Across the history of Russia

In the morning our driver will pick you up at your hotel in St. Petersburg and take you to Veliky Novgorod.

Lunch at the local restaurant.

After lunch, you will be taken on sightseeing tour. Your first impression of the city will be the Kremlin of Novgorod - the oldest in Russia. The structure dates back to 864. You will have the chance to walk along its ancient walls during your visit. The cathedral of St. Sophia dominates the structure of the Kremlin. Built between 1045 and 1050 under the patronage of Vladimir Yaroslavich, the son of Yaroslav the Wise. It is the best preserved of 11th century churches, probably the oldest structure still in use in Russia and the first one to represent original features of Russian architecture (austere stone walls, five helmet-like cupolas). It is adorned with beautiful frescoes from the 12th century and icons. The dome of the cathedral is made in the form of a huge helmet, to show the defendant power of the city. You will also see the Millennium of Russia Monument that displays Russia's history from Rurik to Nicholas I.

After the tour, you will have the chance to take a look at local handicrafts. In the evening, you will have free time to stroll along the city streets and to dine at a restaurant of your choice.

After breakfast you will head to the Yuriev Monastery, a medieval religious complex built in 1030 along the Volkov River. The Cathedral of St. George will impress you by its size and beauty, as it was initially intended to surpass even St. Sophia Cathedral in grandeur.

Open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture "Vitoslavlitsy". Located on the banks of Lake Myachino and the Volkhov River, at St. George Monastery there is an open-air museum of wooden architecture Vitoslavlitsy. This is one of the most picturesque places in the Novgorod region. Izbas (village houses), chapels and churches form streets like those in old Russian villages. Restorers managed to preserve the unique works of Novgorodian carpenters. The buildings on display are so magnificent that they need no introduction. To get to know how Russian people lived many years ago, one must visit any of the izbas.

In the afternoon, you will depart for Pskov. The trip will take about 2 hours. Upon arrival in Pskov, you will have lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will check into the hotel and have some time to rest before your next tour.

In the evening, you will be taken on a Pskov city tour. You will visit the Kremlin, the Trinity Cathedral, the Dovmont's Town, and the Administrative Chambers. You will also see merchant houses dating back to XVII century.

Pskov is one of the most ancient cities in Russia. It is the administrative center of the Pskov Oblast located in the European part of Russia. Visiting Pskov will give you an excellent opportunity to see firsthand how the Rus (an ancient name of Russia and its people) developed.

Pskov is also home to the world-famous Pskov paintings - masterpieces of ancient art including icons and frescoes. It is also home to many fabulous works of ancient, Russian architecture. In the 16th century, Pskov was well known as one of Russia's most beautiful cities with its magnificent churches and cathedrals. In the 18th century, Pskov was considered to be the third most important Russian city after Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast, you will visit Pogankini Palaty, a great example of medieval architecture which houses a rich collection of ancient Russian icons. The tour will be followed by souvenir shopping opportunities.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch you will head to Izborsk and Pechory.

You will visit the Izborsk Fortress that dates back to the XIV century. You will also get the opportunity to sample the healing waters of Slovensky Springs, also known as the Springs of the 12 Apostles. In about half an hour, you will reach Pechory. Pechory is a small town located 43 km from Pskov. The town was founded in 1472 when the Assumption Church that was dug out of the rock was consecrated here. This was the first church of the Pskov-Pechory Assumption Cave Monastery. Being located on the Russian – Estonian border, Pechory was an important Russia’s outpost. Because of this strategic location, a mighty fortress was built here in 1565. The fortress more than once succumbed to the onslaught of Polish and Swedish forces in the XVI-XVIII centuries. In 1782, Pechory was granted the status of a town. During WWI, the town was occupied by the German army. After the war, Pechory became the site of a struggle between the Red Armyand the troops of bourgeois Estonia. Estonia won the struggle and Pechory became a part of its territory. This was favorable for the monastery as it was not closed down as most churches and monasteries were during the Soviet times. In 1944, Pechory became part of Russia. The Assumption Cave Monastery is still the heart of town.

In Pechory, you will visit the amazing Cave Monastery – one of the most famous and oldest monasteries in Russia (founded in 1473). Transfer to St. Petersburg.

Overnight at the St. Petersburg hotel.