Saint Petersburg and active Karelia

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Introduction to Saint Petersburg

  Arrival in Saint Petersburg and check-in at your hotel. After lunch, visit the places of interest in Saint Petersburg. Mix the must-see tourist sites with more alternative places, known only by the locals. Stroll along Nevsky Prospect, the main street of Saint Petersburg. Visit the Kazan Cathedral, one of the most picturesque churches on Nevsky Prospect. On the way, gradually step off the beaten path, stop in typical local bars, discover hidden graffiti in the courtyards, and explore several beautiful small streets with impressive architecture. Take a photo of a colorful and breathtaking cathedral: the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood (Tserkov 'Spasa na Krovi). Climb 300 steps up to the colonnade of Saint Isaac's Cathedral to admire a superb panoramic view of the city.

• day 2

  Visit to Peterhof

  In the morning, set out for the whole day to visit the Peterhof Palace, world-renowned as the "Russian Versailles," listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Peterhof is a series of majestic palaces and colorful gardens located near Saint Petersburg. For 200 years, it served as the summer residence of Russian monarchs. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was a place for majestic receptions, grand festivities, balls, concerts, and masquerades. Visit the Grand Palace, stroll along the green paths of the Upper and Lower Parks, pass by 150 different fountains, and rest by the Gulf of Finland. Transfer to the train station. Take a night train to Petrozavodsk (overnight on the train).

• day 3

  Petrozavodsk, the Kivatch Nature Reserve

  Arrival in Petrozavodsk, the capital of the Republic of Karelia, meeting with the guide at the station and breakfast. City tour of Petrozavodsk. You will get acquainted with the history of the capital of Karelia and visit its main sights. Departure for Kondopoga. Upon arrival in Kondopoga, you will discover an old wooden church – the Church of the Assumption. Built in 1774, this church is considered the swan song of Russian wooden architecture. The iconostasis and the ceiling, covered with original 18th-century icons, are of great interest. Arrival at the Kivatch Nature Reserve. Founded in 1932, this reserve is one of the oldest in Russia. Its territory brings together all the landscapes you can find in Karelia: 197 species of birds, 48 mammals, 18 species of fish, and 569 plants, including the famous Karelian birch. At the heart of the nature reserve is the picturesque Kivatch waterfall, the second largest waterfall in Europe. In the evening, you will return to Petrozavodsk where you will spend the night at the hotel.

• day 4

  Kiji Island

  Departure for Kizhi Island by hydrofoil. An excursion to the Kizhi open-air museum of wooden architecture. It is one of the first open-air museums and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Russia. The jewel of the museum is its world-renowned ensemble of wooden churches, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. In the evening, return to Petrozavodsk. Dinner and overnight stay.

• day 5

  Hiking with huskies

  The transfer to Kerala Park. The excursion to the husky farm. The instruction and safety measures. Huskies are the friendliest and most sociable dogs in the world, so it won't take long to become friends with them. The trail is about 3 km long and passes through a picturesque pine forest in Karelia. Each member of the hiking group will have their own dog to get acquainted with. Lunch with traditional Karelian dishes - mmmm! Evening: the fast train to Saint Petersburg (5 hours). Transfer to the hotel, check-in, rest.

• day 6

  Say goodbye

  It's time to say goodbye to Russia and Saint Petersburg! The transfer to the airport, then the return flight home.