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Far Frontiers Travel
Far Frontiers Travel specialises in tailor-making bespoke travel to Central Asia, China and Mongolia, the Far East, Indian Subcontinent and the Himalayas, Indochina, Middle East, North Africa and Europe, Russia and South America.
Solovetski Islands and the White Sea | 13 days
First settled by monks in the 1430s, the Solovetski Archipelago comprises around 100 islands of varying size, some of them covered by tundra and others with a groundcover of blueberry and crowberry.They abound with lakes, wildflowers and nesting birds and, in summer, beluga whales gather to calve in the shallow waters.
On the largest island, surrounded by enormous stone walls, stands the legendary 16th Century Solovetski Monastery, which in the 20th Century was one of the most feared and infamous prison camps, described by Solzhenitsyn in his book ‘Gulag Archipelago’. Now that the monks have returned, it is possible to visit the beautiful cathedral, church, refectory and other buildings enclosed by the great ‘kremlin’ or fortification. There are over 170 architectural and archaeological monuments on the islands, including 33 mysterious stone labyrinths dating back around 3,000 years. In some places, using small boats and wooden rakes, men still collect seaweed to be made into local products. Accommodation here is simple – family-owned comfortable small hotels with delicious food. It’s an excellent place for walking in summer. Your journey is by train from St. Petersburg to Kem and then by boat across the White Sea.
Dates: 10 – 22 June 2012
Price: £2,365 per person
Leader: Local English speaking Russian leader
Key info: Group size: 8-10. Weather may be variable with temperatures ranging from 5-20 degrees C. The pace will be leisurely, easy walking and entirely at discretion of the individual
Fiona’s travel tips
Read: Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.Take with you: Dried fruit, nuts and chocolate to vary your diet.
Best time to go: June to September for summer adventures, January to March for winter activities.
Accommodation: Expect simple family-owned comfortable small hotels with delicious food.
Did you know: The Solovetski Islands boast over 170 architectural and archaeological monuments, including 33 mysterious stone labyrinths dating back around 3,000 years.
Don’t miss: The exquisite art and architecture of Moscow and St. Petersburg – it makes a memorable beginning or end to your Russian Arctic exploration.
Clients’ comments
“Wonderful, beyond expectations, well organised and always a Plan B if Plan A didn’t work out. Lorraine was a superb leader. Pre-departure information was thorough and clear.”
Sue Hynard, Arcturus Kamchatka group, August 2009
“Our local guide, Irina, was great – nothing seemed to be any trouble for her and she always seemed to have ideas about what we could do every day. We really enjoyed her company and felt that our days had good pace and rhythm about them. Irina was knowledgeable about the area and had obviously spent time developing good relationships with local people who took us about on boats and in trucks – we definitely benefited from this. We are keen birdwatchers and saw plenty including sea and great eagles, osprey and divers.”
Mr and Mrs James Nangle, Solovetskis and the White Sea
“It was truly unforgettable and, if anything, exceeded expectations. Thank you for a wonderful trip!
Chris Robb and Karen Murphy, Dog sledging with the reindeer herders and native people