Ancient Rus' Loop
Six private days from St. Petersburg: Vyborg, Pskov, Izborsk and UNESCO-listed Veliky Novgorod.
Follow the early chapters of Russian history on a private circuit from St. Petersburg, a route mass operators rarely offer as a dedicated package. Medieval Vyborg Castle, Pskov Kremlin, Izborsk Fortress and the UNESCO monuments of Veliky Novgorod unfold between quiet roads and boutique hotels. Your host handles halal dining, prayer breaks and logistics, so every city feels personal rather than rushed. Ideal for families and curious travellers who value heritage and service.
For whom
For families, history lovers and private groups of 2–8 wishing to explore the old towns of northwest Russia from St. Petersburg.
Duration
6 days
Price from
$3,100
Season
Summer
Tour discounts
Highlights
Pricing
Final price depends on group size, season, and selected hotels. Below are indicative prices for our most popular configurations.
| Group size | per person |
|---|---|
| 6 people | $2,600 |
| 4 people | $3,100 |
| 2 people | $3,900 |
Request a custom quote Request this tour
Upcoming dates
| Start | End | per person | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 15, 2026 | May 21, 2026 | $3,100per person | Available | Request dates |
| Aug 10, 2026 | Aug 16, 2026 | $3,300per person | Available | Request dates |
Program
Leave St. Petersburg in the morning by private minivan, around 140 km. Tour Vyborg Castle: St Olaf's Tower, bay views and the history of a Swedish-Russian frontier. Walk the Old Town through Town Hall Square and the Clock Tower. If time allows, continue to Monrepos Park for rocks and pines. Enjoy a halal dinner and spend the night in Vyborg or a comfortable hotel on the route.
By road 140 km; walk 4 km
After breakfast, make the long but comfortable drive through north-western landscapes, around 430 km. Two well-timed stops provide coffee, prayer and a chance to stretch. Arrive in Pskov in the evening, check in, walk lightly by the Kremlin walls at sunset and enjoy a halal dinner. This is a logistics day designed around your family's pace, not a rushed sightseeing day.
By road about 430 km
Begin inside Pskov Kremlin with Trinity Cathedral, Dovmont Town and the walls over the Velikaya River. After lunch, travel about 30 km to Izborsk for Truvor's settlement, the hilltop fortress and springs. You may add a short visit to Pechory monastery, where modest clothing is required. Return to Pskov for dinner and a free evening.
By road about 70 km; walk 5 km
Travel calmly to Veliky Novgorod, around 210 km. Take a halal lunch en route or in town, then settle into your boutique hotel. Keep the evening free: stroll the Volkhov embankment and view the Kremlin from Yaroslav's Court, without a formal tour, to rest before the full UNESCO day.
By road about 210 km
Spend a full heritage day at Novgorod Kremlin (Detinets), 11th-century St Sophia Cathedral, the Millennium of Russia monument, Yaroslav's Court and the trading quarter. After lunch, visit Vitoslavlitsy, an open-air museum of traditional wooden architecture. The pace includes breaks for children and prayers, followed by a farewell dinner.
By road 30 km; walk 6 km
After breakfast, take a scenic private drive to St. Petersburg or straight to Pulkovo Airport for your flight, around 190 km. If desired, make a short stop at a Lake Ilmen viewpoint. A small route album and local souvenir are our farewell gift.
By road about 190 km
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Stay
Vyborg Boutique Stay
A compact hotel by Vyborg's historic centre with halal breakfast available on request.
Superior, king or twin
- Halal breakfast
- Wi‑Fi
- Parking
Pskov Old Estate Hotel
A quiet historic-style hotel with halal service agreed in advance.
Superior Room, king or twin
- Halal dishes
- Prayer mat
- Wi‑Fi
- Parking
- Family rooms
Novgorod River Boutique
A boutique hotel by the Volkhov with Kremlin views and an agreed halal menu.
River-view Deluxe
- Kremlin view
- Halal dining
- Wi‑Fi
- Concierge
Included
- Private transfers from/to St. Petersburg around the circuit
- 5 nights in boutique hotels (Vyborg, Pskov and Novgorod)
- Driver and local guides
- Entrance tickets to key sites
- Halal breakfasts and selected meals
- 24/7 support
- Travel insurance
Excluded
- International flights
- Visas if required
- Personal purchases
- Additional activities (Pechory beyond the core route)
- Gratuities
Payment & booking
Booking deposit
30% deposit at booking confirmation
Balance payment
Remaining 70% due 30 days before departure
No payment now
Request, date selection and itinerary are free. Payment only after you confirm the program and contract.
Payment methods
Bank transfer (USD/EUR/AED/SAR), Visa/Mastercard, USDT/BTC on request
Installment plans up to 6 months for Imperial tours — discuss with your travel designer
Guest reviews
“Vyborg, Pskov, Novgorod — history comes alive when the guide doesn't rush. A great format for a heritage-loving family.”
Yousef Al-Mutairi
Kuwait · Traveled: September 2025
Common questions about this tour
Included: comfortable hotels (usually 4★, 5★ on request), private transfers, personal Arabic-speaking guide, halal meals (breakfasts and select lunches/dinners), museum tickets with skip-the-line entry, intercity transport (trains/flights), insurance. Not included: international flights, visa fees, personal expenses, tips.
We accept bank transfers (USD, EUR, AED, SAR), Visa/Mastercard through a secure payment gateway, and cryptocurrency (USDT, BTC — upon request). Installment plans available: 30% deposit at booking, balance due 30 days before travel.
Yes! We have a dedicated family tour 'White Nights for Family' and all tours can be adapted for children. We provide child seats in vehicles, kids' menus (halal), and entertainers upon request. Recommended age: 3+. Children under 2 receive a 50% discount.
Important Info
Weather & climate
May–September is generally +15…+25°C. Historic centres have cobblestones and may be rainy, so bring comfortable shoes and a light jacket.
Transport
Comfortable minivan with water, child seats on request, Wi‑Fi where available and prayer stops.
Meals
Halal breakfasts and restaurants are planned in advance; long drives include halal picnic options.
Connectivity
Hotel Wi‑Fi is available; signal may weaken between towns, which is normal for this route.
Who guides you
Licensed historian-guides in Vyborg, Pskov and Novgorod, coordinated by a private Almas host.
What to bring
- Comfortable footwear for fortresses and cobblestones
- Light jacket and umbrella
- Modest clothing for cathedrals (covered shoulders and knees; headscarf for women)
- Personal medication and chargers for the road
Request this tour
Interested in this tour? Send a request — your travel designer will reply within one business day.
No payment now — request and date selection only