Here you will found yourself in the atmosphere of Old Russia filled with historical events, ancient architectural items and etc. The town of Vladimir is considered to be the pearl of Golden Ring. You'll be plunged into the history of 12th century while seeing such monuments as the Assumption Cathedral, St. Demetrius Cathedral, Golden Gates, etc. After visiting Vladimir you will be moved to Bogolyubovo - another charming provincial town near Vladimir that is famous for its Monastery and Church of the Intercession-on-Nerl.

08:00 Transfer from your hotel to the railway station. A driver will wait for you at the lobby of your hotel or place where you stay. (OPTIONAL)

Please note that the check-in for Russian trains starts 30 minutes before departure. You must have your passport with you and present it at check-in.

09:30 Departure from Moscow to Vladimir

The way to Vladimir takes 1h 40min. Stations are announced in Russian and English. The train only has a two-minute stop in Vladimir, so be ready to get off in advance.

11:14 Meeting your English-speaking guide and the driver at the Vladimir train station. 

City tour of Vladimir – on this tour you will visit the main sights of the city:

·  Assumption cathedral– this is an outstanding monument of Rus before the Mongol-Tatar Invasion, dating from 1189. It is one of the few churches where frescos by Andrey Rublev have survived.

·  St Demetrius’ Cathedral – another masterpiece of ancient Russian architecture. It was built in 1197. 556 carved stones decorate the cathedral and create a magical view of the world where Christian motives stand side by side with more pagan images.

·  Golden Gates – this structure includes a triumphal arch and a gate-church which was built in 1164 during the reign of Andrey Bogolyubsky. It is a unique monument of ancient Rus military architecture. Similar gates were erected in Kiev at the time, but these have not survived.

Lunch (own expense)

Transfer to Bogolyubovo (10 km). Bogolyubovo can be translated as 'God-loving'. Appropriately, it is famous for its UNESCO-protected monastery and Intercession Church on the Nerl which is considered a masterpiece of Russian church architecture and the reason for visiting. On this tour you will visit the main sights:

·  The Bogolyubovo Convent with the remains of the Palace of the Prince, 1157

·  The Church of the Intervention on the Nerl, 1165, is believed to be a perfect temple of ancient Russia due to harmony of its proportions. It stands on a small hill in the field and fits perfectly into the surrounding landscape. The most notable highlight of the church is white stone carving on the facades depicting beautiful girls’ faces and King David surrounded by fantastic animals. According to calculations of researchers, a carver was to spend about 3.5 thousand days creating this rich ornament

17:00 Transfer back to Vladimir train station. 

18:00 Lastochka High-Speed train back to Moscow. 

20:00 Arrival in Moscow. Transfer to your hotel. A driver will wait for you next to your wagon. (OPTIONAL)