Russian Cycle Touring Club

invites you to the annual international bicycle tour

“The Golden Ring of Russia”

12 days/11 nights, cycling distance 650 km (400 miles)

The bike tour is designed for foreign cyclists, and it will introduce you to the real Russia! Bicycling is an ideal way to explore this fascinating country. Our informal tour is very comfortably paced and you will enjoy biking in the quiet Russian countryside. You are not our customers – you are the guests of our club. In addition to cycling, we offer a special culture program. We visit a lot of museums and exhibitions (some of them are little known). You will meet friendly village dwellers and our dinners are cooked from home products grown by local Russians. The menu promises to give you the opportunity to taste authentic Russian food that is unlike anything you’ve tasted before! We also visit a Russian bath house ("banya") and see how Russians really live.

Route. The Golden Ring of Russia (the region northeast of Moscow) is the most famous tourist route in the heart of Russia. It goes through numerous picturesque and ancient Russian towns: Vladimir, Suzdal, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Uglich, and others known for their ancient history and inspiring architecture. We will see the beautiful Russian countryside and Volga River, magnificent Orthodox churches and monasteries. The bicycling part starts in Rostov (north of Moscow) and ends in Vladimir 10 days later. See the map.

The 1000-year Anniversary Celebration in Yaroslavl in 2010

Itinerary. The tour starts in Moscow, where you have a guided downtown excursion. At the end of the tour you can stay longer in Moscow on your own or make a trip to St. Petersburg by train.

During the day you can cycle at your own pace, and a car will wait for you at appointed places along the route. Experienced guides will look after you in case of any difficulties. If you are tired you can always take the car for part of the route. Even non-riding spouses, children or friends are welcome to join the tour and they can follow the group in the car.

For 10 cycling days we ride about 650 km (400 miles). Most roads along the route do not have heavy traffic and are paved with asphalt. (Note: in the Adventure tour, there are about 30 miles of dirt or gravel roads.)

In Adventure tour we stay in less expensive hotels or cottages, and sometimes we cook meals ourselves. If you have a tent, you might enjoy occasionally sleeping outdoors in the Russian countryside!

In Comfort tour we stay in higher quality  hotels (double accommodation with WC and shower).

Itineraries (pdf):

        Adventure tour     Comfort tour

The map of the route

Photo reports from our previous tours

Frequently Asked Questions about the Golden Ring of Russia tour

Useful links - find more about the Golden Ring of Russia

The prices for 2010:

Convert the price into your Currency

Discounts: 

• 10% - for former RCTC participants (on the regular price)

• special price for people who live or temporarily stay in Russia

Included:

• visa application support

• transfers between airport-hotel-airport in Moscow

• accommodation

• all meals (except arrival and departure days in Moscow)

• a sag wagon (support vehicle and baggage carrier)

• all transfers along the route

• guided excursions and museums fees as described in  the itinerary

• special events (Russian steam bath, Folklore programs, Video, etc.)

• English-speaking cycling guides (or other languages)

• maps

• T-shirt

Single Supplement in comfort tour is 350 euro extra.

Not included:

• consulate fee for visa processing

• flight to/from Moscow

• medical and travel insurance

• alcoholic drinks

• permission for photo-video-taking in the museums

• bicycle rental

For all tours you should have:

• bicycle with rack and water bottles

• helmet

• small bicycle bags (panniers)

• sunscreen

• waterproof clothes

• good mood

For an Adventure tour you should have:

• personal eating utensils (bowl, mug, spoon, fork, knife)

• tent and sleeping bag (optional)

Bicycle rental -  € 100

Tour Calendar 2010*

* Can't make these dates ? Look More adventure tours or Subscribe our tour newsletter

We are ready to organize a custom tour for group of 4 and more at any time.

 How to apply?

1. First read carefully all information including Often asked questions and Terms and Conditions . Applying for the tour you accept Terms and Conditions statements.

2. Apply using our form or download the application form (MS Word). (Even if these dates does not suit you you can apply and specify you preferable dates.)

The deposit (€ 200 for the adventure and € 400 for the comfort tour) should be paid after the confirmation.

 For more details about the tour contact us.

Photo reports from our previous tours

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