►Tours ► Russian North Tours ► Karelian Fairytale Tour

In this three-day winter tour to Karelia we have included not just a snowmobile safari through old Karelian villages, but also dog-sledging through a snowy forest and a visit to one of the wonders of Russia – Kizhi Island. It is easy to drive the dogs. The commands are simple: Khaki – ahead; Khoa – stop; Dzhi – right and Kha – left. The terminology is international – the language of native North Americans. The dogs are completely obedient and enjoy the ride, the snow, the wind and the speed.

On the snowmobiles, you will travel to the quaint Karelian village of Rubcheyla, where you will learn about Karelian culture and have the chance to enjoy real Karelian national cuisine. You can't visit Karelia without seeing its most famous sight – Kizhi Island with its unique church complex which in winter isn't crowded with tourists and looks especially appealing. You will get to Kizhi via hovercraft.

 Arrival to Petrozavodsk.

 Breakfast in a cafe and then transfer to the tourist base. 

 Distance: 70km

 Upon arrival, equipment will be selected and you will have instructions on driving the snowmobiles and on safety requirements. Practice at driving the snowmobiles. Snowmobile safari to the village of Veshkelitsa through a forest path. 

 Distance: 40km.

 Excursion to the village of Veshkelitsa – Veshkelitsa is an ancient Karelian village in the Suojärvi district. The natural landscape of Veshkelitsy is very interesting - the village is located on the banks of seven small lakes (Kirikiyarvi, Matkayarvi, Kovrayarvi, and others). The relief of the area is strongly crossed, with steep coastal slopes and hills with large differences in heights. The unique landscape of the area predetermined very picturesque character of the settlement.

 You will be served a traditional Karelian meal in one of the local houses.

 After lunch you will return to the base.

 Distance: 40km.

  Dinner at the tourist base.

 Transfer to the dog-sledding site.

 You will meet the dog-team driver, receive instructions on driving the dogs and the sled, and select the equipment. You will go on a circular route along picturesque surroundings through forests and hills. The route features hills and slopes, as well as sharp turns.

 Distance: 10-12km

 After the trip you will have chance to take photos with the dogs and have lunch.

 Return to the base. Free time

  Dinner at a café.

  Breakfast in a cafe. 

 Check-out and transfer to the shore of Lake Onega in Petrozavodsk. Hovercraft ride to Kizhi Island.

 Distance: 65km |  Duration: 1½ hours

• You must be 18 or over to drive the snowmobiles.
• The tour is recommended for children aged 12 and above.
• The places on the tour are limited so we recommend booking in advance.
• The premium train from Moscow has first-class (two beds in a compartment) and second-class (four beds in a compartment) carriages. As it is the most comfortable train to Petrozavodsk, tickets sell out quickly. Approximate prices for a place in first class - USD125, for a place in second class -USD94. The closer to the date of the tour, the more expensive the tickets.
• You should take with you: a backpack, suitable comfortable clothes: trousers, a warm sweater, thick outer socks and thin socks for wearing underneath, t-shirts, warm coat, warm hat, warm gloves and warm walking boots.
• All equipment for the snowmobile is provided, but we recommend that you bring your own head protection for wearing under the helmet.
• A special rate of cancellation fees applies for this tour.

 The recreation centre is located about 70km from Petrozavodsk in the forest on the shore of Syamozero lake. Standard TWIN room has - Each room has TV, bedside tables, chairs, a wardrobe or a chest of drawers for clothes, a coffee table, toilet, shower and sink.