Veliky Ustyug — the city of Russian saints

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
from
$196
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
2 Days
1 Night
Departures
  • Group departures
    • 6 – 7 June
    • 8 – 9 June
    • 10 – 11 June
    • 12 – 13 June
or
Accommodation
  • Hotel
    2 nights
Comfort
  • Upscale
Difficulty
Easy
Suitable for everyone
Group
From 2 to 20 tourists
Minimum age
4 years old
Group meet at
Vologda region, Velikoustyugsky municipal district, Valga settlement
Contact the tour coordinator
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.

    1 more photo
  • Day 2 - Museum of Ancient Art. Mikhailo-Arkhangelsk Monastery. The Museum of Nature. Museum of New Year and Christmas Toys
Difficulty
Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

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.

The Hotel on Valga 2 nights

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.

2 more photos

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

Are plane tickets included in the price of the tour?

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

Is insurance included in the price of the tour?
Can there be any changes in the program?
What discounts are available on the tour?

Dates and Prices

  • Individual dates available on request
    1 Apr – 30 Sep
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    No need to pay now
  • $196
    6 – 7 Jun 2 days 1 night
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    No need to pay now
  • $196
    8 – 9 Jun 2 days 1 night
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    No need to pay now
  • $196
    10 – 11 Jun 2 days 1 night
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    No need to pay now
  • $196
    12 – 13 Jun 2 days 1 night
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    No need to pay now
  • $196
    14 – 15 Jun 2 days 1 night
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    No need to pay now

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!