Why go?
Stroll through forests and mountains, explore the skerries by boat, raft down the turbulent Shuya River, and experience the mysteries of Valaam and Kizhi
The land of a thousand lakes and rivers
Karelia is a celebration of the water element. The majestic expanse of Lake Ladoga with its numerous secluded bays and rocky islets, tiny forest lakes called "lambushki," the full-flowing Shuya River framed by protected forests, the foaming caps of waterfalls… These incredible natural wonders are generously scattered throughout Karelia.
Maximum comfort
You'll enjoy not only a relaxing, contemplative vacation, but also a variety of active and even extreme adventures! You can ride a husky sled or race on a professional autodrome, go rafting, or take a jeep tour. And fishing enthusiasts will surely be delighted with their catch on Lake Ladoga or Lake Onega!
A unique program
Choose only the activities and excursions that suit you! We'll create a personalized tour program and take care of every detail: from transportation and accommodation to menus and photo and video shooting. Our team will be with you 24/7, so you don't have to worry about a thing. Just relax and enjoy!
Karelia: a land of lakes and Russia's first resort
Karelia is one of the most beautiful northern regions of Russia. Its primary attraction, of course, is its rugged yet tranquil nature. Ancient pine forests, moss-covered cliffs, 73,000 (!) lakes, cozy skerries, and even dormant volcanoes: all of this is captivating and captivating.
But Karelia's atmosphere is shaped by more than just its natural resources. The region boasts a rich history and authentic culture. In ancient times, it was visited by Vikings, was part of the wealthy Novgorod Republic, and was the source of marble for the construction of St. Isaac's and Kazan Cathedrals in St. Petersburg. It's quite symbolic that Karelia became Russia's first resort: in 1718, under Peter the Great, the "Martial Waters" spa was founded here. And today, several centuries later, tourists come to enjoy the natural beauty of this amazing region, learn about its traditions, and visit world-famous UNESCO World Heritage sites: Kizhi, Valaam, and the Solovetsky Monastery.
Season: Summer – early June to late September; Winter – late December to April.
Transportation: executive cars, Mercedes V-class minibuses, Yamaha speedboats, buggies and ATVs, MI-8 or Eurocopter helicopters.
Petrozavodsk
The republic's capital is a green city surrounded by dense forests on the shores of Lake Onega. Petrozavodsk has a long and fascinating history: founded in 1703, it was initially a metallurgical plant and later an arms factory. Today, it is the starting point for most tours of the region.
Igora Drive
The circuit was designed by architect Hermann Tilke, the creator of most Formula 1 circuits. Here you can test drive a sports car or arrange a group go-kart race. Experienced drivers will instruct you and accompany you throughout your time at the circuit.
Fishing
Karelia is the perfect place for trophy fishing. You'll go fishing on high-speed boats (115-300 hp) accompanied by a captain with a fishing background. All fishing gear is provided. Your caught fish can be cleaned in a designated area, frozen, and taken home.
Kizhi
A mysterious island, an open-air museum, and a unique monument of wooden architecture, the Kizhi architectural ensemble is unparalleled in the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is beautiful in any season, and in the summer, numerous vibrant festivals and celebrations are held here.
Ruskeala Mountain Park
One of Karelia's most famous landmarks is located on the site of an inactive marble mine. Here, surrounded by incredible views, you can explore underground mines or simply stroll among picturesque marble cliffs and pristine lakes.
Ruskeala Express
The vintage-style carriages evoke the atmosphere of Tsarist Russia. The Ruskeala Express's interiors aren't the only reason to travel: the retro train will take you through Karelia's most picturesque landscapes, including a beautiful bridge.
Ladoga skerries
Norwegian fjords in miniature are among the most recognizable sights in all of Karelia. The Ladoga skerries are numerous islands and bays that were declared a national park several years ago. You can explore the skerries up close by taking a speedboat ride through them.
Balaam
The Valaam archipelago on Lake Ladoga is famous above all for the monastery located on the main island. Surrounded by natural and man-made wonders, the calm waters of Lake Ladoga, and the inland forest lakes—the "lambushki"—one feels an incredible sense of peace. It is said that even the air on Valaam heals both soul and body.
Karjala Park
Here, you'll not only recharge with the joy of interacting with charming sled dogs, but also have the opportunity to take a master class on how to handle them and even go on a sled ride. Karjala Park also offers ATV and snowmobile tours.
Solovetsky Islands
The largest archipelago (347 square kilometers) in the White Sea, Solovki comprises six large islands with centuries-old histories. It also boasts incredible northern nature, beautiful in its restraint. Here you can observe beluga whales or take a walk through ancient stone labyrinths.
We know the recipe for an unforgettable trip!
Tour program of your choice
A storm of vivid emotions at the race track
We invite you to take a race car for a spin on a circuit designed by a Formula 1 track architect! Igora Drive will be an incredibly exciting experience for both novice and seasoned racers. In 2022, a new section with breathtaking elevation changes opened here. Excitement, incredible speed, and extreme sports await you during your visit to the circuit.
Depending on your skill level and experience, you can choose one of two race formats. Beginners can take a ride in a "race taxi"—a passenger seat in a race car piloted by a professional driver. Want to get behind the wheel of a powerful sports car yourself? Then you'll be treated to a master class: a driver-instructor will introduce you to the track's features and suggest the correct tactics, after which you'll take a drive around the track with them. Or, simply watch from the sidelines in a comfortable private box with drinks, snacks, and an excellent view of the track.
Available cars: various modifications of BMW M2 and PORSCHE CAYMAN.
Meals: in a restaurant serving Karelian cuisine.
Transport: business-class cars, Mercedes V-class minibus
Adrenalin
Speed
Legends of the Trails
BOR 812
Every sauna enthusiast should definitely stay at the BOR 812 Country Club! There are eight saunas to suit every taste: white saunas, black saunas, the Petrovskaya sauna for large groups (up to 22 people), saunas with haylofts, private terraces and plunge pools, a hammam, and the multi-level "Barrel" steam room. Enjoy any of the saunas with professional sauna attendants who know how to properly warm up and steam your body, and will enhance your experience with aromatic oils, massages, peels, and other luxurious spa treatments.
We'll stay at the stylish hotel attached to the sauna complex on the first day of our trip. The designer interiors of the rooms and the steamy steam rooms will help you get ready for the rest of your vacation.
Rafting on the Shuya River
Even those without any special training can raft down the full-flowing Shuya River. It's ideal for a first introduction to water sports, and the surrounding landscapes—pine forests and picturesque beaches—will perfectly complement the adrenaline rush of the rafting.
The adventure begins 40 km from Petrozavodsk, at the Yumanishki rapids. Here, experienced instructors will provide instructions and select the appropriate equipment for everyone. The easy level of difficulty means even children can join in, making it truly fun for the whole family! Rough waters, cool splashes, fresh air, and the unique Karelian nature, and at the end of the rafting, a picnic by the fire with a fragrant fish soup! Fishing is also an option: pike, perch, and pike-perch are common in the Shuya rapids.
Food: Karelian fish soup made from fresh fish
Transport: business-class cars, Mercedes V-class minibus
Water element
Extreme
Forests and open spaces
Ruskeala Mountain Park
We depart from the Sortavala train station on the atmospheric retro train "Ruskeala Express." En route to the mountain park, you'll enjoy the surrounding views and sample traditional Karelian teas, jams, and hot pastries. Upon arrival at the station, you'll board a horse-drawn carriage for a sightseeing tour of the park.
The centerpiece of Ruskeala is, of course, the Marble Canyon. This open quarry is filled with water, from which colorful cliffs rise, surrounded by pine and birch forests. Marble was once mined here, used, among other things, for the cladding of St. Isaac's and Kazan Cathedrals in St. Petersburg. Optionally, you can take a boat ride on the emerald waters of Lake Marble or descend underground into abandoned mines and follow the path of the miners.
Meals: in a restaurant serving Karelian cuisine.
Transportation: the Ruskeala Express retro train
Panoramic views
A trip into the past
Marble patterns
By boat to Valaam and the skerries
Lake Ladoga is truly the pearl of Karelia, a must-see destination in this region. After a delicious breakfast, we'll head to the pier for a boat ride to Valaam Island. Here, surrounded by forests, cliffs, and small forest lakes, lies the Valaam Monastery. A visit and tour of the grounds will be fascinating even for those with a neutral religious stance. Valaam is not only a spiritual center but also a fascinating history, closely intertwined with the history of our country, as well as picturesque views and the indescribable atmosphere of untouched nature, harmoniously blending with the majestic monastery buildings.
On the way back, we'll see the famous Ladoga skerries: secluded backwaters and bays among numerous islets scattered across the lake's surface. If you wish, you can disembark on one of the islets to take beautiful photos and swim in the cool, invigorating water.
Meals: picnic in the fresh air with a view of Lake Ladoga
Transportation: Yamaha Speedboat
Cozy skerries
Harmony
Space
Park-hotel "Dacha Winter"
The highest standards of service combine with the region's rich history and traditions. The Winter's Dacha Park Hotel blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape and is also a living museum: it houses interior design objects, photographs, and documents from the early 20th century, when the distinguished physician Gustav Winter had his dacha here.
You can choose to stay in hotel rooms (including junior suites and suites) or in cottages and a townhouse with a terrace. The hotel restaurant will introduce you to traditional Karelian cuisine, and its panoramic windows offer breathtaking views of Lake Ladoga and its beautiful skerries.
By boat to Kizhi Island
Kizhi is an island in Lake Onega, remarkable primarily for its incredible wooden architecture. It boasts true masterpieces of wooden architecture—houses and outbuildings, churches, and chapels. Complete with traditional household items, they offer a glimpse into the ancient village life of the Russian North.
During a tour of Kizhi, we'll see monuments of wooden architecture, including the famous three-hundred-year-old church "without a single nail." You'll witness the fascinating restoration of this historic site, learn many fascinating facts about local crafts, and immerse yourself in the peasant life of this unique place. A trip to Kizhi is sure to please even those who consider themselves indifferent to architecture: you can visit the museum, sample local cuisine, stroll through fields and ancient villages, visit the chapel, or climb the bell tower to see the island and the Onega skerries from a dizzying height.
Meals: lunch at a restaurant (traditional Karelian cuisine)
Transportation: Yamaha speedboat
Rest of the body
Relaxation
Spiritual harmony
Jeep tour to Girvas and Kivach volcanoes
The Kivach Nature Reserve is built around the Kivach Falls, the second-largest plains waterfall in Europe. This ice-free waterfall on the Suna River is a majestic spectacle of turbulent water, roaring whirlpools, caps of snow-white foam, and paths along rocky banks.
We'll also take a trip in prepared jeeps to the world's oldest volcano: scientists estimate that Girvas is approximately three billion years old! The trip to the crater itself is an adventure in itself: you'll explore wild landscapes, high-speed sections, sand dunes, protected forests, and even conquer rapids on the Suna River. We'll climb Mount Sampo and the Girvas Hydroelectric Power Station to enjoy the panoramic views and capture them in photos. Incidentally, Mount Sampo is considered a place of power. According to legend, you can make any wish here (or, to be absolutely sure, shout it from the summit), and it will definitely come true!
Meals: picnic with a view of the volcano.
Transport: individual transport Land Cruiser 200
Stormy waterfall
Speed and adrenaline
Places of power
Hotel complex "Ladozhskaya Usadba"
A premium resort on the shores of Lake Ladoga, surrounded by rocky hills and forests, in the cozy Niemelyankhovi Bay. A wonderful atmosphere of peace and oneness with nature reigns here, and the interiors of the rooms and cottages will satisfy even the most discerning guests: spacious and bright, they are fully equipped.
You can also visit the Ladoga restaurant, prepare delicious meals in the barbecue area, relax in privacy on the terrace, take a walk along the eco-trail, or unwind in the sauna complex. For guests with children, the complex offers a Creative Living Room with a variety of activities, an aviary, a squirrel house, and a playground.
Husky and reindeer kennels
Dog sledding is an important tradition in the northern regions. We'll visit a husky kennel, where you'll learn more about these amazing, hardy, and beautiful dogs, listen to an experienced musher explain the intricacies of husky training, and have the opportunity to ride a sled along a picturesque, groomed trail (winter season only, as a passenger or musher), take beautiful photos, and recharge your batteries. Besides the dogs, the farms are also home to majestic reindeer, which you can hand-feed. You can also ride in a reindeer sled.
If you wish, we can visit a Sami village with traditional northern dwellings—yarangas and tents—learn about the way of life of the northern nomads, and take a photo with polar bears.
Food: culinary master class on preparing traditional dishes
Transport: business-class cars, Mercedes V-class minibus
Friendly animals
The life of the Sami
Dog sleds
Akhvenkoski Waterfalls
Despite their small size (the drop is only 3-4 meters), the waterfalls are impressive in their beauty: snow-white and reddish foam, mossy gray rocks, and the green of the coniferous forests—this vibrant palette seems straight from the canvas of an inspired artist and is sure to leave a lasting impression. The local landscapes may seem familiar, as they were captured in the famous film "The Dawns Here Are Quiet" and the fantasy thriller "The Dark World."
You can admire the waterfalls, take beautiful photos, and experience the magic of the surrounding forests on a walk along the "Alley of Fairy Tales" eco-trail. Part of the route crosses suspended wooden bridges over the turbulent waters.
Meals: Karelian cuisine in a restaurant with a la carte menu
Transport: business-class cars, Mercedes V-class minibus
Colors of nature
The sound of water
Fairy tales and legends
Eco-hotel "Point on the Map"
"Point on the Map. Priozersk" is a unique design hotel on Cape Mayachny, boasting inimitable aesthetics and a convenient location. The hotel has won numerous national awards.
All rooms have private entrances and panoramic windows, allowing you to truly connect with nature. Natural materials are used in the decor. The grounds feature private barbecue pavilions, a café serving signature cuisine, and a sports equipment rental shop. Here you can enjoy the pristine pine air, exceptional service, and the thoughtful ergonomics of the spacious rooms.
Solovetsky Islands: Getting to Know the Belukhas
If you're traveling to Karelia for a week or longer, be sure to include 2-3 days in your itinerary for a trip to the Solovetsky Archipelago in the White Sea. The first traces of human presence on the islands date back to the 6th century BC, and in the 15th century, a famous monastery was founded and the first churches were built. In the 20th century, the Solovetsky Islands were home to the infamous Solovetsky prison camp, where criminal and political prisoners were held.
But the Solovetsky Islands are not only about religion and the dark pages of history. They are remarkable for their amazing nature and picturesque views. From Cape Beluzhiy, you can see adult white whales and the "nursery" where newborn belugas are nursed. Zayachy Island is home to mysterious stone labyrinths covered in moss and grass. Their origin and purpose are unknown, but there are certainly many legends associated with this place. You can also take a boat ride on the islands' inland lakes.
Transportation: Speedboats for travel to the islands and Beluga whale watching
Religion and history
Meeting the whales
Secrets
Karelian cuisine
Karelian, or Eastern Finnish, cuisine is a fascinating blend of the cuisines of the many peoples inhabiting this region: the Karelians, Vepsians, Izhorians, and neighboring Finland. During your trip to Karelia, you're sure to sample numerous authentic dishes that utilize the gifts of nature: wild plants, berries, and, of course, fish—the staple of the local diet.
Karelian fish soup, kalaruoka, deserves special attention; it's prepared differently in different parts of the region: for example, it can be made with milk or made with "spring fish," the bitterness of which is removed by straining the broth through birch charcoal. Also worth trying is the legendary kalitka, a "Karelian pie" made of rye dough and filled with a variety of fillings. And the aromatic fish pies are notable for the fact that, according to the classic recipe, they contain unpeeled fish—scales included.
Fish dishes
Unique combinations
Palette of flavors
Choose the appropriate format
A ready-made program or a custom adventure?
The Best of Karelia Most Popular
from 169,000 ₽/person.
from 5 days / cost for a group of 4 adults.- Accommodation in 4* hotels in Karelia with breakfast
- Outdoor picnics on excursions
- Transfers in a comfortable business class car
- Personal guide throughout the tour
- Excursions around Petrozavodsk on the day of arrival
- Visit to Mount Sampo, Kivach Nature Reserve, and Girvas Volcano
- A meteor ride on Lake Onega to Kizhi
- A boat trip to Valaam and the skerries of Lake Ladoga
- Ruskeala Park and a ride on the Ruskeala Express
- A quad bike ride through Karelian forests and lakes
- Lots of Karelian cuisine and fish
Premium tour from St. Petersburg Most Popular
from 360,000 ₽/person.
from 7 days / price for 4 adults.- Accommodation in the best hotels in Karelia
- V-class car transfers
- A daily menu of Karelian cuisine
- Personal guide throughout the tour
- A trip to Vyborg and city tours
- Walking through the Valley of Waterfalls
- >
- Racing cars at the circuit
- Ruskeala and a premium compartment on a retro train
- A boat trip along the Ladoga skerries
- Visit to the town of Olonets and the Karelian Livvi Museum
- A visit to the village of Mandrogi with tasting and master classes for children
Corporate Adventure Most Popular
individually
any dates / durationCONDITIONS FOR GROUPS OF 7 PEOPLE OR MORE- Interview a regional expert (20-30 minutes) and we'll create a personalized tour for you.
- The program you receive is thought out down to the last detail: accommodation, transportation, timing, daily agenda, menu, and a list of invited specialists.
- A corporate adventure can be of any length. We have extensive experience working with corporate and VIP groups.
