White Nights Adventure

Itinerary

Days 1-3 St Petersburg

The adventure begins in imperial St Petersburg, a grand city built as Russia's 'window to the west'. During 'white nights', when the sun almost never sets, the city comes alive with people strolling the river banks, promenading the historic centre and boating around the extensive system of canals. This is indeed Russia's cultural capital, home to one of the world's greatest art museums, the Hermitage.

Days 4-5 Arkhangelsk

We continue north to Arkhangelsk, a tidy city on the Dvina River near the White Sea, which was Russia's only port before the creation of St Petersburg. This was the place where the White Army fled during the revolution and where Russia received allied aid during WW II. Discover the many historical sites on a tour of the city.

Day 6 Kargopol

One of the oldest towns in northern Russia, Kargopol still retains much of its traditional character with wooden houses lining the neat streets and ornamental churches dating back to the 16th century. The region is also famous for folk art, especially clay figurines and patchwork. Experience a homestay and visit local artisans.

Days 7-8 Kenozero National Park

Considered to be an open-air museum of northern Russian nature and cultural heritage, Kenozero National Park is covered with virgin forests and dotted with lakes, bays and white sandy beaches. Discover charming ancient wooden villages and enjoy a traditional lunch by the Maselgskoe Lake.

Days 9-10 Petrozavodsk & Kizhi

Literally translating as 'Peter's Factory', Petrozavodsk was founded by Peter the Great and is one of Russia's most enchanting cities. Discover the green parks and tree-lined avenues before taking an excursion to the island of Kizhi. One among hundreds of islands in Lake Onega, this lovely retreat offers magical old-Russian architecture in its churches, chapels and traditional wooden houses.

Days 11-13 Solovki

The Solovetsky Archipelago (Solovki) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Home to one of the biggest monasteries in the world until the 19th century, Solovki became a USSR Gulag during Soviet times. Today it is once again a centre of pilgrimage, and visitors are attracted to its isolation, natural beauty and incredible historical significance. Tour the main monastery complex and perhaps head out to explore the island on foot or by bike.

Days 14-15 St Petersburg

Head back to Russia's cultural capital and make the most of the evening light for further explorations or with dinner on a restaurant terrace.