On Day 1, we depart vibrant Moscow. It only takes a little less than two hours to travel back in time by express train. Bypassing Moscow’s famous traffic jams, we arrive in Vladimir town, where time stands still. What distinguishes our Golden Ring tours from so many others is our no-rush approach and our careful selection of highlights; you’ll get so much more from each of the locations you visit with Discovery Russia. UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Suzdal, Vladimir, Yaroslavl, traditional wooden architecture and Romanov dynastic heritage in Kostroma, the Mother Volga River, the iconic landscapes of Plyos, as depicted by many acclaimed Russian painters now exhibited in the State Tretyakov Gallery •, the old Kremlin of Rostov, manorial estates of famous poets and noble Russian families and art and crafts master classes, great local museums, Local food and drinks, including Suzdal’s famous “medovukha” - there is so much to explore during your Golden Ring tours of Russia! Discover the best of tours to Russia with Russian destination experts.

Amazing stone carvings on the twelfth century snow-white cathedrals (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Andrei Rublev’s stunning frescoes are what we love most about this town, which was the capital of North-East Russia a few hundred years ago.

Visit a private family blacksmith to learn about this ancient local master craft and forge your first Russian souvenir. Have lunch in an authentic local restaurant, serving only traditional Russian food. Life goes at a slower pace here, as may the local service too; but your patience will be repaid with delicious flavours on your plate, and local specialities.

After lunch, we’ll drive to the peaceful village of Bogolyubovo to visit arguably the most stunning Orthodox church in the world, the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin on the Nerl River. Legend has it that this church became so beautiful thanks to the Russian tradition of ‘letting things be’. The church had been scheduled to be demolished, but the project failed halfway through due to lack of financing. Only the aisles were removed, and, as a result, the main building now looks airy and uncluttered. The location is remote and untouched by civilization and the scenery is so typically Russian that it looks as if time literally has stood still.

Then, we transfer to Suzdal, a comfortable forty-five-minute drive away. After your busy day of sightseeing, you’ll be free to spend the evening enjoying the scenery and relaxing. Have dinner in an authentic restaurant with local specialities; including the famous “medovukha”, a local beverage brewed from honey, similar to mead.