Solovki Grand Tour
SOLOVKI GRAND TOUR
The history of Solovetsky Monastery and Solovki Archipelago in the White Sea is as complex and diverse as the history of Russia herself. The Monastery once was one of the most glorious and richest monasteries of Russia. In the Soviet time the first GULAG prison camp was opened there in 1923. Nowadays the monastery is functioning again and nature of the islands is as peaceful and beautiful as ever, though the grim chilling past is still hovering over it. Apart of the impressive looking monastery's citadel visitors can see the prehistoric stone labyrinths believed to be built by ancient Saami people.
Program of the tour: 5 Days/ 4 Nights
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Day 1 |
Arrival to St.Petersburg. City tour, transfer to the train station, taking train to Kem. |
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Day 2 |
Arrival at Kem. Meeting with the guide. Transfer to the railway station. 10.00 - Departure for Solovky by river boat. 13.00 - Transfer to the hotel. Lunch. Accommodation. 15:00 - Excursion around theMonastery complex. Guided tour of the history of the legendary Solovetsky Monastery, visit to its functioning church, and go along its thick fortress walls that no enemy could overcome. 19:00 - Dinner at the hotel. |
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Day 3 |
09.00 – Breakfast. 10.00 - Transfer to the boat station. Today you will go by boats along the canals of Big Solovetsky Island that form a huge system of water circulation on the island. Gliding over the calm water of these man-made waterways you will enjoy of the most picturesque landscapes on Solovky. 13:00 – Packed lunch after the end of the excursion. 14:00 - After having lunch you will visit the highest point of Big Solovetsky Island, Hill Sekirnaya. On the top of the hill is situated one of the strictest sketes of the island with a unique lighthouse church. During the GULAG time the skete was one of the cruelest of all the detention places for the inmates of the camp. Today it is a living skete again; a very tranquil place that offers a fantastic panorama view over the island. 17:00 - Return to the hotel. Free time. 19:00 - Dinner at the hotel. |
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Day 4 |
09.00 – Breakfast. 10:00 - Boat excursion to Island Zayatsky. Stone labyrinths of Big Zayatsky Island are rare and valuable archaeological monuments. You will have a chance to observe the impressive monuments of the past and admire a special beauty of this small island. Climate here is so severe that the island is covered mostly with a variety of moss species and berries. 13:00 - Return to the island. Lunch. 16:00 - Transfer to Kem by slow boat. 19:00 - Dinner. Transfer to the railway station. 20:25 - Departure for St. Petersburg. |
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Day 5 |
Arrival to St. Petersburg. Transfer to the hotel or airport. |
Price includes: Accommodation based on Twin room sharing at Solovky Hotel, FB, transfers and excursions according to the program, English speaking tour leader to accompany the group from 6 persons, train tickets in 4 persons compartment.