Ancient Cities of the Tsars

Touring

Days 1 and 2: Suzdal
Suzdal is the “Colonial Williamsburg” of Russia, where wooden homes in the center of town are still decorated in traditional Russian style.  Brightly painted and intricately carved roofs, window boxes filled with flowers and horse drawn carriages adorn the provincial streets, breathing new life to this ancient town.  During our stay we will enjoy a homemade meal of garden grown ingredients in a private dacha, see the finest examples of original wooden architecture in traditional Russian style and hear a private choral concert in the Spaso-Yevfimieyev Monastery.

On our way to Suzdal, we will tour Vladimir, one of the most historically significant towns of the Golden Ring. Tucked away in a green valley and surrounded by forests and lakes, this ancient city was once one of Russia's strongest principalities.  Like Suzdal, Vladimir dates to the 12th-century and is considered to be one of the most unique Russian towns in existence.

Meals: Breakfast daily, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners

Days 3 and 4: Plyos and Kostroma
We will drive north to the quaint town of Plyos, which was founded in 1410 by Vasily I, the Grand Prince of Moscow.  This ancient town has a population of just over 3,000, but what it lacks in size is made up for in character.  Its picturesque views over the Volga River make it a very popular retreat for Muscovites and other affluent Russians.

In a day trip from Plyos, we will visit the riverside village of Kostroma.  Located amid the forests northeast of Moscow, Kostroma is a charming hamlet known for the 14th-century Ipatievsky Monastery and the Begengenvka open-air museum.

Meals: Breakfast daily, 2 Lunches

Day 5: Yaroslavl
Famous for its ornate frescoes and ornamentation, you will understand why some call Yaroslavl the “Florence of Russia.” Our guide will take us on a walk through this picturesque town situated at the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl Rivers.

Meals: Breakfast daily, 1 Dinner

Day 6 and 7: Sergeiev Posad and Moscow
Sergeiev Posad (formerly Zagorsk) is the foundation of the Russian Orthodox Church and contains some of the most beautiful churches and buildings in Russia. It is a working monastery that houses the oldest and most prestigious schools for priests and icon painting.

We will see some of the most spectacular cathedrals in Russia, especially the Trinity St. Sergius Monastery, the Assumption Cathedral and the Refectory with St. Sergius Church.

We will arrive in Moscow in the late afternoon and check into our deluxe hotel.  We will  have an evening to explore and compare the metropolitan marvel to the rural villages of Russia’s past.

Meals: Breakfast daily, 1 Dinner

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