In the middle of Lake Onega is forest-covered island of Kizhi. Fairy-tale wooden buildings surround the Cathedral of the Transfiguration (1714) which boasts no less than twenty-two cupolas, its bell tower (1874) and the Church of the Virgin the Intercessor.

The legend has it that once the construction of the cathedral had been completed, the unknown master took his axe and threw it far out into the lake so that such magic could never be repeated. "Nothing like this existed, exists and ever will".

There are sightseeing tours every day on the cruise, but it's also a wonderful opportunity just to have a rest and admire the surrounding natural beauty.