Hotels in Russia
The Golden Ring is one of the best - known tourist routes in Russia, a 700 km (440 mi) circular tour of the ancient provincial towns and cities north - east of Moscow. The trip is spectacular testament to Russia's past. You will see kremlins (fortresses), castles, monasteries, churches and cathedrals dating from the 12th to the 17th century. The fairytale splendour of the onion - domed architecture is fascinating unfamiliar to the western eye, and the depth and grandeur of the country's religious heritage is awe - inspiring. It is remarkable that, despite the turmoil of wars, revolution and years of Soviet governance, so much of Russia's spiritual history is still intact.
The journey makes a refreshing change from the noise and pollution of Moscow. Provincial life is surprinsingly un - westernized and you will see a completely different side to Russian culture as you travel from town to town through tranquil countryside of cattle pastures, birch forests, fields and lakes.
There are seven main towns on the route. Nearest to Moscow is Vladimir, 12th century Russian capital. Travel on northwards to the rustic tourist town of Suzdal on the Kamenka River, stuffed with monuments; then to Kostromo on the River Volga, famous for the 16th century Ipatievsky Monastery. Next is the historic city of Yaroslavl and, heading back towards Moscow, the sleepy little towns of Rostov Velikiy, once known as the "eternal city", and picturesque Perslavl - Zalsskiy on Lake Pleshcheveyo. The final Ring - towns is Sergiev Posad, the "Vatican" of the Russian Orthodox Church - a famous pilgrimage centre. The Holy Trinity Cathedral's breathtaking blue and golden domes provide a fitting finale to a journey that casts an entirely new light on the historical fabric underlying this influential corner of Europe.
HOW
By train or car.
WHEN TO GO
April to October
TIME IT TAKES
Two weeks
HIGHLIGHTS
Suzdal - St.Euthymius Monastery and Church of the Annunciation.
Sergiev - Posad - World Heritage Site of Trinity - St.Sergius Laura Monastery and Necropolis.
Rostov - 17th century kremlin, an architectural masterpiece.
Pereslavl - Zalesskiy - 17th century monastic architecture.
Yarslavl - frescoes and ceramics.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
Suzdal and Pereslavl - Zalesskiy can only be reached by road. The other towns are all acessible by train.
