Murom (founded 862, population 145,000) - one of oldest Russian cites stretched along left bank of Oka river. The town's name originates from "muroma", one of Finno-Ugric tribes lived here 15 centuries ago. Every Russian knows name Ilya Muromets. He was a mythical epic hero defending people of Russia and later became a synonym of superior physical and spiritual power and integrity, dedicated to protection of Homeland. There is a monument to Ilya Muromets built on a river bank of Oka river in Murom. The town survived three Mongol invasions. In 17th century Murom became an important centre of various crafts - building, painting, sawing. There are three working monasteries in Murom.

Palekh (founded 1600, population 6,000) - village is situated about 400km (250 miles) from Moscow in Ivanovo region. In 15th century it was one of first centers of icon drawing trade. After 1917 communist coup, when icon business went down, Palekh masters tried to decorate wooden toys, dishes, porcelain and glass. But most interesting way turned out to be painting black-lacquered boxes made of papier-mache. These days name of Palekh is nearly synonymous with art of Russian lacquer. Palekh artists are generally regarded as most highly trained of Russian miniature painters. Famous for highly detailed miniatures with elaborate ornamentation, village of Palekh has a long artistic tradition. Like their icon painting forebears, today's Palekh artists use egg tempera paints and paint in Byzantine style. Favored themes are Russian fairy tales, famous Russian troika (three horse sleigh), and scenes of life in countryside. The art of Palekh miniatures expresses true national character. Many examples of Palekh art have received recognition at international exhibitions and have become world-known.

Pereslavl-Zalesskiy (founded in 1152, population 45,000) - one of oldest Russian towns, birthplace of famous Russian prince Alexander Nevsky, who defeated an army of German knights in 1242. Zalessky means "behind woods". That is where, behind dense forests, ancient Slavic tribes retreated seeking refuge from hostile nomads coming from South-East. The town is situated on shores of huge Pleshcheyevo lake. The town is also connected with name of famed Russian tsar-reformer Peter Great who in 1680-s practiced his skills in ship-building making over 100 boats and sail vessels, who entertained himself with first Russian navy exercises on Pleshcheyevo lake.

Ples (founded in 1410, population 4,000) - this quet little historical town is located on bank of mighty and beautiful Volga river. During reign of Ivan Terrible Ples was one of largest river firsh suppliers to kings' court. In 18-19th centuries town became known as a popular resort and was often called "Russian Switzerland" for beauty of its scenery. Numerous Russian artists including famous master of landscapes Levitan used to come here to work.

Rostov Veliky (Rostov Great, founded in 862, population 40,000) - another pearl of ancient Russian culture. In old Russia only two towns were called veliky (great). One was Novgorod, famous trade centre of Russia's north, other Rostov. The Principality of Rostov-Suzdal-Vladimir was one of strongest political divisions of Kievan Rus. It controlled all major rivers in northeast Rus including Moskva, Oka, Kliazma, and Volga. In 12th century Rostov grew to equal Kiev and Novgorod in size and importance. It was made seat of an Orthodox Metropolitan (Head of Russian Church) in 1587, and served as an important commercial center in 16-19th centuries, one of wealthiest in country, so it could afford to hire very best builders, decorators and stone-cutters. Modern Rostov is a sleepy old town with some magnificent buildings next to shallow Nero lake.

For more information, descriptions of main points of interest in every town of Golden Ring, some photographs and useful links about Russian history please visit us: TravelMake.com

Yuriev-Polsky (founded in 1152, population 20,000) - was founded by Prince Yury Dolgoruky (who also founded Moscow in 1147) and named after himself. The second word "Polsky" means "among fields" as it is situated in heart of fertile and flat Suzdal land. These beautiful landscapes inspired great painters and writers such as Repin, Tyutchev, Odoevsky, Soloukhin. Local textile centre since 18th century.

HOW TO GET THERE: By plane to Moscow. From Moscow you can travel cities and towns of Golden Ring either by a tour bus or by a river cruise ship. The last option limits number of towns that you can visit as they have to be situated close to Volga river. We recommend you to take a bus tour for 3 to 10 days depending on your stamina and level of interest in Russian history. A typical 3-4-day tour from Moscow covers up to 7 cities and towns of Golden Ring. You travel during day time in a comfortable bus with a well-trained English-speaking guide and spend nights at hotels with Western-class service (usually- 3 star). The Golden Ring tour can be perfectly combined with 2-3 day program in Moscow. Almost every major travel agency in Moscow sells Golden Ring tours and it is much cheaper to buy them on spot in Russia then to purchase a tour included into a vacation package from Europe or overseas. Communication is not a problem, these days all personnel in respectable agencies in Russia speak English.

WHEN TO GO: The best season to travel to Russia is summer, from June to August, warmest time of year there. Rains are usual during summers, do not forget to pack your umbrella. Weather can be unpredictably cold, even in European part of Russia, so take some warm clothing. You can check next week weather forecast for Moscow here.

TRAVEL TIPS: A passport and a Russian visa are required to travel in or transit through Russia. To learn more about how to obtain Russian visa please visit Russian Embassy website. Without a visa, travelers cannot register at hotels and may be required to leave country immediately via route by which they entered, at cost of traveler. Russian customs officers strictly follow document regulations so travelers are advised to have all papers in order. It is also recommended that additional copies of passport and visa be kept in a safe place in case of loss or theft. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash/dollar payment for health services at Western rates so supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage is very useful. Travelers should be certain that all immunizations are up-to-date, especially for diphtheria and typhoid. Quality of tap water varies from city to city but normally is quite poor. Only boiled or bottled water should be drunk throughout Russia. Crime against foreigners in Russia continues to be a problem, especially in major cities. Pick pocketing, assaults, and robberies occur. Foreigners who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around night clubs or bars, or on their way home. Robberies may occur in taxis shared with strangers. Be aware that public washrooms are difficult to find, and usually you have to pay there. To use a public phone you will need a token or local card. International calls can not be made from street phones. Your mobile phone will work in Moscow and Saint Petersburg but seldom in regional cities. Taxi fee must be discussed with a driver before a journey. In major cities you can rent a car if you do not mind fairly rugged road conditions, a few hassles finding petrol, getting lost now and then and paying high rent price. Public transport in Russia is quite good, cheap and easy to use though sometimes overcrowded. Restaurants seldom have a menu in English. Tipping is expected but not mandatory. Signs in English are common on streets of Moscow and other big cities. In large cities it is not hard to find a passerby who can answer your questions in Engish. Electricity throughout Russia is 220 volt/50 hz. The plug is two-pin thin European standard.

We wish you a safe and nice trip!

For more information, descriptions of main points of interest in every town of Golden Ring, some photographs and useful links about Russian history please visit us: TravelMake.com