Golden Ring winter tides: Vladimir, Suzdal, Alexandrov

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Yuriev-Polsky.

Guided tour of Yuriev-Polsky.

The city was founded in 1152, with 20 thousand inhabitants. 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 definition "Polish" does not come from 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 Kremlin's territory 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– and two-story buildings. He is quite quiet, neat, with a Russian provincial spirit.

Transfer to Vladimir.

It 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.

By the middle of the 12th century, it became the capital of the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality and the most influential settlement in Northeastern Russia.

Lunch (extra charge).

City sightseeing tour "The Legend of Ancient Vladimir".

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

Alexander Nevsky, Dmitry Donskoy, and Ivan Kalita were married to the Grand duchy here.

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

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Suzdal.

Sightseeing tour of the city.

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

We will see the 200-year-old merchant's house, the old carved gates of the 19th 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.

This is the same square where the film "The Marriage of Balzaminov" was shot.

Next, we will see the 13th–century Monastery of the Ordination of the Sacrament, the oldest monastery in Suzdal.

Our next stop will be at the 14th-century Pokrovsky Monastery, popularly known as 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 12th 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 riverbank, has served as a source of inspiration for famous artists more than once.

According to the chronicle, Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky decided to build a church in honor of his son, who died in battle with the Polovtsians. Foreign craftsmen were invited, and in 1156 the construction of the temple was completed.

The Church of the Intercession on the Nerl is built of white sandstone. Its walls are tilted slightly inwards, this technique gives the structure a great elevation.

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

Visit to Bogolyubsky monastery.

Next we will visit 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 pestilence.

Bogolyubsky Cathedral was built in 1855-1866.

The white and blue colors give the cathedral a unique look, the building combines Byzantine and traditional Russian elements.

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 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 the rebellious Streltsy, Peter the Great fled here.

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

The main 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 visit the exposition "The Tsar's Court in Alexandrovskaya Sloboda";

You will visit the Crucifixion church-bell tower, where you will see the expositions: "Alexandrovskaya Sloboda of the XVI century. There were legends", "Alexandrovskaya sloboda of the XVII-XVIII centuries. The Romanovs' palace patrimony."

Lunch (extra charge).

Transfer to Moscow to Leningradsky railway station.

Departure by train after 21:00.