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

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

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 Monastery, and Valdai with the famous bell craft.

Location

Veliky Novgorod
from
$420
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
3 days
2 nights
Departures
26 - 28 Jun
3 - 5 Jul
10 - 12 Jul
17 - 19 Jul
24 - 26 Jul
31 Jul - 2 Aug
8 - 10 Aug
14 - 16 Aug
Accommodation
  • Hotel
    2 nights
Comfort
  • Upscale
Difficulty
Easy
Suitable for everyone
Group
From 2 to 40 tourists
Minimum age
5 years old
Group meet at
Veliky Novgorod
Contact the tour coordinator
Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)
Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

We will visit an ancient health resort
We will walk along the mineral lakes and admire the fountain, where water gushes from the ground
Let's get acquainted with the princely court
Let's walk through Yaroslav's hillfort and try our hand at ancient crafts
Let's ring the bells
Let's dive into the history of the Valdai bell industry and ring the famous bells

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Valdai and the famous bell industry

    Arrival in Novgorod (we meet the train from Moscow at 06:24 train No. 42 and St. Petersburg at 10:26 train No. 7001 and additional train No. 7931).

    Meeting with the guide at the railway station at the main entrance from the platform.

    The estimated start time of the tour is at 9 a.m. If the group includes tourists arriving by Lastochka from St. Petersburg, the start time will change to a later date.

    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.

    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 (possibly replaced by a visit to 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.

  • Day 2 - Tour of the Kremlin complex "Walls and towers of the Ancient Detinets"
  • Day 3 - Staraya Russa, Dostoevsky house and the oldest health resort
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

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, in rubles:

HotelRoom 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)

Akron 5*

The buffet

Standard with air conditioning50 24065 600-2 850-

Volkhov 4*

The buffet

Standard with air conditioning37 56839 7443155228502850
Comfort with air conditioning40 30044 70031552

Sadko 3*

The buffet

Standard air conditioning on request31 29632 70429 12021002100
Superior with air conditioning31 95039 70029 120

Intourist 3*

The buffet

Standard air conditioning on request32 70439 36028 35221002250
Comfort with air conditioning34 30042 50028 352

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

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

The Volkhov Hotel or Sadko Hotel or 2 nights
The Volkhov Hotel

The Volkhov Hotel is the oldest operating hotel in Veliky Novgorod. The housewarming party in the historical center of the city on Predtechenskaya Street took place back in 1959, on August 8, and was timed to coincide with the celebrations dedicated to the 1,100-year anniversary of the oldest Russian city.

Initially, the hotel had 108 rooms, its main decoration was a marble staircase.
The complete reconstruction of the building, carried out in 1998-1999, turned the hotel into a modern, comfortable hotel that meets all standards. Moreover, without violating the original architectural design, while preserving all the positive features of a solid building.

In 2013-2014, a large-scale renovation of the halls and rooms was carried out, and the hotel was transformed again. The hotel's rooms and exterior are updated every year.

The hotel provides technically equipped conference rooms and a meeting room for business people, and a travel agency and souvenir shop for tourists. And for everyone, there are cozy rooms and a lobby bar with fresh press, a European—level restaurant and a library.

The Volkhov Hotel is located in the very center of the city, a two-minute walk from the Kremlin.

Modern technical equipment, service, proximity to the city's business center and convenient transport links provide guests with comfortable conditions for both active work and leisure.

At your service:

  • 123 cozy rooms;
  • free Wi-Fi;
  • Marusya Restaurant;
  • Lobby bar;
  • two conference halls with 50 seats;
  • parking lot;
  • billiard;
  • organization of sightseeing and transportation services, tours, master classes;
  • laundry service;
  • safe deposit box (at the reception), luggage storage.
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Another option
Sadko Hotel

The best hotel of its class in Veliky Novgorod. The hotel is named after the hero of Russian epics. Sadko Hotel complex is located in the historical part of Veliky Novgorod near the city center – the Kremlin.

Monuments of medieval architecture, unique museum collections, preserved picturesque landscape, convenient geographical location create excellent conditions for productive work and a good rest at the Sadko Hotel. 

The hotel was renovated in 2006 and is currently undergoing partial renovation of the rooms.
Number of rooms: 171 rooms – consists of 77 single rooms (this is the largest hotel of its class in terms of single rooms in the city), 75 double rooms, 5 junior suites and 14 suites.

The rooms are equipped with TV and telephone, bathroom/shower, toilet, necessary furniture: bed, desk, chair, bedside table, lounge chair (in all except double rooms), mirror, wardrobe. A city telephone directory is provided free of charge, and a hairdryer and iron are provided upon request.

We are pleased to inform you that all rooms of the hotel are equipped with WI-FI access to Restaurants and bars: A cozy homely atmosphere has been created for guests in the restaurant of the Sadko Hotel. Friendly staff, legendary richness of the Russian table, healthy products and reasonable prices are waiting for you. 

The menu will delight guests with an abundance and variety of dishes, half of which are branded. Express cafe (winter and summer options) The hotel offers: On the ground floor there is a conference hall with 50 seats, a souvenir kiosk, and a hairdresser. Foreign languages of service: English, German.

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Another option
Intourist Hotel

Intourist is a convenient hotel for tourists and business people in the center of Veliky Novgorod.

The Novgorod Kremlin, St. Sophia Cathedral, the regional and city administrations, important sports facilities of the city, concert venues, and a drama theater are within walking distance from the hotel.

The Intourist Hotel offers its guests 118 comfortable rooms of various categories and prices. There are rooms for people with reduced mobility.

Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, including in the rooms.

Additional services: restaurant services, conference room, business center services.
Round-the-clock security, video surveillance in public areas, safes and luggage storage are the key to the safety of your stay at the Intourist Hotel.

There is no smoking in the rooms of the Intourist Hotel.

Check-out time at the hotel is 12.00, check-in time is 14:00. If rooms are available, it is possible to check in ahead of check-in time at no extra charge.

We accept cash/non-cash rubles, Visa, MasterCard, Maestro bank cards for payment.

Intourist – reliability, quality, affordable prices!

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Another option
Acron Hotel Veliky Novgorod 5*

Enjoy an ideal city vacation at the Acron Hotel Veliky Novgorod, a member of the Radisson Individuals. Conveniently located in the city center, our hotel is an ideal starting point for exploring the best sights of Veliky Novgorod. Our elegant rooms, suites and apartments with modern design and thoughtful amenities will make you feel at home during both short and long stays. 

Dine in an elegant setting in our hotel restaurant and bar and admire the stunning panoramic views of the city. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city by taking a dip in our indoor pool or visiting the wellness fitness center to treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa treatment.

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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 (3 breakfasts);
  • tour service;
  • transport support according to the tour program;
  • group meeting and departure at the railway station;
  • guide services.

Paid extra

  • railway tickets to Veliky Novgorod and back;
  • lunches and dinners (dinners are paid for when buying a tour, lunches are available on site);
  • personal expenses;
  • additional excursions (the cost should be checked with the guide).

It's important to know

Are plane tickets included in the price of the tour?

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

Is insurance included in the price of the tour?
Are there any possible changes in the program?

Dates and Prices

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.