Extension for Moscow Tours: Sergiev Posaad

Day 1: Sergeev Posad

Your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Moscow and drive you to the Sergiev-Posad. The town was named after Saint Sergey Radonezhsky, who founded a monastery here in the XIV century. Eventually, the monastery became the center of Russian church and it now carries the name of Trinity Lavra of St. Sergey.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergey
The giant religious complex can be compared to Vatican. It is home to the Russian patriarch and a center of religious education. It was founded in 1345 as a home, monastery, and a fortress for monks and people.

After exploring the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergey you will have lunch at a local restaurant, after and then advance to Vladimir - one of the most fascinating cities in the Golden Ring of Russia. We will arrive to Vladimir in the evening, check in and have a dinner at a local hotel.

Day 2: Vladimir and Suzdal

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant followed by a city tour of Vladimir. This town is over 1000 years old. It was established by prince Vladimir (hence the name) and was one of the most prominent kingdoms of the ancient Russ. Vladimir was an important ally of Moscow kingdom it its quest to overcome kingdom of Tver' for domination over all Russian lands. To of the most famous sights in Vladimir are Uspensky and Dmitrovsky Cathedrals. The latter was established in the XII century and is now the oldest functioning church in Russia. We will also visit the Museum of Crystal Miniature.

Uspenskiy Cathedral
The construction of it started in XII century, at the same time with the defensive fortifications around the city. Cathedral is located on the hill above the city of Vladimir. The location choice was important, so that people would see that the God in a face of new religion of Christianity is above them, directing and helping them.

Lunch at a local restaurant will be followed by transfer to Suzdal.

Upon arrival to Suzdal, we will go inside of its beautiful white Kremlin and visit old marketplace called Krestovaya Palata. We will go inside of the museum of wooden architecture (traditionally, Russians have been great masters at it) and then we will listed to the Bells Concert at in Spaso-Efimievsky Monastery. After the tour of Suzdal your driver will take you back to your hotel in Moscow (or cruise, or airport, depending on your travel itinerary). You will arrive to Moscow around 07:30 pm.

The Kremlin of Suzdal
The oldest part of Suzdal is Kremlin, with a St. Maria Cathedral being a central part of it. North and South gates are made using a unique fire gold technique, and are one of the best saved monuments of the old Russ architecture and art.

Suzdal Museum of Wooden Art
At the other side of the river Kamenka, across the Kremlin of Suzdal, located famous Suzdal museum of wooden craft. Best wooden crafts, including everything from fork to buildings, were brought here from all over the Russia starting from XVI century. It is a small town by itself, where every piece of it is unique.