Big Country Travel: Trips to Russia, Adventure Tours & Vacation Packages

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Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Veliky Ustyug, an ancient city with a rich history and spiritual treasures. Cathedrals associated with legendary fools and miracles are waiting for you, as well as a tour of picturesque embankments and monastery complexes.

You will learn the secrets of Russian icon painting and ancient Russian art by immersing yourself in the atmosphere of ancient churches and museums. This tour is a real journey into the heart of Russian spirituality and culture, which will leave an unforgettable impression!

Check-in is possible on any day from April 1 to September 30, 2024.

Location

Vologda region, Velikoustyugsky municipal district, Valga settlement

Sightseeing tours

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

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Tour highlights

Spiritual heritage of Veliky Ustyug

Get acquainted with the most ancient cathedrals, temples and shrines associated with the legendary fools Prokopy and John of Ustyuzha

Picturesque corners of the city

Take a walk along the embankments, lakes and ancient streets. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of medieval Ustyug

Ancient Russian art

Visit the museum at the Church of the Ascension and the monastery buildings. You will touch the rich Russian culture and religious heritage

Itinerary

Day 1 - Cathedrals of Veliky Ustyug
12:00 Check-in at the hotel "On Valga". Lunch.
Transfer to the city of Veliky Ustyug. An inspection of the Cathedral courtyard, a story about its temples, the history of Veliky Ustyug.
Visit to the Cathedral of Prokopios the Righteous. The second Cathedral of the Cathedral Courtyard is dedicated to Saint Righteous Prokopius, the heavenly patron saint of Veliky Ustyug.
A German by birth, he converted to Orthodoxy and remained in Russia forever, choosing one of the most difficult and great feats of Christian piety – foolishness for Christ's sake.
The first fool for Christ's sake in Russia, famous for numerous miracles, the most important of which was the salvation of Ustyug from destruction by a stone cloud, was canonized at the Council of 1547.
Visit to St. John of Ustyuzha Cathedral. On May 29 (June 11), 1494, the second popular local fool John died in Ustyug, who was buried on the territory of Cathedral Square between the Assumption and Prokopiev Cathedrals.
A few years later, Fyodor Tutygin, a Ustyugan, built a church over John's coffin in the name of the Origin of the Honest and Life-Giving Cross, with a chapel dedicated to John (it became a cathedral church in 1683). This church became the third shrine of the cathedral complex.
Sightseeing of the Embankment of Veliky Ustyug accompanied by a tour guide.
Free time in the city.
Self-guided tour of the central part of the city. Supper.

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Day 2 - Museum of Ancient Art. Mikhailo-Arkhangelsk Monastery. The Museum of Nature. Museum of New Year and Christmas Toys
Breakfast.
Visit to the Museum of Ancient Russian Art. It is located in the Church of the Ascension (1648), an outstanding monument of the Russian North, in which 6 iconostases of the XVIII century have been preserved.
The museum presents Ustyug iconography of the XV–XVIII centuries, works of Stroganov embroidery, handwritten and old printed books from the libraries of Ustyug monasteries and churches.
The dominant exhibits are the icon "Our Lady of Odigitria of Smolensk" (circa 1558), the carved canopy of the Royal Gates (XVII century), the temple icon of the Assumption Cathedral of Veliky Ustyug "Assumption of the Mother of God" (1496), the carved white stone cross (1625) and the shroud "Position in the Tomb" of the XV century.
In addition to the exposition, museum visitors will be able to get acquainted with the interior of the temple and visit all its side chapels.
A guided tour of Smolnikovsky and Alexandrovsky lakes.
In the old part of the city, near Alexandrovsky and Smolnikovsky lakes, there are recreation areas with gazebos and swings. The shores are landscaped for walking. The new objects resemble the architecture of the medieval Ustyug fortress of the early 17th century.
Lunch.
Visit to the territory of the Mikhailo-Arkhangelsk Monastery. The oldest monastery in Veliky Ustyug. This is the most fully preserved monastery complex. Its main stone structures date back to the middle of the 17th century.
The compositional center of the architectural ensemble is the monumental five–domed Mikhailo-Archangel Cathedral with a tall tent-roofed bell tower. To the right of it is the Church of the Introduction with the refectory, connected to the temple by passageways.
In front of the main entrance to the cathedral is the picturesque Vladimir Gate Church. Next to it is a miniature "monument" church, the Church of the Feast of Pentecost. To the north of the cathedral are the two–storey buildings of the abbot's (1734-1735), to the east - the fraternal (1736-1737) cells.
The territory of the monastery is surrounded by low stone walls with Holy Gates, which are adjacent to the chapels of Prokopius and John of Ustyuzha.
Free time in the city.
Check out of the hotel.

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

2 nights

Comfort

Upscale

The tour includes accommodation in a modern hotel in the hotel complex "On Valga".

The cost of the tour for 1 person is:

Adult: 15,000 rubles.

Children (from 4 to 16 years old): 14,000 rubles.

Featuring a bar and a shared lounge, Hotel Na Valga is located in Veliky Ustyug. It offers a 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi and a restaurant. Room service is available upon request. Free private parking is available on site. An airport shuttle service is available for an additional fee.

All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Towels and bed linen are provided in the rooms of the Hotel On Valga.

A continental breakfast is served every morning.

Veliky Ustyug Airport is 4.1 km from the Hotel on Valga.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 2 to 20 tourists

Minimum age

4 years old

Duration

2 days 1 night

Group meets at

Vologda region, Velikoustyugsky municipal district, Valga settlement

Included in price

accommodation in the hotel "On Valga" in a Standard room;
meals included in the program: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner;
the cost of entrance tickets to museums according to the program;
transportation services within the framework of the program;
guide services.

Paid extra

air tickets to Veliky Ustyug and back or railway tickets to Kotlas and back;
transfer from Kotlas to Veliky Ustyug and back;
personal expenses;
additional services.

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

Individual dates available on request

1 Apr – 30 Sep

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6 – 7 Jun 2 days 1 night

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8 – 9 Jun 2 days 1 night

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10 – 11 Jun 2 days 1 night

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12 – 13 Jun 2 days 1 night

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14 – 15 Jun 2 days 1 night

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16 – 17 Jun 2 days 1 night

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18 – 19 Jun 2 days 1 night

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20 – 21 Jun 2 days 1 night

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22 – 23 Jun 2 days 1 night

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24 – 25 Jun 2 days 1 night

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26 – 27 Jun 2 days 1 night

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28 – 29 Jun 2 days 1 night

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30 Jun – 1 Jul 2 days 1 night

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2 – 3 Jul 2 days 1 night

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4 – 5 Jul 2 days 1 night

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6 – 7 Jul 2 days 1 night

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8 – 9 Jul 2 days 1 night

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10 – 11 Jul 2 days 1 night

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12 – 13 Jul 2 days 1 night

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14 – 15 Jul 2 days 1 night

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16 – 17 Jul 2 days 1 night

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18 – 19 Jul 2 days 1 night

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20 – 21 Jul 2 days 1 night

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22 – 23 Jul 2 days 1 night

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24 – 25 Jul 2 days 1 night

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26 – 27 Jul 2 days 1 night

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28 – 29 Jul 2 days 1 night

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30 – 31 Jul 2 days 1 night

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1 – 2 Aug 2 days 1 night

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3 – 4 Aug 2 days 1 night

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5 – 6 Aug 2 days 1 night

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7 – 8 Aug 2 days 1 night

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9 – 10 Aug 2 days 1 night

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11 – 12 Aug 2 days 1 night

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13 – 14 Aug 2 days 1 night

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15 – 16 Aug 2 days 1 night

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17 – 18 Aug 2 days 1 night

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19 – 20 Aug 2 days 1 night

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21 – 22 Aug 2 days 1 night

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23 – 24 Aug 2 days 1 night

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25 – 26 Aug 2 days 1 night

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27 – 28 Aug 2 days 1 night

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29 – 30 Aug 2 days 1 night

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31 Aug – 1 Sep 2 days 1 night

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2 – 3 Sep 2 days 1 night

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4 – 5 Sep 2 days 1 night

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6 – 7 Sep 2 days 1 night

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8 – 9 Sep 2 days 1 night

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10 – 11 Sep 2 days 1 night

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12 – 13 Sep 2 days 1 night

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14 – 15 Sep 2 days 1 night

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16 – 17 Sep 2 days 1 night

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18 – 19 Sep 2 days 1 night

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20 – 21 Sep 2 days 1 night

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22 – 23 Sep 2 days 1 night

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24 – 25 Sep 2 days 1 night

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26 – 27 Sep 2 days 1 night

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28 – 29 Sep 2 days 1 night

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30 Sep – 1 Oct 2 days 1 night

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Reviews

O
Oksana

about provider

15 May, 2025

Good afternoon! First of all, I’d like to sincerely thank the staff of the Na Valga hotel complex for their attentive service, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality. Special thanks to Irina, the lead spa specialist, for her professional massages and other relaxing treatments for both body and soul — truly appreciated! :) The hotel is located on the outskirts of town, near a small village, about 10 minutes from the city center. You can get there easily by minibus or taxi. Taxis arrive quickly and are affordable — typically between 160 and 200 rubles to the center. In summer, there aren’t many tourists, which makes it perfect for enjoying peace and quiet. You can take leisurely walks along the beautiful and expansive riverside promenade, breathe in the scent of wildflowers and linden trees, and listen to the soothing chime of church bells. The air here is noticeably fresh and clean! :) We were offered a number of interesting excursions. I especially enjoyed the city sightseeing tour (thanks to our guide, Alyona). We also recommend visiting the Severnaya Chern factory, where we were shown the entire process of crafting silver jewelry and decorative items, along with the fascinating history of the enterprise. During a hands-on workshop, we got to engrave a coin ourselves and received a commemorative certificate and a handmade souvenir. It was a hit with both kids and adults. There’s also a shop on-site where you can purchase beautiful jewelry and other silver items featuring traditional blackening techniques. Another highlight of the trip was our visit to the residence of Father Frost. Summer is off-season, so there weren’t many visitors — we were able to explore everything at a relaxed pace. We joined a quest on a fairytale trail, walked through a glacier adorned with elegant ice sculptures, and toured the chambers of the residence’s magical owner. And of course, we got to meet Father Frost himself :) If you’re looking to escape the city, unwind, and treat yourself to some well-deserved care, we highly recommend a spa getaway in Veliky Ustyug!

Veliky Ustyug — the city of Russian saints