The Imperial route "The Charm of Staraya Russa" for the holidays

We invite you to travel to the most ancient hearts of Russia — Novgorod and Staraya Russa! On the first day, you will enjoy an interactive program, a tour of the Kremlin and unique ancient Russian monuments steeped in history and legends. 

On the second day, you will find the ancient streets of Staraya Russa, a resort town with a rich history and miraculous shrines. Visit the Dostoevsky House, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Russian province and admire the mineral springs that create healing lakes.

Location

Veliky Novgorod
from
$145
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
2 Days
1 Night
Departures
  • Group departures
    • 31 May – 1 June
    • 7 – 8 June
    • 13 – 14 June
    • 21 – 22 June
    • Dates for next season
    • 2 – 3 January, 2026
    • 5 – 6 January, 2026
or
Accommodation
  • Hotel
    1 night
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

Interactive program "The Great Guest"
You will not just listen to the story, but will become part of ancient traditions: you will meet funny characters, treat yourself to gingerbread and honey.
Architectural monuments in the Kremlin
A tour of the complex with its walls, towers, St. Sophia Cathedral and belfry is an opportunity to see the real masterpieces of ancient Russian architecture.
Staraya Russa and its culture
Take a walk through the Imperial resort with its miraculous icon and mineral springs, as well as visit the F. M. Dostoevsky Museum.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Novgorod and Yaroslavov Hillfort tour

    Arrival in Novgorod (we meet the train from Moscow and St. Petersburg). 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.

    Interactive program "The Great Guest" In the glorious city of Veliky Novgorod, welcome guests. And every guest is an honor for the host.

    Fun is fun, but Agafyushka the witch doctor or the merchant's daughter Ulianka are ready to meet and treat, and greet every dear guest, and play a little with the guests (treats: gingerbread, honey, sweets).

    Tour of the Kremlin complex "Walls and towers of 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 a flying corps was conducted.

    St. Sophia Cathedral (XI century) is an outstanding monument of ancient Russian architecture; the St. Sophia Bell Tower of the XYI 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.

    Free time for souvenirs.

    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!

    3 more photos
  • Day 2 - Imperial City Tour
Difficulty
Suitable for everyone
Tour organizer's comments

Sightseeing bus trips are waiting for you.

Accommodation

Accommodation
  • Hotel
    1 night
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.:

HotelRoom category

Place in

2-bed room

Place in

1-bed room

3rd adult for an additional location

Lunch Package

(2 lunches)

Dinner Package

(2 dinners at the hotel)

Akron 5*

The buffet

Standard2008227762-1300-
Premium2210034200

Bianchi 4*

The buffet

Standard1893024306103541300-
Comfort2190035900
Beresta Park Hotel 4* BuffetStandard 1544220018107381300-
Business1600020800

Volkhov 4*

The buffet

Standard14578154741163413001800
Comfort1600017400

Sadko 3*

The buffet

Standard1144212018945813001300
Comfort1201816700

Intourist 3*

The buffet

Standard1137814578945813001400
Comfort1190015700

Discount for a child under 14 years of age for any accommodation option – 500 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 1 night
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, a travel agency and a 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.
16 more photos
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 rooms (20203). 
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.

5 more photos
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!

10 more photos
Another option
The Bianchi Hotel

The Bianchi Hotel is a non—chain comfortable hotel in a 19th-century mansion. Located in the historical part of Veliky Novgorod, it combines all modern technologies that ensure your comfort with a cozy classic interior.

The building in which our hotel is located was built at the end of the 18th century and is an architectural monument. Before the opening of the hotel, the building was completely renovated and provided with all modern engineering systems for the convenience of guests. There are many historically important attractions in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, which are the center of attraction for all tourists.

First of all, it is Yaroslavovo Dvorishche and Torg, a historical architectural complex that, along with the Novgorod Kremlin, is the main architectural dominant of the historical center of the city. Of particular historical and artistic value is another monument located within walking distance from the hotel — the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior on Ilyina Street, a temple built in 1374 and famous for the fact that it alone has preserved frescoes by Theophanes the Greek.

And right in the courtyard of the hotel you can see the surviving part of the building of the "Kruzhechny Dvor" of the beginning of the XVIII century. The hotel has a sauna and massage room, paid parking with video surveillance. The Bianchi Hotel also offers buffet breakfasts under the ancient brick arches of the Kruzhechny Dvor cafe-bar.

The BIANCHI Hotel offers a comfortable sauna. The spacious sauna can accommodate 6 people. For the convenience of guests, the SPA area has changing rooms with lockable drawers for clothes. The sauna is open daily, subject to availability. You can visit the sauna if there are available places for your chosen date. You can book a sauna in advance or upon arrival at the reception.

The hotel offers parking for your car adjacent to the hotel building, equipped with a boom gate and a video surveillance system.

In the basement of the hotel there is a cozy authentic bar "Krugechny Dvor", named after the historical Krugechny dvor, which was located next to the hotel building at the end of the XVIII century.

You can still see the surviving parts of this ancient monument in the courtyard of our hotel building. Now we are ready to treat you to a delicious breakfast in the morning and light snacks and drinks throughout the day and in the evening. There are also games that everyone loves in the bar — chess, backgammon, dominoes.

10 more photos
Another option
Beresta Park. Park Inn by Radisson Veliky Novgorod

Welcome to the Park Inn Veliky Novgorod, a place where national hospitality is combined with international—class sophistication.

The hotel is located in a park area in a well-maintained area close to local attractions. The facade of the building is a combination of modern architecture and traditional Novgorod elements – vaults and arcades. From the lobby, through the huge panoramic windows, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Volkhov Mountains.

The hotel has 226 modern and comfortable rooms of five categories from standard to apartments. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and in the rooms. Breakfast is included in the room rate, as well as access to the pool and saunas.

Numerous leisure and business meeting opportunities harmoniously blend into the refined atmosphere of the hotel.

The main restaurant "Gallery" with two banquet halls is an ideal place for any celebrations and events. In the lobby bar, guests can relax in an informal setting, enjoying excellent snacks and drinks. In the restaurant "In the Sun", where summer reigns all year round, you can recharge your sunny mood and enjoy grilled and tandoor dishes.

A specially equipped conference hall with a capacity of up to 200 people and meeting rooms are provided for business meetings.

The BerestaSPA Center offers a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Russian steam room, sauna, hammam, massage treatments, solarium, hairdressing services, makeup artist services, as well as a full range of cosmetology and SPA treatments.

In the Kazinaki City center, children will find entertainment for every taste: a variety of attractions and slot machines, a large maze, a 5d cinema, as well as a restaurant with a special children's menu.

At the hotel's information center, hotel guests can get useful information about the city's events for free, buy tickets for cultural events, book excursions, and find out how to spend an unusual time.

Please note that the registration of hotel guests is carried out for:

  • citizens of the Russian Federation with a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation;
  • children under the age of 14 with a birth certificate;
  • foreign citizens with a passport and a visa allowing them to stay in the territory of the Russian Federation, as well as a migration card.
7 more photos
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.

2 more photos

Tour conditions

Group
From 2 to 40 tourists
Minimum age
5 years old
Duration
2 days 1 night
Group meets at
Veliky Novgorod

Included in price

  • accommodation in a hotel of the selected category;
  • meals included in the program: 2 breakfasts;
  • tour service;
  • transportation 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;
  • meals not included in the program: lunches and dinners (dinners must be paid for when buying the tour, meals can be served 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?
What discounts are available on the tour?

Dates and Prices