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1 Day: Vladimir and Suzdal by train

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During your Moscow tours you've probably seen lots of Old Russian churches and monasteries. But if you really wish to find yourself travelling back in time we highly recommend that you visit two old towns Vladimir and Suzdal.

Tour highlights

Vladimir is most famous for its three 12th century monuments: the five-domed Assumption Cathedral with magnificent frescoes of Andrey Rublev, the warrior-like cathedral of St. Demetrius notable for its unique carvings, and the Golden Gate, which used to be a tower over the city's main gate.
A real wonder of the trip is the ancient Russian town Suzdal. It was once the capital of Rostov-Suzdal principality. This town is like a museum under the open sky, its medieval monuments can tell you its old story. This place is very quiet for there are no train stations or industries. Gazing at its blue river, wooden houses, picturesque meadows you may feel that time has stopped here.

Museum of Wooden Architecture in Suzdal

Tour itinerary

8.30 am Meet with a driver who will take you to the train station
9.30 am – 11.14 am Train to Vladimir
Meet with your guide-driver or a guide and a driver.
11.30 am – 12.30 pm The tour of the central part of Vladimir includes Assumption cathedral interior (it is open), St Demetrius cathedral (outside), Golden Gates (outside)
12.30 pm – 1 pm Driving to Suzdal
1 pm – 2 pm Lunch break
2 pm – 5 pm Sightseeing tour of Suzdal. You'll visit the Museum of Wooden Architecture, famous for the beautiful 19th-century wooden houses of wealthy peasants. We'll show you one of the monasteries: St Euthimius monastery, where you can listen to bell ringing or the impressive Intersession convent. Your guide will take you to Suzdal Kremlin and the trading square where you can buy something from locals.
Driving back to Vladimir to take 5.59 pm train back to Moscow which arrives at 7.40 pm

Assumption cathedral in Vladimir

In summer it is possible to stay a bit longer and go to Bogolyubovo, famous for the stunning Pokrova-on-the-Nerl church.
8.15 pm – 10 pm Train back to Moscow
10 pm Meet with a driver. Transfer to your hotel

Pokrova-on-the-Nerl church

Vladimir and Suzdal Trip notes

Most people take a Vladimir and Suzdal trip from Moscow. You might also schedule this Golden Ring trip on your way from Moscow to St Petersburg. In this case, you need to stay in Vladimir or Suzdal overnight and take a morning Sapan train leaving Vladimir at 7 am and arriving in St Petersburg at 1.30 pm.
There're several morning and evening trains to/from Vladimir. You may adapt our itinerary choosing a more convenient option. Thus, the earliest train to Vladimir leaves Moscow at 6.30 am. If you schedule your trip in winter, it might make sense to choose an earlier train from Moscow as it gets dark around 4 pm.
In summer, we may include a stop to see the stunning Pokrova-on-the-Nerl church. Please note that you can't drive close to the church, but you'll need to walk about 20 min across a meadow. If you are traveling in late Autumn or early spring, the road may be too dirty or flooded to walk. In winter, the church is more accessible, but we'll need to modify the itinerary so that you can see the church in the daylight. Let us know if you want to include the visit to Pokrova-on-the-Nerl church.

St Euthimius monastery in Suzdal

Similar tours

We offer a similar 2-day tour to Vladimir and Suzdal. Staying in Suzdal overnight gives you the chance to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Russian provincial towns, try local cuisine, practice local crafts, and admire the landscapes.

You may combine Vladimir and Suzdal's trip with other beautiful towns of the Golden Ring. You may reach such beautiful towns as Pereslavl, Kostroma, or Yaroslavl in a few hours' drive. Please take a look at other Golden Ring trips we offer.

From Vladimir, you may take a train to reach Nizhniy Novgorod. It'll take you only 2 hours. Please take a look at the tours to Nizhny Novgorod we offer.

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