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Golden Travel. Rich Rewards.

Since 1996, Goldrush Getaways has transformed the travel industry with its exclusive, award-winning, host-travel agency model. A full-service agency specializing in cruises, resorts, hotels, tours and vacation packages. Membership helps you become your own travel agent so you can earn commissions—and save thousands of dollars on your vacations!

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Work with a leader who enjoys:

• "A" rating with the BBB
• Accreditation with IATAN
• Awards from travel leaders
• Endorsement from IATA
• Registration in California

Become a Member

Be your own travel agent and receive:

• EXCLUSIVE travel promotions
• Vacation condos from $249 a week
• Save on cruises, tours, vacation packages and more!
• Up to 100% back with commission sharing
• Access to travel agent−only resources

I had a problem with a re-booking of a Viking Cruise for my customers. There was a penalty on an E check rebate they received when paying by check

I had a problem with a re-booking of a Viking Cruise for my customers. There was a penalty on an E check rebate they received when paying by check instead of credit card. It made no sense at all that there would be a penalty on something they never paid, but was a credit. I tried to solve it myself with Viking but got nowhere. It took a few months, but Tracy Bettencourt worked very hard to remedy the problem through Viking representatives. She made me and my clients very happy and I am very grateful for all her hard work.

Wendy in the condo department was great in helping us find a condo in a location that was not even listed on the condo sheet. Everything was done the

Wendy in the condo department was great in helping us find a condo in a location that was not even listed on the condo sheet. Everything was done the same day as our request and the price was even lower than first announced. Really great service

It's refreshing to know I can call Goldrush Getaways and someone (Tracy Stevens) has my back. We have all been dealing with cancellations (during

It's refreshing to know I can call Goldrush Getaways and someone (Tracy Stevens) has my back. We have all been dealing with cancellations (during COVID-19) and trying to obtain refunds for our clients. I had a very challenging booking. Tracy Stevens went above and beyond to assist me. She contacted the vendor and obtained a full cash refund. Thank you, Tracy!!!

Our family has enjoyed multiple fine times on the high seas because of this organization and we look forward to many more. All presentations we've

Our family has enjoyed multiple fine times on the high seas because of this organization and we look forward to many more. All presentations we've attended have been very informative and have enriched our cruising and ground travel experiences. The friendly staff have been very responsive to our needs, both in planning our "getaways" and while "on the road". One happy event, the recovery of a very expensive pair of sunglasses left at the Ritz-Carlton in Jamaica, would not have happened without the selfless, personal intervention of a Goldrush Getaway's Administrative staffer.

We just love these guys!

My wife and I joined Goldrush Getaways in 2005 and have never regretted a minute. The benefits have been overwhelmingly greater than any expenses

My wife and I joined Goldrush Getaways in 2005 and have never regretted a minute. The benefits have been overwhelmingly greater than any expenses incurred and far exceeded any expectations we had. Prior to our association with Goldrush Getaways, we travelled extensively throughout the world. This association has allowed us to continue our travels at a more economical rate and has allowed us to set up travel arrangements for others while making a profit at the same time. As with most ventures, you get out what you are willing to put into it. The staff have always been very professional, extremely helpful as well as friendly. We have taken all the training courses they have offered and found the training to be very useful when making travel arrangements for ourselves or for others. We would highly recommend Goldrush Getaways to anyone that has an interest in travel.

Hi, I just wanted to drop a line and tell you what an outstanding job Tracy and her peeps did putting on the event yesterday; very professional and

Hi, I just wanted to drop a line and tell you what an outstanding job Tracy and her peeps did putting on the event yesterday; very professional and well done. All the vendors were very helpful and it was great to know they are there to help us with their products.

Thank you and have a great day.

My Wife and I have been members of Goldrush Getaways for a little more than seven years we have taken many trips to various places, we have been able

My Wife and I have been members of Goldrush Getaways for a little more than seven years we have taken many trips to various places, we have been able to book some very exciting cruises during our time with Goldrush which in my opinion is where you can make the most money. When looking into a business venture one must put into it a lot of hard work to get the most out of it we continue to enjoy our vacations each year and help others with there travel needs.

We have been affiliated with Goldrush Getaways for several years now and have nothing but excellent experience. They are always there when we need

We have been affiliated with Goldrush Getaways for several years now and have nothing but excellent experience. They are always there when we need them, they are reliable and we can depend upon them for useful and honest information. I would recommend them highly to anyone. Also, we get calls returned promptly which is unusual in today's world.

Testimonials

Nyaman tanpa iklan. Langganan BisnisPro

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• Bisnis Style

Deretan Pengusaha Pemilik Bisnis Tur dan Travel Ternama di Indonesia

Bisnis.com,  JAKARTA - Tur and travel mungkin bisa menjadi salah satu peluang bisnis yang menjanjikan setelah pandemi Covid-19 berakhir.

Apalagi saat ini banyak pula orang yang ingin berlibur dengan mudah dan tanpa repot.

Hal inilah yang dimanfaatkan sejumlah pengusaha dalam menyediakan travel dengan beragam layanan menarik guna memenuhi kebutuhan untuk berlibur, mulai dari pembelian tiket transportasi, akomodasi, itinerary, makan, daftar tempat wisata yang bisa dikunjungi, hingga jasa agen perjalanan religi. 

Lantas, siapa saja pengusaha travel tur ternama di Indonesia? Berikut ulasan Bisnis selengkapnya

1. Madu Sudono Haditono, PT Golden Rama Tours & Travel

Madu Sudono Haditono adalah pendiri sekaligus menjabat sebagai Presiden Direktur Golden Rama Tours & Travel.

Melansir dari situs resminya, Golden Rama Tours & Travel adalah travel agent di Indonesia yang telah berdiri sejak 1971. Bekerjasama dengan hampir 800 maskapai penerbangan, diketahui perusahaan ini telah bermitra dengan 60.000 hotel, properti, hingga kapal pesiar di seluruh dunia. 

Diketahui, Golden Rama Tours & Travel juga turut menjalin kemitraan bersama Egencia yang saat ini beroperasi di beberapa negara di seluruh Eropa, Amerika Utara dan Asia Pasifik dalam menawarkan dukungan perjalanan baik itu ke luar kota dan luar negeri dengan jumlah besar.

2. Stanley Suseno, Wita Tour

Berada di bawah PT Wisata Dewa Tour and Travel Service, Wita Tour didirikan pada 1981 oleh Stanley Suseno.

Melansir dari situs resminya, Wita Tour mengklaim bahwa layanannya telah terintegrasi, mulai dari pembelian tiket penerbangan, baik domestik dan internasional, booking hotel, tour wisata di dalam di dalam dan luar negeri, hingga pengurusan dokumen untuk keperluan perjalanan di luar negeri dan asuransi.

3. Sukamdani Sahid Gitosardjono, SAHID TOUR

Sukamdani Sahid Gitosardjono merupakan pendiri dari SAHID TOUR. Melalui PT. Sahid Gema Wisata (SAHID TOUR) yang berada di awah SAHID Group, dirinya mendirikan unit usaha ini pada tahun 1967.

Pada awalnya SAHID TOUR bergerak di bidang penyedia jasa tiketing serta tour & travel. Namun, seiring dengan perkembangannya, maka pada tanggal 21 Oktober 1992, SAHID TOUR melebarkan sayapnya dengan menjadi penyelenggara umrah dan naik haji yang sudah mengantongi surat keputusan dari Kementerian Agama RI. 

4. Chairul Tanjung, Anta Tour

Di bisnis ini, ada juga nama konglomerat Chairul Tanjung tertoreh lewat kehadiran PT Anta Express Tour & Travel Service atau kerap disebut Anta Tour.

Dalam peta bisnis CT Corporation, bendera bisnis Chairul Tanjung, Anta Tour dikendalikan oleh PT Trans Lifestyle yang notabene merupakan anak usaha bentukan PT Trans Corpora dan PT Para Investama (keduanya menginduk ke CT Corporation).

Berdiri sejak Mei 1972 (dulu bernama PT China Travel Service), Anta Tour yang saat ini menaungi lebih dari 1.000 karyawan itu sudah mengoperasikan 27 kantor cabang berikut 33 kantor di berbagai kota di Indonesia.

Guna memberikan pelayanan kepada para pelanggannya, Anta Tour juga didukung oleh tiga anak perusahaan, yaitu PT Vayatour yang bergerak di bidang pelayanan perjalanan, PT Vaya Micetama Servindo yang fokus kepada pelayanan perjalanan insentif serta PT Vaya Transport yang berkecimpung di bidang penyediaan jasa transportasi untuk perjalanan wisata.

5. PT Fiwi Lestari Internasional, Avia Tour

Sebagai agen perjalanan rekreasi pada tahun 1999, PT Fiwi Lestari Internasional (AVIATOUR) telah berkembang menjadi penyedia solusi perjalanan perusahaan di bawah merek Avia Tour. 

Dari markasnya di kawasan Bungur Besar, Senen, Jakarta, Avia Tour saat ini memberikan aneka jasa layanan yang cukup lebar, mulai dari layanan internasional hingga domestik. 

6. Hideo Sawada, H.I.S. Tours & Travel Indonesia

Perusahaan ini didirikan oleh International Tours Co., Ltd. pada tahun 1980 oleh Hideo Sawada. 

Di Jepang, H.I.S. memiliki 303 cabang di seluruh negeri dan jaringan global 185 cabang di 124 kota di luar negeri. Dirinya memegang saham mayoritas di Orion Tour, Asia Atlantic Airlines dan saham minoritas di Skymark Airlines, dua hotel di Australia, satu bernama Watermark Hotel and Spa di Gold Coast, Queensland dan Watermark Hotel Brisbane, dan sebuah perusahaan kapal pesiar bernama Cruise Planet. 

Di Indonesia sendiri, perusahaan ini dijalankan oleh PT Harum Indah Sari Tour & Travel yang merupakan travel agent yang memiliki jaringan global yang tersebar di 60 negara dari 130 kota besar yang terdiri dari 190 cabang.

7. Adhi Tirtawisata, PT Panorama Sentrawisata Tbk.

Panorama Tour didirikan oleh Adhi Tirtawisata. Melansir dari situs resmi perusahaan, Panorama Tour adalah bagian yang tak terpisahkan dari Panorama Leisure Group yang sudah lama kondang di empat lini bisnis (Inbound, Outbound, Transportasi, MICE).

Lebih dari itu, Panorama Sentrawisata menaungi sejumlah anak perusahaan yang masing-masing terbilang kompeten di bidangnya, seperti PT Panorama Primakencana Transindo, PT Tirta Putra Wisata, PT Panorama Convex Indah, PT Destinasi Tirta Nusantara, dan lain sebagainya. Pendek cerita, armada usaha Panorama Leisure Group cukup banyak bermain di bisnis ini, baik secara langsung maupun secara tidak langsung.  

8. Bayu Buana Travel Services

Didirikan pada tahun 1972, Bayu Buana Travel Services telah tumbuh dengan kecepatan yang stabil dan menjadi salah satu agen perjalanan terkemuka di Indonesia yang menawarkan solusi perjalanan lengkap baik untuk liburan maupun perjalanan bisnis. Perusahaan memiliki lebih dari 500 staf dalam 16 cabang di seluruh negeri.

9. Holil Aksan Umarzen, Noor Abika Tours & Travel

Melalui PT Noor Abika Tours & Travel adalah perusahaan yang bergerak dalam usaha perjalanan wisata, tiket dan Islamic Tour (Umrah & Haji), secara operasional mulai aktif sejak tahun 1985, pada awalnya para karyawan hanya menjalankan marketing jamaah haji dan umrah untuk diberangkatkan, selain itu para karyawan juga menerima pembuatan dokumen seperti paspor, visa dan lain-lain.

Pada tahun 2001 PT. Noor Abika Tours & Travel secara resmi didirikan oleh Holil Aksan Umarzen berhak atas kepemilikan penuh perusahaan dan memiliki kantor di Bandung, Jawa Barat.

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New Greek Resorts, Golden Visa Countries And More Travel News

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5 New Greek Hotels For Summer

W ith summer fast approaching, there are recently opened hotels and resorts in Greece to consider. From popular escapes such as Mykonos and Santorini to the lesser-known islands across the Aegean chain, here are five new Greek hotels worth checking out —and into.

10 Incredible Cruise Ship Features

For many years, the trend in cruise ship design has been that “bigger is better”—with vessels such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas setting new passenger records. But many cruise lines are also competing by offering innovative features to the high seas. From kart racing on multi-level courses to multiscreen movie theaters, here are some of the most incredible activities on cruise ships right now.

Disney World Earns Its First Michelin Star

Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort—which has been a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star restaurant since 2018—added a new star to its constellation this month: It became the first Disney restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star . Located at the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World, Victoria and Albert’s is known for its opulent Victorian era-inspired meals. A prix-fixe dinner is $295 per guest, with optional wine pairings starting at $155 per person. Unlike the rest of the theme park, a formal dress code is encouraged for all diners, who must be 10 years of age or older.

Golden visas—which grant residency and/or citizenship through an investment—may be disappearing from Europe, but many EU countries are now luring travelers with digital nomad visas, which grant travelers the legal right to work remotely for an extended period. Italy recently became the latest country to offer the visa and here are other EU countries with digital nomad visas .

America’s Best Airlines 2024

The personal-finance website WalletHub recently announced its annual ranking of the best U.S. airlines . The study evaluates the nine largest national airlines and one regional carrier across a range of criteria, including safety, on-time records and overall service. This year, Alaska Airlines was named the best airline in America, beating out Delta, which ranked first in 2022 and 2023. The survey also ranked U.S. carriers based on reliability and comfort.

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discover our story

Find out how it all began.

When you travel with Fit 4 Adventure you not only explore the world, but meet like-minded fitness enthusiasts who share your passion for one-of-a-kind experiences.    Our trips include cycling in Spain, trekking in Switzerland and skiing in Colorado, and itineraries are equal parts fitness and fun. For every hill climb there’s a wine tasting, and  for every encounter with a manatee while snorkeling there’s a sunset cruise.   Along with planned itineraries throughout the year, Fit 4 Adventure also works with groups of athletic adventurers who are looking for custom holidays. Are you part of a running or cycling club that wants to travel together, or have a group of friends in need of an active getaway? Contact us, and we’ll do the planning for you.   With us, you’re not simply booking a trip — you’re signing up for an adventure.

diverse locations

Guided adventures in over 11 countries and counting. We take you to the best places and book hand-picked accommodations.

Experienced staff

Every one of our trips features a dedicated team member that travels with your group to ensure you have the best time possible.

Let us handle the details

When you travel with us, we take care of the details so you can have the best experience.

meet the people that make this happen

Diane has always been a fitness/health buff, outdoor enthusiast, and wanderer.  Even back-in-the-day when she was a hotel industry Accountant, active vacations were always top priority … often taking off work without pay to go somewhere. Always staying in shape kept the door open for many adventures through the year including running marathons, scuba diving, hiking, cycling, rock climbing, canyoneering, camping, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and horseback riding. Being the “organizer” for many active vacations for herself and friends through the years, Diane dreamed of starting her own business one day.  Doing exactly that, by the fall of 2000 it was time to launch Golden Adventures (now FIT 4 ADVENTURE) full time! Today, after traveling there since 2001, Boston marathon is the largest trip for FIT 4 ADVENTURE (500 traveling with us for the 2017 Boston Marathon). Our cycling trip in Mallorca, Spain, is also hugely popular and going strong since 2011. We have such a variety of athletic interests, FIT 4 ADVENTURE trips have grown into much more than running & cycling. The trips now include hiking, kayaking, rafting, yoga, skiing, snow shoeing and more! New, active adventures are born every year. Honestly, Diane passed along a simple philosophy- plan an epic adventure as if as if it were for your best friends. It truly is the best job ever!!

Since 2009, when Joe first came along on a F4A hiking trip at Big Bend National Park, he has contributed to, and created, many exciting adventures for our guests as our Senior Guide. Some examples: hiking in Washington State, Utah and Alaska; winter powder play in Colorado; trekking through the Alps in France; exploring in Iceland and Mallorca…and more to come! As an Adventure Guide, Joe is easy-going and adaptable - always looking for the most unique and unexpected experiences.  Meanwhile,he stays well attuned to safety and satisfaction of those he travels with.  In addition to the regular trips, Joe can create and host private, customized trips for your family or group. In his less-senior years, Joe worked in advertising, then home building and finally commercial construction.  His more adventuresome post-career path started in 2008 when he was the hike leader in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program in North Texas and got connected with Diane and F4A.  In 2011, he relocated to Seattle where he managed fundraising summit climbs on Mt. Rainier for the American Lung Association, while also working as a city tour guide and starting to lead more F4A trips.  Joe now lives in St. Louis where he has picked up yet another side hustle at the local REI Co-op.  As a sales specialist at REI, he enjoys expanding his gear knowledge and sharing travel experiences with customers. Favorite adventure sports: Hiking, trekking, skiing, snow shoeing, camping,cycling and paddling. Certifications: NOLS WMI Wilderness First Aid; Licensed Commercial Bus Driver.   ‍ Fun fact: Only clean-shaven male guide in the outdoor adventure industry! 

Kris is an outdoor enthusiast, triathlete, event planner, and a true adventurist at heart! Right after college she headed to Colorado to follow her dreams of working at a ski resort, and continued to fall in love with anything and everything outdoors: hiking, biking, skiing, ice climbing—you name it she tried it! ‍ In 2002, she put everything she owned in storage and hit the road, spending the next 12 years traveling the world while caddying on the Nationwide Tour/PGA Tour, and being the Tour Director for the APT Men’s Golf Tour. Her weeks off were spent exploring and finding adventures anywhere she could, including rock climbing in Rio, surfing in Chili, scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, and backpacking in New Zealand. ‍ She also enjoys trail running and competing in triathlons, finishing 6 Ironman Triathlons, 2 Extreme Triathlons, and a Double Ironman so far! She absolutely loves the water and never misses a chance for a swim, including once completing a 10-mile swim race.  ‍ Recently, she has realized her love of organizing adventures for others after planning trips to Alaska, Iceland, Montana, and Tahiti for groups of friends. Some of these friends then introduced her to Diane with Fit 4 Adventure and now she is excited to be planning and guiding trips as part of the F4A team. ‍ In 2018, she married David Corbett, a 5th generation rancher and she now lives on a working cattle ranch in Texas. She enjoys being a loving dog mom to Divot, a 6 year old Vizsla. She manages the local pool and teaches swim lessons during the summer and is both a lifeguard instructor and certified CPR instructor. While she is a little more settled now, she never misses the chance to travel and never says no to an adventure!

Nick started traveling at an early age, with family trips to England, France, the Caribbean and Canada. A childhood obsession with Australia led to a Semester Abroad in Sydney while enrolled at Northwestern University. That experience in turn led to a 3-year trip-around-the-world, which included a year spent living in New Zealand, 3 months backpacking in Southeast Asia, a month in China, a month in Nepal, a year back in Australia, and 4 months traveling through 11 countries in Africa. Talk about ‘adventure’- it.was.EPIC. ‍ Add to that extended-length expeditions through South America and Europe- at 45 countries (and counting…), Nick has developed quite the travel dossier. His passion for travel and adventure are rivaled only by his enthusiasm for encouraging and empowering others to get out of their comfort zones and pursue their own adventures. To that end, he has developed an Adventure Travel website ( www.BackpackU.com ), is an avid adventure travel writer/blogger, and continues to pursue a career in Adventure Travel Multimedia. ‍ In his spare time, you’ll find Nick running trails at local state parks, hitting the single track on his mountain bike, or hiking along the bluffs that line the Missouri River. Skiing the Rockies, camping in Joshua Tree and the Grand Canyon, backpacking through Glacier- Nick continues to pursue outdoor adventures at every opportunity, and is thrilled and excited to be part of the Fit4Adventure Team.

Marie is an outdoor enthusiast who feels most stimulated exploring places on foot, be it a new urban area in pursuit of local cuisine or a new long-distance trail with a fully loaded backpack. Marie’s independent travels began in SouthAmerica after a semester abroad in Valparaiso, Chile. From that launching point, she pursued the W trek in Patagonia, the Salkantay trek in Peru and hikes in Easter Island. Those trips set in motion an interest in backpacking and multi-day hikes that has since progressed into a passion that has takenMarie to over 15 countries and over a thousand miles of trail to date. Her most memorable trips have been solo-hiking the Spanish Pyrenees on the GR11, learning about horse-packing in the Absarokas with NOLS and tackling the mountains of North Carolina on the unfinished Mountains-to-Sea trail. She is first and foremost a hiker but is eager to continue to expand her repertoire through new interests including fly-fishing, kayaking and more horse-packing!         Currently based in Dallas, Marie works part-time for REI outfitting customers for adventure travel trips. Through a serendipitous series of events, she was hooked in with Diane and Fit4Adventure. She is excited to be a part of the process of organizing trips, scouting new areas and bringing people together, outside for new experiences that impart lifelong memories. Got an idea for an adventure? Odds are she’s in.

Kristin is a 500-hour RYT Yoga Teacher, Meditation Teacher, Advanced Medical Thai Masseuse and Reiki Guide.  ‍ Before traveling the world while getting certified as an instructor in yoga, meditation, Thai massage and reiki, she had a corporate career that saw her planning and executing corporate hospitality programs at some of the large stand most eclectic events around the globe.  From the Olympic Games in London and Russia to the Bonnaroo music festival in Tennessee and dozens of locations in-between, the unique experience is what she sought for each of the thousands of guests that were under her care.  ‍ Creating, planning and executing experiences has been at her core ever since.  The desire to mix culture with passion and tie in wellness and a dose of fun has made adventures to locations in and out of the United States a mainstay on so many people’s calendars.  ‍ From spiritually connecting in Bali and India to working with elephants in Thailand to hiking the Inca Trail in Peru to wine and cheese in Italy; her travel, coupled with her vast experience makes Fit 4 Adventure a natural fit.  ‍ Trips to Costa Rica, Santa Fe, and Tulum, are just some of the many adventures on tap to couple some of the best places on earth with spiritual and physical activities that will engage the body, mind and soul.

Emily has had a love of adventure since traveling to Russia at the age of 15.  She has since explored Israel, joined a photo safari in South Africa, backpacked in the Rocky Mountains and Smokey Mountains, and hiked the awe-inspiring Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.  As a cyclist, she has completed several century rides, joined group rides across Texas into Mexico, and has since added tours of Spain and Croatia with Fit 4 Adventure! Before joining Fit 4 Adventure, she spent several years coordinating remote recruiting teams which gave her the opportunity to work anywhere, even from a tent, on occasion.  She used this freedom to explore many of America's National Parks including Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Zion, Joshua Tree and Death Valley.  Emily discovered she is at her best while connecting with people one on one, and loves the ability to do this while exploring in nature. Emily has practiced yoga for over 20 years, and has been teaching since 2019.  Her classes are built on showing loving kindness to ourselves and others, and she uses a very gentle approach toward physical practice.  Emily is CPR and Wilderness First Aid certified, and is active as a group facilitator in personal and relational awareness.   While researching the type of adventure travel company she dreamed of building, Emily discovered Fit 4 Adventure and joined the team in planning and guiding trips, as well as working to continually optimize our guest's full experience.

Fit 4 Adventure helps you explore the world, while meeting like-minded fitness enthusiasts who share your passion for one-of-a-kind experiences. From cycling in Spain to skiing in Colorado, our itineraries are equal parts fitness and fun. Fit 4 Adventure also works with groups looking for custom holidays. With us, you’re not simply booking a trip — you’re signing up for an adventure.

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Everything you wanted to know about Russia’s Golden Ring

Russia’s Golden Ring is a tourist route that was drawn up during the Soviet era, with the idea of boosting the numbers of foreign tourists traveling to the country. Today, it remains one of the most popular routes for both tourists and domestic Russian tourists.

Why was it called so?

In 1967 art historian and journalist Yuri Bychkov journeyed through the towns of Vladimir Oblast to write a series of travel articles . The last city he visited was Yaroslavl, so his route took the form of a ring. Later he published his travel notes under the name “The Golden Ring.”

Which cities are included?

Actually there is no official list of which cities make up the Golden Ring, with the exception of the eight principal cities of Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Suzdal, Vladimir, Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl-Zalessky, and Rostov Veliky.

Apart from this, the cities of Palekh, Plyos, Shuya, Gorokhovets, Gus-Khrustalny, Murom, Yuriev-Polsky, Rybinsk, Tutaev, Uglich, Kasimov (from 2015), and Kaluga (from 2016) are also considered to be a part of the ring.

Look at these six beautiful reasons to travel around Russia’s Golden Ring and 13 vintage photos of Russia’s Golden Ring towns .

The city located on the Volga River some 150 miles northeast of Moscow. Founded in the early 11th century by Yaroslav the Wise - one of the greatest rulers of medieval Rus - by the 13th century, the settlement already had stone churches within monasteries , unusual during a time when most buildings were made of logs. Look at the Church of John the Baptist at Tolchkovo and its magnificent frescoes . The city center is small enough to visit all the main attractions on foot.

And don’t forget to enjoy the bird’s eye view of ancient Yaroslavl !

Prince Vladimir Monomach founded Vladimir in 1108 as a defensive outpost. Although the Russian capital moved to Moscow in the 14th century, Vladimir played an important role throughout Russia’s history. Today it’s one of the main stops on the Golden Ring, a rough circle of Russia’s most beautiful cities.

Read what to see and where to go in Vladimir if you have only a few days .

And don’t forget to check the main landmarks of that great city. For example, one of the great masterpieces of medieval Rus’ survives to this day –  Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God .

Kostroma is first mentioned in the chronicles in 1213, but is believed by some historians to have been founded by Moscow Prince Yuri Dolgoruky in 1152, making it just five years younger than Moscow.

Today, Kostroma is a river port, a light-industry center and a serene spot on the Volga River with a population of about 275,000 people. The town is actively developing. In recent years, Kostroma has worked to promote tourism by restoring monuments and public spaces as well as designing new excursion programs and investing in city festivals and cultural events.

Take a while and watch the video showing the aerial view of the ancient city .

The Kostroma Region has a wealth of small historic towns, each with a distinctive setting and cultural heritage. Among these is the town of Bui (pronounced like “buoy”), located on the right bank of the Kostroma River some 60 miles north of the city of Kostroma.

Did you know that Kostroma is the original home of Russia’s Snegurochka (snow maiden )?

One of the main landmarks in Kostroma is the Trinity Cathedral at Ipatiev Monastery , which played a critical role in the history of the Romanov family in the early 17th century.

Read how to spend a weekend in charming and slow-paced Kostroma .

Suzdal is only 137 miles from Moscow. The first record of Suzdal in the chronicles dates back to 1024. In its day, Suzdal was the spiritual center of Old Russia, and this is evident even now. Over an area of 3.5 square miles there are five monasteries, some 30 churches and chapels, and 14 bell towers : More cultural artifacts per square foot than anywhere else in the world, with the possible exception of Old Jerusalem.

Read the story about ancient Suzdal: From Prokudin-Gorsky to the present .

If you want to get away from the typical tourist haunts and have a taste of unadulterated Russian history and tradition in the Golden Ring city of Suzdal, we have some advice about how to spend a great weekend there. And Tim Kirby can tell you how by spending just $100 !

Pereslavl-Zalessky

Pereslavl-Zalessky is located near the shores of Lake Pleshcheyev and was established in 1152 by Yuri Dolgoruky, prince of the large territory of Rostov-Suzdal and the founder of Moscow.

Pereslavl-Zalessky has had an extraordinary number of monastic institutions – as many as 12 were located in the immediate area during the mid-18th century .

One of the most important institution was the Goritsky-Dormition Monastery, f ounded in the early 14th century by Moscow prince Ivan Kalita (1283-1341) . Destroyed by the Tatars in 1382, the wooden monastery was quickly rebuilt and became a major center of religious activity. At the beginning of the 16th century another monk from Goritsky Monastery, Daniil, founded the Trinity-Danilov Monastery .

Feodorovsky Convent in Pereslavl-Zalessky is not as well-known or as architecturally significant as some of the other religious sites in the Golden Ring, but this monastery played an important role in early Russian history .

Rostov the Great

Rostov the Great is one of the most ancient Russia’s cities. It was first mentioned in the Primary Chronicle for the year 862 . In this year, the Varangian brothers were invited to Rus. To distinguish the town from Rostov-on-Don in southern Russia, it also goes by the name Rostov Veliky, i.e. Rostov the Great.

Take a look at Rostov from above.

The main landmark of Rostov is its Kremlin, which has remained mostly unchanged over the centuries .

Also you can read about Rostov’s most colorful church .

Sergiev Posad

Sergiyev Posad is the closest to Moscow of all the ancient towns on the Golden Ring with a long history that dates back to the 14th century .

Watch a video tour around the city .

The town's main place of interest is the famous Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra, founded in the middle of 16th century.

The first mention of the settlement dates back to 1608, so Ivanovo is one of the youngest city of the Golden Ring.

Sometimes it’s also called “The City of Brides,” because for 1000 men there are about 1300 women. But this figure is, in fact, not hugely divergent from the national average. Therefore, the situation is not as tragic as it seems, and weddings in the city of brides occur just as frequently as anywhere else. Well, almost.

Other cities of the Golden ring

Uglich : Five must-see places in Uglich, the newborn pearl of Russia’s Golden Ring .

Plyos : Fall in love with Russia’s provinces .

Kaluga : Restoring cultural heritage .

Tutaev : Murakami’s Russian town of sheep .

Murom : Medieval symbol of Russian faith and devotion .

Yuriev-Polski : Hidden jewel in the Golden Ring .

Palekh : F amous for its unique Russian folk art style .

And don’t forget to check five culinary adventures on Russia’s Golden Ring !

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Planning a trip to Moscow? Our travel guide contains up-to-date, personal information on everything from what to see , to when to visit , where to stay , and what to eat !

• General Information
• What to see
• How to get to Moscow
• Where to stay
• Where to eat

Why visit Moscow?

Majestic churches, impressive historic fortresses, and palatial buildings: Moscow is a fascinating city whose emblematic architecture reflects the turbulent history that has defined Russia throughout the centuries.

The traces of the USSR can be found around every corner of the city , side by side with the iconic relics of Imperial Russia , like the mythical Red Square , the imposing Kremlin , and the beautiful  St Basil's Cathedral . 

Discover a fascinating world of Cold War bunkers, golden-domed basilicas, world-class art museums, and the legendary "palace of the people,"  as the Moscow Metro has been nicknamed. Whether you fancy watching a classical Russian ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre , perusing the fine arts at the Pushkin Museum , or marveling at the sheer size of the monuments to the Soviet state's achievements at the  All-Russia Exhibition Centre , this travel guide will help you on your way!

Where to start?

If you're going to travel to Moscow and you don't know much about the city yet, the first thing to do is to dive into its legendary history - understanding the past will help you understand the present. Next, check out our practical hints and tips on traveling to the city before discovering which of its most important museums , monuments , and attractions pique your interest.

Looking for a place to stay?

Booking your accommodation in advance is the best way to get great discounts. Our detailed guide on where to stay in Moscow  will help you decide which neighborhood you'd like to look for hotels or apartments in, and our hotel search engine will find you the best deals!

Why is our Moscow travel guide the best?

Introducing Moscow is a  city guide written by travelers for travelers  and contains personalized advice to help you make the most of your trip to the city.

All the information in this guide is valid as of December 2022. If you find any errors or have any comments, please feel free to contact us .

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Chinese Tourists Fuel Travel Bookings Far and Wide During 2024 May Golden Week

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• Outbound travel bookings during the five-day holiday jump 100% YoY: Fliggy data
• Chinese tourists search for localized and authentic experiences at home and abroad

Chinese tourists pose in a field of canola flowers. Photo credit: Getty Images

Chinese tourists are taking to the road and air this week in droves for the five-day May Golden Week holiday, data from Alibaba Group’s travel platform Fliggy and navigation app Amap reveals.

The vacation period, which starts on China’s Labor Day on 1 May, will see millions of people across the country travel near and far to explore and relax with friends and family.

Outbound travel bookings during the holiday in 2024 doubled year-on-year, according to Fliggy , with cruises, car rentals and independent travel plans driving demand. 

Regional tourism stalwarts like Japan, Thailand, South Korea and Australia accounted for a large portion of outbound bookings, but destinations as far afield as Brazil and Turkey also registered an uptick in interest.

Likewise, domestic travel over the upcoming May Golden Week looks set to smash pre-pandemic records as Chinese tourists explore folk culture across the country.

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Bookings for tours in China doubled compared with the same period in 2019, according to Fliggy, as domestic tourists plan to visit popular destinations, including Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu and Wuhan.

Car rentals have also surged five-fold on the platform for the holiday period. Amap predicts traffic peaks on the morning of 1 May and the afternoon of 5 May as travelers depart and return from their adventures.

Go ing Further for Less

Overseas travel is becoming more affordable, making it easier for Chinese travelers to expand their horizons. 

The average price per person for international air tickets dropped by 19% year-on-year for flights during the May Day holiday period, according to Fliggy.

“Air tickets are much cheaper than last year, and there is a wider choice of overseas travel destinations,” said a Beijing-based Fliggy user surnamed Wang, who plans to travel with her family during the upcoming holiday.

Travel by boat is also making waves among Chinese consumers, the platform’s booking data shows. 

The number of outbound cruise packages booked through Fliggy during the upcoming holiday has increased by more than 16 times year-on-year.

Chinese Tourism Over New Year 2024 Takes Off As Prices Drop: Fliggy Report  

Tailor-made travel.

Chinese tourists are increasingly taking to the road solo or in smaller groups to explore destinations at their leisure and immerse themselves in local culture, booking data shows.

Group outbound bookings have declined compared with last year, while independent travel continues to rise, according to Fliggy. The platform ranks first in the outbound independent travel sector with a market share of 39.4%, per market researcher Fastdata.

Within China, consumers’ growing preference for authentic local experiences, often accessed via rental car trips, has stoked interest in heritage tourism.

Many domestic tourists who visit historical sites such as Hangzhou’s UNESCO-listed West Lake or Chongqing’s ancient Shibati neighborhood enjoy dressing up in hanfu, clothing traditionally worn in past centuries by the Han.

Their dress may be old-fashioned, but these tourists will rely on Amap’s high-tech travel planning tools to beat an expected surge in crowds and traffic jams.

The platform predicts West Lake will be the most popular scenic spot for independent travelers during the May Golden Week and has shared alternate routes to avoid highway congestion.

Discover more stories from China’s tourism sector 

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Woman Books a Vacation, Golden Retriever Has Other Plans

A golden retriever came up with a foolproof method to make sure her owner wasn't going to leave her to go on vacation: eating her passport.

Having a dog is a huge responsibility, and owners often do everything they can to make sure they are always there for their pet. But sometimes going away is inevitable, either for work or leisure, and while pets may get good care in kennels or with friends, they often prefer that you never leave them.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says that dogs can often tell when their owner is preparing to leave. "For example, a dog might start to pace, pant and whine when he notices his guardian applying makeup, putting on shoes and a coat, and then picking up a bag or car keys," the ASPCA writes.

Retriever Bonnie, who lives in Northern Ireland with her owner, was determined that if she couldn't go on vacation, nobody could.

A TikTok post shared on April 25, which has been viewed over 320,000 times, shows Bonnie sitting happily next to a sofa. The camera then pans to show a British passport ripped to shreds on the sofa. Exasperated, Bonnie's owner can be heard saying, "Bonnie!"

But Bonnie doesn't seem to care as she wriggles around, looking as if she wants to show off her handiwork.

Her owner, under the TikTok handle @bonniebalboa, wrote in the caption: "Holiday = cancelled."

But it's clearly impossible to stay mad at Bonnie, and hundreds of people flocked to the comments section to defend the pup, with one writing: "MY CLIENT IS INNOCENT."

"You can cancel the kennels now," another wrote.

One user said: "You are not going away and leaving me and THAT'S THAT!"

Another joked: "Bonnie knew damn well what she was doing there - she said I'll show ya - no sitters for me!"

Her owner replied in agreement: "Haha so true, she really outsmarted us." It appears Bonnie's trick to stop her owners from going on vacation worked.

Bonnie's TikTok account has multiple videos of her as a puppy ripping things to shreds, as puppies do. But she appears to have increased this behavior in recent months.

Alexandra Bassett, the lead dog trainer and behavior consultant at pet training website Dog Savvy Los Angeles, said dogs suffering from separation anxiety can act out because of "extreme frustration they feel about being left behind when their pet parents leave home or leave them somewhere else, like a boarding facility/with friends when they go for a vacation."

She told Newsweek : "Dogs are sensitive to any change in their household routine and can definitely remember that when luggage is pulled out of storage and their pet parents start packing, their absence is imminent."

Bassett went on: "For dogs with separation anxiety, this can cause a lot of anxiety, so they may develop a furrowed brow, whale eye—when you can see the whites of a dog's eyes—and keep a close watch on their pet parent, following them around with a worried expression as soon as the luggage gets pulled out."

In Bonnie's case, she may associate the passport with her owners leaving for a few days and was determined to stop it. Or perhaps she simply took the opportunity to chew on something new and exciting. In any case, the vacation has been canceled, and Bonnie looks proud of her work.

Newsweek has reached out to @Bonniebalboa on TikTok for comment.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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Panthers owner David Tepper pays visit to bar with sign teasing his NFL draft strategy

A Charlotte restaurant used its street-side marquee to send a message to Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper.

Then, hours before the start of the 2024 NFL draft , Tepper came into the restaurant to talk with employees about it.

Video footage obtained by WBTV in Charlotte shows Tepper walking into Dilworth Neighborhood Grille on Thursday and speaking with a pair of employees at the front door. Tepper is seen removing the hat of one of the employees, which appears to have a Philadelphia Eagles logo on it, then soon shaking the employee's hand and exiting.

The restaurant's sign read: "PLEASE LET THE COACH & GM PICK THIS YEAR."

Dilworth Neighborhood Grille owner Matt Wohlfarth told The Charlotte Observer that he had left for the day by the time Tepper stopped by but soon heard about it from his employees, who described the encounter to him as cordial.

NFL DRAFT HUB: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis.

"(It's) really nice we have an owner who wants to win," Wohlfarth told the newspaper . "It’s just, you got to stay in your lane. This is not really an attack on anyone or anything. This is me expressing frustration because, believe it or not, I actually lose more of my income when the Panthers lose than he does."

Tepper, a global hedge fund manager, purchased the Panthers for $2.2 billion in May 2018. In the six seasons since, the team has undergone three coaching changes and recorded an overall record of 31-68, including a 2-15 record last year.

Wohlfarth told The Charlotte Observer that Thursday's visit was not Tepper's first to the restaurant , which is located about two miles from Carolina's practice facility. Earlier this year, Wohlfarth said, he changed the marquee to read: "MEDDLING OWNERS NEVER WIN. RUN FROM JERRY JONES."

"And (Tepper) was sort of pissed off about that one," Wohlfarth told the newspaper.

Tepper's franchise selected South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette with the No. 32 overall pick in this year's NFL draft.

Contact Tom Schad at [email protected] or on social media @Tom_Schad.

Time travel and surveillance state paranoia collide in a witty, thought-provoking romance novel

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Book Review

The Ministry of Time

By Kaliane Bradley Avid Reader Press: 352 pages, $28.99 If you buy books linked on our site, The Times may earn a commission from Bookshop.org , whose fees support independent bookstores.

“People aren’t history,” scoffs Adela, vice secretary of the Ministry, whose work is shrouded in secrecy and subterfuge. This retort comes late in Kaliane Bradley’s debut novel, “The Ministry of Time,” but it’s a telling line. Its dismissal of individual lives reveals the novel’s stakes. If people aren’t history, what is? This is a disturbing statement to come out of the mouth of a high-ranking British bureaucrat. For a book that could also be easily described as witty, sexy escapist fiction, “The Ministry of Time” packs a substantial punch.

Of late, many critically acclaimed books embrace mystery and absurdity in a way that both suspends and expands conventionally held notions of time. Hilary Leichter’s “Terrace Story,” National Book Critics Circle award winner Lorrie Moore’s “I Am Not Homeless If This Is Not My Home,” Ali Smith’s “Companion Piece,” National Book Award winner Justin Torres’ “Blackouts,” and Marie-Helene Bertino’s “Beautyland,” among others, forge poignant, bracing emotional connections. Their playfulness reveals possibilities and perspectives that might be lost in a novel bound by fact-checked 21st century reality. After all, in a world where nothing feels normal, fiction that embraces a disregard for physics and convention mirrors our new upside-down quotidian life.

To this end, Kaliane Bradley proves that it’s possible to address imperialism, the scourge of bureaucracy, cross-cultural conflict and the paranoia inherent in a surveillance state through her utterly entertaining novel. “The Ministry of Time” begins with a sixth-round job interview for an undisclosed position. The unnamed narrator is caught off guard when “the interviewer said my name, which made my thoughts clip. I don’t say my name, not even in my head. She’d said it correctly, which people generally don’t.” For the narrator, who “plateaued” as a “translator-consultant” in the Languages department of the Ministry of Defense, this top-secret job that pays three times her current salary is worth the mystery.

Soon the work is disclosed. The narrator, whose mother immigrated to the United Kingdom from Cambodia, will be working closely with people who might bristle at the term “refugees.” She’s now part of the Ministry of Expatriation working with one of five “expats” scavenged from the past. Confident in her storytelling, Bradley sweeps away the details of how and why time travel exists in the novel.

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“All you need to know is that in your near future, the British government developed the means to travel through time but had not yet experimented with doing it.” With that, from the jump, readers and characters alike are asked to take a leap of faith as the narrator assumes the role of a “bridge” between an “expat” and modern life. The larger purpose of her work is elusive to her as well, but, in short, the narrator is tasked to be the roommate of an explorer named Commander Graham Gore who died on a doomed Royal Navy Arctic exhibition in 1847. He’s mannered, understandably jumpy, but also rather sexy for someone who died close to 200 years ago. Will this be an odd sort of meet-cute, or is something more chaotic afoot?

Buckle up, the ride has just begun. Juggling notions of “hereness” (the present) and “thereness” (the past), the novel’s five expats come to grips — or not — with the fact that they have been snatched from the past. The ministry selected individuals who were on the point of death so that their departures from the past would in no way rupture their historic timelines. But how would they affect the present? The bridges take notes, and medical examinations are de rigueur, but these collected data are merely passed along without much in the way of analysis.

The expats and bridges adjust to life together in a largely amusing fashion, sharing lovely homes provided by the ministry, visiting pubs, learning about the very existence of cinema. Music streaming services are a hit, but, generally speaking, the expats find it hard to accept the scale of modern life. Whether this is due to some physical mutation created by the process of time travel or if it’s merely the challenge of cultural displacement for people “loose as dust in narrative time,” true fissures begin to surface.

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In a manner that feels wholly unsurprising to the reader, suspicions arise as to the nature of the project. Why exactly is there a need for secrecy and what are the particulars about this ability to time travel that we’re asked to tacitly accept? Tensions also flare between the narrator and another bridge, Simellia, who are the two people of color in this tightly knit circle. The specter of imperialism looms and informs a certain tension between the narrator and Gore. Yet, as a green bureaucrat, happy to rise in the ranks, she confronts Simellia, saying, “You signed up for this job… [knowing], as much as I did, that what we were doing was world-changing. That’s what you wanted, remember? Do you think the world changes by being asked politely? Or do you think there has to be risk?”

But this brash confidence begins to waver. The narrator recognizes, “Every time I gave Graham a book, I was trying to shunt him along a story I’d been telling myself all my life.” Then she notes that the ministry “fed us all poison from a bottle marked ‘prestige’ and we developed a high tolerance for bitterness.” While the book does assume some obvious postures of university level post-colonial theory and language, it moves past these more cliched moments by focusing its attention on the characters. A tight narrative rich with witty banter, cutting observations and interspersed passages from Gore’s doomed expedition also keep the novel taut.

“Maybe I was tired of stories, telling them and hearing them,” muses the narrator. Curiously, while she made languages her profession (hence her tendency to consider that “the great project of Empire was to categorize: owned and owner, coloniser and colonised, evolué and barbarian, mine and yours.”), her antagonistic younger sister became a writer. Finding herself falling in love with Gore, the narrator becomes the story, upending history.

As the story’s momentum builds into that of a spy thriller, Bradley pulls off a rare feat. “The Ministry of Time” is a novel that doesn’t stoop to easy answers and doesn’t devolve into polemic. It’s a smart, gripping work that’s also a feast for the senses. An assassination, moles, questions of identity and violence wreak havoc on our happy lovers and the bubble they create in London. Yet our affection for them is as fresh and thrilling as theirs is for one another, two explorers of a kind, caught in a brilliant discovery. Bradley’s written an edgy, playful and provocative book that’s likely to be the most thought-provoking romance novel of the summer. Check your history: That’s no small feat.

Lauren LeBlanc is a board member of the National Book Critics Circle.

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