Tour to Sortavala for 3 days
Description:
1 day:
06:30 - Bus service Moscow (only on Saturdays and Sundays)
Landing place: St. Petersburg, Moscow, Demonstration passage, near the fountain complex
06:45 - Departure of the bus from m. Moscow
07:15 – Submission of the bus m.pl. Rebellions
Place of landing: St. Petersburg, m. sq. Uprising, Ligovsky Prosp., 10
Landmark: bookstore "Bukvoed"
07:30 - Departure of the bus from m. Rebellions
08:00 – Submission of the bus to M. Ozerka
Landing place: St. Petersburg, M. Ozerki, Vyborg highway, public transport stop
Landmark: Okay supermarket
08:05 - Departure of the bus from m. Lakes.
10:30 – Stop in Priozersk and external inspection of the Kexholm fortress
The ancient stone fortress of Kexholm (Korela in Russian version) will be the first stop on your tour. Located at the entrance to Karelia in Priozersk, it occupies one of the islands on the Vuoksa River. A half-hour stop at the fortress will allow you to relax, and see the shooting places of the film “Brother”. If you wish, you can explore the inner courtyard of the fortress and see the Round Tower, arsenals and bastions.
12:00 - Lahdenpohja. Yakkiman church. City of Angels
The unusual interior of the Lutheran church of Yakkim houses a touching exhibition dedicated to motherhood, which is called the City of Angels. Such a composition among the ruins of the church, accompanied by magical music, will charm with its mystery and allow you to make colorful photos.
The creator of this exhibition collects donations for the restoration of the church in the amount of 100 rubles.
13:30 – Stop for lunch in the city. sortawala
The center of this program is the city of Sortavala, only 30 km to the mountain park and the marble canyon of Ruskeala. You can visit one of the cafes of the city and try traditional Karelian cuisine or limit yourself to a comprehensive lunch.
15:00 – Stop at the Ruskeal waterfalls Ahvenkoski
At the entrance to the Ruskeala mountain park there is a picturesque place, once Ruskeala waterfalls served as a scenery for popular films: “And the dawns are quiet ...”, “Dark World” and TV series on NTV. At the moment, the territory of the waterfalls has been expanded, the paths of the eco-route “Alley of Tales” were held deep into the forest, and a rope bridge was mounted over the waterfalls.
16:00 – Ruskeala Mountain Park. Excursion "Marble Canyon" and free time
Ruskeala Mountain Park is a tourist complex that includes many interesting historical and entertainment facilities. Created on the site of production of Karelian marble, the park was recognized by the British edition of the Guardian as one of the most beautiful places in Russia. Today Ruskeala is a winner of many awards and awards and a platform for the creativity of architects, musicians and scientists.
A visit to the park will begin with a sightseeing tour “Marble Canyon” accompanied by a local guide, during which you will be shown all the observation platforms with the best views of the Marble Canyon and tell about how marble was mined and where it was used.
After the tour, you will have free time, which is sure to come in handy, since the territory of the mountain park is huge. These are not only walking paths around the Marble Canyon, but also view areas, the building of the old marble factory and equipped places for recreation. It will also be interesting to visit the fabulous secret trails of Kalevala or go to the underground kingdom of caves with a tour “Underground Ruskeala”. In the warmer hours of the day, boat trips on the lake, flight on the longest troll, bungalow jumps from cliffs, and much more are available.
18:00 - Black Stones. Karelian Zoo
For those who want to spend their free time not in the Ruskeala Mountain Park, we offer to visit the Karelian zoo at the Black Stones recreation center. It is surrounded by a picturesque Karelian forest on a preserved natural landscape. There are many species of animals - from raccoons to large bison and exotic takins that live in their usual open-air environment. Special water bodies have been created for waterfowl. Many animals like the attention of visitors and they will gladly give themselves petting and feeding. Tickets are purchased independently at the prices of the complex.
20:30 – Departure from Ruskeala Mountain Park
After a busy walk in the fresh air, a comfortable bus will go towards Sortavala.
21:00 – Arrival in the city of Sortavala. Dinner and rest
You will find a comfortable hotel in the cozy town of Sortavala on the shore of Lake Ladoga, or a modern country hotel and a free evening to visit one of the cafes of the city of Sortavala and walk along the embankment.
Day 2:
08:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
09:30 – Author’s excursion “The Rocky Coast of Kiryavalakhti and Ladoga Skerries”
Not far from the city of Sortavala, the beautiful landscapes of Ladoga begin with scattered rocky islands - this is the Ladoga skerries.
The road winds literally two meters from the edge of the lake. Kiryavalahti is very similar to the Norwegian fjord. On a sunny day, its surface sparkles in the rays of the sun - hence the name "mixed bay".
10:00 – Author’s excursion “Climb to the Devil’s Mountain”. Best views of Karelia
The top of the mountain is absolutely naked, from this place there is a unique view of Ladoga, and in sunny and clear weather you can see the domes of the Valaam monastery.
The climb is carried out with the help of a local guide, the only one who knows the safe way to the top.
Climbing the mountain is possible only in the warm season and does not require special training.
Attention! Those wishing to climb Mount Hiidenvoori should take into account that it passes through stones and steps and requires comfortable shoes and little physical effort. In case of adverse weather conditions can be canceled.
12:30 – Visit to the Bastion Historical Park
Those who wish to immerse themselves in the Viking Age are invited to the Museum of Living History of the Viking Age “Svartbjornborg”.
This is an interactive project, the reconstruction of a fortified settlement of the “Viking Age” on the banks of Ladoga. The museum is surrounded by fortress walls in the form of a palisade, with corner and gate towers. On the wall, you can go around the entire territory of the museum, climb any tower, which offers a panoramic view of the entire museum and Ladoga skerries, since the museum is located on the shore of Lake Ladoga.
You will be given an interactive tour of the reconstructed settlement of ancient sailors.
They will talk about the life, weapons and crafts of the Vikings. Each participant of the tour will be able to try on any costumes and armor, and feel himself in the role of a brave warrior, a rich merchant or ruler of lands. You can visit the acting forge and try to master the craft of the blacksmith, the tyre zone, with the opportunity to practice shooting from historical bows, as well as learn to throw combat spears and axes.
On the shore there is a pier with replicas of wooden ships of the 8th-11th centuries. All models of ships are operating, everyone has the opportunity to sit behind the oar of a real Viking Drakkar.
The jewel of the museum is the long Scandinavian house “Honey Hall” – the largest recreated Viking dwelling in Russia. The roof of the house is made in the form of an inverted drakkar. Inside the “Honey Hall” is one of the richest collections of household items, costumes and weapons of the Viking era in Russia.
Everyone will be able to taste the “hop honey” cooked here according to ancient recipes. Excursion and tasting are not included in the cost of the tour and are paid separately at will.
14:30 – Lunch in Sortavala
After a busy day you will be offered a delicious complex lunch in a good cafe in Sortavala.
15:30 – Sightseeing tour of the city of Sortavala
The city of Sortavala is located on the banks of Ladoga, in the heart of the Ladoga skerries. Part of the urban areas is located on the adjacent islands, so you will find a beautiful Karelian landscape.
The sightseeing tour includes a tour of the Sortaval architecture and local attractions such as the House of Leander, the monument to the runo singer and the temple of Nicholas the Wonderworker, under the fascinating stories of the guide.
16:00 – Author’s excursion “Vakkosalmi Park”. Mysteries of Kuhavuori Mountain Heritage
As part of the excursion you will visit the unique nature park "Vakkosalmi", which is the cultural and entertainment center of the city of Sortavala.
The park is very beautiful and equipped according to the Finnish project. In the center at the foot of the mountain there is an open-air concert hall "Singing Field", which is known for its excellent acoustics.
After the park, we will visit another observation deck – Mount Kuhavuori, a corner of untouched northern nature with stunning panoramic views of Sortavala and Lake Ladoga.
17:30 – Check-in to the hotel and free time in Sortavala
You will find a comfortable hotel in the cozy town of Sortavala or a modern country hotel, as well as a whole free evening to dine in one of the cafes of the city and walk along the promenade and city streets.
In your free time, we recommend visiting the museum of wood carver K.A. Gogolev. Kronid Gogolev is a famous wood carver, his works are recognized as a national treasure. Here you will get acquainted with real 3D paintings made of wood. After the museum, you can look into the nearby store and buy the famous Karelian balms and tinctures.
Day 3:
08:00 – Breakfast at the hotel and choice of program
This tour is unique in that you will be able to choose the type of holiday convenient for you. You can leave this day free and relax on your own, walk around the city, look at local shops and cafes, buy souvenirs, or just relax in the hotel from the bustle of the big city.
If you are a supporter of outdoor activities, we can offer you a list of exciting excursions that you can plan in advance with our managers:
Trip to Valaam:
The shrine and place of pilgrimage of many believers is known not only for its religious sights, but also for its architectural ensemble. You can spend a whole day on the island accompanied by a local guide, exploring the architectural ensemble of the Valaam Monastery from the Skete of All Saints to the concert of chants.
The approximate time of the excursion from 9:00 to 16:00 or from 11:00 to 18:00, the time depends on the occupancy of the Meteors. The exact departure time will be indicated in the voucher, which will be issued by the guide on the bus. Due to weather conditions, the flight can be officially canceled by the Valaam pilgrimage service. If you cancel your trip, we will offer you alternative excursion options.
Attention! Compulsory surcharge to the cost of the excursion to Valaam when departing on Saturdays is 400 rubles.
Visit the ancient waterfalls White bridges:
One of the most beautiful places in Karelia. You will be waiting for a trip by specialized transport to the waterfalls, which are considered one of the highest in Karelia.
You will see the waterfalls of Koirinoy, White Bridges and Dairy, each of which is unique in its own way. And at the end of the tour you can visit the abandoned deposit of semi-precious stone "garnet" and personally get a souvenir for memory. The approximate time of the excursion from 09:00 to 14:00.
е A boat ride on the Ladoga skerries:
These places preserve ancient legends and true northern beauty. Among the skerries are hidden such architectural monuments as the Church of Nicholas the Wonderworker and the dacha of Gustav Winter, which you will swim through. You will also see some of the islands, Havus and Kaarnetsaari, from which Nicholas Roerich painted his painting The Coming.
And on the uninhabited island of Honcasalo, you will climb one of the mountains, called the “Roof of Ladoga”, and look at the lake and skerries, you will feel the greatness of the harsh northern landscapes.
After an unforgettable walk, you will join the group on your way back. Estimated departure time at 15:30.
18:30 - The gathering of the group in the city sortawala
After intense walks, you will find a comfortable bus to depart for St. Petersburg with a small stop at the company trout farm.
19:30 – Visit to the trout store
Stop to visit the store from the farm is made on the way back to St. Petersburg, so that everyone could buy fish Karelian delicacies.
21:20 - Technical stop in Priozersk
Estimated time of arrival in St. Petersburg:
First stop: 23:30 - m. Lakes.
Second stop: 00:00 - m. Rebellion Square
End stop: 00:30 - m. Moscow