TOUR R - NOVGOROD – THE SPIRIT OF ANCIENT RUSSIA
Excursions
- £120 - £130
- approx. 13 hours
- Limited capacity
- Strenuous
On arrival in Novgorod we will stop for tea or coffee with a Russian pastry at one of the city’s hotels. Refreshed, we will start with a scenic drive around the city, with photo stops near the most interesting highlights. We will see the 14th century Church of St Theodore Stratilates as well as several other cathedrals.
We shall then visit the Novgorod Kremlin at the heart of the old town. This is the oldest Russian fortress and was mentioned in the chronicles as early as 1044. Within the Kremlin we will pay a visit to the St Sophia Cathedral. Erected in 1045, this impressive structure still dominates the Kremlin and the whole historic downtown of Novgorod. In the Kremlin’s central square is the "The Millennium of Russia" monument designed by Mikhail Mikeshin (from 1862).
Following our tour of the Kremlin, we will cross the Volkhov River, by foot bridge, for a walking tour of an outstanding open-air museum – the Yaroslav’s Court and ancient trade yard feature numerous 12th to 16th century architectural monuments. These include the Cathedral of St Nicholas, churches of St John The Baptist, Paraskeva-Pyatnitsa, Myrrh-Bearing Women and others.
Following a traditional Russian meal at one of the city’s best restaurants, we will have a drive to the Yuriev Monastery, founded in the 12th century by Prince Yaroslav the Wise. Here we will be amazed by the striking beauty of St George Cathedral (built 1119) – another masterpiece of ancient Russian architecture. Leaving the monastery, a stop will be made at the open air architectural and ethnographic museum – Vitoslavlitsy - which provides a whole complex of genuine 16th and 17th century wooden architecture, including churches, wooden peasant huts, flour mills and store houses - brought here from different parts of the Novgorod Region.
The return drive will then be made to St Petersburg, and our awaiting ship.
TOUR NOTES: This is a strenuous tour because of the duration, and is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. Walking is involved – at the Kremlin (approximately one hour) and at Yaroslav’s Court, Yuriev Monastery and Vitoslavlitsy (approximately 40 minutes at each). Please note that it is an approximate three hour drive to Novgorod. For those passengers wishing to purchase souvenirs of the day, street vendors usually accept Euros and US Dollars, and shops usually accept credit cards or Roubles. This tour will only be offered when we have a three day stay in St Petersburg. The itinerary is subject to change depending upon local conditions. Please be mindful of pickpockets in the city.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2011 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC SEASON
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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