Pilgrimage to Old Valamo monastery

Pilgrimages depart from Joensuu.

Time: 26-27.5. and 1-2.9.2012                                                                           

Duration: 2 days an 1 night.

Price: 180 e

• accommodation in Monastery hotel 1 night,
• boat Sortavala - Valamo - Sortavala,
• dinner and breakfast in the dining hall for pilgrims,
• guided tour in the monastery of Transfiguration, the main monastery area, the main church, lower and upper churches, old cemetery of Valamo brothers, 
• transfers by an own coach Joensuu-Sortavala-Joensuu,

 Other costs: visa support 10 e/person.

Hotel:

Valamo Monastery hotel is locating in the main monastery area in its outer circle in the 2nd and 3rd floor. There are 19 dbl rooms at the hotel. Every room has 2 separate beds, wardrobe, table and a chair. Toilet and shower are in the hall. Hotel was constructed in 2003. It is clean and cosy place for overnight.                                                                                                             

 Itinerary

Saturday

At 6.00 depart from Joensuu bus station (beside the railway station). At 6.40 Tohmajärvi Neste (gas station). At 7.00 arrive at Niirala-Värtsilä border station, where passport control.  Coffee break after the border in Värtsilä.
At 11.00  arrive at Sortavala. Hydrofoil to Valamo arriving at 12.00. In the harbor all the luggage will be gathered into the small bus, which drives them to the hotel. Travellers walk to the hotel. Check-in and a rest.
In the main monastery prayer for the relics of Valamon founders, St Sergy and Herman and miracle making icons. Visit the old cemetery of Valamo brothers. Diner at trapesa. Vigil in the main church.

Sunday

Liturgy in the main church 9-12.00. Breakfast / lunch in trapesa. At 14.00 boat to Sortavala arriving at 15.00. Depart for Finland crossing the border at Värtsilä- Niirala border station.  Arrive around 19.00 to Joensuu.