4 Days of Islamic Heritage Kazan, Russia

Upon arrival at Kazan International Airport, meet and greet with the local guide before transferring to the hotel for check-in. After settling in, embark on a 6-hour guided city tour to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of Kazan. Begin at the Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which showcases a unique blend of Russian and Tatar architecture. Visit the Annunciation Cathedral, a magnificent Orthodox church, and the Kul Sharif Mosque, an iconic symbol of Islamic revival in Tatarstan. Stroll through the Kremlin grounds to see the Syuyumbike Tower, a legendary leaning tower, and the tombs of Kazan’s former rulers. Explore the Old Tatar Quarter (Staro-Tatarskaya Sloboda), a historic district that served as the center of Tatar cultural and religious life from the 18th to early 20th centuries. Experience Tatar cuisine through a culinary masterclass at the Tatar Estate restaurant, where will learn to prepare the traditional "Ochpochmak" (Tatar three-cornered pie). After the masterclass, enjoy a delicious traditional meal. After an eventful day, return to the hotel for leisure time and an overnight stay.

Depart for a 3-hour drive to The Great Bolgar, often referred to as the spiritual homeland of the Volga Tatars. Begin the guided tour with a visit to the Cathedral Mosque, an impressive architectural masterpiece restored to honor Bolgar’s Islamic heritage. Explore the Museum of Bolgar Civilization, which houses artifacts and exhibits detailing the region’s history. Stop by the Commemorative Sign monument, built to mark the adoption of Islam by the Volga Bolgars in 922 AD, and the Museum of the Koran, which contains rare Islamic manuscripts. Visit the Museum of Bread, where you will learn about the role of bread in Tatar culture, followed by a stop at the breathtaking White Mosque, often referred to as the “Tatar Taj Mahal” due to its exquisite white marble design and serene surroundings. Enjoy lunch at a local café before returning to Kazan in the evening for drop off to hotel.

Start the day with a 6-hour tour of Kazan’s mosques, highlighting the city’s Islamic heritage. The first stop is the Märcani Mosque, the oldest operating mosque in Kazan, built in the 18th century. It was the only mosque that remained open throughout the Soviet period, making it a significant spiritual and historical landmark. Next, visit the Ramadan Mosque, a relatively modern mosque located in a residential area, where visitors can experience local Islamic culture in a contemporary setting. Enjoy time for prayer, followed by traditional tea and local sweets. A lunch break at a local café offers another opportunity to taste traditional Tatar cuisine. After lunch, return to the hotel.

Spend the final day at leisure by own, allowing time for personal exploration, souvenir shopping, or revisiting favorite spots in Kazan. Enjoy a farewell lunch in the city before transferring back to the hotel, marking the end of the trip.