Excursions in Golden Ring

Sergiev Posad, a sanctuary of large historic and artistic importance, is situated at about 70 km to the north from Moscow. It has an interesting collection of excellent monuments of Russian culture created during the period from the 15th to the 17th centuries. Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius is situated here. It was founded in 1337 and is often referred to by the foreigners as “the Russian Vatican”. The monastery is the centre of Russian Orthodox Church and one of the residences of the Patriarch of Moscow. In the central square of the monastery there is a sacred spring that is visited by all the pilgrims who arrive here to see the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh, the saint who founded the monastery. The architectural ensemble of the monastery includes cathedrals, churches, the residence of the patriarch, and other monuments of exceptional artistic value. The Trinity Cathedral is a true masterpiece and an excellent example of early Moscow architecture. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Duration – 6 h

These towns are situated 180 km away from Moscow and there is a 16 km distance between them. During this trip we will see the main places of interest: the white Stone Monuments that were included in UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992. Morning departure from Moscow. Arrival to Vladimir, one of the most ancient Russian towns, it is famous for its handicraft. It was founded by prince Vladimir Monomakh of Kiev in 1108. The town bears his name now. During the tour around this beautiful old town we will see the Golden Gates (1164). The only preserved ancient Russian city gate. The Golden Gates existed in the holiest cities of Eastern Orthodoxy like Jerusalem, Constantinople, and Kiev. On making Vladimir his capital, Andrew the Pious aspired to emulate these structures, commissioning a lofty tower over the city's main gate to be erected in limestone and lined with golden plaques. Later we continue on to the Assumption Cathedral. 

Lunch in a local restaurant. 

After a transfer to Suzdal, we will go on a tour around the historical centre of the town to the earthen walls of the Kremlin (11th century) and the Nativity Cathedral (1222-1225) with its famous blue cupola decorated with stars and the golden grills of the doors. The churches are of great interest. Later we will visit Monastery of Saint Euthymius, founded in the 14th century, and grew in importance in the 16th and 17th centuries. Departure to Moscow.

Duration – 1 day

Two day tour to Vladimir and Suzdal These towns are situated 180 km away from Moscow and there is a 16 km distance between them. During this trip we will see the main places of interest: the white Stone Monuments that were included in UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992. 

DAY 1. Morning departure from Moscow. Arrival to Vladimir, one of the most ancient Russian towns, it is famous for its handicraft. It was founded by prince Vladimir Monomakh of Kiev in 1108. The town bears his name now. During the tour around this beautiful old town we will see the Golden Gates (1164). The only preserved ancient Russian city gate. The Golden Gates existed in the holiest cities of Eastern Orthodoxy like Jerusalem, Constantinople, and Kiev. On making Vladimir his capital, Andrew the Pious aspired to emulate these structures, commissioning a lofty tower over the city's main gate to be erected in limestone and lined with golden plaques. 

Lunch in a local restaurant. 

Later we continue on to the Assumption Cathedral (1158-1160), its dazzling cupola can be seen from far away and it resembles the helmet of a giant warrior who guards the town. Everything here excites admiration – the well-balanced proportions, perfect masonry, the extraordinary finishing and the priceless frescos painted by famous Russian artists Andrei Rublyov and Daniel Cherny. Check in at the hotel. Dinner at the hotel. 

DAY 2. Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Suzdal. The architectural monuments of this small town-museum create a magnificent and harmonious ensemble. The historical centre of the town is the earthen walls of the Kremlin (11th century) and the Nativity Cathedral (1222-1225) with its famous blue cupola decorated with stars and the golden grills of the doors. The churches are of great interest. Later we will visit Monastery of Saint Euthymius, founded in the 14th century, and grew in importance in the 16th and 17th centuries,now it houses an exhibition of Russian applied arts of the 12th – 20th centuries. Lunch in a local restaurant. Departure to Moscow.

Duration – 2 days

Transfer to Sergiev Posad 

Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius is situated here. It was founded in 1337 and is often referred to by the foreigners as “the Russian Vatican”. The monastery is the centre of Russian Orthodox Church and one of the residences of the Patriarch of Moscow. In the central square of the monastery there is a sacred spring that is visited by all the pilgrims who arrive here to see the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh, the saint who founded the monastery. The architectural ensemble of the monastery includes cathedrals, churches, the residence of the patriarch and other monuments of exceptional artistic value. The Trinity Cathedral is a masterpiece and an excellent example of early Moscow architecture. We should say that this site was included in UNESCO World Heritage List. 

Lunch in a local restaurant. 

Transfer to Rostov 

Transfer to Rostov the Great. We will go on a city tour. The town is called a stone symphony. In the end of the 10th century it was already old. It is one of the most ancient centres of the Russian State, rich and densely populated. Fame came to Rostov in the 17th century when the Kremlin was constructed. It is a masterpiece of architecture that excites everybody’s admiration. Powerful walls surround the Kremlin that predominates over the town with its rising white towers and cathedrals, silver plated tile roofs and gilded cupolas. The Resurrection Church (1670), the Church of the Saviour (1675), the Church of Apostle John (1683) and the paths between them are open for visitors. The Odigitria Church is particularly attractive (1698) that was constructed in the so called baroque style of Naryshkin. The most outstanding of all is the Assumption cathedral with the bell tower of the end of the 16th century, the oldest building in the Kremlin. At the territory of the Kremlin there is a folk museum. Icons, Rostov smalts (“finift”), furniture, tables, spinning wheels, examples of wood carvings are exhibited here to demonstrate the excellent taste and skills of folk Russian artists. Visit to the Kremlin and the smalts museum. Departure to Moscow.

Duration – 10 h