Cultural and educational route for those who took a week off. For 6 days we will visit 5 cities. We start to the south-east of Moscow and move smoothly to the south. Join in, as the trip offers entertainment for aviation enthusiasts, active walks in nature, as well as a leisurely tour of urban architecture and sculptures, and, of course, immersion in the cultural heritage left by famous writers, scientists and composers.
Let's go to Ryazan. On the way we imagine ourselves pilots at the helm of planes of different epochs in Zhukovsky, and then really fly over the sights of the southeast Moscow region in a gyroplane or a plane. We will walk around the small motherland of Sergey Esenin, the village Konstantinovo, and the evening Ryazan.
We're on our way to Ryazan. The first stop in Zhukovsky science town near Moscow. Let's visit the museum, which is famous for its interactive exhibition "Stories of conquest of the sky. In 2005, for the first time in Russian museum practice, aviation simulators were installed here. To imagine yourself as a pilot at the helm of planes of different epochs became finally real! Employees of the museum teach everyone the skills of taking off and landing, assaulting ground targets and conducting air battles. Important: the museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays. From Wednesday to Saturday it is open from 10:00, on Tuesdays from 14:00.
We will continue the theme of aviation at the unique in its kind airfield Voskresensk. The aerodrome fleet consists of 3 German gyros (hybrids of plane and helicopter), the most massive aircraft in the history of aviation Cessna 172 Skyhawk and super light aircraft EuroStar SL. Here it is offered, that is called, from above to look at sights of the southeast of the Moscow region on 3 excursion routes: "Rylov spring", "Above Kolomna", "Belaya Gora". If you wish, you can fly by plane or in a gyroplane. Travel time - from 15 minutes. You can discuss the impressions of a truly exciting excursion in the cafe "Plane" on the territory of the airfield. In addition to the main menu, there is a business lunch offer at lunch time. Important: current flight prices can be found [on the official website of the airline](https://agro-avia.ru/). It is recommended to inform the airfield staff about your visit in advance.
Welcome to the small motherland of Sergei Esenin, in Konstantinovo village, which is on the steep bank of the Oka River. We will visit the Yeseninykh estate, where the poet spent his childhood and youth. We will walk to the Church of the Icon of Our Lady of Kazan, where his parents married and baptized him. Let's see the Zemskaya school, where young Serozha was given to at the age of 9, and the estate of Lidia Kashina, who became the prototype of the heroine in Esenin's poem "Anna Snegina". Important: the museum-reserve is closed on Mondays. On other days the Jeseniny estate is open from 10:00 to 18:00, Zemstvo school and museum of poem "Anna Snegina" - from 10:00 to 16:00. Regarding the organization of tours, please check the phone number indicated [on the museum's website](http://www.museum-esenin.ru/).
Let's move to Ryazan. In continuation of our date with Esenin, we will be photographed at his monument, located next to the cremation. A little factual information: the height of the sculpture reaches 4.5 meters, the height of the poet's hands - 8 meters, the weight of the composition - about 12 tons. The poet is executed in an unusual horizontal projection. The figure of the poet is dynamic and expressive. It is as if Esenin breaks out of the ground, faithfully reading his poems.
We will continue our acquaintance with Ryazan monuments at Shurik and Lida from the film "Operation Y" by Leonid Gaidai. The sculpture, dedicated to students, was installed in 2015 to the 100th anniversary of the Sergei Yesenin State University.
We'll have dinner at the mono-café meat kitchen. Judging by the reviews, we have every chance to taste the best steaks in Ryazan. Fans of fish dishes are advised to pay attention to the mono-café fish cuisine "Good Hands. Fish" at the address: Seminarskaya St., 1.
We'll spend the first half of the day in Ryazan. We'll walk around the Kremlin and have a look at the estate of the outstanding scientist and physiologist I.P. Pavlov. Then we'll go to Tambov. Upon arrival we will have time to see the main cathedral of the city and a couple of iconic monuments.
We start the morning in a cozy chamber coffee shop, surrounded by fresh flowers, which you can buy here. The cafe has a decent selection of breakfast dishes, ranging from the original cheese and bulgur salad bowl to lush punkies with blueberries and coconut chips.
Without a doubt, the main attraction of Ryazan, which contains on its territory as much as 18 historical and cultural monuments of XI-XIX centuries. Dominant not only of the Kremlin, but also of the entire city of Ryazan - Assumption Cathedral, built in the late XVII century in such a way that it can be seen 20 km from the city. A kind of beacon when navigating on the Oka. Important: actual information about tours in the Ryazan Kremlin can be found [on the official website of the museum complex](http://ryazankreml.ru/).
We move to the estate of a talented physiologist, the first Russian Nobel Prize winner Ivan Pavlov. Here the childhood and youth of the future scientist passed. In addition to the house, where the life of a family of clergymen is recreated, it will be interesting to visit the House of Science, exhibits of which are dedicated to discoveries of Pavlov in the field of physiology of blood circulation, digestion and higher nervous activity. Important: the museum is not open on Mondays and the last Friday of each month. For details on how to arrange a tour of the estate, please call [on the official museum website](http://www.pavlovmuseum.ru/).
Have a cup of author's coffee before heading towards Tambov. If you get hungry, pay attention to WOK or pasta. You can order take away and have a snack on the way.
Short stop in the Ryazan region. Walk around the local zoo. Here you can even see a tiger and a lion. Important: entry is free.
Let's have a look at the Cathedral of Michurinsk. The temple was conceived to commemorate the end of the cholera epidemic in 1847. Its construction took 24 years.
Well, we got to Tambov, founded in 1636 by Roman Boborykin, the Tsar's voivode. Let us begin with an acquaintance with the main Orthodox cathedral of the city, which was visited by Emperor Nicholas II himself, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna, St. John of Kronstadt.
From Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral we will walk to the chapel of Pitirim Tambovsky on the embankment of Tsna canal. The Chapel rises above the holy spring found by the first Bishop of Tambov, St. Pitirim at the end of the 17th century. Despite the fact that the spring was fallen asleep several times during the Soviet regime, it has always found the strength to break through to the surface.
We're staying with folk hero Tambov. The monument to a three-meter long dredger trampling a machine gun ribbon and political slogans with his bare feet and a plough represents the ruined and destitute Tambov peasantry.
Of course, you can't pass by this prominent lady, Avdotya Nikolaevna. The monument is dedicated to Lermontov's poem "The Tambov Treasurer".
We'll finish the day in a stylish restaurateur called Grenok. We recommend to pay attention to the ear in Astrakhan, lamb necklace with cranberry sauce, dumplings with currant filling and an ice cream ball.
Let's keep exploring the Tambs. Let's examine the estate of a large factory worker Aseev, look at the Ascension Monastery, stop at the monument to Sergei Rachmaninov and Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya. In the afternoon we will walk around the Ivanovka estate, where the great Rachmaninov created for 28 years.
We have breakfast in the city center in a completely suburban atmosphere. On the menu: omelette with mozzarella and salmon, chicken sandwich, pancakes with banana and chocolate. Important: on weekdays the restaurant opens at 9:00, on weekends - at 10:00. Book-Cafe "Library" (Naberezhnaya St., 76) can be an alternative for early breakfast at weekends.
If you suddenly began to long for Moscow, the Ascension Cathedral on the territory of the current convent may remind you of St. Basil's Cathedral. Indeed, there is a certain resemblance, only the size of the Ascension Cathedral is a little more modest. Despite the fact that the history of the monastery dates back to the end of the XVII century, the Ascension Cathedral was completed only recently, in 2014. For almost 70 years, starting from 1918, the monastery was destroyed. The life of the monastery began to revive only in 2003.
Meet me at Zoe's, as the Tambov people would say. The monument to the first woman who was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union during the Great Patriotic War is installed in the center of the city, in the park of her own name. In 100 km from Tambov, in the village of Osino-Gai, where Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya was born, a museum in her honor was opened.
We will stop at the monument to the great Russian composer, pianist and conductor, to whose manor we will leave later today. In the meantime, we will admire Sergei Rachmaninoff looking at the Tsna River, holding his right hand to his heart. From 1890 to 1917 Rachmaninov in Tambov were written operas "The Stingy Knight", "Francesca da Ramini", poems "The Bells", "Liturgy of John Chrysostom".
Tambov mansion of large factory Aseev, designed by Moscow architect Lev Kekushev. Built in the Art Nouveau style in 1905, the house still excites minds with the originality of its facades and decorative elements. With the advent of the revolution, Aseev and his family emigrated to England. For a long time there was a cardiological sanatorium in the estate. In 2014 the manor becomes a museum and it is finally possible to see the reconstructed interiors and walk in the park with two hundred year old oaks and linden trees. Important: the estate is closed on Mondays. On Thursdays the manor house is open from 13:00 to 21:00, on other days - from 10:00 to 18:00.
We'll eat before heading to Rachmaninov's estate. We recommend that you take care of your afternoon and stock up on a couple of dishes with you. After visiting the estate we'll immediately go to Voronezh. The way is not close.
Let's walk around the Ivanovka estate, where for several months a year for 28 years the composer Sergey Rachmaninoff created. Here he wrote 49 novels, 24 preludes, 9 sketches and 2 sonatas. Ivanovka regularly hosts a wide variety of music events, including the annual Rachmaninoff Festival. Maybe you'll be lucky to be among its spectators. Important: The manor museum is closed on Mondays. Please check with [museum staff](https://ivanovka-museum.ru/).
Moving to Voronezh. On the way we make a stop at the stone church in Russian style with five domes and a three-tier bell tower. The temple was built in 1909.
Isn't it time to stop on vacation? You can warm up, fill up and buy goods on the way at Gazpromneft's filling stations.
We made it to Voronezh. How about a glass of wine combined with pizza before we go to the hotel? You can choose from original toppings: roast beef and beaten cucumbers, chorizo with jalapeno, eel and mozzarella.
Today we will see not only the iconic sights of Voronezh, but also those that are likely to leave an indelible imprint in your memory.
It's time to enjoy a rice porridge with mango chutney, guacamole with salmon and smoked sour cream or casserole with custard. And rather explore Voronezh!
Let's stop at the oldest church in the city, the first mention of which dates back to the XVI century. The temple even remembers the presence in the city of Peter I himself, when the first Russian ships under his personal leadership were laid on the Voronezh shipyard. In fact, the ready ships were consecrated right here.
After leaving the temple, we will go to Admiralty Square or "Admiraltyka", as it is called by the Voronezh people. The square is designed as a semicircle. In its center there is a 28 m high Rostral column, which was installed in memory of the construction of the Russian Navy. On the opposite side of the temple you can see triumphal arches, symbolizing the Russian Empire's access to the sea. The square is facing the Voronezh water reservoir.
Not far from Admiralty Square is moored a copy of the first linear ship of the Russian Navy, the construction of which was led by Peter I at the Voronezh shipyard. In 1711 "Goto Predestination" ("God's Foresight") was involved in blocking the Azov coast from the approach of the Turkish fleet. Important: you can get inside the ship with a tour. Actual time of work and details of booking of excursion specify [on an official site of a museum](https://firstship.ru).
"Stalingrad-on-Don" - so proudly Voronezh is praised for his services to the Great Patriotic War. In memory of this we will visit the memorial dedicated to the fearless soldiers who defended Voronezh in 1942-1943. The figures on Victory Square represent the entire Soviet people, who defended their homeland from the fierce fascists in battle and in the rear.
Let's visit the Voronezh Cathedral, which was completed relatively recently, in 2009. The Cathedral is considered one of the highest Orthodox temples in the world. Its highest point reaches 97 meters. Inside are stored the relics of the first Voronezh bishop St. Mitrophanius, the companion of Peter I, who sanctified the first ships of the Russian fleet.
Get ready for the goosebumps. Before us is what survived the regional hospital during the fierce battle for Voronezh. It was decided to leave the surviving frame with the destroyed dome intact as a reminder to descendants of the high price our people paid during the Great Patriotic War.
We pause in our busy schedule and have lunch in a gastronomic restaurant of Russian cuisine, located in the legendary house known as "Harmoshka". The interior of the restaurant recreates the spiritual atmosphere of merchants of the early XX century. We recommend to pay attention to the dumplings taiga, shiro old Russian with stewed apples and sour cream, pork side, stewed in kvass with thyme.
Moving towards Kursk. On the way we will make a stop in Old Oskolsky dendrological park, where there are more than 70 different species of trees and shrubs, including exotic for the area.
We're in the hero town of Kursk. We will drive by the 24-meter long Triumphal Arch, erected in memory of the Battle of Kursk during the Great Patriotic War. Behind the arch is the 47 m high Church of St. George the Victorious, a monument of an unknown soldier and the Eternal Flame Memorial.
Time to have dinner in a cozy restaurant with stylish interior. European and Japanese dishes are on the menu. From curious positions: salad with quail in caramel, veal with spicy shrimps, spicy grilled pork ribs.
We'll start the day with a trip to Kursk. We'll see the Orthodox Cathedral and the Catholic Church, touch the tall one in the local art gallery, visit the "Kursk Arc". In the afternoon we'll go to Oryol, where we still have time to look at a couple of cathedrals and a monument to the founder of the city Ivan the Terrible.
Let's start a new day in the warmth of the family coffeehouse. In addition to traditional breakfast dishes, you can order Belgian waffles with an ice cream ball and topping of your choice. Important: the coffee shop opens at 9:00 on weekdays and at 10:00 on weekends.
Let's see the local sights. The building that is now occupied by the Central Bank of Russia's Kursk region department is a kind of one of them. A notable eclectic mansion with Moorish motifs was built in 1913 for the Peasant Land Bank.
We will stop at the cathedral, built in honor of the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812. Its monumentality, huge dome and symmetry in proportions of the temple reminds European masterpieces of the Renaissance.
Let's shift the focus from Orthodoxy to Catholicism and visit the church of the end of XIX century, built in Neo-Gothic style. In the Soviet years, for almost 60 years, the temple was not in operation. Much of its original decoration was, alas, destroyed.
Let's look at the Kursk Art Gallery. The gallery's collection is so good that it can be placed on a par with the art museums of the capital. The gallery exhibits paintings, sculpture and graphics of domestic and foreign masters of the XVI-XXI centuries. Masterpieces of the collection: the works of AI Quinja, A. Deineka, VL Borovikovsky and others. Important: the museum is not open on Mondays and the last Friday of each month.
We'll have lunch at a cafe with an emphasis on Belgian waffles with a variety of fillings. The menu has wok and pasta in addition to waffles.
Let's go back to the place where our acquaintance with Kursk began yesterday - to "Kursk Bulge". In the light of day we will consider the memorial complex, dedicated to one of the largest and most decisive battles in the history of the Great Patriotic War. Let's go to the temple of St. Great Martyr George the Victorious to put candles for the desperate fight for our world. Inside the cathedral there are about 7 thousand marble plates with names of Russian fighters who died in the Kursk Bulge.
We say goodbye to Kursk and move to Oryol. On a way we will make a stop at Mikhailovsky mine where extraction of iron ores of the Kursk magnetic anomaly by open method is made. Close approach, of course, is not necessary, but if your camera has a good zoom, you can take all the impressive pictures!
Here we are in the Eagle. Before it gets dark at all, let's see the Church of Iberia, erected in honor of the ascension to the throne of Nicholas II. The style of the temple can be classified as eclectic. In its image features of Russian, Byzantine and even Roman architecture are traced.
The monument is symbolically placed at the confluence of the rivers Oka and Orlika, where in 1566 by order of Ivan the Terrible was founded Oryol.
Behind the back of Ivan the Terrible there is a temple built in the XVII century. This is the oldest stone building of the Eagle and the only preserved building in the part of the city where the Eagle Fortress once stood.
We will exchange impressions at a dinner in the Orlov gastropub with open kitchen and colorful design. In the menu we recommend you to pay attention to the dishes cooked in the Spanish oven josper.
The final day of our trip will be spent in Leskov's house-museum in Orel and the Turgenev family estate in Spassko-Lutovino. On our way to Moscow we will have dumplings in Tula and admire Serpukhov from Sobornaya Hill near Moscow.
We start the morning in a chamber coffee house with a minimalist design and excellent cuisine. The menu here, by the way, is not only about coffee, but even about soups, salads and pasta. Desserts and pastries are made right on the spot. There are vegan positions. Important: we recommend ordering something with you as lunch. We will reach the next restaurant a little later than usual.
Let's continue our walk around the Eagle. The first stop is on the Square of Arts, where you can catch N.S. Leskov on the sofa surrounded by the heroes of his works. The informed viewer will recognize Levsha, an enchanted traveler, Katenka Izmailova, a stupid artist and three preachers from the novel "The Soborians".
Speaking of N.S. Leskov, let's go on a tour of his house. By the way, this is the only literary museum in our country dedicated to the wonderful Russian writer. The museum occupies a mansion built in 1874 on the site of the Leskovs family estate that used to be located here. We can see the writer's personal belongings, his furniture, books from the memorial library, photographs of his family. Important: the museum is not open on Fridays. Details of the organization of the excursion specify by phone number specified [on the official site of the museum](http://www.leskov.org.ru).
From Leskov's house we will move to the estate of Turgenev's mother, located 70 km from the Eagle. Ivan Turgenev's "Native Nest", where he was born, spent his childhood and youth. Here the writer wrote "Fathers and Children", "Noble Nest" and "On the Eve". Important: you can order the tour by phone indicated [on the official website of the museum](http://spasskoye-lutovinovo.ru/).
We're going back to Moscow. On the way, we'll wrap up in Tula to eat multicolored dumplings with a variety of fillings.
Let's stop on the Sobornaya Hill to admire Moscow Region Serpukhov in all its glory, and break with new strength to the capital. It's just a little bit left.