"A step into Russia's rich history" Russia by TheWanderingCamel

Russia Travel Guide: 14,132 reviews and 35,674 photos

Golden days on the Golden Ring

Early October -
golden days they call "Women's Summer" in Russia.
Harvest and the work of summer done, leaves turning gold under clear blues skies, still some warmth in the sun.

It's the perfect time to visit the countryside, to make your way around the route known as The Golden Ring, a loop of ancient cities to the north-east of Moscow, some with a history older than the capital's, each with an important place in the heart and soul of Russia.

Where did we go?

The route around the Golden Ring

A three day tour took us first to

Vladimir, once the mediaeval capital of all Russia, considered the birthplace of the Russian language and identity

and then, on around the ring to

Suzdal' - where time seems to have stood still, giving us a glimpse into the by-gone days of old Russia
Ples - an artist's village on the banks of the Volga
Kostroma - at the confluence of the Volga and the Kostroma Rivers, a charming city with an ancient foundation
Yaroslavl' - the biggest city on the Golden Ring, busy, modern - and full of wonderful churches
Rostov-Veliky - Russia's Eternal City, with a magnificent kremlin set down by a lake
Pereyasslavl'-Zalessky - the birthplace of Russian hero, Alexander Nevsky, 13th century Grand Prince, military hero and saint

and finally

Sergiev Posad - one of Russia's most important religious centres, home to the famed Monastery of the Holy Trinity and always thronged with pilgrims.

Along the way

People and places

Churches, monasteries, museums - yes, there were plenty of those to visit as we made our way around the cities of the Golden Ring, but there were also wide vistas of golden forests and country villages, strolls by the Volga (and the Kostroma, the Kliasma and the Nerl - rivers I'd never heard of before) and walks through parks where children played and teenagers stood guard at an Eternal Flame. With warmth and pride, local guides told us stories of the cities they called home and showed us their treasures, and an old lady sang for us as she told us of the way life used to be.

Away from Moscow, roads were empty and the price of drinks and food absurdly cheap. Our hotels were smart, spotless and efficient with friendly staff and comfortable beds.

Until we got to Sergiev Posad, fellow-tourists were so thin on the ground, they were almost non-exisitent. After the crowds and hustle of Moscow, it was all so relaxed and easy - each day filled with wonderful sights and memorable places, every day as enjoyable as the one before.

leyle

Last visit to Russia: Oct 2008
Intro Updated Jan 16, 2009
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (8)

Country comforts Hotels (1)

Our Golden Ring tour was all pre-booked with everything done by the tour company so we didn't know what our hotels would... more travel advice

Suzdal's bells Things to Do (7)

Page under construction more travel advice

Suzdal Things to Do (7)

Page under construction more travel advice

First stop - Vladimir Things to Do (7)

Page under construction more travel advice

Comments (3)

Reply
- Report abuse
Yaqui Apr 18, 2012 at 8:46 PM

Such lovely landscapes! Nice page!
Reply
- Report abuse
Trekki Jan 16, 2009 at 12:03 AM

Dearest Leyle, it is so wonderful to see that you continue with the Golden Ring :-)) I will wait patiently because I know it will be marvellous to read and look :-)
Reply
- Report abuse
HORSCHECK Nov 1, 2008 at 6:01 AM

Great start here. I am looking forward to seeing more.