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

10 more

Immerse yourself in the ancient legends of Ancient Russia and the first princes in Staraya Ladoga, walk along the ancient streets of Veliky Novgorod, visit Yaroslav's Courtyard, St. George's Monastery and the pearl of the Novgorod Region - Valdai

Interactive museums, peaceful landscapes, a warm welcome and friendly company are waiting for you!

Location

Veliky Novgorod

Sightseeing tours

from

Contact the tour coordinator

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

Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

The Legends of Rurik

Discover the secrets of Ancient Russia and the first princes, admire the views of the Volkhov River in Staraya Ladoga

A warm welcome

Get acquainted with the hospitality of Novgorod and treat yourself to sweets

The Spirit of Orthodoxy

Go to the shrines of the Novgorod land and get acquainted with the architecture, history and traditions

Nice rustic atmosphere

Visit Vitoslavlitsy and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Russian village life and learn the traditions of Novgorod peasants

Itinerary

Day 1 - Valdai. Visit to the Bell Museum
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 accommodation at the hotel at 14.00. Morning accommodation if possible. You can leave your belongings free of charge in the luggage room of the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure to Valdai "Pearl of the Novgorod region" (132 km).
The excursion program "Tales and legends of the Valdai Backyard" is a visit to the only Bell Museum in Russia. The museum contains a variety of types of bells. Here, in the museum, you can not only learn the history of Valdai and the amazing Valdai bell craft, but also personally ring the famous bells. (it is possible to replace it with a visit to the Museum Bell Center).
Free time at the Teremok guest complex in the center of Valdai. A shop with traditional souvenirs and exclusive Valdai products — bells, bagels, gingerbread, local varieties of tea, mugs, plates, T-shirts, magnets with Valdai symbols.
Visit to the Valdai National Park – The architectural ensemble of the Iversky Monastery: Assumption Cathedral (1656) – the first stone building of the monastery, the Chapel of the Iversky Monastery (XIX century).
Return to Veliky Novgorod.
Day 2 - Yaroslav's Courtyard, St. George's Monastery, "Vitoslavlitsy" and Novgorod detinets
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 was located
Yaroslav the Wise. 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.

5 more photos
Day 3 - Staraya Ladoga. Visit to the Assumption Monastery or St. Nicholas Monastery
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. Visit to the Church of the Nativity of John 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.

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

2 nights

Comfort

Upscale
Premium

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.:

Hotel	Room category	A place in a 2-bed room	A place in a 1-bed room	3rd floor for an additional one. location	Lunch package (3 lunches)	Dinner package (3 dinners at the hotel)
"Bianchi" 4* The buffet	Standard	33638	42342	20838	1650	-
Beresta Park Hotel 4* (swimming pool + sauna) The buffet	Standard	23936	28544	20992	1650	-
	Business	24900	30300	20992	1650	-
Volkhov 4* The buffet	Standard	25472	27264	20096	1650	1650
Volkhov 4* The buffet	Comfort	26700	30100	20096	1650	1650
Sadko 3* The buffet	Standard	22656	23552	18176	1650	1650
Sadko 3* The buffet	Comfort	23300	31300	18176	1650	1650
Intourist 3* The buffet	Standard	22016	27392	18176	1650	1650
Intourist 3* The buffet	Comfort	23100	29500	18176	1650	1650
Acron Hotel Veliky Novgorod 5* member of Radisson Individuals	Standard	30720	39040	-	1650	-

For a child under 14 years of age, a discount of 400 rubles is available for any accommodation option.

Package of meals: 3 lunches - 1,650 rubles and 3 dinners - 1,650 rubles. In addition to dinners at Bianchi 4*, Beresta Park Hotel 4* and Acron Hotel Veliky Novgorod 5*.

You can pay for dinners when buying a tour, and you can have lunch on the spot.

Welcome inn 3*

The comfortable Welcome inn hotel is located in Veliky Novgorod, near the interchange of public transport and the main streets of the city.

Guests can stay in spacious and bright rooms, each of which is decorated in a pleasant color scheme and includes comfortable wooden furniture, modern appliances and wireless Wi-Fi access. The rooms have private bathrooms.

Everyone can have a tasty and satisfying snack in cafes, restaurants or bars that are located within walking distance from the hotel itself.

The nearest airport is Pulkovo Airport, 153 km from the property, and the train station is 2.6 km away. The main attractions of the city, cultural centers and shopping and entertainment complexes are located within a 15-minute walk from the building.

6 more photos

Another option

Intourist 3*

The Intourist Hotel is located in Veliky Novgorod. It offers free access to a free Wi-Fi network. Car owners will be able to use private parking. If necessary, you can use a washing machine and ironing facilities.

The hotel offers 118 rooms decorated in a modern style. They are equipped with everything that is so necessary for a cozy and comfortable stay. The bathroom must have a hairdryer and personal hygiene products.

In the morning, you can order a delicious breakfast at a reasonable price. Products can be purchased in the nearest shops and supermarkets. You can also have a delicious meal at the nearest restaurant.

A conference room for 60 people is specially equipped for business people on the territory. It is fully equipped with special appliances and furniture.

Next to the hotel there is the Church of Simeon the God-Giver, the drama theater named after F. M. Dostoevsky, as well as the Dukhov Monastery. The distance to the airport is approximately 187 kilometers.

5 more photos

Another option

Sadko 3*

The Sadko Hotel is located in the historical part of Veliky Novgorod.

The hotel is located in a 5-storey building. All rooms at the hotel have cable TV and a private bathroom.

A wide range of Russian and European dishes are served in the Sadko restaurant. Guests can enjoy homemade cakes at the cafe, as well as a selection of drinks at the lobby bar.

Guests can visit the hairdressing salon of the Sadko Hotel during their stay at the hotel. There is also a shop in the hotel where handmade souvenirs from Novgorod are sold.

The hotel is located about 1 km from St. Sophia Cathedral and 2 km from Lake Ilmen. Moscow and St. Petersburg can be reached directly via the nearby M10 motorways.

5 more photos

Another option

Volkhov 4*

The Volkhov Hotel is located in the center of Veliky Novgorod, a few minutes' walk from the ancient Kremlin and the Sofia Embankment.

It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, a TV and a mini fridge. The windows overlook the park or the courtyard.

The Volkhov Hotel's restaurant serves delicious dishes of European and Russian cuisine. The lobby bar serves a variety of wines and other drinks.

A Finnish sauna is available on site.

5 more photos

Another option

Beresta Park Hotel 4*

Beresta Park Hotel is located in Veliky Novgorod, 2 km from the center.

All conditions for a comfortable stay are created here — there is a refrigerator, TV, hairdryer, iron, safe, heating, terrace, mini-bar.

The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, a sauna, and a conference room. And you'll probably want to relax by the pool — it's here too. And indoor. Each guest will have Internet access, you can upload photos, send a file or call your family by video.

If you have a car, you can leave it in the parking lot. If you get there on your own, use the transfer service.

At your service: dry cleaning, laundry, room service, luggage storage, express check-in/check-out.

2 more photos

Another option

Bianchi 4*

The Bianchi Hotel is located in Veliky Novgorod. It offers parking and free Wi-Fi.

The hotel can accommodate from one to four people. The rooms have all the necessary furniture, bed linen, towels. The bathroom has toiletries and cosmetics. Dry cleaning and laundry services are available for an additional fee. The room is cleaned daily.

There is a coffee shop and a bar on site. Breakfast can be ordered in the room.

Public transport stops, chain stores, and some local attractions are within walking distance. Cafes and restaurants are 100 m away. The river is 200 meters away. The distance to the railway station is 4 km.

3 more photos

Another option

Acron Hotel Veliky Novgorod 5*

Enjoy the perfect city vacation at the Acron Hotel Veliky Novgorod, a member of Radisson Individuals. Our hotel, conveniently located in the city center, will be an ideal starting point for exploring the best sights of Veliky Novgorod. In our elegant rooms, suites and apartments with modern design and thoughtful amenities, you will 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 - take a dip in our indoor pool or visit the wellness and fitness center to treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa treatment.

2 more photos

Tour conditions

Group

up to 40 tourists

Minimum age

5 years old

Duration

3 days 2 nights

Group meets at

Veliky Novgorod

Included in price

accommodation in a hotel of the selected category;
Meals: 3 breakfasts;
excursion service according to the tour program;
transport 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;
lunches and dinners (3 lunches - 1,650 rubles and 3 dinners - 1,650 rubles, dinners are paid for when buying a tour, lunches are available on site);
personal expenses.

It's important to know

Air and railway tickets are not included in the price of the tour. You can purchase them yourself or contact us for help.

Dates and Prices

The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, for clarification

from
$220

1 – 3 Nov, 2025 3 days 2 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now

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

Location

Tour highlights

Itinerary

Accommodation

Tour conditions

Included in price

Paid extra

It's important to know

Dates and Prices

Similar tours