Explore Russia’s land of the midnight sun, from the fascinating port city of Murmansk to the wild tundra scenery and welcoming indigenous villages with this 1-week Murmansk in Summer Tour. Highlights of this tour to Russia’s Arctic include discovering Murmansk’s maritime and Soviet history, feeding the reindeer in a Sami village, participating in a traditional “evening party” in a Pomor village, and learning about the unique tundra flora and fauna. If you’re lucky enough to be in the area from around mid-May to mid-July, you’ll also get the chance to explore Murmansk under the legendary midnight sun.
Tour itinerary:
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3 hours
During your free time, we offer the following optional activities (at additional cost):
City tour under the midnight sun (from 22 May to 22 July).
Duration of sightseeing tour: 10-11 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
Continue to the village of Loparskaya (40 km, 1h30m) to immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of the Sami, the indigenous people of northern Europe. Meet a representative of the community, who’ll tell you about the traditional rituals, culture, and life of these “northern nomads” and explain how, for the Sami, reindeer are everything – transport, currency, housing, clothing, and food. After the talk, you can feed the reindeer with lichen (northern moss), take unique photos of yourself wearing traditional Sami clothing, and try the local natural herbal tea and lingonberry pie. At the end of the village visit, you’ll have the opportunity to buy souvenirs (traditional crafts made from leather, bone, or wood).
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
- All transfers (1-2 pax by sedan type car, 3-7 pax by minivan, 8-13 pax by 30 seat bus, 14+ pax by 40-50 seat bus);
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- Lunch at a local restaurant on Day 2;
- Sightseeing tour programme in each city with local, English-speaking guides;
- Entrance tickets to sights as per itinerary;
- Visa support for Russian tourist visa;
- In groups of 11 or more travellers, 1 person travels free of charge and is accommodated in a single room.
- Tour leader to accompany the travellers for the whole period of the tour;
- Full board (lunches and dinners, except lunch on Day 2);
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Consular fees for Russia tourist visa;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- Personal travel insurance;
- Tips/gratuities for guides and drivers (although these would be appreciated).