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Golden Ring at a Glance

Detour from Moscow to the Russian province
Explore three charming cities of the Golden Ring of Russia: Sergiev Posad, Suzdal and Vladimir.
The Golden Ring is the name given a popular tourist route that connects a network of ancient towns north-east of Moscow. This 2 day Golden Ring tour will take you on a quest for unique architectural constructions dating from the 12th to the 17th centuries. During this short detour from Moscow, you will discover the age-old allure of Mother Russia from generations past. Travel from the capital to the countryside, where golden spires and the onion-shaped domes of colourful monasteries dot the horizon. Explore enchanting towns and fairy tale villages, set against the picturesque backdrop of rural Russia as you learn about the war and peacetime history, religion and culture of a part of Russia that still holds fast to time-honoured traditions and a leisurely, provincial way of life.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • The village of Suzdal appears like a scene from a Russian storybook and has inspired artists and writers for centuries. Wander wide-eyed through quiet laneways and cobblestone plazas, passing horse-drawn buggies and medieval churches
  • Vladimir is a former medieval Russian capital whose main historic monuments are UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, including the Cathedral of the Assumption, which features murals by 15th century Russian masters, and the Golden Gate, part of the city’s 12th century defenses against the invading Mongol armies
  • Sergiev Posad is one of the most important spiritual centres of the Orthodox Church, sometimes referred to as the ‘Russian Vatican’ for its magnificent white churches with their signature blue and gold cupolas.

Touring the Golden Ring, a string of medieval towns northeast of Moscow is like settling into the comforting arms of Mother Russia. It's a bucolic realm of whitewashed churches with golden onion domes, rippling meadows blanketed with flowers, and samovars bubbling away in colourful gingerbread cottages.

In contrast to Moscow's cosmopolitan chaos, these ancient towns are a cultural salve for the Slavic soul. You'll find the spiritual heart of the Orthodox Church here, as well as historic architecture, religious art, traditional cooking and  handicrafts. Centuries ago this was the power core of eastern Kyivan Rus (a loose federation of Slavic and Finnic tribes descended from the Vikings), but as their power declined, Moscow took political centre stage. Largely untouched by Soviet industrialisation, the Golden Ring now attracts flocks of Russian and international tourists searching for a lost idyll.

If you’re visiting Moscow, this brief but fascinating break, travelling to and from the city by private transport is the perfect escape from the hectic pace of the city. A few days in the Golden Ring is guaranteed to bring you back feeling refreshed and with a newfound appreciation for another facet of life in this country of unexpected contrasts and cultural diversity.

2 days
from
$
795
USD
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Arrival

Departure

Accomodation

Trip style

Moscow

Moscow

4* hotel

Sightseeing

Duration

Action rating

Group size

Type of tour

2 days / 1 night

     

min 2

Private - Any Date

Itinerary View map

Day 1:Sergiev Posad

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Moscow. Board a car for a drive to Sergiev Posad, known as "Russian Vatican" for its magnificent blue and golden cupolas scattered all around the town.

Here we visit the Holy Trinity Lavra, one of Russia's most important religious centres founded in the mid-14th century and enjoy a wonderful sightseeing tour of the city. After lunch, we depart to Suzdal, where we stay overnight.

Day 2:Suzdal and Vladimir

In the morning we embark on the tour of Suzdal, the most magical of the Golden Ring towns. We will visit the old Kremlin, the Spass-Evfimievsky Monastery and the Cathedral of Transformation, along with other unique cultural and religious objects.

After lunch, we head to our last destination, Vladimir, which used to be one of the medieval capitals of Russia.

During our guided sightseeing tour, we will visit the Cathedral of St Demetrius, Assumption Cathedral and the Golden Gates, which featured on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Later in the evening, you will be transferred back to Moscow.

Inclusions

Accommodation

4* hotel in Suzdal

Meals

All meals during the tour

Transportation

Private driver for full 2 days

Guides

Local professional English-speaking guide

Activities and sights

All sites included in the program (see detailed itinerary)

Entry fees to the attractions

Other

Russian visa support documents.

*Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for comprehensive visa service here.

Not included

Travel insurance, visa, optional excursions, individual transfers, tips

Dates & Prices

DatesAvailabilityPriceSingle sup. 
All year
Guaranteed Departures		 Available US $795.00 Enquire Reserve
2 days
Moscow to Moscow
from
$
795
USD
Make an enquiry Personalise this tour
2 days
from
$
795
USD
Make an enquiry Personalise this tour
Click here to subscribe

If you have any urgent questions or enquiries, please give us a call +61 2 9388 9816