essex county house tour

A Look Inside The Essex County Historic Holiday House Tour

Every year, Essex County’s Commissioners + the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs host the annual Historic Holiday House Tour. I t’s a wonderful — and mostly free — way to enjoy the holiday season while also getting a lesson in Essex County history. The event only lasts for one weekend, so in case you missed it, we’ve got you covered. Read on to experience the holiday magic of this event.

“The County of Essex is rich in history and architecture. Take a break from the hustle and bustle this December and visit historic homes that have decked the halls in holiday extravagance for one spectacular weekend. Tour historic Essex with your friend and family and delight in the elegance of the season.” – Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive

For one weekend each year, the county opens up its most historically important houses to the public. Families attend with their children, societies meet up to share information with the public, and locals come to celebrate the joyous season and take pictures. Most of these houses are open and accessible to the public, while others cost a small fee or reservation. So if you missed the event this year, read on for a look at the gorgeous decorations.

Canfield-Morgan House & Museum

One of our favorite hidden gems is this last farm in Cedar Grove . The 1850s farmhouse is a hive of history, displayed through architecture, memorabilia, and artifacts. The Cedar Grove Historical Society made all the holiday decorations. History is ingrained in their members — one of whom is even a Canfield themself. There was hot apple cider, homemade cookies, friendly docents, and a bounty of information.

Read More: Here’s Where to See Santa in North Jersey | 2022

Crane House & Historic YWCA

The sturdy house built by one of Montclair’s founding families is a favorite when decorated for the holidays. The Garden Club of Montclair fills the halls with dried fruits and citrus smells, gingerbread men , and floral arrangements. The Crane House serves to preserve the history of Montclair through its use as a private home in early America, and later as a YWCA in the 1960s. It’s a treasure in the town. 

Kip’s Castle Park

Have you ever wanted to peek inside this mysterious castle on First Mountain? Kip’s was decorated as it would have been in its early days, home to a private family in the 1920s. The stunning main room has a central hearth and an adjacent sitting area — both surprisingly cozy considering the gothic architecture. Families love taking pictures in front of the magnificent decor, and others study the Kiplings’ rather impressive family tree. 

Presby Memorial Iris Gardens

The sitting room of this 1865 house is decked in holiday cheer. Once owned by the longtime caretaker of the Iris Gardens, Mrs. Barbara Walther, the house is a beautiful setting for the gardens’ gift shop, The Bloom Room. The Christmas tree, window decor, and fireplace are lovely. 

Grover Cleveland Birthplace

This National Park and historic home is the birth-site of the 22nd + 24th President of the United States . The home is delightfully set up for the holiday season and is brightly decorated with old-fashioned evergreen festoons, fruits, ribbons, rose hips, and sprigs of berries. Decorations remain up until January.

See More: Where to Buy Locally-Made Ornaments in Hoboken + Jersey City

Other places that hosted historic tours this year included:

Crane Homestead

Glenmont at Thomas Edison National Historical Park

The Gypsy Farmhouse

Kingsland Manor

Van Tassel Funeral Home

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A Montclair girl born and bred, Eva Grall is a writer, blogger, and artist. When she’s not writing romance novels or short stories, Eva is planning creative projects for her blog and photographing flowers around town. She’s more than halfway through a gardening degree from New York Botanical Garden, loves rainy days reading with her cats, and is learning French at FIAF to earn her citizenship. Follow her adventures on her Instagram page @evagrall.

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Seasonal & Holidays

Essex county historic holiday house tour returns for 2022, this year's event includes 11 sites in essex county, which will be decorated for the holidays and open to the public for the weekend..

Eric Kiefer , Patch Staff

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — An annual event in Essex County is giving a new meaning to the phrase “home for the holidays.”

The Essex County Historic Holiday House Tour will return for 2022, officials recently announced. This year’s event includes 11 local historic sites, which will be decorated for the holidays and open to the public for a weekend tour.

According to a news release from Essex County:

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“The public can visit each site at their own pace. The houses will be exquisitely decorated for the holidays and be open for public viewing. Each site will offer something unique, including musical entertainment, refreshments or educational programs. There may be an admission fee at some locations. For more information, call 973-268-3500 or visit www.essexcountynj.org .”

The self-guided house tour will be held Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4 at the following locations:

Essex County Kip’s Castle Park

• 22 Crestmont Road, Verona
• 973-433-7469; www.EssexCountyParks.org
• Admission is free. Open Saturday and Sunday from 12-4 p.m.

Walther House at the Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens

• 474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Upper Montclair
• 973-783-5974; www.presbyirisgardens.org
• Admission is free. Open Saturday from 1-4 p.m.

Canfield-Morgan House and Museum

• 903 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove
• 973-239-5414; www.cedargrovehistoricalsociety.org
• Admission is free, donations are accepted. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

Crane Homestead

• 289 Westville Avenue, West Caldwell
• 973-226-8976
• Admission is free. Open Saturday and Sunday from 12-3 p.m.

Glenmont at Thomas Edison National Historic Park

• 211 Main Street, West Orange
• 973-736-0550, ext. 11; www.nps.gov/edis
• Admission is $15 per person and free for children under 18. Tickets must be purchased at the Laboratory Complex Visitor Center the day of the tour and includes access to the Laboratory Complex. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grover Cleveland Birthplace

• 207 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
• 973-226-0001; www.clevelandbirthplace.org
• Tours are by reservation only by calling 973-226-0001. There is a limit of six visitors every 20 to 30 minutes. Admission is free, donations accepted. Open Saturday and Sunday from 12-3 p.m.

The Gypsy Farmhouse

• 106 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove
• 973-239-9886; www.gypsyfarmhouse.com
• Admission is free. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kingsland Manor

• 3 Kingsland Street, Nutley
• 973-661-3410; www.kingslandmanor.org
• Admission is free. Donations are gratefully appreciated. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1- 4 p.m.

Montclair Historical Society Properties: Crane House and Historic YWCA

• 110 Orange Road, Montclair
• 973-744-1796; www.montclairhistorical.org
• Admission is free. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

Van Tassel Funeral Home

• 337 Belleville Avenue, Bloomfield
• 973-743-1234
• Admission is free. Open Saturday from 1-5 p.m.

“The Holiday House Tour is a great example of organizations throughout the county pooling their resources to create a wonderful event for families to enjoy and to provide insight into how past holidays were celebrated,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

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These North Jersey historic holiday home tours will transport you to Christmas past

Have you ever wanted to be transported back to the Victorian era to see what the holiday season was like? What about the roaring '20s?

Now you can: The beloved historical sites of North Jersey are decorated from head to toe for the holiday season. For a limited time, these mansions, castles and museums will be adorned with festive décor and open to the public to explore.

Don't miss out on the fun. Here are four historic holiday open houses that you can take a stroll through this season.

Victorian Christmas at Ringwood Manor

For a peek into a classic Victorian-style Christmas, look no further than Ringwood Manor. Located in Ringwood State Park, the historic site dates back to 1807 and was home to a number of ironmasters from the colonial period through the early 20th century.

During the holiday season each year, the first floor of Ringwood Manor is decorated in Victorian-era décor by the Women's Club of West Milford. Each room is decorated differently and the themes of the rooms change each year, such as vintage clothing displays or a room with décor made out of decks of cards.

(The video above is from the 2019 version.)

Self-guided tours of Ringwood Manor's holiday furnishings will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays from Dec. 1 to Dec. 17. Tickets can be purchased at the door, and are $5 for children ages 5 to 12, $8 for seniors and students, as well as $10 for adults.

Go: 1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood, 973-962-2240; ringwoodmanor.org/Victorian .

Skylands Manor Holiday Open House

Located within the Botanical Gardens of New Jersey, Skylands Manor was designed in the 1920s by American architect John Russell Pope with a Tudor-revival architecture style. Now, for the 34th year, Skylands Manor will be covered in festive glitz and glam for the holiday season.

For this year's theme, " Holiday in the Highlands ," each room of the manor has been elaborately designed and decorated by various volunteer groups to incorporate grand Christmas trees, unique wreaths and holiday flowers galore. Tours of the manor's holiday set-up will only be open for one weekend, Nov. 30 to Dec. 3.

Daytime, self-guided tours will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3; tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for children ages 6 to 12 and $10 for students and seniors. An evening reception will take place on Dec. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m., including wine, light refreshments and valet parking; tickets are $50 for New Jersey Botanical Gardens members and $55 for other guests. Tickets must be purchased over the phone, or online.

Go: 5 Morris Road, Ringwood, 973-962-9534; njbg.org/event/holiday-open-house .

Essex County Historic Holiday House Tour

Each year, Essex County hosts a one-weekend-only historic house tour . This year, the self-guided tour features 11 homes and historic sites decorated for the holiday season, with each location offering entertainment, refreshments and educational opportunities.

Among the sites on this year's tour is Kingsland Manor in Nutley, a 1700s brownstone on park-like grounds that overlooks a pond and waterfalls. In Verona, a medieval-style mansion known as Kips Castle will feature a 1920s-era Christmas theme, including a dining room set for a holiday feast and a parlor filled with ribbons and holiday greenery.

The house tour is only open on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3. Tour hours vary by location, so visit the house tour's website for the complete list of locations and times.

Deck the Halls at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum and Acorn Hall Museum

For one day only, guests will be able to "Deck the Halls" and take a walk through Christmas past in Morristown. The Deck the Halls event features stops at two Morristown historic sites: the Acorn Hall Museum and the Macculloch Hall Historical Museum. From holiday music on a 1873 Chickering grand piano to Thomas Nast's famous Christmas scenes, it's sure to be a day full of historic holiday festivities.

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 2. Tickets are $30 per person — which includes entry to both sites − and can be purchased online or in person.

Go: 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown, 973-538-2404 & 68 Morris Ave., Morristown, 973-267-3465; maccullochhall.org/upcoming-events/deck-the-halls .

Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for  NorthJersey.com  and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on  Instagram @maddiemcgay ,  on  X @maddiemcgayy , and sign up for her  North Jersey Living  newsletter.   Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at  [email protected] .

Essex County 2022 Holiday House Tour

This is a press release from Essex County. Press releases are official statements that have not been independently verified.

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. invites the public to celebrate the holiday season and participate in the Annual Essex County Historic Holiday House Tour. This year’s tour includes 11 Essex County historic sites, which will be decorated for the holidays and open to the public for a weekend tour. The tour includes Essex County Kip’s Castle and the Walther House at the Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens. The self-guided house tour will be held Saturday, December 3rd and Sunday, December 4th at the following locations:

Essex County Kip’s Castle Park 22 Crestmont Road, Verona 973-433-7469; www.EssexCountyParks.org Admission is free. Open Saturday and Sunday from 12-4 p.m.

Walther House at the Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens 474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Upper Montclair 973-783-5974; www.presbyirisgardens.org Admission is free. Open Saturday from 1-4 p.m.

Canfield-Morgan House and Museum 903 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove 973-239-5414; www.cedargrovehistoricalsociety.org Admission is free, donations are accepted. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

Crane Homestead 289 Westville Avenue, West Caldwell 973-226-8976 Admission is free. Open Saturday and Sunday from 12-3 p.m.

Glenmont at Thomas Edison National Historic Park 211 Main Street, West Orange 973-736-0550, ext. 11; www.nps.gov/edis Admission is $15 per person and free for children under 18. Tickets must be purchased at the Laboratory Complex Visitor Center the day of the tour and includes access to the Laboratory Complex. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grover Cleveland Birthplace 207 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell 973-226-0001; www.clevelandbirthplace.org Tours are by reservation only by calling 973-226-0001. There is a limit of six visitors every 20 to 30 minutes. Admission is free, donations accepted. Open Saturday and Sunday from 12-3 p.m.

The Gypsy Farmhouse 106 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove 973-239-9886; www.gypsyfarmhouse.com Admission is free. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kingsland Manor 3 Kingsland Street, Nutley 973-661-3410; www.kingslandmanor.org Admission is free. Donations are gratefully appreciated. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1- 4 p.m.

Montclair Historical Society Properties: Crane House and Historic YWCA 110 Orange Road, Montclair 973-744-1796; www.montclairhistorical.org Admission is free. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

Van Tassel Funeral Home 337 Belleville Avenue, Bloomfield 973-743-1234 Admission is free. Open Saturday from 1-5 p.m.

“The Holiday House Tour is a great example of organizations throughout the County pooling their resources to create a wonderful event for families to enjoy and to provide insight into how past holidays were celebrated,” DiVincenzo said. “Take a break from the hustle and bustle this December and visit local homes and landmarks that will have decked the halls in holiday extravagance for one spectacular weekend. Tour historic Essex County with your friends and delight in the spirit of the season,” DiVincenzo said.

The public can visit each site at their own pace. The houses will be exquisitely decorated for the holidays and be open for public viewing. Each site will offer something unique, including musical entertainment, refreshments or educational programs. There may be an admission fee at some locations. For more information, please call 973-268-3500 or visit www.essexcountynj.org.

The Essex County Park System was created in 1895 and is the first county park system established in the United States. The Park System consists of more than 6,000 acres and has 23 parks, five reservations, an environmental center, a zoo, Treetop Adventure Course, ice skating rink, roller skating rink, three public golf courses, golf driving range, two miniature golf courses, five off-leash dog facilities, a castle and the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens.

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Your donation today will go to stories and resources improving food access for low-income and working-class residents of East Essex County.

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• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Boris Pasternak's museum house

Pasternak’s “important achievement both in contemporary lyrical poetry and in the field of the great Russian epic tradition" was honored with a Nobel Prize for Literature in 1958. For many readers outside Russia, Pasternak is known mainly as the author of the touching historical novel Doctor Zhivago written in 1957. The novel as a whole communicates the haphazard, uncertain and chaotic quality of life caused by the Russian Revolution and the heroic case of quiet humanism demonstrated by a single person.

Pasternak’s translations of Georgian poets favored by Joseph Stalin probably saved his life during the purges of the 1930’s. However, the individualistic Pasternak was not suited to the Soviet artistic climate when art was required to have a clear socialism-inspired agenda and so Russian publishers were unwilling to print Pasternak’s novel. In fact, Doctor Zhivago first appeared in Italy in 1957.

Pasternak won his Nobel Prize the following year. Despite Pasternak politely declining his Nobel Prize quoting: “because of the significance given to this award in the society to which I belong”, the award nevertheless spread his fame well beyond Russia. He ended his life in virtual exile in an artist's community in Peredelkino village. His last poems are devoted to love, to freedom and to reconciliation with God.

Pasternak was rehabilitated posthumously in 1987. In 1988, after being banned for three decades, "Doctor Zhivago" was published in the USSR. In 1989 Pasternak's son accepted his father's Nobel medal in Stockholm.

Pastenak loved his house in Peredelkino, the house and surrounding nature featuring in his poetry. The poet considered the cycle of poems "Peredelkino", which he completed in the spring of 1941, to be his best work. The poet spent the first difficult months of the war in Peredelkino; he completed the novel "Doctor Zhivago" here, wrote the Lara poems and translated Shakespeare and Goethe. It was in this house that he learned he was to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature on October 23rd 1958. He died here on May 30 1960.

The house in Peredelkino only acquired the status of a museum in 1990, thirty years after the poet's death and a century after his birth. The museum has fully preserved the environment and atmosphere of the house where Boris Pasternak lived and worked. The director of the museum is Elena Pasternak, grandaughter of Boris Pasternak.

Pasternak’s grave can be found in Peredelkino cemetery which is situated 20 minutes walk from the poet’s house.

Tour duration: 6-7 hours

Tour cost: English -  150 USD, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese - 180 USD

Additional expenses: car - 150 USD, or train - 10 USD

Send us a request!

4-Day Tour in Moscow

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Description

This 7 Realms Ultimate tour of Moscow can be 3-Day tour, with 7 hours each day, or 4-Day tour, with 5 hours each day. 

This bespoke history-culture-art itinerary is the ultimate guide of Moscow with authentic Russian, Ukranian and Georgian cuisines along the way. 

Ready for adventure?

Highlights of  7 Realms tour of Moscow

• Explore Kremlin , the oldest and the largest fortress in Russia, a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage;
• Learn the stories of two Russian paradoxes –  Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon , both the largest in the world;
• Walk the oldest streets in Moscow  and observe the ancient architecture of Moskovy;
• Discover Kitay Gorod , which used to be home to the first skyscraper and the first typography in Moscow, as well as the biggest pharmacy in Europe;
• Dive into off the beaten path of Moscow – Zamoskvorechye  and get impressed with a dazzling mix of hidden architectural gems and art masterpieces of Russia;
• Visit Tretyakov gallery  that reflects 1000 year-old history, art and culture of Russia;
• Explore the iconic sights of legendary Kolomenskoe  including the Palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, which is considered the eighth wonder of the world;
• Get scenic panoramic views of Tsaritsino park , the most romantic park of Moscow;
• Admire “Russian Gothic” of the Grand Palace in Tsaritsino , and enjoy the picturesque landscape with fairy-tale bridges;
• Have fun in Gorky Park , which is even the #1 park of Russia;
• Meet locals and catch up with local art trends in Winzavod Art Center , the oldest and most respectable art gallery in Moscow;
• And, of course,  try Russian pelemeni, Soviet vareniki or bliny, Ukranian borsch, Georgian Khachapuri , as well traditional hospitality, coziest and amazingly beautiful interior of the best local restaurants.

12-14 th  centuries

Red Square, the Kremlin, Kitay Gorod + Russian traditional lunch

We are going to see the cradle of Russian history and track the development of Moscow.

The residence of Dukes, Tsars, Emperors, Supreme rulers, Presidents will surprise you with its cathedrals, largest in the world Tsar Cannon and Tsar Bell, as long as the Armory with personal belongings of Great Tsars.

Highlights:

Red square tour.

• Walk-through  the Resurrection Gate  and don’t forget to flip a coin so you’ll be sure to come back one day!
• Visit the world’s famous  Kazan Cathedral ;
• See the  State Department Store  (GUM), once the Upper Trading Stalls, which were built over a century ago and still operating!
• Admire the lovely  St. Basil’s Cathedral , built to commemorate the capture of the cities Kazan and Astrakhan. After construction of the cathedral, the poor architect, Postnik Yakovlev, was blinded by Ivan the Terrible, forbidding him from replicating such a beauty ever again;
• Walk by  Lobnoye Mesto  (literally meaning the “forehead place”, or “Place of the Skulls”), once Ivan the Terrible’s stage for religious ceremonies, speeches, and important events;
• As well as  Lenin’s Mausoleum, GUM,  Manege Square, the Monument after Marshal Zhukov, Alexander Garden, Grotto monument, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Obelisk to Romanov royal dynasty.

Kremlin Tour

• The Cathedral of Twelve Apostles  forms the grand entrance to the luxurious Grand Kremlin Palace.
• The Tsar Bell , the largest bell in the world, and  Cannon , the largest bombard by caliber in the world.
• The Ivan the Great Bell Tower  marks the exact centre of Moscow and resembles a burning candle.
• The Cathedral of the Assumption , place of coronation of the grand princes and tsars as well as the burial place of metropolitans and patriarchs.
• The Cathedral of the Annunciation , the private church of Russian grand princes and tsars for domestic and family ceremonies.
• The Cathedral of the Archangel , the necropolis of the Moscow dynasty of Ruriks and first Romanov tsars. The history of the necropolis started in 1340 with Ivan I, the great grandfather of Ivan the Terrible.
• The Armory  originated as the royal arsenal in 1508 and boasting the richest collection of the works of Russian and foreign decorative and applied art of 4th-20th centuries.
• +  The procession of the equestrian and pedestrian guards of the President’s regiment  (April to October).

Kitay Gorod Tour

Kitay Gorod is the oldest part of Moscow after the Kremlin, emerged in the 14th century due to the expansion of the boundaries of the Kremlin.:

Experience Kitay Gorod with its it’s charming one-of-a-kind places, many with great historical significance.

There are 4 monasteries, 24 churches, cathedrals, and 8 chapels in the area of Kitay gorod. We’ll see some of them.

You will also see:

• First typography in Russia , founded in 1553;
• First “skyscraper” of Moscow , 5-storeyed building built in 1876;
• English Old Court on Varvarka street , the former home of the first foreign representation in Moscow (1553);

The Trinity monastery on Ilyinka  – Apartment house-monastery of the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra (“Trinity Compound”) which is nowadays an object of cultural heritage of regional significance (1630s).

+ Traditional Russian food with a great buffet bar. 

Eat as much as you like! :) Hearty lunch in Russian traditional restaurant, with old Russian traditions, bright decor and amazing authentic food in historical Tverskaya street, the main street of Moscow.

14 th -17 th  centuries

Zamoskvorechye & Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve

Highlights :, zamoskvorechye tour.

• Explore vibrant Zamoskvorechye neighborhood full of life and character, which locals consider an epicenter of architectural masterpieces and ancient cathedrals, modern street art and best coffee in the town – Ultimate Russian Culture Experience!
• Soak in the beauty of the  greatest Russian masterpieces;
• Explore the  treasures of Russian art and architecture , ancient and modern;
• Get immersed into  Russian history ;
• Track the  origins of Moscow ;
• Experience Moscow’s premier art gallery –  Tretyakov Gallery;
• Admire the impressive architectural styles of  Russian cathedrals and temples.

Kolomenskoe Tour

Discover the oldest settlement of Moscow belonging to the Stone Age!

Kolomenskoye is a Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve in the open air: Ethnographic art, historical and architectural complex with the existing facilities of the medieval farm, stables, a forge, an apiary, a watermill.

You will see:

• Palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich , initially built in 17th century and consisted of 270 rooms Nowadays considered the 8th wonder of the world by Russians;
• The Church of the Ascension  – a UNESCO monument and a masterpiece of Russian and world architecture.
• Palace Pavillion  that served as a tea house or home theater, the main façade is decorated with Doric portico and two lioness sculptures;
• Front Gate Complex  that was the main entrance to the summer residence of the Tsar for distinguished guests;
• Church of Beheading of St. John the Forerunner  that Ivan the Terrible for holiday worships and his birthday feasts;
• As well as royal  Food Yard, Peter I’s House, Household structure (Mead Brewery), The Streltsy Guard-houses, Moss Tower and the Memorial Pole.

+  Lunch in Korchma, Ukranian traditional restaurant.  

Dynamic interior with authentic decorations and festive ethnic Russian & Ukranian traditions in one place! Your lunch will include:

• Lean sorrel borsch
• Podolsky Salad,  incredibly juicy and crispy salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, cauliflower, carrots and greens;
• Zrazy with mushrooms and spinach
• Chicken soup with noodles
• Spring salad with cucumbers, radish, eggs, green onions, lettuce and mayonnaise
• Chicken schnitzel with stewed cabbage

18 th -21 st  centuries

Tsaritsino, Gorky Park, Winzavod Art Center

Tsaritsino tour.

Tsaritsyno is the monument of the so-called “Russian Gothic”, unique in its style.

Enjoy the picturesque nature of the architectural ensemble, fairy bridges and castle, vintage terraces, statues, ponds and historical atmosphere! You will see:

• Palace of Catherine II , full of mysteries, gossips, intrigues and scandals;
• Famous Bazhenov’s  Bridges  that are distinguished by unique artistic features that fully represented the architect’s “theater architecture”;
• The cascade of  Tsaritsynsky ponds  formed during 16th-18th centuries;
• Magic  Slopes  with beautiful landscapes that became a natural backdrop for open-air theater during Catherine II reign;
• The Ruined Tower of Tsaritsyno  offers amazing panoramic views from its observation deck;
• Temple of Ceres  where the Empress rested and watched holiday hay celebrations;
• Tsaritsyno Fountain  with 3000 lights dancing polonaises and minuets in the evenings.

Gorky Park Tour

Gorky Park is Russia’s most popular park. It also features Europe’s largest skating rink with artificial ice in winter.

Discover Gorky Park from its early Soviet Communist history and hear the stories behind how it evolved to become the trendiest and hottest spot of Moscow.

Founded in 1923, the park has a lot to impress with:

• Rich Soviet past;
• Authentic local vibe;
• Garage Art Center,  founded by Dasha Zhukova, the wife of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich;
• Gorgeous nature landscape; 
• Yoga and dance classes;
• A myriad of local cozy cafes , street food kiosks, posh restaurants and coffee places with hot pastry.

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.