Explore the Pride of the Russian North
Saint Petersburg & Karelia Tour
Experience the grandeur of Saint Petersburg’s imperial architecture and the pristine nature of Karelia on a combined journey through history, culture, lakes, forests, and UNESCO heritage sites. From the palaces of the north to ancient wooden churches and White Sea islands, this tour showcases the rich diversity of Russia’s northern treasures.
Tour Overview
The Saint Petersburg & Karelia Tour – Pride of the Russian North is a 9-day / 8-night travel experience that blends the cultural wonders of Saint Petersburg with the natural beauty and heritage of Karelia and the Solovetsky Islands.
Discover imperial palaces, UNESCO wooden architecture, ancient petroglyphs, and the remote Solovetsky monastery, all while travelling through lakes, forests, and traditional Russian towns.
Discover imperial palaces, UNESCO wooden architecture, ancient petroglyphs, and the remote Solovetsky monastery, all while travelling through lakes, forests, and traditional Russian towns.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Saint Petersburg
Meeting with your guide at the airport. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Time to relax and enjoy an optional dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 – Saint Petersburg City Tour
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Saint Petersburg, including Nevsky Prospect and major architectural landmarks such as Kazan Cathedral and the Winter Palace. Optionally visit the Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s largest and most impressive art museums.
Day 3 – Peterhof & Train to Petrozavodsk
Visit the magnificent Peterhof Palace and Lower Park. In the evening, transfer to Ladozhsky railway station and take the high-speed train “Lastochka” to Petrozavodsk.
Day 4 – Petrozavodsk & Kizhi Island
Explore Petrozavodsk, the capital of Karelia, then take a boat to Kizhi Island to see the extraordinary UNESCO wooden architecture, including the 22-domed Church of the Transfiguration.
Day 5 – Kem & White Sea Petroglyphs
Depart to Kem, stopping to visit the White Sea petroglyphs, ancient rock carvings from prehistoric times. Check in to the hotel in Kem with time to explore.
Day 6 – Solovetsky Islands
Take a ship to the Solovetsky Islands, a hidden gem of the Russian North. Visit the Solovetsky Kremlin, a remarkable monastery complex with granite walls shaped by centuries of history.
Day 7 – Solovetsky Islands & Sekirnaya Hill
Enjoy a full day exploring Sekirnaya Hill, with dramatic northern views and Orthodox heritage, then return to Kem.
Day 8 – Return to Saint Petersburg
Early transfer to Kem railway station and travel back to Saint Petersburg by train. Arrival and check-in at the hotel.
Day 9 – Departure
Final breakfast and transfer to the airport or railway station. End of the tour.
Meeting with your guide at the airport. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Time to relax and enjoy an optional dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 – Saint Petersburg City Tour
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Saint Petersburg, including Nevsky Prospect and major architectural landmarks such as Kazan Cathedral and the Winter Palace. Optionally visit the Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s largest and most impressive art museums.
Day 3 – Peterhof & Train to Petrozavodsk
Visit the magnificent Peterhof Palace and Lower Park. In the evening, transfer to Ladozhsky railway station and take the high-speed train “Lastochka” to Petrozavodsk.
Day 4 – Petrozavodsk & Kizhi Island
Explore Petrozavodsk, the capital of Karelia, then take a boat to Kizhi Island to see the extraordinary UNESCO wooden architecture, including the 22-domed Church of the Transfiguration.
Day 5 – Kem & White Sea Petroglyphs
Depart to Kem, stopping to visit the White Sea petroglyphs, ancient rock carvings from prehistoric times. Check in to the hotel in Kem with time to explore.
Day 6 – Solovetsky Islands
Take a ship to the Solovetsky Islands, a hidden gem of the Russian North. Visit the Solovetsky Kremlin, a remarkable monastery complex with granite walls shaped by centuries of history.
Day 7 – Solovetsky Islands & Sekirnaya Hill
Enjoy a full day exploring Sekirnaya Hill, with dramatic northern views and Orthodox heritage, then return to Kem.
Day 8 – Return to Saint Petersburg
Early transfer to Kem railway station and travel back to Saint Petersburg by train. Arrival and check-in at the hotel.
Day 9 – Departure
Final breakfast and transfer to the airport or railway station. End of the tour.
What’s Included
This tour package includes:
- Double accommodation in 4★ hotels in Saint Petersburg and Petrozavodsk, and other hotels along the route
- Breakfast each day
- All transfers and transport services per program
- Excursion program with guide and entrance fees when required
- Train travel from Saint Petersburg to Petrozavodsk and return from Kem
- Local English/French/German/Italian speaking guides
- Visa support letter
- Luggage handling where applicable
Who This Tour Is For
This tour is perfect for:
- Culture and history enthusiasts
- Scenic nature lovers
- Travelers who want to combine city sightseeing and remote northern landscapes
- Anyone who wants an immersive experience of Russia’s northern heritage
Explore Saint Petersburg & Karelia with Experts
Embark on an unforgettable journey combining imperial architecture, pristine nature, and cultural heritage. Request your detailed itinerary and booking information today.
