Why sign up (or not sign up) for this trip
- You want to see and experience a real country populated by genuine people, not a succession of tourist destinations.
- You don't feel totally comfortable travelling on your own, escorted travel may be the answer.
- Enjoy the flexibility and independence of driving but scared of Russian roads?
- See a slice of Russian life from a perspective not normally accessible to foreign visitor.
Highlights
Moscow to Tver: Pirated software market, perhaps the word's biggest, just north of Moscow; Tchaikovsky museum in Klin; Gorodnya, with a beautiful 16th Century cathedral and a spectacular view of the Volga river; New Jerusalem, a 17th century testimony to Russian ambition to become the center of Christian civilization... Tver has been used as a place of exile since Ivan-the-Terrible's times. Among the most notable of Tver exiles was Metropolitan Philipp, who was later strangled during Ivan's military campaign to deprive Novgorod of the last traces of its independence. Even now the Tver region remains a place of banishment, with Moscow and St. Petersburg homeless rounded up and dumped there, and a system of prisons. Depending on the specific route chosen we may drive through the Zavidovo reserve, made famous for drinking parties by Russia's top brass, most most notably Yeltsin.
New Jerusalem deserves a special mentioning. The convent was build in the 17th century by Patriarch Nikon, who, during the rule of Peter the Great's father Alexei Mikhailovich tried to put the church authority above that of the tsars. Believing that Russia is the center of everything holy, Nikon attempted creating a model of Palestine. One of the nearly rivers was re-named Jordan, one of the hills was designated as Calvary, etc. It is interesting to note that later Nikon lost much of his influence and was confined to New Jerusalem conceived and built by him.
Alternative route from Moscow to Tver or Torzhok, especially recommended to those interested in Russian military and political history: During the World War II, from the fall of 1991 to the winter of 1942 the city of Rzhev moved from the Soviet to German control six times.
One of the alternative routes will take us through New Jerusalem, and Volokolamsk, with a possible detour to the Borodino field, where Russian troups led by Field-Martial Kutuzov fought Napoleon in August 1812.
Stopover at our cottage near the city of Staritsa [a separate site coming up but for now see /staritsa_eng.htm], Tver region, on the Volga. Exploration of Staritsa, a city that was founded in 1297 and managed to preserve its historic character though several decades of Communist rule. Staritsa is famous for its ancient convents and caves on the high left bank of the Volga river. In late 1500’s Ivan-the-Terrible was even thinking of relocating the capital here.. Horseback riding will give you a sense of the Russian countryside. Working holidays may be possible for those who wish to participate in the cleanup of Volga banks, tree planting, or masonry work.
Small town of historic and cultural significance:
- Torzhok, full of the spirit of military glory. In 1238, a handful of citizens stood against the Mongol hordes, and preferred burning themselves together with the city to being captured by the invaders - an act of heroism that left the Mongols without supplies, thus saving Novgorod. Subsequently Torzhok was a center of economic activity in the Tver region;
- Ostashkov, which is interesting from the military history point of view;
- Lake Seliger and many of the Valday lakes, some of them of meteorite origin;
- Staraya Russa, a city associated with the name of Dostoyevsky, presently famous for its mineral springs and salt mines.
Novgorod and a detour to Pskov. These two cities occupy a special place in Russian history. Both thrived for centuries as democratic republics, and only the ruthless ruler Ivan III and his tyrant grandson Ivan-the-Terrible managed to curtail their independence and crush their democratic spirit. Their true nature, however, seems to be prevailing after the demise of Communism, and now Pskov and Novgorod are among the most democratic and economically successful regions.
St. Petersburg needs no introduction.
Russian North. From St. Petersburg we can proceed to the true Russian North, where people live off their gardens and the forest, don't lock doors when leaving the house, and hitchhikers get picked up immediately.
Duration
From 4 days, but we recommend at least one week to travel between Moscow and St. Petersburg. The "natural" duration of this trip is 10-12 days, same as two centuries ago.
Options
From independent to monitored to 100% escorted tour.
The main mode of travel may be a small passenger car (for 1-3 persons) or a military van (for larger groups, suitable for off-road conditions, especially in the winter, very little comfort but huge load capacity and rough-terrain performance)
Cost
The cost of a trip like this quite flexible.
Travel expenses may be in the range of $20 to $200/day. Yes, Russian travel can be as cheap or as expensive as you want.
Helpful and knowledgeable escort will cost from $50 to $250/day. For $250/day you will get me, the famous "Uncle Pasha", at your service 24 hours a day, with the use of the vehicle included into the price. $50 will get you Cyril or Olesya who will accompany you by public transit, help you in securing tickets, accommodation, local guides or anything else, and keep you from getting lost.
Disclaimers
Some or all of our usual Ugly Disclaimers apply. In particular please note that we are not travel agents, and this is not a "tour". You hire us to assist you while it is you who remains ultimately responsible for your own fate. You hire us, not surrender yourself to our care with the "protect and entertain me" attitude.
One of the most postcard beautiful sites on our ways to St. Petersburg.
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*Details on my combination of
modern PR and Bizantinesque politics available on request to those who
need and deserve to know.
