Veliky Novgorod two-day tour
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Situated on the Volkhov River around 200 km south of St. Petersburg, Veliky Novgorod ("Novgorod the Great") is today only a minor provincial city, but for much of the Middle Ages it was the capital of vast lands that stretched from modern-day Estonia to the Ural Mountains. Home to many of the greatest figures in Russia's folk legends and early history, chief among them the mighty holy warrior Alexander Nevsky, Novgorod retains some of the best preserved buildings in Russia from the early medieval period, and remains an enormously popular destination for anyone interested in the colorful and dramatic history of the Russian Middle Ages.
It is possible to see the main attractions of Veliky Novgorod in just one day, but this overnight tour gives visitors a better chance to appreciate all the the city has to offer, including the grand Novgorod Kremlin with the Cathedral of St. Sophia (the oldest church in Russia), the finest of the over fifty medieval churches located in and around the city, and the Vitoslavlitsy Museum of Wooden Architecture, an open-air display of over 30 historic wooden buildings brought from all over northern Russia. Accompanying you from St. Petersburg, our expert local guides will ensure that you are kept entertained and informed throughout the two-day tour, and be able to answer all your questions about Veliky Novgorod's rich historic and cultural heritage.
Itinerary
Day 1| 8:00am – 11:00am |
Transfer to Novgorod
You will be met at your St. Petersburg hotel (or other arranged central meeting point) by our guide and driver, and transported in comfort to Veliky Novgorod. During the three-hour drive, your guide will provide an introduction to the city's history and more detail about the sights you are going to see.
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| 11:00am – 11:30am |
Check-in at hotel
Upon arrival in Veliky Novgorod, you will be taken straight to your chosen hotel, where you will have a short break before beginning your sightseeing tour.
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| 11:30am – 2:00pm |
Tour of the Novgorod Kremlin
With fortifications dating back to the 11th century, Novgorod's Kremlin contains not only the oldest church in Russia – the Cathedral of St. Sofia, completed in 1050 – but also Russia's oldest surviving palace, the 15th century Chamber of Facets, a rare example of western European Gothic architecture in Russia. The tour takes in these two key landmarks, as well as the magnificent 15th century curtain walls and defensive towers, the grand 19th century Monument to the Millennium of Russia, and the main exhibition of the Museum of Novgorod, which contains wide-ranging displays on the history of the city and the development of the Novgorod school of icon painting, amongst others.
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| 2:00pm – 3:00pm |
Lunch
After your tour of the Kremlin, there will be a break for lunch at a nearby restaurant. Choice of restaurant can be arranged in advance or agreed with your guide on the day.
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| 3:00pm – 4:30pm |
Tour of Yaroslav's Court
Named after Yaroslav the Wise, who built a palace on the site in the early 11th century, this area on the east bank of the Volkhov River was for centuries Novgorod's central marketplace. Ringed by three charming medieval churches, it is also notable for what remains of the 17th century Gostiny Dvor – the traditional covered market – including the Gate Tower which offers spectacular views over the river and the Kremlin.
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| 4:30pm – 6:30pm |
Boat trip along the Volkhov River and onto Lake Ilmen
To end the day, your party will take a boat trip along the Volkhov River, which runs straight through the centre of Veliky Novgorod, and out onto Lake Ilmen just south of the city, promising more spectacular views of Novgorod's magnificent medieval architecture.
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After 06:30pm, 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 – 10:30am |
Tour of St. George's Monastery
Located just south of central Veliky Novgorod, the St. George or Yuriev Monastery is generally considered the oldest in Russia, founded not later than 1119. While its historic buildings were appallingly damaged during the 20th century, it still boasts Novgorod's largest church, the 12th century Cathedral of St. George, as well as a magnificent four-tiered gate tower and the pretty 18th century Church of the Exultation of the Cross.
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| 10:30am – 12:30pm |
Vitoslavlitsy Museum of Wooden Architecture
Just next to the Yuriev Monastery, this open-air museum was founded in 1964, and gathers together from all corners of northern Russia examples of ancient wooden architecture, displaying the wealth of skill and inventiveness in construction and wood-carving that went into the building of homes, churches, windmills and other buildings in the local tradition.
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| 12:30pm – 1:30pm |
Lunch
There will be an hour's break for lunch at a nearby restaurant. Choice of restaurant can be arranged in advance or agreed with your guide on the day.
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| 2:00pm – 3:00pm |
Tour of Rurikovo Gorodishche
The final destination on your tour, these picturesque ruins just north of the Yuriev Monastery date back to the 9th century, and are purported to have been the capital of the legendary Varangian or viking chieftain Rurik, founder of the dynasty that ruled Kievan Rus and Muscovy until the end of the 16th century.
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| 3:00pm – 6:00pm |
Transfer to St. Petersburg
At the end of your tour, you will be transported back to St. Petersburg and dropped at your hotel or other arranged central drop-off point.
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Itinerary and route details
Tour start point
By agreement, at client's hotel
Tour finish point
By agreement, at client's hotel
Length of tour
Two days, one night
Approximate schedule
| Day 1 | |
| 8:00am - 11:00am | Transfer to Novgorod |
| 11:00am - 11:30am | Check-in at hotel |
| 11:30am - 2:00pm | Tour of the Novgorod Kremlin |
| 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Lunch |
| 3:00pm - 4:30pm | Tour of Yaroslav's Court |
| 4:30pm - 6:30pm | Boat trip along the Volkhov River and onto Lake Ilmen |
| Day 2 | |
| 9:00am - 10:30am | Tour of St. George’s Monastery |
| 10:30am - 12:30pm | Vitoslavlitsy Museum of Wooden Architecture |
| 12:30pm - 1:30pm | Lunch |
| 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Tour of Rurikovo Gorodishche |
| 3:00pm - 6:00pm | Transfer to St. Petersburg |
Days on which tour is available
Daily year-round (some attractions may be substituted if closed on certain days or unavailable in winter)
Attractions visited during tour
- Novgorod Kremlin
- Cathedral of St. Sophia
- Yaroslav's Court
- St. George's Monastery
- Vitoslavlitsy Museum of Wooden Architecture
- Rurikovo Gorodishche
Extra options (free)
None
Extra options (paid)
Meals.
Languages tour is available in
English, Spanish, German, French.
Breaks for meals/refreshments
Breaks for lunch are timetabled during the tour on both days. Travelers are free to make their own dinner plans or take advice from their guide.
Travelers
Who is the tour for?
Russian citizens, foreign tourists, cruise ship passengers.
Physical intensity of tour and health restrictions
This tour in its standard form required a fair quantity of walking. If any members of your party have mobility issues, please let us know in advance and we will ensure that suitable arrangements are made to accommodate them.
Minimum recommended age for children
14 years
Payment
Included in tour price
- Admissions tickets
- Guide services
- Boat tour
Not included in tour price
- Accommodation in Novgorod
Further information
Important information
This tour is designed for visitors who wish to spend the night in Novgorod. Once you submit your request to book this tour, we will contact you with suitable accommodation options for your party in Novgorod. If you also require assistance arranging accommodation in St. Petersburg, please let us know.
Main tour highlights
This tour gives visitors to St. Petersburg the chance to discover Veliky Novgorod, one of the greatest cities of medieval Europe over a comfortable two-day itinerary that comprises all of Novgorod's main historic sights and attractions.
