Goldon Ring Overview
The Golden Ring around Moscow consists of several historical towns, all well worth a visit. Velikiy Novgorod - Suzdal and Vladimir are praised in every guide book. We offer the best of what the Golden Ring has to offer in a range of add-on modules which can start in either Moscow or St Petersburg and which go between Moscow and St Petersburg.
We can also book the direct train from Moscow to St Petersburg if you do not have an interest in the other Cities.
See the train options
and tour packages on the next page
Also in this section
Vladimir
Vladimir holds the key to the best of Russian creativity, with
its world reknown stone architecture and awe-inspiring performances.
Today the city provides an atmosphere that nurtures spiritual values
that underlies the work of recognized creative collections, artists,
musicians, and writers. From the beautiful carvings and paintings
of the Assumption Cathedral, to the grandeur of the Golden Gates,
Vladimir offers a spectacular view of a history rich in culture
and traditions.
Suzdal
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Suzdal
has a population of only 12,000 but ample evidence of it's past
importance can be seen in the sheer number of churches and monasteries
which appear at almost every turn and view in this walkable town.
As Suzdal is federally protected development has been limited and
the town has none of the Soviet sprawl of ugly apartment blocks
and the lack of any rundown industry so common to almost every
other Russian town you come across means the air is clean and the
waters of the meandering Kamenka river clear.
There's a lot of green space in Suzdal and in summer the meadows are lush and
full of flowers. For those who make it in winter the sight of countless onion
domes drapped in snow is well worth the cold temperatures.
The majority of houses off Suzdal's main street, Ul Lenina, are constructed of
wood in the traditional Siberian style that you may have seen in Irkutsk in particular.
Navigation around suzdal is easy and most sights can be visted by foot – one
way or another everything is off Ul Lenina with the town's focal point being
the trading arcades where banks and restaurants can be found.
You will have a guided tour which gives a good introduction to the town. After that enjoy wandering around yourself. It's a challenge to get lost and fairytale views are around almost every corner.
Velikiy Novgorod
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Velikiy Novgorod (Cyrillic: Вели́кий Но́вгород)
situated on the main route from Moscow to St Petersburg and so
makes a convenient stopover.
It is the oldest city in Slavic Russia dating from 859 (despite that Novgorod
literally means “new city”) and became the second most important city after Kiev.
According to a custom, the elder son and heir of the ruling Kievan monarch was
sent to rule Novgorod even as a minor. Of all their princes, Novgorodians cherished
most the memory of Yaroslav the Wise, who promulgated their first written code
of laws (later incorporated into Russkaya Pravda) and sponsored construction
of the great St Sophia Cathedral, standing to this day and the highlight of any
visit to the city. As a sign of gratitude for helping him to defeat his elder
brother and obtain the Kievan throne, Yaroslav conferred numerous privileges
on the city.
