7 Days Exploring the Historic Heart of Russia
Grand Tour of the Golden Ring
Travel back in time on an immersive 7-day journey through Russia’s Golden Ring, a legendary route connecting ancient towns that shaped Russian history, culture, and Orthodox traditions. This carefully designed tour from Moscow offers a deep and authentic experience of medieval cities, architectural masterpieces, and provincial charm.
A Journey Through Ancient Russia
The Golden Ring of Russia is one of the country’s most famous cultural routes. It links historic towns northeast of Moscow that once served as political, religious, and commercial centers of early Rus’.
On this Grand Tour, you will explore well-preserved kremlins, UNESCO-listed cathedrals, monasteries, merchant towns and traditional villages — often described as open-air museums thanks to their remarkable historical integrity.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want more than a quick overview and wish to fully immerse themselves in Russia’s past.
On this Grand Tour, you will explore well-preserved kremlins, UNESCO-listed cathedrals, monasteries, merchant towns and traditional villages — often described as open-air museums thanks to their remarkable historical integrity.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want more than a quick overview and wish to fully immerse themselves in Russia’s past.
Why Choose the Grand Golden Ring Tour
- Visit multiple Golden Ring cities in one complete itinerary
- Enjoy a slow-paced, well-balanced route with overnight stays
- Learn from professional English-speaking guides
- Discover authentic Russian culture beyond major capitals
- Perfect for history lovers, cultural travelers, and first-time visitors
Detailed 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Moscow → Vladimir → Bogolyubovo → Suzdal
Departure from Moscow by comfortable coach. The first stop is Vladimir, one of the ancient capitals of Rus’.
Here you will visit the Golden Gates, the Assumption Cathedral, and the St. Dmitry Cathedral, masterpieces of white-stone architecture.
Continue to Bogolyubovo, home to the famous Church of the Intercession on the Nerl, beautifully set in a natural landscape.
Arrival in Suzdal, one of the most atmospheric towns of the Golden Ring. Dinner and overnight stay.
Departure from Moscow by comfortable coach. The first stop is Vladimir, one of the ancient capitals of Rus’.
Here you will visit the Golden Gates, the Assumption Cathedral, and the St. Dmitry Cathedral, masterpieces of white-stone architecture.
Continue to Bogolyubovo, home to the famous Church of the Intercession on the Nerl, beautifully set in a natural landscape.
Arrival in Suzdal, one of the most atmospheric towns of the Golden Ring. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2 – Suzdal → Ivanovo → Kostroma
Morning guided tour of Suzdal, a town that has preserved its medieval layout and wooden architecture. Visit the Suzdal Kremlin, ancient monasteries and churches surrounded by scenic countryside.
After lunch, travel through Ivanovo, known as the “city of brides,” before reaching Kostroma in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay.
After lunch, travel through Ivanovo, known as the “city of brides,” before reaching Kostroma in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3 – Kostroma → Yaroslavl
Discover Kostroma, a quiet Volga town with strong Romanov dynasty connections. Visit the Ipatiev Monastery, one of Russia’s most important historical monasteries, and enjoy a visit to the local cheese museum with tasting.
Continue to Yaroslavl, a UNESCO World Heritage city and one of the most beautiful towns along the Volga River. Evening walk and overnight stay.
Continue to Yaroslavl, a UNESCO World Heritage city and one of the most beautiful towns along the Volga River. Evening walk and overnight stay.
Day 4 – Yaroslavl → Rostov Veliky → Pereslavl-Zalessky → Sergiev Posad
Guided sightseeing tour of Yaroslavl, including the historic center, Transfiguration Monastery and remarkable 17th-century churches.
Later, visit Rostov Veliky, famous for its impressive Kremlin ensemble overlooking Lake Nero.
Continue to Pereslavl-Zalessky, one of the oldest Golden Ring towns, before arriving in Sergiev Posad.
Later, visit Rostov Veliky, famous for its impressive Kremlin ensemble overlooking Lake Nero.
Continue to Pereslavl-Zalessky, one of the oldest Golden Ring towns, before arriving in Sergiev Posad.
Day 5 – Sergiev Posad → Alexandrov → Sergiev Posad
Morning visit to the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, the spiritual heart of Russian Orthodoxy and an important pilgrimage site.
In the afternoon, excursion to Alexandrov, where you will explore the Alexandrov Kremlin, once a residence of Ivan the Terrible. Return to Sergiev Posad for overnight stay.
In the afternoon, excursion to Alexandrov, where you will explore the Alexandrov Kremlin, once a residence of Ivan the Terrible. Return to Sergiev Posad for overnight stay.
Day 6 – Sergiev Posad → Uglich
Travel north to Uglich, a picturesque town on the Volga River.
Visit the Uglich Kremlin, learn about dramatic events in Russian history, and enjoy a folk program with traditional tea and pastries. Overnight stay in Uglich.
Visit the Uglich Kremlin, learn about dramatic events in Russian history, and enjoy a folk program with traditional tea and pastries. Overnight stay in Uglich.
Day 7 – Uglich → Myshkin → Martynovo → Moscow
Stop in Myshkin, a charming museum town known for its local traditions and small museums.
Continue to the village of Martynovo to visit the Katskari Ethnographic Museum, offering insight into rural Russian life.
Return to Moscow in the evening. End of the tour.
Continue to the village of Martynovo to visit the Katskari Ethnographic Museum, offering insight into rural Russian life.
Return to Moscow in the evening. End of the tour.
What’s Included in the Tour
- 6 nights in 3★ hotels along the Golden Ring route
- Meals according to the program (breakfasts, lunches, dinners)
- Professional English-speaking guide (other languages on request)
- All transportation by comfortable air-conditioned coach
- Sightseeing tours and entrance tickets as per itinerary
- Cultural programs and local experiences
- Optional pre- and post-tour accommodation in Moscow
What’s Not Included
- Single room supplement
- Optional excursions not listed in the itinerary
- Airport transfers (available on request)
A Perfect Cultural Experience
This Grand Golden Ring Tour offers a rare opportunity to see authentic Russia, far from modern мегacities. Snow-covered domes in winter, green landscapes in summer, quiet towns and living traditions make this journey unforgettable in any season.
