Sokol Tours: Tours: History: Sergeev Posad via Abramtsevo

Russia European (Central) / Sergeev Posad

Route: - Moscow - Sergeev Posad - Golden Ring Cities

Code: MOS-003

Duration: see options

Date: upon request

Discounts: %30 (2 people);
%35 (3 people);
%40 (4 people);

Difficulty: Not applicable
Cost: 297 USD
-per person;
-[option #1]

Sergeev Possad Monastary

Toy museum - largest in the country

Sergeev Posad via Abramtsevo

Service

Surrounding Moscow is a “ring” of towns which all played a significant role in the history of Russia. During this tour we will visit towns, which remain the key centers of Russian philanthropy, art, and the Byzantine mission carried by the Russian Orthodox Church since 988 A.D.

Highlights:

The Holy Trinity - St. Sergius Monastery in Sergeev Posad (also Sergieva Lavra) was founded in the 1340’s by Sergius of Radonezh. Sergius was the Father Superior of the Monastery, and he played a major role in consolidating the fragmented lands of Rus. This led to one of the main victories over the Mongols at Kulikovo field, near Tula, in 1380. The Monastery was home to the Patriarchy of the Russian Orthodox Church, until it was moved to Moscow only a few years ago.

The "Abramtsevo" Estate is situated in the center of the Radonezh district, the motherland of famous Saint Sergy Radonezhsky. But today, "Abramtsevo" is more known as the center of literature and art. The history of the estate began at the end of the 18th century. The owners at various times were well-known figures in Russia, such as the writer Sergei Aksakov and the manufacturer Savva Mamontov. By 1870, the estate turns into a true artist and philanthropy center supported by Russian art nobility such as Repin, Serov, Vrubel and Polenov.

"Matreshka" museum - Sergeev Posad is a home to the famous "matrioshka" toy museum. Here you’ll find hundreds of examples of carved wooden toys from all over Russia, both antique and contemporary.

Experience the Russian countryside.

Itinerary:

[Option #1] - 8 hrs, driving, w/bilingual guide;
Early morning departure with your guide from Moscow to Sergeev Posad, about an hour north of the city. Your first stop will be "Abramtsevo" Estate. During the visit, we plan to see the main building of the estate, surrounding park, the pottery and wood workshops, as well as the church of Spasa Nerukotvornogo. Continue driving to Sergiev Posad city. Upon arrival, we will walk to the spot, where holy water is collected by many of the faithful. Enter the Monastery grounds and visit several of the churches. Your guide will explain to you the role of the Orthodox Church in Russia, as well as the history and significance of the Monastary itself. Inside the main church you will also see where the remains of St. Sergius himself are kept. There are several churches inside the monastery, and a museum of Russian icons. After lunch , visit to the toy museum, and learn about the history of the Russian wooden doll, the matrioshka, as well as other examples of Russian wooden folk art. Of course you’ll have chances to buy souvenirs for your friends and family back home!

Included:

Bilingual guide;

Admission to 2 museum;

Transportation, round trip, as described;

Not included:

Meals or snacks;

Special exhibitions fees;

Travel/Health insurance;

Special tour-related note:

Most museums in Russia are closed on Mondays.

During fall and winter seasons, to avoid bad weather, it is best to take the tour by private car.

Travel time Moscow-Sergiev Posad (one way):

If your choused the tour without a guide, please be advised to carry basic dictionary with you all the time. Be aware that the driver does not speak your language.

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