Moscow – Arkhangelsk, motorcycle tour to Russian North

Book the tour - 01 Jul - 10 Jul 2025

Motorcycle tour to the North of russia. You'll explore national parks, visit ancient monasteries and admire numerous lakes and rivers, including the shores of the White Sea. The tour combines a rich historical heritage with a wealth of natural beauty.

We will get to know Arkhangelsk, the largest city in the northern European part of Russia, and visit Severodvinsk. You'll see monuments of northern wooden architecture in Malye Korely. In the Kostroma region, we'll marvel at the stunning Russian terems and visit the birthplace of the famous Russian explorer Semyon Dezhnev in Veliky Ustyug.

This is a riding tour, covering 3,800 km over 10 days, with some gravel sections.

• Dates 2025: July 1-10, August 1-10
• Dates 2026: July 1-10, August 1-10
• Duration: 10 days
• Total Distance: 3,800 km
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Roads: 80/20 asphalt/gravel (semi-off-road tires like Mitas E07+, Pirelli Scorpion STR recommended; knobby tires are acceptable)
• Price on your own motorcycle: 1750 Euro
• Price with BMW F750GS/F850GS rent: 2950 Euro 
• Price with BMW R1250GS rent: 3450 Euro
• Single room supplement: 500 Euro
• Extra for the passenger: 1250 Euro 
• Deposit for the motorcycle: 1500 Euro 

Tour price includes:

• Accommodation in 3-4* hotels (double rooms)
• Breakfasts
• Fuel (if you ride rented bike)
• Lead guide on a motorcycle
• Support vehicle
• Excursions
• Technical support

Tour price does not include:

• Lunch and dinners (500 Euro approx for all days)

Route:

Moscow – Vesyegonsk – Kargopol – Plesetsk – Arkhangelsk – Velsk – Veliky Ustyug – Galich/Astashovo – Kostroma – Moscow

Day 1. Moscow – Bezhitsk – Vesyegonsk, 420 km

We begin our journey in the morning, departing from our office on Kievskaya after a brief meeting. Our first stop is Sergiyev Posad, where we visit the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius. In Kalyazin, we admire the bell tower rising from the water, then continue through Kashin and Bezhitsk to reach Vesyegonsk, where we spend the night at a hotel on the banks of the Mologa River.

Day 2. Vesyegonsk – Belozersk – Kargopol, 530 km

In the morning, we depart from Vesyegonsk, heading towards Ustyuzhna, the town where Gogol’s "The Government Inspector" is set. On the way, we traverse a 20-kilometer stretch of gravel road, bypass Cherepovets, and stop for lunch in Belozersk – one of the oldest cities of ancient Rus, dating back to the 9th-10th centuries.

After lunch, we travel through Lipin Bor to Kargopol, partially on forested dirt roads. Kargopol is a historic Russian town rich in architectural monuments from the 16th-19th centuries, and it is here that we will stay overnight.

Day 3. Kargopol – Vershinino – Plesetsk, 320 km

Short walk over Kargopol after breakfast and then we ride to Kenozersky National Park, traveling to the village of Vershinino, situated on the shores of Lake Kenozero. The route takes us along a scenic 70-kilometer dirt road. In Vershinino, we enjoy lunch, explore the local attractions, then return to the highway and drive to Plesetsk, a town located near a spaceport.

Day 4. Plesetsk – Arkhangelsk, 300 km

After breakfast, we depart for Arkhangelsk, the largest city in the northeast of European Russia, which is featured on the 500-ruble banknote. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and take a walk through the city, exploring its center and becoming acquainted with its landmarks.

Day 5. Arkhangelsk, Day Trip to Severodvinsk and Malye Karely, 150 km

Today, we delve deeper into the history of Arkhangelsk and its historic center. We take a trip to Severodvinsk, where nuclear submarines are built, and visit the shores of Dvina Bay to admire the White Sea. We then head to Malye Karely, a large and fascinating open-air museum of wooden architecture, showcasing historic buildings from across the Arkhangelsk region.

Day 6. Arkhangelsk – Velsk, 510 km

We head south along the M8 highway to the town of Velsk, first mentioned in 1137. The town boasts a museum of Povazhye house paintings and other interesting historical and cultural sites. On the way, we visit the Antonievo-Siysky Monastery, located on the banks of the Sia River.

Day 7. Velsk – Veliky Ustyug, 340 km

From Velsk, we head east towards another ancient Russian town, Veliky Ustyug. This town is famous for being the home of Ded Moroz (Father Frost), and it is also the birthplace of Semyon Dezhnev, the Russian explorer and adventurer. The route takes us through beautiful landscapes of northern Russian forests, fields, and rivers. In the evening, we’ll explore Veliky Ustyug, rich in historical architecture.

Day 8. Veliky Ustyug – Galich/Astashovo, 550 km

Today’s route takes us along scenic roads winding through forested hills. We travel south to Sharya, then turn west. We’ll spend the night either in Galich, another ancient Russian town, or if available, in Astashovo, a true Russian fairy-tale manor that has been turned into a museum!

Day 9. Galich – Chukhloma (Astashovo and Pogorelovo Estates) – Kostroma, 310 km

On this day, we head to Chukhloma, where we’ll visit two unique and remarkable wooden estates that have survived to this day. Astashovo Manor has been beautifully restored and turned into an authentic hotel, while the Polyashov House in Pogorelovo, though in a state of disrepair, still retains its astonishing beauty. We then return to Galich and continue through Sudislavl to Kostroma, where we will spend the night.

Day 10. Kostroma – Moscow, 340 km

From Kostroma, we head back to Moscow, stopping in Rostov Veliky for lunch and a visit to the Rostov Kremlin. We return to Moscow via the M8 highway, passing through Pereslavl-Zalessky.