Russia's Imperial Capitals & Ancient 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."
T. Cromwell
Fredericksburg, VA
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Discover where Russian art, architecture and culture began. In between the urban centers of Moscow and St. Petersburg, experience the Russian countryside. The oldest and loveliest churches in Russia, the classic Slavic 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 3-4: Vladimir, Suzdal, Plyos, Kostroma
Set out through the Russian countryside, passing clusters
of dachas and tiny villages. Stop at Vladimir and Suzdal to see the
UNESCO-listed 12th and 13th century churches. Drive to Plyos and enjoy authentic Russian cuisine in a private home. In 12th century Kostroma, visit the Romanov family chambers.
Days 5-7: Yaroslavl, Rostov, Sergiev Posad, Fedoskino
Visit historic Yaroslavl and admire the red brick churches, decorated with ceramic tiles crafted by members of the town's renowned posad, or craft center. Stop in Rostov, a beautiful old city celebrated for its bells and its immense kremlin. 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 8-11: 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: |
11 Days |
| Departures in 2010: |
2 |
| Dates: |
July 16-26, 2010 |
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September 10-20, 2010 |
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| Land Tour Cost: |
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| 4-16 travelers |
$5,795 |
| Single Supplement |
$825 |
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| No Hidden Costs! |
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MIR Signature Features
- Experience the classic Russian art of bell ringing in Rostov
- 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: |
drive to Kostroma via Plyos |
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| Day 5: |
drive to Yaroslavl |
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| Day 6: |
drive to Sergiev Posad via Rostov |
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| Day 7: |
drive to Fedoskino, Moscow, evening train to St. Petersburg |
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| Days 8-11: |
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 |
| 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) |
| 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.
Some images of this page courtesy Helge Pedersen
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