Golden Ring Extension

Take a car transfer from Moscow to Vladimir and continue to Suzdal, founded in 1024 as a fortress on the Kamenka River. Its protected status has preserved a decidedly rural atmosphere and an abundance of architectural gems. See the 14th century monastery and the frescoes and tombs within, the Archbishops Palace and collection of 13th century churches known as the Kremlin, and the open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture & Rural Life.

Stay: Nikolaevsky Posad or Pushkarskaya Sloboda or similar

From Suzdal, enjoy a full-day excursion to Vladimir and the churches of nearby Bogolyubovo. High on Vladimir's slope sits the Assumption Cathedral, built to announce the city's claim as the capital of ancient Rus and one of three unesco World Heritage Sites that the city has to offer. Bogolyubovo is a small settlement just 10km from Vladimir, whose convent conceals a venerated icon of the Holy Virgin Mary. The last visit of the day is to the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl, built among the water meadows a kilometre and a half from the convent.

Stay: Nikolaevsky Posad or Pushkarskaya Sloboda or similar

Breakfast included

Transfer to Yaroslavl on the mighty Volga River and check in to your hotel. Founded in 1010 by Yaroslav the Wise, Yaroslavl boasts a skyline dotted with domes and spires and churches hidden around virtually every corner, including the 12^th century Spassky Monastery and the Church of Elijah the Prophet, famous for its five green domes. As poet Apollon Grigoryev once wrote, 'Yaroslavl is a town of unsurpassed beauty; everywhere is the Volga and everywhere is history'. On day 4, return to Moscow by car.

Stay: Ring Premier, Yaroslavl or similar

Breakfast included