Russian Style Spa

5 days / 4 nights

Going to banya or Russian Bath is a very old Russian custom that has been essential part of Russian culture. People from Tsars to peasants not only washed there, but used it for religious ceremonies. To go to banya was to give both your body and your soul a good cleaning. Banya was also called the "people's first doctor” (vodka was the second, raw garlic the third) since it often was, and is regarded as a way of getting rid of illnesses.

In the view of Saint Nestor the Chronicler (the reputed author of the Primary Chronicle - the earliest East Slavic chronicle – and famous medieval hagiographer), the first bathhouses appeared in the 1st century AD. Since then this tradition gained general acceptance and became a habit with millions of Russians.

Banya benefits are tremendous: it gives you vital resources, beauty and good spirits; you are guaranteed to feel re-energized.

Language experts discuss if the Russian word “banya” came from the Greek word that means “to drive pain and sorrow away “. You are welcome to checkup this assertion during our tour:

1.Day:

Arrival in Moscow. Meeting with our English-speaking guide in the airport.
Transfer to the Hotel selected by you. Check-in. Spare time.

2.Day:

Breakfast in the Hotel.
9.30 - meeting with our English-speaking guide in the lobby.
10-00 - 11.50 - Tour round the ensemble of Moscow Kremlin and its Cathedrals.
13.00 - 15.00 – Russian Banya (bathhouse) – Excursion program round the complex of Sandunovsky Bathhouse – Moscow’s historical and cultural monument. Sandunovsky saunas existed as far back as in the 18th century and at present they are the landmark and the largest saunas of the city with enduring traditions.
Here the tourists will plunge into the history of this tradition, and even test Sandunovsky famous steam and unforgettable soap massage.
15.00 - 16.00 – Lunch in the Restaurant «Sanduny».
16.30 - 18.30 - Metro ride to see the most beautiful stations. Stroll about the famous pedestrian street Old (Stary) Arbat (walk on foot).

3.Day:

Breakfast in the Hotel.
8.30 - meeting with our English-speaking guide in the lobby.
Departure for Suzdal (situated over 200 km north-east of Moscow).
This peerless small town spreads on the landscape typical for Central Russia. This is the museum under the open sky with more than 100 historical buildings. Suzdal is one of the main Orthodox Church religious centers in Russia and one of the most ancient Russian towns. There you can enjoy the ancient Russian architecture, marvelous views, and have the feeling of the countryside (especially after the vibrant Moscow).
12.30 – Arrival in Suzdal.
12.30 - 14.00 – Walk around Suzdal. You will visit the Kremlin nearby the river Kamenka, the old Saviour-Euthimiev monastery-fortress with its impressive stone walls, and the museum of Russian wooden architecture and the peasant's mode of life.
14.30 – Check-in the Hotel «Thermal Springs».
15.00 – 16.30 – Lunch in the Hotel.
18.00 – 21.00 – Visit to the unequalled Complex of saunas "Thermal Springs".
Spa - Program: true Russian Banya.
You have a chance to test unique Russian sauna, take a steam bath with bunch of green birch or oak twigs, fragrant oil and meadow herbs mix. You may chose from:

• Russian steam bath (with “venik” - bunch of green birch or oak twigs)
• Steam bath with hay
• Beer bath
• Herbal bath
• Soap massage by bunch of green birch twigs

4.Day:

Breakfast in the Hotel.
11.30 - meeting with our English-speaking guide in the lobby.
12.00 – Check - out.
12.30 – Departure for Moscow.
16.30 – Arrival in Moscow / Hotel.
Spare time.

5.Day:

Breakfast in the Hotel.
11.30 - meeting with our English-speaking guide in the lobby.
12.00 – Check - out.
Transfer to the airport.

Quotations of this program are available upon request