VALAAM

Valaam Archipelago is one of the most interesting cultural, historical and nature attractions in the North of Russia. The nature of Valaam is unique and extremely beautiful. Thousands of tourists and pilgrims come to Valaam from all over the world.

SVIRSTROY

Svirstroy is a tiny country-side settlement which is situated on the left bank of the Svir River. It is famous for its natural lake and very picturesque landscapes. You can see provincial handicraft and food stores.

KIZHI

The beautiful island of Kizhi is located at the northern end of Lake Onega. Your visit of the island includes the open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture, housing a collection of restored 18th century Russian wooden buildings, including the breathtaking Church of the Transfiguration that provide a delightful glimpse of Russia’s past.

PETROZAVODSK

The capital of the Republic of Karelia. Peter the Great ordered the construction of an iron foundry and a cannon factory on the shores of the lake. The town embankment facing the Gulf of Petrozavodsk is a unique display of Karelian granites and marbles and extravagant postmodernist sculptures presented by twin town of Petrozavodsk from over the world. A birch grove marks the place where the first church of Petrozavodsk was built in 1703. Don’t miss coach tours to the natural gem of Karelia – the Kivach Waterfall and to the resort “Martsyalnye Vody” founded by Peter the Great in 1719.

MANDROGI

Mandrogi is a reconstructed village, built on the bank of the Svir River to illustrate the traditions and lifestyle of Russia's past. Experience provincial Russian lifestyle, watch the artisans and craftsmen mak­ing “matryoshkas” (Russian nesting dolls), carving wood, sewing, and ... visit the Vodka Museum, which boasts 250 varieties of the national drink. The village of Mandrogi is located on the River Svir.

ST. PETERSBURG

The great city St. Petersburg with its many palaces, once home to the Russian nobility, drive along Nevsky Prospect, the main boulevard of St. Petersburg lined with shops and baroque buildings. Take a view down Kanal Griboedova to the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood. Pass the Gostiny Dvor (the city’s largest department store), the National Library and the monument to Catherine the Great. Visit the Hermitage Museum that contains three million exhibits and early collections dating back to Catherine I. Transfer from your cruiseship to the airport.