Almas Russia · 2026
Karelia Grand Expedition
Six days across Karelia: Valaam, Ruskeala, the Ladoga skerries, Kizhi and Kivach, travelling with your own group.
Day-by-day program
Day 1 — St. Petersburg to Sortavala
Leave St. Petersburg by private vehicle for the Ladoga region, with breaks along the way. Have lunch and walk through Sortavala before checking in. We fit an Ahvenkoski waterfall stop around the route and arrival time. Dinner is included.
Welcome dinner included. Other lunches and dinners are paid separately; we can help with restaurant choices.
Day 2 — Valaam
Travel to Valaam on the confirmed sailing and meet a local guide for the monastery and island paths. Lunch is arranged in advance, with ingredients checked against your requirements. If the crossing is cancelled, choose an agreed land alternative; another water outing is not assumed to be safe in the same weather.
Breakfast included. Lunch included; the venue or packed lunch is agreed before departure. Other lunches and dinners are paid separately; we can help with restaurant choices.
Day 3 — Ruskeala and the retro train
Take the Ruskeala Express from Sortavala on the booked departure, then explore the marble canyon and park paths. Have lunch before more time in the park. The underground route and adventure activities depend on separate reservations and are included only when listed in your quote. Return to the Sortavala area.
Breakfast included. Lunch included; the venue or packed lunch is agreed before departure. Other lunches and dinners are paid separately; we can help with restaurant choices.
Day 4 — Ladoga skerries and fishing
Head into the skerries by boat when conditions permit. The captain chooses the route and permitted landing places; fishing is subject to local rules and a catch is not guaranteed. Lunch is arranged for the outing. SUP and a lakeside banya are optional and must be agreed in advance.
Breakfast included. Lunch included; the venue or packed lunch is agreed before departure. Other lunches and dinners are paid separately; we can help with restaurant choices.
Day 5 — Across Karelia to Kizhi
Leave early for the long road transfer to Petrozavodsk, timed to a confirmed boat to Kizhi. Explore the island's wooden buildings before returning to Petrozavodsk for dinner and the night. The road and sailing times must be checked together before this day is confirmed; a late arrival may require a change to the programme.
Breakfast included. Lunch included; the venue or packed lunch is agreed before departure. Farewell dinner included at a venue agreed in advance.
Day 6 — Kivach and return
Visit Kivach Nature Reserve and its waterfall paths. After a lunch stop, travel back to St. Petersburg by the agreed road or rail service. This is a long return journey; confirm onward flights only after the transfer time is agreed.
Breakfast included. Other lunches and dinners are paid separately; we can help with restaurant choices.
Where you could stay
Sortavala and surroundings · 4 nights
Choose one option for this stop. We compare the cost for your dates, location and room arrangements for your family, then include your choice in the quote.
Petrozavodsk · 1 night
Choose one option for this stop. We compare the cost for your dates, location and room arrangements for your family, then include your choice in the quote.
Included
- 5 nights according to the confirmed accommodation plan
- Programme transfers and seasonal boats
- Ruskeala Express
- Admission to Ruskeala, Valaam, Kizhi and Kivach as confirmed
- 5 breakfasts; lunches on days 2, 3, 4, 5; welcome dinner on day 1 and farewell dinner on day 5
- Host and local guides
Not included
- International flights and visa fees where applicable
- Optional Ruskeala activities, SUP and banya
- Route extensions
- Personal expenses and tips
- Other lunches and dinners: choose and pay for them yourself
How we plan meals
Options vary by region, and halal dining can be limited outside major cities. Before booking, we discuss your requirements and ask kitchens about ingredients and preparation. Where suitable options are unavailable, we propose fish or vegetarian dishes for your approval. This does not mean the restaurant or kitchen is halal-certified.
Pricing
| Adults | Per person | Group total |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | $3,800 | $22,800 |
30% deposit at booking confirmation
An estimate from the published adult rates. Children and other group sizes need a personal quote. We confirm dates, rooms, services and the final total before booking.
Travel insurance: inclusion, cover and cost are confirmed in your final quote.
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