“Plios – A taste of luxury in the Russian Countryside”

The small and relatively unknown town of Plios lies on the banks of the Volga river about an hour from Kostroma in the Golden Ring. Founded in the 12th century, it is known throughout Russia as one of the most picturesque regions of the country and many of Russia’s finest artists have made the pilgrimage to capture its beauty on canvas including Isaac Levitan whose museum is located in the town.

Now, with the opening of a new hotel, it is possible to visit this area and relax in great style. Sobornaya Sloboda is a boutique hotel comprising a number of 18th and 19th century merchant’s houses of differing styles which have been recreated into a single hotel. Some are of wood while others are in stone, but all have been completely renovated to exacting standards. In 2008 the hotel was named as one of the best 10 provincial hotels of Russia by “Forbes-Style” and has been visited by both Prince Michael of Kent and President Medvedev.

Activities in the area include visits to Levitan’s museum and the museum of medieval Russian family life. There are walks and picnics on the banks of the Volga, a traditional Russian banya or steam bath, fishing, boat trips, vodka tasting, painting classes and an opportunity to learn the art of Russian cooking. Additionally there are jewelry workshops and a traditional linen factory.

Access is by road, rail or helicopter.

Throughout the year there are a number of festivals celebrating Russian life in the country:

Please find the 6 day itinerary Moscow – Suzdal/Vladimir – Plios - Moscow

Plios
Plios
Plios
Plios
Plios
Plios. Volga river.

Day 1
arrive Moscow Aeroflot 212 /13:35
transfer to the hotel
VIP hall at the airport, supplement Euro 230

Day 2
09:00   drive to Sergiev Posad /80 km
10:30   St Sergius Lavra
11:30   drive to Vladimir/210 km; snack lunch from Cafe Pushkin
14:30   Vladimir: Assumption Cathedral, St Dmitrius Cathedral
16:00   drive to Suzdal/30 km; (weather permitting, Church on Nerl and walk there 1,5 km one way)
18:30   check in the Nikolaevsky Posad hotel, Junior Suite Twin-bedded; Bread & Salt ceremony
19:30   dinner at the hotel
o/n     Nickolaevskyi Posad hotel, Junior Suite

Day 3
09:30   Kremlin, Cross Chamber, Nativity Church, Museum of Wooden Architecture
13:30   lunch local restaurant
pm     Spaso-Evfimievsky Convent, Kideksha, Church of Boris & Gleb
20:00   dinner at local family
o/n     Nickolaevskyi Posad hotel

Day 4
am     drive to Ples /180 km. Check in a private luxury house Krylov’sDacha
13:30   lunch local restaurant “Warm House“ (either in veranda or in a hall – depending on weather)
14:30   walking tour, house museum of Levitan
17:00   private boat ride along Volga river
18:00   return the hotel
19:30   Dinner in local Yacht Club Or at some other local restaurant on the 8th June
21:00   evening strolling along village streets
o/n     Krylov’s Dacha hotel

Day 5
06:00- 09:00 am fishing with local guide
09:00   breakfast either in a veranda of the house , or at an Old Coffee house
11:00   private boat ride to the island for swimming (weather permitting) OR visit local museums “Russian Izba” and “Old Apothecary”
13:00   Open-air lunch at veranda , viewing Volga river
14:00   visit private Artists workshops
17:00   Russian Taiga Sauna with services of private steam-master, Tea
19:00   Picnic dinner on a Volga shore
21:00   strolling along embankment
o/n     Krylov’s Dacha hotel

Day 6
07:30   Breakfast
08:30   Transfer by Private Helicopter to Moscow airport (1,5 - 2hrs)


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