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RUSSIA CALLING

Self Drive Expedition From Moscow to St. Petersburg 20th Feb to 27th Feb. 2019 ULTIMATE ADVENTURES

SELF DRIVE EXPEDITION TO RUSSIARUSSIA JANUARY 2019

Winter, in is an exciting adventure that will leave no one indifferent – delight magnificent snow-covered landscapes and a drive from speed at driving on picturesque lines of taiga and the frozen lakes. Winter of is snowy and long and iridescent with the colors of the rainbow, a little frost makes the air fresh and pure...

The highlights of the route: Moscow (399 kms) Valday (97 kms) Staraya Russa (175 Kms) Veliki Novgorod(476 Kms) Karjala Park (hovercraft) Kizhi(hovercraft)- Karjala Park (396 Kms)

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights Driving distance: 1543 Kms MOSCOW

During any season, at any hour of the day, Moscow thrills visitors with its arstry, history and majesty. The very founding site of the city, the Kremlin and are sll at the heart of Moscow – historically, geographically and spiritually. ULTIMATE ADVENTURES

Welcome to Moscow

Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Rest. Optional sightseeing city tour or stroll around to get used to charming Russian Winter and see the splendid beauty of Moscow. Wander within the walls of the ancient fortress, marvel at the mind-boggling magnificence of St Basil's Cathedral. Moscow will move you. It will tantalise your senses, soothe your spirit and boggle your mind – and it all starts right here at the Kremlin and Red Square right in front of our Hotel Metropol. Hotel: 5*(-/-/-) VALDAY

This lovely town is located in the middle of a beauful natural environment on the shores of Valday Lake and in the middle of Valday Naonal Park, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is comprised of 76 lakes scaered throughout the breathtaking landscapes of the Valday Hills, the only elevaons in the vast plain between Moscow and St. Petersburg. This is where some of the most important European rivers originate, including the Volga, Dnieper, and Daugava. Its forests of , , and are populated with a variety of fauna, including moose and brown bear. ULTIMATE ADVENTURES

After breakfast start driving to Valday (399 km). Valday is a wonderful land of rivers, lakes and forests. Its bells have been the most prominent landmark of the town ever since the ancient times. Sightseeing city tour. Spend your night in one of the best hotels in Valday. Hotel : 3* (B/L/D) VALIKY NOVGOROD

Immerse yourself in Russian history with a trip to . The town is best known for its incredible medieval churches and monuments, including the 11th century St. Sophia Cathedral. These are some of the oldest buildings in Russia, set in a small town that's easy to get around. Easily accessible by train, bus or car, it's a popular getaway from St. Petersburg. ULTIMATE ADVENTURES

After breakfast head to Veliky Novgorod through Staraya Russa (273 km). Admire the source of Volga River and experience off-road on the Ilmen Lake. On arrival to V. Novgorod visit Vitoslavlitsy museum of Ethnography( if time allows). Accommodation in the hotel. Hotel : 4* (B/L/D) KARJALA PARK

Densely forested and gloriously remote, the region is a paradise for nature lovers. Bears, wolverines and wolves roam freely across the Russian froner, and animal hides allow visitors a close encounter. Opportunies to get acve abound: the landscape is threaded by hiking routes, white-water rapids and waterways navigable by canoe, and lakes offer idyllic kayaking and boang. In winter, outdoor pursuits include fantasc skiing, dog-sledding, snowshoeing and ice fishing. ULTIMATE ADVENTURES

Today we've got a very busy day, so early start is what we need. The day will lead us to Karjala Park (510 km)- a unique tourist complex in , which is located in a picturesque area between the village of

Matrosy and the village of Polovina. On the way admire the beautiful landscapes and have an off-road experience.

Hotel : 4* (B/L/D) KIZHI ISLAND

Blessed with one of the most picturesque ensembles of Russian wooden churches, the island Kizhi provides the most scenic desnaon on Russia's greatest waterway, the Volga. Situated in the geographical center of Europe's second largest lake, Kizhi has long since been a strategic stopover for travelers. ULTIMATE ADVENTURES

This day takes us to Kizhi Island.

Spending about 3 hours on the Island will live no one indifferent. Blessed with one of the most picturesque ensembles of Russian wooden churches, the Island provides the most scenic destination on

Russia's greatest waterway. It has long been a strategic stopover for travelers.

We will get there by hovercraft (2 hours one way). Enjoy sight seeing tour and get back to Karjala Park.

Hotel 4 *(B/L/D) ULTIMATE ADVENTURES

The first part of the day is focused on dog sledding. Karjala Park is laced with a friendly atmosphere of Husky dogs. Your familiarity with the Huskies will start with the history of the Siberian Husky breed and a tour of the kennel. After the instructions you will go on the long-awaited sled dog ride (4-6 dogs) as a passenger under the guidance of an experienced instructor. The route is laid on flat terrain in a beautiful pine forest on the banks of the river Shuya. We will complete the program by drinking tea in the Sami tent: a hot berry drink, sweets and pastries, fragrant herbal tea. After an early lunch head to Saint Petersburg (398 km). Hote 5* (B/L/D) In the morning, we proceed to drive a Russian monster car – SHERP. A Russian all-terrain vehicle designed to be used on all types of soil, in marshy areas, on ice, in water and in the most difficult climatic conditions, including the Arctic. Test the unique vehicles unmatched in the world today. The second part of the day is about optional sightseeing tour/strolling around/visiting the Mariinsky Ballet Theatre (B/-/D) in St. Petersburg Hote 5*(B/L/D) St. PETERSBURG

The sheer grandeur and history of Russia's imperial capital never fail to amaze, but this is also a city with a revoluonary spirit. St Petersburg grew to be the Romanovs' showcase capital and Russia's first great, modern city. The capital may have moved back to Moscow following the revoluon, but despite all that history has thrown at it, St Petersburg sll feels every bit the imperial city with its historic heart largely frozen in me. ULTIMATE ADVENTURES

Departure from St. Petersburg. ULTIMATE ADVENTURES

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