Getting to know the Golden Ring

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On this journey from resplendent Moscow to the ancient cities of the Golden Ring, you will explore the majestic walls of the Moscow Kremlin, the legendary Red Square, panoramic views from the Vorobyovy Mountains and the ultramodern Zaryadye Park.

You will touch the thousand-year history of Russia in the Trinity—Sergius Lavra, see the fabulous Rostov Kremlin, charming Suzdal with white-stone monasteries and cozy Kostroma, the cradle of the Romanov dynasty.

The journey will end with the picturesque Volga embankment of Yaroslavl, the ancient merchant quarters and the unique atmosphere of the Russian province, which has preserved its historical splendor through the centuries.

Location

Moscow

Sightseeing tours

from

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

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Tour highlights

The Orthodox Pearl

We will visit the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, the main shrine of the country and an outstanding architectural ensemble of UNESCO

The Heart of Russia

We will see the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square, where the most important historical and cultural monuments are concentrated.

Museum City

Let's appreciate the beauty of fabulous monasteries and the Suzdal Kremlin, built in the 10th century

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival. Moscow: sightseeing bus and walking tour
07:45 Gathering of tourists at the reception desk at the Kosmos Hotel (150 Mira ave.).
08:00 Departure for the program.
Sightseeing bus and walking tour of Moscow.
Moscow is the heart of Russia and one of the most vibrant and multifaceted cities in the world! It fascinates at first sight and leaves an unforgettable impression. Here, history and modernity are intertwined in a unique dance, creating an atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else.
Moscow is a city with a long history, one of the most beautiful capitals in the world.
Traveling to Moscow is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Russia, enjoy a variety of impressions and feel the unique atmosphere of the city.
The program of the bus part of the tour includes:
Guided tour of famous streets and squares with outside sightseeing: The Garden and Boulevard Rings, Tverskaya Street and Kutuzovsky Prospekt, the Bolshoi and Maly Theaters, the Moskva River embankment, the Manege, the Stalin skyscrapers, the golden domes of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the skyscrapers of Moscow City and much more;
photo stops in iconic places of the capital: the Vorobyovy Gory observation deck with views of Moscow State University and the Luzhniki Stadium, the Poklonnaya Gora memorial complex.
Lunch.
The program of the walking tour includes:
visit to the territory of the Moscow Kremlin (with entrance tickets) with an independent tour of the architectural ensemble of Cathedral Square: Assumption, Archangel, Annunciation Cathedrals, Church of the Assumption, Patriarchal Chambers with the Church of the Twelve Apostles, Tsar Cannon, Tsar bells and artillery pieces;
Alexander Garden walking tour (exterior sightseeing). The Alexander Garden is a symbol of Moscow's rebirth after the fire of 1812, named after Alexander I, the victor of Napoleon;
walking tour of Red Square, the main square of the country, where the most important historical and cultural monuments are concentrated. This is the majestic Kremlin with its famous towers and walls, St. Basil's Cathedral with its bright domes, which has become a symbol of Moscow. GUM, Frontal place and monument to Minin and Pozharsky, Historical Museum.
Free time for a walk in Zaryadye Park (on your own).
Zaryadye Park is not just a green zone in the heart of Moscow, it is a portal to the future and a window into the past. Here, near the walls of the ancient Kremlin, the landscapes of various climatic zones of Russia are intertwined, creating a unique microcosm.
You will have a unique opportunity to walk along the Floating Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the Kremlin and the Moskva River, visit the Ice Cave, where even in the summer heat there is a real winter, stroll along the "Old Street", recreating the historical appearance of Moscow's Kitay-Gorod.
Zaryadye offers interactive expositions. Here you can learn about the history of Moscow, the climate of Russia, and fly over the capital – "Flights over Moscow."
In the evening, the park transforms into a magical place illuminated by thousands of lights, ideal for romantic walks and unforgettable impressions.
Accommodation at the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Free time.

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Day 2 - Moscow: VDNKH walking tour
07:00 Breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
Walking tour of VDNKH.
VDNKh is a large exhibition and museum complex, a city within a city, where 49 cultural heritage monuments have been preserved. VDNKH is 325 hectares with historical pavilions, arches, museums, parks and alleys, fountains and sculptures.
This is not just a symbol of the era, it is one of the most popular cultural centers in Moscow. Each pavilion is a separate chapter in the history of the country, captured in monumental facades, elegant bas–reliefs and amazing sculptures.
The program includes an introduction to the history of VDNH and the legends associated with this wonderful place, and an inspection of the symbols of VDNH and Moscow.:
The arch of the Main Entrance with a monument to a tractor driver and a collective farmer has been a symbol of the Exhibition for many years.;
alleys surrounded by greenery leading to the Friendship of Peoples and Stone Flower fountains, masterpieces of fountain art that captivate with their beauty and symbolism;
ceremonial pavilions of the republics and regions of the USSR.
After the walking tour, we recommend spending your free time on the territory of VDNH.
At your disposal (optional for an additional fee on site): Moskvarium, the Sun of Moscow Ferris wheel, Soyuzmultpark, the Atom, Cosmos, Mock-Up of Moscow Pavilions, numerous restaurants and cafes, and more.
The Moscow Tea Party.
Hospitable gastronomic Moscow offers a unique opportunity to visit the "Moscow Tea Party", which has become its hallmark and cultural code of any citizen.
This is a tea set combining tea, jam and national pastries.
Lunch.
Free time at VDNKH, or we recommend a visit (for an additional fee on site):
The State Tretyakov Gallery with branches on Kadashevskaya Embankment and Novaya Tretyakov Gallery, where about 200 thousand exhibits are collected, including such famous paintings as Malevich's "Black Square", Shishkin's "Morning in the Pine Forest", Vasnetsov's "Bogatyrs" and many others.;
The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, a collection from Antiquity and the Middle Ages, is of particular interest.;
Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve, one of the most popular places in the 19th century Moscow region;
The Moscow metro, along with Red Square and the Kremlin, is one of the main symbols of the city.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Attention! The continuation of the excursion program is possible as part of another group.

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Day 3 - Sergiev Posad – Pereslavl-Zalessky – Rostov the Great
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Room release.
07:45 Gathering of the group in the parking lot to the right of the Kosmos Hotel.
08:00 Departure to Sergiev Posad.
Guided tour of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.
The Trinity-Sergius Lavra is the pearl of Russia's Orthodox shrines with a centuries–old history. The architectural ensemble of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra is under UNESCO protection.
Trinity Cathedral (external inspection) is the main cathedral church and the oldest surviving structure of the Trinity Monastery, the first stone building of the Lavra. The main shrine of the cathedral is the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh.
The Assumption Cathedral (interior) is the architectural center of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.
Refectory and Dukhovskoy temples (interior).
Departure to Pereslavl-Zalessky.
Sightseeing tour of Pereslavl-Zalessky on the passage.
The heart of Pereslavl is Red Square, which is several centuries older than the famous Moscow namesake. A living confirmation of local antiquity is the Transfiguration Cathedral, founded by Yuri Dolgoruky in 1152. This is the oldest building in Northeastern Russia that has survived to the present day.
Lunch at a cafe in the city.
Departure to Rostov Veliky.
Rostov is not called Great for nothing, because its mentions date back to 862 in the chronicles.
Sightseeing tour of Rostov Veliky on the passage (external sightseeing): ramparts and Lake Nero, the Spaso-Yakovlevsky Monastery, Kekin Gymnasium and Gostiny Dvor, a unique Stable yard, merchant estates of the XVIII–XIX centuries.
Guided tour of the Rostov Kremlin (inspection of the architectural ensemble). Sightseeing: Assumption Cathedral (XVI century) with a unique belfry, on which a set of 15 bells has been completely preserved, Bishop's Courtyard, Cathedral Square.
Next, you can choose one of the program options that suits you.
Option 1. Free time. A great opportunity to get acquainted with the richest and most diverse collection of the Rostov Kremlin museums in free mode (for an additional fee).
Option 2. Visit the Honey Factory in Rostov Veliky with the program "History and taste of ancient Russian drinks".
In the program:
immersion in the traditions of Russian drinking culture;
getting to know the ancient exhibits;
tasting of honey drinks (18+) according to ancient recipes (original and traditional honey drinks, farm cheeses, treats).
Attention! A non-alcoholic tasting set is available for children and adults (on request).
Accommodation at the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

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Day 4 - Yaroslavl – Kostroma
08:00 Breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
Sightseeing tour of Yaroslavl, which is deservedly considered the "Capital of the Golden Ring":
you will see the arrow of the Volga and Kotorosli rivers – the place where it started
Yaroslavl;
walk along the picturesque Volga embankment, explore the Assumption Cathedral recreated for the 1000th anniversary of the city;
admire the unique architectural ensemble of the central part of Yaroslavl (under UNESCO protection) and its pearls – churches of the XVII century (one of which is the Church of Elijah the Prophet);
Russians will listen to stories about the first Russian theater, walk along the streets where the heroes of famous Soviet and Russian films walked;
guided tour of the territory of the Transfiguration Monastery (inspection of the architectural ensemble), the main city attraction with impregnable stone walls, which is sometimes popularly called the "Yaroslavl Kremlin".
It was here in the XVIII century that the list of the masterpiece of ancient Russian literature "The Word about Igor's Regiment" was discovered.
Free time.
Or, for an additional fee, the "Classic" excursion package:
visit to the Church of Elijah the Prophet (only in summer!) – an outstanding architectural monument of the Yaroslavl School of Architecture.
Lunch at a cafe in the city.
Transfer to Kostroma.
Sightseeing tour of Kostroma, the most beautiful city on the Volga, one of the pearls of the Golden Ring.
The ancient merchant city, which has preserved to this day the original appearance of the architectural ensemble of the XVIII century, will lift the veil of mystery of its unique history.:
fire tower of the XIX century, an outstanding monument of classicism;
Guardhouse building;
a beautifully preserved ensemble of Shopping malls, which are still in service today.;
wide Volga river embankment.
A tour of the territory of the recreated Kostroma Kremlin, where the miraculous icon of the Fedorovskaya Mother of God is kept in the Epiphany Cathedral. It was written around 1239 and is famous for its great miracles and healings.
Visit to the famous Ipatievsky Monastery, the main symbol of Kostroma (inspection of the architectural ensemble). Within the walls of this monastery, Mikhail Romanov was blessed with the kingdom. Since then, the monastery has been rightfully considered the "Cradle of the Romanov dynasty."
Return to the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

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Day 5 - Ivanovo – Suzdal. Return to Moscow
07:00 Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Room release.
Departure to Ivanovo.
Travel sightseeing tour to Ivanovo.
The city has been known for textile production since the 17th century. Since then, the city has been called the calico region, as well as the textile capital of Russia and, of course, the city of brides. It is the youngest city in the Golden Ring.
Departure to Suzdal.
The creator of the Golden Ring route, Yuri Bychkov, called it a "sweet museum. The city is unique" and noted with surprise that there are a lot of people here and the city is very popular.
Sightseeing tour of Suzdal.
Suzdal is a museum city with about 200 historical monuments, many of which have UNESCO World Heritage status.
In the program:
sightseeing of the architectural ensemble of the main attraction of Suzdal – the Suzdal Kremlin. According to archaeologists, the Kremlin in Suzdal was built in the 10th century, despite this, its main buildings have been preserved to this day.;
The Pokrovsky Monastery (from the observation deck) is a women's monastery that holds many secrets. In the 16th century, it served as a place of exile for disgraced tsars and women of noble boyar families.
Free time.
Or for an additional fee, the "Classic" excursion package:
visit to the Spaso-Evfimiev Monastery with a visit to the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral and the famous bell tolls. Russian grave of Prince Dmitry Mikhailovich Pozharsky, an outstanding Russian commander, is located in the monastery.;
visit the museum of Wooden Architecture with unique buildings from the 17th and 19th centuries. The museum is built in the form of a rural street with temples, apartment buildings, mills, barns and other buildings transported from different villages and villages of the Vladimir region.
Lunch at a cafe in the city.
Departure to Moscow.
21:00 Approximate time of arrival in Moscow (metro station "VDNKH").

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Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Comfort

Upscale

The tour provides accommodation in hotels along the way in standard rooms (double occupancy).

The cost of the tour for 1 person depends on the type of meals:

breakfast only – 39,790 rubles;
breakfasts and lunches – 43,790 rubles;
breakfasts, lunches and dinners – 46,990 rubles.

The surcharge for a single room is 7,000 rubles (1 person per room).

The discount for an extra seat is 1,000 rubles. (3 people in a room).

Basic accommodation: Kosmos VDNKH Hotel Moscow, Susanin Park Hotel 3*, Kostroma.

Backup placement: YaRotel Center 3*, Yaroslavskoye Podvorye 3*, Yaroslavl, Snegurochka 3*, Volga 4*, Kostroma.

The hotel is selected automatically depending on the date of the tour and the availability of hotel rooms.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 50 tourists

Minimum age

6 years old

Duration

5 days 4 nights

Group meets at

Moscow

Included in price

hotel accommodation;
meals according to the program according to the selected option;
guided tour service according to the program;
transportation service.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Moscow and back;
The surcharge for single occupancy is 7,000 rubles.;
excursion package "Classic" – 2,000 rubles/person.;
honey factory in Rostov Veliky – 800 rubles.;
personal expenses.

It's important to know

Departure and arrival times in Moscow are indicative and cannot be considered a mandatory part of the program.
The company reserves the right to make changes to the excursion program depending on objective circumstances while maintaining volume and quality. It is possible to replace some excursions with equivalent ones. And also to replace hotels of the same category or higher.
If the number of tourists in a group is less than 20 people, a minibus of a foreign tourist class can be provided.
The company does not arrange room check-in for your safety and comfort.
This program is recommended for children over 6 years old.
The seating on the bus is fixed. Seats on the bus are provided automatically 1 day before the start of the tour. In case of an emergency, the available places are determined by the guide.
Children's groups can join the tour on request.
The time according to the tour program (especially the time of arrival) is indicated approximately. There may be delays due to circumstances beyond the control of the tour operator (traffic jams, vehicle breakdowns, etc.), and the arrival time of the bus at its destination may be extended by 2-3 hours.
When booking travel documents on your own for further travel to your destination (permanent residence), you must take into account the possible increase in time on the tour. Compensation for travel tickets (air, railway), in case of a delay in vehicles within the tour for reasons beyond the control of the tour operator, is not made.

Dates and Prices

$534

6 – 10 Jul 5 days 4 nights

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$534

27 – 31 Jul 5 days 4 nights

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$534

17 – 21 Aug 5 days 4 nights

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$534

7 – 11 Sep 5 days 4 nights

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$534

28 Sep – 2 Oct 5 days 4 nights

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$534

19 – 23 Oct 5 days 4 nights

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Reviews Leave a review

O
Oleg

about provider

4 Jun, 2026

Everything went very well
T
Tatiana

about provider

14 May, 2026

Many thanks to “Big Country” for this wonderful tour. The entire trip was organized exceptionally well: the hotels, meals, and transportation were all excellent. But the real highlight of the journey was our tour guide, Denis!!! Honestly, without him the trip would not have been nearly as memorable. Visiting so many churches and historical sites without meaningful context would have quickly become monotonous. Most of the local guides simply rushed through the program with dry facts and dates, almost like a school lecture. Denis, however, made everything come alive. Even before we arrived at each destination, he was already sharing fascinating stories and background information on the bus, which helped us appreciate the places so much more once we got there. Not a single person was late for the bus in the mornings! Everyone was eager not to miss his stories!!! He has an incredible knowledge of the history and geography of the region, and he could make even the scenery outside the window interesting!!! Listening to him never felt tiring because he spoke with such enthusiasm and passion!!! For the last two days we had a different guide, and the contrast was huge - unfortunately, it just wasn’t engaging at all. To sum it up: excellent organization, comfortable travel conditions, and an outstanding guide like Denis made this trip truly special!!! I only wish there were more professionals like him.

Big Country Travel

Hello Tatiana, Thank you very much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the trip and especially appreciated Denis’s work as your tour guide. We will be sure to pass your kind words on to him. We have also shared your comments regarding the local guides with our partners on the ground. We would be very happy to welcome you on another of our tours across Russia in the future!
I
Ivan

about provider

10 Apr, 2026

I really enjoyed the trip. I learned a lot more about my country and its history, and visited many historic cities and monasteries. It’s an experience I will remember for a long time. Everything along the route was well organized. Special thanks to our guide, Zhanna, who accompanied us throughout the trip!! She made everything so engaging and interesting. Wishing her all the best.