4 Days of Unveiled Kazan & Bolgar, Russia

Upon arrival in Kazan, meet with English-speaking guide at the airport for a warm welcome. Transfer to hotel and check in, allowing time to refresh after long journey. Spend the evening at leisure, exploring the hotel’s surroundings or relaxing in room. Enjoy a delightful dinner at the hotel. Rest well in preparation for an exciting exploration of Kazan the next day.

Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Kazan, covering both its historical landmarks and modern attractions. Stroll through the Old Tatar Settlement, a charming district with historic mosques and traditional wooden houses. Visit Lake Kaban, known for its legends, and admire the unique architecture of the Tatar Academic Theatre and the fairy-tale-like Ekiyat Puppet Theatre. Drive through Freedom Square, the city’s cultural and administrative hub, before heading to the Bogoroditsky Monastery, home to the revered Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. The highlight is an Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the Spasskaya Tower, admire the stunning Kul Sharif Mosque, and visit the Annunciation Cathedral. Learn about the fascinating history of the city as explore its ancient walls and significant monuments, including the legendary “leaning” Syuyumbike Tower. After a hearty lunch at a local café, transfer to Lake Lebyazhye for an exclusive private yacht cruise on the Volga River. Sail along the picturesque waters, enjoying breathtaking views of Kazan’s skyline and historic sites from a unique perspective. Return to the hotel and enjoy free time for rest or independent exploration. End the day with a delicious dinner at a café near the hotel before retiring for the night.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey to Bolgar, a historic town and an important site in Tatarstan’s Islamic heritage. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the Bolgar Historical and Architectural Complex, a UNESCO-listed site. Explore the ruins of the once-great city, which served as the capital of Volga Bulgaria. Visit the Cathedral Mosque and the Great Minaret, the spiritual heart of Bolgar, where pilgrims from across Russia and Central Asia still come to pray. Discover the Eastern and Northern Mausoleums, ancient tombs that hold historical significance. See the Khan’s Tomb and the Small Minaret, sacred landmarks that preserve the memory of Bolgar’s rulers. Conclude the visit at the magnificent White Mosque, often compared to the Taj Mahal for its elegant design and peaceful ambiance. Enjoy a traditional Tatar lunch at a local café before beginning the return journey to Kazan in the evening. Arrive back at the hotel and dinner will be served at a nearby café before settle in for the night.

On the final day, enjoy a leisurely morning with time to explore the city at own pace. Check out from the hotel and head to a café for a final lunch in Kazan. Transfer to the airport for flight, concluding the memorable journey through Kazan and its rich cultural and historical treasures.