Ruskeala Marble Canyon
White cliffs, turquoise water, caves and galleries in the former quarry that supplied marble for St Petersburg's palaces.
All journeys
Ruskeala · Valaam · Ladoga Skerries
One Day in Karelia
A marble canyon, a heritage train and Valaam Island - from dawn to sunset
Priceon request
Discuss your plansDurationaround 20 hours
Groupup to 6 guests
Seasonnavigation season
CharacterKarelia
The programme
How the day unfolds
06:00
Leave your hotel
An early private transfer from St Petersburg to Karelia.
10:30
Ruskeala Mountain Park
A walk around the canyon, private time and the finest viewpoints.
14:10
The Ruskeala Express
A steam-hauled heritage train to Sortavala.
15:00
Board your private boat
Transfer to the pier and a light onboard lunch on the way to Valaam.
16:00
Three hours on Valaam
The main monastery, secluded sketes and trails above Lake Ladoga.
19:00
The Ladoga Skerries
Return across the water through islands, pines and sunset light.
21:30
Return to St Petersburg
Private transfer, arriving at your hotel at approximately 01:30-02:00.
About the journey
Key details before you go
Karelia in one remarkable day: Ruskeala's white marble, the rhythm of a heritage train, Valaam's stillness and sunset among Ladoga's granite islands.
AccessValaam and skerries
Stops
The main stops
The Ruskeala Express
An atmospheric journey to Sortavala aboard a steam-hauled heritage train of polished brass, timber and rhythmic wheels.
Valaam and sunset in the skerries
A private boat, the island monastery and an evening passage through Ladoga's granite skerries in the finest light of the day.
Arrangements
What is included and what can be added
Included
- Private return transfer from St Petersburg
- Russian- or English-speaking guide
- Admission to Ruskeala Mountain Park
- Tickets for the Ruskeala Express
- Private boat to Valaam and through the skerries
- Light onboard lunch
Available on request
- Bespoke onboard menu
- Personal photographer
- Extended time on Valaam
Good to know
Practical details
What is included?
The principal inclusions are listed above. Once the date is agreed, you receive a confirmed itinerary and one complete price.
What happens if the weather changes?
We check conditions in advance and suggest another time, an alternative programme or a different date, depending on the route.
How do I confirm a date?
Call +7 995 885 64 44. We will check availability and agree the details.
Can the programme be adjusted?
Yes. The timing, transport and stops can be changed after a conversation with us.
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