5 days/4nights: Segiev Posad, Rostov, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Plyos, Suzdal, Bogolyubovo, Vladimir

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This tour features one of the most charming town of the Golden Ring -Plyos. The beauty of its landscape was extolled  in the paintings of one of the most prominent  Russian artist, Isaac Levitan.

Day 1

At 8 am our guide meets you at the hotel to leave for Sergiev Posad (approx 2 hours)
This day you will visit one of the most venerated sight,the Holy-Trinity St. Sergius Monastery, where Catherine the Great herself often went on pilgrimage. Founded in the 14th century by St. Sergius, it became  a special place where the best Russian architects and icon-painters worked. Its Architectural ensemble dates back to various epoques and it is like a book in stone.

Lunch at the local restaurant.

Transfer to Rostov the Great
Rostov the Great  is a small provincial town which used to thrive back in times. Like Moscow in is  famous for the 17th century Kremlin with numerous churches and gorgeous views over Nero lake. You might even walk along the fortified wall.
Tour of Rostov Kremlin and exhibition of Finift (Rostov painted enamel)
Transfer to Yaroslavl  to check in the hotel.
Dinner at any restaurant of your choice (not included, but can be arranged upon your request).
 

Day 2

Breakfast at the hotel.
Sightseeing tour of Yaroslavl includes the visit of the Saviour Transfiguration Monastery and Church of Elijah the Prophet (in the summer), walk along the Volga embankment,stop at the church depicted on 1000 Ruble banknote and drive by the oldest Volkov theatre in Russia.  
As the city lies on a high, steep bank of the Volga river, it offers myriads of photo opportunities of the mighty Volga river.

After lunch you'll drive to visit  a local village to see  a cosy  museum of traditional Russian dolls.  Hosted by a former school teacher, you  will see carefully created collection of dolls, learn about the life in a village, get involved in a doll making master class and have a Russia tea accompanied with pirozhki (Russian pastries). All in all enjoy Russian hospitality.

In late afternoon you will drive to Kostroma (about 1,5 hours) and enjoy rural landscape.

Dinner at any restaurant of your choice (not included, but can be arranged upon your request).
Overnight stay in Kostroma.

 

Day 3

Breakfast at the hotel.
This day you will start with a city tour of Kostroma. The town is located at the confluence of the Volga and Kostroma Rivers. You will walk through the central part of Kostroma to admire 18th century architecture of provincial town.
The tour of the  Ipatiev Monastery will tell you more about the first Romanovs and the dynasty itself. You will also see the Trinity Cathedral, known for its frescoes.

After lunch you will drive to Plyos, one of the most picturesque towns of the Golden Ring which was beautifully depicted in the paintings by Isaak Levitan whose canvases can be found in the best galleries of Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Tour of the  house-museum of Isaak Levitan.
Free time to enjoy the landscape, take pictures and just relax.
 

Day 4

Breakfast at the hotel.
Driving to Suzdal (2,5 h).
Sightseeing tour of Suzdal. Onnce the capital of Rostov-Suzdal principality,  nowadays this town is like a setting for the historic movie with century old churches, wooden houses and beautiful landscape.  During the tour, you will visit the Museum of Wooden Architecture, St Euthimius monastery (or Intercession Convent), Suzdal Kremlin.
Suzdal is also the center of mead (honey wine) producation which can be tasted at various places including the local market. Mead was very popular Russian drink before coffee and tea came to Russia.
Lunch at the local restaurant of your choice.
Free afternoon to  enjoy quite life of the town and relax.
Suzdal is a intended for long walks, contemplation and meditation.
Dinner at any restaurant of your choice (not included, but can be arranged upon your request)
Stay in Suzdal overnight.
Upon request you can have Russian banya ( steam bath) experience there.
Overnight stay in Plyos.
 

Photo by Eduar Gordeev

Day 5

Breakfast at the hotel.
Driving to Bogolyubovo renowned for the ancient Pokrova-na-Nerli Church of the 12th century located on the bank river among picturesque meadows. It is a 15 minute walk  to the church and 15 minute walk back  but it is absolutely worth doing it on a good day.
Driving to Vladimir.
Once the capital of Russia, it is known for UNESCO heritage sites such as the Assumption cathedral (famous for Andrey Rublev frescoes), St Demetrius cathedral (outside only), Golden gates which you will see during the city tour.
Lunch at the local restaurant.
At about 4 pm we set back to Moscow which takes about 4 hours.

This tour is available each day except Saturday due to the heavy traffic.
Tours can be customized to your preferences.  Indicate your interests in the request form below.
Additional sights and workshops might be included on your request.

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