Which cities of the Golden Ring of Russia are in the classic travel itinerary? What is worth visiting and seeing? What to go on a trip - by car, boat or bus? Prices for tours, cruises, cost of living.
The phrase "Golden Ring" arose in the 70s of the last century - under this name Yuri Bychkov's literary works about ancient Russian cities were first published. Later the name was given to the most popular tourist route in the country.
Routes along the Golden Ring of Russia
Initially, the Union of cities that formed the classic route of the Golden Ring included eight settlements: Vladimir, Suzdal, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rostov Veliky, Pereslavl-Zalessky and Sergiev Posad. Kasimov and Kaluga joined later. Gradually, the list of attractions has expanded. Other route options were developed, including Uglich, Myshkin, Rybinsk, Tutaev, Ples, Yuryev-Polsky, Aleksandrov, Kaluga, Shuya, Murom and Moscow.
Prices for tours along the Golden Ring of Russia - 2021
Travels can be both along the Golden Ring of Russia and radial, the duration of which takes 2-3 days or 7-14 days. Prices for tours in 2021 depend on the excursion program and the duration of the trip. Weekend programs start at 7 thousand rubles. The cost of a classic bus tour for two for 4-6 days with meals and accommodation (half or full board) - from 25 thousand rubles.
Weekly cruises along the Golden Ring on a motor ship cost from 10 thousand rubles. per person. Prices depend on the ship, the cabin, the route chosen and the duration of the trip.
What to see. Classic route
Sergiev Posad. It is more convenient for Moscow residents to start their journey along the Golden Ring of Russia from this city - it is located closest to the capital. The asphalt surface is excellent and the whole road will take less than an hour. Most visited sites: Trinity-Sergius Lavra, Holy Spirit Hermitage, Chernigov Church and cave church. On weekends and holidays, there are always a lot of people here - pilgrims flock to the holy places.
Pereslavl-Zalessky - the next point of travel along the Golden Ring of Russia. This ancient city was founded by Yuri Dolgoruky. It is located on the shores of Lake Pleshcheevo. There are several Orthodox churches in the city, a manor-museum where the boat made by Peter the Great is kept, and the sacred Blue Stone - an object of worship of pagans and followers of non-traditional teachings. Children and adults alike will love Berendey's colorful house. There they sell wooden toys and amulets, arrange various master classes and excursions, and on holidays they hold noisy folk festivals.
Rostov the Great. Here tourists will find panoramas of the Rostov Kremlin, well recognizable thanks to the famous comedy directed by Gaidai, the Sarskoye settlement and the Life-giving cross in the village of Godenovo. Romantic couples should take a ride on the ancient Lake Nero (price from 300 to 550 rubles). If you get hungry, try Russian dishes and drinks: sbiten and mead will perfectly warm you in the cold season, and kvass and fruit drink will cool you in the heat.
Yaroslavl. Pay special attention to this city when traveling along the Golden Ring of Russia. Yaroslavl stands on the steep bank of the Volga and is famous for its Orthodox churches (there are more than 30 of them) and a magnificent historical center. The merchant ranks and old mansions are especially impressive for tourists. The art museum displays the works of Russian painters: Kramskoy, Bryullov, Repin, Perov, Kustodiev. Be sure to try the old fish soup, try on the weapons of the Russian heroes at Alyosha Compound and buy Poshekhonsky cheese on the lane.
Kostroma. This quiet and cozy city will appeal to lovers of Russian antiquity. Just what is the Ipatiev Monastery of the 14th century, the local ethnographic museum and the fabulous tower of the White-faced Snow Maiden! Find out what to see in Kostroma.
Suzdal. Walk along the streets with wooden houses, visit the Suzdal Kremlin and the Golden Storeroom, get to know the way of life of our ancestors in the Museum of Wooden Architecture. And what cucumbers are sold here - you don't want to, but buy, so local residents know how to praise their goods. Check out our route of walking around Suzdal.
Ivanovo. The weavers' abode with its colorful calicoes and new buildings will seem too young and not so significant, but you can buy excellent souvenirs here.
Vladimir. This is the end point of the journey along the Golden Ring of Russia. The city is famous for its Golden Gate. It's a good omen to get into the city through them. Popular among tourists are the Assumption Cathedral with the works of Andrei Rublev himself, the Rozhdestvensky Monastery, Trading Rows, Kozlov Val and Cathedral Square. Excellent panoramic photos are obtained from the observation deck.
Where to go
By car
Independent travelers can travel along the Golden Ring of Russia in their own car. The road surface is good in most areas, and you can spend the night anywhere. The cost of hotel rooms for two people ranges from 900 rubles. up to 2.5 thousand per day. Better to book in advance, especially if the trip is planned for the holidays.
By bus
Of all the options offered, travel along the Golden Ring of Russia by bus is the most popular. The distance between the two nearest cities of the classical ring is no more than 100 km, and most of the travelers will be looking at the sights rather than being on the way.
On the boat
In summer, travel along the Golden Ring of Russia on a motor ship is in demand. Cruises take place along navigable rivers, so they cannot cover all cities and key points of the ring. By water you can visit Ples, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Uglich, Myshkin, Tutaev, Rybinsk and Ryazan.
By train
It is convenient to get by train only to certain large cities - for example, Vladimir or Yaroslavl.
