Rail Cruise. Silver Route

A rail cruise through historic cities of northern Russia, introducing travellers to Pskov, Veliky Novgorod, Rybinsk and Yaroslavl, their way of life, the culture of Ancient Rus and Volga merchant traditions. Dates: 1—4 Jan. 2024; 5—8 Jan. 2024. Day 1 — departure from Moscow. Independent boarding with original documents (passport; birth certificate for children under 14). 20:22 — train departs from Leningradsky Station, Moscow. Day 2 — Pskov and Izborsk. Veliky Novgorod. 08:08 — arrival in Pskov. Meet the guides on the platform and transfer to buses. Departure for Izborsk with an en-route guided tour. Izborsk is one of Russia’s oldest towns and is mentioned in the Primary Chronicle in 862. Few places in Russia or elsewhere have preserved such a combination of historic, cultural and natural monuments while remaining continuously inhabited. Return to Pskov. Tour of the Pskov Kremlin, including the Kremlin, Trinity Cathedral and Dovmont’s Town. Day 3 — Rybinsk. Yaroslavl. 09:28 — tourist train arrives at Rybinsk railway station. Meet the guide and transfer to the bus. Bus-and-walking city tour. Rybinsk stands on the shore of the Rybinsk Reservoir, Europe’s largest man-made sea. The tour covers the historic centre and modern city, merchants’ and industrialists’ houses, the monumental Art Nouveau Fire Tower, the Old and New Grain Exchange buildings, and churches built by Rybinsk merchants. The most impressive is the Transfiguration Cathedral, which holds up to 3000 people. You will also see the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and architectural ensembles of 18th–19th-century churches. On the Volga Embankment are several installations, including a monument to a cheerful plumber, the world’s only monument to a barge hauler, and an unusual Lenin wearing an ushanka and winter coat. 11:30 — free time in the city centre. 12:20 — transfer to Rybinsk railway station. 13:00 — tourist train departs. Free time to rest and visit the dining car or bar car. Day 4 — return to Moscow.