2. The Golden Ring The Golden Ring is one of the oldest Russian routes. It goes to the north-east of Moscow and forms a circle. There are many interesting ancient Russian cities and towns along the way, full of history and the unique Russian architecture.

3. Reasons to go there to see masterpieces of the Russian architecture; to admire old churches made of white stone; to hear bell tolling; to see old fortresses, ancient monasteries and convents; to learn more about history and culture of Russia.

4. Vladimir is the first town of the Golden Ring; was the capital of the Northeastern Rus in the 12th century; has numerous interesting sights, including old churches, monasteries and museums; has provincial atmosphere and the contrast with big cities.

5. The Dormition Cathedral

6. Vladimir Gate

7. Suzdal a calm ancient Russian town 38 kilometers to the north of Vladimir; is officially protected from the industries; the old architecture and buildings are kept intact; monasteries and old beautiful churches are of great interest.

8. Nativity Cathedral

9. Church of Saint Boris and Saint Gleb

10. Ivanovo is quite a big city located between Suzdal and Kostroma; is a real Russian industrial city; will be the most interesting stop along the Golden Ring if you want to get the taste of industrial Russian province.

11. Temple of the Sacred Trinity

12. The Pious-Vvedensky convent

13. Kostroma a beautiful calm town located on the Volga river; old churches and monasteries; the Ipatievsky Monastery on the other side of Volga is among them.

14. Resurrection Church Trinity Cathedral of the Hypatian Minster

15. Yaroslavl got its name from Prince Yaroslav Mudry, who founded the town at the beginning of the 11th century; is a large industrial city, the biggest one along the Golden Ring; is very interesting because of its history, architecture, and city life.

16. Church of Elijah the Prophet

17. Rostov an ancient Russian town located on Lake Nero; was first mentioned in 862; is a small town with old buildings, the Kremlin, and the Russian architecture; is the most similar town to Suzdal of all the towns along the Golden Ring.

18. Spaso-Jakovlevsky Monastery

19. Pereslavl-Zalessky An old Russian provincial town, famous for: numerous monasteries; old churches; the first boat built by young Peter the Great; Pleshcheevo Lake (which gained the status of national park in 1988).

20. St. Nikita's Cathedral

21. We hope you’ll have a wonderful time. Enjoy the trip!

22. Resources All the photos are taken from the Wikipedia and they are the property of their respective authors. The picture on the title slide is taken from http://nata-travel.ru. The picture on the second slide is taken from http://www.zolotoe-koltso.ru.