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Often referred to as the “Mesopotamia” of Russian civilization, the Golden Ring is the name given to the necklace of ancient towns and villages that circle Moscow. Most are older than even Moscow itself and all are extremely well-preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into a world long lost in larger Russian towns. We like to focus on Suzdal, the best-preserved and most historic village of all, making it the base for exploration for two nights. Suzdal is the “Colonial Williamsburg” of Russia, where wooden homes are still decorated in traditional Russian style, with brightly painted and intricately carved roofs, window boxes filled with flowers. Horse-drawn carriages still ply the streets and pathways through town.
Starting off into the Golden Ring, we recommend a stop in the ancient fairytale town of Rostov. With its classic Russian kremlin (fortress), abundant gold domes and silver spires, Rostov’s beauty dazzles. Yaroslavl is famous for its ornate frescoes and ornamentation; once there, you will quickly understand why some call this town the “Florence of Russia.” Yaroslavl is more of a city than a village, and, in the 17th century, was the second largest city of Russia, after Moscow. Don’t miss a visit to the Spassky Monastery, dating from the 12th century.
In Depth
Slightly farther afield, you will come across one of the true gems of the Golden Ring: the village of Plyos. We feel this perfectly preserved village is well worth the extra kilometers, as this is the only place in Russia that allows you step back in time and stay in authentic village homes, experiencing village life as it has not been seen in Russia since the 20th century.
All private travel is customized based on your specific interests, travel dates, included experiences, entrance fees and hotel choices. Sample pricing is listed in the back of the brochure, but exact prices vary according to travel dates.
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