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, and UNESCO-listed Novodevichy Convent with its famous cemetery.
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, wandering the imperial estate of Peterhof with its gilded fountains, and admiring the expertly-restored Amber Room at Catherine’s Palace.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
11 Days |
| Departures in 2012: |
3 |
| Dates: |
June 1-11, 2012 |
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July 13-23, 2012 |
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September 7-17, 2012 |
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| Land Tour Cost: |
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| 4-16 travelers |
$5,995 |
| Single Supplement |
$1,195 |
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| No Hidden Costs! |
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MIR Signature Experiences
- Experience a warmhearted welcome at a meal in a Russian home
- 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 |
Sparrow Hill, Moscow University, Novodevichy Convent (UNESCO World Heritage Site), GUM, Red Square and the Kremlin (UNESCO World Heritage Site), St. Basil’s Cathedral, Armory Museum |
| Vladimir |
Kremlin, Golden Gates, Uspensky and Demetrius Cathedrals (UNESCO World Heritage site) |
| Bogolubovo |
Church of the Intercession on the Nerl (UNESCO World Heritage Site) |
| Suzdal |
Museum of Wooden Architecture, the Kremlin, Nativity of the Virgin Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage site), Archbishop Chambers, dinner at a private home, Savior Monastery of St. Euphinius |
| Plyos |
Isaac Levitan House museum, lunch in a private home |
| Kostroma |
Catherine the Great’s favorite city, St. Ipaty Monastery, Trinity Cathedral |
| Yaroslavl |
Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior, Church of the Epiphany, Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, historic town center (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Rostov Kremlin |
| Rostov |
Kremlin |
| Sergiev Posad |
Matrioshka factory |
| Peterhof |
Grand Palace, Monplaisir Palace |
| Pushkin |
Catherine’s Palace |
| St. Petersburg |
Historic city center (UNESCO World Heritage Site), wooden house of Peter the Great, Piskarev Cemetery, Peter and Paul Fortress, Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Usupoff Palace, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Nevsky Prospect, Hermitage Museum
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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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