Route Attractions
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Driving distance: 1100 km
Types of driving: Highway, back roads, unpaved roads
Type of tour: (40% paved roads and 60% back roads
Vehicles: Great Wall Motor Tank 300
Minimum driver age: 21
Group size: from 6 to 25 person
Accommodation: Best hotels on the route
Meals: Full board + coffee-breaks
Best time: December - January
Day 1. Arrival to Moscow
Welcome to the beautiful city of Moscow, home to the famous Red Square. You will meet your fellow travelers, and the team will be directly transferred from the airport to the hotel where you can relax before discovering the city.
We suggest an orientation walk around Moscow city center (2 hrs): Red Square and vicinity, followed by a short introduction to Moscow metro. You will see the Kremlin wall, St.Basil’s cathedral (exterior), GUM mall, Lenin’s Tomb, Kazan church, State History Museum.
In the mood for more sightseeing in Moscow? We are happy to offer you some ideas.
Option 1: Guided tour of the most iconic streets and architecture with a private vehicle (3-3,5 hrs). Highlights: Bolshoi Theatre and the Alexander Garden, the State Duma and Russian Govt buildings, Lubyanka Square with KGB HQ, the Russian State Library, Sparrow Hills vantage point, Moscow-City business district, Poklonnaya Hill, Victory Park, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.
Option 2: Moscow River Cruise on the amazing Radisson yacht (2,5 hrs).
Welcome dinner in the evening to meet the crew and talk some details of the road trip ahead.
Accommodation in a hotel (Meals: -/-/D)
Day 2. Moscow – Sergiev Posad ~160 km drive (2-3 hours)
Our morning starts with an introduction to our SUVs. We conduct a short briefing, and then our journey begins! We leave the city and adjust to driving in the convoy and interacting with each other on the radio.
We are going to start the trip with a bang and begin exploring the harsh winter of Russia by road! We start driving on snow-covered roads aiming reach Sergiev Posad, also known as the “Russian Vatican”, by evening.
First, we head straight to a military camp where the most real Russian tanks and other equipement await us. We'll spend a few hours: tank rides, shooting from real Kalashnikov rifles and much more. After picnic style lunch, we continue on our way.
Once we’ve reached Sergiev Posad, you’ll be able to visit the Trinity Lavra of St Sergius, which was founded in the 1300s and is one of the most famous Russian monasteries and spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church. See the fortress-like structure with the many churches and other significant artifacts – a chance to discover the place most religious Russians visit at least once in a lifetime.
Accommodation in a hotel (Meals: B/L/D)
Day 3. Sergiev Posad – Koprino Bay ~ 250 km drive (4-5 hours)
Have you gotten accustomed to driving on the slippery, sloppy snow-covered roads? Today you will be driving towards Koprino, which is located on the Rybinskoye Reservoir coast, 40 km from Rybinsk city.
On the way, we will drive through several medieval towns of the famous Russian Golden Ring like Uglich and Myshkin. The Golden Ring is a collection of historic Russian cities, northeast of Moscow and is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the quiet and peaceful life in the Russian province, beautiful countryside views, and ancient architecture.
En route, you might also get a chance to experience ice crossing on the Volga River, which is the longest river in Europe.
In the evening, we stop at a beautiful park hotel on the shore of the Reservoir in a gorgeous forest.
The awesome spa for which the property is famous, is at your disposal.Accommodation in a hotel (Meals: B/L/D)
Day 4. Koprino Bay – Activity Day
Don't be snow-bored! Today, embrace the unknown as we have planned a day full of surprises and fun activities. Choose to relax and unwind at the hotel’s awesome wellness centre or enjoy the great outdoor options.
We set up a tent on the shore of the reservoir with hot beverages and cookies to keep you warm.
Take a ride on a hovercraft on top of the ice. Ever tried ice-fishing?
You can go cross-country skiing and admire beautiful views. It is truly one of the most unique experiences you can have in Russia. If you don’t feel like carving the slopes on skis, try driving a snowmobile.
End the day with Russian Vodka shots in a makeshift open Ice Bar. The day can’t get any better than this.
Accommodation in a hotel (Meals: B/L/D)
Day 5. Koprino Bay – Zavidovo Resort ~ 350 km drive (5-6 hours)
Today, we head on to Zavidovo, one of the most famous resorts on the upper Volga all the way since the Soviet era.
You will see the famed Kalyazin bell tower, built in 1800 at the St. Nicholas Cathedral of the former St. Nicholas-Zhabensky Monastery.
In 1939, during the construction of the Uglich Reservoir, the old part of Kalyazin ended up in the flood zone. The cathedral was dismantled, and the bell tower was left as a lighthouse. At this point, the Volga makes a turn, and a good landmark was needed. By the late 1980s, the foundation of the bell tower was strengthened, an artificial island with a pier for boats was created around it.
The bell tower is a tourist attraction, obviously. In the summer, regular prayer services are held there, and in winter it’s often accessible by ice crossing. It is also used as an observation deck, which offers a view of Kalyazin and the surrounding area.
We may have a chance to experience a short local ferry crossing as well.
Once we’ve reached the hotel, you can enjoy its pool, saunas and spa in the in the evening, and later we all share dinner at one of its cozy restaurants.
Accommodation in hotel (Meals: B/L/D)
Day 6. Zavidovo - Moscow ~ 260 km drive (4-5 hours)
This morning, we leave Zavidovo and head towards Moscow Region across the tiny villages and centuries old towns of the Staritsa district.
We continue our way along the snowy back roads to reach Yaropolets, where you get to see the first ever rural hydroelectric plant in Russia from the early 1900s – back in the day, even comrade Lenin admired the craft and dedication of the local peasants!
Later on, you will notice that the vicinity still has the remains of the bygone glory of the Russian nobility estates of the 1700s and 1800s.
If time permits, we may also pay tribute to the majestic monument to Panfilov’s Guardsmen, the Soviet troops who stood their ground defending Moscow from the tremendous onslaught of the advancing German army in the autumn of 1941.
Our day trip finishes back in the vibrant capital of Russia, and Moscow welcomes you back with an open heart!
Having rested and feeling refreshed, we join the gala evening show to welcome in the New Year!
Accommodation in 5* hotel (Meals: B/L/D)
Day 7. Moscow. Rest Day
You have the full day at leisure to unwind in Moscow.
Should you be in the mood for more sightseeing, we’ll be happy to help you make the most of the countless palaces, museums, cathedrals, shopping centers and restaurants of this magnificent city.
Accommodation in 5* hotel (Meals: B/-/-)
Day 8. Departure
Today the long journey ends with a warm goodbye at the airport!
Should you need additional service in Moscow, we’ll be glad to arrange accommodation, activities and guided tours.
Please note, the standard program is a framework to be customized to partners requirements.
