There are many places in the Leningrad Region worth visiting for the inquisitive traveller. There are many beautiful manors and palaces, unique monuments and mighty castles in this region. Our trip will take place in the south: first we'll visit Gatchina, and then we'll head to Veliky Novgorod. We will finish our journey in Valday National Park, see the local sights and head back to St. Petersburg.
Today we leave for one of the most interesting cities in Russia - Veliky Novgorod. On the way we will stop at several beautiful and memorable places, and by the evening we will reach our destination.
Leaving St. Petersburg, do not deny yourself the pleasure of visiting the famous Gatchina Palace Park.
The Leningrad region has not only given the world a great many talents, but has also become home to people who have inspired the talents. And one of such people is the famous nanny of the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, Arina Rodionovna. Today in the house of the nanny arranged museum, where you can get acquainted with the peasant life, and also learn interesting facts about the childhood of the writer. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday.
A small and cozy cafe. The cuisine is one of the best in Vyritsa. The pizza, wok, pasta and desserts are all of decent quality.
Now we are going to visit N.A. Nekrasov, his hunting lodge. In front of the house you will be greeted by a monument to the great writer. The museum works every day except Mondays until 18 o'clock. Sanitary day is the first Thursday of the month. There is a restriction on visiting the museum - up to 30 people at a time.
After the walk head to Veliky Novgorod for dinner and overnight stay. Among the many cafes and restaurants you can find this Italian restaurant. In a cosy atmosphere you can order pasta carbonara, bruschettas with tomatoes or other dishes.
Our journey continues, and today the plan is to visit Valday. We will visit the national park, as well as visit some interesting city places.
On the morning of the second day, after breakfast at the hotel, go to the Valdai National Park. First of all, it is worth stopping by the visitor's centre to get acquainted with the map. Next, find a place of interest, park your car, grab your camera and go on a photo hunt for amazing forest landscapes. The Visitor Centre is open from 08:00-12:00 and from 13:00-17:00.
Go to the Cool Place for lunch. The menu offers dishes to suit all tastes. You can relax after your walk and gain strength.
The Museum of Bells, located on Truda Street, is a very interesting place in Valdai. Its exposition tells its visitors about the history and various tricks of the bell ringers' craft. You can also try to play a melody on big and small bells yourself. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the day off is Tuesday. There is a limit on the number of visitors (30 people per session).
In this museum, you will learn what a traditional Russian province is like and be transported back in time to Valday. Opening time: 10:00 - 18:00. Day off - Monday. Sanitary day - first Wednesday of the month The centre has a limit on the number of visitors (30 people per session).
There's a gas station ahead! Make a comfortable stop, buy water and goods on the road.
After a long drive, you just need a little break. The family-run Trattoria Teplo, serving Italian as well as Mediterranean cuisine.
Today marks the end of our little journey. But don't hurry to be sad! On the way you will visit several interesting places and estates, as well as the famous Novgorod Detinets.
In the morning take a walk near the walls of the famous Novgorod Kremlin. From 06:00 to 24:00 entrance is free.
You can also visit the ethnographic museum-reserve "Vitoslavitsy" where the best examples of wooden architecture of these places are collected. There are restrictions on the number of visitors. Entrance to the huts is up to 15 people, to the farmstead - up to 30 people. The museum's opening hours may change, see the [website](https://novgorodmuseum.ru/muzej-zapovednik/velikij-novgorod/16-vitoslavlitsy.html) for the latest information.
Before heading back to St. Petersburg, have lunch at one of the highest rated restaurants in Veliky Novgorod.
The way back is not a close one, but on the way to St. Petersburg you can stop and visit the Maryino Estate. A stroll around the grounds before sunset is just what you need to stretch your legs after a long drive. In addition, the park area is worth a visit at any time of the year.
After a long drive and walk you may be too lazy to cook dinner, so you can go to Noteburg, located near the Neva a little before you reach St. Petersburg.