The Golden Ring is a group of medieval towns and cities that form a ring to the northeast of Moscow. These towns played a significant role in early Russian history and in the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church. The towns are full of ancient Russian architecture from the Middle Ages including kremlins (walled fortresses), monasteries, cathedrals and churches. Visiting the Golden Ring will give you a chance to go back in time and imagine a Russia that used to be. The cities are associated with Russian Princes and knights, early Tsars such as Ivan the Terrible, the Mongol invasions and many other historical figures and events. Listening to the history and legends told by your experienced guide will evoke memories of storybooks and fairy tales. The towns of the Golden Ring are all in the Russian countryside which is beautiful – full of forests and fields and rivers and lakes. Your visit will be a great break from the bustle of Moscow or St. Petersburg. Walk along ancient Kremlin walls and see the onion domes rising up from cathedrals in which time has stopped or follow paths along old riverbanks – travel back in time during our Golden Ring tours. An unforgettable adventure awaits.

Founded in the 11th and 12th centuries, the towns of Vladimir and Suzdal played a significant role in Russia’s early history. Vladimir, founded as a fortress by Prince Vladimir Monomakh, later became capital of the Grand Principality.

On the tour you will also have the opportunity to visit both Moscow and St. Petersburg. The greatest museums, monuments and other highlights are located in these two cities. Start discovering Russia in vibrant and expressive Moscow and end your trip with a visit to St. Petersburg, the splendid “Northern Venice” considered by many to be the most beautiful city in Europe. Saint Petersburg was the Tsarist capital of the Russian empire for more than two hundred years, until the capital was moved back to Moscow in 1918. Explore the difference between both of these beautiful and exciting cities and contrast them with peace and tranquility of the Golden Ring.

Most of the towns along the Golden Ring are accessible from Moscow and only however it is better to spend a few days to make a journey around the entire Ring. The main route starts from Moscow and goes through Vladimir, Suzdal, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rostov the Great, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Alexandrov, Sergiev Posad. The full list includes 10 more smaller towns located around the larger ones. Ten extra points of visit are Bogolubovo, Gorohovets, Murom, Gus Khrustalny, Shuya, Palekh, Kholui, Ples, Uglich, Myshkin (see the map).