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Amid plains, lakes and marshes of vast country are scattered these old Russian towns. Known collectively as the Golden Ring of Russia, they actually form a circle which extends from Moscow towards the north-east.
Each of these towns played an important part in the history of the Russian State, both in its early period, when the Russian lands and principalities were being united under the sway of Moscow, and later, when the independence of the country was at stake.
While the architectural monuments of these towns are the stone chronicles of the country's history, it is also an area which has preserved many old artistic traditions particularly the painting of the beautiful lacquer boxes for which Russia is so famous. Life here is completely different from the big cities and for an opportunity to see true Russia, this is a tour worth taking.
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Day 1
Am Drive Moscow to Suzdal via Vladimir (168 km)
Pm Bogolubovo, drive to Suzdal (35 km). Overnight in Suzdal
Day 2
Full day Sightseeing in Suzdal. Overnight in Suzdal
Day 3
Full day Trip to Palekh. Overnight in Suzdal
Day 4
Am Drive to Kostroma (175 km)
Pm Sightseeing in Kostroma. Overnight in Kostroma
Day 5
Am Drive to Yaroslavl (76 km)
Pm Sightseeing in Yaroslavl. Overnight in Yaroslavl
Day 6
Am Drive to Rostov (53 km), sightseeing
Pm Drive to Moscow (203 km)
Vladimir
Vladimir was founded by Vladimir Monomakh, Grand prince of Kiev, in 1108 as a fort in the Rostov-Suzdal principality. The city witnessed its heyday in the 12th century during the reign of Prince Andrey Bogolubsky, who strengthened its defences and welcomed architects, icon-painters, jewellers. The most significant building made during his reign is the Assumption cathedral. The oldest murals in it date from 1161. In 1408 it was frescoed anew by the greatest of old Russian painters Andrei Rubliov.
Suzdal
Suzdal is one of the most beautiful ancient cities of Russia, possessing more than 50 examples of church and secular architecture dating from the mid-12th to the mid-18th century. During the tour one can't help getting absorbed in the quietness and tranquility of the town, whose main features are numerous domes of medieval churches and wooden houses of local people.
The highlight of a visit is the Kremlin which contains several streets of houses, some churches, the beautiful Nativity of the Virgin Cathedral, with its blue / gold domes and sumptuous frescoes. Of interest is the Saviour Monastery of St. Euthymius - Suzdal's biggest monastery. The monastery was founded in 1352. By order of Catherine II a prison was built inside Assumption Refectory church. Most of the prisoners were those who had committed crimes against the church. More recently the German Fieldmarshal von Paulus was held here for some time after his capture in Stalingrad in 1943. The prison is a museum now.
There are several options for accommodation, but to feel the atmosphere of the medieval Russia we would recommend you staying in Pokrov convent hotel, which is located on the grounds of one of the most beautiful sights of the town - Pokrov /Intercession/ Convent, founded in 1364. It is known in Russian history as the place of exile of many Russian ladies of noble birth, including Peter the Great's first wife, Evdokia. Guests' dwellings are arranged in wooden homes within the walls of the convent. The rooms are equipped with all modern conveniences and hold a lovely atmosphere of traditional Russian houses.
Serigev Posad
One is sure to enjoy the full day trip, visiting Serigev Posad (70 km from Moscow). It is the town around the Trinity Monastery of St Sergius and one of Russia's most important religious and historical landmarks, and still a place of spiritual pilgrimage. Dating back to 1340, the monastery is seeped in state and religious history and visitors today still get a real feeling of Medieval Russia! It possesses a variety of 12th-17th century buildings. The dominating structure of the monastery is the massive, blue-domed and gold-starred Assumption cathedral, built in the 16th century. Adjacent is the tomb of Boris Godunov and his family. The monastery is an operating one, so the dress code is a must. The excursion is led by one of the monks or novices, some of them speak excellent English.
Kostroma
Kostroma, originated in the 12 century, is situated on the left bank of the river Volga. The city is known as the "cradle of the Romanov dynasty". In 1613 an All Russia Council for the election of the new Russian Tsar met in Moscow. On the 14th of March that year the whole council, headed by boyar Fyodor Sheremetyev, came to the Ipatiyevsky monastery in Kostroma, where the young boyar, Mikhail Romanov, had come with his mother, a nun, called Marfa, from their family estate. They were hiding from Poles and numerous other groups of outlaws, who were roaming Russia at the time.
After daylong talks with his mother, who was against the idea of her son ruling the country, Mikhail finally consented to take the crown and thus became the first Tsar of the Romanov dynasty.
Yaroslavl
Yaroslavl is a large, quiet old town, and much more metropolitan than the other cities on the Golden Ring. The town was founded in 1010. Legend has it that Yaroslavl the Wise, a Kievian prince, was interested in a trading post here; the locals responded by setting a sacred bear on him, which Yaroslavl killed with an axe, and then founded a town on the spot. The symbol of the bear was then included in his coat of arms. Of interest are the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, founded in the 12th century, and one of Russia's richest and most fortified monasteries by the 1500's.
Rostov Veliky
Rostov Veliky (Rostov the Great) was first mentioned in chronicles in 862. It is a sleepy old town with some magnificent buildings next to a lake. The focal point of the town is Kremlin. Its churches are good examples of Russian 17th century architecture. The 4-domed belfry (1620) of Assumption cathedral is 32 m long and 17 m high. It has four arched openings and its 15 bells, audible 15 km away, play 4 tunes. Famous composers Stasov, Mussorgski, Berlioz came to listen to the chimes.
· The Golden Ring tours are usually organised on full board basis, as there are quite few restaurants in the towns, few of the local staff speak foreign language. All the cities have 3* hotels, that are quite comfortable.
· The Golden Ring tour is perfectly combined with 2-3 day program in Moscow.
· On the way to Moscow one can visit Sergiev Posad (see the description in Moscow program).
· There is also a possibility to shorten the program, making a 4 day tour, eliminating some of the cities.
· For those who are short of time, we can organise a short 2 day tour to Vladimir-Suzdal only (the most beautiful places of the route) with overnight in Pokrov convent.
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