**Moscow-Istra-Zvenigorod-Moscow** What do we want from a vacation? Everything at once: new places to see, delicious food, and also not to pay a fortune for these pleasures. The problem can be solved by taking a day trip to the west of Moscow. Ancient monasteries, master-classes on sweets making, gastronomic discoveries, non-boring shopping. There is no time to explain, so throw a few things in the trunk and hit the road! **Itinerary features:** - Combines architectural attractions and gastronomic adventures; - The itinerary is suitable for any day of the week; - You need to sign up for the master classes in Zvenigorod Museum in advance. **Recommendations**. - Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes, cap and sunscreen. The itinerary includes walks in the fresh air. - Bring a headscarf, trousers or a long skirt for temple visits. - Pack a thermal bag in the trunk for edible souvenirs.
Start the day with a visit to Novy Jerusalem in Istra and a private cheese dairy in Dubrovskoye. In Zvenigorod, stroll through a 14th-century monastery and, after lunch, buy souvenirs and decorate gingerbread at the Museum of Russian Desserts.
The trip promises to be interesting and eventful. In order to see all the sights and go on all the excursions without rushing, it is better to leave Moscow no later than 8 a.m.
Making a trip to Israel's holy places is not easy right now, but don't despair. You will find something similar 50 kilometres from Moscow: in Istra. We are talking about the New Jerusalem Monastery, built in the image and likeness of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. If you walk around the temple in a circle, you will see all the stages of the last days of Jesus. Up there is Golgotha, the cypress cross for which was brought from Jerusalem three centuries ago. This extraordinary place is a treasure trove of experiences for anyone interested in history and culture. Address: 2, Sovetskaya Street, Istra. Phone: +7 (910) 461-18-57. Web site: [http://www.n-jerusalem.ru/](http://www.n-jerusalem.ru/) Opening hours: every day from 08:00 till 18:00.
Cheese production is a real magic, and you have a chance to touch this secret at Oleg Sirota's cheese factory. Sometimes the employees who work on the farm give tours, so their story is lively and informal at home, with anecdotes from the cheesemakers' life. In a half an hour you will manage to see huge tubs with milk, visit cheese storage, walk on a cowhouse, and then to buy in a bench pair slices of cheese. Free 30-minute tours start every hour from 10:00. Address: Dubrovskoe village, Istra district. Phone: +7 (929) 998-98-90. Web-site: [https://parmezan.ru/](https://parmezan.ru/) Opening hours: every day from 9:00 till 21:00.
Savvino-Storozhevsky monastery seems to have come down from the pages of children's favourite fairy tales. Gingerbread chambers, where Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich once lived, squat white houses, flowerbeds and paths. Even those, who are not attracted to the pilgrimage tourism, should visit this place. If only because the best view of surrounding meadows opens from the ancient walls of the temple. And in the local bakery, you can buy specialty bread and taste it right there with monastic kvass. Address: 8, Ratehinskoe highway, Zvenigorod. Phone: +7 903 274 01 21. Web: [http://www.savvastor.ru/]( http://www.savvastor.ru/) Opening hours: daily from 6:00 till the end of the evening worship service.
How about rabbit meat stuffed cabbage rolls or poke pies? Brother Rabbit Café offers more than 10 rabbit dishes, salmon bowls and salads with fresh vegetables from the neighbouring farm. We recommend going through the menu thoroughly to walk around the "Switzerland near Moscow" with renewed vigour. Address: 5 Vasily Fabrichnov St., Zvenigorod, Kupchy Dvor. Phone: +7 (965) 249-92-91. Web site: [https://brateckrolikzven.ru/](https://brateckrolikzven.ru/) Opening hours: Mon: from 11:00 to 21:00; Tue-Fri: 10:00 to 21:00; Fri-Sat: 10:00 to 22:00; Sun: 10:00 to 21:00.
You can also unwind after a long day at Kupć dvor, which locals call "The Arbat". The merchants here know how to lure customers with their linen clothes, handmade soap, natural cosmetics, sweets and vegan delicacies (e.g. kelp ice cream). You won't leave here empty-handed, that's for sure.
The founders of the Museum of Russian Dessert assure you that they employ the best bees. Looking at the programme of master classes and tours, you will understand what they meant. In the tea room, guests sample all sorts of cheesecakes, washing them down with coffee brewed in a turkey on the sand. In the next room, sugar flowers are being made and gingerbread is being painted. From the second floor one can hear the aroma of sweet "Guryevskaya kasha" cooked in a Russian oven. The head goes round! Choose any option to visit and sign up online or by phone. Address: 23/2 Frunze St., Zvenigorod. Phone: +7 (968) 897-35-59 / +7 (915) 093-7-093. Web site: [http://rusdessertmuseum.ru/]( http://rusdessertmuseum.ru/) Opening Hours: every day from 10:00 till 20:00.
You can spend the rest of the evening in glorious Zvenigorod. Or hurry towards home to have one last dinner in the countryside restaurant "Prichal" by Novikov Group holding company. Sit on the porch overlooking the Moskva River and order your favorite dish of Russian, Caucasian or Japanese cuisine. And if you are here on a day off, you should definitely try chakapouli of goat. Straight to the heart to pierce your love for this establishment. Address: Ilyinsky entrance, 2nd km. Phone: +7 (495) 635 4032, +7 (495) 978 0678. Web-site: [https://novikovgroup.ru/restaurants/prichal/](https://novikovgroup.ru/restaurants/prichal/) Opening hours: every day from 12:00 to 00:00.
Cheers! Congratulations on passing the route!