07:35 - Departure of the express train to Rostov Veliky from Moscow’s Yaroslavsky Railway Station. This stretch of track is part of the historical route of the Trans-Siberian Railways. (Duration: 2h35)

Arrival in Rostov Veliky. Your guide will wait for you outside your carriage.

City tour of Rostov Veliky – on this tour you will visit the main sights of the city: 

Rostov Kremlin - this large and beautiful architectural complex, although called a kremlin due to its appearance was originally built as a residence for the archbishop in the 1660s. Archbishop Iona Sysoevich of Rostov ordered the construction to create a centre of Orthodoxy in his parish and in addition to this kremlin he also founded other monasteries in the region.

Dormition Cathedral – the main cathedral in the kremlin is the Dormition Cathedral, one of the masterpieces of Russian church architecture. Today's version is already the fifth incarnation to stand here and dates from the 16th century, before Archbishop Iona's construction project. The cathedral was built using Moscow's Dormition Cathedral as a model. Several Rostov princes and bishops are interred inside, including Archbishop Iona.

Rostov Belfry – this belfry is perhaps the most famous in Russia. It was completed in 1681 and its unique bells each have a name – the oldest and largest is known as Sysoy and weights 33 tonnes.

Museum of Rostov Finift – many Russian cities have become famous for a traditional form of handicraft created there and in Rostov Veliky's case it is for its finift. Finift is prepared by created a picture using glass powder and enamel on a metallic base. The glass coating is long-lasting and does not fade with time, allowing finift products to keep their shine and purity. The technique was invented in France but further developed in Rostov where a new form was created.

Lake Nero – this lake was formed before the last ice age and is believed to be almost 500,000 years old.It is the largest lake in the Yaroslavl Region.

Spaso-Yakovlevsky Monastery – the most beautiful monastery in Rostov, it is located on the shores of Lake Nero. The oldest structure here is the cathedral which dates from 1686. Its frescos have also survived.

Duration: 3h |  Transportation: by a private car

Free time in the city.

17:00 - Transfer from Vladimir to your hotel in Suzdal. (Distance: 60km)

18:00 - Arrival in Yaroslavl. 

Night in Yaroslavl.

Breakfast at your hotel.

City tour around Yaroslavl -  the highlights of this tour include:

Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery – this ancient 13th century monastery is considered the main sight in Yaroslavl and often mistaken for a kremlin. It was here that the only surviving example of the ancient Russian literary masterpiece – The Tale of Igor's Campaign - was discovered at the end of the 18th century.

Transfiguration Cathedral – the oldest surviving building in Yaroslavl. It was built between 1506 and 1516 on the site of an even earlier cathedral by architects from Moscow sent to Yaroslavl by Grand Prince Vasily III.

Beheading of St John the Baptist Church at Tolchkovo  - this is one of the most striking examples of Yaroslavl’s architecture and its architects broke with several rules of Russian architecture.  The church’s two side chapels are at the same height as the main part and all three sections are topped with five decorative domes which gives the impression of a 15-domed church. At the turn of the 18th century a six-tier Moscow-baroque bell tower was erected next to the church.  At 45 metres high, it stands as tall as the church's central dome. Both the church and the bell tower are the tallest in Yaroslavl.

Volga Embankment – the Volga embankment is one of the most beautiful places in Yaroslavl. It runs along the embankment and was first laid out in the 19th century. Many historical buildings and unique churches are located along the embankment. Several gazebos are also found here which have become favourite places for taking photographs, especially for newlyweds.

St Elijah the Prophet’s Church – this is one of the most outstanding monuments of the Yaroslavl school of architecture and fresco painting. Its frescos, depicting various stories and themes, date from the 17th century and have been completely preserved. The church also has five iconostases. Its central one is considered one of the best examples of 17th century Russian iconostases. Duration: 3 hours Transportation: by private car

Duration: 3.5 h | Transport: by a private car.

Free time in the city.

18:30 - Transfer from your hotel to the railway station in Yaroslavl.

19:30 - Express train to Moscow. (Duration: 3h20)

22:50 - Arrival in Moscow.