Almas Russia · 2026
Winter Fairytale
Five days from winter St. Petersburg to Murmansk: museums, the Barents Sea coast and two planned northern lights outings.
Season and plans for changes
- December to March is a planning window for winter enquiries. Travel feasibility, flights and holiday terms are confirmed for your dates; snow and aurora sightings are not guaranteed.
- Teriberka requires an open road and suitable conditions. If the road closes, we agree land-based visits near Murmansk, such as a city museum where tickets are available, and any price changes.
- Short outdoor stops, warm breaks and rest after late-night searches are planned before booking. Each activity has separate age, height, weight and equipment checks, including an option for part of the family to return early.
- The five days include two nights in Petersburg and two in Murmansk. An international connection may need an extra city night with a separate quote; it is not automatically included in these four nights.
Day-by-day program
Day 1 — Winter St. Petersburg
A private transfer brings you from the airport or station to the hotel. After a rest, explore the central squares and embankments by car and on foot, depending on the weather. Over the welcome dinner, discuss warm clothing and the plans for the Arctic part of the trip.
Welcome dinner included. Other lunches and dinners are paid separately; we can help with restaurant choices.
Day 2 — The Hermitage and Peterhof
Visit the Hermitage at the booked admission time, then have lunch before travelling to Peterhof. The palace visit depends on its opening schedule, and the park walk is shortened if conditions are uncomfortable. The fountains are off in winter. Return to St. Petersburg for the second night before tomorrow's flight.
Breakfast included. Other lunches and dinners are paid separately; we can help with restaurant choices.
Day 3 — Murmansk and the first aurora outing
Fly from St. Petersburg to Murmansk and transfer to the confirmed accommodation. If the flight schedule allows, see the Alyosha monument and the city waterfront; an icebreaker visit requires a confirmed ticket. After dinner, head out to look for the northern lights if conditions permit. The guide considers cloud cover and local conditions; the aurora may not appear.
Breakfast included. Other lunches and dinners are paid separately; we can help with restaurant choices.
Day 4 — Teriberka and the northern landscape
Drive to Teriberka if the road is open and the weather allows, with coastal stops chosen by the guide. Husky sledding is arranged around the operator's location, snow conditions and your group's ages; it may need a separate time slot. If the coastal road closes, agree a land programme near Murmansk. A second aurora outing is planned for the evening, subject to conditions. Before booking, we agree short outdoor stops and available warm breaks, with rest after late aurora searches before daytime trips. Farewell dinner is included; we agree the venue and timing around the evening outing.
Breakfast included. Lunch included; the venue or packed lunch is agreed before departure. Farewell dinner included at a venue agreed in advance.
Day 5 — Return to St. Petersburg
Have breakfast and transfer to Murmansk Airport for the flight to St. Petersburg. Any morning activity depends on the flight time and is confirmed separately. We plan onward connections with time for delays, baggage and check-in; an extra night may be needed for some international flights.
Breakfast included. Other lunches and dinners are paid separately; we can help with restaurant choices.
Where you could stay
St. Petersburg · 2 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.
Murmansk · 2 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
- Programme transfers
- 4 nights: 2 in St. Petersburg and 2 in the Murmansk region
- Return domestic flight between St. Petersburg and Murmansk
- Guides and two planned aurora outings, subject to weather
- Husky visit and sledding when operating
- Hermitage and Peterhof admission as confirmed
- 4 breakfasts; lunches on days 4; welcome dinner on day 1 and farewell dinner on day 4
- Tips
Not included
- International flights and visa fees where applicable
- Optional banya, snowmobile or reindeer activities
- Camera hire
- Extra nights needed for onward connections
- Meals outside the agreed programme and personal expenses
- 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 | $3,450 | $20,700 |
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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