Нижний Новгород – Ярославль – Москва

Nizhny Novgorod is an ancient city on the Volga River.

Population: ~ 1,259,000 people (2018 Census).

Time: Moscow time.

Nizhny Novgorod was founded on Volga and Oka rivers in 1221. Nowadays, it is a popular cruise stop.This is one of the few cities in Russia where the Kremlin has been preserved. Moreover, Nizhny Novgorod is included in the list of one hundred UNESCO cities of historical and cultural value. In total, there are about 600 attractions in the city: both ancient architectural monuments and modern ones are among them. Originally the name was just Novgorod (“Newtown”), but to distinguish it from the other, older and well-known Novgorod (Veliky Novgorod) to the west, the city was commonly called “Novgorod of the Lower lands”, or “Lower Newtown”. This land was named "lower” (nizhniy) even though it is actually higher in altitude than Veliky Novgorod, because it is situated downstream of other Russian cities such as Moscow, Vladimir and Murom.

Yaroslavl is one of the oldest Russian cities, the unofficial capital of the Golden Ring of Russia.

Population: ~ 609,000 (as of 2018).

Time: Moscow time.

Yaroslavl, which recently celebrated its millennium, is one of the most popular tourist cities. According to the legends, at the confluence of the Volga and the Kotorosl, Russian Tsar Yaroslav the Wise killed a bear and ordered to found the city. During its long history, Yaroslavl was both an inconspicuous city on the border of the principalities, and one of the cultural and commercial centers, and even (for a short time) the capital of our state. In memory of its former greatness, Yaroslavl has preserved a huge number of architectural monuments that are included in the UNESCO Heritage List. There are more than 800 of them — it is not surprising that the city is called an open-air museum. During a visit to Yaroslavl, you should pay attention to the Church of St. John the Baptist in Tolchkov, depicted on a bill of 1,000 rubles. And also visit the Volkov Drama Theater — the oldest in our country. Young travelers may be interested in the Yaroslavl zoo.

Moscow is the capital of Russia, one of the oldest and at the same time modern cities.

Population: ~ 12,506,000 (as of 2018).

Time: Moscow time.

Moscow attracts tourists from all over the world. The key matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup were held here, but guests from other countries and cities come here at any time.

Cruises to Moscow are one of the most popular trips. This is due to the beauty of Moscow itself, and to the picturesque river landscapes that can be seen along the way.

Over the past few years, Moscow has changed beyond recognition. This is real city of contrasts: old mansions, interactive museums, large green parks, popular theater premieres and modern skyscrapers. This is a city that never seems to sleep and never ceases to amaze.

There are two river stations in Moscow. Most motor ships come to the North, but if you find yourself in the South, we recommend you to go to Kolomenskoye Park. The former royal residence, now a green park with shady alleys, observation decks, picturesque views of the Moskva River and the Ascension Church, which is included in the UNESCO Heritage List.

All attractions are best reached by metro. The Moscow Metro is not only a convenient and fast mode of transport, its stations are one the most beautiful in the world.

Getting off at the Teatralnaya station, you will find yourself in the very center of Moscow. The Bolshoi Theater is very close, it is worth going a little to the left and you will find yourself at the Alexander Garden, situated at the walls of the Kremlin, and on the Red Square, paved with paving stones. A short walk away is Zaryadye Park, a green island in the heart of the city, with interactive and music venues and the famous Floating Bridge.

Those who love art, try to get to the Tretyakov Gallery or the Pushkin Museum during their visit to Moscow. Moscow City attracts connoisseurs of modern cities — by the way, here you can climb to the observation deck to admire the city from a height. Another famous observation deck is located on the Ostankino TV Tower, the tallest building in Europe. And young guests of the capital will be interested in the Moscow zoo.

One of the advantages of Moscow is the opportunity to explore it as you want. Ride on public transport to see the most interesting sights for you, walk through the streets, stop to rest in cozy cafes, or rent a bicycle.

In Moscow there is a huge number of souvenirs depicting local attractions. From earrings to decorative plates, from shawls to cups, what to choose from is up to you.

Also near most of the attractions and museums there are special shops where you can buy books, commemorative posters and postcards.