Weekend tour to Rostov Veliky and Yaroslavl - uVisitRussia
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Weekend tour to Rostov Veliky and Yaroslavl

A weekend tour to Rostov and Yaroslavl is an excellent way to escape the busy metropolis of Moscow and enjoy picturesque views of Russian provincial cities and their special charm.

The Golden Ring of Russia is one of the most popular tourist routes in Russia. Although various cities are often included on the list of Golden Ring cities, the original list only consists of eight cities with Yaroslav considered the unofficial capital, due to the large number of architectural monuments which still stand here. In fact, the whole historical centre is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many significant events in Russian history also took place in this city.  Rostov Veliky – this city is 60km from Yaroslavl and much more provincial. However its kremlin is nothing short of magnificent with its white walls and the many domes of its churches, with the tranquil Lake Nero providing the backdrop. It is a view which has inspired many Russian folk stories and will undoubtedly leave an impression on you too.

Type: Small Group Tours
Duration: 2 days

Itinerary Hide all details

Day 1: Rostov Veliky

07:35 - Departure of the express train to Rostov Veliky from Moscow’s Yaroslavsky Railway Station. This stretch of track is part of the historical route of the Trans-Siberian Railways. (Duration: 2h35)

Arrival in Rostov Veliky. Your guide will wait for you outside your carriage.

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

Rostov Kremlin - this large and beautiful architectural complex, although called a kremlin due to its appearance was originally built as a residence for the archbishop in the 1660s. Archbishop Iona Sysoevich of Rostov ordered the construction to create a centre of Orthodoxy in his parish and in addition to this kremlin he also founded other monasteries in the region.

Dormition Cathedral – the main cathedral in the kremlin is the Dormition Cathedral, one of the masterpieces of Russian church architecture. Today's version is already the fifth incarnation to stand here and dates from the 16th century, before Archbishop Iona's construction project. The cathedral was built using Moscow's Dormition Cathedral as a model. Several Rostov princes and bishops are interred inside, including Archbishop Iona.

Rostov Belfry – this belfry is perhaps the most famous in Russia. It was completed in 1681 and its unique bells each have a name – the oldest and largest is known as Sysoy and weights 33 tonnes.

Museum of Rostov Finift – many Russian cities have become famous for a traditional form of handicraft created there and in Rostov Veliky's case it is for its finift. Finift is prepared by created a picture using glass powder and enamel on a metallic base. The glass coating is long-lasting and does not fade with time, allowing finift products to keep their shine and purity. The technique was invented in France but further developed in Rostov where a new form was created.

Lake Nero – this lake was formed before the last ice age and is believed to be almost 500,000 years old.It is the largest lake in the Yaroslavl Region.

Spaso-Yakovlevsky Monastery – the most beautiful monastery in Rostov, it is located on the shores of Lake Nero. The oldest structure here is the cathedral which dates from 1686. Its frescos have also survived.

Duration: 3h |  Transportation: by a private car

Free time in the city.

17:00 - Transfer from Vladimir to your hotel in Suzdal. (Distance: 60km)

18:00 - Arrival in Yaroslavl. 

Night in Yaroslavl.

Day 2: Yaroslavl

Breakfast at your hotel.

City tour around Yaroslavl -  the highlights of this tour include:

Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery – this ancient 13th century monastery is considered the main sight in Yaroslavl and often mistaken for a kremlin. It was here that the only surviving example of the ancient Russian literary masterpiece – The Tale of Igor's Campaign - was discovered at the end of the 18th century.

Transfiguration Cathedral – the oldest surviving building in Yaroslavl. It was built between 1506 and 1516 on the site of an even earlier cathedral by architects from Moscow sent to Yaroslavl by Grand Prince Vasily III.

Beheading of St John the Baptist Church at Tolchkovo  - this is one of the most striking examples of Yaroslavl’s architecture and its architects broke with several rules of Russian architecture.  The church’s two side chapels are at the same height as the main part and all three sections are topped with five decorative domes which gives the impression of a 15-domed church. At the turn of the 18th century a six-tier Moscow-baroque bell tower was erected next to the church.  At 45 metres high, it stands as tall as the church's central dome. Both the church and the bell tower are the tallest in Yaroslavl.

Volga Embankment – the Volga embankment is one of the most beautiful places in Yaroslavl. It runs along the embankment and was first laid out in the 19th century. Many historical buildings and unique churches are located along the embankment. Several gazebos are also found here which have become favourite places for taking photographs, especially for newlyweds.

St Elijah the Prophet’s Church – this is one of the most outstanding monuments of the Yaroslavl school of architecture and fresco painting. Its frescos, depicting various stories and themes, date from the 17th century and have been completely preserved. The church also has five iconostases. Its central one is considered one of the best examples of 17th century Russian iconostases. Duration: 3 hours Transportation: by private car

Duration: 3.5 h | Transport: by a private car.

Free time in the city.

18:30 - Transfer from your hotel to the railway station in Yaroslavl.

19:30 - Express train to Moscow. (Duration: 3h20)

22:50 - Arrival in Moscow.

What's included

  • Individual excursions according to the programme.
  • Entrance tickets to the museums
  • Transfers in a private car according to the programme.
  • Railway tickets from Moscow to Rostov and from Yaroslavl to Moscow in 2nd class
  • Accommodation in a hotel of a category of your choice, central location, standard DBL rooms with breakfast.
  • 24h emergency support during the tour
  • Visa support documents
Not included in the price
  • Transfer to/from Moscow Railway Station
  • Meals (except for breakfast where stated).
  • Tips for the guides and drivers.
  • Optional excursions.
Additional expenses

OPTIONAL EXTRA - ROSTOV:

Guided Tour of the Rostov Finift Factory

  • 1-2 PAX - 123 USD
  • 3-4 PAX - 162 USD
  • 5-6 PAX - 208 USD
  • 7-8 PAX - 245 USD

Boat Trip around Lake Nero (from May to October only)

  • 1-2 PAX - 64 USD
  • 3-4 PAX - 128 USD
  • 5-6 PAX - 191 USD
  • 7-8 PAX - 255 USD

Excursion to the Borisoglebsky Monastery

  • 1-2 PAX - 101 USD
  • 3-4 PAX - 152 USD
  • 5-6 PAX - 228 USD
  • 7-8 PAX - 304 USD
Additional info
  • The tour is planned for starting on Saturday and ending on Sunday, but it is possible on any day except for Monday when the museums are closed.
  • Optional excursions should be booked before the start of the tour to schedule the itinerary.
  • During the high season (from May to September) and on public holidays we recommend you book in advance as Rostov Veliky and Yaroslavl are popular tourist destinations.
  • All excursions/guided tours included in the itinerary are private which means private guides and private transport along the programme - unless otherwise stated.
  • The tour is suitable for travellers with children.
  • Best time to travel on this route: from the end of April to mid-October and from December to mid-March.

Price

Price packagePrice per person
Cost of the tour (3*hotels)
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Cost of the tour (4*hotels)
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Visa

Russian visa support (Russian visa invitation letter) is included.

Sights included in program

Moscow : Golden Ring
One of the most fascinating regions in Russia is the famous 'Golden Ring' of cities to the northeast of Moscow. This ancient heart of Russia with its old whitewashed city walls and venerable onion-domed churches created the world's definition of medieval Rus. In this enchanted region - which has remained relatively untouched by tourist crowds - time stands still. The main currents of history ignored these cities, leaving towns such as Vladimir, S... Read more
Golden Ring : Yaroslavl
Yaroslavl makes a lasting impression on people from all parts of the world. Yaroslavl is possibly one of the most ancient settlements of Russians on the Volga River. An ancient legend says that construction began on the city's fortress on the site where Yaroslav the Wise slew a bear. The fortress quickly became a vibrant city on the crossroads of trade routes. Today, Yaroslavl is one of the most popular tourist destinations, and the unofficial c... Read more
Golden Ring : Rostov the Great
Known since the 9th century Rostov the Great is one of the oldest city of Russia and one of most interesting stops of the Golden Ring tour. This fascinating town, whose very stones embody the inexhaustible genius of Russian masters, has retained for us a heritage which arouses deep emotions and enriches everyone who appreciates artistic accomplishments of past ages. The exceptional role of this town in the development of Russian culture and its u... Read more
Church of Elijah the Prophet, standing on Sovetskaya Square in the center of Yaroslavl, is an outstanding architectural monument of Yaroslavl school of architecture of the 17th century. This church almost completely preserved its original appearance. Read more
Church of St. John the Baptist is one of the most famous monuments of the Yaroslavl architecture. It is a monument of history and culture of world importance included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. Read more
Yaroslavl starts from the Spassky monastery (Saviour monastery), that was founded in the 12th century at the place where Kotorosl river meets Volga river. The main entrance to the monastery were the Saint gates (Svyatye vorota), that were built in 1516, but were changed since then (the decorations and the small church on top were added in 1621). Read more
Rostov the Great : Rostov-Veliky Kremlin
Rostov-Veliky’s main attraction is unashamedly photogenic. Though founded in the 12th century, most of the buildings date to the 1670s and 1680s. Read more
Rostov the Great : Spaso-Yakovlevsky Monastery
Spaso-Yakovlevsky (Savior monastery of St. Jacob) monastery is the second most important sight of Rostov after the Rostov Kremlin. When coming to the city you must have a tour of the monastery and ascend on the corner tower of the monastery overlooking Lake Nero. From the tower you can have a very beautiful view on all cathedrals of the monastery, as well as Lake Nero. Read more
US$ 721
per person, based on 2-people group
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Price for persons:

Our flexible payment options allow you to pay 20% of a deposit first and the remaining 80% in 14 days prior to your tour date - payment can be done both online or over the phone. This gives you the peace of mind knowing your spaces are booked on the tours and that you do not miss out on making the most of your time in Russia.

Also you get the best, top-rated and most experienced and knowledgeable hand-picked tour guide appointed on a priority basis.
In our experience, exceptional travel experiences are almost always delivered by exceptional people. With that in mind, we utilize a comprehensive approach to select and employ the best tour guides only. Multilingual and well travelled, each possesses deep insight into the diverse attractions and cultural patterns throughout the region. With us guides undergo a rigorous selection process, achieving outstanding knowledge of local culture and language. Rest assured that the best tour guides only will be working on the tours to give you excellent opportunity to explore the best of the sights during both short and long-term stay in Russia.

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+1 (888) 845-8877

Speak to an expert
Call us now

+1 (888) 845-8877

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