Moscow, city, capital of Russia, located in the far western part of the country. Since it was first mentioned in the chronicles of 1147, Moscow has played a vital role in Russian history. It became the capital of Muscovy (the Grand Principality of Moscow) in the late 13th century; hence, the people of Moscow are known as Muscovites. Today Moscow is not only the political centre of Russia but also the country’s most populous city and its industrial, cultural, scientific, and educational capital. For more than 600 years Moscow also has been the spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Vladimir (Владимир) is the capital and the largest city of Vladimir Oblast. The city is one of the most visited destinations within the popular Golden Ring circuit, as it preserves several of the finest monuments of white-stone medieval architecture in Russia, along with a number of later buildings from the 16th–20th centuries.

Suzdal is a true highlight of the Golden Ring. It is one of Russia's oldest cities and dates back to 1024. Prince Yury Dolgoruki made it his regional capital in the 12th century, and it became a fortress whose Kremlin protected the Russian border. Today, Suzdal Kremlin forms the historic heart of the city and encompasses its oldest buildings.

Sergiev Posad dates back to the 14th century. The city takes its name from the founder - the monk Sergius of Radonezh. Together with his brother Sergius was looking for a secluded area to settle in and live an ascetic life devoted to God. They settled on the Makovets Hill surrounded by wild forest where later they eventually built a wooden church in the name of the Holy Trinity. In the following years the settlement grew into a monastery complex and eventually gained political significance in Russia. Today along with another seven cities Sergiev Posad makes up the "Golden Ring" tourist route. These picturesque provincial towns have for preserved the historical appearance and charm up to the present day and are popular both among tourist and Russians alike.