Ancient Land of Pskov and Novgorod

08:00 - Pick-up at the hotel in Saint Petersburg by the driver and transfer to Pskov which is located in 300 km.
Upon arrival the local English-speaking guide will take as for the Pskov tour. During this walking excursion we will visit the main sights of Pskov - the riverside Kremlin which is one of the historic fortresses in Russia, the Trinity Cathedral and the ancient Dovmont Town.
Overnight at the hotel in Pskov.

Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning we suggest an optional tour to Pechory and Izborsk. Pskovo-Pechorsky Monastery (55 km from Pskov) is one of the oldest in Russia. Founded in 1473 it is one of the oldest monasteries in Russia. On the way back we visit the remains of the ancient fortress of Izborsk, first mentioned in 682 AD.
We continue with the transfer to Veliki Novgorod (Novgorod the Great) - one of the most important towns in the Russian history (188 km).
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Novgorod.
(B, D)

Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning we have a guided Novgorod tour by car to St. Yury Monastery of the 11th Century and the Museum of traditional Russian wooden architecture "Vitoslavitsy".
In the afternoon we continue with the walking tour to Novgorod Kremlin.
On the grounds of the Novgorod Kremlin we visit St. Sophia Cathedral with a collection of ancient icons, frescoes and even so called ancient graffiti made by medieval visitors of the cathedral. Across the Volkhov River we explore Yaroslav's Courtyard, complex of merchant and religious buildings of the 12th Century.
At about 16:00 we depart for Saint Petersburg (200 km) and arrive there at about 19:00.
(B)

1. Accommodation at the hotels in Pskov and Novgorod (rooms with en-suite WC and shower);
2. Car or minibus transfers as per itinerary;
3. Meals as per itinerary (B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner);
4. Tours as per itinerary with local English-speaking guides (except for the tour to Pechory and Izborsk which is optional).