Buddhist Centre, Chocolate Museum, country complex, pottery workshop

There is an amazing place a couple of hours' drive from Moscow, the Buddhist retreat centre "kunphenling". In Tibetan, "kunphen" means "good for all" and "ling" means "land".
The retreat center is designed for spiritual practice - individual or collective. And even if you are far from this subject, it is simply very interesting to visit "kunphenling", see the Buddhist datsan (temple) and wander between the trees with amulet flags.
To get to the center you need to come to the reception with your passport. You also need to let the security station know you're coming by texting your car number and arrival date to +7 (985) 588-45-24.

In Pokrov, check out the Chocolate Museum - it's small, but very interesting. Here you will learn the history of people's acquaintance with cacao beans, the process of chocolate production and other secrets of the favourite dessert. There is a small chocolate fountain in the museum, and souvenirs and sweets are sold at the exit. Opposite the museum is the sculpture "Chocolate Fairy", the world's only monument to chocolate.
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00. For more details call 8 (492) 436-22-14.

For lunch, go to Cafe Chestnut in Cockerels. The menu includes dishes of Japanese and European cuisine, the interior is designed in quiet, pleasant colors. The price is acceptable, and if you want to save money, order a business lunch. You can make a table reservation by calling 8 (919) 025-27-20.

In the agricultural complex Bogdarnia you can play folk games (lapta and gorodki) or paintball, go horseback riding in the forest, ride the Russian troika and even learn how to shoe a horse. And after an active holiday, order a tasting of local cheeses. Learn more about the place here, and book a master class by calling +7 (968) 682-41-01.

Near Vladimir, on the bank of the Klyazma River, there is a very curious sculpture. However it may be called: Head on Koloksha, Moai of Koloksha County, Koloksha Istukan...
It is a huge concrete man, whose body is buried under the ground, and his head, arms and legs are visible from outside. There is no mystical reasoning in the art-object. The stone man is "guarding" a nearby hotel. But it doesn't become less interesting because of that.

Every day in a pottery school "Bell" there are 3-6 master classes, which will be worthy and useful entertainment in Vladimir. Creative lessons last for 1,5-3 hours depending on the complexity of the product. Pomegranate or watermelon shaped bowls, acorn shaped jars, cactus dishes and plates with a meaning are just a few clay options. To take away the finished product you can in 3 weeks after the event. Delivery options to Moscow are negotiable.
Pottery school offers both general classes and individual programs. You can book a master class on website or by phone +7 (904) 260-33-00.

For dinner have a look at Georgian cuisine restaurant "Saperavi". Aromatic khachapuri, harcho and chihirthma, khinkali, crowd with matsoni - there are too many interesting dishes in the menu to choose only one. Better make a reservation in advance by calling 8 (492) 277-78-22.

If you still have energy left, take a stroll around evening Vladimir: the city, illuminated by thousands of lights, is incredibly beautiful in wintertime. And if you're tired and want to rest, hurry to your hotel to get a good night's sleep before tomorrow.