The Golden Ring

Suzdal, Palekh, Kostorama, Rostov6 days

About

Explore these medieval Russian capitals, collectively known as the Golden Ring, once fortified cities that played an important part in the history of the Russian state. The architectural monuments of these towns are the stone chronicles of the country’s history, and the golden spires and onion domes of their monasteries still mark the horizon. The Golden Ring is so called for its wealth of architectural and artistic richness.

You should experience it because...

Get caught up in the historic stories, the magical times, and the mysterious tales of some of Russia’s most enchanting destinations. Bells still ring out from towering belfries, and robed holy men scurry through church doors – take a step back in time to medieval Russia on this fascinating 6-day tour.

Ancient Russia

Murals in the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir date right back to 1161. Marvel at these and the newer 15thcentury frescoes painted by the greatest of Old Russian painters – Andrei Rubliov.

Absorb the tranquility of Suzdal, one of the most beautiful ancient cities of Russia, with more than 50 examples of church architecture.

Yaroslavl was founded in 1010. Visit one of Russia’s richest and most fortified monasteries, the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour.

Listen to the 15 bells of Rostov Veliky’s Assumption Cathedral – you can hear them 15km away.

Places covered 6 Days

Day 1 Drive from Moscow to Suzdal via Vladimir andBogolyubovo
Day 2 Suzdal, sightseeing and attractions
Day 3 Day trip to Palekh famous for the Palekh miniature lacquered boxes
Day 4 Drive to Kostroma – sightseeing and attractions
Day 5 Drive to Yaroslavl – sightseeing and attractions
Day 6 Drive to Rostov – sightseeing and attractions – depart for Moscow

Days Details
1 Drive from Moscow to Suzdal via Vladimir and Bogolyubovo There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vladimir – the Golden Gates, the Assumption and St. Demetrius Cathedrals. The city was founded in either 990 or 1108 and was thecapital of ancient Rus. Climb the narrow stone staircase of the Golden Gate that leads to the Military Museum inside – the gate was originally built by Andrei Bogolyubsky to guard the western entrance to his city. The tour stops at the ancient town of Bogolyubovo, and now home to a UNESCO protected church. The Bogolyubovo Monastery was Andrei Bogoloyubsky’s palace and surviving today is the 1841 bell tower beside the road and its 1866 Assumption Cathedral.
2 Suzdal, sightseeing and attractions Suzdal’s tranquility is complemented by its perfect fairytale setting, located by the gently winding Kamenka River and flower-drenched meadows, and with a skyline of domes, spires and cupolas. Wonder round the town and absorb the ancient medievalatmosphere of cobbled streets, wooden houses and historical churches. Don’t miss the 14thcentury Saviour Monastery of St. Euthymius founded to protect the town’s northern entrance, and the open air Museum of Wooden Architecture and Peasant Life, a short walk across the river.
3 Day trip to Palekh famous for the Palekh miniature lacquered boxes Just beyond the Golden Ring is Palekh and its museum that show cases the centuries old arts and crafts traditions from all around Russia and the former Soviet republics. See wooden toys and matryoshka dolls, baskets made from birch bark, intricate embroidery and lacework, playful Dymkovo pottery, and the famous collection of Palekh – lacquer boxes and trays painted with detailed scenes from Russian fairy tales.
4 Drive to Kostroma – sightseeing and attractions Kostromo dates back to the 13th century. See evidence of the town’s ancient past at the five-domed Epiphany Cathedral - the first stone edifice in the city, and the Ipatyevsky Monastery that survives mostly intact with its 16thcentury walls, towers and belfry. It was at this monastery where Mikhail Romanov was elected Tsar of Russia in 1613 and started the Romanov dynasty. Next to the monastery is the Museum of Wooden Architecture – a beautiful and peaceful place by the lake and with wonderful examples of well-preserved Russian wooden architecture.
5 Drive to Yaroslav – sightseeing and attractions Sense the more modern urban feel here than anywhere else in the Golden Ring, even though its skyline is still dotted with onion domes and towering spires. Churches are hidden around every corner here, and one of these, the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, was one of Russian’s richest and best-fortified monasteries by the 16thcentury. Opposite the kremlin is the Church of the Ephiphany – avaulted, red-brick church with bright exterior ceramic tiles and vibrant interior frescoes. In the summer there is a slow boat departing from the city’s riverine gateway to Tolga (one hour) where you’ll find a convent with lovely buildings from the 17th century.
6 Drive to Rostov – sightseeing and attractions – depart for Moscow Sleepy Rostov Veliky (Rostov the Great) is among the prettiest of the Golden Ring towns, idyllically sited on shimmering Lake Nero. It is also one of the oldest, first chronicled in 862. Rostov’s Kremlin was founded in the 12th century and has five magnificent domes, making it unashamedly photogenic. The beautiful Assumption Cathedral dominates the kremlin. See Rostov from a different perspective and take the ferry Zarya for a float around Lake Nero. This hour long trip leaves from the pier near the west gate of the kremlin and cruises past both of the town’s monasteries. Travel back to Moscow.

€ 1,500 per person	(Prices are in Euros and exclude international flights)
Price Per Person in Twin Sharing Accomodation
(Prices are in Euros and exclude international flights)
All rates mentioned are an approximate price per person on a twin-sharing basis, and are based on a minimum of 6-9 adults travelling together. Rates are subject to change based on the number of passengers and the time of year. (Flights, visas, travel insurance, lunches & dinners, personal expenses not included. There may be some itinerary activities not included also – please ask). Inclusions : - Traditional ,Boutique or Heritage accommodation where possible or Quality accommodation (on a twin-sharing basis) in centrally located 4*Hotels . -Meals – breakfast in all destinations - Internal Travel by rail - ferries - coach as applicable -Guided sightseeing excursions as per the itinerary as applicable -All arrival and departure departure transfers -Entrance and excursion costs as indicated Travel is based on private coaches and is inclusive of Expert Local guides ..Get in Touch to discuss on how we could tailor the trip to suit you .

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Russia is a year-round destination that positively blooms in spring and summer, with palaces, parks & gardens in Moscow and St. Petersburg heaving with beautiful flowers, luscious green foliage and manicured lawns. Enjoy ‘white nights’ in northern St. Petersburg during mid-summer, travel on the Trans-Siberian express to Lake Baikal in spring & autumn, & enjoy winter adventures in picture-perfect snowscapes in Kamchatka & Eastern Russia. From May through to September the Baltics are thriving, with beautiful natural landscapes in Lithuania, architectural treasures in Latvia, and wonderful parks & palaces in Estonia.

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About Us

Freedom Holidays is passionate about creating inspirational tailor-made travel to Europe and beyond. Our business is your pleasure and our expert and dedicated team is here to listen to your travel needs down to the ‘nth’ degree, leaving you ‘free’ to enjoy your holiday of a lifetime with no gimmicks, no hassle, and no stress. What makes us different? With 14 years experience of providing quality tailor-made customised holidays with an ‘off-the beaten-track’ themed approach, we take you to well-known destinations as well as far flung locations (or a mixture of both), leaving you safe in the knowledge that you will be looked after every step of the way.

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