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.
Excursion to Staraya Ladoga (193 km).
Maybe the first capital of Ancient Russia. Staraya Ladoga is the oldest city in Russia. It was here that the castle of the legendary Rurik, the founder of Russia, was located.
Visit the ancient Old Ladoga fortress, towering on a promontory by the Volkhov River. It is believed that the first building was made by the legendary Prince Rurik. You will walk along the walls, explore the towers, and visit a museum exhibit dedicated to the history of Staraya Ladoga.
Admire the beautiful St. George's Cathedral. Inspection of the archaeological exposition. In the city of Staraya Ladoga, you will see Varyazhskaya Street, the oldest street in Russia.
Visit to the Assumption Monastery. This monastery is known primarily for its resident, Evdokia Lopukhina– the first wife of Peter I.
Nevertheless, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in the 12th century, recalls its ancient history. Visit to the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist.
You will see an unusual temple in terms of architecture and interior design. He remains the only reminder of the rich Ladoga Fair and St. John's Monastery, which was favored by Boris Godunov's family.
Or:
Visit to the Nikolsky monastery (XII–XIII centuries. original construction). The monastery is located half a kilometer from the Old Ladoga Fortress. The area where the monastery is located is unusual, right on the left bank of the Volkhov River, under a hill.
Return to Veliky Novgorod.