Onion domes above apple orchards, monasteries older than Moscow, wooden houses with carved windows: the Golden Ring is old Russia at its most photogenic – and it starts just two hours from the capital.
The classic route
The Golden Ring is a circle of ancient towns north-east of Moscow that shaped Russian history, faith and architecture. We run it as a private tour from Moscow, typically over two to four days, tailored to your dates and pace:
Golden Ring trips are individual: you tell us your dates, group size and how many towns you want, and we come back with a concrete route and price – usually within 24 hours. English-speaking guide, transport and hotels included; most guests combine it with our Moscow tour.
Request your Golden Ring route →When to go
The Ring is beautiful year-round: lilac springs, golden autumns and picture-book snowy winters. Summer weekends get busy in Suzdal – midweek is calmer. More in our best time to visit guide.
Good to know
Most nationalities can visit on a Russian e-visa ($52, approved in 4 days). All entrance fees and local transport are organised by us – you just show up in Moscow.