Russia Saint Petersburg Veliky Novgorod 1 day tour

Itinerary

07.30 – Departure from St. Petersburg with a guide.
10.30 – Arrival in Veliky Novgorod. Meeting with a local guide.
The ancient city was founded in 859. Located 180 kilometers from St. Petersburg on the Volkhov River. The river divides the city in the center into two parts. On its banks and concentrated the main historical, architectural sights.
The excursion starts from Sophia Square, which is not far from the Sophia Cathedral of the XI century. The oldest Orthodox church in Russia, an object of unique ancient Russian architecture.

The complex of the Novgorod Kremlin (Detinets) was first mentioned in the annals of 1044. This is the first military defensive building in Russia. Located on the left bank of Volkhov, it has a territory of more than 12 hectares. Eight perimeter towers are built into the protective wall.

There are two churches on the territory of the Kremlin, the belfry of the Vladychnaya or the Faceted Chamber, the construction of which was begun in the XY century. Novgorod Kremlin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The belfry of St. Sophia Cathedral, built in 1437, adjoins right in one of the walls of Detinets.
Special arrangement: the Bread and Salt program with a tasting of Novgorod drinks.
The bread and salt program is conducted by a folklore group. Guests are greeted with bread and salt. Then the guests will be offered a small interactive program: Russian folk songs performed by the folklore group, round dance and other Russian fun.
In 1862, the monument “Millennium of Russia” was erected on Kremlin Square, built on the 1000th anniversary of the glory of the Russian state. The height of the monument is almost 16 metro. 128 figures of the most significant people of the country during this time of composition are divided into three levels, ideologically confirming the principles of “autocracy, Orthodoxy and nationality.”

Sights city tours:
• Alexander Nevsky Bridge;
• Novgorod University named after Yaroslav the Wise. (The first Birchbark letter was found here);
• Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior on Ilyin Street 1374. (A unique collection of mural paintings by Theophanes the Greek);
• Znamensky Cathedral of the 17th century;
• The Church of Fyodor Stratilat on the Stream 1360-1361;
• The Church of Peter and Paul in Kozhevniki 1406;
• The ensemble of the former Pokrovsky female Zverin monastery. Built at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries.
On the right side of the river is the Yaroslavovo Courtyard and the ancient Bargain. This is part of the shopping complex of architecture of the XII-XVIII centuries, built by decree of Tsar Peter 1 in 1690. Only old buildings are preserved in the center of the complex, which personally give an idea of the life of Novgorodians in the 16th century. Yaroslavovo Courtyard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

14.30-15.30 – Lunch at the city restaurant St. Visit to Yuriev Monastery of the XI century The first Orthodox monastery of Novgorod, located in a picturesque place on the banks of the Volkhov River.

The largest cathedral on its territory is St. George’s Cathedral in 1119. The exterior of the cathedral has been preserved almost completely and amazes with the grandeur of its white-stone walls.
Ethnographic open-air museum “Vitoslavlitsy” XVI – XIX centuries. An interesting collection is the museum. Rare examples of wooden architecture of the north of Russia are collected here: strange carved peasant huts, courtyard outbuildings, chapels. The way of life of medieval people is presented – dishes, utensils, furniture, decor.

Two huts of the XIX century and the church of the XVI century, guests will see inside.
Varlaamo-Khutynsky Transfiguration Convent. Built in the 12th century. Fully restored and is an active temple, where services are held.
19.30 – 21.00 – Dinner at the restaurant
21.00 – Departure to St. Petersburg
23.00 – Arrival at your hotel