A tale of bygone years. National Holiday route in the Novgorod region

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In this festive tour, you will travel through the ancient cities of Russia and get acquainted with the places where the history of our country began.

You will find the Imperial City of Staraya Russa, where the great works of Dostoevsky were created, Veliky Novgorod with the princely court of Yaroslav the Wise and St. George's Monastery, and Valdai with the famous bell craft.

Location

Veliky Novgorod

Sightseeing tours

from

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Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

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Tour highlights

The famous Valdai bells

Immerse yourself in the history of the Valdai bell industry and ring the famous bells

An ancient health resort

Take a walk along the mineral lakes and admire the fountain where the water gushes from the ground.

The Princely Court

Take a walk through Yaroslav's hillfort and try your hand at ancient crafts

Itinerary

Day 1 - Valdai and the famous bell industry
Arrival in Novgorod (we only meet the 07:06 train from Moscow No. 42; guests from St. Petersburg are kindly requested to arrive before 08:00. Meeting with the guide at the railway station at the main entrance from the platform.
Guaranteed hotel accommodation at 14:00.
Morning check-in if possible. You can leave your belongings free of charge in the luggage room of the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel
08:30 Departure to the city of Valdai "Pearl of the Novgorod region" (132 km).
The excursion program "Tales and legends of the Valdai Backyard" is a visit to the only Bell Museum in Russia. The museum contains a variety of different types of bells.
Here, in the museum, you can not only learn the history of Valdai and the amazing Valdai bell industry, but also personally ring the famous bells (possible replacement by visiting the Museum Bell Center).
Free time at the guest house "Teremok" in the center of Valdai. A shop with traditional souvenirs and exclusive Valdai products — bells, bagels, gingerbread, local varieties of tea, mugs, plates, T-shirts, magnets with Valdai symbols.
Visit to the Valdai National Park– the architectural ensemble of the Iversky Monastery: the Assumption Cathedral (1656), the first stone building of the monastery, the Chapel of the Iversky Monastery (XIX century).
Return to Veliky Novgorod.

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Day 2 - Getting to know Veliky Novgorod
Breakfast at the hotel.
Country tour: We invite you to a fascinating and informative excursion "To the origins of Russia!".
We will visit an amazing place – Yaroslav's Courtyard, where you will hear what the Novgorod veche was about, why there are so many temples on the territory of the auction and where the princely court of the famous Russian Prince Yaroslav the Wise was located.
The acquaintance with the history of the ancient city will continue in the picturesque southern surroundings, where the monastery of St. George, one of the oldest in Russia, is hidden from view. The monastery is located at the source of the Volkhov River, flowing from the legendary Lake Ilmen.
And the route will end with a walk through the Novgorod village in the Museum of Wooden Architecture "Vitoslavlitsy".
You will touch the traditions of the Russian countryside and learn a lot of interesting things: how huts were built without a single nail, get acquainted with the life of Novgorod peasants. The fabulous beauty of the interiors will not leave anyone indifferent!
Attention! It can be replaced by the Hutynsky Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery. Duration: 3 hours.
Tour of the Kremlin complex "Walls and Towers of the Ancient Detinets" in 1044. The walls and towers of the Ancient Kremlin were laid by Yaroslav the Wise, a Veche was held here, a Mayor was elected, and the Likhudov Building was chronicled.
St. Sophia Cathedral (11th century) is an outstanding monument of ancient Russian architecture; the St. Sophia Bell Tower of the 10th century and a unique collection of ancient bells of Veliky Novgorod (XVI – XVII centuries).
The monument "The Millennium of Russia" is an encyclopedia of the Russian state, imprinted in bronze — it is a chronicle of the thousand–year history of the Russian state.

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Day 3 - Staraya Russa, Dostoevsky's house and the oldest health resort
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure to Staraya Russa (103 km).
Imperial City resort – sightseeing tour of the city, visiting the Church of St. George the Victorious (15th century), where the miraculous list of the Old Russian Icon of the Mother of God (19th century) is kept.
Acquaintance with the history of strange temples, including the architectural monument of the 12th century – the Transfiguration Monastery.
Visit to the F. M. Dostoevsky house museum, where great works were created - the novel "Demons" and "The Brothers Karamazov", acquaintance with the life and work of the writer.
Walking tour of the oldest health resort in the north-west of Russia, the Staraya Russa resort, which has nine mineral springs, seven of which form mineral lakes, creating zones of increased air ionization in the resort park.
An inspection of the famous Muravyovsky fountain, which is the tallest column of mineral water in Europe, gushing from the ground. The entrance to the resort is 100-150 rubles, payment is made on the spot.
Visit to the interactive museum "Manor of the medieval Rushanin" (for an additional fee of 350 rubles).
Return to Veliky Novgorod.
Transfer to the railway station.

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Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Tour organizer's comments

Sightseeing trips to Staraya Russa and Valdai and excursions to Veliky Novgorod are waiting for you.

Accommodation

Hotel

2 nights

Comfort

Upscale

The tour provides accommodation in a hotel of your choice in Veliky Novgorod.

The cost of the tour for 1 person, depending on the accommodation, RUB.:

Hotel	Room category	Place in 2-bed room	Place in 1-bed room	3rd adult for an additional location	Lunch Package (3 lunches)	Dinner Package (3 dinners at the hotel)
"Bianchi" 4* The buffet	Standard	36135	46887	-	2175	4500
Akron 5* The buffet	Standard	39720	55080	-	2175	-
Beresta Park Hotel 4* The buffet	Standard	30247	41511	20007	2175	-
Beresta Park Hotel 4* The buffet	Business	32400	45800	20007	2175	-
"Volkhov" 4* The buffet	Standard	27943	30247	21031	2175	2850
"Volkhov" 4* The buffet	Comfort	31100	34600	21031	2175	2850
Sadko 3* The buffet	Standard	21799	22951	18087	2175	2100
Sadko 3* The buffet	improved	23600	33500	18087	2175	2100
Intourist 3* Breakfast – complex UNTIL 28.02	Standard	23399	31847	17767	2175	-
Intourist 3* Breakfast – complex UNTIL 28.02	Comfort	23800	32600	17767	2175	-

For a child under 14 years of age, a discount of 400 rubles is provided for any accommodation option.

Please pay for the package of dinners when purchasing the tour, the package of lunches can be paid on the spot.

The Volkhov Hotel

The Volkhov Hotel is located in the center of Veliky Novgorod, within walking distance of the ancient Kremlin and Sofiyskaya Embankment.

It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi. The rooms come with a private bathroom, a TV and a mini fridge. The windows overlook the park or the courtyard.

The Volkhov Hotel's restaurant serves delicious European and Russian cuisine. The lobby bar serves a variety of wines and other beverages.

A Finnish sauna is available on site.

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Another option

Sadko Hotel

Sadko Hotel is located in the historical part of Veliky Novgorod.

The hotel is located in a 5-storey building. All rooms at the hotel have cable TV and a private bathroom.

A wide range of Russian and European dishes are served at the Sadko Restaurant. Guests can enjoy homemade cakes at the cafe, as well as a selection of drinks at the lobby bar.

Guests can visit the Sadko Hotel's hairdressing salon during their stay at the hotel. The hotel also has a shop selling handmade souvenirs from Novgorod.

The hotel is located about 1 km from St. Sophia Cathedral and 2 km from Lake Ilmen. Moscow and Saint Petersburg can be reached directly via the nearby M10 motorways.

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Another option

Intourist Hotel

The Intourist Hotel is located in Veliky Novgorod. It offers free access to a free Wi-Fi network. Car owners will be able to use private parking. If necessary, you can use a washing machine and ironing facilities.

The hotel offers 118 rooms decorated in a modern style. They are equipped with everything that is so necessary for a cozy and comfortable stay. The bathroom must have a hairdryer and personal hygiene products.

In the morning, you can order a delicious breakfast at a reasonable price. Groceries can be purchased at nearby stores and supermarkets. You can also have a delicious meal at the nearest restaurant.

A conference hall for 60 people is available on site especially for business people. It is fully equipped with special appliances and furniture.

Next to the hotel there is the Church of Simeon the God-Receiver, the Dostoevsky Drama Theater, as well as the Dukhov Monastery. The distance to the airport is approximately 187 kilometers.

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Another option

Bianchi

The Bianchi Hotel is located in Veliky Novgorod. It offers parking and free Wi-Fi.

The hotel can accommodate from one to four people. The rooms have all the necessary furniture, bed linen, towels. The bathroom has toiletries and cosmetics. Dry cleaning and laundry services are available for an additional fee. The room is cleaned daily.

There is a coffee shop and a bar on site. Breakfast can be ordered in the room.

There are public transport stops, chain stores, and some local attractions within walking distance. Cafes and restaurants are 100 m away. The river is 200 meters away. The distance to the railway station is 4 km.

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Another option

Beresta Park Hotel

Beresta Park Hotel is located in the center of Veliky Novgorod, close to various attractions and recreation areas.

The room stock is represented by various categories of rooms, which are decorated in a single style. The modern interior and cozy atmosphere are complemented by comfortable furniture and necessary amenities: TV and telephone. There is a hairdryer in the bathroom.

The on-site restaurant will delight guests with a wide range of dishes on the menu.

You can hold a business event of any format in the spacious conference hall for 200 people. It is equipped with necessary appliances and furniture.

The spa center with a swimming pool and sauna is an excellent choice for relaxing after a hard day. Within walking distance there is a spacious amusement park with access to the river. The distance to Pulkovo Airport is 152.1 km, to the railway station - 2.6 km.

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Another option

Akron

"Acron Hotel Veliky Novgorod a member of Radisson Individuals" is a stylish and comfortable hotel located near the Kremlin Park in Veliky Novgorod.

The modern rooms are equipped with a bed with a high-quality mattress, bedside lamps and sockets for additional convenience, free internet, as well as an individual bathroom with toiletries and a set of towels.

You can taste delicious dishes and drinks, as well as enjoy the panoramic view of the city at the Proun restaurant. The hotel also has a lobby bar.

Additional benefits include a fitness center, a year—round indoor pool, and a spa. Nearby you can find many iconic places of the city, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Novgorod Kremlin, the Magdeburg Gates, the Church of the Intercession of the Virgin and many others. The nearest train station is 0.9 km away, and Pulkovo airport is 152.8 km away.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 2 to 40 tourists

Minimum age

5 years old

Duration

3 days 2 nights

Group meets at

Veliky Novgorod

Included in price

accommodation in a hotel of the selected category;
meals included in the program (3 breakfasts);
tour service;
transportation support according to the tour program;
group meeting and departure at the railway station;
guide services.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Veliky Novgorod and back;
meals not included in the program: lunches and dinners (dinners must be paid for when buying the tour, meals can be served on site);
additional excursions:
- boat trip (the cost should be checked with the guide);
- entrance to the resort in Staraya Russa is 100-150 rubles/person.;
- visit to the interactive museum "Manor of the medieval Rushanin" — 350 rubles /person.

It's important to know

Air and railway tickets are not included in the price of the tour. You can purchase them yourself or contact us for help.

Dates and Prices

$427

5 – 7 Jun 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. National route in the Novgorod region

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$298

12 – 14 Jun 3 days 2 nights

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$427

19 – 21 Jun 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. National route in the Novgorod region

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$427

26 – 28 Jun 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. National route in the Novgorod region

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3 – 5 Jul 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. National route in the Novgorod region

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$427

10 – 12 Jul 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. National route in the Novgorod region

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17 – 19 Jul 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. National route in the Novgorod region

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24 – 26 Jul 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. National route in the Novgorod region

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$427

31 Jul – 2 Aug 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. National route in the Novgorod region

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$427

8 – 10 Aug 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. National route in the Novgorod region

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$427

14 – 16 Aug 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. National route in the Novgorod region

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$427

21 – 23 Aug 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. National route in the Novgorod region

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$427

4 – 6 Sep 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. National route in the Novgorod region

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$427

11 – 13 Sep 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. National route in the Novgorod region

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$427

18 – 20 Sep 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. National route in the Novgorod region

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$427

25 – 27 Sep 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. National route in the Novgorod region

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$415

2 – 4 Oct 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. The national route through the Novgorod region. Autumn-winter

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$415

9 – 11 Oct 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. The national route through the Novgorod region. Autumn-winter

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$415

16 – 18 Oct 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. The national route through the Novgorod region. Autumn-winter

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$415

23 – 25 Oct 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. The national route through the Novgorod region. Autumn-winter

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$415

30 Oct – 1 Nov 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. The national route through the Novgorod region. Autumn-winter

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$415

6 – 8 Nov 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. The national route through the Novgorod region. Autumn-winter

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$415

13 – 15 Nov 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. The national route through the Novgorod region. Autumn-winter

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$415

20 – 22 Nov 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. The national route through the Novgorod region. Autumn-winter

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$415

27 – 29 Nov 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. The national route through the Novgorod region. Autumn-winter

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$415

4 – 6 Dec 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. The national route through the Novgorod region. Autumn-winter

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$415

11 – 13 Dec 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. The national route through the Novgorod region. Autumn-winter

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$415

18 – 20 Dec 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. The national route through the Novgorod region. Autumn-winter

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$415

25 – 27 Dec 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. The national route through the Novgorod region. Autumn-winter

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$296

2 – 4 Jan, 2027 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. The national route through the Novgorod region. New Year's holidays

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$296

4 – 6 Jan, 2027 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. The national route through the Novgorod region. New Year's holidays

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$296

6 – 8 Jan, 2027 3 days 2 nights

Tour option - A tale of bygone years. The national route through the Novgorod region. New Year's holidays

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Reviews Leave a review

EE
Elena Evcharitskaya

about provider

15 Aug, 2025

I really enjoyed the excursions. The guides’ stories were fascinating and rich in historical detail. We learned a lot about Russia’s history and were very pleased overall.

A tale of bygone years. National Holiday route in the Novgorod region

Location

Tour highlights

Itinerary

Accommodation

Tour conditions

Included in price

Paid extra

It's important to know

Dates and Prices

Reviews Leave a review

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