The Golden Ring is the name given to the chain of ancient towns lying to the north and east of Moscow. These towns contain a collection of architectural masterpieces, set in the charming landscape of central Russia. The Golden Ring is also an opportunity to get acquainted with life of the Russian provinces, unhurried and calm, miles away from the hassle and bustle of the big cities. In one action packed week we offer you the opportunity to see all major treasures of fascinating Moscow and beautiful St. Petersburg together with the most beautiful towns of the Golden Ring. This has long been the most popular tourist route through the Russian provinces.
FREE TICKET TO MOSCOW CIRCUS AND FOLKLORE SHOW AT THE NIKOLAEVSKY PALACE IN ST. PETERSBURG, ONE FREE LUNCH IN BOTH CAPITALS, RUSSIAN VISA INCLUDED
PRICE
LAND-ONLY PRICE: £979
PACKAGE PRICE: £1,249
ITINERARY
Day 1. Arrival in Moscow, meeting at airport and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2. Start your discovery of Russia with a city tour of Moscow. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Sparrow Hills observation platform, visit Poklonnaya Hills a monument in honour of a Russian victory in the Great War (or World War II), see the famous Red Square and the Bolshoi (Big) theatre or explore modern Moscow’s busy streets and discover the rich history of this magnificent city. In the evening you will enjoy a performance at the world-famous Moscow state circus. The famous Moscow circus was initially founded in London by English entrepreneur Philip Astley who was invited by Katherine the Great to introduce this performance entertainment in Russia. (No transfers included)
Day 3. In the morning we will visit the Red Square. You will see St. Basil's cathedral, the world - renowned Lenin Mausoleum and the Kremlin. Kremlin is a self-contained city with many palaces, armories, and churches, a medieval fortress that bridges the modern nation to its legendary past. You will discover the interior of the Kremlin - the former residence of the Tsars and now the residence of the Russian president. You will also visit Kremlin’s beautiful orthodox cathedrals. The Cathedral Square still retains the aura of early Tsarist Russia, where the spirits of Ivan the Terrible, Boris Godunov, and the early Romanovs loom large. You can also visit the Armoury to see a unique collection of ancient state regalia: the ceremonial vestments and coronation dress of the Tsars, gold and silverware by Russian craftsmen, and ceremonial weapons and arms (optional excursion at your request). Lunch in the centre of Moscow – try delicious Russian cuisine in a traditional local restaurant.
Guided tour of the Moscow Underground – explore one of the masterpieces of the Soviet era created in the Socialist Realism style. Your guide will also take you to the Old Arbat street, famous for its architectural masterpieces and souvenirs. After the guided tour you will have some free time to browse among the shops selling merchandise and enjoy various Arbat cafes or restaurants.
Day 4. After breakfast in the hotel you will start exploring provincial Russia, beginning with Sergiev Posad – the heart of Russian orthodox religion and a tour of the St. Sergius Monastery and its beautiful churches. Lunch. Transfer to Suzdal for a sightseeing tour of ancient churches and cathedrals, unique objects of culture and religion. Accommodation in the Pokrovskaya hotel. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 5. Breakfast. You will travel to Bogolyubovo to visit the Church of Intercession on the river Nerl, then visit Vladimir, former capital of ancient Russia. Lunch in a local restaurant followed by a guided city tour of this beautiful ancient city and transfer back to Moscow to Leningradsky railway station. You will have a unique opportunity to travel on the historic, luxurious Red Arrow train, often called the Russian Orient Express. This famous train has recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. Comfortable compartments, excellent service and the charming 'provodnitca' train attendants will certainly make this journey one of the highlights of your Russian experience.
Day 6. Arrival in St. Petersburg. Meeting with your guide at the station. On the way to the hotel you will have an introduction city tour around the stunning “ Venice of the North”. Then you will be able to leave your belongings at the hotel and join a guided tour of the Hermitage, former residence of the Russian Tzars and one of best museums of the world. This stunning palace, an architectural masterpiece in itself, contains a collection over 3,000,000 works of art re presenting the development of world culture and art from the Stone Age to the 20th century. The collection includes works of Leonardo Da Vinci, Titian, Raphael, French impressionists, sculptures and treasures icons, coins and Tsar’s jewellery. The Hermitage is an unforgettable place to visit. Break for lunch.
After lunch a walking sightseeing tour of St. Petersburg. You will also visit the famous cruiser Aurora; the legendary ship whose canon gave the signal, on the order of Lenin, for the beginning of the Great Social Revolution more than 90 years ago.
Day 7. Half day tour to the suburbs of St Petersburg to visit one of the magnificent summer palaces, including lunch in one of the palace restaurants.
In summer: Transfer to Petrodvorets. Best known for its glorious fountains and Summer Gardens, the palace is often compared to France's Versailles. In winter: Transfer to Tsarskoye Selo (formerly known as Pushkin settlement), one of St. Petersburg's numerous Imperial estates. Free time in the evening to explore the city on your own.
Day 8. Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the airport for the flight back home.
Some places you visit in this journey are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Please click here to view the UNESCO review page:
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