Excursion villages of lyavlya and malye korely tour at Archangelsk

Step ashore in the first port of Russia to explore architecture of the wooden world. The Russian North has been famous for wooden churches and houses for ages. Two villages will give you an idea of the Russian countryside.

Lyavlya

Enjoy a one-hour drive to Lyavlya. This village is on a steep bank of the River Northern Dvina, 21.7 miles (35 kilometres) south of Arkhangelsk. Residents are famous for successful dairy farming for centuries. Explore the wooden St. Nicholas church built in 1584 which is of the same age as Arkhangelsk (outside only). The church has a hipped roof that was traditional before Patriarch Nikon's reform. Beside the dark wooden church there is a bright stone church. It was built in 1804 however it is open today thanks to a merchants donation (outside only). Several icons were streaming myrrh a few years ago.

Malye Korely

Board the coach and after a 20 minutes drive visit the wooden architecture museum Malye Korely. Located amidst hills in a picturesque place it has over a hundred unique samples of old wooden architecture. It is the largest open-air museum of its kind in Europe. The set up portrays a typical Russian village of the past with churches, bell towers, barns, wind mills collected from the Arkhangelsk Region, Russia. Houses built only with axes during the 18th and 19th centuries still stand today.

You will be welcomed according to the old Russian tradition with bread and salt. Join a museum guide wearing traditional clothing for a guided tour. Learn carpentry secrets and folk traditions as well. Most buildings are viewed from the outside and there are stops to visit an impressive five-domed Orthodox church and a house heated in black.

After the guided tour, take some time to walk and photograph on your own. Conclude the tour by driving back to the pier where the vessel is berthed.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking .9 mile (1.5 kilometres) over wooden paths and nature trails with some inclines and stairs. Flat but sloping ground and 20 to 30 steps will be encountered. This tour may be difficult for guests with limited mobility or with a wheelchair. Comfortable footwear and mosquito repellents are recommended. Guests do not need to obtain individual Russian visas for regular, organized ship's tours in Arkhangelsk. Please bring local currency for any purchases made. Individuals intending to go ashore independently must obtain a Russian visa.The order of sights may vary. Coaches, guides and equipment are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Guides may have a strong accent.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Lyavlya, Malye Korely, Wooden Church, Archangel Countryside