A Private, Historical and Cultural Tour Golden Ring
Itinerary at a glance: Day 1 Arrive in Moscow Day 2 To Yaroslav via Rostov Day 3 To Ploys via Kostroma Day 4 Ploys Day 5 Ploys Day 6 To Suzdal Day 7 Kovrov Day 8 Yuriev Polskiy Day 9 Drive to Moscow Day 10 Depart Moscow DAY 1
Arrive in Moscow
Upon arrival in Moscow you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Afternoon is at leisure to get acclimated. If you wish, you can take a short stroll to Red Square. Once a large open-air market, Red Square is now the heart of Russian political life. G.U.M. (the largest Russian department store) has come back to life and is once again one of the leading retail centers of the city.
Exeter Services Arrival transfer (one included)
Hotel Four Seasons Moscow DAY 2
Moscow - Yaroslavl
This morning you will leave Moscow behind and depart to the magnificent cities of the “Golden Ring”- the “Mesopotamia” of Russian civilization.
Your first stop today will be Sergeiev Posad (formerly Zagorsk): the capital of the Russian Orthodox Church. This fortress is the foundation of the Russian Orthodox Church and contains some of the most beautiful churches and buildings in Russia. It is a working monastery that houses the oldest and most prestigious schools for priests and icon painting.
You will have the opportunity to see how Russians live outside of the city as you travel through typical Russian villages on the way to Sergeiev Posad, approximately 1.5 hour’s drive from Moscow. Upon arrival, you will see some of the most spectacular cathedrals in Russia, especially the Trinity St. Sergius Monastery. This monastery has been the single most important spiritual center in Russia for well over 600 years. Your Exeter guide will arrange for a local monastery guide to show you inside any cathedrals you may wish to see. Two, the Assumption Cathedral and the Refectory with St. Sergius Church, are usually closed to the public, so you will get a glimpse into these extraordinary cathedrals.
Later you will drive north of Moscow into the countryside, through the towns of Zagorsk and Pereslavl. Your first stop today will be the ancient fairy tale town of Rostov. With its classic Russian kremlin (fortress), abundant gold domes and silver spires, Rostov’s beauty dazzles its visitors. Be sure to see the art form that is the trademark of the city- exquisite enamel work. You may stop at one of Rostov’s small cafes for lunch (cost of lunch is not included).
Next you will come to tonight’s destination, Yaroslavl. Famous for its ornate frescoes and ornamentation, you will understand why some call Yaroslavl the “Florence of Russia.” After a brief break at your hotel to freshen up, your guide will take you on a walk through this charming town situated at the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl rivers. Your guide will take you to visit the 17th Century Spassky Monastery, the highlight of the city.
Overnight in Yaroslavl.
Special Note: Your timing, while traveling in the Golden Ring is very fluid. Your guide will discuss the times for departure and touring on a daily basis.
Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide
Hotel SK Royal Hotel
DAY 3
Yaroslavl to Ploys
This morning explore Yaroslavl with your guide.
Later today continue your journey with a drive to the quaint town of Kostroma. Don’t miss the Ipatiev Monastery, which served as a refuge for Russian nobility during the Tatar invasions.
Today continue your journey to Russia’s heartland with a visit to the artist colony of Plyos, located two to three hours by car from Suzdal. This charming village is located on the Volga River and features 19th century cottages and a serene atmosphere.
For the next three nights, you will be staying in one of the most unique hotels in Russia. Your accommodation will be a private, historic home in the village with the full services of a hotel. Breakfast will be brought into your home in the morning, so you can enjoy the day at a leisurely pace and explore on foot the entire village, all just steps from your “home.” Staying in the guesthouse is like taking a step back in time, to a simpler Russia.
Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide
Hotel Gromov Mansion DAY 4
Plyos
Today explore Plyos with your guide.
If you like, you can visit the house-museum of the landscape painter Isaac Levitan. Levitan was a resident of Plyos and many of his paintings were inspired by the stunning, quintessential landscape of the Volga as it runs through Pylos. You may also visit Cathedral Hill for a magnificent view of the Volga and town. If you appreciate traditional Russian crafts, you may want to visit the Handicraft Industries museum, featuring jewelry, linen, miniature lacquer painting and embroidery.
Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide
Hotel Gromov Mansion DAY 5
Plyos
Enjoy Plyos at your leisure. If you like, you could take a drive to Palekh, located just under two hours away. This is the home of Russian lacquer painting and icon painting.
Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide
Hotel Gromov Mansion DAY 6
To Suzdal
Today continue with a drive to Suzdal. Nestled along the Kamenka River, Suzdal will charm you with the contours of its landscape, domed churches and classic white-walled monasteries. The total drive will take three to four hours, depending on traffic.
Today you may also visit the Museum of Wooden and Peasant Architecture. Founded in 1960, this open air museum features outstanding examples of Russian country architecture. You will find windmills, a church and several wooden houses – all from different villages in the Vladimir region.
There were once fifteen monasteries and convents in Suzdal, but today only five survive. You may visit any you wish. The most interesting is definitely the Spaso-Yevfimieyev Monastery, whose buildings house a museum. Another interesting visit is the Convent of the Intercession, widely known as a place of lifetime exile for women of aristocratic birth.
If you are interested, end the day with a sampling of homemade Russian mead at the Suzdal Mead Factory. Sold across Russia in small brown bottles, this local factory makes a wide variety of this medieval drink. You may choose to sample as many as you like, all spiced with different flavors, including hops, juniper, pepper and even horseradish.
Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide
Hotel Pushkarskaya Sloboda DAY 7
Kovrov
Today you will venture out to Kovrov, town just outside of Suzdal. You will explore its charming churches and of course the Kremlin.
Later today you will be driven back to Suzdal.
Exeter Extraordinary Experience Your special dinner this evening will be in a private home in Suzdal – a simple, but traditional Russian meal of natural foods from the dacha garden. Cost of dinner is included in your program.
Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide
Hotel Pushkarskaya Sloboda DAY 8
Yuriev Polskyi
Today travel outside of Suzdal to explore the town of Yuriev Polsky. The great Battle of Lipitsa was fought near the town in 1216. In 1238, Yuryev was sacked by the Mongols. A century later, it was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Moscow. The chief monument of the Muscovite period is the walled Monastery of Archangel Michael, originally founded in the 13th century. Several miles from Yuryev, on the bank of the Yakhroma River, stands the Kosmin Cloister, whose structures are typical for the mid-17th century.
Later today you will be driven back to Suzdal.
Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide
Hotel Pushkarskaya Sloboda DAY 9
Suzdal – Moscow
Depart Suzdal for your journey back to Moscow. Today you will stop in the ancient fairy tale town of Rostov.
En-route you will stop at the beautiful city of Vladimir. Tucked into a green valley and surrounded by forests and lakes, this ancient city was once one of Russia's strongest principalities. Like Suzdal, Vladimir dates to the 12th-century and is considered to be one of the most unique Russian towns in existence. Before there was a Moscow, Vladimir was the seat of power for the entire region.
Later this afternoon arrive in Moscow and transfer to you hotel.
Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide
Hotel Four Seasons Moscow DAY 10
Thursday, September 22 Moscow – Onward
Today you will be met and transferred to the airport to catch your onward flight. Please note this flight is not included in program cost.
Exeter Services Departure transfer
What Is Included
Accommodations
Moscow One (1) Premier Room for One (1) night at the Four Seasons Moscow Hotel, including tax and daily buffet breakfast
Overlooking Red Square and the Kremlin, the Four Seasons Moscow features Stalin era architecture and design & 21st century comforts with intuitive Four Seasons service.
Four Seasons Moscow offers 180 spacious and comfortable guest rooms and suites, with many featuring one-of-a kind room layouts, inspired by the unique design of this historic building. There are nearly 40 room variations, starting at a spacious 431 square feet. Accommodations are located from the fourth to tenth floors. The five restaurants and bars at Four Seasons Hotel Moscow feature wide variety from authentic Italian cuisine to regional specialties.
Four Seasons Moscow décor includes elements of the 1930s Russian constructivist design of the original Hotel Moskva – in spaces that are bright, airy and contemporary. Modern bathrooms feature large panels of richly grained marble. Details include a double vanity, private water closet, separate shower and deep soaking bathtub. All guest rooms feature plasma screen televisions, iHome docking stations, along with two-line telephones and high-speed internet access (for a fee). Most bathrooms have built-in LCD televisions in the mirror. All suites include a state-of-the-art no-smoke fireplace, among other lavish details. The bathrooms of specialty suites feature a high-tech infrared sauna.
The hotel is also home to the Amnis Spa located on the fifth floor. This state of the art day spa facility measures almost 32,292 square feet, including a hair salon, nail bar, 24-hour Fitness Center and a lap pool in a glass-roofed courtyard. This is scheduled to open in early 2015.
Premier Rooms: Spacious Premier Rooms feature a king or two double beds, and range in size from 430 to 635 square feet. Found on floors 4 through 9, Premier Rooms have a view of the State Duma and dynamic city life. The luxurious marble bathroom offers a deep soaking tub, separate shower, changing area, water closet, two vanities, telephone and television.
Yaroslavl One (1) Deluxe Room for One (1) night at the SK Royal Hotel, including tax and daily buffet breakfast.
Plyos One (1) Gromov Mansion for Three (3) nights at the Sobornaya Sloboda, including tax and daily buffet breakfast
Suzdal One (1) Russian Podvorye Room for Three (3) nights at the Pushkarskaya Sloboda Hotel, including tax and daily buffet breakfast.
Moscow One (1) Premier Room for One (1) nights at the Four Seasons Moscow Hotel, including tax and daily buffet breakfast
Meals No meals included, other than breakfast as described above. Your final documents will include our top recommendations. Your guides will recommend restaurants that fit your exact needs daily.
Services Private vehicle, driver and guide at your service as described. A full day is generally eight hours in duration. A half-day is generally three hours in duration. The timing for each day is noted in your program.
Exeter International’s local offices are available for your assistance 24 hours per day while you are traveling. Our local staff may also assist you with restaurant reservations and purchasing of additional theater and museum tickets at your request.
Transportation All transfers to and from airports are included in the program. Unless otherwise noted, all transfer service is with a driver only, not a guide. In general, drivers have limited English-speaking skills. Evening transportation is not included unless specifically noted in your itinerary. Timing for each day is noted in your program.
Guides Hand chosen for their knowledge on local history, art & architecture. Guides are at your disposal as noted in your itinerary.
Tickets All entrance tickets as described in the program.
Exeter International Travel Information BAGGAGE The vehicles reserved for your itinerary can accommodate up to two medium-sized suitcases per person. If you intend to travel with additional luggage, please advise your travel consultant so appropriate arrangements may be made. In general, we schedule a sedan for parties of two, a minivan for parties of three to four and a minibus for parties of five or more.
SIGHTSEEING Sightseeing arrangements have been made with your special interests in mind. Your drivers and guides are at your disposal for full or half-day sightseeing programs as indicated in the itinerary. Within those time and mileage guidelines, your driver and guide are at your disposal, so you are free to modify your program as you please. Should you require additional time or mileage, the costs will be quoted on request and may be paid for locally in the local currency or U.S. Dollars.
Every effort has been made to confirm that scheduled sightseeing venues will be open at the time you plan to visit them. However, individual estates, museums, gardens and other points of interest can change their hours of operation at short notice. In the event that a particular attraction is closed on the day or time of your visit, your guide will offer alternative arrangements or rearrange your sightseeing to accommodate these unexpected events.
OPTIONAL EXPENSES Charges for extra meals, transport, sightseeing services or other optional additions to your established itinerary are your responsibility and must be paid locally in the local currency.
GRATUITIES Gratuities are not included in your tour price. Gratuities are at your own discretion. We recommend $15- $20 per person, per day for your guide and $5 - $10 per person, per day for your driver. For your airport or station transfer, a gratuity of $5 - $10 is customary, based on service. Dollars, Euros and any local currency are all accepted.
DINING WITH YOUR GUIDE On days when dinner and lunch costs have not been included in your itinerary (or in your tour cost), you may, at your discretion, choose to invite your guide to dine with your party. You are under no obligation to do so but, if you do extend such an invitation, the guide is your guest and you will be responsible for the cost of his/her meal.
Booking Conditions PAYMENTS Exeter International must receive a deposit of 25% of the total program cost before reservations for your independent travel program can be initiated. The balance of payment is due 60 days prior to departure. No reservations are made on your behalf until this deposit has been received. Availability and pricing is subject to change until this deposit is received. All deposits are nonrefundable.
CANCELLATION Written cancellations received less than 60 days prior to departure are subject to the following forfeit of tour cost • 59-14 days prior to departure, 50% of total tour cost • 14 or less days prior to departure, 100% of tour cost
REFUNDS We regret that refunds cannot be issued for arrangements confirmed on your itinerary but unused once your tour has begun.
INSURANCE Exeter International strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance to protect your investment. You will find insurance costs noted on your invoice and insurance coverage information in your original booking packet.
PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS Once an itinerary is finalized and final payment has been made, a $100 revision fee will be charged if the itinerary is changed.
The tour price includes planning, handling and operational charges. Rates are quoted in US Dollars on the current rate of exchange and tariff as of 2017. Exeter International reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. Devaluation of a foreign currency will be weighed against any tariff increases imposed. Exeter International does not breakdown costs involved in any Small Group or Individual Travel Program.
All arrangements are subject to availability and modification if necessary. Prices are subject to change if necessary until paid in full.
Exeter International www.Exeterinternational.com 111 South Dakota Avenue │ Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone: (813) 251-5355 │ (800) 633-1008 │ Fax: (813) 251-6685