Christmas tour "winter charm of Karelia". Why you should celebrate Christmas in Karelia

08.07.2020

The Nativity of Christ is a great Orthodox holiday celebrated in Russia on January 7th. There are many customs associated with this holiday, most of which were transferred to the New Year celebrations during Soviet times. These include traditions of decorating a Christmas tree and giving gifts to loved ones.

Traditionally, Christmas should be celebrated at home, but this is not a requirement. However, the holiday is really a quiet, family one, and large-scale events, such as New Year’s corporate parties, are not usually organized during Christmas. But this is a great reason to spend time with your family.

Why is it worth celebrating Christmas in Karelia?

It is in the North, among snow-covered forests and frozen lakes, that the original traditions of celebrating Christmas and New Year have been preserved. If for some reason you were unable to come to Karelia for the New Year, then Christmas is a great reason to get out of the city and plunge into the atmosphere of real winter at least for a couple of days. Besides, sad as it may be, long New Year holidays in 2019 end just after the Christmas celebration - January 8, so perhaps there may not be another opportunity to visit Karelia this winter.

How to celebrate Christmas in Karelia?

To make Christmas in Karelia a real family holiday for you, you don’t need to make a lot of effort. Here are four main conditions, following which you will create a Christmas atmosphere wherever you are.

Continuing the theme of landscaping, we’ll tell you a little more about our cottages. Exactly for high level Comfort is appreciated by our park hotel guests. Each house not only provides all the necessary amenities, but also has a separate Finnish sauna, which is so pleasant to warm up after a long day spent in the fresh air. Read more about the conditions of accommodation at the Sorola Village park hotel in this section.

On the territory of our recreation center there is a good choice traditional winter activities which are suitable for both children and adults. Skiing, sledding, cheesecake riding - all these activities, despite their outward unpretentiousness, not only have fun and create a good mood, but are also extremely beneficial for health. All necessary equipment for a fun pastime can be rented at our base.

If your soul craves something more, then we offer you snowmobiling. Choose from one of two cars: Dingo 150 and Yamaha Viking IV. On a small compact Dingo you can explore the surroundings on your own; the controls of this car are quite simple, and are quite within the power of a person even with little experience in dealing with vehicles.

As for the Yamaha Viking IV, this is a more serious device, capable of accelerating to 100 km/h on a flat surface. But you can go further on it and see really interesting and rarely visited places.

Karelia is a region rich in various attractions, both natural and man-made. There are plenty of them in the vicinity of our park hotel. For example, literally a 5-minute walk away is the famous Snake Mountain - a rock more than 50 meters high, which offers an impressive view of the Ladoga lake and surrounding areas.

So that you can plan your route yourself and choose interesting objects to visit, we have collected information about them in a special section of the site. Read, compare, choose and make your weekend in Karelia as eventful and interesting as possible.

Christmas in Karelia: the main thing

Entertainment and attractions are, of course, an important part of the holiday. But still, the main thing in celebrating Christmas is communication. Communication with family, with those closest to us, for whom we sometimes often do not have enough time on weekdays. Come to Karelia for Christmas and turn it into an unforgettable family holiday, of which for some reason there are not so many in our lives.

Spend Christmas in Karelia in the cozy Kalevala cottage on the rocky shore of Lake Ukshozero, 35 km from Petrozavodsk.

Thread: Petrozavodsk - Marcial Waters resort - Mount Sampo - Karelian Father Frost Talvi Ukko - Ruskeala Mountain Park - dog sledding.

Celebrate Christmas 2019 in Karelia and plunge into the fabulous world of snowy Karelia!

Christmas tour program in Karelia:

January 4, 2019
1 day	. Meeting at the railway station of Petrozavodsk. . For guests arriving by train No. 12, meet the guide at 08:30 on the first floor of the railway station building. . Breakfast in a city cafe. . Sightseeing tour of New Year's Petrozavodsk. . Our city will surprise you! You will visit wonderful historical places, and also take a walk along the main attraction of the city - the famous embankment of Lake Onega, where modernity comes to life in a unique exhibition of avant-garde sculptural monuments donated by the sister cities. . A trip to the first Russian resort “Marcial Waters”, founded by Peter I in 1719. A visit to the Church of St. Apostle Peter (1721) and tasting healing water from famous natural springs. On the way, a stop at Mount Sampo and a leisurely climb. From the top a magnificent panorama of the forests and islands of Lake Konchezero opens, so everyone can take a few pictures as a souvenir of Karelia. Mount Sampo is also considered a place of power. Standing on it, you can make your most cherished wish, and it will come true. . Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. . Dinner, free time. Rest.
January 5, 2019
	. Breakfast. . Departure to the residence Karelian Grandfather Moroz - Talvi Ukko on entertainment program"A Journey through the Estate of Father Frost." . You will be warmly greeted by the mischievous little men of Punika - friends and assistants of the Karelian Father Frost, who will immediately involve you in fun games and amusements. You definitely need to play with them, then the Puniks will agree to show you the way to the Talvi Ukko Residence. Tender Lumikki, the assistant of the Winter Father, who obeys all snowstorms and blizzards, will invite you to the Residence of the main Father Frost of Karelia. Talvi Ukko himself will be waiting for you to congratulate you personally. At the end of the trip, you can excitedly ride down the miracle slide, and then drink hot tea from medicinal herbs with Karelian pies, which will give you a wonderful mood. In a programme: . - game program from Punica (competitions, riddles, round dances); . - visit to the Talvi Ukko Residence; . - visit to the Lumikki upper room; . - exciting ride down the miracle slide. . Return to the hotel. Free time.
January 6, 2019
	. Departure by comfortable bus to western Karelia (290 km). . Visit to Ruskeala Mountain Park. . The park was created in 2005 on the basis unique monument industrial heritage of Russia - Ruskeala marble quarry. Marble mining began here in 1769 by decree of Catherine II to decorate famous buildings in St. Petersburg: the Marble Palace, St. Isaac's Cathedral, Mariinsky Palace, etc. The most popular place to visit among guests and residents of Karelia! . The combination of the nature of Karelia and human activity has given these quarries a surprisingly picturesque appearance, which attracts travel lovers not only from Karelia. . Lunch on the way. . On the way, stop at the Ruskeala waterfall Akhvenkoski. Translated from Finnish as “Perch Threshold”. Locals sometimes they call it “the waterfall at three bridges.” The bathing scene of one of the heroines of the film “The Dawns Here Are Quiet” was filmed at this waterfall. Amazingly picturesque nature invariably attracts the creators of modern films with its mysterious beauty and some mysterious power. In 2010, the fantasy film The Dark World was filmed here. . Return to the hotel. Time to rest.
January 7, 2019
	. Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. . Release of rooms. . Departure for the New Year mini-expedition “Visiting the Husky”. . Departure for an excursion program to a country dog kennel - the only kennel of Chukotka Sled dogs in Russia; you will also see other breeds of sled dogs: Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Taimyr sled dogs, Samoyed dog. Most of the dogs participated in several expeditions, including to the North Pole. In 2013, for the first time in the world, they walked 900 km of the most difficult path along arctic ice from the North Pole to Orth Hunt Island (Canada) with famous travelers Fedor Konyukhov and Viktor Simonov. . Meet mushers and sled dogs. . Participation in preparing the team for the trip, instructions. Sledding on a prepared track 2 km. A unique opportunity to touch the little-studied and almost forgotten life of the northern peoples. Feel the spirit of the Far North! Picnic in the Guest tent with fish soup, wickets and warm drinks! In a programme: . Meeting with guests. . Excursion and meeting the dogs. . Cuyuring training. . Dog sledding through the forest accompanied by mushers. . Lunch in the tent with fish soup, traditional pastries and drinks. . Transfer to Petrozavodsk. 17:30. . Departure to Moscow, train No. 17 or to St. Petersburg, train No. 11 or No. 805.

Cost of the Christmas tour in Karelia per person:

The price of the Christmas program includes:

Meals according to the program
. hotel accommodation - 3 nights,
. transfer according to the program,
. excursion service,
. entry tickets by program,
. work of the guide and animators.

Description of the cottage "Kalevala":

The Kalevala Hotel has 4 comfortable cottages
For convenience, next to each cottage there is an area for preparing barbecue and having a picnic (barbecues on the hotel premises are provided free of charge for guests).
. Parking
. Wi-fi in the restaurant and bar
. Small gazebos on site
. Braziers
Cottages include the following equipment:

Hall:

Fireplace
. TV
. Sofa bed
. Mini safe
. Telephone
. Table

Bedroom 1:

Double bed
. Two bedside tables
. Closet

Other:

Shower room, bathroom

Bedroom 2:

Two single beds
. Two bedside tables
. Closet

Bedroom 3:

Large single bed
. One bedside table
. Closet

Capacity:

Capacity of one cottage is 6-8 people
. Possibility of accommodating 1 to 2 people on an extra bed (folding corner sofa)

Living and accommodation conditions:

Check-out time is 14:00 (check-in time at the hotel), (departure from the hotel) - 12:00;
. Advance payment is 50% of the cost of living;
Late check-out is possible subject to availability and in agreement with the hotel administration:
. Check-out after 13:00 to 00:00 - payment of 50% of the cost of accommodation per day;
. Check-out after 00:00 - payment of 100% of the cost of accommodation per day.

Equipment rental:

Outdoor table tennis (200 rubles/hour)
. Darts on the street (50 rubles/hour)
. Ball (volleyball, football) (50 rubles/hour)
. Roller skates for children (200 rubles/hour)
. Off-road bike (200 rubles/hour; 1,200 rubles/day)
. Fishing gear(100 rubles/hour; 500 rubles/day)
. Chaise lounge (100 rubles)
. Rent a beach towel (100 rubles)
. Board games (chess, checkers, backgammon, lotto, dominoes) (Free)

LEISURE

Billiards

The hotel has 2 billiard tables:

Table for playing Russian billiards
. American pool table
Cost: 350 rub/hour.

Baths and saunas.

To restore strength and improve health, we suggest visiting the Finnish sauna with a swimming pool, which can accommodate up to 15 people.
For music lovers there is a separate fireplace room with karaoke, a relaxation room, and an infrared cabin.
The sauna is designed for 10-15 people.
Cost of sauna for up to 10 people. (4 sets included):
1,500 rubles/hour - for non-residents;
1,200 rub./hour - for residents>
2,000 rubles/hour - after 02:00 hours.
200 rubles - additional payment for each person over 10 people.

You can book a sauna from 1 hour.
On the shore of the lake there are two Russian wood-burning baths. Taking a steam bath in a Russian bath is not only pleasant, but also very useful.
Large sauna for up to 10 people. (incl. 4 sets)
1,300 rubles/hour (order for at least 3 hours).
200 rubles - extra. set for sauna/bath.
200 rubles - birch broom.
Small bathhouse 2 people. (incl. 2 sets)
1,300 rubles/hour (order for at least 2 hours).
200 rubles - birch broom.

The hotel also has a children's playground and gazebos.

Documents for a trip to Karelia for Christmas 2019:

Passport (general civil), for a child under 14 years old - birth certificate.

Reservations:

To book Christmas at the Kalevala cottage, fill out a simple form by clicking on the button below, you will receive a response within 1 day.

Have you already decided where and how to spend the Christmas holidays?

We invite you to Karelia to celebrate the kindest New Year 2019, surrounded by fabulous winter landscapes! The real Karelian Father Frost, the largest husky nursery in Russia, a reindeer farm, legends of Karelia, comfortable accommodation, real Karelian cuisine and a very active pastime: snowmobile safaris, cross-country skiing, cheesecake sleighs, winter fun, interesting excursion programs and, of course, a luxurious Christmas table with traditional congratulations from Father Frost and Snow Maiden. We won't let you get bored, everyone will find entertainment to their liking!

Perfect for active parents with children, couples and a cheerful group of friends.

ALL INCLUSIVE program:
- skiing;
- riding on “cheesecakes” behind a snowmobile;
- Christmas banquet with host and gifts from KareliaOK;
- visiting Father Frost and Snow Maiden,
- excursion to the capital of Karelia - the city of Petrozavodsk;
- interactive program in the Kantele House;
- accommodation in a comfortable hotel;
- food in a good restaurant;
- high level of service.

Morning arrival at the railway station. Petrozavodsk. Meet the accompanying manager.

Breakfast in a cafe in Petrozavodsk.

Departure in a comfortable minibus to patrimony of Karelian Father Frost(the journey takes about 30 minutes). The duration of the program is 2.5 hours.

Good winter morning! We are glad to see you in the capital of Karelia, dressed up for the magical holiday of Christmas - the time when fairy tales and reality meet to give the best impressions!

Karelian Father Frost and his clever assistant Lumiki are waiting for us.

The Karelian Father Frost has vast domains. Grandfather loves smart furry animals very much husky sled dogs, on which he delivers gifts, he has a whole lot of them nursery - the largest throughout our vast country. Grandfather also likes the glorious and charming inhabitants of the North - deer, which he carefully breeds on his Deer Farm. We will meet, take pictures and hug the tailed, furry and horned pets, accompanied by the cunning and cheerful Mistress of the North - the sorceress Louhi and other representatives of the fabulous Karelian people, and they, in turn, have prepared for you other ventures and entertainment with a Karelian flavor: let's take part in folk games, we will learn the movements of national dances to catchy music, we will drive a Finnish sleigh and ride down a snowy mountain. And now comes the moment of magic - we go to meet the real Santa Claus, take memorable photographs, listen to stories and receive congratulations.

Feeling pleasantly tired? Now the kind and good hostess Lumiki invites you to a warm yaranga to treat yourself to signature wicket pies with millet and potatoes and try aromatic hot tea with medicinal herbs.

Transfer to a country hotel on the shore of Lake Ukshozero (40 min travel).

Accommodation in comfortable double rooms. Each room has: a balcony, a combined bathroom with a shower, a TV, a telephone, a double or two 1.5-size beds. It is possible to install additional space.

The hotel is located on the rocky shore of the lake, surrounded by tall pine trees. The place is cozy, beautiful and quiet. On a large well-groomed and protected territory there are two Russian baths, a Finnish sauna, recreation areas: covered gazebos, barbecues, children's and sports grounds. At your service: a high-quality billiard room, a bar with a fireplace and karaoke, a panoramic restaurant with stunning views, offering Russian, Karelian and Scandinavian cuisine.

The hotel is a 3-story stone building with a capacity of 29 rooms. The hotel is known far beyond the region for its hospitality and level of service.

Lunch at a restaurant with an original interior in an epic Scandinavian style.

After lunch, you can relax: walk through the winter forest, explore the territory, visit the fireplace room and have a heart-to-heart conversation with new acquaintances, demonstrate your skills in billiards, invigorate your body and spirit with a birch broom in a hot sauna, or just take a nap.

Delicious hearty dinner in a cozy atmosphere.

The shy northern sun timidly peers through the windows. It's time to get up! Another beautiful winter day awaits us, full of joy and festive mood!

Buffet breakfast in the hotel restaurant.

Free time for relaxation.

Now is the time to take a winter break:

Ride a larger cheesecake behind a snowmobile. Uhhh!;

Take a leisurely ski ride in the surrounding area picturesque lake Ukshozero;

Race down an icy mountain on ice sleds and cheesecakes, just like in childhood;

Breathe deeply with clean air, free your thoughts from the hustle and bustle of the cities, communicate with loved ones and friends, spend time with children, watching mischievous snow games.

Dinner! After fresh air and an appropriate appetite! In the warm, spacious gazebo, Karelian fish soup is waiting for you, which we call “Lohikeyto” - a creamy soup from the local king-fish trout accompanied by freshly brewed mulled wine, cooked over a fire.

Free time to relax according to your taste.

Dinner in warm company.

Today is a special day - Christmas Eve.

2-hour snowmobile safari behind additional payment or spending time on your own. Children remain under the supervision of a teacher-animator.

Selection of special equipment: warm overalls, special shoes, helmet, balaclava, gloves. Instruction on safety precautions and driving a snowmobile. Access to the route from the hotel premises.

We invite you to travel through the snowy expanses of Karelia! 2-hour snowmobile safari in the surrounding area country hotel: fluffy winter forest, frost-covered Ukshozero, clear winter air and silence, broken only by the sounds of powerful snowmobiles. Anyone over 10 years old can participate in the event.

The rest of the children and their parents are also having a great time: under the guidance of the animator, they make Christmas souvenirs, play with winter Games and ride down the hill.

Free time: skiing, tubing, family gatherings and Board games. For an additional fee: billiards, sauna, sauna with swimming pool, karaoke.

Preparation for the festive dinner-banquet with entertainment program.

The most important evening of the year has arrived, smoothly flowing into the night. A time of magic, when a miracle descends on earth, when wishes come true, when hearts open up to let goodness in.

The program of our festive evening includes a lot of fun for big and small, good music, dancing, competitions and gifts, making wishes, an extravaganza of good mood, congratulations and a feeling of happiness.

Welcome to the capital of Karelia – the city of Petrozavodsk. A port of five seas, located on the shores of the second largest fresh water body in Europe - Lake Onega. Real European city, with national Karelian-Finnish flavor, the same age as St. Petersburg, cozy, beautiful, with its own unique story. Founded in 1703 by Peter I, the city was founded by Catherine II in 1777.

Cannons for the Russian army were cast here, cast iron decorations for St. Petersburg were made here, and the famous Onezhets tractors were built here. It is not for nothing that the name of the city contains the word factory. But the capital of Karelia is also a place of beauty and unbridled nature - sometimes harsh northern, sometimes calm, balanced in a Scandinavian way.

You can choose trains to arrive in Petrozavodsk from 7:00 to 9:30. Your guide, as well as the bus, will be at station square from 9:00. You can leave things in it. Also, our Santa Claus will meet you at the bus, who will give you a New Year's mood and good weather for the whole tour!

Our group's breakfast will last from 9:15 to 9:45.

We get on the bus and go on a tour of New Year’s, cozy and very beautiful Petrozavodsk. In the first part of the excursion we will get acquainted with the city: a journey through the eras awaits us - Petrozavodsk of the time of Peter the Great, Petrozavodsk of Catherine the Great, Soviet Petrozavodsk.

We will take a walk along the main city attraction - the embankment of Lake Onega. This is a unique art object, a museum of modern art under open air, with very picturesque views of the city and Lake Onega. Here, ancient history, with its roots in the mysterious Hyperborea and modernity, come to life in a unique collection of avant-garde sculptural monuments - seid stones, “Tree of Wishes”, “Wave of Friendship”, “Thinking Reed”, “Mermaid”... This is the most a nice place capital of the Northern Territory at any time of the year!

After a short walk around the city, we'll go to the Doll's House. Tatyana Kalinina's Doll House is represented by three small halls. In the hall of designer dolls you can get acquainted with dolls made in various techniques and styles; the “Spirits of Karelia” hall introduces visitors to brownies, mermaids and other creatures of the other world in which our ancestors believed; The exposition of the third hall is constantly changing. In addition, you can look into the workshop and see how dolls are created, and even buy and take home the doll or animal you like.

Lunch at a cafe.

A museum is a place where miracles happen, especially if it is New Year and Christmas time. We will go with you to the interactive program “New Year's Mosaic” in National Museum Karelia, during which you will take a fascinating journey through time. Travel to medieval Karelia and find out how the Yule holiday was celebrated. You will visit a Karelian hut from the late 19th century and get acquainted with ancient Christmas rituals. You will be asked to guess riddles and tell fortunes on runes for the coming year, and they will tell you about the Karelian Father Frost. Everyone can make a simple Christmas decoration and make a wish.

16:30 Check-in at selected hotels. Free time, rest.

For everyone interested, Evening master class on gates!

Kalitki is a national Karelian dish. In Finland they are called “karjalan piirakka”, which means “Karelian pies”. Wickets are baked from unleavened rye dough with fillings. The name comes from Kolyad, an ancient pagan holiday that later merged with Christmas. Carols are Christmas songs sung by guests. For this they were given a special treat - wickets.

During the master class, you will learn about the features of national Karelian cuisine, learn how to cook wickets yourself, and also be able to eat your pies with Karelian tea at the end of the master class.

DAY 2 (DECEMBER 31)/ KARELIAN GRANDFATHER CLAUS TALVI UKKO AND HIS FAITHFUL FRIENDS: FOREST REINDEER, SLED DOGS AND SAMIS PLAYERS

Breakfast at selected hotels.

11:00 Departure of the bus to visit the Karelian Father Frost - Talvi Ukko!

Here you will meet the best sled dogs in Russia, admire the reindeer and their timid fawns, and also get in touch with the unique culture of the forest Sami and drink tea in a yaranga near an open fire. And most importantly, visit, chat and take memorable photos with Talvi Ukko, the Karelian Father Frost, in his personal northern residence!

The largest kennel of sports sled dogs in Russia, where you will make friends with the famous Alaskan Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies, feel the boundless trust and love of these beautiful creatures, make nice photos as a keepsake. Talvi Ukko's assistants will give you a tour and tell you many amazing things about summer and winter species sled sport, the diversity and purpose of each of the sled breeds, the character traits and roles in the team of each of the four-legged athletes.

In a dense forest near a small lake, live domesticated deer, Talvi Ukko’s special pride and love. Santa Winter's assistants will show you a reindeer farm, where you will interact with cautious reindeer and admire their timid fawns. You will visit authentic Sami dwellings, see ancient household items, drink tea from Karelian medicinal herbs, taste real Karelian pastries and for a moment be transported to ancient times, when man and the forest were one.

You will have a chance to see the laboratory of wonders of Father Winter, his office where weather contracts are concluded, and the reception room, which has been visited by a variety of people and magical creatures. If you make a wish in it, it will certainly come true! And then you will excitedly ride down the miracle slide. (Don't forget about warm winter sports shoes and clothes)

Riding a dog or reindeer sled is a Karelian folk pastime! Huskies and Malamutes will give you a ride through the snowy forest and you will feel the drive and speed, wrapped in a warm cape. Always in the North they used sleighs and dogs, as well as deer, to move from one point to another, covering 80 to 100 kilometers in 1 day.

Reindeer sledding is included in the tour price! Dog sledding can be ordered additionally!

Cost: husky riding (500 meters) - children under 12 years old - 1500 rubles, adults - 2000 rubles. Husky riding (1000 meters) - children under 12 years old - 1950 rubles, adults - 2500 rubles Riding must be booked in advance when booking the tour.

16:00 Return transfer to Petrozavodsk. Check-in at selected hotels. Preparing for the New Year's Eve.

New Year's banquet in hotel complex Onego Palace (included in the tour price).

DAY 3 (JANUARY 1) / THE PEARL OF KARELIA - MOUNTAIN PARK AND MARBLE CANYON RUSKEALA.

Good morning! Today we are waiting for the Northern Ladoga region - another amazing natural treasure trove of Karelia. The Ladoga region is decorated with the very first large lake in Europe - Ladoga. Locals say Father Onego and Mother Ladoga.

240 kilometers and we are already there. But let's not start with Ladoga. And from the waterfalls. We will see Tokhminsky or Ruskeala waterfalls. The famous Soviet film “The Dawns Here Are Quiet...” was filmed here. Obligatory photo for memory and a tour along the beautiful wooden bridges.

Today we will eat in the Lutheran Church. The Karelians and Finns living on this land will hospitably welcome and feed us, after which we will move on.

By the way, another point on our route is connected with the Finns - the Ruskeala marble canyon. A unique quarry, which, according to one version, was flooded by the Finns with water from nearby rivers. After all, it was the Finns who rented this quarry for many years and mined marble here. Who would have thought that years later thousands of tourists would flock here. There really is something to see here.

Marble Canyon Ruskeala is a Karelian brand of new times. Ten years ago, desolation reigned here. Now we see an amazing natural object. There is everything for a tourist here! Gorgeous views, trails, caves.

Waiting for us hiking along the marble canyon (1.5 hours). The 1.5-kilometer-long eco-trail around Ruskeala has many panoramic platforms with views of it. unique place. In addition, you can move a little away from the main path and go into the depths of the through cave (adit). Here you will discover the real secrets of the canyon, its heart. You can also look at deposits of Italian marble.

At 17:00 a real SHOW awaits us - turning on the color lighting, thanks to which the canyon will sparkle with new colors and the glare of light on the luxurious marble will blow your imagination!

The Ruskeala Canyon is beautiful at any time of the year. We guarantee that you will not remain indifferent. Full of impressions and very satisfied, we head to the hotel in Petrozavodsk. Have a nice holiday!

DAY 4 (JANUARY 2) / LEGEND OF THE NORTH - KIVACH WATERFALL AND ORGAN CONCERT IN KONDOPOGA

Breakfast at the hotel. Release of rooms.

10:00 Departure to the legendary, very picturesque and unique Kivach waterfall. This is the most famous waterfall Karelia, sung by the first governor of our region, the Russian poet Gavrila Derzhavin: “The mountain is falling like diamonds...”. Indeed, the falling water and its power are mesmerizing. Everyone should see this.

Visit national reserve Kivach, where the waterfall of the same name is located. Its strength is so great that the waterfall does not freeze even in winter, and the harsh northern rocks covered with snow and yellowish, very ferruginous water create a truly impressive picture. The air in the area is so fresh that residents of megacities may feel dizzy if they are not used to it.

In addition, we will visit the botanical garden, where we will see the Karelian birch, many trees that traditionally grow in the north not only in Karelia, but also North America and Asia. After walking around botanical garden, we will visit the Museum of Nature.

The first of January is a special day. After the fresh air, a very hearty and tasty lunch awaits us, as well as a small animation program - we need to jump a little and have fun, so that the coming year will be easy and interesting!

After lunch we will go to the Karelian town of Kondopoga, to the new, very beautiful marble palace of arts. The Organ, the fourth largest in Russia, awaits us in the Palace of Arts. The sound of the organ is incomparable; it induces positive thinking, calms and forces those listening to its music to find agreement with themselves. At the concert, famous works by world classics will be performed especially for you - this will be an excellent end to your wonderful new year in Karelia!

17:00 Return to Petrozavodsk.

Fair of Karelian goods: you will have the opportunity to buy smoked Karelian fish, souvenirs, and shungite products.

17:45 Arrival of the group at the railway station for departure trains.

We hope this one New Year gave you a lot of bright and unforgettable emotions and the whole year will pass in a good mood and pace! SEE YOU AGAIN!!! I WILL BE DREAMING OF KARELIA FOR A LONG TIME!

Duration

days (05-07.01)

Included in cost:

accommodation in rooms with private facilities at the Severnaya Hotel (city center)
meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches + meal with national cuisine
visit to the estate of Karelian Father Frost Talvi Ukko (reindeer farm, sled dog nursery, Sami village, game program, meeting with Father Frost),
excursion around Petrozavodsk,
master class on making Karelian pies - wickets,
excursion to mountain park"Ruskeala" (Marble canyon with artistic lighting) + Ruskeala waterfalls,
trip to the Kivach waterfall and the Marcial waters resort

The price does not include:

add. route "Underground Ruskeala", dog sledding/snowmobiling/reindeer sledding

Tour program "Christmas in Karelia 2020":

Day 1 (January 05) - Karelian Santa Claus + master class on baking gates:

Arrival in Petrozavodsk by morning trains.
From Moscow trains No. 18, No. 92, No. 242 or No. 100, from St. Petersburg - No. 12 or 242.

09.00-09.30 Group gathering at the main entrance to the railway station building from the city side.

The guide meets the group with a sign "Karelia Lines".

Boarding the bus.

09.40 Breakfast in the restaurant of the Severnaya Hotel.
Breakfast menu: cereal milk porridge, pancakes with sour cream, yogurt, bread, tea.

Personal belongings can be left in the hotel storage room.

10.20 Departure by bus to the residence of Karelian Father Frost Talvi Ukko (30 km from Petrozavodsk).

11.00 In the estate of Talvi Ukko Is waiting for you:
* Game program"National Karelian fun".
* Congratulations from the Karelian Father Frost Talvi Ukko and the Karelian Snow Maiden Lumika.
* Visit to the residence of Talvi Ukko and Lumiki.
* An educational walk around a reindeer farm.
* Visit to a sled dog kennel with the famous Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Huskies and Malamutes.
* Visit to a Sami village. You will be able to take pictures in a real tent, covered with skins, and also try on traditional costumes of the northern peoples.
* Opportunity to try yourself in driving a Finnish sleigh.

13.30 Lunch with dishes of national Karelian cuisine.
The restaurant is located on the territory of the estate.
Lunch menu: mushroom soup, pike cutlet, potatoes, carrot salad, tea with pastries.

14.30 Departure back to Petrozavodsk or you can stay at the residence for dog sledding, reindeer sledding, snowmobiling for an additional fee. fee.

- Start of sledding at 14.30, snowmobiling at 15.00.
Cost of dog sledding: RUB 2,950 per person.
Cost of reindeer sledding: 1,500 rubles per person.
Cost of snowmobiling: 2,700 rub./person.
Description of riding: dog and reindeer sleds or snowmobiles

- For those who want to combine sledding and snowmobiling: there is a second time for snowmobiling - at 16.30.
That is, first you will ride sleds, and then snowmobiles.

Return to Petrozavodsk.

- Accommodation at the Severnaya Hotel, located in the city center.
Comfortable rooms with private facilities (shower and toilet in the room).
Check-out time at the hotel: check-in - 14.00, check-out - 12.00.
Description and photos of the hotel: link

18.00-19.30 Bus tour in the evening Petrozavodsk.

19.30 Return to the hotel.

19.30-21.00 Master class on making national Karelian pies - wicket + meal.
The meal takes place in the hotel restaurant.
Meal menu: Pomeranian salad (meat salad with wild mushrooms, served in a bread pot), kalalaatikko with trout (trout fillet on potato slices, baked in egg cream sauce), cheesecake with lingonberries, Karelian fruit drink, bread, Karelian berries in shot.
At the master class on making wickets you will be taught how to prepare the dough and filling, you will try to roll out and “pinch” the dough. And the most delicious thing is tasting the finished dish made by yourself. Kalitki are baked goods made from rye unleavened dough with various fillings.

Day 2 (January 06) - Marble Canyon:

- Breakfast

09.00 Departure to the Ruskeala mountain park, located near the city of Sortavala.

The distance from Petrozavodsk to Ruskeala is 260 km, travel time is 3.5-4 hours.

On the way, the tour guide will tell you about the history of the region.

12.00 Dinner in the cafe.
Lunch menu: borscht, cabbage salad, mashed potatoes, meat cutlet, tea, bread.

Arrival at the mountain park.

14.00-15.00 Tour of the Marble Canyon.
An old and abandoned stone quarry, developed for almost three centuries, is now open to tourists. You will see a unique creation - a huge bowl, carved by human hands in a massive marble layer, which stretches from north to south for 456 meters, and its width is 109 m. Walk along extraordinary lake, which is framed by gentle and steep cliffs of light gray marble, reaching a height of 25 meters above the water surface.

15.00-17.00 Free time in the mountain park.

At 16.00 the artistic lighting turns on. You will see the canyon in several colors that replace each other.

- In your free time, you can visit the route "Underground Ruskeala" (800-850 m) for an additional fee. Duration - 45 minutes. Price - RUB 1,320/adult
Starting times for the “Underground Ruskeala” excursion: 15.00, 15.30, 16.00.
The route consists of a system of adits and a large columned marble hall with a lake. Ruskeala adits and mines were created more than a hundred years ago by Finnish craftsmen.
In winter and spring - this is the “Palace of the Snow Queen” (with a transparent ice floor and frosty decorations). In winter, thanks to the special microclimate, the water turns into thick transparent ice. Nature creates here bizarre combinations of ice stalactites and stalagmites, transparent draperies.

17.00 Departure for Petrozavodsk.

Along the way visit to Ruskeala waterfalls- the place where the famous movie “The Dawns Here Are Quiet” took place.

22.30 Return to Petrozavodsk to the hotel.

Day 3 (January 07) - Kivach Waterfall + Marcial Waters:

- Breakfast in the hotel restaurant (buffet).

Release of rooms.

09.30 Departure for an excursion.

On the way, our tour guide will introduce you to the history of the Karelian region, local traditions and rituals.

11.00 On the way visiting the first Russian resort"Marcial Waters", founded by Peter I.

Tasting water with a high iron content from three healing springs and an excursion to the Church of the Apostle Peter.**

12.00 Dinner in the cafe.

Moving to nature reserve"Kivach".
On the territory of the reserve you will see the Kivach waterfall, formed by the fall of the Suna River.
Water falls from four steps. The total height of the fall from the upper mirror of the river to the lower one is 10.7 m.
Also included is a tour of the reserve's arboretum with a unique famous tree - the Karelian birch.

Departure back to Petrozavodsk.

17.00 Completion of the program at the Petrozavodsk railway station.

Cost of the "Christmas in Karelia" tour from January 05 to January 07, 2020:

The tour price includes:

The tour price does not include:

train tickets to Petrozavodsk and back. We recommend purchasing tickets on the day sales begin (120 or 90 days).
additional programs: dog sledding, snowmobiling, reindeer sledding, visiting the "Underground Ruskeala" route.
Booked and paid in advance - when booking the tour.
For tourists who book snowmobiling at 16.30, cancellation sightseeing tour in Petrozavodsk without transfer and reimbursement of its cost.

Useful information about the tour:

* The time for group gathering and meeting with the tour guide is from 09.00 to 09.30.
** Possibility of inspection interior decoration the temple will depend on the church's work schedule during the New Year holidays.
***On the route" underground lake"Excursionists will be given helmets and flashlights. In the adits, the temperature is kept at +7°C, and in the large marble hall, due to the special “cold bag” effect, it is almost always colder. The minimum age for visiting the underground route is from 4 years.

Please be sure to read the instructions for winter tours:

* The times in the program are approximate and may vary.

What to take with you:

comfortable and warm clothes and shoes for long periods of time outdoors, a hat, warm mittens (2 pairs), a camera, a charger for mobile phone and a camera and a good mood.
Please note that during the tour, during visits to excursion sites, a long stay on the street is provided! Therefore, shoes and clothing should be warm, comfortable and practical for different weather conditions(shoes without heels).
Travel documents: passport (regular or foreign; for a child under 14 years of age - birth certificate), citizens of the Russian Federation are recommended to take a compulsory travel policy card health insurance for each participant of the trip.

Train recommendations:

From St. Petersburg to Petrozavodsk:

From Petrozavodsk to St. Petersburg:

From Moscow to Petrozavodsk:

branded train

From Petrozavodsk to Moscow: