This is a unique opportunity to spend an unforgettable winter weekend in Petrozavodsk and visit the island of Kizhi, enjoy the silence and harmony of the Karelian winter and visit the main attractions of the museum-reserve.
Program:
Petrozavodsk is the capital city of the Republic of Karelia, Russia, which stretches along the western shore of Lake Onega for some 27 kilometres (17 mi). This city has several interesting sights and a perfect starting point for the trips to Kizhi and other cultural and natural landmarks of Karelia.
The island of Kizhi in Lake Onego is famous for the biggest world ensemble of wooden architecture - Kizhi Museum. It is enlisted in UNESCO's World Heritage List.
The first day will be dedicated to a city tour and a trip to the traditional Karelian village Kinerma located 100 km from Petrozavodsk.
City sightseeing tour will introduce to you the main sights of the city. You will see the buildings of the central and the most vivid streets of the city – Lenina Avenue and the houses of the quiet city streets. The guide will tell you the history of the city, legends and interesting facts. Within the tour you will see the Governor’s park, city embankment, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – the patron of Petrozavodsk, two central squares of Petrozavodsk, one of which – the Kirov square is traditionally known as a cultural centre of the city as it is surrounded by the Museum of Fine Arts, the Exhibition hall of Kizhi museum, Open funds of Kizhi museum, Kantele House, The Musical and National Theaters of the Republic of Karelia and the Puppet Theater.
After the tour, you will have lunch in a traditional Karelian restaurant and some time to relax.
Afterwards, you will head to Kinerma village that represents a unique complex of national wooden architecture peculiar to the Karelian-livviki which includes a rural chapel of the Smolensk God’s Mother dated of the second half of XVIII century, surrounded by an ancient cult fur-tree grove, country houses and sauna houses. You will have a hiking excursion in the village and a break to drink some tea with the traditional Karelian bakery.
At the end of the day, the guide will accompany you to your hotel in Petrozavodsk.
The second day will be dedicated to the trip to Kizhi island by the hovercraft.
It's a unique opportunity to have a tour to Kizhi by hovercraft on the frozen lake.
The village and churches of Kizhi island were first mentioned in the historical chronicles about four hundred years ago. In the 16th century, the Island played an important role in the life of local people being the administrative centre of the large Zaonezhye region, with numerous settlements on the surrounding islands as well as on the mainland. It was the land of diligent, prosperous, and religious people - fishermen, peasants, craftsmen, merchants, blacksmiths and carpenters - with their own culture, customs and traditions.
After the tour, you will be transferred to the railway station in Petrozavodsk or some other place in Petrozavodsk upon your request.
Dates: from 15 February to 30 April
Type: Small Group Tours
Duration: 2 days
ITINERARY
DAY 1: PETROZAVODSK AND KINERMA VILLAGE
12:00 - Arrival in Petrozavodsk by train from Saint Petersburg, meeting with the guide and driver
12:00 - 14:00 - city tour around Petrozavodsk
14:00 - 15:00 - Lunch at the local restaurant
15:00 - 21:00 - tour to the village Kinerma & transfer to the hotel
DAY 2: KIZHI ISLAND
10:00 - 11:30 - Transfer Petrozavodsk - Kizhi
11:30 - Arrival to the island of Kizhi
11:30 - 14.30 - Excursion on the main exposition "Masterpieces of Kizhi Island" + Lunch (tea + bakery) + Master Class on Traditional Crafts / Visit to the Museum's Carpentry Center (optional) / interactive game program
14:30 - 16:00 - Transfer Kizhi - Petrozavodsk
16:00 - 16:30 - transfer to the railway station (any other place in Petrozavodsk upon request)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Hovercraft (Petrozavodsk-Kizhi-Petrozavodsk)
Sightseeing tour of the Kizhi Pogost
Karelian tea-drinking
Professional English-speaking guide assistance. Other languages upon request (additional charge may apply)
Driver’s services as per the program (Comfortable car/minivan with A/C)
All entrance fees
Lunch (on the first day)
Not included in the price
Accommodation
Dinner / Drinks
Gratuities to guide/driver (optional)
Soft and alcoholic drinks (available to purchase on the spot)
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