Once upon a time, about a thousand years ago, lived a Russian Prince, Yuri the Long Arm. He first ruled Kiev. When overthrown he moved to the midlands and during a span of some 150 years, Yuri and his descendants founded a necklace of towns with “kremlins”, the Russian word for the fortress. Moscow was one of his towns. The long reach from Kiev to Moscow earned Yuri the nickname The Long Arm. Moscow was first mentioned in the chronicles in 1147, shortly before his death.

Today Trinity - Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl Zalessky, Rostov Veliky, Yaroslavl, Suzdal and Vladimir towns are called the Golden Ring of Russia, each about 70km from the other (a day’s horse ride), forming a loop around Moscow.

We invite you on a private journey on this 750km route. The majority of these places are inaccessible by public transport.

In times of trouble foreign invaders like the Tatars, whilst destroying every structure in their path, did not touch churches as they were afraid of the Russian gods. That is why all over Russia, especially in the Golden Ring cities, you will see mainly churches and monasteries with historical and art exhibitions.

Three days minimum are required if you would like to visit all the towns. Two days are enough to see Vladimir and Suzdal.

Sergiev Posad

Located 76km north of Moscow, houses the Trinity- Sergiev Lavra, possibly the most revered monastery in Russia. For as long as history records, St. Sergey’s Raka (Tomb) which is housed in the Trinity Cathedral, has drawn a constant lineup of people waiting to touch this sacred tomb. The monastery’s architectural ensemble of 14-18thc is like a fairy tale picture: multi coloured and intricate. Every famous ruler left his imprint on this ensemble.

Pereslavl Zalessky

Is 65km further north. Founded in 1152 by Yuri the Long Arm, this is the birthplace of Alexander Nevski, Russian Prince and warrior who is buried in Vladimir, and after whom the Alexander Nevskaya Lavra in St. Petersburg is named. The city is on the shore of Lake Plesheevo, where Peter I built the first ships for the Russian navy. Today this tiny, pretty town houses the Computer University and hosts an international summer computer camp.

Rostov Veliky

66km north from Pereslavl to the city, known since 862, one of the oldest cities in Russia. On the outskirts you will find a couple of grand monasteries and the absolutely charming and lovely Rostov Kremlin, which was the seat of the Orthodox Metropolitan since 1587. The Kremlin overlooks the big Lake Nero. Boat tours available.

Yaroslavl

57km from Rostov will bring you to the nice and green town founded in 1010. The downtown is lovely with the church of Elijah, 17th c, which is typical of Yaroslavl style: multicolorful, intricate floral interior design, lots of woodcarving, and the prevalence of navy blue. Yaroslavl architecture is easily recognizable for its red brick structures with green tiled tent-roof designs.

Suzdal

255km drive from Yaroslavl via Ples and Ivanovo, will bring you to the gem of old Russia. Founded in 1024 this tiny town is 2,5km by 1,5km wide with a population of 12,000. On this small territory you will find 24 churches, 5 monasteries and 42 belfries. This is a city-museum. In the 30km area it is forbidden to built any modern industries. There are only three roads to and out of the city. Life here is still pretty much the same as a couple of hundred years ago. Suzdal’s style of architecture has a very special feel to it: light, white, weightless and slender.

Vladimir

32km away from Suzdal, is this city, founded about the same time as Suzdal. It was the capital of Russia till the 14th c, when the Muscovites borrowed The Virgin of Vladimir icon, and never returned it. With the move of the icon, the sacred protection was believed to have been moved to Moscow and Vladimir never regained its former significance. The Assumption Cathedral with frescos by Andrew Rublev is outstanding and Alexander Nevski is buried here. 3hour drive of 182km will bring you back to Moscow.