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Express to Russia » Tours to Russia » Golden Ring Tours » Golden Ring: Sergiev Posad, Vladimir, Suzdal, 2 days 1 night (hotel in Vladimir)
Golden Ring: Sergiev Posad, Vladimir, Suzdal, 2 days 1 night (hotel in Vladimir)
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At 8.00 AM, our driver and representative will pick you up to depart for Sergiev Posad by car or mini-van.
It is 2-3 hours’ drive from Moscow. Arrival in Sergiev Posad.
Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. Our tour starts with the Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra) , built in the first half of the 1340s by the son of Rostov Boyar, Sergius of Radonezh, who remains one the most venerated saints in Russia. The monastery includes more than fifty edifices constructed by Moscow, Pskov and Yaroslavl craftsmen. In 1993 it was entered into the UNESCO World Heritage list. The History and Art museum within the walls of the monastery contains a rich collection of old Russian paintings and various works of art dating from the 14th thru 17th centuries. The collection includes over 120,000 items: ancient icons, medieval manuscripts and old printed books, icon and ornamental embroideries, church utensils, articles of gold and silver, paintings, engravings, folk and contemporary art. Sergiev Posad is also famous for being home to the world´s first matryoshka doll.
Lunch at the local restaurant (included).
Transfer to Vladimir.
Check into hotel.
Dinner at the restaurant of the hotel (included).
A little information on Vladimir. There is a dispute about the founding date of the city, either 990 or 1108 but regardless, the city’s most significant events occurred during the 12 century. Under Yuri Dolgoruky´s son, Andrei Bogolyubsky (1157-1175), Vladimir prospered becoming the center of the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality. The city’s Golden Age is considered to be from the early 12th century until the Mongol invasion in 1237 during which the Golden Gates and the Cathedral of the Assumption were constructed. The architecture of Vladimir’s white stone cathedrals, towers, and palaces is unique and unlike other buildings in Russia, their exterior was elaborately carved with high relief stone sculptures. The decline of Vladimir began when it was attacked and overrun by the Mongol-Tatars in 1238. A great fire destroyed 32 limestone buildings on the first day alone, while the grand prince and all his family perished in a church where they sought refuge from the fire. The bishop of Vladimir managed to escape. Vladimir never fully recovered but from 1299 to 1325, the city was seat of the metropolitans of Kiev and All Rus until the see was moved to Moscow.
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After breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken to the town of Suzdal, often called the Russian Mecca. It is just 32 km from Vladimir. Suzdal is amazingly tranquil and beautiful with its numerous churches, wooden houses, bird songs and the ringing of bells throughout the day.
Suzdal dates back to 1024. In its early history it was the capital of several principalities and later on became a 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 around 10,000 and has retained its country village feel with many of the roads remaining unpaved and livestock roaming the streets. The atmosphere is extremely pleasant due to its rustic, country feel combined with its medieval monuments. In short, Suzdal is an extremely special place and we are certain that you will enjoy your time there.
A sightseeing tour will take you to the oldest part of the Kremlin , the heart of Suzdal. Specialists believe the Kremlin dates back to the X century and first appeared in the chronicles in 1024. On its territory you will admire the Cathedral of the Nativity, dating back to the beginning of the XIII century, the largest relic of which is the Golden Gates. The next stop will be to the Archbishops´ Chambers, a large architectural masterpiece that took several centuries to be built. It houses a unique collection of historical and archaeological objects, including the Cross-Vaulted Chamber.
The open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture recreates the life and traditions of the people of Suzdal in the XVIII–XIX century. The ensemble includes churches, log houses and other structures.
* During the low season the museum of Wooden Architecture will be substituted with the Spaso-Yevfimievsky Monastery of Our Savior .
Lunch at the local restaurant (included)
Transfer to Vladimir.
Panoramic city tour. During the city tour you will become acquainted with the main highlights of the city. The first stop is the Assumption Cathedral, a unique monument of the white-stone architecture of Vladimir. The cathedral was built in the middle of the XII century by Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky as the main church of the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality. World-famous frescoes by Andrei Rublev are preserved there. You will then proceed to the small, one-domed cathedral of St. Dmitry, built in the beginning of the XII century by Prince Vsevolod as his palace church. The cathedral´s interior still features frescoes of the XII century.
You will also visit the Golden Gates - considered to be the door to Vladimir built in the early XII century by Prince Andrei Bogolubsky. In ancient times they served as the main military tower of the fortress.
At around 5:30 PM, you will set back to Moscow. At this point we will say goodbye to the Golden Ring one of the most beautiful and interesting areas in Russia and Eastern Europe full of history, art, culture and legend. We hope to welcome you back to Russia sometime in the future. Do Svidaniya or until we meet again!
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Low season: 09.01 – 30.04, 01.10 – 29.12
High season: 30.12 – 08.01, 01.05 – 30.09
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy in the specific hotel. You should add single supplement to the price in case you travel in a group but you stay at a single room. If you travel by yourself, please, contact us and we will give you a quote. We offer discounts for groups of 4 or more. To inquire about group rates, please contact us.
Prices include tickets to all museums, transportation to museums and for excursions, hotel accommodation, meals according to the program.
Prices do not include optional services as well as theater tickets, visa processing costs, international airfare (we can assist you in booking discount airfare, contact us to find out more or book the discount tickets yourself through our internet ticket office) and travel insurance. To find out more about visa processing, please contact us
Tour dates are flexible. Tours can be customized to your taste. We can include additional excursions or performances on your request.
To book a tour, 30% of the tour amount is due on the day of tour booking. The remaining 70% of the tour amount is due within 14 days before your arrival in Russia or the city that the tour is scheduled for. In case of cancellation, a cancellation fee of 100 euro will be applied.
To learn more, please, click Payment and Cancellation policy
Very often travelers coming to Russia have many questions concerning our tours, accommodation, visas, transfers and more. To see the answers to the most frequently asked questions, please consult our FAQ page by clicking here.
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