Valaam Archipelago was formed thousands years from two large and 50 smaller isles of Lake Ladoga, the largest lake in Europe. The heart of Valaam is its magnificent monastery complex founded in 992. During the tour you will visit the Central Monastery Complex and walk around the monk cells. You will also enjoy a concert of the Valaam choir and taste the monastery's food during lunch in the refectory. 

To get to Valaam you will first have to take a train from Saint Petersburg to Sortavala station.

Program

06:15–10:20 - "Lastochka" train from Saint Petersburg to Sortavala (no guide)
10:20 – Meeting with the local guide at the railway station, walking towards the pier in Sortavala
11.00 – 12.00 Transfer: Sortavala – island Valaam, Monastic Bay 
12.00 – 14.00 Sightseeing tour with a guide: “Central Homestead”, lunch
14.00 – 14.30 Transfer Monastic Bay - Nikonov Bay 
14.30 – 17.00 - The walking tour along the pedestrian ring with a visit to the Church of the Resurrection Skete, a tour of the Gethsemane Skete, the Assumption Church and the Ascension Chapel on Mount Eleon.
17.00 – 18.00 Transfer back to Sortavala
18:00 - Arrival in Sortavala, walking to the railway station. Say goodbye to your local guide here.
18:42 – 22.30 Train Sortavala – St. Petersburg (no guide)