Welcome to Russia’s famed historical heartland! Airport arrival transfer, hotel check in and overnight. Overnight - Moscow

Today enjoy a guided tour of Moscow’s most famous sites - in Red Square see the beautiful St. Basil’s Cathedral, with its wildly colourful turban shaped domes, wander around the historic GUM department store and if open, pay your respects to Lenin at the mausoleum. This afternoon explore the grounds of the mighty Kremlin - Russia’s powerhouse, visit its gold domed cathedrals, Ivan the Great Bell Tower and the Armoury, where you can see incredible jewels and ancient artifacts. Overnight - Moscow (B)

Moscow - Vladimir - Suzdal. Driving onward to Vladimir, the city which gave way to Moscow as Russia’s capital. Tour the impressive defensive fort built in 1108, the beautiful Assumption Cathedral with frescoes by the greatest of old Russian painters, Andrei Rubliov and the famous Golden Gate.

This afternoon head to the beautiful, rural Suzdal. Exploring the town mostly on foot, see the enchanting wooden houses, medieval churches and the Assumption Refractory and prison, built on the order of Catherine II, to house those who committed crimes against the church. Suzdal is also famed as a place of exile for many Russian ladies of noble birth, including Peter the Great’s first wife, Evdokia. Overnight - Suzdal (B)

Suzdal - Kostroma. Today, travel to Kostroma, known as the ‘Cradle of the Romanov dynasty’, as it was home to first Tsar of the Romanov Dynasty. Take a guided tour of this 12th century town which sits on the banks of the Volga River. Visit the Epiphany and St Ipathy Monasteries, see the frescoes inside the Trinity Cathedral and wander around Susanina Square. Overnight - Kostroma (B)

Kostroma - Yaroslavl. This morning drive to Yaroslavl, which was founded by a Kievan prince. The main attraction is the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour - founded in the 12th century, it was one of Russia’s richest and most fortified monasteries by the 1500’s. Other sights of interest on the tour include the beautiful frescoes in the churches of St. Nicholas Nadein and Elijah the Prophet. Overnight - Yaroslavl (B)

Yaroslavl - Rostov Veliky - Moscow. Today enjoy the sights of the lakeside town of Rostov Veliky. This historic town is rich in ancient architecture, with many monuments dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Dominating the central square is the impressive 16th Century Assumption Cathedral and between the square and the lake is the Kremlin, which has eleven beautifully ornate towers and is home to several elaborately decorated churches and palaces. This afternoon travel onward to Moscow. Overnight - Moscow (B)

Your tour concludes after breakfast and onward departure transfer to the airport. (B)