The Golden Ring is an independent journey. Why the Golden Ring of Russia? Rest and overnight

Which cities of the Golden Ring of Russia are on the classic travel route? What is worth visiting and seeing? How to travel - by car, boat or bus? Prices for tours, cruises, cost of accommodation.

The phrase “Golden Ring” arose in the 70s of the last century - under this name the literary works of Yuri Bychkov about ancient Russian cities were first published. Later the name was given to the most popular tourist route in the country.

Routes along the Golden Ring of Russia

Initially, the Union of Cities that formed the classic route of the Golden Ring included eight settlements: Vladimir, Suzdal, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rostov Veliky, Pereslavl-Zalessky and Sergiev Posad. Later Kasimov and Kaluga joined. Gradually the list of attractions expanded. Other route options have been developed, including Uglich, Myshkin, Rybinsk, Tutaev, Ples, Yuryev-Polsky, Alexandrov, Kaluga, Shuya, Murom and Moscow.

Prices for tours along the Golden Ring of Russia - 2019

Travel can be either along the Golden Ring of Russia or radial, lasting 2-3 days or 7-14 days. Prices for tours in 2019 depend on the excursion program and duration of the trip. Weekend programs start from 7 thousand rubles. The cost of a classic bus tour for two for 4-6 days with meals and accommodation (half or full board) - from 25 thousand rubles.

Weekly cruises along the Golden Ring on a motor ship cost from 10 thousand rubles. per person. Prices depend on the ship, cabin, chosen route and duration of the trip.

(Photo © Pavel69 / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY 2.0)

What to see? Classic route

Sergiev Posad. It is more convenient for Moscow residents to start their journey along the Golden Ring of Russia from this city - it is closest to the capital. The asphalt surface is excellent, and the entire journey will take no more than an hour. The most visited sites: Trinity-Sergius Lavra, Hermitage of the Holy Spirit, Chernigov Temple and Cave Church. On weekends and holidays there are always a lot of people here - pilgrims flock to the holy places.

Pereslavl-Zalessky- the next point of travel along the Golden Ring of Russia. This ancient city was founded by Yuri Dolgoruky. It is located on the shore of Lake Pleshcheevo. The city has several Orthodox churches, a museum-estate where a boat made by Peter the Great is kept, and the sacred Blue Stone - an object of worship for pagans and followers of unconventional teachings. Children and adults will love Berendey's colorful house. They sell there wooden toys and amulets, organize various master classes and excursions, and hold noisy folk festivals on holidays.

Rostov the Great. Here tourists will find panoramas of the Rostov Kremlin, well recognizable thanks to the famous comedy directed by Gaidai, the Sarskoe ancient settlement and the Life-Giving Cross in the village of Godenovo. Romantic couples should take a ride along the ancient Lake Nero (price from 300 to 550 rubles). If you get hungry, try Russian dishes and drinks: sbiten and mead will warm you up perfectly in the cold season, and kvass and fruit drink will cool you down in the heat.

(Photo © IgorShubin / pixabay.com)

Yaroslavl. Pay special attention to this city when traveling around the Golden Ring of Russia. Yaroslavl stands on the steep bank of the Volga and is famous for its Orthodox churches (there are more than 30 of them) and its magnificent historical center. Tourists are especially impressed by the merchant rows and ancient mansions. The art museum exhibits works by Russian painters: Kramskoy, Bryullov, Repin, Perov, Kustodiev. Be sure to try the old fish soup, try on the weapons of Russian heroes at Alyosha’s courtyard and buy some Poshekhon cheese for your trip.

Kostroma. This quiet and cozy city will appeal to lovers of Russian antiquity. Just look at the Ipatiev Monastery of the 14th century, the local ethnographic museum and fairytale mansion white-faced Snow Maiden!

Suzdal. Take a walk along the streets lined with wooden houses, visit the Suzdal Kremlin and the Golden Pantry, and take a closer look at the life of our ancestors in the Museum of Wooden Architecture. And what kind of cucumbers are sold here - you don’t want it, but you buy it, that’s how the locals know how to praise their product.

Ivanovo. The Weavers' Abode, with its colorful calicoes and new buildings, will seem too young and not so significant, but you can buy excellent souvenirs here.

Vladimir. This is the final point of the journey along the Golden Ring of Russia. The city is famous for its Golden Gate. Good omen- get into the city through them. Popular among tourists are the Assumption Cathedral with works by Andrei Rublev himself, the Nativity Monastery, Shopping arcades, Kozlov Val and Cathedral Square. Excellent panoramic photos can be taken from the observation deck.

(Photo © _perSona_ / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

What to go with?

By car

Independent travelers can go on a trip around the Golden Ring of Russia in their own car. The road surface is good in most areas, and you can spend the night anywhere. The cost of hotel rooms for two people ranges from 900 rubles. up to 2.5 thousand rubles. per day. It is better to book in advance, especially if the trip is planned during the holidays.

By bus

Of all the options offered, the most popular are traveling around the Golden Ring of Russia by bus. The distance between the two nearest cities of the classical ring is no more than 100 km, and most of the travelers will be looking at the sights rather than being on the road.

By boat

In summer, traveling along the Golden Ring of Russia by boat is in demand. Cruises travel on navigable rivers, so they cannot cover all the cities and key points of the ring. By water you can visit Ples, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Uglich, Myshkin, Tutaev, Rybinsk and Ryazan.

By train

It is convenient to travel by train only to certain large cities - for example, Vladimir or Yaroslavl.

Introductory image source: © Ivan Antonov / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

What places can you recommend visiting for a person who has come to Russia for the first time? Maybe, best way to learn the peculiarities of the Russian character, get acquainted with the main milestones of the country's history and feel the unique Russian provincial way of life - this is a journey through the cities of the Golden Ring, located a few hours drive from Moscow.

Rostov Kremlin

How the Golden Ring route was born

The Golden Ring, the popular and most famous brand of Russian tourism today, is almost 50 years old. A route with this name was created in the late 1960s, primarily for foreign tourists coming to the USSR. It passed through ancient Russian cities that made a significant contribution to the history of the country and its culture.

The name “Golden Ring” itself was first used by the artist and art critic Yuri Aleksandrovich Bychkov. At the end of 1967, on the pages of the newspaper “ Soviet Culture"he wrote a series of local history essays dedicated to cities Ancient Rus'.

Collecting material for future texts by Yu.A. Bychkov independently developed a circular route from Moscow through Vladimir to Suzdal, and then to Ivanovo and Kostroma with a return to the capital along the Yaroslavl road. All distances between cities could easily be covered in a day by car, which was very convenient. And the cities he chose were historically part of Vladimir Rus'.

Sergiev Posad, Trinity Lavra of Sergius

The route author's guess was akin to an epiphany. So many people before him studied the history of Ancient Rus', but to unite together eight cities from six nearby regions of Yu.A. Bychkov was the first to guess. Having traveled along the chosen path in 5 days, he wrote a separate essay about each of the eight cities with the general title - “The Golden Ring”.

Later they conducted a scientific expedition, and the name they liked was used for a tourist route. And 20 years later, a guidebook describing the cities included in the “Golden Ring” was published in 10 languages. For foreigners our Russian brand became known as the "Golden Ring of Russia".

Later, Yuri Aleksandrovich was the head of the All-Russian Society, which was involved in the protection of historical and cultural monuments, worked as editor-in-chief of various publishing houses and devoted many years to the Chekhov Museum in Melikhovo, serving as its director. Bychkov is the author of a number of books. He made a literary description for the photo guide “Along the Golden Ring of Russia,” which went through several editions. And in 2005, he wrote a book telling how the tourism brand was created and about the feat of the restorer and architect Pyotr Baranovsky - “The Golden Ring and the Konevo Miracle.”

Yaroslavl, Assumption Cathedral

Which cities are included in the Golden Ring?

Today there is no consensus on which cities and smaller settlements should be included in the famous “Golden Ring”. This question for many years remains controversial.

According to large number historians, local historians and art historians, the “Golden Ring” consists of eight cities: Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov the Great, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Suzdal and Vladimir. More recently, Kasimov (2015) and Kaluga (2016) were also included in the top cities.

The “discussed” cities most often include Alexandrov, Uglich, Ples, Yuryev-Polsky and Tutaev. Even more rarely, the honor of being included in the “golden list” goes to Gus-Khrustalny, Kalyazin, Dmitrov, Gorokhovets, Myshkin, Murom, Rybinsk, Ples and Shuya, as well as the villages of Bogolyubovo, Kidekshe and Palekh. Therefore, when referring to smaller settlements, people often talk about the Big and Small Golden Rings.

Many of the ancient architectural monuments that the cities of the Golden Ring can boast of today are protected by UNESCO as having world significance. For example, this honorary protective status was assigned to the Trinity-Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad and two cathedrals - the Assumption and Dmitrovsky cathedrals in Vladimir.

Kostroma, Ipatiev Monastery

How do you feel about the fact that many small towns and even villages are defending their right to be called “golden” in Russian history and tourism? Of course it's positive. After all, the more people travel to Russian historical places, the better. There is never too much tourism, especially well-organized and civilized tourism.

Ivanovo, Vvedensky Monastery

It’s even closer to Moscow Sergiev Posad, which from 1930 to 1991 was called Zagorsk. It is famous for its architectural complex of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, which has become a place of real pilgrimage.

In a major urban center Yaroslavl, whose age has exceeded a thousand years, there are more than 140 historical monuments. And many of them are of global importance. As in other places of the Golden Ring, quite a few ancient Orthodox churches and monasteries have been preserved here.

Located not far from Yaroslavl Rostov Veliky- one of the oldest cities in Central Russia, the first mentions of which date back to the 9th century. Travelers are attracted to Rostov by the Kremlin complex, the polyphonic belfry and old wooden buildings.

Kostroma stands on the Volga bank 360 km from the capital. It has many religious attractions. It was on this land that in the 17th century, the first sovereign of the Romanov dynasty, Mikhail Fedorovich, took over the kingdom.

Suzdal, Spaso-Evfimiev Monastery

City Ivanovo- the youngest among the “old-timers” of the Golden Ring. It was formed in the last third of the 19th century. Buildings of the Constructivist era became the calling cards of Ivanovo.

To the southwest of the capital, in the picturesque Oka Valley, there is Kaluga. It is famous for its wood carving masters, unusual test and ancient churches. K. E. Tsiolkovsky lived and worked here, which is why Kaluga is called the birthplace of Russian cosmonautics.

East of Moscow stands an ancient Kasimov. In the 15th century, it was owned by the Tatar prince Kasim, so on the banks of the Oka, Orthodox churches coexist with ancient buildings of Muslim architecture.

Silver ring of Russia

This is what they usually say about routes through Old Russian cities located away from the tourist sites of the Golden Ring. The "Silver Ring" lies to the north and northwest of the traditional excursion routes. The cities included in it belong to the Kostroma and Vologda regions, as well as the lands north-west of Tver.

There is no consensus regarding the composition of this ring, as with its “big brother”. And this question remains debatable for now. TO " Silver ring» it is customary to include historical and architectural monuments located in Buya, Valdai, Velikiye Luki, Veliky Novgorod, Vologda, Vyshny Volochyok, Vyborg, Galich, Gatchina, Gryazovets, Ivangorod, Izborsk, Kemi, Kingisepp, Krestsy, Nerekhta, Olonets, Ostashkov, Ostrov , Pecherakh, Porkhov, Priozersk, Pskov, Pudozh, Soltsy, Staraya Ladoga, Staraya Russa, Sudislavl, Tikhvin, Torzhok, Totma, Ustyuzhny, Cherepovets and Shlisselburg.

Rostov the Great, Spaso-Yakovlevsky Dimitriev Monastery

What is remarkable about trips along the Golden Ring?

Firstly, you can travel to ancient cities all year round. In fact, the Golden Ring is an off-season route. And at different times of the year, local architectural monuments look different and are colored by special holiday traditions and rituals.

Secondly, the “Golden Ring” is very rich in historical sights. They are like chapters of a textbook on the history of Ancient Rus'. And the surviving architectural monuments are authentic witnesses to the events that built the Russian historical outline and determined the course of development of the state and the fate of its inhabitants for many centuries to come.

Thirdly, acquaintance with the “Golden Ring” is knowledge of the fundamentals of Russian art and the opportunity to understand its roots. In the old cities all the main elements of Russian architectural traditions in the construction of fortresses, monasteries and temples are presented. Here you can also see the best examples of Russian arts and crafts - magnificent works of weavers, embroiderers, wood and bone carvers, enamel artists, as well as masters of lacquer miniatures and jewelry.

Yuryev-Polsky, St. Michael the Archangel Monastery

Fourthly, the monasteries and temples of the “Golden Ring” have preserved priceless examples of Russian icon painting. In them you can see unique works by the greatest masters of the brush - Theophan the Greek, Andrei Rublev, Daniil Cherny, Dionisy, Gury Nikitin, Simon Ushakov, Fyodor Zubov and many other talented icon painters, whose names history has not preserved to this day. These icons are made in the canons of Byzantine church painting, but with the bright traditions of the Russian school of icon painting. The images created on them shine through the centuries with genuine sincerity and purity.

Popular routes

To visit the “Golden Ring” means to follow the path of real masters - architects, painters, simple builders and artisans, whose hands created the beauty of white-stone palaces and churches and their rich interior decoration. Routes along the Golden Ring are laid out in different ways. You can “stretch” visits to ancient cities into one long trip, that is, in Big ring. Or you can travel on weekends, getting to know each city separately.

Pereslavl-Zalessky, Nikitsky Monastery

Most travelers prefer to do this on their own. But many use the services of travel companies that offer full-circle tours, selective trips along the “semi-circle” and individual excursions to the cities of the “Golden Ring”. Such trips last from one to nine days. They are convenient because all movement along the route, transport, accommodation, excursions and meals along the way are organized. Such tours can be presented as a wonderful gift to good acquaintances and friends for any reason. It will be especially pleasant for antique lovers, avid photographers and people who are partial to art to receive them.

Independent travel is wonderful in its own way. They allow you to plan in detail a schedule for visiting cities, based on own strength and opportunities, and not be tied to a specific excursion. Such trips are leisurely and allow you to see the sights in great detail and detail. There is no need to be afraid of the expected difficulties. You can easily find a hotel in every city. And the Internet is full of information about the exact opening hours of museums and cultural and historical sites, as well as the cost of visiting them.

Uglich, Church of Demetrius on Blood

Most cities of the Golden Ring have a developed tourism infrastructure. In each of them you can stay in a hotel decorated in the Old Russian style, with a restaurant serving Russian national cuisine. There are good roads between all cities and there are regular routes public transport. And, of course, everywhere tourists will find shops and souvenir shops with folk art products.

The “Golden Ring” with its large and small ancient cities has become a true decoration of all tourist routes in Russia, glorifying its masters and craftsmen. This symbolic circle, which today has become an object of tourist and religious pilgrimage, personifies the cultural heritage of our country.

The most popular tourist route in Russia is the Golden Ring. And it is called that for a reason. The route leads through the oldest and most beautiful Russian cities, where ancient sights - architectural monuments, historical places and cultural attractions - have been carefully preserved.

The name “Golden Ring” was given to the route more than 30 years ago. The list of cities of the Golden Ring includes eight historical cities, which we will talk about. This list was replenished with several more cities, but it has not yet been approved and is controversial. If you look at the map, it becomes clear why the name has the word “ring”, because the cities are located in this particular shape to the northeast of the capital.

So, the Golden Ring includes eight cities - Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov Veliky, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Suzdal and Vladimir. You can travel along the “Golden Ring of Russia” at any time of the year. For everyone who is interested in the history and culture of our country, such a trip will give them the opportunity to get to know it. ancient capital and cities where past historical events left their mark.

The Golden Ring is famous for its masterpieces of folk art. The museums of most cities contain examples of ancient Russian artistic crafts: wood and bone carvings, products of skilled lacemakers and jewelers, lacquer miniatures and enamel painting, and much more.

It is convenient to travel along the route in your own car, so you can independently explore exactly what interests you, you will not be tied to any excursion route, which do not always allow you to see all the beauty of the Golden Ring. And finding a hotel will not be difficult.

All stages of the development of ancient Russian architecture will be revealed to the traveler in the cities of the Golden Ring of Russia: majestic white-stone churches of the 12th-13th centuries, tent-roofed buildings of the 16th century, buildings of the 17th century, creations of architectural and painting schools of Rostov, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Vladimir.

Read more about each of the cities of the Golden Ring.

- known to the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius. The earliest building in the monastery is the cross-domed Trinity Cathedral from white stone, built in 1422 on the site of a wooden temple of the same name

Pereslavl-Zalessky- a city on the Trubezh River, has a white-stone temple, archaeological and cultural-historical attractions. One of the first white stone churches in North-Eastern Rus' has been almost completely preserved to this day.

– one of the largest ancient cities. One of the most important monuments is the landscape of the lake basin itself, in which the city and the surrounding area, rich in archaeological monuments, are located. The sights of Rostov the Great have become classics not only of Russian, but also of world art: the buildings of the former Bishop's House of the 17th century. and Rostov Kremlin.

The stone and wooden buildings of Rostov from the 18th to 20th centuries are of great value. The heritage of world culture is the Rostov ringing - a set of musical works of the 17th-19th centuries, inseparable from the outstanding musical instrument- the famous Rostov belfry. Each of the 13 bells of the belfry, from the largest, weighing 32 tons, to the smallest, sounds special.

– certainly one of the most beautiful cities on the route. In the city center there are a huge number of well-preserved buildings from the 16th century. The centuries-old history of Yaroslavl begins with the founding in 1010 by the Rostov prince Yaroslav the Wise of a fortress city on Strelka - the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl rivers. Guests of Yaroslavl are amazed by the variety and number of churches in the city.

Kostroma- a city famous for the Ipatiev Monastery. In the old part of the city, the historical planning structure has been preserved (the master plan of the city was approved by Empress Catherine II in 1781). The basis of the city's layout is a radial grid of streets; the center of Kostroma is open in relation to the Volga. Also interesting are the Epiphany-Anastasinsky Monastery and the Trading Rows.

Ivanovo– a city famous not only for its weaving factories. The historical center of the city is interesting, consisting mainly of former merchant houses of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Several textile factories have been preserved in the city almost untouched. Other attractions include the Shchudrovskaya Tent, which was built in the 17th century, and the complex of the Holy Vvedensky Convent, the main part of which dates back to the beginning of the 20th century.

Suzdal– is a city-reserve with an abundance of monuments. is a museum-reserve protected by the state and UNESCO. The oldest part of the city is the core of Suzdal - the Suzdal Kremlin. The Kremlin retained earthworks and the ditches of an ancient fortress, several churches and the ensemble of the bishop's courtyard with the ancient Nativity Cathedral. On the site where the Suzdal Kremlin Museum is now located, where Suzdal once began, is being built.

– was previously the capital of North-Eastern Rus'. Vladimir is home to several magnificent 12th century cathedrals and magnificent ancient gates. The city is protected by UNESCO.

In addition to the classic eight, let's say a few words about those settlements where we recommend visiting.

Kolomna- a city whose birth goes back centuries; Kolomna was first mentioned in the chronicle of 1177. Kolomna is one of the most beautiful cities in the Moscow region. It is best to start sightseeing in Kolomna with the Kremlin, which in itself is a wonderful architectural monument.

An ancient city with an abundance of historical monuments. The architectural pearl of Ryazan is the Kremlin with the Assumption Cathedral of the late 17th century and a bell tower built in the 18th century.

Gus-Khrustalny- a city on the Gus River, famous for St. George's Cathedral. The city of Gus-Khrustalny owes its origin and existence to the crystal factory, which for a century and a half belonged to the merchant-noble family of the Maltsovs

Moore- a city on the Oka River, replete with churches. Murom - ancient city, the first mention of which is found in the Tale of Bygone Years and dates back to the 9th century.

Gorokhovets- an ancient city with monasteries on the banks of the Klyazma. The city is famous for its spiritual heritage, which is represented by many ancient churches and cathedrals. The pride of Gorokhovets are three active monasteries: Znamensky, Nikolsky and Sretensky.

Plyos– this is not just one of the cute provincial towns.

Bogolyubovo- a historical city at the mouth of the Nerl. Bogolyubovo was founded in 1158 by order of Prince Andrei in this place, since Klyazma connected the Rostov-Suzdal land with the Oka and Volga basin. The foundation of Bogolyubov was associated by the clergy with the legend of the appearance of the Mother of God to Prince Andrei. When entering from the direction of Vladimir, a huge expanse of meadow opens up to the right. This is the protected Bogolyubsky meadow, on which stands the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl.

Kideksha- a village with historical monuments 4 kilometers from Suzdal. The main attraction of Kideksha is the white stone Church of Boris and Gleb, built in 1152 at the behest of Yuri Dolgoruky, who decided to build a fortified residence here.

- founded in 937. It was first mentioned in the Ipatiev Chronicle in 1148. Judging by the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, the Volga, and ecological cleanliness, the place in which the city is located is a real treasure of the Yaroslavl region. Uglich is an original Russian city on the bank of the Volga bend, one of the cities of the Golden Ring of Russia in the Yaroslavl region. In the 10th century, when Uglich was founded, the bend was so steep that it was called the “angle” - hence the name of the city. Uglich is worth visiting as an ancient Russian city, which has preserved entire streets of multi-colored wooden houses in white “lace” platbands, stone temple architecture in the traditions of Yaroslavl architecture, and even its own voice - the ringing of bells, spreading over the slowly flowing Volga.

Veliky Ustyug. The city is located in one of the most remote corners of the Vologda region near its border with the Arkhangelsk and Kirov regions. It has the status of a city-reserve. Historically, Ustyug, like Totma, is known for its merchants who equipped long-distance expeditions, including the famous voyages of Dezhnev and Khabarov, natives of Ustyug.

The traditional route through 8 “golden” cities lasts 7–14 days and includes Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov Veliky, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Suzdal and Vladimir.

Traveling along the Golden Ring of Russia is a traditional choice for those who have limited leisure time or are just getting into driving tourism. But despite the short route, by the standards of avid autotourists, there will be a lot of impressions. After all, you will have to visit the ancient and most beautiful cities of Russia, each of which has preserved cultural monuments of Ancient Rus'.

The Golden Ring is formed by eight cities: Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov Veliky, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Suzdal and Vladimir. To appreciate the sights of each of them without fuss and haste, it will take about 14 days. If the vacation is short, you can do it in 7 days. But in this case, you will have to spend less than one day for sightseeing in each city. The starting point of the route will be Moscow.

There is no need to stock up on fuel. The cost of gasoline along the entire route is equal to capital prices, but it is better to refuel your car at proven gas stations, for example, the company "".

Check the technical condition of the car in advance. In the small towns of the Golden Ring you will, of course, find car repair shops. But there is a possibility that their employees may not be able to cope with complex repairs.

Architectural ensemble of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. Sergiev Posad Photo: Shutterstock

First point of the route: Sergiev Posad

From Belokamennaya we go to Sergiev Posad. Distance – 75 kilometers, estimated travel time – 1 hour 12 minutes. But this is a calculation of traffic without the traditional congestion in the Moscow region. Tourists are waiting for a road with good coverage in several stripes.

Sights of Sergiev Posad

The most popular attraction in Sergiev Posad is the Trinity Lavra of Sergius, the largest Orthodox monastery in Russia. It is worth seeing the Chernigov Temple, under which there is a cave church built in 1851.

There are many interesting sights around Sergiev Posad. For example, the famous Abramtsevo estate is located 15 kilometers away. 14 kilometers from the city, near the village of Vzglyadnevo, there is a Gremyachiy waterfall, flowing from a height of 25 meters. Its water is believed to have healing properties. Her temperature doesn't change all year round and even in cold weather it is 6 degrees above zero. But you can get to the waterfall only in dry time year. After rains the road gets into bad condition.

Tourists may also be interested in the Hermitage of the Holy Spirit of the Paraclete, located 6 kilometers from the monastery. Several ancient wooden monastic cells, a stone temple and a bell tower from the late 19th century have been preserved in the desert. And be sure to visit the village of Deulino, where a truce agreement was signed between Russia and Poland in 1618.

Service Sergiev Posad

There are more than 20 hotels, private and monastic, in Sergiev Posad. The average cost of a room is 1,800 rubles. Shops and cafes - for every taste and income.

Pereslavl-Zalessky. Nikolsky Convent Photo: Shutterstock

Second point of the route: Pereslavl-Zalessky

From Sergiev Posad the path lies to the second city of the Golden Ring - Pereslavl-Zalessky. The distance is 75 kilometers. The GPS navigator will be wrong if it assumes that you will cover the distance in 1 hour 5 minutes. And all because of the bad roads surrounding Pereslavl-Zalessky. For example, the opinion of autotourist Nikita Tyurin is as follows: “Patch on patch and patch on patch. Pereslavl-Zalessky ring road – quiet horror: the rutting is so great that it seems that the car will go like on a railroad if you let go of the steering wheel.”

Sights of Pereslavl-Zalessky

In the homeland of Alexander Nevsky, road travelers will have to carefully plan their time in order to have time to see all the sights of the city. Pereslavl-Zalessky is famous for its many cathedrals and monasteries (Savior Transfiguration Cathedral, as well as Nikitsky, Holy Trinity Danilov, Feodorovsky, Nikolsky, Nikolo-Solbinsky and Goritsky monasteries). There are also three holy springs here: Varvarin, Nikitsky and St. Anthony and Theodosius of the Kiev-Pechersk. There are several active monasteries in the city, which can be visited daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The museum-estate “Boat of Peter I” is popular. It is interesting to see the famous Blue Stone, which lies on the shore of Lake Pleshcheevo. There are many legends associated with this huge boulder. According to geologists, the stone was once dragged by a glacier.

And 28 films were shot in Pereslavl-Zalessky, the most famous of which are “Boomer”, “The Orphan of Kazan” and “The Thief”. With the help of guides, you can visit the streets where the filming took place.

When planning a visit to Pereslavl-Zalessky, you must take into account that in the summer various events are held here: June 1 - the “Visiting Berendey” festival, June 12 - Russia Day and City Day, in July - the Balloon Festival, in August - the Art Song Festival. During festivals there will be many more tourists in the city than in ordinary days, which means there may be difficulties with booking hotel rooms and traffic on the roads.

Pereslavl-Zalessky service

There are more than 15 hotels in the city, among which mini-hotels predominate. The average cost of a room is 2,300 rubles. You won't go hungry in Pereslavl-Zalessky; there are many cafes, restaurants and pizzerias here.

Rostov Kremlin. Rostov Veliky Photo: Shutterstock

Third point of the route: Rostov Veliky

The distance between Pereslavl-Zalessky and Rostov is 66 kilometers. According to the most optimistic estimates, it can be overcome in 60 minutes. But the reality is that bad roads will cause travel times to increase somewhat.

Experienced autotourists advise checking a map or GPS navigator, since, according to Nikita Tyurin, “the signs showing how much time is left to certain cities seem to be frozen in one place. For example, there is a sign - 134 km to the city, we drive 20-25 kilometers, another sign shows 130 km. And there is such confusion about the mileage to Rostov the Great.” One of the advantages of driving on the highway is the absence of traffic jams, and one of the disadvantages is large number“ambush” by the traffic police and broken roads in the city and its approaches.

Sights of Rostov Veliky

Excursions in Rostov the Great can take you for several days, the history of this city is so rich. Therefore, you will have to choose the most interesting. For example, a tour of the Rostov Kremlin, where the comedy “Ivan Vasilyevich Changes His Profession” was filmed. Be sure to visit the Sarskoye settlement, where the hero Alyosha Popovich lived in the 13th century. Take a look at the village of Godenovo, where the Life-Giving Cross is installed. It is believed that he is capable of performing miracles. It is very popular to explore the city from the viewing platforms of the monastery towers or from the side of the ancient Russian boat from Lake Nero.

Rostov Veliky service

There are more than 15 hotels in the city. The average cost of a room is 600 rubles. Car travelers Pavel and Svetlana Martynenko advise staying in a mini-hotel located on the territory of the Kremlin. In their opinion, this is “a very unusual hotel - the former metropolitan chambers. The downside is the “convenience” in the hallway. One of the advantages of living on the territory of the Kremlin is the opportunity to explore all its nooks and crannies after 17:00 in the evening, when the visit ends.”

In Rostov the Great there are more than 20 hospitable places where you can have a snack. There are no large supermarkets, but small shops have a decent range of goods.

Assumption Cathedral and a fragment of the Eternal Flame monument in Yaroslavl Photo: Shutterstock

Fourth point of the route: Yaroslavl

The distance between Rostov the Great and Yaroslavl is 57 kilometers. Get ready for the fact that there will be many “ambushes” with traffic police inspectors in this area. Observe the speed limit, as there may be numerous hidden video cameras recording violations.

Sights of Yaroslavl

The city has a huge number of Orthodox monasteries and churches. The most popular excursion to the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, famous for that the headquarters of Minin and Pozharsky were located on its territory. Another pride of Yaroslavl is the Vasilyevskaya Tower, built in the 17th century. You can admire the frescoes in the Church of Elijah the Prophet, and appreciate the collection of bells and bells in the private museum “Music and Time”. Travelers with children will be interested in the Bear monument and the “My Favorite Bear” museum, which contains toys made of plush, wood, porcelain, metal and straw. Kids will also love the nursery railway length of almost 3.5 kilometers.

According to autotourist Yulia Gallyamova, “Yaroslavl is a relaxing city. There is grass, pine trees, houses everywhere and no honking cars or crowded roads.” Julia advises road travelers to look into folklore-themed shops, look at the first Russian theater, and try delicious Yaroslavl bread and baked goods.

Yaroslavl service

There are more than 25 hotels in the city. The average cost of a room is 1,800 rubles. Those planning to visit Yaroslavl at the beginning of July should take care of booking a room in advance: on July 6, the city will host the “Night of Ivan Kupala” holiday. Presumably, it will attract a large number of tourists to Yaroslavl. There are many establishments in the city that offer Russian cuisine.

Holy Trinity Ipatiev Monastery in Kostroma. View from the embankment Photo: Shutterstock

Fifth point of the route: Kostroma

And Kostroma is already ahead - from Yaroslavl it is only 86 kilometers.

Sights of Kostroma

Kostroma is a quiet, calm and cozy city. Visit the Ipatiev Monastery, founded in 1330, a monument to a dog, the Snow Maiden's tower, a museum of wooden architecture, a museum of flax and birch bark. Auto traveler Alexander Vidov advises not only to take a photo next to the dog monument, but also to be sure to touch its nose. It is believed that this will bring good luck.

Service Kostroma

There are almost 40 hotels in the city. The average cost of a room is 1,800 rubles per day. In cafes and restaurants, tourists should not rely on low provincial prices. According to many tourists, the cost of food in Kostroma is comparable to Moscow. There is no shortage of minimarkets in the city.

House-ship in Ivanovo Photo: Shutterstock

Route 6: Ivanovo

The journey to the weavers' city is 106 kilometers. If the quality of the road allows, this distance can be covered in an hour and a half. However, motorists warn that Ivanovo traffic police officers are particularly interested in drivers from other regions. Therefore, be vigilant and follow traffic rules.

Sights of Ivanovo

Ivanovo is a small town. Most likely, you will not spend much time there, since there are relatively few attractions of interest to tourists. But you won’t leave without photographs as souvenirs, because in Ivanovo there is a unique house-ship. This unusual building was built in 1930, and it really looks like a sea vessel. In the city center you will find the Vvedensky Women's Orthodox Monastery - an architectural monument of the early 20th century. And even if you are far from the world of fashion, take a look at the Ivanovo Calico Museum. It houses a unique textile collection of half a million items.

Service Ivanovo

There are more than 15 hotels and mini-hotels in the city. The average cost of a room is 1,200 rubles. In any district of Ivanovo, travelers can easily find cafes and grocery stores.

Seventh point of the route: Suzdal

Resurrection Church in Suzdal Photo: Shutterstock

Suzdal is separated from Ivanovo by 78 kilometers. The next city on the route is called the pearl of the Golden Ring of Russia. The high interest of tourists in Suzdal is due to a large number of “ambushes” by traffic police inspectors.

Sights of Suzdal

There are many churches in the city, built in a manner characteristic of Suzdal. It is worth visiting the Intercession and Spaso-Evfimiev monasteries, as well as the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, which are part of the ensemble of the Suzdal Kremlin. The Golden Pantry and the Suzdal Prison Museum will be interesting. Autotourist Vladimir Miroshnikov recommends listening to the bell ringing (sounds every hour) and choral singing inside the cathedral. And be sure to include in your cultural program the museum of wooden architecture, where you will see a church, a wealthy gentleman’s house, a poor peasant’s house, a couple of mills, a well, a barn and rural houses.

Suzdal service

The city is characterized by price fluctuations between weekends and weekdays. Please note: on weekdays you can save up to 50% of the cost of accommodation. And on holidays (not only official, but also local) hotel prices can be increased by 30–50%. The average cost of a room is 1,800 rubles per day.

There are a lot of mini-hotels in Suzdal. There are cafes and restaurants almost everywhere.

Golden Ring of Russia. Vladimir Photo: Shutterstock

Eighth point of the route: Vladimir

The journey along the Golden Ring ends with the city of Vladimir. It is separated from Suzdal by 35 kilometers. Drivers are waiting great road with high quality coating.

Sights of Vladimir

In the 12th century, the Golden Gate was erected at the entrance to Vladimir, which has survived to this day. Entering the city through them is considered lucky omen. Popular among tourists in Vladimir are the Trading Rows, Cathedral Square, the Nativity Monastery, Kozlov Val and the water tower, on top of which there is an observation deck. Don’t forget to take a photo at the monument to the 850th anniversary of Vladimir - the pyramid with three heroes. Inspect the central cathedral of Vladimir - the Assumption. It preserves icons painted by Andrei Rublev.

Vladimir is a big city. Every auto traveler will find something close to their soul in it, so this point on the route should be given more time. You may even have to stay an extra day.

Vladimir's service

There are many hotels and mini-hotels in the city. There will be no problems with accommodation even during the seasonal influx of tourists. True, this may affect the cost of living. There are a lot of cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets in Vladimir.

It's time to go home!

Well, the journey around the Golden Ring of Russia has come to an end. The final point of the route, Moscow, is 190 kilometers away. If you are lucky enough to travel this distance without traffic jams, after 2.5 hours you can already download photos to your computer and remember how great it was during the trip!

We thank Vladimir Miroshnikov, Alexander Vidov, Yulia Gallyamova, Nikita Tyurin, Pavel and Svetlana Martynenko for their help in preparing the material.

/ Maxim Averyanov