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Moscow - Vladimir – Suzdal – Kostroma – Yaroslavl - Moscow
3 Days / 2 Nights
DAY 1. MOSCOW / VLADIMIR / SUZDAL
Today we will get acquainted with the famous towns of the Golden Ring. The Golden Ring is a tourist route that passes through the ancient towns located around Moscow. White stone architecture of the towns of the Golden Ring was included in UNESCO World Heritage list.
Transfer to Vladimir.
A tour of the historical centre of Vladimir will tell us about the history of the town. Today we will visit the Assumption Cathedral, one of the principal churches of medieval Russia of the 12th-14th centuries that is now part of World Heritage. The exterior walls of the church are covered with elaborated engravings. The interior was painted in the 12th century and repainted by Andrei Rubliov. We will definitely see the Golden Doors and St. Dmitry Cathedral.
Transfer to Suzdal.
In 1024 the town of Suzdal was mentioned in the chronicles for the first time. Very soon the town became a major religious centre that counted numerous monasteries and churches. Today the town is an important tourist centre with a large number of finest examples of ancient Russian architecture. A sightseeing tour of the town includes a visit to the Kremlin of Suzdal, Nativity Cathedral, St. Euthymius Monastery, Transfiguration Cathedral, Wooden architecture museum and the Intercession Monastery.
Check-in at the hotel.
Optional activities:
SUZDAL: Lovers of Russian literature probably know that the Russian classics have repeatedly mentioned and described in their books the Russian tradition of drinking tea. This tradition brings all the members of a family together at a table, fragrant tea with honey, milk and sweets favour long intimate conversations and discussions during which all problems, including business problems, are solved. We invite you to join this tradition and have a cup of tea with jam, patties with different fillings while visiting a Russian family – USD 15 per person.
DAY 2. SUZDAL / KOSTROMA / YAROSLAVL
Breakfast.
Transfer to Kostroma.
During the panoramic tour of the city of Kostroma, you will learn about the history of this city that, like Moscow, was founded by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky in 1152. Today Kostroma is the only city in Russia that has preserved the design and architectural ensemble in its central part created during the 18th - early 19th centuries. Kostroma used to be the hometown of the Romanov dynasty. We enter the Ipatiev monastery where 16-year-old Michael Romanov received the news that he had been elected Tsar of Russia. The Ipatiev Monastery, founded around 1330, is located at the confluence of two rivers: the Volga and the Kostroma River and was mentioned for the first time in the chronicles in 1435. Its architectural ensemble was formed during the 16th-19th centuries. Since the middle of the 16th century, thanks to the support of the Godunovs who used to make large donations, the monastery entered the period of prosperity. The Godunovs sponsored the construction of the Trinity Cathedral. With the support of this family, a school for icon painters was installed in the monastery. The most renowned teachers were Guri Nikitin and Sila Savin. After the fall of the Godunovs, the Romanov dynasty became the patron of the monastery.
Transfer to Yaroslavl. Check-in at the hotel.
DAY 3. YAROSLAVL / MOSCOW
Breakfast.
Yaroslavl is an ancient town located 260 kilometers northwest of Moscow. It is known all over the world as the treasure of Russian Culture. During the city tour we visit the Savior Transfiguration Monastery and the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet. Located in the central part of the city near the main river, the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior was founded in the late 12th century, its building dates back to 16th-19th centuries. In the 13th century, when the independent Yaroslavl principality was formed, the monastery became a burial place for the Yaroslavl princely dynasty. The monastery ensemble includes the Cathedral of the Transfiguration, built in 1505-1516, its frescoes dating back to 1563-1564, the Holy Gate (1516), the Belfry (1516), and the Refectory Chamber with the Refectory Church of the Nativity of Christ. In 15th-17th centuries the monastery was one of the largest and richest in Russia, and in the 16th century, after the stonewalls and towers had been erected, it became one of the strongest fortresses in the area beyond the Volga.
We visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet built in 1647-1650. It stands on Elija (presently Sovetskaya) Square, which has long been the center of the city. The church is a fine example of Yaroslavl architectural style of the 17th century. It was erected for one of the richest and most influential Russian families of that time. The asymmetrical structure of the five-dome church with the bell-tower came down to our days unchanged.
Your transfer to Moscow hotel or to the airport according to the departure of the plane.
Program includes:
Accommodation 1 night (Suzdal)
Accommodation 1 night (Yaroslavl)
Breakfast in the hotels
Arrival and departure transfers
Guided tours in Vladimir, Suzdal, Kostroma and Yaroslavl according to the program
Transportation for all tours and transfers
English-speaking guide service
Entry tickets to the museums as per the itinerary
Prices upon request