CREATIVE INITIATIVE CENTRE "MATOUR"

established in 1991, license N 003134 a member of National Tourist Association (of Russia), (NTA), Russian Association of Independent Tour Operators (RAIT), American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) specialising in holidays and travel to the Republic of Mari El and all over Russia.

We work closely together with the Association of Guides - Interpreters of the Republic of Mari El which offers professional services of English, German and French speaking guides.

Mari El is a forest country on the Volga banks. The people here are great and friendly, they offer help, service and only expect courtesy in return. They have preserved their original culture and ancient animist religion.

You can witness the unique sight of animist religious rites trekking through the pine woods and birch groves, clear water lakes and picturesque forest rivers.

Horses, bicycles, canoes will be always available.

We can't offer you deluxe hotels but log cabins, Russian standard resorts and camping places surrounded by breathtaking countryside are guaranteed.

Enjoy Mari El for what it is.

We know intimately our own country, its customs and attractions, we are here to help you.

Visit the country we love and you may love it too.

Articles about Mari El

• Worshippers of the forest by Robert Greenall, reprint from : Moscow Revue
• Sheremetev's Castle - a pearl of the Volga

We offer:

For more information, please, contact:

Creative Initiative Centre "Matour"
109, Pervomaiskaya st.
Yoshkar - Ola 424000
The Republic of Mari El, Russia
Phone ( 836 2 ) 11-63-82
Phone/Fax ( 836 2 ) 11-62-71
E-mail :

Director : Galina Maslyakova

CUSTOM DESIGNED TOURS TO THE LAND OF MARI EL
(short ethnographic tour to the Finno - Ugrians on the Volga)

The Republic of Mari El is situated in the centre of Russia on the banks of the Volga river, in environmentally clean forest region. The forests occupy 50 % of the territory of the Republic.

Since ancient times the forests uniquely beautiful, rich in lakes, berries and mushrooms have been the dwelling place, the source of food and holy temple for the Maris, who have been living here for centuries.

The Mari nationality includes Meadow Mari, Mountain Mari and Eastern Mari groups. Though it is one nationality, all the groups have their own languages, national costumes and traditions. They have much in common but are quite different from the Russians. The Maris belong to Finno-Ugrian language group , who had been living on the territory of the present Russia long before the Slavs came here. Even today they have much in common with Finns, Hungarians, Estonians, Karelians, Mordva, Komis, Udmurts and some other small nationalities.

Today one third of the Maris are animists. They have carefully preserved sacred groves some of which are still functioning.

The tour features not only the history, culture, traditions, animist religion and art of the Mari people but their everyday life. It starts with the capital of Mari El - the city of Yoshkar-Ola.

TO THE LAND OF ANCESTORS

The route runs through the Finno-Ugric regions of Russia (the Volga region and the north of the country ): Komi Republic (capital - Syktyvkar) Udmurt Republic (capital - Izhevsk) Mari Republic (capital - Yoshkar-Ola) Mordovia (capital - Saransk) Karelia (capital - Petrozavodsk)

The tour takes you around the part of Russia where Finno-Ugrians still live today. Once a huge area inhabited by Finno-Ugrians it is considered to be the land of ancestors for them. You will get to know each nation, its history, culture, traditions. Having a common background, they differ a lot, and this tour will help you to understand the heart of the people.

From the moment you arrive, you'll be immersed in a culture that unites old and new. From the quiet introspection in a sacred grove to the hustle and bustle of a modern city, you will discover the harmony between ancient tradition and modern life. Discover breathtaking landscapes and unique folklore.

TO THE VILLAGE IN MARI EL

Mari villages, placed in the deep forests or in the fields are unique because of the distinctive way of life. People here carefully keep the old traditions. Staying with them for a few days you will find many interesting and unusual things: you will be amazed by their beautiful national costumes, some of which were made about a hundred years ago. You are sure to be attracted by Mari folklore - bright and alive. Here you can come face to face with Mari spirit, friendly openess that invites you to share conversation and laughter.

WINTER FUN IN MARI EL WITH SNOW GUARANTEED FROM DECEMBER TO MARCH

Winter in Russia is the sort of fun you will find nowhere else. The Mari taiga is one of the best places in Russia for cross-country skiing. Beginners need not worry. In Mari wintersport resorts expert instruction is available for cross-country skiing.

Tourists to Mari El are familiar with the Mari lowland plains and their lakes. However, few of them are aware that they also offer many possibilities for varied winter holidays: the blue lakes freeze over and get covered by a white coat of snow; and in the forests there's snow hanging on tree branches. The quiet solitude is an ideal place for a relaxing break.

The skiing season is for four months. Winter begins in November and lasts at least until mid March. The first snow arrives at the end of November.

The average temperature is -18...-19 C. The coldest month is January.

Some valleys have wonderful slopes for skiing races. Frozen rivers and lakes ensure a brilliant opportunity for skating.

SKIING IN MARI EL

This tour invites you to discover the wild nature of Mari El and experience the pleasure of skiing through the forests, covered with snow. Whatever you have heard of Russian winter will come true. And here is your unique chance to celebrate Christmas and New Year amidst the snow decked trees, learning Russian and Mari customs and traditions, Russian hospitality. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won't want to miss!

HORSESLEIGH SAFARI THROUGH MARI EL

Have you aver heard of the famous Russian troykas? The troyka rides were the favourite entertainment of Russians for many centuries and even Tsars and Emperors took part in this fun-filled event. We invite you for the tour in which Jingle Bells come to life as you dash through the Mari forests on a horsesleigh.

INTO THE LEGEND OF THE MARI FOREST ON HORSEBACK

State National Park Mari Chodra was founded in 1985. It occupies the area of 36600 hectares. It is a unique corner of wild, untouched nature, mineral springs, clear, picturesque rivers and lakes. For this appealing holiday we have combined a week exploring the enchanting countryside of Mari Land.

Mari Land offers delightfully unspoiled landscapes of pine and birch woods, full of berries and mushrooms, breathtaking beautiful scenery of forest and lakes.

We offer you a super holidays in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. We offer you fun-filled days with "Horse of your own" to look after, lots of riding, Russian sauna (banya), shish-kebobs, fishing, swimming in the lakes, unforgettable evening at the campfire with Russian garmoshka and guitar. We do not offer you the urban comfort but we are giving you a chance to become closer to nature, to see the sunrise from ashore the lake, to enjoy the dawn. You'll see much interesting that will touch your heart and you will want to come here again and again.

For our tours we invite experienced riders as well as newbeginners. Before starting the tour, you'll be given sufficient instructions. In a few lessons you'll be able to feel quite confidently sitting in a saddle and then you'll go for a fascinating trip to the forest lakes the view of which is unforgetable. For your safety the experienced instructors will accompany you during the tour.

DOWN THE BOLSHAYA KOKSHAGA IN CANOE

This exciting new holiday takes you to the heartland of Russia, home of the Mari. Far from the dust and noise of cities, canoeing down the Bolshaya Kokshaga river is a dramatic and breathtaking heaven of freshness and splendour - a world of tiny flowers, berries and mushrooms, silent lakes, fresh air and deep, neverending forests.

The landscape's variety seems endless and your holiday is rich in things to see and do ( 56 miles adventurous canoeing and 9 miles hiking) together with plenty of leisure time to relax.

The Bolshaya Kokshaga is a tributary of the Volga, one of the environmentaly clean rivers of the European part of Russia.

The river flows along the taiga part of the Republic from the north to the south. It is 142 miles long, 33-66 yards wide, 0,4-6 yds deep, the bottom is sandy. It is a wild river with twisting river-bed, sand spits and beaches, pine and oak woods on the banks which are rich in wild strawberries in June, cowberries (red whortleberries), bilberries (whortle berries) in July and cranberries in August. From July to October different kinds of mushrooms grow there.

In the forests very close to the river there are some apiaries and many picturesque lakes with clear water. The lakes and rivers are good for fishing. Pike, bream, perch, gudgeon, roach, and crawfish can easily be caught there. Flood-lands are inhabited by bears, wolves, foxes, moose, wildboares, hares.

In summer the water temperature is +18...+20 C.

Our canoe trail offers the opportunity to learn the skills of strokes. Under the tuition of our friendly instructors, you will tackle a different stretch of the river each day, in quiet and fastflowing water. All canoeing is downstream so young paddlers, or those with short arms can go with the flow.

Camping places are equipped with a fire place, a table and benches.

CYCLING AROUND THE LAKES OF MARI EL

The tour starts in the southern part of Mari taiga - an environmentaly clean unindustrialized zone with a few villages.

It is about 150 km. On your way you will visit three wonderful virgin lakes. As a rule the lakes are not more than 1,5 - 2,5 ha with rushy shores and sandy bottom. The clean water of the lakes is rich in the pike, carp and perch. In rush and ashore one can meet wild ducks, otters, muskrats and minks. In summer time the water temperature is +20...+22 C.

The part of the route runs along the Bolshaya Kokshaga.

HIKING TOUR "LAKES IN MARI EL"

We invite you to the land of boundless beauty, wilderness wonder and unparalleled adventure.

The tour takes you through the Republic of Mari El - remarkable area some 23,370 sq. km. in size that can, happily, still boast of clean air and prestine waterways, big wild forests full of mushrooms and berries and an abundance of extraordinary wildlife.

You will cover 64 km of the spectacular scenery with 4 chrystal clear lakes, full of pikes, perches, breams and carp. They are approximately 1,5-2,5 ha, partly covered with reed and cane ashore. In the brushwood live wild ducks, otters, ondatra and mink.

The average temperature of the water in the lakes is +20...+22 C.

Part of the tour goes along the cleanest river in the European part of Russia - the Bolshaya Kokshaga.

The best time for this tour is July and August when you are sure to enjoy warm weather, berries and mushrooms.

TREKKING THROUGH MARI EL

You can combine acquaintance with the unknown land and the great outdoor activities: cycling, horse trekking, hiking and canoeing. The possibilities for adventure are endless, with the atmosphere informal and the emphasis on having fun. All of this in the midst of the most spectacular natural scenery in the Republic of Mari El.

Within such a short period of time as 20 days you'll visit 5 rivers, 15 lakes, and you will see wild forests!

The length of the tour is 460 km.

Before starting the active part of the tour we offer you a hydrofoil ride (100 km) along the Volga, visiting such fascinating places as Kozmodemyansk and Yurino.

The town of Kozmodemyansk is situated on the steep left bank of the Volga. It is famous for the old wooden houses richly decorated with the wooden carving works. The Open Air Ethnographic Museum is the main attraction of the town. It has more than 2 thousand exhibits - wooden houses, barns, mill, smithy, banya and other constructions built in the 18-19th centuries.

Yurino is a centre of the region known as the Russian territory. Since old times this area has been inhabited by the Russians. The settlement is famous for the large castle-like estate, built by the well-known Russian Count Sheremetev.

FISHING HOLIDAYS IN MARI EL

The nature here is distinctive because numerous rivers and forest lakes belong to the clearest ones in Europe. In summer and in winter when waters are frozen over the most favourite sport here is fishing.

All the rivers and lakes are abundant with fish such as pike, zander, chub, bream, perch, roach, sheat-fish, ide, bleak, carp, crucian, sabrefish, etc.

If you want to experience the wonderful pleasure of fishing this is your opportunity to do so.

HUNTING TOURS IN MARI LAND

The hunting areas are 50-150 km (30-93 miles) away from the capital of the Republic, the town of Y«shkar-Ola. They are of taiga type forests and cover the territory from 2 to 30 thousand hectares (5.000 to 74.000 Acres). It is a flat country. Hunting is not easy and sometimes can be quite difficult. Hunters are transfered to the hunting place by plane in spring (the airport is 5 km or 3 miles away from the reserve) or by car. The road runs along the picturesque Mari forests. To get to the starting point, hunters cross the river Volga or Vetluga by ferry. By air it takes 40 minutes, by car - 3 hours. Hunters stay in the ancient castle-like estate on the bank of the river Volga in double rooms with WC and bath, or in a private house with WC, cold water and Russian banya. When hunting they can stay in tents. Hunters are transfered to a hunting place by special cars (30-70 km or 18.65 - 43.50 miles, 40 minutes - 2 hours). The most adventurous visitors can stay in a village house close to the hunting area, with WC ouside and Russian banya instead of a bath.

BEAR -

is the biggest representative of beasts of prey in Mari forests, but it is quite normal in the hunting areas. They number more than 300 ; 30-40 are shot every year. Bear hunting is allowed from August till February, 28th. There are different kinds of bear hunting such as "on oats", "on lure", "with husky" and hunting for bear "in a lair". The trophy may weigh from 50 to 200kg (110 pounds to 440 pounds). Bear is considered to be the most respectable trophy among local hunters. Bear suet, bear liver are highly valued and widely used in people`s medicine, bear`s fur and skull are estimated at 40-300 points.

ELK -

number more than 6000 in the Mari forests. They are shot about 600-800 every year. One of the most interesting times to hunt for elk is during the "All Roaring Season" which is held in August and September. There are some more kinds of hunting for elk in our Republic : "forcing", "with husky", "at approach". One can have elk's trophy antlers gaining more than 300 points.

WOOD-GROUSE -

is the biggest bird of black-grouse family. Hunting for wood-grouse is one of the oldest traditional Russian kinds of hunting. Spring photo and shoot hunt for wood-grouse at mating is considered to be one of the best hunts in the world. Woodgrouse mating parties begin at the end of March and are over at the beginning of May. Hunting tours are allowed during 10 days in the second half of April.

BLACK-GROUSE -

is a perfect thing for sport hunting. Hunting for black-grouse at mating is the most enjoyable one. Black-grouse mating parties begin at sunrise. Hunters could enjoy not only the process of hunting but morning spring bird's concerts. It's an unforgettable performance. Hunting for black-grouse is allowed during 10 days in the second half of April. The autumn hunt for black-grouse "with a stuffed bird" and "at approach" is held from August, 20th till November, 15th.

DUCKS -

Mari rivers and lakes are places where ducks live and nest. Hunting kinds for ducks like "with a lure duck for a drake", "at approach", "at flight", "in a boat" are popular in Mari Land. The hunting period in spring is 10 days in the second half of April, in autumn - from the middle of August till November, 15th.

WOODCOCK -

hunting for woodcock is one of the most poetic kinds of hunting. It may be held either at morning or evening flights. It is allowed in April for 10 days. In autumn from the middle of August till November, 15th. In autumn hunting tours for woodcock with a pointer and setter are organized.

LIST OF EXCURSIONS AVAILIABLE WHEN MAKING RESERVATIONS
(price in US Dollars per person)

All our prices include :

• transfers
• full board accommodation
• English (German, French) speaking guides
• sightseeng tours as detailed in the programme

Prices do not include the cost of drinks (Cola, vodka, champagne) and single accomodation

For more information, please, contact:

Creative Initiative Centre "Matour"
109, Pervomaiskaya st.
Yoshkar - Ola 424000
The Republic of Mari El, Russia
Phone (836 2) 11-63-82
Phone/Fax (836 2) 11-62-71
E-mail :

Director : Galina Maslyakova