Arkhangelsk’s seafaring history comes alive on this tour, as you see an historical merchant shipyard, maritime museum, and quay for ships embarking on early polar explorations.

After departing from the pier, you will drive to the Northern Dvina River Embankment, site of several intriguing landmarks that help define Arkhangelsk, which means Archangel. In particular, you will see Russia’s first merchant shipyard, which Peter the Great founded. The shipyard complex contains Arkhangelsk’s oldest buildings, and there is a regal statue of the tsar nearby commemorating his efforts to establish trade in the region.

Next you will browse the State Northern Maritime Museum, which holds a collection of 23,000 exceptional pieces that show the history of shipbuilding and how trade developed in the Arctic Ocean. Featured exhibits are Pomors’ ship models, a local lighthouse model, maps, navigational instruments, photos and personal items. During your guided visit, you will learn about local seafaring and its development over the last thousand years.

Continuing into the city center, you will pass Red Quay, the launching site for numerous 18th- and 19th-century polar expeditions, and St. Nicholas Church, a fine example of early 20th-century Russian stone architecture. It’s dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of seafarers.

A stop in the pedestrian-only section of Chumbarovka Street allows you to shop and admire reproductions of historical wooden buildings from different centuries. Finally, on the way to the pier, you will visit a cemetery for British soldiers that died here in the world wars. The cemetery was begun in 1918 to honor the troops that perished while supporting Russia’s war efforts.

Please note: This tour includes approximately 2-hours of easy to moderate walking that includes a variety of surfaces including cobblestone and there will be some steps to negotiate. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and those with walking difficulties are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Weather appropriate clothing; a sun cap; sunglasses; insect repellant; an umbrella; a bottle of water from the ship; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. It is suggested to bring local currency (Russian Ruble) for any purchases made ashore as not all vendors accept foreign currency. The tour sequence may vary. Transportation in this port is not up to western standards, but we make every effort to use the best transportation available.

Delve into the history of Arkhangelsk by visiting the site where the city was founded, Russia’s first merchant shipyard, an historical district and a British cemetery.

After departing from the pier, you will drive to the Northern Dvina River Embankment, site of several intriguing landmarks that help define Arkhangelsk, which means Archangel. They include the wooden, 17th-century Assumption Church and the Brandt house, a former sugar factory that Wilheim Brandt, one of Russia’s wealthiest 19th-century businessmen, owned.

In 1584, Arkhangelsk was founded along this embankment at Pur Navolok Cape, and it was here that Peter the Great established Russian’s first merchant shipyard. As you will learn by browsing the complex’s museum, Arkhangelsk was once a great trading center until many commercial operations were moved to St. Petersburg.

Arkhangelsk then gained fame as the launching site for numerous 18th- and 19th-century polar expeditions, as you will discover back in the city center at the Red Quay. You will also see St. Nicholas Church, a fine example of early 20th-century Russian stone architecture. It’s dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of seafarers.

Continuing on, you will enjoy a walk along the pedestrian-only section of Chumbarovka Street, which is lined with inspiring shops and reproductions of historical wooden buildings from different centuries. Finally, on the way to the pier, you will visit a cemetery for British soldiers that died here in the world wars. The cemetery was begun in 1918 to honor the troops that perished while supporting Russia’s war efforts.

Please note: This tour includes approximately 2-hours of moderate walking that includes a variety of surfaces including cobblestone and there will be some steps to negotiate. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and those with walking difficulties are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Weather appropriate clothing; a sun cap; sunglasses; insect repellant; an umbrella; a bottle of water from the ship; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. It is suggested to bring local currency (Russian Ruble) for any purchases made ashore as not all vendors accept foreign currency. The tour sequence may vary. Transportation in this port is not up to western standards, but we make every effort to use the best transportation available.

After departing from the pier, you will drive to the Northern Dvina River Embankment, site of several intriguing landmarks that help define Arkhangelsk, which means Archangel. In particular, you will see Russia’s first merchant shipyard, which Peter the Great founded. The shipyard complex contains Arkhangelsk’s oldest buildings, and there is a regal statue of the tsar nearby commemorating his efforts to establish trade in the region.

Next you will browse the Fine Arts Museum, one of the largest in Russia. The collection holds more than 30,000 pieces of art, much of it devoted to ancient regional works. There are medieval icons, wooden sculptures, folk art, embroidery, ceramics and a remarkable collection of bone-carvings, all of which provides you with a historical perspective.

Continuing into the city center, you will pass Red Quay, the launching site for numerous 18th- and 19th-century polar expeditions, and St. Nicholas Church, a fine example of early 20th-century Russian stone architecture. It’s dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of seafarers.

A stop in the pedestrian-only section of Chumbarovka Street allows you to shop and admire reproductions of historical wooden buildings from different centuries. Finally, on the way to the pier, you will visit a cemetery for British soldiers that died here in the world wars. The cemetery was begun in 1918 to honor the troops that perished while supporting Russia’s war efforts.

Please note: This tour includes approximately 2-hours of easy to moderate walking that includes a variety of surfaces including cobblestone and there will be some steps to negotiate. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and those with walking difficulties are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. There is no elevator at the Fine Arts Museum, handrails are available at the inside stairs, but not at the outside steps leading to the museum entrance door. Weather appropriate clothing; a sun cap; sunglasses; insect repellant; an umbrella; a bottle of water from the ship; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. It is suggested to bring local currency (Russian Ruble) for any purchases made ashore as not all vendors accept foreign currency. The tour sequence may vary. Transportation in this port is not up to western standards, but we make every effort to use the best transportation available.

Create your own work of art using local materials and trace Arkhangelsk’s history by visiting key landmarks such as Russia’s first shipyard and the cape where the city was founded.

After departing from the pier, you will drive to the Northern Dvina River Embankment, site of several intriguing landmarks that help define Arkhangelsk, which means Archangel. They include the wooden, 17th-century Assumption Church and the Brandt house, a former sugar factory that Wilheim Brandt, one of Russia’s wealthiest 19th-century businessmen, owned.

Continuing on down the main thoroughfare of Trotisky Avenue, you will soon reach the lovely pedestrian-only section of Chumbarovka Street. Here, you will have the chance to shop and admire reproductions of historical wooden buildings from different centuries.

This area is known for its local crafts fair where fine handicrafts such as birch bark painting, knitting and bone carvings are displayed and sold. A children’s’ school of traditional crafts and a craftsmen’s’ yard can be found here and with the help of local artisans, you will have the opportunity to create your own piece of art using natural materials found throughout the region. During this workshop, the artisan will describe Arkhangelsk’s flourishing art community and the latest trends in folk art and handicrafts.

Afterwards, you will return to the river embankment area for a more in-depth look at Pur Navaolok Cape, where the city was founded in 1584. You will have the opportunity to see the merchant shipyard that Peter the Great founded. The complex contains Arkhangelsk’s oldest buildings, and there is a regal statue of the tsar nearby. After visiting, you will return to the pier.

Please note: This tour includes approximately 2 1/2 hours of easy to moderate walking/standing that includes some steps to negotiate. Due to accessibility issues, the tour is not recommended to wheelchair guests. Those with walking difficulties are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Weather appropriate layered clothing; a sun cap; sunglasses; insect repellant; an umbrella; a bottle of water from the ship; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. It is suggested to bring local currency (Russian Ruble) for any purchases made ashore as not all vendors accept foreign currency. The tour sequence may vary. Transportation in this port is not up to western standards, but we make every effort to use the best transportation available.

Gain an in-depth understanding of the region by touring an open-air museum of wooden buildings and landmarks in Archangelsk that attest to its long relationship with the sea.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a leisurely, scenic drive to Malye Korely, a sprawling open-air museum of wooden buildings from throughout the region. More than 120 structures have been assembled here representing different architectural traditions and time periods, with the oldest building dating from the 16th century. It’s an astounding collection of peasants’ houses, barns, fishermen’s huts, mills and churches.

Upon returning to Arkhangelsk you will see more architectural landmarks in Trade Unions Square, including an Orthodox cathedral, the Northern (Arctic) Federal University, and St. Nicholas Church. Built in 1904, the church is a fine example of early 20th-century Russian stone architecture. It’s dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of seafarers.

Located where the Northern Dvina River meets the White Sea, Arkhangelsk has long revolved around water, as you will discover at Red Quay, where numerous 18th- and 19th-century polar expeditions were launched. Nearby stands a regal statue of Peter the Great, who established Russia’s merchant shipyard here, which you will also visit. Afterward, you’ll enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

Continuing on, a drive through Voskresenskaya Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, takes you pas Lenin Square, where multi-storied administrative buildings and apartment houses form an architectural ensemble. Arriving at Chumbarovka Street, you will leave your coach behind and stroll this pedestrian only street which is lined with inspiring shops and reproductions of wooden buildings like those at Malye Korely. Finally, on the way back to the pier, you will visit a cemetery for British soldiers that died here in the world wars.

Please note: This tour includes approximately 3-hours of moderate to strenuous walking that includes a variety of surfaces including cobblestone and there will be some steps and stairs to negotiate. The museums do not have elevators. The tour is not recommended to wheelchair guests or those with walking difficulties. Participants should be in good physical condition. Weather appropriate clothing; a sun cap; sunglasses; insect repellant; an umbrella; a bottle of water from the ship; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. It is suggested to bring local currency (Russian Ruble) for any purchases made ashore as not all vendors accept foreign currency. The tour sequence may vary. Transportation in this port is not up to western standards, but we make every effort to use the best transportation available.

Visit Russia’s first merchant shipyard and a fascinating open-air museum with more than 120 historical buildings that represent different styles through the centuries.

After departing from the pier, you will drive to the Northern Dvina River Embankment, site of several intriguing landmarks that help define Arkhangelsk, which means Archangel. In particular, you will see the merchant shipyard that Peter the Great founded. The shipyard complex contains Arkhangelsk’s oldest buildings, and there is a regal statue of the tsar nearby commemorating his efforts to establish trade in the region.

Continuing on, you will pass several other architectural landmarks, including the Northern (Arctic) Federal University and the Monument to Defenders of the Soviet North. Before long, you will arrive at Malye Korely, a sprawling open-air museum of wooden buildings from throughout the region.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with a traditional offering of bread and salt before joining your traditionally dressed guide for a guided walk about the grounds. During your visit, you may see peasants’ houses, barns, fishermen’s huts and numerous churches. All of the buildings are wooden, and some of them were constructed solely with hand axes. You can tell the buildings made with aspen, as they have a beautiful silvery patina.

The structures represent different architectural traditions and time periods, with the oldest building dating from the 16th century. Interestingly, the 1902 mill still produces flour and some of the buildings were constructed without nails to better withstand the climate. After visiting, you will return to the pier.

Please note: This tour includes just over 1-hour of moderate to strenuous walking that includes extensive walking over wooden paths and nature trails with steps and stairs to negotiate. The tour is not recommended to wheelchair guests or those with walking difficulties. Participants should be in good physical condition. Weather appropriate clothing; a sun cap; sunglasses; insect repellant; an umbrella; a bottle of water from the ship; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The tour sequence may vary. Transportation in this port is not up to western standards, but we make every effort to use the best transportation available.