very emergence of Karelia to the arrival of the Slavs, their influence on the Karelians and Veps, and how two civilizations and cultures intersect in the city of Olonets.

The specialist in this area will point to the deep relationship of the objects that you will visit. There will, of course, be a quiet time to take a nap on the road and gain strength before the upcoming busy day.

10:00 - Complex "Farm estate".

In the “Farmers’ Estate” you can find everything that is on a real farm – a refectory, a bakery and a mini-zoo. Eco-friendly products are grown here, from which dishes are then prepared according to ancient Veps recipes, and which you can buy and take with you: fish, bread, homemade sausages, Karelian liqueurs and much more.

In the farm estate you can arrange a full-fledged hearty breakfast to gain strength, ahead of all the most interesting.

12:00 – Visit to the Alexander Svir Monastery.

On the eastern bank of Ladoga, near the border with the Republic of Karelia, the Holy Trinity Alexandro-Svir Monastery has been standing for almost 500 years - a holy place and center for the spread of Russian culture to the northern lands of the Karelians and Veps.

Being the residence of Karelian bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Monastery throughout its history was under the patronage of Russian tsars and emperors, had funds for construction and continuously grew. Thanks to this, tourists can now admire with their own eyes one of the most grandiose church architectural complexes in all of Russia.

13:30 - Lunch.

In your free time after the tour you will be offered a comprehensive lunch in the cafe. Payable on the spot at will, the price range is 350-450 rubles.

15:00 - Olonets. Museum of Karelian-Livvik.

Olonets is the first Karelian city, from which Karelia subsequently grew, and therefore there is a museum with a rich collection of exhibits and monuments of material and spiritual culture of Karelian-Livviks. The life, crafts and rituals of the ancestors of modern Karelians are clearly presented, a special exhibition is dedicated to the merchant class of Olonets.

The staff of the museum deserves special mention, people are so in love with the history of the region that they certainly infect all visitors with their passion. This is a museum where no one gets bored.

The authentic appearance of the settlement is impossible to imagine without the famous Olonets suspension pedestrian bridges, which will be able to explore during a short photopause. The smooth curves of wooden structures over the surface of the water will be remembered as the embodiment of the balance of human hands and natural silence.

18:00 – Interactive program in the most fun village of Kindasovo.

The village of Kindasovo is the most cheerful village in Karelia, and the Kindasovites themselves declare themselves a “sovereign state”.

Upon arrival, you will immediately fall into the hands of the Fun Family. During the interactive program, they will introduce you to the musical culture of Karelia and will reveal the meaning of such words as “kantele”, “yuhikko”, “yoygi”, “piirileiki”, “runes”.

A special place in the program is occupied by acquaintance with the pastoral tradition and ancient tools of shepherds, on which everyone is allowed to play.

You will certainly be introduced to the Karelian doll Katti da Vasil - here it is not just a toy, but a keeper of tradition and a full-fledged resident of Kindasovo.

And then they will drag guests to the table with a smoking samovar, tell about how “Kindasovites cooked porridge” and why they ran for oil to the barn. And, of course, you will not be released without tea with Karelian homemade pastries on spring water!

20:30-21:00 – Arrival in Petrozavodsk. Hotel check-in, dinner and rest.

You will have a free evening to get acquainted with another attraction - Karelian cuisine during dinner.

The guide will tell you what restaurants are near your hotel, where guests are offered to try national dishes according to ancient recipes.

Day 2:

Programme option 1

08:30 - Breakfast at the hotel.

Attention! In hotels category "Standard" breakfast is not included in the price, but if you wish, you can order it already at the hotel at the reception, or have breakfast in a nearby cafe.

09:30 – Sightseeing tour of Petrozavodsk.

You will be greeted by the freshness of the early morning and a cozy bus, in which you will listen to a sightseeing tour and learn about the history of the capital of Karelia. You will be shown the main attractions, and will not ignore the visiting card of the city - the embankment of Lake Onega. This is the most beautiful place in Petrozavodsk, a real open-air museum.

Walking, you can make funny photos with a wallet for happiness from Riga or really futuristic with American fishermen from Duluth.

11:30 – Visit the ancient volcano Girvas.

In Girvas Park there is an ancient extinct volcano: 2.5 billion years ago lava flows erupted on the surface of the earth, and volcanic bombs with a diameter of more than 1 meter were thrown into the sky. From those times there were bizarre piles of stones, frozen lava tongues and the mouth of the paleovolcano.

The area around in its own way is beautiful: reddish rocks of granite framed by quiet backwaters, small waterfalls, abandoned trays for rafting forests. The volcano is a monument of international importance.

13:00 – Kivach Reserve and Waterfall, Nature Museum.

Kivach Falls is the second largest plain waterfall in Europe. Located on the Suna River in the central part of Karelia. Around it is the eponymous nature reserve and arboretum.

Kivach waterfall is incredibly beautiful and majestic in all weather. Compressed by basaltic rocks, the waters of the Suna River, from a height of 11 meters, fall in a heavy cast stream along the steps of the stone stairs, forming a powerful, in shreds of foam, whirlpool and creating an impressive noise.

In addition to observation platforms overlooking the cascades of the waterfall, tourists can get acquainted with the fauna and flora of Karelia in the nature museum, the entrance to which is already included in the price of visiting the reserve.

15:00 – Lunch in the tourist complex of Chalna.

You will be offered a delicious and hot complex lunch, which will be very useful after walking in the fresh air. Payable on the spot, at will (350 rubles)

In your free time you can visit the Karelian Santa Claus Talvi Ukko and his granddaughter Snow Maiden Lumikka. In their chambers you will be greeted by a fabulous atmosphere and entertaining expositions.

16:00 – Excursion to the kennel and deer farm. Free time.

You will get acquainted with a professional nursery of sled dogs of the Husky breed. This is not only an object for showing to tourists - here are collected dogs from the best international nurseries. Special attention is paid to training, so dogs are always cheerful and in good shape.

Sled racing is the spirit of excitement, competition, and the story of an experienced maur will reveal this amazing world for you. Then you can chat and take a photo of the husky. Animals are affectionate, very responsive, and will gladly share positive energy with you.

On the vast territory of the farm live reindeer - the main inhabitants of the north, and their life in a harsh climate is worthy of a separate story. In their free time, those who wish will be able to ride a dog sleigh as a maur or passenger, and on a deer sled. The service is purchased additionally on site.

In the home compound you will meet the most ordinary, but such cute inhabitants of the village farm.

In addition to getting acquainted with animals, you can go to the Sami village and look at the yarangas and plagues, traditional homes of the northern people, or send a photo with polar bears from the photo zone “Arctic”.

18:30 - Return to Petrozavodsk. Free time.

We have made arrangements to return to the city not too late so that you can have a pleasant evening at your discretion.

True connoisseurs of gastrotourism are invited to pay attention to the museum-restaurant “VKarelia There”, where tastings and culinary master classes are held in stylish interiors of the space. All dishes are prepared exclusively from local biological resources, according to native Karelian recipes or in a unique interpretation of the leading chef. It will be interesting to look at the immersive cave of Petroglyphs located here.

After dinner, allow yourself to enjoy the White Nights - daylight in summer lasts almost all day long. The expanse of the banks of Onega in the frame of sculptures in the style of “modern” in combination with urban architecture fills with a sense of relaxed evening promenade.

The excursion program of the second day can be replaced by an excursion to the island of Kizhi!

Option 2

09:30 – Departure by “Meteor” to the island of Kizhi

You will find a fascinating walk on a high-speed ship through the water expanses of Lake Onega. To land on the Meteor, you will need to present a printed voucher, which you will receive in advance by email or at the company office.

11:00 – Arrival on Kizhi Island. Tour program on the island with a local guide

On the island there is a museum of traditional peasant culture of the Russian North, one of the largest and most famous open-air museum-reserves in Russia. Upon arrival on the island, you will be greeted by a guide who will be your guide and assistant throughout the tour.

Acquaintance with Kizhi Island will begin with a walking tour (2 hours and 15 minutes). You can get acquainted with the monuments of wooden architecture: old houses, barns, mills. The center of the famous ensemble of the Kizhi Pogost is the 22-head Transfiguration Church, covered with many legends.

In the neighboring Intercession Church you will see the preserved masterpieces of Karelian icon painting. The guide will show you the oldest church of the Resurrection of Lazarus of Murom of the XIV century and tell its history.

You will also have the opportunity to take pictures in the preserved interior of the peasant house, where you will be shown traditional Karelian crafts. You can walk and enjoy the amazing bell ringing over the island.

13:15 – Free time on the island of Kizhi

After the tour you will have free time. You can order additional programs on the island: horseback riding, boat, bicycle, master class in traditional crafts, the sacrament of restoration, etc. Additional programs are ordered and paid for locally. The guide will tell you how this can be done.

15:00 – Transfer by Meteor to Petrozavodsk

After the excursions you can relax on the comfortable "Meteor" and take stunning photos of the panoramas of Lake Onega.

16:15 Arrival in Petrozavodsk. Free time.

After returning from Kizhi Island, you will have free time to dine in one of the city’s many restaurants and walk around the city. We recommend not to leave the Onega embankment, where in addition to the incredible views of the lake, you will find one of the most romantic restaurants - Frigate. We advise you to pay attention to the dishes of real Karelian cuisine.

 

Day 3:

08:00 – Breakfast at the hotel

Attention! In hotels category "Standard" breakfast is not included in the price, but you can order it at the hotel at the reception, or have breakfast in the nearby cafe.

11:00 – Karelian village of Kinerma

Continuing acquaintance with the diversity of the ethnic group of Karelia, we go deep into the taiga to a small but remarkable village. Kinerma is much different from Kindasovo: if there you were introduced to folk art, then here you will find the chronicle of generations, destinies, the natural life of rural life.

Here, neither a house, a monument of wooden architecture of the 19th century. The entire architectural complex of residential buildings and chapels is a museum dedicated to the life and life of Karelian peasants. In 2016, Kinerma was recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Russia.

As part of the excursion with a local resident, tourists will visit a traditional peasant house and hear a story about the village customs and traditions of the Karelians. Impressive and transports you to the past local photo archive. The picturesque terrain of the Russian north organically echoes with original huts in bizarre carved decorations.

The tour is carried out by a local resident if possible, so it is paid on the spot additionally. In any case, you can independently inspect the authentic buildings and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of a small village.

12:00 – Departure to the Ruskeala Mountain Park. The motley bay of Kiryavalahti

We are waiting for a picturesque road to one of the most famous sights of Karelia. The first half of the way you can take a nap, and then be sure to see the incredible beauty of the motley bay of Kiryavalahti. The road there will wind a snake along the very edge of Lake Ladoga, opening amazing views of the Ladoga skerries. If possible, the bus will stop for a photopause.

14:00 – Stop at the Ruskeal waterfalls of Ahvenkoski

The name of the river Tohmayoki, on which the waterfalls are located, means “rotation, vicissitude, impermanence”. These are small but picturesque cascades on a forest river surrounded by granite ledges. Like other similar waterfalls, they become stormy in spring and autumn. Special types of local waterfalls attract many film directors - there were shootings of the famous films "And the dawns are quiet", "Dark World".

You will not regret if you walk along the ecological route of the Alley of Tales, looking from top to bottom at the seething waters from the height of the suspended rope bridges stretched above them. Among the trees there are figures of characters of Karelian myths, legends and the famous epic “Kalevala”. So if you want to pay extra, you can walk over the water in search of beautiful shots on your camera.

15:00 – Ruskeala Mountain Park. Sightseeing tour and free time

The center of the park is the Marble Canyon - a huge emerald-transparent lake surrounded by sheer marble banks. Just this marble can be seen in the decoration of architectural masterpieces of St. Petersburg. On the perimeter of the lake laid several kilometers of walking paths. North of the lake is an abandoned marble factory, whose brick pipes attract many tourists. To the south of the lake there are cafes and souvenir shops where you can see and buy works of Karelian craftsmen.

At the entrance to the park you will be met by a licensed guide-representative of the park, and you will go on a tour that is dedicated to the history of Ruskeala as a monument to mining in Russia and Finland. You will be guided through the galleries and caves and shown the most beautiful viewing areas, where it is convenient to take photos. At the end of the tour, the guide will tell you about the possibilities of the mountain park in terms of entertainment and tell you how to find remote but beautiful places: Montferranovo Lake, Italian quarry and stone garden, Bright Lake with “wild” paths.

What other entertainment is there?

• "Underground Ruskeala" - a new excursion route through the galleries and caves in the depths of the marble mountain is in particular demand. Colorful highlights are woven with marble patterns, under the stone vault there is a charming echo of Karelian chants - this walk will be a truly fantastic experience.

• The secret paths of the land of Kalevala are an interactive part of the park, which will help you to get on the pages of the Karelian epic. You will get acquainted with light and dark fairy-tale heroes, try to catch the horse Heisi with a rope, and all this against the background of the Karelian landscape with a viewing platform on Lake Svetloye.

• Water walk on the marble lake – boat rental works from May to October. From this perspective, you can see marble caves that are not visible from above.

• The 400-meter-long troll along the marble cliffs is the park’s main adrenaline entertainment, operating all year round. From flying over the water surface of the sparkling green lake is breathtaking! You can also jump off a bungee or visit a rope town.

• “Abode of Angels” is a museum of wooden sculpture. Unparalleled exposition on 30 square meters, combining two worlds - people and angels, will allow you to look from different sides at the usual truths about time, power, well-being, creativity. With a close look, giving free rein to the imagination, you will discover the “talking” plastic wood, the hidden magic of emotions that the sculptor put into his creations.

17:30 – Departure of the Retro Train from Ruskeal

For those who want to plunge into the spirit of the historical journey, we have prepared the opportunity to go to the city of Sortavala under the knock of wheels on a real steam locomotive with ancient interiors. In high season, it is advisable to purchase tickets for the "Retrotrain" in advance, as they are quickly sold out.

18:00 - Departure of the bus from the mountain park

If you want to continue on the bus, you will have a little more free time in the park.

18:40 - Meeting at the station in Sortavala tourists from the train

19:40 - Lahdenpohya. Stop at the branded trout store

The correct completion of a large and interesting tour to Karelia will be the purchase of souvenirs of relatives and friends. Of course, there is always an on-duty option with refrigerator magnets, but we offer you something more interesting. Bring delicious souvenirs from Karelia!

The branded trout store is ready to offer not only smoked and salted red fish, but also a wide range of products of local farms. On the road, nothing will spoil, as everything can be packed in thermal bags.

Estimated time of arrival in St. Petersburg:

First stop: 23:30 - m. Lakes.

End stop: 00:00 - m. Rebellion Square