Ancient Russian Towns & Villages
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"My impression of the destination was of a completely different world. I was amazed to explore a place as beautiful as Russia."
Trey Cromwell
Friedericksburg, VA
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Discover where Russian art, architecture and culture began. The oldest and loveliest churches in Russia, frescoes by venerable icon painter Andrei Rublev, the classic Russian harmonies of Rostov's bells, Sergiev Posad's wooden crafts and Fedoskino's glowing lacquer boxes all put a shine on Russia's Golden Ring.
Days 1-2: Moscow
Begin in Moscow, the political and economic center of Russia. Explore the Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Armory Museum.
Days 3-6: Vladimir, Suzdal, Kostroma, Yaroslavl
Set out through the Russian countryside, passing clusters of dachas and tiny villages. Stop at Vladimir and Suzdal, first mentioned in 1024 in one of Russia's oldest written works. In 12th century Kostroma, visit the Romanov family chambers. In Yaroslavl, admire the red brick churches, decorated with ceramic tiles crafted by members of the town's renowned posad, or craft center.
Days 7-9: Uglich, Rostov, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Sergiev Posad, Fedoskino
Visit historic Uglich on the Volga River and enjoy authentic Russian cuisine in a private home. Stop in Rostov, a beautiful old city celebrated for its bells and its immense kremlin. Explore Pereslavl-Zalessky, site of an ancient Russian fort. Pause at Sergiev Posad to admire its 14th century monastery and learn about matrioshka doll making. Visit the Museum of Lacquer Miniatures in Fedoskino, namesake of the hand-painted lacquer boxes made here. Return to Moscow and board the afternoon train to St. Petersburg.
Days 10-13: St. Petersburg
Spend three exhilarating days in St. Petersburg, dipping into the riches of the Hermitage, touring St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and wandering the imperial estate of Peterhof with its gilded fountains.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
13 Days |
| Departures in 2009: |
2 |
| Dates: |
June 5-17 |
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September 11-23 |
| Departures in 2010: |
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| We are now taking bookings for 2010; please call 800-424-7289 for more information |
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| Land Tour Cost in 2009 |
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| 6-16 travelers |
$6,295 |
| Single Supplement |
$1,295 |
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| No Hidden Costs! |
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MIR Signature Features
- Listen to the harmonies of Rostov's classic Russian church bells
- Tour a Sergiev Posad workshop where
nesting matrioshka dolls are painted by hand
- Observe craftspeople making lacquer miniature boxes in Fedoskino
Map - Click to Enlarge
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| Days 1-2: |
Moscow |
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| Day 3: |
drive to Vladimir, Suzdal |
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| Day 4: |
Suzdal |
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| Day 5: |
drive to Kostroma via Plyos |
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| Day 6: |
drive to Yaroslavl |
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| Day 7: |
drive to Uglich |
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| Day 8: |
drive to Rostov, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Sergiev Posad |
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| Day 9: |
drive to Fedoskino, Moscow, evening train to St. Petersburg |
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| Days |
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10-13: |
St. Petersburg |
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| Moscow |
Red Square and Kremlin (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), Armory Museum, St. Basil's |
| Vladimir |
Uspensky Cathedral, Dmitrievsky Cathedral |
| Bogolubovo |
Church of the Intercession on the Nerl |
| Suzdal |
Suzdal kremlin, Museum of Icons, Nativity of the Virgin, Monastery of St. Euphinius, Cathedral of the Transfiguration |
| Kostroma |
St. Ipaty Monastery, Trinity Cathedral |
| Yaroslavl |
Church of the Epiphany, Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, Yaroslavl Town Center (UNESCO World Heritage Site) |
| Uglich |
Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, Transfiguration Cathedral, Church of the Nativity, Uglich Vodka Museum |
| Rostov |
Rostov bell ringing |
| Sergiev Posad |
Matrioshka factory |
| Peterhof |
Grand Palace |
| St. Petersburg |
Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood, Nevsky Prospekt, Peter & Paul Fortress, St. Isaac's Cathedral |
Suggested Extensions
Extend your stay in Moscow, St. Petersburg, or venture to Petrozavodsk and Kizhi Island. Contact us for details.
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