Two capitals of ancient Russia. Staraya Ladoga, Veliky Novgorod and Staraya Russa

Breakfast at the hotel.

A country tour.

We invite you to an exciting and informative excursion "To the origins of Russia!". 

We will visit an amazing place – Yaroslav's Courtyard, where you will hear what the Novgorod assembly was noisy 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 men's monastery, one of the oldest in Russia – St. George Monastery, is hidden from the outside eye. 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 village 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! 

Attention! It is possible to replace it with the Hutynsky Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery). Duration: 3 hours.

A tour of the Kremlin complex "Walls and Towers of the Ancient Detinets" in 1044. Yaroslav the Wise laid the walls and towers of the Ancient Kremlin, a Veche took place here, the election of the Mayor, the chronicle was conducted – Likhudov building; St. Sophia Cathedral (XI century.) – an outstanding monument of ancient Russian architecture, St. Sophia Belfry 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.

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 near the Volkhov River. 

It is believed that the first building was made by the legendary Prince Rurik. You will walk along the walls, inspect the towers, and visit the museum exposition 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 Varangian Street – the oldest street in Russia.

Visit to the Assumption Monastery.

This monastery is known primarily for its inhabitant, Evdokia Lopukhina– the first wife of Peter I. Nevertheless, its ancient history is reminiscent of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary built in the XII century. Church visits ChristmasJohn the Baptist. You will see an unusual temple in architecture and interior design. It remains the only reminder of the rich Ladoga Fair and St. John's Monastery, which was favored by Boris Godunov's family.

Or a 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.

Self-guided tour of the monastery 

Arrival in Veliky Novgorod in the evening.

Transfer to the railway station.