Pskov two-day tour
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Pskov is one of Russia's oldest cities, dating back to the 10th century. In the Middle Ages, it was a centre of power and trade in northern Russia, first as part of the Novgorod Republic, and later as an independent city state in the Hanseatic League. Pskov was also a vital religious centre, with its own school of icon painting and several major religious houses in and around the city.
Pskov is also one of the best preserved medieval cities in Russia, and this two-day tour from St. Petersburg gives you the opportunity to discover the wealth of historic architecture and ancient culture that Pskov and its surroundings have to offer, with highlights including the magnificent Krom or Kremlin, the superbly preserved 12th century frescoes of the Mirozhsky Monastery and, about 50 km from the city near the Estonian border, the Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery, considered one of Russian Orthodoxy's holiest sites - a religious house founded around caves that have been inhabited by holy hermits since the earliest days of Christianity in the Russian lands. A nexus of old Slavic culture surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, Pskov is a fantastic contrast to the urban imperial grandeur of St. Petersburg, and this two-day guided tour offers you minimal hassle and maximum enjoyment of the city and its nearby attractions.
Itinerary
Day 1| 8:00am – 11:45am |
Transfer to Pskov
You will be met by your guide at your hotel or other location in central St. Petersburg and taken by car or bus, depending on the size of your group, to Pskov. The tour guide will provide an introduction to the history of Pskov and the region on the way, as well as showing the group various points of interest.
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| 12:00pm – 1:00pm |
Snetogorsk Convent
As you arrive in Pskov, you will stop on the outskirts of the city to visit the Snetogorsk Monastery. Standing on a cliff over the River Velikaya, the monastery features picturesque ruins and the beautiful Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, with a fine series of frescoes dating from the 14th century.
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| 1:15pm – 2:30pm |
Check-in at hotel and lunch
After viewing the Snetogorsk Convent, you will be taken to your Pskov hotel for check-in and will then have time for a quick lunch in a nearby restaurant.
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| 2:30pm – 4:00pm |
Pskov Krom
Pskov's Kremlin or Krom dates back to the 10th century, and boasts splendid riverside fortifications as well as the beautiful Trinity Cathedral. During the tour, your guide will give an overview of Pskov's rich military history, which comprised successful defense against innumerable attacks, including 26 sieges in the 15th century alone.
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| 4:15pm – 5:30pm |
Pogankin Chambers
You will end the day in this museum a short walk from the Krom. Housed in the beautifully preserved home and warehouses of the merchant Sergey Pogankin, built in the 1670s, the museum boasts a superb collection of icons from the 14th to the 17th centuries showcasing the distinguishing attributes of the Pskov school, as well as displays of historic Russian silverware and folk crafts, and a brief exposition on the 1100-year history of the city.
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After 5:30pm, you will be free to explore the city under your own steam, and your guide can provide advice on local restaurants as required.
| 9:00am |
Check-out and departure from Pskov
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by your guide and driver, who will take you to see two of the most spectacular medieval sights in the Pskov Oblast.
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| 9:45am – 11:00am |
Izborsk
This picturesque ruined fortress around 30km from Pskov dates from the early 14th century and has become a centre for archaeological study of Russia in the Middle Ages, with an impressive collection of finds from the area.
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| 11:30am – 1:30pm |
Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery
Considered one of Russia's most holy sites, this 15th century monastery near the Estonian border was originally established by hermits living in the local caves, but grew to comprise ten churches and several other fine buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries. As part of the First Estonian Republic between the wars, the monastery also avoided the worst of the Bolsheviks' anti-monastic policies, making it unusually well preserved.
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| 1:30pm – 2:30pm |
Lunch
Before departing for the return journey to St. Petersburg, you will have time for lunch at a traditional Russian restaurant in the town of Pechory.
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| 2:45pm – 6:30pm |
Return to St. Petersburg
You will then be driven back to your hotel or arranged drop-off point in central St. Petersburg.
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Itinerary and route details
| Day 1 | |
| 8:00am - 11:45am | Transfer to Pskov |
| 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Snetogorsk Convent |
| 1:15pm - 2:30pm | Check-in at hotel and lunch |
| 2:30pm - 4:00pm | Pskov Krom |
| 4:15pm - 5:30pm | Pogankin Chambers |
| Day 2 | |
| 9:00am | Check-out and departure from Pskov |
| 9:45am - 11:00am | Izborsk |
| 11:30am - 1:30pm | Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery |
| 1:30pm - 2:30pm | Lunch |
| 2:45pm - 6:30pm | Return to St. Petersburg |
- Snetogorsk Convent
- Pskov Krom
- Pogankin Chambers
- Izborsk
- Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery
Travelers
Payment
- Admissions tickets
- Guide services
- Accommodation in Pskov
