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Saami Village Christmas and New Year Experience with St Petersburg


This 12-day experience offers a variety of activities including several days in the city of St Petersburg, Komi folk performances, a visit to a Christmas fair, and plenty of time to relax by the campfire.
Overview
Looking for an adventure like no other this Christmas? Then look no further! From cosy campfires to reindeer sledge rides, this Saami Christmas and New Year experience is the perfect festive get-away for you and the family. Start your experience in the enigmatic city of St Petersburg before heading North to discover the customs of the Saami people through festive dance, games and banquets. If you are looking for a unique culture-packed Christmas away from home, then this is the tour for you. This 12-day experience offers a variety of activities including several days in the city of St Petersburg, Komi folk performances, a visit to a Christmas fair, and plenty of time to relax by the campfire.
Komi folk ensemble performance
Riding a reindeer sled across the frozen lakes
Time to relax in a Russian sauna
Visit to the local ethnographic museum
Visiting the local Christmas fair
Guided tour of Catherine Palace
Visit to the Hermitage Museum
Stroll around Pavlovsk Park
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.
Arrival Transfer
Free Time
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Day 2
Walking tour of the State Hermitage Museum
After breakfast, you will begin your day by meeting your guide and driver in the hotel lobby where you will embark on a city tour by car, taking in the most spectacular sights found in Russia’s second city.
After your tour, you will stop for lunch at a local café, before enjoying a walking tour of the city where you will visit Palace Square and the splendid Hermitage Museum, including the Winter Palace, Small Hermitage, Old Hermitage, New Hermitage, and General Staff Building. With your guide, you will see the state interiors of the Winter Palace, the most glorious Tsar residence in Russia, started by Empress Elizabeth I and finished under Catherine the Great’s rule.
After your walking tour of the Hermitage, you will head back to your hotel where you will have some free time to relax or do some exploring yourself.
Breakfast & Lunch
Expert Guide
Hermitage Museum
Winter Palace
City Tour by car
Free Time
Souvenir Shopping
Scenic Surrounds
Day 3
Guided tour of the Catherine Palace and Amber Room
Today you will enjoy a spectacular guided tour of one of St Petersburg’s most well-known attractions, the Catherine Palace along with its famous Amber Room.
After breakfast, you will meet your guide and driver and depart for a tour at the Tzar’s village. Here, you will start your guided tour of the Catherine Palace and Amber Room with special fast-track admission, so no need to worry about waiting times!
After the tour, you will be taken to a nearby park café or restaurant for some lunch, before moving onto the next part of your day, a trip to the newly opened Faberge Museum. The museum boasts a unique private collection of Faberge eggs and jewellery, with over 4,000 items beautifully displayed in the unrivalled Shuvalov Palace. The museum also features a wide collection of paintings, statuettes, and applied arts.
In the evening, you will return to your hotel where you will have some free time to relax or continue exploring yourself.
Breakfast & Lunch
Expert Guide
Catherine Palace
Fast Track Admission
Amber Room
Faberge Museum
Free Time
Souvenir Shopping
Day 4
Visit to Pavlovsk
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast followed by a full morning of free time to explore the city as you see fit. In the afternoon, you will meet up with your guide and driver for the trip to the Pavlovsk Imperial Residence. While in Pavlovsk, you will be shown around the palace of Emperor Paul I, the only legitimate son of Empress Catherine the Great.
Your day will end with a tour of Pavlovsk park with the option of taking a Russian Troika ride (at additional charge) to maximise the experience.
In the evening, you will return to your hotel where you will have plenty of time to relax.
Breakfast
Free Time
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Expert Guide
Pavlovsk Palace and Garden
Optional Extras
Day 5
Train to Murmansk
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel in St Petersburg and meet your driver for the transfer to the train station. You will arrive at the station in plenty of time to catch the 10:00am train to Murmansk.
The rest of your day will be spent on the train, giving you plenty of time to relax and reflect on your time in St Petersburg.
Breakfast
Departure Transfer
Day on the Train
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Travel to


Murmansk
The most Northern city in the Russian Federation, Murmansk has a long history as a naval port strategically located on the Kola Peninsula. Murmansk is primarily an industrial city, however growing interest in major tourist attractions such as the Northern Lights and better transport links between St Petersburg as well as to Norway and Finland are making the city an up-and-coming tourist destination.
Day 6
Arrival in Murmansk
Most of your day will be spent on the train heading for Murmansk. On arrival in the city, you will be taken to your hotel where you will check in and have some free time to relax or explore the city and stretch your legs.
Depending on the weather, there may be a chance to see the Northern Lights for an additional fee. If so, your guide will let you know and meet you in your hotel to begin your Aurora hunting experience.
Day on the Train
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Arrival Transfer
Free Time
Optional Extras
Travel to


Krasnoshchelye village
A rural village settlement situated in Russia’s Northern Murmansk Oblast, Krasnoshchelye Village stands 157m above sea level beyond the Arctic circle, on the Kola Peninsula. The settlement is primarily home to the native Izhma Komi and Saami people and has a distinct culture from those of the nearby Russian settlements. The village is best known as the filming location of “The Tundra Race” by German director René Harder, which portrays the village and its inhabitants.
Day 7
Reindeer sled ride around Lovozero
After breakfast, your driver and guide will meet you at the hotel before setting off on the 2 ½ hour journey to Lovozero. Once you have arrived in Lovozero you will stop for lunch before changing into some warmer clothes for a sled ride pulled by a snowmobile to nearby Krasnoshchelye. On the lakes outside the village of Lovozero, we will stop near the Komi family chum where the hospitable Komi will offer you a ride on reindeer sleds.
On arrival at your guesthouse retreat, you will check in and enjoy some well-needed time in a Russian Banya surrounded by beautiful pine forests before settling down to a full selection of traditional Saami dishes for your evening meal.
After dinner you will be able to spend some time around the campfire watching the stars and may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Expert Guide
Snowmobile sled ride
Cultural Immersive Experience
Reindeer sled ride
Russian Banya
Food & Drink Experience
Star gazing around campfire
Day 8
Relaxation day in Krasnoyschelye village
After a leisurely breakfast, you will enjoy a relaxing stroll around the village where you will get to visit the local historical museum.
After a morning of exploring, you will stop for a late lunch before setting up the sauna where you will get the chance to help by collecting water or splitting firewood. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon accompanied by the scent of birch and juniper twigs. In the evening, you will enjoy a lighter evening meal of freshly caught fish from the Ponoy River, before having a bit of free time to go for a walk around camp.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Free Time
Historical museum
Cultural Immersive Experience
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Day 9
Ice fishing with the locals
After breakfast, you will head over to the nearby lakes for a spot of ice fishing, before learning how to build a national dwelling “Kuvaksa”, to make a campfire, and start a samovar. You will stop for lunch in the kuvaska where you will get to hear the stories of local fishermen.
Upon returning from fishing, you will have time to relax in the Russian sauna before enjoying an Orthodox Christmas Eve dinner based on traditional pancakes.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Ice fishing
Kuvaksa building
Samovar
Cultural Immersive Experience
Food & Drink Experience
Sauna
Day 10
Visiting a local Komi village
After breakfast, you will visit the Orthodox School and Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov before enjoying some free time cross-country skiing in a nearby forest and stopping for a late lunch.
After lunch, you will head over to the Ethno-cultural centre for an exclusive Komi folk ensemble before having the chance to visit the local souvenir shops and see a traditional Komi peasant hut, preserved from the 19th century.
In the evening, you will head back to your campsite and enjoy a festive meal made up of traditional local dishes.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Orthodox School
Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov
Free Time
Ethno-cultural centre
Komi folk ensemble
Souvenir Shopping
Food & Drink Experience
Day 11
Visiting the Saami Museum in Lovozero Village
After breakfast you will have time to pack up your belongings and get dressed up in your warm clothes before saying your goodbyes. Enjoy a final sled ride pulled by a snowmobile back to Lovozero village where you will get the chance to make a few stops to take any final photos along the way and get some lunch. After arriving in Lovozero Village, you will visit the local Saami Museum and have lunch before being transferred to Murmansk by minibus.
On arrival in Murmansk, you will check into your hotel where you will spend the evening.
Breakfast & Lunch
Snowmobile sled ride
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Saami Museum
Free Time
Souvenir Shopping
Day 12
Departure from Murmansk
After breakfast, you will have time to pack up your belongings and get dressed up in your warm clothes before being transferred to the airport. You will be able to enjoy a short sightseeing tour before arriving at the airport where this tour will end.

Plane Landing at Airport at Dawn
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
Accommodation as part of the tour
All tours are COVID-19 secure and offer flexible booking options. Visit our Covid-19 information page to find out more
Car transfers to/from Murmansk to/from Lovozero
English speaking guide (other options available)
Entrance fees to museums (as part of the tour)
Entrance tickets to the local museum and ethno-cultural centre
Food and drink (as mentioned in the tour itinerary)
Russian Tourist Visa Invitation
St Petersburg to Murmansk train tickets (2nd class with meal option)
Transfer to/from Lovozero to/from Krasnoschelye on a sledge pulled by a snowmobile
Transport as part of the tour
What’s not included
Food and drinks (unless specified)
International flights / transport
Laundry Services
Northern Lights excursion on Day 6
Optional excursions and activities
Personal costs (souvenirs, additional snacks etc)
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
This is a group tour which requires a minimum number of passengers to join the tour. Click here for more information about group tours.
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
Please note that this tour requires a minimum number of passengers in order to go ahead. Please ensure you have suitable clothing with you including thermowear, several pairs of warm socks, sweater with high sliver, warm cap and gloves for evenings. You will need to bring your own swimwear in order to use the sauna. As you will be visiting a remote location, you should also make sure that you have packed any essential medicines and prescription medication before you leave.
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.
Arctic Requiem: The Murmansk Run (The Quiet Captain Book 2)
Set during the turbulent times of World War II after the fall of France, Poland and Belgium, Arctic Requiem is a gripping tale that follows the lives of Captain McKnight and their dangerous mission to cross the Arctic Ocean in an effort to deliver precious war relief from President Roosevelt to help England and Russia turn the tide in the war. Aaron and Hunt effortlessly detail the struggles of the crew from the punishing conditions of the Arctic climate to the constant threat of German saboteurs working to stop them in their tracks.
Russia: Lonely Planet
The ultimate guidebook to Russia that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s Russia is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling to this vast country from how to get around, the best places to eat in its most popular cities, what you need to see while you are there, cultural highlights, currency and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips about key attractions such as the Moscow Kremlin, Lake Baikal and the Romanov sites, this guide includes detailed maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
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.
St Petersburg: Three Centuries of Murderous Desire
The undeniable soul of Russia, St Petersburg is a city full of intrigue, decadence and grandeur. Established by Peter the Great in 1703, the city would rise to become Russia’s capital city and home of contrasts from both artistic and intellectual genius to cutthroat politics, seditious scandal and debauchery. Miles recreates the drama of 300 years in a city of contrasts, where Pushkin Dostoyevsky and Tchaikovsky thrived, and war, revolution and starvation was commonplace paving the way for Lenin and Stalin’s brutal quest for power. This tale is filled to the brim of murder, madness and undeniable splendour.
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
Enhance your travel experience with one of our available tour upgrades. Whether you are looking to go first class on the train or swap your standard hotel for a luxury 5-star option, our Sales team are on-hand to help. Simply, let us know when booking your tour and we can arrange this for you.
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Visa Information
