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Karelia ‘Myth and Mystery’ Tour with Solovetsky Island and St Petersburg


This 9-day experience includes a walking tour of St Petersburg and the Peterhof, a visit to the mysterious Belomorsk petroglyphs and the Solvetsky Islands.
Overview
A spectacular 9-day tour exploring the wonders of North Russia, from the architectural grandeur of Russia’s cultural capital, St Petersburg, to the breath-taking nature reserves, lakes, and caves of Karelia. If you are looking for that perfect blend of culture and nature, then this fantastic tour of North Russia is necessary. As part of this experience, you will have a walking tour of St Petersburg and the Peterhof, see the mysterious Belomorsk petroglyphs, and learn more about the history of the Solvetsky Islands.
Tour of the Peterhof with Grand Palace and park
Visit to the White Sea Belomorsk petroglyphs
Walking tour of the Kizhi Museum Reserve
Sightseeing tour of the Solovetsky Kremlin
Day trip to Sekirnaya Hill and the Church of the Ascension
Itinerary


St Petersburg
The pinnacle of art and culture in Russia, St Petersburg, is one of the country’s most visited destinations and former capital city. Nicknamed the ‘Venice of the North’ due to its elaborate system of canals, the city lies on the Neva River. It is popular with tourists and includes several of Russia’s most famous attractions including the Hermitage Museum, Catherine Palace and the Peterhof.
Day 1
Arrival in St Petersburg
On arrival in St Petersburg, your driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel ready for check-in.
You will have some free time in the evening to explore the city for yourself or relax at your hotel ready for the long day of exploring ahead.
Arrival Transfer
Free Time
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Day 2
St Petersburg city tour and visit to the Hermitage
After breakfast, you will enjoy an action-packed day of touring around St Petersburg with a visit to Nevsky Prospect, St. Petersburg’s most famous and vibrant thoroughfare. Explore the city’s most interesting architectural monuments including the Kazan Cathedral (exterior), the Winter Palace and more.
You will have some time to stop for lunch at a local restaurant before moving onto part two of your St Petersburg experience, a visit to the Hermitage museum. Holding close to three million works of art on display from the likes of Rembrandt, Matisse and Picasso, the Hermitage is a must-see for any art enthusiast. If ancient art is more your thing, then you will be pleased to know that the museum has an excellent Greek and Roman antiquities collection.
After your trip to the Hermitage, you will return to your hotel for an evening meal and a well-needed rest.
Breakfast
City Tour by car
Religious Buildings & Monuments
Nevsky Prospect
Winter Palace
Hermitage Museum
Travel to


Petrozavodsk
Petrozavodsk stretches along the Western shore of Lake Onega in North Western Russia and is the capital city of the Republic of Karelia. The city is a beacon of arts and culture and is home to various museums and galleries including the Museum of the Republic of Karelia and Museum of Fine Arts as well as spectacular ornate cathedrals dating to the 19th century including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Day 3
Walking tour of the Peterhof
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel before meeting your guide and setting off for the Peterhof by hovercraft.
Your day will include a spectacular tour of the Peterhof with a visit to the Grand Palace and Lower Park. This complex, reminiscent of the French Versailles, was created by Peter I as a suburban residence decorated with mansions, museums, sculptures, pavilions, and numerous ornately decorated fountains.
After visiting the Peterhof, you will have time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, before returning to St Petersburg city where you will be transferred to Ladozhsky railway station before getting the high-speed train to Petrozavodsk.
Once you have arrived in Petrozavodsk, you will be taken to your hotel for check-in and some free time in the evening.
Breakfast
Peterhof Palace
Scenic Surrounds
Transfer to Train
New Destination by Train
Travel to


Kizhi
A remote island located in the centre of Lake Onega in the Republic of Karelia, Kizhi, is a popular tourist destination known for its intrinsic beauty and remarkable architecture. Kizhi has a long history dating back to the 15th century and is known for its open-air museum which features over 80 historical wooden buildings including the 18th century UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kizhi Pogost.
Day 4
Visiting the Kizhi Pogost UNESCO World Heritage Site
After breakfast you will begin your walking tour of Petrozavodsk, the capital of the Republic of Karelia and known for being one of the greenest cities in the north-west of Russia. During the tour, you will learn about the history of the republic, before visiting a unique sculpture garden on the embankment of Lake Onega.
After your morning walk, you will be taken to Kizhi, where you will have some time for lunch before starting the second part of your day with a walking tour of the Kizhi Museum Reserve.
The reserve is one of the largest open-air museums in Russia, holding many important collections of Russian cultural heritage, including the 18th century Kizhi Pogost with its striking wooden architecture, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
After your visit to Kizhi, you will return to your hotel in Petrozavodsk for the evening.
Breakfast
City Tour
Lake Onega
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Kizhi Museum-Reserve
Prominent Landscape
Travel to


Kem
A historic maritime town in Northern Russia on the shores of the White Sea, Kem, the administrative centre of Kemsky District of the Republic of Karelia. Kem dates to the 15th century, when the demesne of the Novgorod posadnik, Marfa Boretskaya, donated the town to the nearby Solovetsky Monastery. The town has become a popular destination for those wanting to visit the Solovetsky Islands and is home to a spectacular 18th century wooden cathedral.
Day 5
Uncovering the Belomorsk Petroglyphs
Today you will leave Petrozavodsk behind and head to Kem, for an inspirational excursion to see the White Sea Petroglyphs. After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and meet your driver who will begin the journey to Kem.
You will stop for lunch at a café on the way, before making a stop to see the Belomorsk petroglyphs. Thought to have been created over 5000 years ago by the ancestors of the modern Baltic-Finnish people, the petroglyphs are one of the finest examples of pre-historic art in the world.
After leaving Belomorsk, you will continue the journey to Kem, where on arrival, you will check into your hotel and have some free time to reflect on the experiences of the day.
Breakfast & Lunch
Transfer
Belomorsk petroglyphs
Scenic Surrounds
Free Time
Travel to


Solovetsky Islands
An archipelago situated in Onega Bay in the White Sea; the Solovetsky Islands are a group of six major islands with a rich history and UNESCO heritage status. The islands are best known for the Solovetsky Monastery, which was one of Northern Russia’s most imposing citadels until it was converted into a Soviet prison in the 1920s and 30s. Aside from the monastery, the islands are highly regarded for their natural beauty and untouched coastline.
Day 6
Exploring the Solovetsky Islands
After breakfast you will check out of your hotel in Kem head out by MS “Vasily Kosyakov” on to the Solovetsky Islands.
Your time on the islands will start with a sightseeing tour of the Solovetsky Kremlin, where you will experience unique architectural examples. Including the Solovetsky monastery, a majestic structure with walls built from sea-polished granite boulders, intricately designed, and blended to compliment the natural surroundings.
After your visit to the Kremlin, you will have time to get some lunch as a local café before checking into your hotel. After checking in, you will be free to explore the island to your heart’s content.
Breakfast & Lunch
Boat Trip
Prominent Landscape
Solovetsky Kremlin
Solovetsky monastery
Free Time
Day 7
Tour of Sekirnaya Hill
Day two on the Solovetsky Islands will consist of a walking tour of Sekirnaya Hill, one of the highest points of the largest Solovetsky Island.
After breakfast, you will start your day trip to Sekirnaya Hill where you will enjoy panoramic views of Northern Solovki and the White Sea. Your guide will talk you through the ominous history of the St. Ascension skete, 19th century monastery buildings and the lighthouse.
After your tour, you will return to your hotel where you will check-out, before enjoying lunch at a local café and departing for Kem by the MS “Metel.” On arrival in Kem, you will check into your hotel and have a bit of free time to relax.
Breakfast & Lunch
Sekirnaya Hill
Walking Tour
Prominent Landscape
Boat Trip
Free Time
Day 8
Train journey to St Petersburg
Today, you will spend the day on the train back to St Petersburg. After an early breakfast-box, you will check out of the hotel and your driver will take you to the train station for your morning departure to St Petersburg. You will arrive in St Petersburg late in the evening where your driver will meet you at the station and take you to your hotel.
Breakfast
Day on the Train
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Day 9
Departure from St Petersburg
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and your driver will take you to the train station where your tour will end.
Breakfast
Departure Transfer
Where you can stay
A hotel can be the make or break of any experience, and we understand that choosing the right hotel is important to our travellers. Check out our range of hotels ahead of time, and learn more about our standard 3-star options and the luxury 5-star upgrades that are available in the destinations you will be visiting.
Please note that the selection of hotels included here are examples of where you may stay on your tour, we will pick the best option for you based on your travel requirements.
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Dates & Rates
Please select the amount of travellers in your group and language requirement of your guide.
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*This tour’s total cost is an estimate, based on travel costs prior to tickets being released. The price is subject to fluctation of up to 10%.† Based on 2 people sharing a twin room.
More information
What’s included
All tours are COVID-19 secure and offer flexible booking options. Visit our Covid-19 information page to find out more
Breakfast
English speaking guide (other options available)
Entrance fees to museums, attractions and parks
Food and drink (as mentioned in the tour itinerary)
Russian Tourist Visa Invitation
Transport (as specified in the tour itinerary)
What’s not included
International train / plane tickets
Personal costs (souvenirs, additional snacks etc)
Photo / video charges
Tips for drivers/guides/in restaurants
Travel / medical insurance
Visa processing
Travel Tips
All travellers are asked to check the vaccination requirements before travel. Visit our Vaccines and Health page to find out more
Any dietary or allergy requirements will need to be disclosed before the start of the tour
Carrying a water bottle with you is recommended
Medication should always be taken with you and kept on your person
Please ensure that you keep any personal documents and valuables on your person at all times
WIFI will be available at most of the hotels, although mobile coverage may vary in rural areas
Your local guides will recommend stops where you can go souvenir shopping during your tour
Special notes
There are no special notes for this tour
Suggested reading
Enrich your travel experience with our list of top recommended books from specialist travel guides to compelling novels. Whether you are looking for something to pass the time on the train, or want to get to grips with the local history, reading is essential to turning your trip into a fully-fledged experience.
St Petersburg
The ultimate guidebook to St Petersburg that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s St Petersburg is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling to any destination from how to get around the city, the best places to eat, what you need to see while you are there, cultural highlights and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips, this guide includes detailed maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
Top 10 St Petersburg
One of the UK’s favourite pocket guides, the ‘Top 10’ series of city guides provide easy to follow listicles of city’s top events, attractions, restaurants, bars and more. Top 10 St Petersburg provides a brief introduction to the ‘Venice of the North’ from its magnificent canals, elegant bridges and sprawling boulevards to its ornate palaces that line the city. This recently updated guide breaks down each area of interest into helpful lists of 10 so you always know the best places to visit at a glance.
The Karjala Story: Revolution, War, Wonder
If you are interested in the Swedish-Russian conflicts over the Karjarla story, then this very well researched book should be your best reference point. This complicated territory and Karjalas multifaceted identity are explored through original sources, photographs and touching familial memoirs. The book will leave you with a direct, emotive and in-depth understanding of the life of people in Karjala during Work War II
Extras & Upgrades
Extras
Customise your experience with our spectacular range of tailor-made tour extras. If you have some free time during your tour and are unsure how to spend it, then our extras may be just what you are looking for, with various activities ranging from an hour long to a full day. Simply, let us know when booking your tour and we can arrange this for you.
Upgrades
Sorry, we currently do not have any upgrades readily available for this tour. However, if you are interested in customising your travel experience, please contact our Sales team at travel@realrussia.co.uk for assistance.
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