2 days and 1 night
This tour covers 2 ancient Russian towns and 1 ancient village along the Golden Ring. You will learn about the towns' history, traditions, architecture and the people who lived there. This tour takes you on an especially beautiful route through the Ring. Suzdal is full of old churches, wooden houses and the sounds of bird songs and the ringing of church bells. Vladimir dates back to the XI century and is one of the oldest and most important towns along the ring.
At 8.30 AM, our driver and representative will pick you up to depart for Vladimir by car or mini-van. Vladimir is located about 2-3 hours’ drive from Moscow.
Arrival in Vladimir.
Lunch at the local restaurant (included).
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.
We will also visit the Museum of Crystal, lacquer miniatures and embroidery. This museum possesses an amazing collection of traditional Russian handicrafts and folk art, lacquer miniature papier-mâché boxes, embroidery, rock crystal and glass pieces.
Excursion to Bogolyubovo.
Bogolyubovo is the residence of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky built between 1158 and 1165 at the mouth of the Nerl River. Andrei spent 17 years of his reign here until his murder in 1174. Russian Orthodox Christians believe that Bogolyubovo was founded on the spot where Prince Andrei saw a vision of the Virgin Mary who appeared to him in a dream-like vision holding a scroll in her right hand, and commanded him to build a church and monastery on the place of the vision. On this spot, the Church of the Intercession of Nerl was constructed. Today, the church is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Transfer to Suzdal. Check into hotel.
Dinner at the restaurant of the hotel (included)
A little information about 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 12th 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 in1238. 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 to1325, the city was seat of the metropolitans of Kiev and All Rus until the see was moved to Moscow.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken on a city tour of Suzdal, often called the Russian Mecca. 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 became an 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 atmosphere 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.
After this you will proceed either to the Spaso-Yevfimievsky Monastery of Our Savior or the open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture. This museum recreates the life and traditions of the people of Suzdal in the XVIII-XIX century. The ensemble includes churches, log houses and other structures.
Lunch at the local restaurant (included)
Free time
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!
These sights are included into the standard package:
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.
The museum possesses an amazing collection of traditional Russian handicrafts and folk art, lacquer miniature papier-mâché boxes, embroidery, rock crystal and glass pieces.
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.
The residence of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky built between 1158 and 1165 at the mouth of the Nerl River. Andrei spent 17 years of his reign here until his murder in 1174. Russian Orthodox Christians believe that Bogolyubovo was founded on the spot where Andrei Bogolyubsky saw a vision of the Virgin Mary who appeared to him in a dream-like vision holding a scroll in Her right hand, and commanded him to build a church and monastery on the place of the vision. On this spot the Church of the Intercession of Neri was constructed. Today the church is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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.
The heart of Suzdal. Specialists believe the Kremlin dates back to the X century and first appeared in the chronicles in 1024.
This museum recreates the life and traditions of the people of Suzdal in the XVIII–XIX century. The ensemble includes churches, log houses and other structures.
Located on the Kremlin's territory, dating back to the beginning of the XIII century, the largest relic of which is the Golden Gates.
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.
| hotel 3 stars | hotel 4 stars | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1260 | $1378 |
| 2 | $707 | $772 |
| 3 - 4 | $525 | $582 |
| 5 - 6 | $397 | $451 |
| single supplement | $42 | $71 |
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy in a specific hotel. You should add single supplement to the price in case you travel in a group but you stay at a single room.
Prices include
Prices do not include
To inquire about group rates, please contact us.
Tour dates are flexible. Tours can be customized to your taste. We can include additional excursions or performances on your request.
Payment policy:
To book a tour, 30% deposit is required at the moment of booking. The trip must be fully paid 31 days before departure.
Cancellation policy:
61 or more days before departure - a fee equal to 15% of the entire package will be charged.
60-15 days before departure - a fee equal to 30% of the entire package will be charged.
14 days or less before departure or no-show - a fee equal to 100% of the package will be charged.
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