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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 in winter | 14 days
This expedition provides a wonderful opportunity to visit the crisp, snowy landscapes of the north. After a day in Moscow, travel by train to Archangel on the banks of the ice-bound Dvina River, through a snow-covered rolling landscape of farms and silver birch wood, dotted with villages, hamlets and wooden churches. From there, fly to the Solovetski Islands for a seven–night stay in a homely and comfortable guesthouse.
Days will be spent exploring the main island using local transport and snow-shoes. There are many tracks through the woods of ‘dancing’ birches leading to small lakes and the ice-bound coast. Depending on the ice conditions we may be able to walk out to some of the offshore islands and visit the monks in their isolated cells. Visit the Solovetski Monastery, Serniki Hill and the Botanic Gardens then enjoy fishing through the ice and, in the evenings, sitting around a wood fire and experiencing a Russian banya.
Dates: 5 – 18 February 2012
Price: £2,695 per person
Leader: Local English speaking Russian leader
Key info: Group size: 8-10. Weather is normally dry and clear with occasional snow. Temperatures range from minus 20 to plus
5 degrees C. The pace will be leisurely. Snow shoes are required
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