The Golden Ring of Russia 680 , 6 Days
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.
 
Highlights:

♦ 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;


Day 1. Arrival in Moscow.
Arrival in Moscow and transfer to your hotel for overnight.-/-/-

Day 2. Moscow - Vladimir - Suzdal
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. -/-/-


Price Includes:
accommodation in standard 3*** hotels (breakfast NOT guaranteed)
all ground transportation
airport transfers
local English-speaking guide

Not Included:
international flights
meals not mentioned in the program
tips
personal expenses
entrance fees for different sites (allow ca. 60 EUR)

Additional Services:
Supplement pp. at 3 traveling together: 120 EUR Supplement pr pp. at 2 traveling together: 370 EUR


Gallery


The Golden Ring of Russia (Rated 4.9 / 5 Based on 121 Reviews.)
Price
680 EUR
Duration
6 Days
Single Supplement
230 EUR
Status
Open for booking

Currency fluctuations might cause correction of price at any time.

Group Size
4-16

Venezuela - Angell Falls and Choroni

Ranked among the countries with the richest biodiversity (currently 7th in the world's list of...

Mexico - guaranteed departures

This tour is done on fixed dates of departure for individual tourists Amidst the pulsing with...

Glimpse of Bhutan

There are very few countries which offer such a variety of cultural sites and breathtaking...

View all» What people say about us

Great
Penguin Travel on Trust Pilot
Based on 86 reviews
Trust Pilot
Binky's Review Verified review Verified
Great caucus Explorer trip
Caucus Explorer( Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan ) was a great trip . Even though our Van is fully...
Beth, 5 May
Daniel's review Verified review Verified
8 day Caucasus trip
5/5 for the Caucasus trip in apr/may 2024. Everything was well planned and executed.
Haris, 3 May
Maribeth's review Verified review Verified
Excellent and Amazing Tour
Excellent tour. My highlight of the tour is Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid and more places. I like the itinerary...
Arnold, 6 April
View all»

Blog

14.02.2025 11:50

Everything you need to know about travelling to Cameroon and Central African Republic: Essential travel information (Q&A with our tour leader)

We just got back from an unforgettable journey through Cameroon and the Central African Republic, and we’re still buzzing from the experience. It was an adventure in the truest sense - bouncing along remote dirt roads in sturdy 4x4s, deep in the Central African rainforest, where every turn reveals something incredible—lush green landscapes, curious children running out to greet us,...


12.02.2025 07:47

Into the Heart of Africa: A Journey Through the Central African Republic

Some places pull you in with their beauty, others with their mystery. The Central African Republic (CAR) does both. It’s not a country you stumble into—it’s a place you choose, a place that challenges and rewards in equal measure. Our journey took us through its bustling capital, deep into the jungle, across colonial relics, and to breathtaking waterfalls, but more than...


24.01.2025 06:56

Îles du Salut, French Guiana: Paradise with a Past (What You Need to Know About Visitng the Islands)

Just off the coast of French Guiana, the Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands) shimmer like emerald jewels in the Atlantic, enticing travelers with their beauty and enigmatic past. The name might suggest refuge, but for most who came here, salvation was the furthest thing from reality. The islands were so named because they offered a safe haven from the deadly diseases that ravaged French Guiana's...


22.01.2025 08:09

Kaieteur Falls: Exploring Guyana’s Majestic Wonder (Facts, Legends and Practical Information for Visiting the Falls)

Nestled deep in the pristine rainforest of Guyana, Kaieteur Falls is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. Cascading 741 feet (226 meters) from the Potaro River into a gorge below, it’s not only one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls globally but also one of the most mesmerizing. Whether you're drawn by its sheer scale, lush surroundings, or the sense of untouched...