Maxelenatravel LLC · Licensed Tour Operator in Russia
Discover the Russia most travelers miss – the secret Silver Ring awaits!
Silver Ring of Russia: Cultural Journey Off the Beaten Path
Explore medieval towns, ancient monasteries, and breathtaking landscapes away from tourist crowds.
Book Your Tour Now
Book Your Tour Now
Why Choose the Silver Ring of Russia
The Silver Ring of Russia is the hidden gem of Northwestern Russia. While the Golden Ring attracts crowds of tourists, the Silver Ring offers a truly authentic experience—through medieval towns, ancient monasteries, and stunning natural landscapes.
- Historic towns untouched by mass tourism: Vyborg, Veliky Novgorod, and Pskov retain medieval charm and local traditions.
- Culture and traditions: Explore local markets, artisan workshops, and unique cuisine untouched by mass tourism.
- Unique architecture: From fortified castles to cathedrals dating back over a millennium, every building tells a story.
- Breathtaking scenery: Rivers, lakes, forests, and quaint villages where time seems frozen.
4-Day Itinerary: Vyborg, Veliky Novgorod, Pskov
Day 1 – St. Petersburg → Vyborg
Arrive in Vyborg, a historic town shaped by Swedish, Finnish, and Russian influences. Explore the Vyborg Castle, originally built by the Knights of the Teutonic Order. Stroll through the old town and visit Mon Repos Labyrinth, a park filled with neoclassical architecture, legends, and ghost stories.
Curiosity: Vyborg’s fortress was a strategic military hub for centuries, changing hands multiple times between Sweden, Russia, and Finland.
Day 2 – Veliky Novgorod
Discover Veliky Novgorod, known as the cradle of Russian democracy. Visit the St. Sophia Cathedral, one of the oldest in Russia, and the Novgorod Kremlin, which houses manuscripts dating back to the 11th century.
Curiosity: Novgorod had its own assembly, called the Veche, influencing Russian governance long before Moscow rose to prominence.
Day 3 – Pskov
Explore Pskov, a city with one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Russia. Visit the Pskov Kremlin, Pechory Monastery, and walk along historic city walls.
Curiosity: Pskov was an independent republic with a flourishing trade network and its own legal code as early as the 12th century.
Day 4 – Return to St. Petersburg
On the way back, stop in picturesque villages and hidden monasteries. Sample traditional local dishes such as black bread and homemade sweets while soaking in rural Russian life.
Curiosity: Many of these villages have been inhabited continuously for over 500 years, preserving ancient architecture and traditions.
Arrive in Vyborg, a historic town shaped by Swedish, Finnish, and Russian influences. Explore the Vyborg Castle, originally built by the Knights of the Teutonic Order. Stroll through the old town and visit Mon Repos Labyrinth, a park filled with neoclassical architecture, legends, and ghost stories.
Curiosity: Vyborg’s fortress was a strategic military hub for centuries, changing hands multiple times between Sweden, Russia, and Finland.
Day 2 – Veliky Novgorod
Discover Veliky Novgorod, known as the cradle of Russian democracy. Visit the St. Sophia Cathedral, one of the oldest in Russia, and the Novgorod Kremlin, which houses manuscripts dating back to the 11th century.
Curiosity: Novgorod had its own assembly, called the Veche, influencing Russian governance long before Moscow rose to prominence.
Day 3 – Pskov
Explore Pskov, a city with one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Russia. Visit the Pskov Kremlin, Pechory Monastery, and walk along historic city walls.
Curiosity: Pskov was an independent republic with a flourishing trade network and its own legal code as early as the 12th century.
Day 4 – Return to St. Petersburg
On the way back, stop in picturesque villages and hidden monasteries. Sample traditional local dishes such as black bread and homemade sweets while soaking in rural Russian life.
Curiosity: Many of these villages have been inhabited continuously for over 500 years, preserving ancient architecture and traditions.
7-Day Itinerary: In-Depth Silver Ring Adventure
Day 1 – St. Petersburg → Vyborg
Arrival in Vyborg and visit to the Vyborg Castle, a symbol of shifting borders and cultures.
Mini anecdote: The castle was a site of numerous sieges and intrigues during medieval wars between Sweden and Russia.
Day 2 – Vyborg & Surroundings
Walk through historic streets and admire Art Nouveau buildings. Explore Mon Repos Labyrinth and hear local legends of hidden treasure and ghosts haunting the park at night.
Mini anecdote: Mon Repos was once a summer residence of the noble Von der Pahlen family, who hosted secret cultural salons.
Day 3 – Veliky Novgorod
Visit the Novgorod Kremlin, St. Sophia Cathedral, and medieval bridges. Discover ancient manuscripts that reveal how Novgorod shaped Russian language and governance.
Mini anecdote: Novgorod was the birthplace of the birch bark letters, early messages scratched on birch trees, showing literacy among ordinary citizens centuries ago.
Day 4 – Novgorod Surroundings + Medieval Villages
Explore small villages surrounding Novgorod, hidden churches, and monasteries where traditions remain unchanged.
Mini anecdote: Some villages still practice ancient folk crafts, such as hand-carved wooden icons and traditional embroidery.
Day 5 – Pskov
Discover the Pskov Kremlin, Pechory Monastery, and fortified city walls. Learn about Pskov’s role as a medieval trading republic.
Mini anecdote: Pskov hosted merchants from as far as Germany and the Hanseatic League, making it a hub of medieval trade.
Day 6 – Monasteries & Hidden Villages
A full day exploring small monasteries, artisan workshops, and local markets. Immerse in the authentic daily life of Northwestern Russia.
Mini anecdote: Many monasteries were used as refuge points during wars, and some still hold original frescoes dating back centuries.
Day 7 – Return to St. Petersburg
Scenic stops along rivers, lakes, and forests. Taste local specialties one last time before returning.
Mini anecdote: The landscapes along the route inspired Russian artists and writers, and remain almost untouched by modern tourism.
Arrival in Vyborg and visit to the Vyborg Castle, a symbol of shifting borders and cultures.
Mini anecdote: The castle was a site of numerous sieges and intrigues during medieval wars between Sweden and Russia.
Day 2 – Vyborg & Surroundings
Walk through historic streets and admire Art Nouveau buildings. Explore Mon Repos Labyrinth and hear local legends of hidden treasure and ghosts haunting the park at night.
Mini anecdote: Mon Repos was once a summer residence of the noble Von der Pahlen family, who hosted secret cultural salons.
Day 3 – Veliky Novgorod
Visit the Novgorod Kremlin, St. Sophia Cathedral, and medieval bridges. Discover ancient manuscripts that reveal how Novgorod shaped Russian language and governance.
Mini anecdote: Novgorod was the birthplace of the birch bark letters, early messages scratched on birch trees, showing literacy among ordinary citizens centuries ago.
Day 4 – Novgorod Surroundings + Medieval Villages
Explore small villages surrounding Novgorod, hidden churches, and monasteries where traditions remain unchanged.
Mini anecdote: Some villages still practice ancient folk crafts, such as hand-carved wooden icons and traditional embroidery.
Day 5 – Pskov
Discover the Pskov Kremlin, Pechory Monastery, and fortified city walls. Learn about Pskov’s role as a medieval trading republic.
Mini anecdote: Pskov hosted merchants from as far as Germany and the Hanseatic League, making it a hub of medieval trade.
Day 6 – Monasteries & Hidden Villages
A full day exploring small monasteries, artisan workshops, and local markets. Immerse in the authentic daily life of Northwestern Russia.
Mini anecdote: Many monasteries were used as refuge points during wars, and some still hold original frescoes dating back centuries.
Day 7 – Return to St. Petersburg
Scenic stops along rivers, lakes, and forests. Taste local specialties one last time before returning.
Mini anecdote: The landscapes along the route inspired Russian artists and writers, and remain almost untouched by modern tourism.
What’s Included / Not Included
Included:
- Private transfers between cities
- Expert local guides
- Carefully selected accommodations (hotels & historic guesthouses)
- Entry fees to castles, museums, and monasteries
- Meals not specified
- International flights
- Travel insurance
Silver Ring Curiosities
- The Silver Ring focuses on lesser-known Northwestern Russia, offering a more authentic and peaceful alternative to the Golden Ring.
- Cities like Vyborg, Novgorod, and Pskov hold centuries of untold history, from medieval battles to early democratic assemblies.
- Visiting the Silver Ring is like stepping back in time, witnessing Russia as it once was—full of stories, legends, and untouched culture.
Practical Tips
- Climate: cold, snowy winters; mild summers with long daylight hours
- Documents: tourist visa required
- Best period to visit: May–September
Frequently Asked Questions - Silver Ring Tour
What is the Silver Ring of Russia?
- The Silver Ring is a cultural and historical tour of Northwestern Russia, visiting medieval towns like Vyborg, Veliky Novgorod, and Pskov—less known than the Golden Ring but equally fascinating.
- We offer 4-day and 7-day itineraries, allowing travelers to choose between a short cultural escape or an in-depth journey.
- Private transfers, expert local guides, selected accommodations, and entry fees to castles, museums, and monasteries. Meals and international flights are not included.
- The ideal period is May to September for mild weather and long daylight hours. Winter visits are possible but cold and snowy.
- Yes, a Russian tourist visa is required for most international travelers.
- Yes, our tours cater to both families and solo travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience.
- Absolutely! We can adjust the tour according to your interests, pace, and preferred stops.
- Our guides speak English, and other languages may be available upon request.
Book Your Silver Ring Tour
Experience authentic Russia through history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Experience authentic Russia through history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
