Almas Russia · 2026
Karelia and Lake Ladoga
Seven days and six nights: a St. Petersburg night before and after Karelia, and four nights at one base near Sortavala. Ruskeala, the skerries and Valaam or a land alternative.
Season and plans for changes
- An example programme for an individual proposal. We quote the relaxed family and fuller adult versions separately. Before booking, confirm dates, rooms, meals, tickets, guiding and replacement costs in writing.
- Night outings require a recovery morning; confirm eligibility, age rules and refunds before booking.
Day-by-day program
Day 1 — Arrival in St. Petersburg and rest
Meet at Pulkovo, private transfer, check-in under the hotel terms and time to rest. A short walk depends on energy and arrival time. Agreed dinner, or preordered hotel food after a delay. Overnight in St. Petersburg.
Welcome dinner included. Today's lunch is not included — you pay for it separately, and we can help choose a place.
Day 2 — St. Petersburg → Sortavala
Breakfast and travel from St. Petersburg to Sortavala by private road transport. Confirm departure and the full hotel-to-hotel journey for your dates. Plan lunch, breaks and food en route. After arrival, check in, have dinner and rest; keep major sightseeing for a separate day.
Breakfast included. Lunch included; the venue or packed lunch is agreed before departure. Dinner included.
Day 3 — Ruskeala with a family surface route
Travel from Sortavala to Ruskeala. The family base is a surface route, lunch near the park and rest. The underground tour is only an adult-profile option with a confirmed slot and eligible ages; a party with a child under seven stays together on the surface route. A retro train requires a separately checked complete timetable.
Breakfast included. Lunch included; the venue or packed lunch is agreed before departure. Dinner included.
Day 4 — Valaam or an agreed land day
Sail from Sortavala to Valaam only with confirmed sailings, suitable conditions and a suitable party. The base plan uses the same bay for arrival and departure; another pier requires an extra transfer and a revised timetable. Allow sightseeing, food and breaks without rushing the last boat. Families may choose a full mainland day beforehand.
Breakfast included. Lunch included; the venue or packed lunch is agreed before departure. Dinner included.
Day 5 — The Ladoga skerries
A skerries trip from the Sortavala area on an agreed vessel if the captain allows departure. Check lifejackets, eligibility, permits and toilet breaks before boarding. Lunch and free time ashore. A cancelled sailing activates the agreed land programme.
Breakfast included. Lunch included; the venue or packed lunch is agreed before departure. Dinner included.
Day 6 — Sortavala → St. Petersburg
Breakfast and travel from Sortavala to St. Petersburg by private road transport. Confirm departure and the full hotel-to-hotel journey for your dates. Plan lunch, breaks and food en route. After arrival, check in, have dinner and rest; keep major sightseeing for a separate day.
Breakfast included. Lunch included; the venue or packed lunch is agreed before departure. Dinner included.
Day 7 — Breakfast and departure from St. Petersburg
Breakfast, luggage, check-out and transfer to Pulkovo with a buffer for your flight. Keep the airport transfer clear of extra sightseeing. Request a breakfast box in advance for an early flight.
Breakfast included. Today's lunch and dinner are not included — you pay for them separately, and we can help choose places.
Where you could stay
St. Petersburg · 1 night
A shortlist for an individual quote. Confirm capacity, connecting rooms, quietness, breakfast and availability in writing.
Sortavala · 4 nights
A shortlist for an individual quote. Confirm capacity, connecting rooms, quietness, breakfast and availability in writing.
St. Petersburg · 1 night
A shortlist for an individual quote. Confirm capacity, connecting rooms, quietness, breakfast and availability in writing.
Included
- The base individual proposal plans for:
- Accommodation in the selected room configuration
- Road transport and visits in the agreed programme
- 6 breakfasts; lunches on days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; dinners on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Guiding and Arabic coverage during agreed hours
- A children’s souvenir chosen for the group
- Services, tickets and meals are confirmed in writing before booking
Not included
- International flights and applicable visa costs
- Domestic flights and trains unless included as an explicit proposal line
- Personal expenses and activities outside the agreed programme
- Tips are not included.
How we plan meals
Options vary by region, and halal dining can be limited outside major cities. Before booking, we discuss your requirements and ask kitchens about ingredients and preparation. Where suitable options are unavailable, we propose fish or vegetarian dishes for your approval. This does not mean the restaurant or kitchen is halal-certified.
Price on request
We calculate costs in RUB; the payment currency and a dated exchange rate are fixed in your individual proposal. Group size, dates and services are confirmed in the proposal.
We recommend medical insurance. It is not included in the tour price and is not required for visa-free entry. For an e-visa, the portal still lists a policy for the whole stay unless an official exemption applies to your citizenship.
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