Dog and Reindeer Sledding in the Russian North (KL-09)

Arrival in St. Petersburg. Our driver will meet you in the arrival sector with a Go Russia sign board. Transfer to the railway station to board a comfortable overnight train to Petrozavodsk.

Upon arrival in Petrozavodsk - the capital of Karelia - we will have a short orientation city tour. Petrozavodsk stretches along the western shore of the lake Onego for approximately 27 kilometers and is distinguished by its neoclassical architectural style of 18-19 centuries.

Today is our first day of exciting winter activities. We will have a theoretical introduction to, and practical classes in dog sledding. Our guide will show you how to operate the sleds and you will have a short introductory "cruise" to adjust to dog sledding on the flat surface of the frozen lake. After lunch we will visit our dogs’ farm where you will meet the dogs and see the equipment used on the tours. You will also see how the dogs are bred and trained.

This is your opportunity to try ice-fishing on the frozen lake and to experience the traditional way of fishing in the Northern regions. After lunch at the guesthouse the guide will show and explain how to use the equipment and everybody is welcome to fish. By the way, if you are lucky enough, the fresh fish can be prepared for us for dinner.

Today we will ride the dog sleds along the forest trail (15-20 km) and enjoy the snowy taiga. As the trail sometimes go uphill, it may be necessary to help the dogs to climb. We may also see some forest birds as well as various animal traces. Picnic in the forest. Transfer to Petrozavodsk. On our way to Petrozavodsk, we will make a stop at the reindeer farm to try reindeer sledding.

We set off for our winter discovery of Kizhi by hovercraft. The Kizhi museum is one of the most interesting cultural sights in the Northern Russia; it is also included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This open-air museum includes more than 80 magnificent structures. The most amazing are the 22-dome Church of the Transfiguration (1714) and the oldest wooden church in Russia - the Church of the Resurrection of Lazarus. Dating from the 14th century, its whole structure was built without a single nail! Transfer back to Petrozavodsk to board a local train to St. Petersburg. Arrival in St. Petersburg late in the evening. Our driver will meet you with a Go Russia sign board to transfer to the hotel.

It is impossible not to fall in love with St. Petersburg, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and after you visit it, you can understand why. The most European of all Russian towns and cities, St. Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia. Unlike the busy capital Moscow, it is however calm and unhurried, just as a real museum-city should be. Start your discovery of St. Petersburg with a guided city tour by car that will take you around the stunning "Venice of the North"; you will see the Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac's Cathedral and the Church of Christ's Resurrection (The Saviour of the Blood). You will also see the famous cruiser Aurora; the legendary ship whose canon gave the signal, on the order of Lenin, for the beginning of the Great Social Revolution more than 90 years ago.

The beautiful Yusupov Palace will always be associated with scandal, for it was here that Grigory Rasputin met his grisly fate. This influential figure, said to have wielded significant power over Tsar Nicholas II, was murdered here and the cellar where the crime took place now exhibits artifacts telling that gripping story. The splendor of the palace itself is a far cry from such horrors and you’ll delight in exploring its stunning interiors. Packed with sumptuous decor with the finest marble, gilded chandeliers and elaborate carvings dating from the 19th century, the palace offers an unrivalled glimpse into the life of a wealthy aristocratic family.

A guided tour of the Hermitage, former residence of the Russian Tzars (famous Winter Palace) and one of best museums of the world. This stunning palace, an architectural masterpiece in itself, contains a collection over 3,000,000 works of art re presenting the development of world culture and art from the Stone Age to the 20th century. The collection includes works of Leonardo Da Vinci, Titian, Raphael, French impressionists, sculptures and treasures icons, coins and Tsar’s jewelry. The Hermitage is an unforgettable place to visit.

Transfer to the airport. Our driver will meet you with a Go Russia sign board at the hotel lobby.