What to do and see in Novgorod Oblast, Northwestern District: The Best Cultural Tours

March 31, 2022 Rebbecca Marino

Novgorod Oblast (Russian: Новгоро́дская о́бласть, Novgorodskaya oblast) is a federal subject of Russia (an oblast). Its administrative center is the city of Veliky Novgorod. Some of the oldest Russian cities, including Veliky Novgorod and Staraya Russa, are located in the oblast. The historic monuments of Veliky Novgorod and surroundings have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Population: 634,111 (2010 Census).
Restaurants in Novgorod Oblast

1. Private Full-Day Trip to Velikiy Novgorod from St. Petersburg

Tetra Spb
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Veliky Novgorod, also known as Novgorod the Great, or just Novgorod, is one of the most important historic cities in Russia, UNESCO recognised Novgorod as a World Heritage Site in 1992 . At its peak during the 14th century, the city was the capital of Novgorod Republic and one of Europe's largest cities and a major Baltics to Byzantium station on the trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks. City was not destroyed by nazis in a period of WW2, as well as never been captured by Tatar hordes. So, its ancient beauty is almost untouched! We invite you to spend a day deep in real Russia, visit the Kremlin, orthodox churches and get closer to our history.

Inclusions: Professional art historian guide, Lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By norbertzoltank

It was a nice tour with a guide who can tell you everything that you ask about the palace, palace life or the history of Petrograd/Leningrad/St. Petersburg in general. If you have a spare afternoon, I full-heartedly recommend this tour!

2. Private Saint-Petersburg Tour with Hermitage and Rivers and canals Boat Tour

North Palmyra Tours

During the excursion you will see Nevsky Prospekt, Russian Admiralty, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, Palace Square, the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, Peter and Paul’s Fortress, Savior on the Spilled Blood, Field of Mars, Winter Palace. Explore the magnificent collection of the Hermitage museum with our professional guide. At the end of the tour you will enjoy riding along the wonderful rivers and canals of St. Petersburg.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance Tickets

Exclusions: Meals

Reviewed By Meghanja359

I would 100% recommend a 48 hr tour of St. Petersburg with NP Tours. Our guides, Olga & Evgeniy were fantastic – we were picked up at the cruise terminal and despite the traffic, we managed to get to all our destinations and had enough time to visit & explore each attraction. We visited Peterhof Lower Park & Upper Gardens and saw the Samson Fountain ‘show’ which is a must-see. We had lunch on a boat tour on the river & canals of St. Petersburg and then spent the afternoon visiting The Church of our Savior on the Spilled Blood and the Peter & Paul cathedral; both have great historical significance and are beautifully decorated inside & out. Former members of the Royal Family are buried at the latter – Olga is extremely knowledgeable on the former monarchy and gave us a great insight into their past. She speaks fluent English and is very informative on all subjects related to the sights we visited, inclusive of general history regarding the city’s past. We visited the Pushkin (formerly Tsarskoye Selo) and Catherine's Palace – beat the large groups and crowds with our private tour! The park and Palace interiors are stunning, especially the ‘Amber Room’ which was a highlight – very unique! We took a walking tour on Nevsky Prospect & visited St. Isaac's Cathedral before taking a tour of the Hermitage Museum and State Rooms of the Winter Palace. The extensive art collection was amazing and I would most definitely visit again! Many thanks to Olga & Evgeniy for such a wonderful experience, I would suggest anyone visiting St. Petersburg take this tour!

3. Veliky Novgorod Private City Tour with Yuriev Monastery and ''Vitoslavlitsi''

Veliky Novgorod, Novgorod Oblast, Russia U Visit Russia

This tour combines a standard city tour to Veliky Novgorod with visit to it's suburbs and gives you an opportunity to see evreything in one day. The tour starts in the city with visiting to it's heart - The Kremlin, the main Cathedral of St.Sophia (the monument of XI century) with it's miracle making icon, Yaroslav's Court (Yaroslavovo Dvorische) and the old Market-place. Then you will be taken to the Yuriev Monastery (the oldest active men monastery in Russia, founded in 1030) and an open-air museum of wooden architecture "Vitoslavlitsi". You can also choose a tour with the dinner in the restaurant near the monastery ("Yurievskoe podvorie") or in the restaurant "Detinets" with traditional Russian atmosphere. • Guaranteed skip-the-line entrance

Inclusions: English/German/French/Spanish/Italian speaking guide service, Transport by private vehicle, Lunch, Guaranteed skip-the-line entrance

Exclusions: Personal expenses, Gratuities

Reviewed By john m

We booked for the Swan Lake ballet on 25 December 2019, with travel date on 24 May 2020, through U Visit Russia. . Due to the Covit19 pandemic we were unable to visit Russia nor attend the ballet. Two tickets were purchased for US$465.50. U Visit Russia was advised of not being able to attend and agreed to pay a full refund but there would be a delay due to the number of cancellations. After some time no refund was forthcoming and U Visit Russia was again contacted by email and we were advised that due to the volume of cancellations the refund would be credited to our credit card within 9 weeks. Nothing and again they were contacted by email but no response was ever received. No refund was ever received. Nothing!! The lesson is to beware of ever dealing with this company.

4. Private tour to Veliky Novgorod: a cradle of Ancient Russia

Aventura Travel

We invite you to spend a wonderful day in one the most ancient Russian cities, Veliky (Great) Novgorod. It was Russia's first capital in the 9th century, the centre of Orthodox spirituality and architecture. Our professional guide will meet you on arrival. We will start with the walking tour by the territory of the Novgorod Kremlin and visit St. Sophia's Cathedral built in the eleventh century. Then we will go the Museum of Wooden Folk Architecture Vitoslavitsy, which includes more than 20 original wooden structures dating from the 16th to the 19th century. Churches, chapels, and residential houses were collected from around the Novgorod region and then moved to this site in the 1960s. The museum is located in a unique landscape with amazing views on the town. Then we will visit also the Yuriev Monastery. After the excursion our guide will lead you to the local restaurant ZavodBar for dinner (not included). The way to Novgorod and back takes three hours by train or auto.

Inclusions: Transfer to the railway station / or transportation directly to Novgorod and back, Train tickets Saint-Petersburg- Novgorod – Saint-Petersburg , Transportation (Van) according to the program, The English-speaking professional guide in Novgorod , Entrances fees, Taxes

Exclusions: Tips, Lunch, Coffee and/or Tea

Reviewed By Shaun P

We took the tour to the Catherine Palace in February, and had a great time. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly, and we learnt a lot. Thank you!

5. Veliky Novgorod: Private Tour to Yuriev Monastery and ''Vitoslavlitsi'' Museum

Veliky Novgorod, Novgorod Oblast, Russia U Visit Russia

During this tour yu will be taken to the suburbs of Veliky Novgorod - to the Yuriev Monastery and an open-air museum "Vitoslavlitsi". Yuriev Monastery is situated on the bank of Volkhov river, near Ilmen Lake and is the oldest men active monastery in Russia (it was founded in 1030 by Jaroslav the Wise). In an open-air museum of wooden architecture "Vitoslavlitsi" you can see the oldest wooden buildings of XVI - XIX centuries. • Guaranteed skip-the-line entrance

Inclusions: English speaking guide service, Transport, Guaranteed skip-the-line entrance

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Personal expenses, Gratuities

Reviewed By john m

We booked for the Swan Lake ballet on 25 December 2019, with travel date on 24 May 2020, through U Visit Russia. . Due to the Covit19 pandemic we were unable to visit Russia nor attend the ballet. Two tickets were purchased for US$465.50. U Visit Russia was advised of not being able to attend and agreed to pay a full refund but there would be a delay due to the number of cancellations. After some time no refund was forthcoming and U Visit Russia was again contacted by email and we were advised that due to the volume of cancellations the refund would be credited to our credit card within 9 weeks. Nothing and again they were contacted by email but no response was ever received. No refund was ever received. Nothing!! The lesson is to beware of ever dealing with this company.

6. Join-in Tour to the Vitoslavlitsy Museum and the St. George Monastery

Uopera tours

In this tour you will get acquainted with a part of Russian history by visiting the St. George (Yuryev) Monastery and the Vitoslavitsa Museum of Folk Wooden Architecture.

Inclusions: Professional English-speaking tour guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance fees, Skip-the-line entrance

Exclusions: Personal expenses

7. Full-day trip to Veliky Novgorod from Saint Petersburg

Julia Shevtsova

This full-day tour tour is an excellent opportunity to learn how Russia started and to see the authentic pre-imperial capital of the Novgorod republic with the carefully preserved unique sights. On the way to Novgorod you will have a chance to see the Russian countryside. You will feel the atmosphere of a truly Russian provincial town, admire the beauty of old national architecture and try traditional Russian cuisine. Our friendly and knowledgeable guide will try to make it really special. Do not hesitate to approach us if you require any further information.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By alexgelfman

We should have done this fantastic tour at the beginning of our stay in Saint Petersburg. The fortress is the oldest architectural ensemble of the city and it was really exciting to see these authentic fortifications. We also learned a great deal about the Romanovs, the city history and life in imperial Russia.

8. Private Full-Day Tour from St. Petersburg to Veliky Novgorod

North Palmyra Tours

This tour to Novgorod from St Petersburg is a unique opportunity to visit the former capital of Russia and see its sights in one day. The city that is amazing for its beauty: here you will see sights, monuments and churches at every step. During a walk through the Novgorod Kremlin, You will touch the ancient history, Dating back more than a thousand years-a tour to Novgorod will allow You to see and feel all this in one day. Veliky Novgorod is the birthplace of Russian democratic and a spiritual stronghold of Orthodox Russia. Itinerary: 9.30 a.m. Meet with your guide in the lobby of the hotel or port. Departure for Novgorod (190 km from St. Petersburg) Arrival to Novgorod. Full day of sightseeing. Excursion to the Kremlin of Novgorod. Sophia cathedral Monument Millennium Of Russia Excursion to the Yaroslav’s Court-Ancient Market. Lunch at the local restaurant Museum of Wooden Architecture Vitoslavlitsy. Visit the Yuriev Monastery 7-7.30 p.m. Arrival to the hotel or to the ship

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional guide, Traditional russian lunch at the local restaurante

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Meghanja359

I would 100% recommend a 48 hr tour of St. Petersburg with NP Tours. Our guides, Olga & Evgeniy were fantastic – we were picked up at the cruise terminal and despite the traffic, we managed to get to all our destinations and had enough time to visit & explore each attraction. We visited Peterhof Lower Park & Upper Gardens and saw the Samson Fountain ‘show’ which is a must-see. We had lunch on a boat tour on the river & canals of St. Petersburg and then spent the afternoon visiting The Church of our Savior on the Spilled Blood and the Peter & Paul cathedral; both have great historical significance and are beautifully decorated inside & out. Former members of the Royal Family are buried at the latter – Olga is extremely knowledgeable on the former monarchy and gave us a great insight into their past. She speaks fluent English and is very informative on all subjects related to the sights we visited, inclusive of general history regarding the city’s past. We visited the Pushkin (formerly Tsarskoye Selo) and Catherine's Palace – beat the large groups and crowds with our private tour! The park and Palace interiors are stunning, especially the ‘Amber Room’ which was a highlight – very unique! We took a walking tour on Nevsky Prospect & visited St. Isaac's Cathedral before taking a tour of the Hermitage Museum and State Rooms of the Winter Palace. The extensive art collection was amazing and I would most definitely visit again! Many thanks to Olga & Evgeniy for such a wonderful experience, I would suggest anyone visiting St. Petersburg take this tour!

9. Private Vitoslavlitsy Museum of Wooden Architecture Guided Tour

Go Russia Travel Company

Our guide will accompany you to the Vitoslavlitsy Museum of Wooden Architecture. There are over twenty wooden buildings brought here from across the Novgorod region, among them wooden churches, dwelling houses and mills.

Inclusions: Guide, Public transportation, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Private transportation

Reviewed By Von_Smiles

A very positive experience. I felt very reassured with all of the information received and the handling of the visa which was particularly easy via Go Russia in Germany. No glitches with the pick ups and no delays with the guides. First trip to Russia and I was impressed, so much so that I would book with Go Russia again when I eventually travel back and see more of the country. Julia from Go Russia was extremely competent and helpful.

10. Private Guided Tour of Yuriev Monastery in Novgorod

Go Russia Travel Company

We will visit The Yuriev (St. George's) Monastery - part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site named Historic Monuments of Novgorod the Great and its Surroundings. Yuriev Monastery is often cited as Russia's oldest monastery. It is located just 5 km away from Novgorod the Great on the left bank of the Volkhov River which allows stunning views.

Inclusions: Guide, All Fees and Taxes, Private transportation

Exclusions:

Reviewed By Von_Smiles

A very positive experience. I felt very reassured with all of the information received and the handling of the visa which was particularly easy via Go Russia in Germany. No glitches with the pick ups and no delays with the guides. First trip to Russia and I was impressed, so much so that I would book with Go Russia again when I eventually travel back and see more of the country. Julia from Go Russia was extremely competent and helpful.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.