Itinerary
Highlights
~ ride exploration around Pushkinske Gori National Park.
~ cycle to Fortress of Izborsk.
~ peddle to the Pechorsky Monastery with colourful domes.
~ visit the Kremlin of Pskov and its architectural and historical centre on 2 wheels.
Day 01 Arrive Saint Petersburg
Upon arrival into St. Petersburg International Airport, meet and greet, transfer to the hotel. Depending on your flight arrival, you may have time at leisure.
Meal: nil
Stay: hotel
Day 02 Saint Petersburg – Pskov – Pushkinske Gori
Transfer to the railway station for the train journey to Pskov. Upon arrival, transfer to Pushkinske Gori.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: hotel
Day 03 Pushkinske Gori
Our ride begin with an exploration of the National Park. Quiet side roads lead us to well preserved XVII – XIX century estates – the surrounding looks like setting out of classical Russian books or seen in the movies. Wooden mansions, beautiful parks, quiet alleys are in natural harmony with wheat fields, shining lakes, rolling hills, and forests.
Lunch is served in nature in the form of a picnic in a location, usually by the river, where you can swim, or just relax in the woods. Savour the outdoor lunch with soups and porridges of the “Hot mug” type, vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers), sandwiches (sausage, cheese, ham, canned fish), and tea and coffee with sweets, jams and cookies.
Meal: Breakfast, (picnic) Lunch, Dinner
Stay: hotel
Cycling Distance: 30 – 40 KM
Day 04 Pushkinske Gori – Oskov – Izborsk
Transfer to Oskov to start today’s cycling.
Cycle through the lands at the western edges of Russia that saw many battles through the ages. See fortifications built prior to World War II. As we approach Izborsk, an impressive stone fortress perched high on the hill. The massive fortress was built in XIV century and defended Russian lands against attacks of Livonian knights. Inside the fortress ramparts, see a gorgeous St. Nicolas church built in XIV century.
Upon returning back to Izborsk. Visit the fortress of Izborsk, Nikolsky Cathedral.
Meal: Breakfast, (picnic) Lunch, Dinner
Stay: hotel
Cycling Distance: 40 – 50 KM
Day 05 Izvorsk – Pechori – Izborsk
Through the beautiful scenery, ride to the Pechorsky Monastery, one of the few in Russia that remained monasteries through the Soviet era. Its colorful domes are seen from afar, and the view is often supplemented by the music of the bells. The entire monastery looks like a scene from an old Russian fairy tale.
Meal: Breakfast, (picnic) Lunch, Dinner
Stay: hotel
Cycling Distance: 30 – 40 KM
Day 06 Izborsk – Pskov – Saint Petersburg
The quiet side roads lead us to Pskov. If time permits, we get to spend some time and enjoy this lovely city. Between X and XV century, Pskov was the capital of an independent feudal state, and even today we can see the traces of its glory. First, see some nice wooden houses and white-stone churches all around the city.
Visit the Kremlin of Pskov, the main attraction of Pskov, its architectural and historical centre. This old building, majestically rising on a rocky promontory, is considered one of the best examples of ancient Russia defensive architecture.
Transfer to the railway station for our return train journey to St. Petersburg.
Meal: Breakfast, (picnic) Lunch, Dinner
Stay: hotel
Cycling Distance: 40 – 50 KM
Day 07 Depart Saint Petersburg
Choose to sleep in or simply rest and relax until check out or it’s time for your departure transfer to St. Petersburg Airport and the tour concludes.
Meal: Breakfast
Inclusions
~ return airport transfers in St. Petersburg;
~ 2 nights accommodation (4*) in St. Petersburg;
~ 4 nights accommodation (3*);
~ return train transfer to Pskov;
~ porterage service;
~ 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners;
~ provision of rented bicycle during cycling days;
~ provision of English Speaking Cycling Lead/Guide & cycling support assistant(s) where necessary;
~ provision of support vehicle during cycling days;
~ supported travel document for Russian visa application.
Exclusions
~ air travel to Russia;
~ tourist visa arrangement;
~ cycling helmet;
~ comprehensive personal travel insurance;
~ expenditure of personal effects;
~ meals not mentioned in the itinerary;
~ tipping for local cycling lead/guide and support team;
~ anything not specified in the itinerary and inclusion.
Important Notes
~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of total trip quoted value is required at the time of booking.
~ Price may subject to change at the time of booking confirmation. You will be informed if there is any price increase, and you may withdraw within 3 days of notification. As such, your deposit will be fully refunded.
~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.
~ Only book your air ticket to Russia when you have been informed to do so.
~ Group size: recommended minimum 4 cyclists.
~ Majority of nationalities require a visa to visit Russia. Should you require a visa to enter Russia, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require.
~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.
~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.
~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.
~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the cyclists. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the cyclists and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.
~ All cyclists are required to wear helmets and covered shoes when cycling.
~ Because cycling requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for cyclists with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Cyclists must ensure they are medically and physically able to cycle.
~ Cyclist(s) is/are allowed to bring their own bicycle(s) and required to bring appropriate spare parts or tools suitable for their own bicycle(s). Travel Wander cannot be held responsible for breakdown and repair of cyclist’s own bicycle. In the event of a breakdown which results in trip not being completed, Travel Wander shall not be liable to refund any tour cost. Travel Wander will do their best to help get the client to the next hotel or back to the start location. Any cost incurred shall be the responsibility of the cyclist. There is no refund in tour price should you bring your own bicycle.
~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.
~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.
