If taking a Russia holiday to St. Petersburg, you may want to consider taking a cruise trip to the Republic of Karelia. Starting in St. Petersburg, many cruise ships travel on the Neva River to nearby Lake Ladoga, which is the largest lake on the continent of Europe. In the northern region of the lake, there lies an island called Valaam. The island of Valaam features the Valaam Monastery, home to one of the oldest monasteries in Russia. Visitors to the Valaam Monastery will see some of the most breathtaking views of the Russian countryside. The monastery grounds house both the main monastery, the Cathedral of the Transfiguration, and numerous smaller enclosures called "hermitages." As the island is made up of high cliffs and rock formations, some of these small hermitages offer vast views of Lake Ladoga and the surrounding smaller islands. Your Russia holiday cruise continues through Lake Ladoga onto the Svir River towards another large lake on the border of Karelia, Lake Onega. From there you can travel north to the island of Kizhi, another isolated but beautiful Russian Orthodox monastery. The island of Kizhi is internationally known as the home of 2 churches made entirely of Scots Pine wood: The Church of the Intercession and The Church of the Transfiguration. Originally built in the early 18th century, these churches were constructed using wooden logs trafficked in from the surrounding mainland, which was an arduous process. On the way back from Lake Onega, your Russia holiday cruise ship may stop at a traditional Russian village spot known as Mandrogi. Located halfway between Lakes Onega and Ladoga on the Svir River, Mandrogi recreates an authentic Russian village from the pre-Revolutionary period. Featuring museums and accommodations true to the period, tourists can partake in the history and architecture of a small Russian village. With stalls featuring traditional arts and crafts from the era, visitors should be sure to take home a little bit of Russian history when they finally return home.Know more  details about  Russia holiday by visiting website.