Golden Ring of Russia

The adventure

Experience the treasures of Russian culture, history and architecture on this 8-day journey—wander picturesque towns older than Moscow and marvel at Orthodox frescoes and golden domes. An expert CEO will lead the way and locals will uncover what was hidden behind the Iron Curtain for years. Visit the Kremlins in the cities along the Golden Ring and contemplate European masterpieces in St Petersburg's Hermitage. The onion-domed churches dotting the skylines of rural villages coupled with the grandeur of Moscow are waiting to be discovered.

At a glance

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

Russia

Showing Days 1-7

8-day itinerary

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

Day 2Enjoy a Kremlin and Armoury guided tourOpt to visit the Tretiakov Art Gallery, take a Moskva River boat cruise, visit the Space Museum, the Pushkin Fine Art Museum, or Lenin's Mausoleum. Red Square and St Basil's Cathedral are must-sees. Prepare to visit cities in the Golden Ring, one of the oldest routes found in Russia, dotted with ancient towns each representing a different historic spirit of the Russian people.

Opt to visit the Tretiakov Art Gallery, take a Moskva River boat cruise, visit the Space Museum, the Pushkin Fine Art Museum, or Lenin's Mausoleum. Red Square and St Basil's Cathedral are must-sees. Prepare to visit cities in the Golden Ring, one of the oldest routes found in Russia, dotted with ancient towns each representing a different historic spirit of the Russian people.

Day 3In the morningGolden Ring towns now resemble open air museums, where life is slow and old traditions are kept. Visit the Troitse-Sergiev Monastery in Sergiyev Posad. Have the opportunity to make your own Russian souvenir "matrushka" (Russian painted dolls) before continuing on to Rostov. Opt to enjoy time on the shores of Lake Nero this evening.

Golden Ring towns now resemble open air museums, where life is slow and old traditions are kept. Visit the Troitse-Sergiev Monastery in Sergiyev Posad. Have the opportunity to make your own Russian souvenir "matrushka" (Russian painted dolls) before continuing on to Rostov. Opt to enjoy time on the shores of Lake Nero this evening.

Day 4Visit the Rostov Kremlin - a must see…Check out the Rostov Kremlin in this fascinating town, whose very stones embody the inexhaustible genius of Russian masters. Enjoy a guided tour to Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery and other highlights in Yaroslavl, before continuing on to Suzdal for the night.

Check out the Rostov Kremlin in this fascinating town, whose very stones embody the inexhaustible genius of Russian masters. Enjoy a guided tour to Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery and other highlights in Yaroslavl, before continuing on to Suzdal for the night.

Day 5Visit bucolic Suzdal with an included Suzdal Kremlin tourSuzdal is a quiet pastoral city with dozens of onion-domed churches dotting the skyline. Explore the streets lined with quaint wooden houses and enjoy relaxing by the river. The city square is as charming as they come. Wander past the small church and chat with "babushkas" selling pickled cucumbers and mead (honey beer). En route to Vladimir, stop in Bogolubovo to see the famous Pokrova-na-Nerli. Overnight train to Saint Petersburg.

Suzdal is a quiet pastoral city with dozens of onion-domed churches dotting the skyline. Explore the streets lined with quaint wooden houses and enjoy relaxing by the river. The city square is as charming as they come. Wander past the small church and chat with "babushkas" selling pickled cucumbers and mead (honey beer). En route to Vladimir, stop in Bogolubovo to see the famous Pokrova-na-Nerli. Overnight train to Saint Petersburg.

Day 6Arrive in St Petersburg and take a guided…Activities in the 'Paris of Russia' include a visit to the Hermitage, St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Church on Spilt Blood, the Russian Museum, or a rivers and canals boat trip. Make time to enjoy a cup of tea and Russian treats in a local café.

Activities in the 'Paris of Russia' include a visit to the Hermitage, St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Church on Spilt Blood, the Russian Museum, or a rivers and canals boat trip. Make time to enjoy a cup of tea and Russian treats in a local café.

Day 7Spend the day exploring the city or riding…

Spend the day exploring the city or riding the deepest metro in the world. Opt for a canal cruise to see more of the city.

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