Drive into White Nights

Day 1. Murmansk- Lapland village (Arrival). Distance: 35 km

Our team will greet you upon arrival at the airport, with comfortable SUVs waiting to embark on an unforgettable adventure through the authentic north. After a quick introduction, we will delve into exploring vibrant Murmansk, situated along the rugged shores of the Barents Sea. Founded just over a century ago, Murmansk boasts being not only the most populous city above the Arctic Circle but also one of its largest non-freezing ports thanks to the warming influence of the nearby Gulf Stream. This city carries profound historical significance, especially memories of World War II. We will visit the iconic Alyosha Monument—a towering tribute to fallen soldiers standing guard over the harbor—and learn about the pivotal battles fought here against advancing German forces in 1941.

Another highlight awaits aboard the legendary 'Lenin', the world's first nuclear icebreaker now preserved as a museum ship. Built between 1956 and 1959 by hundreds of Soviet engineers and scientists, Lenin traveled 654,400 nautical miles (more than three times the distance from the Earth to the Moon!) and for decades paved the way for safer passage across the treacherous Arctic waters. Finally, basking in the eternal daylight of summer's polar day, our expedition continues towards charming Lapland Village.

Accommodation: in glamping cottages or Igloo in Lapland village (Meals: -/L/D)

Day 2. Lapland village -Teriberka 270 km

Today, we are venturing to the remote yet enchanting village of Teriberka, nestled along the Arctic Ocean's shoreline. It is practically the only accessible spot reachable via road without major off-road challenges, although the final 30 kilometers leading up to Teriberka feature a gravel track. Following a scenic two-hour drive across the vast expanse of the tundra, you will be greeted by an unexpected sight: a tranquil beach lapped by gentle waves of the unfrozen Barents Sea.

Once thriving as a fishing hub, Teriberka today exudes a timeless charm with its quaint streets and weather-worn buildings. Despite its isolated location, it is gaining popularity among travelers seeking unique experiences—from witnessing the ethereal Northern Lights in winter to participating in international kitesurfing events during the warmer months. Notably, visitors enjoy dining at a seaside restaurant offering fresh seafood cuisine including crabs, fish, mollusks, and even sea urchins sourced directly from morning catches. Additionally, visitors can explore intriguing landmarks such as the Dinosaur Egg Beach, known for its massive spherical stones resembling ancient fossils, or the haunting Ship Graveyard, where rusted hulls protrude eerily from the shallow waters. With endless days of sunlight illuminating the landscape, your stay promises to be nothing short of magical.

Accommodation: in glamping cottages or Igloo in Lapland village (Meals: B/L/D)

Day 3. Lapland village-Kirovsk 268 km

In the early hours of summer morning, we begin our journey driving along the infinite expanses of the boundless stretches of tundra towards the majestic Khibiny Mountains. Visiting a traditional Sami dwelling along the way, guests will don native garb for photographic souvenirs and engage in rituals honoring ancestral deities. Guided by folks, participants gain insight into indigenous customs while interacting closely with emblematic creatures like reindeer, elk, and polar foxes. Feeding reindeer from your own hands is an incredible experience! Next, we plunge into the core of the mountain massif explore the very center of the Khibiny range with our SUVs. The difficult terrain will allow us to test the cars on some nice off-roading patches.

Ascending by cable car to Plato Restaurant crowning Mount Kukisvumchorr, where visitors feast upon local delicacies beneath sweeping panoramas. Nestled beside this mountain lies Kirovsk. At the end of an eventful day, we are staying in a cozy hotel, providing a well-deserved rest after an unforgettable day.

Accommodation: hotel in Kirovsk (Meals: B/L/D)

Day 4. Kirovsk- Segezha 630 km

Commencing our journey from the Kola Peninsula, we shall proceed to explore the enigmatic beauty of North Karelia. Departing from the desolate Arctic terrain, we enter a region celebrated for its numerous lakes and unparalleled natural splendor. Covering considerable ground, we undertake a genuine road adventure getting a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the untamed wilderness. Upon halting briefly in Kandalaksha, we progress approximately 100 kilometers further to capture official photographs at the demarcation line of the Arctic Circle, thus formally inaugurating our travels. Proceeding southwards, we deviate slightly to visit Kem, a maritime settlement facing Solovki Island, historically significant as a staging post for detainees destined for the Solovetsky labor camp.

During this excursion, we relish the phenomenon of Karelia's celebrated white nights, characterized by prolonged periods of twilight wherein the sun skirts the horizon, creating an ethereal ambience. Arriving by eventide, we retire to a hotel in Segezha, situated adjacent to yet another splendid Karelian lake.

Accommodation: hotel in Segezha (Meals: B/L/D)

Day 5. Segezha – Petrozavodsk 415 km

Departing from Segezha, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of Karelia's breathtaking wilderness. The roads lead us towards Petrozavodsk, tracing the coastline of Lake Onega. This grand body of water frames our journey, occasionally veering onto lesser-traveled roads punctuated by multiple photo stops to document the surrounding scenery.

Among the day highlights is Girvas, home to a fossilized volcanic crater estimated to be three billion years old, partially erased by the relentless flow of the river. Further along, we pause at Kivach Falls, aptly named for its forceful descent, showcasing nature's raw energy. Our route also encompasses critical sections of the historic White Sea-Baltic Canal, spanning 227 kilometers and completed in the early 1930s. Concluding our day in Petrozavodsk, the administrative capital of Karelia, we conclude with a leisurely walk along the inviting lakeshore promenade. Throughout this journey, the magic of Karelia's white nights ensures bright evenings, as the sun barely dips below the horizon before ascending once again.

Accommodation: hotel in Petrozavodsk (Meals: B/L/D)

Day 6. Kizhi

This morning marks the beginning of an exciting excursion by speedboat across the tranquil waters of Lake Onega to the renowned Kizhi Island. Spanning roughly 1 hour, this journey transports us to a sanctuary of exceptional architectural heritage. While woodcraft is widespread across Russia, Kizhi Island distinguishes itself by housing some of the country's finest examples.

Structures dating back centuries, meticulously relocated to preserve their integrity, showcase masterworks of ecclesiastical design, religious artistry, and domestic craftsmanship from diverse Karelian, Vepsian, and Russian settlements. From ornately carved churches to humble rural abodes, these structures narrate the evolution of building techniques and artistic sensibilities over generations. Complementing this immersion in history, our return to Petrozavodsk concludes with a delightful meal at one of the city's famous Karelian restaurants.

Accommodation: hotel in Petrozavodsk (Meals: B/L/D)

Day 7. Petrozavodsk – Sortavala 300 km

Leaving the hospitable city of Petrozavodsk behind, we set course for Sortavala this morning. Making a brief halt by a serene lake allows us to stretch our legs and absorb the tranquility of the summer forest. Traversing forest paths, we put our robust vehicles to the test on varied terrain. Mid-journey, we arrive at Kinerma, a quintessential Karelian village, where a warm welcome awaits with tea and homemade pies.

Later, we indulge in a satisfying lunch at a traditional Karelian restorant followed by a refreshing hike through the wooded park to admire the resplendent Belie Mosty Waterfalls. By evening, amidst the ethereal illumination of Karelia's white nights, we reach our accommodations, tucked discreetly within the embrace of the forest bordering a picturesque pond. For those whose spirits remain unflagging, an optional guided tour of Sortavala's historic district reveals the town's distinctive blend of Nordic influences evident in its architecture and streetscapes.

Accommodation: hotel in Sortavala (Meals: B/L/D)

Day 8. Sortavala - Saint-Petersburg 336 km

Following breakfast, we head straight to Ruskeala Mountain Park, a must-see destination. Initially opened as a marble quarry in the 1600s, it supplied material for palaces and churches in St. Petersburg until closing in 1985. Since 2005, the site has been operated by a private travel company and features walks around flooded quarries, industrial ruins, and mysterious tunnels.

After visiting the park, we move along Lake Ladoga's northern shore to see waterfalls and the medieval Korela Fortress in Priozersk. Ending our road trip in St. Petersburg, we relax over dinner in a quiet central restaurant. For those wishing to avoid congestion, consider joining a White Night Boat Cruise on the Neva River, admiring the city's raised bridges illuminated against the backdrop of the balmy summer night.

Accommodation: 5* hotel in Saint-Petersburg (Meals: B/L/D)

Day 9. Saint-Petersburg Departure

We will be saying our goodbyes tonight, while the guests are taken to their flights home.

Accommodation: 5* hotel in Saint-Petersburg (Meals: B/-/-)