6 Days / 5 Nights
Train journeys, Cultural tours, Northern Lights tours, Dog sledding, Snowmobiling
Adventures, activities and a bit of culture on the scenic roads of the Russian north (September — April).
- Explore picturesque nature spots
- Hunt for the Northern Lights
- Ride on a steam train
- Visit a husky kennel
- Taste local food
Day 1. Train to the Northern Russia from Moscow/St. Petersburg
Board a comfortable double-decker sleeper train and depart from Moscow at 16:50 (hop on in St. Petersburg at 02:25 or take a later train there at 06:15). Overnight (train journey is unescorted).
Day 2. Steam train. Ruskeala Park. Eco Trail
08:22 – Arrival in the town of Sortavala.
Breakfast and a city tour of Sortavala, formerly an important town of the Grand Duchy of Finland. We’ll observe several historic buildings of the 19th and 20th
centuries and walk along the Lake Ladoga shore.
Board the Ruskeala Express vintage steam train for a scenic train journey to Ruskeala Mountain Park.
Visit the marble quarries of Ruskeala. Continue to the Ahinkoski Cascade and walk along its picturesque eco trail.
Transfer to Petrozavodsk city (250 km) and hotel check-in for 1 night.
Day 3. Husky Kennel visit and a dog-sledding/dog trekking adventure*
Breakfast.
Transfer to the safari centre. Visit a husky kennel
and meet sled dogs of various breeds. Depending on season, you can participate in a dog sledding or dog trekking adventure.
Train station transfer and at 17.10 depart by a comfortable sleeper train for Murmansk. Overnight (no guide at train).
*It may be possible to arrange a trip to Kizhi Island with a visit to the world-famous wooden architecture museum (instead of the husky kennel and dog sledding/trekking).
Day 4. Murmansk. Aurora Hunt
12:05 – Arrival in Murmansk. Transfer and hotel check-in for 2 nights.
In the evening, head out to hunt for the Northern Lights. Depending on the Aurora and cloud cover forecast, the tour will depart between 7:00 and 10:00 PM—the best time for spotting the Northern Lights near Murmansk. Our guide/photographer will take care of capturing photos, and a download link will be provided.**
*If the weather is unfavorable and there is no chance to see the Northern Lights due to a snowstorm or other conditions, the trip will be rescheduled for the following evening.
Day 5. Teriberka Village
Breakfast.
In the morning, join a full day Teriberka tour*. During the trip, you’ll see the endless tundra without any tree, ship graveyard at the Barents Sea rocks, creepy old wooden houses of Teriberka fishing village, first mentioned in chronicles of the XVI century and have lunch with seafood/reindeer at one of the local restaurants (not incl. – choose and pay on the spot).
You can also participate in a side trip to the “Dragon eggs” beach by snowmobiles or on foot or join a boat trip to see whales and dolphins thriving in the wild in the Barents Sea waters (conditions depending, extra payment applies).
Return to Murmansk. Optional: second Northern Lights tour.
*If the weather is right. It happens that the road to the village is closed due to heavy snowfall.
Day 6. Fly from Murmansk or extend your stay
Breakfast and transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Moscow/St. Petersburg (air ticket is not included).
You may wish to extend your stay in Murmansk, please request for arrangements.
Trails, Trains & Aurora Hunt tour price in 2025–2026:
Early booking (until 1 June 2025): 74000 Rubles per person in a double room.
Due to fluctuations in accommodation prices supplements may apply to above prices. Price per person is based on 2/3 adults sharing a room.
Tour dates in 2025–2026:
September: 7–12
October: 5–10
December: 14–19
January: 11–16
February: 8–13
March: 8–13, 29–03 (April)
Flexible departure dates and tailor-made itinerary are possible for groups.
1. 4* hotel accommodation in Petrozavodsk (1 night) and in Murmansk (2 nights).
2. Four breakfasts.
3. Train tickets Moscow–Sortavala (4-berth sleeper compartment).
4. Train tickets Sortavala–Ruskeala (seat, steam train).
5. Train tickets Petrozavodsk–Murmansk (4-berth sleeper compartment).
6. Entrance tickets to Ruskeala Mountain Park and Akhinkoski Park.
7. Teriberka Nature Park fee.
8. Transfers as per the itinerary.
9. Dog sledding or dog trekking adventure (depending on season), including transfers and guide.
10. Aurora hunt tour, including transfers and guide.
11. Teriberka village tour, including transfers and guide.
Not Included:
1. Meals other than breakfasts.
2. Boat trip in Teriberka.
3. Activities other than mentioned above.
Discover St. Petersburg, one of the world’s most fascinating cultural destinations. Tour highlights:
- State Hermitage museum
- Peter and Paul Fortress, Church on the Spilled Blood
- Tsarskoe Selo (Amber room)
- Options: Peterhof gardens, art and military museums, boat trip etc.
From 63.000 Rubles/person
Visit one of Russia’s most famous museums
- See the masterpieces of Italian, French, Dutch and Spanish artists
- Discover prehistoric art and ancient artefacts
- Explore state rooms of the imperial Winter Palace
- Private tour with a guide
Group of 2: from 5000 Rubles/person
Discover historical attractions of Veliky Novgorod
- Private trip from St. Petersburg
- Visit Novgorod Kremlin and the Cathedral of St. Sophia
- Explore Yaroslav’s Court with its medieval churches
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel
Group of 2: 18000 Rubles/person