Our Chinese department:
07:00 Departure from Nizhny Novgorod from Lenin Square (Lenin monument).
Estimated travel time is 4 hours (240 km).
07:40 Boarding in Dzerzhinsk, at the Northern Gate.
08:30 Boarding in Gorokhovets, at the bus station.
09:30 Boarding in Vyazniki, at the bus station.
11:00 Arrival in Vladimir.
Vladimir is one of the largest and oldest cities in Russia, with a rich history and culture.
Founded in 990, it was the capital of the Grand Duchy of Vladimir, which played a key role in shaping Russian statehood and culture.
A sightseeing tour of Vladimir offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient Russia. You will be able to see the following famous architectural monuments of the XII century:
- The Assumption Cathedral is the central temple and the most significant shrine on the territory of Vladimir-Suzdal Russia. Its foundation was laid in 1158 by Andrei Bogolyubsky, the son of Yuri Dolgoruky. The cathedral is notable for the fact that you can still see the original frescoes of the great master of icon painting Andrei Rublev in it. In addition, it is one of the rare examples of temples preserved from pre-Mongol times of Russia. The Assumption Cathedral is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Golden Gate, a monument erected in 1164, is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Research by Russian historians shows that there are no such Gates in any part of Russia or in Western Europe. Usually the towers were built solely for defensive purposes, but the Vladimir Golden Gate also served as a triumphal arch, marking the main entrance to the city. In addition, the Golden Gate has a religious significance, because the Rizpolozhenskaya Church is located within its walls.
- St. Dmitrievsky Cathedral is a unique monument decorated with white stone carvings. When you look at St. Dmitrievsky Cathedral, this magnificent architectural masterpiece of the 12th century, your heart freezes in delight. Scenes from ancient Greek, Roman and Russian mythology come to life on its walls. Saints and heroes of ancient legends meet here, extraordinary animals and fantastic plants live here. All this together creates a unique world where reality is intertwined with fiction, forming an amazing mosaic of life in miniature.
Visiting the Cathedrals and the Golden Gate inside is optional, for an additional fee.
Walking along Georgievskaya street. In the very heart of the city, there is a cozy pedestrian Georgievskaya Street. Its length is only 300 meters. Georgievskaya Street, like a magnet, attracts residents of Vladimir and visitors to the city, offering them a unique combination of history and creativity.
There is an old pharmacy near St. George's Church. There is a statue of an apothecary at the pharmacy, which is believed to need to rub its nose for health. Behind the pharmacy, from the high shore, there is a magnificent view of Vladimir.
This view inspired artists, as evidenced by the bronze figure of one of them. Georgievskaya Street attracts attention with its ancient architecture and sculptures, and it breathes history. Next to the customs booth there is a sculpture "The Scamp and the filer".
The 19th century fire station is still in operation. There is another interesting sculpture in front of the depot building — "Fireman". The street leads to a cozy square, where the original monument dedicated to Vladimir Cherry is located in the very heart.
Of course, Georgievskaya Street has become a real treasure of the city, its calling card.
13:30 Departure to Suzdal. Estimated travel time: 50 minutes (36 km).
14:30 Lunch at a cafe in the city.
Sightseeing bus and walking tour of Suzdal with sightseeing of the main attractions.
The history of the city of Suzdal dates back about 1000 years and is closely connected with the name of the great Russian Prince Vladimir Monomakh. It was he who initiated the construction of the Suzdal Kremlin.
The mighty white-stone fortress in the bend of the Kamenka River still retains the atmosphere of a medieval princely residence.
On the territory of the Kremlin, powerful earthen ramparts, several churches and the complex of the bishop's court with the ancient Christmas Cathedral have been preserved. It is with a visit to the territory of the architectural ensemble of the Kremlin that your acquaintance with the ancient city of Suzdal will begin.
Then the excursion program will continue with a visit to the Spaso-Evfimiev Monastery, a unique shrine with a centuries—old history. Vasily II, the Dark One, was captured under its walls, and the tomb of the princes Pozharsky and Khovansky was in the same monastery. Under the Romanovs, political criminals were held there, and during the Great Patriotic War, German prisoners, including Field Marshal Paulus.
Now the monastery is not operating, it is a museum complex, which is part of the Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve. With a favorable combination of circumstances, you will be able to hear the chime of 17 bells, performed by the bell ringer of the monastery.
Free time in Suzdal.
You will have the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll through the center of Suzdal, buy souvenirs, and taste Suzdal mead. Walk through the Suzdal meadows and maybe visit the museum of wooden architecture.
Transfer to Ivanovo.
Accommodation at the Tourist hotel in Ivanovo.
Free time.
