7 Days / 6 Nights
Train journeys, Cultural tours, Northern Lights tours, Dog sledding, Snowmobiling
Discover adventures, activities, and rich culture on the picturesque roads of Northern Russia. Join a small group tour for an immersive exploration of this region
- Hunt for the mesmerizing Northern Lights
- Experience a vintage steam train ride
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Kizhi Island
- Uncover the unique culture of the Sami people
Day 1. Travel from Moscow to Karelia Region
17:50 PM – Tour assembles at Leningradsky Train Station in Moscow.
An English-speaking guide will be on hand to assist you with boarding the overnight sleeper train. You'll receive joining instructions and electronic train tickets in advance to ensure a smooth start to your adventure.
18:45 PM – Departure from Moscow to Sortavala. Please note that this train journey is unescorted.
Day 2. Karelia Region: Vintage Steam Train & Ruskeala Marble Canyon
08:20 AM: Arrival in the town of Sortavala. Meet your local English-speaking guide at the train station.
Enjoy breakfast and a city tour of Sortavala, formerly an important town of the Grand Duchy of Finland. Explore historic buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries and walk along the shores of Lake Ladoga.
Board the Ruskeala Express vintage steam train for a scenic journey to Ruskeala Park.
Visit Ruskeala Mountain Park and take a walk around its picturesque marble quarries.
Transfer to Petrozavodsk by car (approximately a 3.5-hour ride).
Check-in at the hotel for 1 night.
Day 3: Petrozavodsk: Kizhi Island Adventure
Breakfast.
Embark on a tour to Kizhi Island. This remote island in Lake Onega is home to world-famous wooden churches from the early 18th century. We will visit the renowned Museum of Wooden Architecture, and take in the picturesque rural scenery. Depending on the season, either a hovercraft or a boat is used to reach the island.
Transfer to the train station.
Board the overnight sleeper train and set off to the Kola Peninsula. Please note that this train journey is unescorted.
The Kizhi Island trip depends on weather conditions. If access to Kizhi is not possible, an alternative program will be arranged.
A restaurant car is available on the train.
Day 4. Murmansk: Explore the City and Chase the Northern Lights
12:10 PM – Arrival in Murmansk. Meet your local driver and transfer to the hotel to drop off luggage.
Continue with Murmansk city tour: see the main attractions of this Arctic city, such as the “Alyosha” war memorial with a panoramic view on the city, Lighthouse memorial, and Murmansk port with a view on “Lenin” icebreaker.
In the evening, head out on a Northern Lights hunt. In Murmansk, the Aurora watching season runs from late August to mid-April, so the chances of seeing the Lights are reasonably good during this period. Depending on solar activity and cloud cover forecast, tours depart between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM. An Aurora guide/photographer will capture photos during the tour, and a download link will be provided a day or two afterward.
Overnight in Murmansk.
*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. Murmansk: Adventures and Activities
After breakfast, pickup from the hotel and transfer to one of the adventure parks, where you can enjoy a variety of activities. These include a Sami ethnic program, taking photos in traditional costumes, visiting and hand-feeding reindeers, and tasting traditional fish soup and herbal tea.
Depending on availability and the season, options may also include dog sledding and reindeer sledding.
Return to the hotel.
In the evening, there will be a second Aurora hunting tour, arranged if the first trip is canceled or unsuccessful.
Overnight in Murmansk.
Day 6. Murmansk: Optional Teriberka or Ice Floating Adventures
Breakfast.
Today, you can explore the area independently or choose from several optional tours (additional charges apply):
- A trip to Teriberka, where you can enjoy beautiful Arctic scenery, explore rugged coastal landscapes and tundra, and discover the old village overlooking the Barents Sea.
- An ice floating experience in the Kandalaksha Bay or the Kola Bay, where you can gently drift on the icy waters among ice floes and enjoy a peaceful moment surrounded by stunning polar landscapes.
Overnight in Murmansk.
From November to April, the Teriberka trip depends on weather conditions, as access may be restricted due to heavy snowfall.
Ice floating is organized between November and April. During the other months, swimming may is possible, but there are no ice floes.
Day 7. Murmansk: Departure
Breakfast.
Transfer to the airport or train station and departure for Moscow or St. Petersburg (plane or train tickets are not included).
North Explorer: Kizhi, Aurora & Arctic Adventure tour price in 2026–2027:
105,000 Rubles/person
Prices are based on 2 adults sharing a room. Due to fluctuations in accommodation and activity prices, supplements may apply to the above rates.
Tour Dates in the 2026/27 Season:
September: 25.09.26 – 01.10.26
October: 03.10.26 – 08.10.26
November: No departures
December: On request, for groups of 6 or more
January: On request, for groups of 6 or more
February: 20.02.27 – 26.02.27, 27.02.27 – 05.03.27
March: 07.03.27 – 13.03.27, 20.03.27 – 26.03.27
April: On request, for groups of 6 or more
1. One night at the Piter Inn or similar 4-star hotel in Petrozavodsk.
2. Three nights at the Cosmos or similar 4-star hotel in Murmansk.
3. Breakfasts as per the itinerary.
4. Transfers as per itinerary.
5. Train tickets Moscow–Sortavala (4-berth sleeper, no meals).
6. Vintage steam train ticket (2nd class seat).
7. Ruskeala Park entry.
8. Kizhi Island tour with transport, museum ticket, and audio guide (live guide for groups over 4).
9. Train tickets Petrozavodsk–Murmansk (4-berth sleeper, no meals).
10. Northern Lights hunt tour.
11. Murmansk city tour.
12. Adventure Park tour with Sami ethnic program and a light meal.
Not Included:
1. Meals not specified as included.
2. Private train compartment.
3. Optional tours, activities, or additional sightseeing beyond the itinerary.
4. Charges for early check-in or late check-out.
5. Tips for local guides and drivers.
