Golden Ring (4 days)

Breakfast. First, you will be taken 210 km away from Moscow to Rostov the Great – one of the oldest cities in the country and a tourist center of the Golden Ring. It is located on the shores of Lake Nero and was fi rst mentioned in the year 862 as an already important settlement. By the 13th century, Rostov became the capital city of one of the most prominent Russian principalities. It was incorporated into Muscovy in 1474. Even after it lost its independence, Rostov was still a spiritual center of an utmost importance. The Kremlin of Rostov is considered the fi nest outside Moscow. Visit to the Rostov Kremlin. Lunch at the local restaurant.

After, you will be taken to Yaroslavl. City sightseeing tour. The historic center of Yaroslavl lies to the north of the mouth of the Kotorosl River on the right bank of the largest Volga River. Yaroslavl is the oldest of all the currently existing towns on the Volga. It was founded by a prince of Kievan Rus Yaroslav the Wise during the period of his reign of the Principality of Rostov (988-1010). Visit to the museum “The Music and The Time” where you will find a great collection of musical instruments, different old watches, bells and irons of 1820th centuries. Accommodation. Dinner.

Breakfast. Transfer to Kostroma. Kostroma is located at the confl uence of the Volga and Kostroma Rivers. It was founded in the 13th century by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky. During the city sightseeing tour we will take you to the Ipatievsky Monastery to admire the frescoes at the Trinity Cathedral painted by the famous Kostroma master, Guri Nikitin and his team of expert icon-painters. Kostroma is one of the best places in Russia to see old wood buildings richly decorated with carved wood: wind mills, peasant “izby” (huts), Russian bath houses, and wood churches of the 16-18th centuries. All these you will be able to see in the open – air museum of Wooden architecture. Lunch at the local restaurant. Afterwards you’ll be taken to visit the Residence of Snegurochka, the granddaughter and assistant of “Ded Moroz”, also known as “Father Frost”, (the “Russian version” of Santa Claus). Only there you will be able to feel the strength of Russian winter even during summer holidays and taste traditional drinks of the region. Transfer to Suzdal. Accommodation. Dinner at the house of a local family.

Breakfast. City sightseeing tour. Suzdal dates back to 1024. In its early history it was the capital of several principalities and later on became an important religious center. The town is full of churches and at one point in its history had 40 churches for approximately 400 families. Today the town only has a population of only around 10,000 and has retained its country village feeling with many of the roads remaining unpaved and livestock roaming the streets. Suzdal creates very positive impression due to its rustic, countrylike atmosphere combined with its medieval monuments. We will take you to the oldest part of the Kremlin, the heart of Suzdal. Specialists believe the Kremlin dates back to the 10th century and fi rst appeared in the chronicles in 1024. Also, during this tour, you will visit The Saviour Monastery of St. Euthymius, enter its old jail and have the opportunity to listen to the monastery bells’ concert. After that you’ll be taken to the local craft workshop, in which you will be able to participate. Transfer to Vladimir. Lunch at the local restaurant.

City sightseeing tour. Vladimir was one of the medieval capitals of Russia, with signifi cant buildings surviving from the 12th century. Two of its Russian Orthodox cathedrals, a monastery, and associated buildings have been designated as among the White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be taken to visit the Dormition Cathedral and the Golden Gate. Transfer to Moscow. Accommodation.

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport.