Golden Ring winter tides: Vladimir, Suzdal, Alexandrov

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Yuriev-Polsky.

Sightseeing tour of Yuriev-Polsky.

It is almost the same age as Moscow and, one might say, a brother, since it was also founded by Yuri Dolgoruky. 

Moreover, the city is named after him, and the clarification "Polish" comes not from the Poles, but from the fields of the Suzdal Opole. 

All the sights of Yuriev-Polsky are concentrated in one place — this is the small Kremlin and St. George's Cathedral (1230-1234) with unique stone carvings on the facade. 

Part of the territory of the Kremlin is occupied by the ensemble of the Mikhailo-Arkhangelsk Monastery-Museum (XVIII century), surrounded by walls with towers.

Outside the monastery and the cathedral, Yuriev-Polsky is a standard town in central Russia with one or two—storey buildings.

Moving to Vladimir.

This is an ancient city, which has preserved a large number of architectural monuments, many of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. 

The city of Vladimir was first mentioned in the chronicle in 1108, it was founded by Prince Vladimir Monomakh.

Lunch (extra charge).

City tour "The Legend of Ancient Vladimir"

During the tour you will see the white stone monuments of the 12th century: Golden Gate — the symbol of the city of Vladimir, Assumption Cathedral — a temple that was the main cathedral in Russia for more than 100 years. 

Following the example of the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir, the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin was built — Dmitrievsky Cathedral, on the walls of which there are more than 500 carved stones. 

Let's take a walk along Bolshaya Moskovskaya Street, where the Vladimirsky Tract passed and look into the church of St. George, built by Yuri Dolgoruky in honor of his heavenly patron. 

The church houses the tomb of Alexander Nevsky's mother and brother.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Suzdal.

City sightseeing tour

During a sightseeing tour of Suzdal, we will explore the Suzdal Kremlin, the historical core of the ancient city. 

We will see the merchant's house, which is 200 years old, the old carved gates of the XIX century, the Kremlin churches and the Christmas Cathedral. 

We will visit the shopping area, a place where trade has been conducted for more than eight hundred years.

Next, we will visit the Monastery of the Ordination of the XIII century — the oldest monastery in Suzdal. 

Here we will climb the Venerable Bell Tower and see the city from a height of 40 meters. 

The next stop will be at the 14th century Pokrovsky Monastery, which is popularly called the place of imprisonment of Russian tsars.

Lunch (extra charge).

Transfer to Bogolyubovo. 

Inspection of the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl.

Bogolyubovo is one of the oldest settlements in Russia, founded in the XII century. 

Many defensive structures, ancient temples and other architectural monuments have been preserved here, the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl is undoubtedly the most outstanding of which. 

This small white stone building, located on the river bank, has repeatedly served as a source of inspiration for famous artists such as S.V. Gerasimov, S.A. Baulin, V.V. Shilov, etc.

You will have the opportunity to visit the most famous church in Russia.

Visit to Bogolyubsky monastery.

It was founded in 1155. The monastery houses an icon that marked the beginning of Russian icon painting. 

The icon of the Mother of God worked real miracles: according to rumors, in the 18th century, she saved the inhabitants of Vladimir from sea ulcers.

Return to Vladimir.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Alexandrov. 

Sightseeing tour of the city.

The city, which grew out of the Alexandrovskaya Sloboda, often became a haven for Russian sovereigns. 

Ivan the Terrible spent 17 years here, effectively making it the capital of the country, and then, fearing rebellious Streltsy, Peter the Great fled here. 

The future Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, exiled by Anna Ioannovna, also lived in Alexandrovskaya Sloboda. 

The most important attraction of the city is the Alexander Kremlin, where we will go.

Visit to the Alexandrovskaya Sloboda Museum-Reserve.

You will get acquainted with the architectural ensemble and the unique history of the tsar's Kremlin of Ivan the Terrible, you will also visit the exposition "The Sovereign's Court in Alexandrovskaya Sloboda"; visit the Crucifixion Church-bell tower (expositions: "Alexandrovskaya Sloboda XVI century. The legends were", "Alexandrovskaya Sloboda of the XVII-XVIII centuries. Assumption Monastery").

Lunch (extra charge).

Transfer to Moscow to the Leningrad railway station.

Departure by train after 21:00.