From Northern Venice to the Russian Vatican: a voyage on the Golden Ring

Description:

Day 1. St. Petersburg, collection and departure + High Volochek, sightseeing tour

Collection of the group at 07:00 (metro station "Moscow"). 07:15 Departure from St. Petersburg

Journey to the High Voloch by the Sovereign Road.

You will learn about the formation of the Russian state, as well as how a unique infrastructure was created, including travel palaces, post stations and inns.

Lunch ())

Sightseeing tour of Vyshny Volochek.
A city with a special appearance and character formed by complex hydraulic structures, it is often called the “Venice of the North”. Volochek is rich in historical heritage and was once an important part of the trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks. During the tour you will walk along the Vanchakov line, see the Epiphany Cathedral, the monument to Venetsianov, which conveys the atmosphere of quiet rural life, and the bronze statue of Catherine II, proudly towering near the Drama Theater. You will also find a unique "double" monument to Peter I and Mikhail Serdyukov, important figures in the history of the city.

Departure to Uglich. Hotel accommodation.

Late dinner ().).

Day 2. Uglich, sightseeing tour + D. Martynovo, Ethnographic Museum of Katskars + Lunch from the furnace + Myshkin, excursion program with museums

Breakfast.

Uglich is one of the oldest cities of the Upper Volga region, as if inscribed in the bend of the Volga, where the river makes its famous turn. It was this place, since ancient times called "Ugilets" or "Uglich", became the cradle of a specific principality, which played an important role in the history of Russia. You will learn how this city was born, how it grew and developed, becoming the center of princely power. The center of attention is the Uglich Kremlin, an ensemble that is like a lively monument to the era of the golden age of Russian architecture. Its walls, towers and domes are not just stone and wood, but the guardians of historical destinies and legends. A special place in the tour is occupied by the church of Dimitry-on-Blood, erected on the site of the tragic death of the last representative of the Rurik dynasty, Tsarevich Dmitry Uglichsky. This majestic temple with elegant forms and a special spiritual atmosphere is not only a monument to a bygone era, but also a place of memory, where history comes to life in every stone. Visiting it, you will feel the connection of times and touch one of the most dramatic pages of Russian history.

Departure to Martynovo.

Visit to the Ethnographic Museum of Katskars with lunch.

This place is home to a unique ethnic group of Katskari, which carefully preserves its dialect and traditions. The museum is located in an ancient house of the XIX century and introduces visitors to the Katskar way of life, customs and beliefs. Guests have the opportunity to study subjects related to agriculture and domestic life, learn more about the Katskar dialect. And also a meal from the Russian stove.

Moving to Myshkin.

A fascinating sightseeing tour of Myshkin: you will walk along the Volga Embankment and the Victory Memorial, visit the estate of the millionaire merchant T. V. Chistov, as well as unique museums - the only museum in the world "Museum of Mouse" with a 13,000-strong collection, the Museum of Peasant Architecture of Small Forms, the Museum of Machinery "Myshkin Samokhod", the Museum "Russian Valenki" and the Museum of "live" crafts, where the masters will demonstrate pottery and blacksmith art.

Moving to Uglich. Back to the hotel.

Dinner.

Day 3. Yaroslavl, sightseeing tour + Rostov the Great, tour of the Kremlin + Finifti Museum

Breakfast.

Sightseeing tour of Yaroslavl.

You will walk through the streets where monuments of the golden age of Russian architecture are preserved. The Transfiguration Monastery is one of the most important places in the city. It was here in 1611 that the Minin and Pozharsky militia was formed, an event that changed the course of history. Its bell tower and walls seem to store echoes of those times. The Assumption Cathedral amazes with its harmony and grandeur. Its golden domes and strict forms are a symbol of Yaroslavl spirituality and architectural taste. You will learn how the cathedral is connected to important historical events and how it reflects the religious culture of the region. On the banks of the Volga is the church of Elijah the Prophet, one of the most ancient and revered in the city. Its architecture and location create a special atmosphere, and the guide will tell about its role in the life of the city and the traditions associated with this temple. You will go to Strelka - a picturesque place where the Kotorosl and Volga rivers converge. Here you can enjoy the views, walk along the shores and feel the spirit of Yaroslavl nature. The arrow is not just a geographical point, but a symbol of the city, a meeting place of historical and cultural lines. Our guide will share with you the most interesting facts about Yaroslavl: why and when it became the center of the Russian state; what happened to the ancient Kremlin, which was destroyed in the XVIII century; why the exiled Duke Biron forbade Yaroslavl residents to burn fireplaces - to prevent the city from developing; and whether there is an underground connection under the Governor's Palace - one of the many myths and legends surrounding this city.

Lunch ())

Departure to Rostov the Great.

The majestic fortress walls of the Rostov Kremlin, ancient temples and towers will reveal the pages of history before you, and the Cathedral Square with its famous Assumption Cathedral will amaze with its monumentality and beauty. In the shady alleys of the Metropolitan Garden, where centuries-old trees create a special atmosphere of peace, you can take stunning photos and enjoy the silence broken only by the singing of birds.

The culmination of the trip will be a visit to the Finifti Museum, a unique artistic craft of Rostov. Here you will not only get acquainted with the history of this amazing craft, but also see how real works of art are born from colorful enamel. Experienced craftsmen will share the secrets of their skills, and in the souvenir shop you can buy unique products that will become a true decoration of your home.

Moving to Pereslavl-Zalessky. Accommodation at the Victoria Plaza Hotel.

Dinner ())

Day 4. Photostop on the Red Square of Pereslavl-Zalessky + Sergiev-Posad, tour of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra

Breakfast.

Photostop on the Red Square of Pereslavl-Zalessky.

The Red Square of Pereslavl-Zalessky is the heart of the ancient city, where the history of Russia comes to life. In the center of the square stands a majestic monument to Alexander Nevsky, who was born in these places. The square is surrounded by ancient temples, each of which keeps its secrets. In the heart of the architectural ensemble is located the Transfiguration Cathedral, founded by Yuri Dolgoruky himself in 1152. Nearby rises the Vladimir Cathedral and the Church of Peter the Metropolitan, and not far away are the lands of the ancient women's Bogorodsky monastery.

Departure to Sergiev-Posad.

Sergiev Posad, the only city of the Golden Ring in the Moscow region. For more than 700 years there is a monastery (since the 18th century, the Lavra), attracting the attention of pilgrims, pilgrims, historians, and now, of course, tourists. In guidebooks it is called the Russian Vatican, and this is not by chance, because the Holy Trinity Monastery is the most important in our country. Here is the residence of the Patriarch, the Moscow Theological Academy, the seminary, architects for centuries built it so that now we can feel special joy and pride for our ancestors. No matter what religion the guest belongs to, it is enough just to stand on the square and draw water from the holy spring of Sergius of Radonezh and it becomes easier on the soul.

Lunch ())

Departure to St. Petersburg.