Russia

Itinerary

• Days 1-3: Moscow (Russia), Sergiev Posad, Yaroslavl

  After meeting up with your guide in Moscow, begin the tour with an introduction to classic Russian crafts at two locations, the Museum of Lacquer Miniatures in Fedoskino and a matrioshka (nesting doll) factory in Sergiev Posad, both longtime centers of Russian craft making. Sergiev Posad is also home to the Trinity St. Sergius Lavra monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s deeply intertwined with the history of Russia and continues to be an important center of the Russian Orthodox Church.

  The following day tour Rostov, one of Russia’s oldest and most beautiful towns, with an immense 17th century kremlin that’s also UNESCO-listed. In the afternoon head to Yaroslavl on the banks of the Volga River, where the Old Town’s palace, fortress, and green-and-white domed churches have also earned it a UNESCO listing.

  HIGHLIGHTS

  • The meticulous artistry on display at Fedoskino’s Museum of Lacquer Miniatures and Sergiev Posad’s nesting doll factory
  • The rich history of Sergiev Posad’s Trinity St. Sergius Lavra monastery, where St. Sergius blessed soldiers fighting the Golden Horde and Ivan the Terrible paid monks to pray for him
  • Immense Rostov Kremlin, built in the 17th century from more than 20 million bricks
  • The beautiful artwork of Yaroslavl’s historic churches, including the brilliant frescoes of the Church of Elijah the Prophet and the tiled façade of the Church of the Epiphany
• Days 4-5: Kostroma, Plyos

  Devote a day in Kostroma, which was once Russia’s third-largest city. It burned to the ground in 1773, and Catherine the Great seized the opportunity to rebuild it as a showpiece of enlightened design principles; it remains a singular example of late 18th century city planning. Across the Kostroma River from the city’s main square is St. Ipaty Monastery, featuring golden-domed Trinity Cathedral. St. Ipaty was considered by the Romanov family to be its personal sacred space.

  The next day, en route to Suzdal, spend some time in Plyos, a charming little town known as the “Pearl of the Volga.” It gained renown in the 19th century as an artists’ retreat, and today it’s a popular destination for Muskovites looking for a break from city life. Lunch here is a chance to experience Russian hospitality in a private home.

  HIGHLIGHTS

  • Kostroma’s city plan, designed to follow principles championed by Catherine the Great
  • The many features of St. Ipaty Monastery, including Trinity Cathedral, the Romanov family chambers, the Museum of Wooden Architecture, and a five-tiered bell tower
  • The House Museum of Isaak Levitan, dedicated to the most lauded artist of 19th century Plyos
  • Lunch in a private home
• Days 6-8: Suzdal, Vladimir, Moscow

  Tour Suzdal, often labeled the jewel of the Golden Ring. It’s distinguished by exceptionally well-preserved architecture, some dating back to the 12th century when the city was a seat of power. The centerpiece of the UNESCO-listed Old Town is the kremlin, which encompasses several churches and other historic buildings. The Museum of History and Art, located in the former chambers of the archbishop, has one of the largest collections of religious icons in Russia. Suzdal’s Savior Monastery of St. Euthymius is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, noteworthy for its five-domed cathedral and its interior frescoes by renowned 17th century artist Gury Nikitin.

  On your final full day, stop at Bogolubovo to view the lovely little white stone Church of the Intercession on the Nerl, and then continue to Vladimir, which was founded in 1108 by the last great Kievan prince, Grand Duke Vladimir Monomakh. The gilded domes of its 12th century Cathedral of the Assumption were an indication of Vladimir’s exalted status at the time. Street traffic still passes under the city’s Golden Gate, which was erected in the to fend off invading Tatars.

  Complete your circle around the Golden Ring by returning to Moscow for an overnight. The itinerary ends the next morning with a transfer to the airport – or with further MIR touring (see “Stay a Little Longer …” below).

  HIGHLIGHTS

  • The well-preserved medieval buildings of Suzdal’s Old Town
  • The standout collection of icons at Suzdal’s Museum of History and Art
  • The frescoed cathedral at the Savior Monastery of St. Euthymius
  • The graceful little Church of the Intercession on the Nerl
  • The blue-and-gold gilded domes of Vladimir’s Cathedral of the Assumption