The Golden Ring of Russia

Lying to the northeast of Moscow is an idyllic region reminiscent of Russia's glorious medieval and imperial past. The Golden Ring of Russia is the name given to a route connecting several towns northeast of the capital, each of them boasting a myriad of historical sites and architectural marvels. By visiting each of the towns on our itinerary, we will be diving deeper and deeper into Russia's traditional way of life and Orthodox heritage.

 

♦ Vladimir - former medieval capital of Russia;
♦ The Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour in Yaroslavl - listed as a UNESCO heritage site;
♦ The picturesque town of Ples - starring in many of the canvases of one of the most prominent Russian artists - Isaak Levitan;
♦ The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius Monastery - built in the 14th century and renowned for its blue and gold cupolas;

Today we are heading to Vladimir - an ancient Russian town located on the banks of Klyazma River. The trip to Vladimir takes about 3 hours depending on traffic. The town was once the medieval capital of Russia and nowadays it's a hidden tourist gem with a number of UNESCO heritage sites. During our tour we will visit the most impressive sites -  the Assumption cathedral (famous for Andrey Rublev frescoes), St Demetrius cathedral (outside only) and The Golden Gate. We will have lunch in the town and afterwards we will continue to another medieval capital - Suzdal, located just 40 km away from Vladimir. Here we will visit the Museum of Wooden Architecture, St. Euthimius Monastery (or Intercession Convent) and Suzdal Kremlin, known for its century-old churches, wooden houses and beautiful landscape. Suzdal is also a renowned center of mead (honey wine) production,  which can be tasted at various places in the town,  including the local market. Mead was a very popular Russian drink before coffee and tea came to Russia. Overnight in a hotel in Suzdal. -/-/-

 

Day 3. Suzdal - Ples – Kostroma
Today we will visit the picturesque town of Ples, located about 150km away from Suzdal. We will enjoy its idyllic atmosphere, created by its wooden cottages and green hills and meadows. This landscape often starred in the paintings of one of the most prominent Russian artists - Isaak Levitan, whose canvases can be seen in some of the best galleries in Moscow and St.Petersburg.The second city we will explore today is Kostroma, built at the confluence of the Volga and Kostroma Rivers. It's one of the oldest Russian cities and is known as the city that gave birth to the Romanov dynasty - the royal family which ruled Russia for three centuries before the Bolshevik revolution in  1917. We will visit the St.Ipaty Monastery, where the first tsar of the House of Romanov - Michael I, was crowned in 1613. Overnight in a hotel in Kostroma. -/-/-

 

Day 4. Kostroma - Yaroslavl
After breakfast at the hotel, we start today's drive to the historic city of Yaroslavl. Here we will learn more about the
traditional Russian Church architecture. The city is known for its numerous 17th-century churches with  distinctive onion domes. We will visit the St.John the Baptist Church, which is known to be the pinnacle of this type of architecture and has 15 onion domes - more than any other Russian church. We will also visit the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour - listed as a UNESCO heritage site and St.Elijah the Prophet's Church. Afterwards, we will have some free time to stroll along the Volga river and enjoy the magnificent view of the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl rivers. Overnight in a hotel in Yaroslavl. -/-/-

Day 5. Yaroslavl - Rostov Veliky - Sergiev Posad – Moscow
After breakfast at the hotel, we will start today's 60-kilometre-drive to the town of Rostov Veliky (Rostov the Great), situated on the banks of Lake Nero. With a history dating back to the 9th century, the town boasts a myriad of historical and architectural landmarks. We will explore the Rostov Kremlin, built in the 17th century and consisting of several churches and civil buildings and surrounded by monumental fortress walls. Unlike the Moscow Kremlin, here we will be able to walk along the walls. Rostov Veliky is also the place where enamel art flourished in the 17th century. We will have the chance to explore a local exhibition with some of the finest examples of this art form. We will then continue to the town of Sergiev Posad, renowned as a center of ancient Russian art and architecture. We will visit The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius Monastery, famed for its blue and gold cupolas. The monastery was built in the 14th century and ever since its establishment it has been a famous pilgrimage site and a religious capital of Russia. After that, we will return to Moscow for overnight. -/-/-

Day 6. Departure
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for departure. -/-/-