Yaroslavl is the ancient city on the Volga River, founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslav.

Yaroslavl is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is widely known as the unofficial capital of the Golden Ring towns. The oldest building of the city is Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, built in the first half of the XVI century. The true gem of Russian architecture is considered to be the Church of John the Baptist, and the Church of Saint Elijah the Prophet.

The city of Kostroma was founded by Grand Prince Yury Dolgorukov in the 1152. The key attraction of Kostroma is the Ipatievsky Monastery. It is a male monastery, often visited by the Romanov Tsars, starting from the first Tsar of Romanov dynasty Michael Romanov till the last Tsar Nicholas II. There are many wonderful monuments in Kostroma that have since preserved its unique appearance.

Ivanovo - the youngest of all the Golden ring cities. The city was formerly known as “Russian Manchester”, as it had a booming textile industry during the Soviet era. It is also called as “City of Brides”

Suzdal is one of the oldest town in Russia. Its history dates back to 11th century AD. The oldest part in the city is Suzdal Kremlin, which is more than 1000 years old. In addition to the Kremlin, there are over 50 ancient Churches, White stone monuments and five Monasteries, of which Spaso-Yefimiev Monastery is very famous. Most of the sights are protected by UNESCO.

The City of Vladimir is founded by Vladimir Monomakh in 1093. Vladimir was one of the capitals of Medieval Russia. The main property of Vladimir is an ancient Russian monument "Golden Gate", built in 1164 for the triumphal and defensive purposes. Also, the city houses other magnificent cathedrals like Assumption Cathedral, and St. Demetrius Cathedral. These white monuments have found place in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list.

Sergiev Posad is famous for its Trinity-Sergius Lavra - the biggest Russian monastery, established in the XIV century by St. Sergius of Radonezh. The complex includes many monuments of XV-XIX centuries, including the white-stone Trinity Cathedral, which contains the relics of its founder. The Lavra is protected by UNESCO.

The city of Pereslavl was founded by Yury Dolgoruky in 1152. In Pereslavl, people come to admire the five monasteries and nine churches. The best preserved of them is Transfiguration Cathedral, founded by Yuri Dolgoruky in 1152. Pereslavl is the birth place of Great Russian Prince and Saint Alexander Nevsky. In the late 17th century, Peter the Great built his famous Fun Flotilla here, which included Peter’s “Botik”(small boat), which is considered to be the forefather of Russian fleet.

Not to be confused with the much larger city Rostov on Don, Rostov Velikiy is one of the oldest and most important city of ancient Russia. It is situated on the shores of Lake Nero. The city dates back to 862 AD. Rostov is rich in architectural landmarks like very famous Rostov Kremlin and two monasteries namely, Abraham monastery and Spaso-Yakovlevsky monastery. Rostov is renowned for its enamels.