VLADIMIR – The history of this town goes back over one thousand years. It was founded in the 990's on the banks of the river Klyazma by Prince Vladimir. The rise of Vladimir began under Andrey Bogolubsky, the son of Yuri Dolgoruki who founded Moscow. During the city tour you will visit the famous twelfthI century cathedrals and view the Golden Gates.

BOGOLYUBOVO – This former residence of Andrey Bogolyubski, is located only a few miles from Vladimir. This tour includes an excursion to the Svyato-Bogolyubsky Monastery and Pokrova-na-Nerli Church. The church is renowed as a masterpiece of ancient Russian architecture, dating from 1164. It stands on a small hill among extensive wetland gardens.

SUZDAL – This is considered the most interesting stop whithin the Golden Ring. More than 100 architectural treasures, dating from different periods of the past millenium are concentrated within Suzdal including, the Kremlin, trading rows, several monasteries, many large and small churches, the well known museum-town of wooden architecture, Krestovaya Palata, and much more.

KOSTROMA – This town was first mentioned in the Chronicles in 1237. Contemporary Kostroma is a picturesque city with a strong historical atmosphere. The town is famous for its Trade Galleries, fire-watch tower, Romanov’s Palace and Ipatiev Monastery, which is recognized as a true miracle of Russian architecture.

YAROSLAVL - Though this city is the largest and busiest city of the route we travel, it has retained the easy going style of provincial life from long ago. Yaroslavl has a rich collection of historical and artistic monuments. It is also known for its wall-paintings in its numerous cathedrals and churches. Another highlight of the tour is the visit to the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery and Ilya-Prophet Church.

ROSTOV THE GREAT - One of the oldest cities on the route, this city is located by beautiful Lake Nero. The enormous cathedral from the 16th century and its "metropoly" are considered the ancient city center, the so-called "Rostov Kremlin". Its towers impress all with their white-stone architecture. The town is also famous for the "Rostov Finift" museum.

PERESLAVL ZALESSKY – This town, located nearby the wonderful Plescheevo Lake, looks as if there are more ancient churches than hotels, cafes and shops put together. The most ancient church in North East Russia, Saviour-Transfuguration Cathedral, is found here. It was built in the middle of the twelfth century.

SERGIEV POSAD (ZAGORSK) –This town was named after Saint Sergey Radonezhsky. In the XIV century Radonezhsky founded a monastery that was to become one of the greatest in Russia. Today, the monastery carries the name of Trinity Lavra of St. Sergey and is considered to be the "Russian Vatican". It is also the temporary residence of the Russian patriarch.