Winter Adventure
Route Attractions
Route Activities
Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Driving distance: 2000 km (60% Paved Roads and 40% backroads and forest trails)
Types of driving: highway, snow, ice, off-road
Type of tour: Self driving tour
Vehicles: Great Wall Motor Tank
Minimum driver age: 21
Group size: 10
Accommodation: Best hotels on the route. 5* hotels in Moscow and Saint Petersburg
Meals: 3 times a day
Best time: January - March
Day 1. Saint-Petersburg Arrival 20 km (40 min)
We'll meet you at the arrival lounge and take you to the hotel where you can leave your luggage and get comfortable. Afterword, it’s time to stretch your legs and explore the city a bit. Start your journey with a relaxed walk through the heart of northern capital.
You will see:
Afterward, you can rest up – your winter road trip adventure starts tomorrow!
Accommodation: In one of the city's best 5-star hotel | Meals: - / - / Dinner
Day 2. From Sain-Petersburg to Sortavala (300 km 4-5 h)
This morning, we begin with a brief instruction before embarking on our journey. We bid farewell to the enchanting Northern Capital and set off for Sortavala.
This charming town in Karelia lies on the shores of Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake. Our route follows the frozen shoreline, offering stunning views of the snow-covered expanse. Weather permitting, we will explore the surrounding forests, step onto the ice (testing its strength under expert guidance), and marvel at this natural wonder.
Lake Ladoga holds deep historical significance as the “Road of Life” during World War II, a vital lifeline that supplied besieged Leningrad under dire conditions. Here, nature and history come together in a poignant way.
Along the way, we pass dense boreal forests and frozen lakes shimmering under the winter sun. In Sortavala, you can try traditional ice fishing, wander among quaint Finnish-style wooden houses, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Russian-Finnish borderlands in their winter stillness. We spend the night in a cozy hotel overlooking a picturesque lake, perfect for relaxing and reflecting on the day.
Accommodation: cozy hotel | Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3. Sortavala 50 km. Full day
In the morning, embark on an exciting and unforgettable snowmobile adventure across a frozen lake and through the snow-covered forest, enjoying the pristine winter landscapes and the crisp northern air. This thrilling ride offers a unique way to experience the serene beauty of Karelia’s wilderness.
In the afternoon, we continue to Ruskeala Mountain Park, exploring the famous marble quarry surrounded by frozen waterfalls and snow-covered cliffs.
Next, we head to Petrozavodsk, the capital of Karelia, known for its neoclassical architecture, youthful energy, and cozy atmosphere shaped by close ties to Finland. In the evening, we arrive at one of the city’s finest hotels.
Accommodation: hotel | Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4. From Sortavala to Petrozavodsk 240 km (3-4 h)
This morning we head to Petrozavodsk, the capital of Karelia, known for its neoclassical architecture, youthful energy, and cozy atmosphere shaped by close ties to Finland.
A highlight of the day is our visit to a Siberian Husky kennel, tucked away in a peaceful riverside glade deep within the Karelian forest. Here, you will meet these intelligent, lively dogs known for their gentle nature. You’ll learn to harness a sled and feel the thrilling rush of a husky-driven ride across the snowy wilderness. Their strength and speed are truly impressive, and interacting with these noble animals will delight visitors of all ages.
Afterward, we gather around a crackling fire inside a traditional Northern chum tent to enjoy a warm lunch, accompanied by live music on ethnic instruments performed by a local ensemble.
In the evening, we arrive at one of the city’s finest hotels.
Accommodation: hotel | Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5. Kizhi Island (day trip) 70 km (5 h)
Petrozavodsk, besides being a lake port, is the gateway to the region’s iconic cultural treasure — Kizhi Island open-air museum. After breakfast, we’ll head to Lake Onega to board a "khivus" (hovercraft) and glide across the smooth ice to Kizhi Island.
Kizhi Island showcases some of Russia’s finest wooden architecture, with structures collected from various regions and eras, the oldest dating back to the 14th century. Carefully preserved, these buildings form an open-air museum featuring masterpieces of church architecture, iconography, and everyday items from Karelian, Veps, and Russian villages over centuries.
Notably, the Transfiguration Church on the island, built entirely of wood without metal nails, represents astonishing traditional carpentry preserved for centuries. Many churches were relocated and reconstructed on Kizhi to preserve village architectural heritage.
After the tour, we’ll enjoy a picnic with hot kebabs and roasted vegetables amidst the winter scenery. Returning to Petrozavodsk, we’ll spend another memorable evening dining at one of the city’s coziest cafes.
Accommodation: hotel | Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6. From Onega to Upper Mandrogi (250 km 4 h)
Drive to Upper Mandrogi, a recreated village on the Svir River that captures rural charm with artisan workshops, festive markets and small museums. Winter visitors can enjoy Russian steam baths (banya), horse-drawn sleigh rides, and hands-on folk craft workshops such as pottery and weaving. This cozy stop offers an authentic glimpse into Russia’s rustic spirit.
Skilled craftsmen preserve ancient traditions including clothing, pottery, toys, lace, hand-forged metal souvenirs, and Matryoshka dolls. A highlight is tasting local pirozhki—small pies filled with meat, fish, cabbage, or berries.
Spend the night in one of the village’s colorful wooden houses. The day ends with a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride and a visit to a local shop to find unique handicrafts created by talented artisans.
Accommodation: cottages | Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7. From Upper Mandrogi to V. Novgorod
From Upper Mandrogi, we continue to Veliky Novgorod, one of Russia’s oldest cities and the birthplace of Russian statehood. Founded in 859, Veliky Novgorod was a powerful medieval stronghold and a key trading hub on the Hanseatic League route. The name means “Great Novgorod.”
This authentic medieval town offers a vivid glimpse into Russia’s historic fortress life and classic architecture. In winter, the Kremlin (Detinets) looks especially magical under the snow.
Highlights include the 11th-century St. Sophia Cathedral with its ancient frescoes and the nearby open-air Wooden Architecture Museum in Vitoslavlitsy village, showcasing traditional houses.
The day concludes with an immersive performance of ethnic dance and song, promising a captivating cultural experience.
Accommodation: hotel | Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8. From Veliky Novgorod to Seliger 320 km (5 h)
After breakfast, we visit the Novgorod Kremlin on the Volkhov River — the oldest preserved fortress in Russia. Next, we explore Old Ladoga, the oldest inhabited settlement in the Leningrad Region and the original capital of Northern Russia in the 9th–10th centuries, featuring a 12th-century fortress, ancient churches, monasteries, burial mounds, and caves.
The journey continues through the scenic Valday Highlands along winding forest roads to Seliger Lake, a vast chain of natural reservoirs formed after the last Ice Age. Surrounded by coniferous forests, the lakes and islands create a stunning winter landscape of snow and ice. You’ll have free time to explore on foot or try ice sledding on the lake.
A highlight is visiting the source of the Volga River, Russia’s longest river, reached by a short walk through pristine snow to this symbolic and peaceful site.
In the evening, we stay at a cozy lakeside hotel.
Accommodation: wooden cottages | Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 9. From Lake Seliger to Moscow 400 km (6 h)
After leaving Seliger, we stop at the Nilo-Stolobenskaya Pustyn (Nilov Hermitage) on Stolobny Island. Founded in 1594, it was once among the largest and wealthiest Russian Orthodox monasteries and remains one of the finest examples of Neoclassical architecture in Eastern Europe.
Then driving through winding country roads, we soaked in the peaceful atmosphere, with every turn revealing breathtaking views of untouched wilderness. As the natural scenery gradually gave way to signs of civilization, anticipation grew for what awaited us next. Entering Moscow feels like stepping into a vibrant new world, filled with energy and warmth.
The city greets you with open arms — its vast squares bustling with life, festive Christmas markets filled with joyful chatter, and elegant Christmas trees standing tall and bright. Everywhere you look, sparkling garlands and beautifully decorated shop windows light up the streets, creating a magical atmosphere. Restaurants invite you in with cozy warmth and fragrant aromas, promising new experiences and delights.
Accommodation: hotel| Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 10. Moscow 20 km (Half day)
Welcome to a one-day immersion into the winter magic of Moscow! Moscow transforms in winter: snow-covered palaces, sun-sparkling cathedral domes, and ice-locked canals create a true Christmas fairy-tale atmosphere.
Your day includes a fascinating sightseeing tour visiting some of the city’s most iconic historical and cultural landmarks such as:
This full-day program offers a perfect blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant urban life, allowing you to fully experience Moscow’s winter charm and heritage.
Accommodation: In one of the city's best 5-star hotel| Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 11. Moscow Departure 35 km (45 min)
If you have some extra time for an excursion around Moscow, here are some optional tours:
After your exploration, our transfer will take you to the airport, where we’ll say our warm goodbyes, hoping this winter journey stays in your heart forever!
Accommodation: In one of the city's best 5-star hotel| Meals: Breakfast / - / -
