The capital of Russia and the political, economic, scientific and cultural centre of the country. Being one of the most northern megalopolises in the world, it still enjoys a moderate climate. It is a huge city in which live 12 million people.
Since it was founded in 1147, Moscow, the heart of all Russia, has been intimately linked to the history and destiny of the Russian state, from which it took the lead after triumphing over the Mongols. Ravaged several times, it has always reborn from its ashes, offering the visitor the charm of a heterogeneous city whose eagerness to live surprises. This is where the iconic symbols of Russia stands, the Red Square and the Kremlin.
It can be said that it is an eclectic city, where different eras intermingle. The impressive contours of the Stalinist towers (mid-20th century) and the skyscrapers of Moskva City contrast with the quiet streets of the ancient Moscow, the wide avenues and parks.
In the last decade Moscow has undergone major changes. Those who visited the city five or six years ago were surprised by the drastic positive changes. Many historical sites such as the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Gates of the Resurrection and the Church of Our Lady of Kazan on Red Square were completely rebuilt.
«Zolotoe Koltso» – is a space located north-east of Moscow, between the Volga and Kliazma rivers, and bounded by ancient princely cities: Yaroslavl, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov Veliki, Sergiyev Posad, Suzdal and Vladimir – the cities form a symbolic circle. These are unique ancient Russian cities with traces of almost any historical epoch of the formation of modern Russia. They form the oldest centre of early Russian culture.
Their geographical position on the river routes gave it a very important strategic position and these cities experienced an exceptional expansion, as evidenced by the numerous monuments of ancient Russian architecture from the 12th to the 17th centuries (cupolas with star-shaped bulbs, simple whitewashed walls, vast Baroque monuments). True museums in the open air, the medieval cities preserve the memory of the most important events of the Russian history. Cathedrals, churches, convents, monasteries and museums of fine arts impress with their splendor and reflect the rich heritage of Russia.
This tour can be combined with « Moscow Classic », « Images of Russia » and « Russian Capitals », for more information about tour combination, feel free to contact us.
Moscow (Friday)
| January | 09, 16, 23, 30 |
| February | 06, 13, 20, 27 |
| March | 06, 13, 20, 27 |
| April | 03, 10, 17, 24 |
| May | 01, 08, 15, 22, 29 |
| June | 05, 12, 19, 26 |
| July | 03, 10, 17, 24, 31 |
| August | 07, 14, 21, 28 |
| September | 04, 11, 18, 25 |
| October | 02, 09, 16, 23, 30 |
| November | 06, 13, 20, 27 |
| December | 04, 11, 18 |
Arrival. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.
Breakfast. City sightseeing tour of Moscow, during which you will have an excellent opportunity to learn the history of the Russian capital and see the most impressive sights of great historic and cultural value. Red Square, one of the most spacious squares of the world, famous for Lenin’s Mausoleum and Saint Basil’s Cathedral, and dominated by the grand Kremlin redbrick walls. After that we will visit the Moscow Subway (Metro) which covers almost the entire territory of the Russian capital. It is one of the world’s most heavily used metro systems. Lunch. Free time.
Breakfast. In the morning, we will visit the Moscow Kremlin – the symbol of Moscow and of the entire Russia. This stronghold is the historical, spiritual and political heart of Moscow and the city’s most famous landmark and tourist attraction. Most of the city had been inside the Kremlin walls until the 16th century. The Kremlin has been rebuilt several times in the past – it was originally wooden – so, its brick walls and towers that we can see today were built in the 15th century. Today the Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian President. Lunch. Free time.
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. 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.
*Please, take note that we reserve the right to change the order of visits.
Level 1 (easy)
Cruise
Level 2 (moderate)
