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Day trip to Novgorod Velikiy

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We invite you to have a day trip to ancient Rus, one of the oldest towns of Russia where for the first time in the history the democracy was introduced.
The city’s main sight is its ancient Kremlin which is now listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was first mentioned in 1044, although its surviving walls date from the 14th century. It is one of the best preserved Kremlins in Russia with almost 1.5km of walls and 12 tower. You will also visit St Sophia’s Cathedral. Built on the orders of Prince Vladimir Yaroslavich in 11 century to serve as the spiritual centre of the Novgorod Principality it is one of the oldest religious buildings in Russia. Its interior is decorated with beautiful frescos and the cathedral also has a necropolis where prominent people in Novgorod’s history, including Prince Vladimir Yaroslavich were buried.

The tour also includes the visit to the Yuriev Monastery which according to the legend was founded in 1030 by Yaroslav the Wise, but was first mentioned in chronicles in 1119 when construction work on its main cathedral began. The monastery became one of the richest and significant of the Novgorod Republic over the centuries. Today it is functioning again.

One of the highlight of the tour is Vitoslavitsy Open-Air Museum of Wooden Architecture which presents some excellent examples of wooden buildings from different parts and suburbs of Novgorod. It is really a Russian village made up of streets, squares and houses of various ages which have been brought here for preservation. Here you will feel immersed in Russian everyday life throughout the centuries and learn about traditional folk culture. It consists of four ethnographical zones representing typical peasant estates with all household outbuildings.

Draft tour itinerary:

6.30 Transfer from the hotel in St. Petersburg to Moskovsky Railway Station. A driver will wait for you in the lobby of your hotel.
07.20 Departure of the express train Lastochka to Veliky Novgorod.

10:20 Arrival in Veliky Novgorod. Meeting with the guide and breakfast at a café.
Transfer to Yuriev Monastery.
Guided tour of Yuriev Monastery

Guided tour around the Vitoslavitsy Open-Air Museum of Wooden Architecture

Lunch

Transfer to the Novgorod Kremlin.
Guided tour around the Novgorod Kremlin
Visit to St Sophia’s Cathedral

18.10 Departure for St Petersburg

21:02 Arrival in St Petersburg.
Transfer to the hotel. The driver will meet you at the carriage with a sign Bridge to Moscow.

Tour duration: almost 14 hours (5,5 hours in train included)

Included: English-speaking guide service, transfers, train tickets, museum admission.

Excluded: meals and any personal expenses.

* Guides with other languages might be arrnaged upon request.