Almas Russia · 2026
Petersburg & Karelia
Eight private days from St. Petersburg's museums and parks to Karelia: Kivach, Ruskeala, Valaam and Kizhi.
Season and plans for changes
- This is the summer route based in Petrozavodsk with seasonal island sailings. Winter needs a separate route and quote; published prices do not transfer automatically.
- Valaam and Kizhi are outside the mandatory winter programme. November and April use land-based visits without promises of snow, safe ice or navigation.
- Family rooms, winter transfers, host languages and meals are confirmed for your dates. We agree replacements and price adjustments for paid weather-dependent options before booking.
Day-by-day program
Day 1 — Arrival in St. Petersburg
Meet your driver at the airport or station and settle into the hotel. If your arrival allows, take a short walk along Nevsky Prospekt before the welcome dinner. Your guide explains the route and the travel days in Karelia.
Welcome dinner included. Other lunches and dinners are paid separately; we can help with restaurant choices.
Day 2 — The Hermitage and the Neva
Explore selected Hermitage galleries at the booked admission time, then walk through Palace Square and along the embankments. A Neva cruise is planned during the navigation season, subject to the confirmed service and weather. Leave time to rest between visits.
Breakfast included. Other lunches and dinners are paid separately; we can help with restaurant choices.
Day 3 — Imperial suburbs and the train to Karelia
Visit Peterhof's Lower Park and Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo, with lunch between visits. This is a full day: admission times and the evening train must fit together. Travel to Petrozavodsk on the confirmed rail service, then transfer to your hotel; arrival may be late.
Breakfast included. Other lunches and dinners are paid separately; we can help with restaurant choices.
Day 4 — Kivach and Karelian cooking
After a start suited to the previous night's arrival, drive to Kivach Nature Reserve for the waterfall and its walking paths. Try kalitki at lunch, with a cooking workshop if confirmed. A stop at Martial Waters can be included if the day's timing allows.
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 — Ruskeala
Set out early for a long drive from Petrozavodsk to Ruskeala. Walk around the marble canyon, with an Ahvenkoski waterfall stop if time allows. The underground route, a canyon boat and the Ruskeala Express from Sortavala are separate options that need advance booking; the train does not replace the main road transfer. Return to Petrozavodsk in the evening.
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 6 — Valaam
Leave early for the Ladoga departure point; the road journey from Petrozavodsk takes several hours before the crossing begins. If the sailing operates, visit Valaam with a local guide and walk the island paths. Return to Petrozavodsk after the boat and road journey. In unsuitable weather, we discuss a land alternative; another island day is possible only if the remaining schedule allows.
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 7 — Kizhi and return to St. Petersburg
Cross Lake Onega to Kizhi on a confirmed seasonal service and explore the wooden churches and farmsteads. The return sailing must connect with the train to St. Petersburg, so the island visit and meal times are set around both tickets. A farewell meal is arranged before the train or on arrival, as the schedule allows.
Breakfast included. Lunch included; the venue or packed lunch is agreed before departure. Farewell dinner included at a venue agreed in advance.
Day 8 — Departure
Have breakfast and take a private transfer to the airport. We plan departure around your flight; an early breakfast is requested from the hotel when needed.
Breakfast included. Other lunches and dinners are paid separately; we can help with restaurant choices.
Where you could stay
St. Petersburg · 3 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 · 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.
Included
- Private transfers and programme transport
- 7 nights: 3 in St. Petersburg and 4 in Petrozavodsk
- Return rail tickets between St. Petersburg and Petrozavodsk, class confirmed in the quote
- Guides and admission according to the confirmed programme
- Seasonal boat journeys to Valaam and Kizhi
- 7 breakfasts; lunches on days 4, 5, 6, 7; welcome dinner on day 1 and farewell dinner on day 7
- Coordinator support
Not included
- International flights and visa fees where applicable
- Meals outside the agreed programme
- Banya, Ruskeala Express and optional Ruskeala activities
- 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.
Price on request
Price on request. We calculate your group for specific dates after confirming hotels, transport and services. Children and group sizes without a published rate need an individual quote.
Travel insurance: inclusion, cover and cost are confirmed in your final quote.
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