The Golden Ring: a journey through the ages for a January vacation from St. Petersburg

Breakfast.

A walk through Vladimir will start from Kozlov Val, a 12th—century military defensive structure. It was during this period that the heyday of the city of Vladimir and the construction of many civil, religious and defensive structures occurred.

Next, our route will pass along the original Georgievskaya Street, which used to be the heart of the New City, where the court of Prince Yuri Dolgoruky was located in the 12th century.

Along the way, you will meet many interesting characters: a scientist cat, an artist, a sculpture of a Vladimir Firefighter with an operating water pump mechanism of the 19th century, a scamp and a detective. You will see the symbol of the old city – the monument to Vladimir cherry and find out what it was famous for.

Two viewing platforms are equipped especially for tourists on the street, offering a beautiful view of the banks of the Klyazma and the magnificent Assumption Cathedral. Next to the first city pharmacy of the XVIII century there is a monument to a pharmacist, according to legend, for good health, you need to rub his nose and bald head.

Next, we will go to Cathedral Square, which is the very heart of Vladimir, where ancient cathedrals and churches tower over the square, creating an atmosphere of spirituality and grandeur.

Passing through the picturesque Lipki Park, we will visit the Assumption Cathedral (included in the UNESCO Heritage List), a unique monument of Vladimir—Suzdal architecture with frescoes by the outstanding icon painter Andrei Rublev, then admire the architecture and unravel the mysteries of the patterns of Dmitrievsky Cathedral, a magnificent example of ancient Russian sculpture and white stone carving.

Lunch (for an additional fee when booking breakfast meals).

Transfer to Suzdal.

You will be enchanted by this fabulous city of Suzdal, as if torn from the pages of ancient chronicles. Architectural monuments that breathe history have been preserved here, and narrow streets and ancient temples seem to whisper their secrets.

The tour will begin with an introduction to the main sights — the cathedrals of the Ascension, the Blessed Sacrament and the Savior Cathedral, where you can admire the ancient interiors, murals and the atmosphere imbued with the spirit of the past.

You will learn how Suzdal became an important center of the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality, how it is connected with the Kiev Caves Lavra and Veliky Novgorod, and how traditions of Russian spirituality and culture originated here.

Among the interesting stories is the legend of Vladimir Krasnoe Solnyshko, which still inspires poets and artists.

Special attention will be paid to visiting the Spaso-Evfimiev Monastery, one of the oldest and most revered monasteries in Suzdal. Here you will hear the bells, which are said to bring blessings and peace.

You will visit the filming locations of famous films, learn about the secrets of the Soviet era, and admire the picturesque views of the city from the observation decks.

This tour is not just a walk through an ancient city, but a real journey into the past, filled with inspiration, beauty and secrets.

Transfer to Ivanovo.

Accommodation at the hotel.

Dinner (for an additional fee when booking "breakfast" or "half board" meals).

Breakfast.

Transfer to Kostroma.

Kostroma will be remembered for its picturesque views: merchant houses, the Volga embankment and ancient streets that radiate from the main square like rays.

This atmosphere of comfort and grandeur creates a special charm of the city, where every detail is the result of the craftsmanship and taste of the past.

You will visit Susaninskaya Square, located in the heart of the city. It is often called the "round frying pan" — such an unusual shape of the square is admired and interesting.

Here you will learn how it became the center of Kostroma's life, as fairs, gatherings and celebrations took place here. Around the square there are provincial offices, Borshchev's house, a guardhouse and a fire tower — they all tell about the rich history of the city.

You will walk along Mira Avenue, where significant buildings are located, from administrative to cultural.

Here you will learn how Kostroma combines tradition and modernity, how the city is developing, while maintaining its unique atmosphere.

Visit the Snow Maiden's Chamber, one of the most magical places in Kostroma.

This wooden tower, built in the traditions of Russian architecture, has become a symbol of the city and a meeting place with New Year's magic.

Here you will learn the legend of the Snow Maiden and Santa Claus, which originates in Kostroma.

The tower is decorated based on Russian folk tales, and its interiors and atmosphere create a sense of celebration and wonder.

This place is not only for children, but also for adults — it reminds us that faith in a miracle lives in each of us.

Lunch (for an additional fee when booking breakfast meals).

Departure to Yaroslavl.

Sightseeing tour of Yaroslavl. You will walk through the streets where the monuments of the Golden Age of Russian architecture have been preserved.

The Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery is one of the most important places in the city. It was here that the Minin and Pozharsky militia was formed in 1611, an event that changed the course of history. Its bell tower and walls seem to preserve the echo of those times.

The Assumption Cathedral impresses with its harmony and grandeur. Its golden domes and austere forms are a symbol of Yaroslavl spirituality and architectural taste. You will learn how the cathedral is connected with important historical events and how it reflects the religious culture of the region.

The Church of Elijah the Prophet, one of the most ancient and revered in the city, is located on the banks of the Volga River. Its architecture and location create a special atmosphere, and the guide will tell you about its role in the life of the city and about the traditions associated with this temple.

You will go to Strelka, a picturesque place where the Kotorosl and Volga rivers converge.

Here you can enjoy the views, stroll along the shores and feel the spirit of Yaroslavl nature. The arrow is not just a geographical point, but a symbol of the city, a meeting place for historical and cultural lines.

Our guide will share with you the most interesting facts about Yaroslavl: why and when it became the center of the Russian state; what happened to the ancient Kremlin, which was destroyed in the 18th century; why the exiled Duke Biron forbade Yaroslav residents to light fireplaces to prevent the city from developing; and whether there is an underground connection under the Governor's Palace — one of many myths and legends surrounding this city.

Accommodation at the hotel.

Dinner (for an additional fee when booking meals "breakfast" or "half board").

Breakfast.

Transfer to Uglich.

Uglich is one of the oldest cities in the Upper Volga region, as if inscribed in the bend of the Volga, where the river makes its famous turn.

It was this place, called Ugilets or Uglich since ancient times, that became the cradle of the appanage principality, which played an important role in the history of Russia. This tour is not just a walk through the streets, but an immersion in an era when trumpets sounded within these walls and lamps burned in temples.

You will learn how this city was born, how it grew and developed, becoming the center of princely power. The focus is on the Uglich Kremlin, an ensemble that is like a lively monument to the era of the golden age of Russian architecture.

Its walls, towers and domes are not just stone and wood, but keepers of historical destinies and legends.

A special place in the tour is occupied by the Church of Demetrius-on-the—Blood, built in memory of the last representative of the Rurik dynasty, Prince Dmitry of Uglich. The majestic temple, with its graceful forms and powerful atmosphere, seems to invite you deep into time.

And you will visit the Chambers of the Uglich appanage Princes, one of the most ancient civil buildings in Central Russia.

This is a place where important decisions were once made, where the speeches of the princes were heard and where traces of their lives remained. Its architecture is like a bridge between the past and the present, reminding us that even memory lives in stone.

Lunch (for an additional fee when booking breakfast meals).

We say goodbye to the hospitable Uglich and go to visit our good neighbor, Myshkin, who is hiding on the gentle banks of the Volga.

The program "Boots and mice!"

1. The Mouse Museum. The museum is located in an old log cabin and is dedicated to the history, culture and art related to the mouse. During the tour, you will learn about the legend that gave the city its name, about cartoon mice and other representatives of gray rodents.
2. The Museum of peasant Architecture of small forms and the museum of unique technology "Myshkinsky Samohod". You will be able to plunge into the atmosphere of the past, learn about the life and everyday life of peasants, as well as see rare exhibits of antique machinery.
3. Craft House: visit to the blacksmith and pottery workshop.
4. The Russian Felt Boots Museum. Here you will see a collection of antique felt boots of various shapes and sizes, as well as learn about the history of their creation, the manufacturing process and the legends associated with them. The program also includes a sightseeing tour.

Departure to Uglich.

Accommodation at the Voznesenskaya Hotel.

Dinner (for an additional fee when booking "breakfast" or "half board" meals).

Breakfast.

Departure to the village of Martynovo.

Ethnographic Museum of katskarey.

This place is home to a unique ethnic group of Katskari, who carefully preserve their dialect and traditions. The museum is located in an old 19th-century house and introduces visitors to the Katskar lifestyle, customs and beliefs.

Guests have the opportunity to explore subjects related to agriculture and household life, as well as learn more about the Katskar dialect.

Departure to Vyshny Volochek.

Lunch (for an additional fee when booking breakfast meals).

Sightseeing tour of the city. A city with a special appearance and character, shaped by complex hydraulic structures.

You will get acquainted with the architectural heritage, walk along the Vanchakova Line, see the Epiphany Cathedral, the Tsninsky Canal and the Kazan Convent.

Departure to Saint Petersburg.

Estimated time of arrival is around 22:00-23:00.