Sergiev Posad is home to the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra (Trinity Lavra of St Sergius) - the main monastery in Russia - and is a must-see sight near Moscow. Although you can go there by yourself by suburban train or bus using our comprehensive guide, we can also organise this trip for you.

During the excursion, you will learn about the life of the founder of the monastery - St Sergius of Radonezh, one of the most revered Russian saints; about the history of the monastery associated with key events in Russian history and about other well-known figures of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian state connected with Sergiev Posad. You will also see the unique architectural ensemble of the monastery including the white stone Trinity Cathedral (1422) - a masterpiece of Russian architecture and one of the oldest buildings preserved in the monastery. The cathedral serves as the place of rest for the imperishable relics of St Sergius of Radonezh and its ancient iconostasis holds icons painted by St Andrey Rublev and his pupils. In addition you will visit the Dormition Cathedral (1559-1585) which was created on the orders and using the funds of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, based on the Dormition Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. The trip also includes St Sergius’ Church and refectory (1686-1692) with its well-preserved Moscow baroque interior and one of the most beautifully carved iconostasis in Russia (1688).

The tour includes transportation to Sergiev Posad and back on a private car from your hotel, and an excursion in English, French or German with a local guide. It is also possible to have this excursion with one of our guides and, although this make your trip more expensive, in this manner you will learn much more about Russia, Sergiev Posad and the sights around.

The excursion can be extended to include Abramtsevo - the estate where many Russian artists worked.

Total distance of the tour – 140km | Total time of the tour – 6-7 hours

ITINERARY

09:00 

Departure from the hotel.

A driver with a sign saying  will wait for you at the lobby of your hotel or place where you stayed. It can take up to 2 hours depending on traffic.

11:00

Arrival to Sergiev Posad.

Excursion around the monastery. The excursion lasts about 1 hour. After the excursion, you will have an extra 2 hours to walk around the monastery and the city, have lunch and buy souvenirs. You can also visit the Museum of Toys which is located not far from the monastery.

14:00

Departure from Sergiev Posad.

Optional Extra:

Trip to the Abramtsevo Estate ​On the way back you can visit the Abramtsevo Estate – a artistic commune for Russian intellectuals (mainly painters) including Vasily Polenov, Viktor Vasnetsov, Ilya Repin, Valentin Serov, Konstantin Korovin, Mikhail Vrubel and others.          The estate is also famous for its architecture - the manor house (1760s) – a monument of Russian wooden classicism, the Studio Workshop (1874) - a monument of the traditional Russian style’, the banya mansion (1878), the Saviour’s Church (1881-1882) - an early monument to the Russian Revival style designed by artists Viktor Vasnetsov and Vasily Polenov; plus the "Hut on Chicken Legs" (1883) also designed by Vasnetsov based on Russian fairy-Tales. Have a look below for prices for this optional visit.  +   +  PRICE PER GROUP 1-2 PAX 3-4 PAX 5-6 PAX 7-8 PAX USD 40 46 51 55 EUR 35 40 44 48 GBP 29 33 37 40   The price is in addition to the price of the excursion to Sergiev Posad and includes 2 hours stop in Abramtsevo estate on the way from Sergiev Posad to Moscow.

 16:00

Arrival to Moscow.

PRICES

DAY TOUR OF SERGIEV POSAD WITH A LOCAL GUIDE.

 +  

 INCLUSIONS:

• Transportation on a private car to/from Sergiev Posad.
• 3 hours of a car waiting time.
• Excursion around the monastery with a local guide.

 EXCLUSIONS:

• Meal
• Gratuities (optional)

DAY TOUR OF SERGIEV POSAD ACCOMPANIED BY A GUIDE.

  +  

 INCLUSIONS:

• Transportation on a private car to/from Sergiev Posad.
• 3 hours of a car waiting time.
• Guide accompaniment during the tour.
• Excursion around the monastery and the city.

 EXCLUSIONS:

• Meal
• Gratuities (optional)

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