Tiled churches, faded minarets, ancient mosques and a pearl among them – the restored Kul-Sharif mosque, facades of former tenement houses, houses of merchant guilds, luxurious mansions of entrepreneurs and merchants, narrow streets and old avenues – all this must be experienced personally. Kazan Abrat, the ancient Kremlin, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul – everyone knows about these iconic places for Kazan, but there are hundreds and thousands of them – really bright and colorful – monuments that adorn the city, which has already crossed its thousand-year milestone.
Why you should fall in love with Kazan
The city is a unique place – the point of contact between East and West, the concentration of a unique and colorful culture. It is the issue of cultural and historical contact that is central in this excursion program.
Guests themselves can choose which route to follow, and this, accordingly, determines which attractions will be included in the program. The obvious advantage of this excursion is not just a talented guide, but a guide who is a native of the city and a historian by profession.
The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries are the subject of his study, and therefore there is no doubt about the truth of the information provided by him.
The program is structured to cover the following milestones:
All these milestones will be viewed through the prism of architecture and culture during the inspection of iconic monuments.
Contrasts of the city on a car tour
This tour is a sightseeing tour. It is designed for a relatively short period of time, but allows you to get acquainted in colors with two contrasting components of the city – with its pre-revolutionary center and the brightest modern buildings.
Those who choose this particular tour can expect the following locations:
Island-city of Sviyazhsk
Sviyazhsk is a picturesque island on the Volga. Once Sviyazhsk was called the round mountain because of its unusual shape. The steep cliffs are buried in the water surface.
A trip to Sviyazhsk allows you to plunge into the history of the Kazan region, enjoy the outstanding architectural monuments of the sixteenth century. The excursion program includes a visit to the iconic buildings that are located on the island. A separate item is a visit to religious buildings, which are concentrated in Sviyazhsk. No wonder it is called the pearl of the Orthodox world.
Guests of Sviyazhsk can learn a little more about how the city of the same name was built, how it changed over time – from simple buildings that were built without a single nail to white stone buildings that were crowned with domes.
Russian antiquity, the life of past centuries – here you can not only enjoy the vivid landscapes, but also really find peace of mind. True, this peace of mind is shattered when, from under the image of the island-Buyan, bloody scars are suddenly shown even today – once GULAG prisoners were exiled here.
Everything you need in 2 hours
Two hours is not enough to really fully tell about the poetry in kamka, which is Kazan, but this time is enough to get to know the city and begin to feel its pulsation more clearly.
The city is always hospitable, and touristic Kazan always looks like a seething cauldron. Historical Kazan will be in the focus of the story of the guide, who is a local resident and will gladly share not only classical historical facts that can be found in any textbook, but also city legends.
You can get answers to any question, as well as get acquainted with the recommendations that will allow you to more rationally distribute the remaining time in the city. The guide will share with you information about where the best viewing platforms of the capital are located, and where you should look to try the Tatar national cuisine.
Dialogue about architecture, religion and prominent figures of the city
Historical, religious and architectural heritage is the focus of this tour. The guide will tell you about the bizarre combination that appeared due to the proximity of two worlds – East and West.
Cultural interaction, as well as Islam and Christianity, are the main points of contact, which are more clearly manifested precisely in the space provided by Kazan.
As part of this tour, guests can visit Bauman Street, where the highest bell tower is located; the university corner of the notorious Imperial University, where outstanding representatives of various professions studied and worked in various names; the front Kremlin street with iconic mansions and houses of wealthy merchants; one of the most famous cathedrals named after Peter and Paul, as well as the Kremlin, in which, in fact, the real Kazan was born.
Having got acquainted with the city in this format, the tourist will be able to more fully immerse himself in the cultural space of the city and in its flavor.
Who are the Tatars
In the center of this excursion is the Old Tatar Sloboda, which was the center of life and culture of the Tatars, who are the indigenous inhabitants of this region. Guests of the Old Tatar Sloboda can learn a little more about the occupations, culture, education, and faith of the Tatars.
By itself, this settlement is a rather atmospheric place: small wooden houses of different colors, ancient mosques, antique shops. During the tour, the guide will dwell in more detail on the architectural originality of the Tatar mosques, their special form – “Kazan Basmasy”.
As part of this part of the tour, it is possible to visit the oldest mosque in the settlement – Marjani. Sennobazaarnaya Square will also be on the list of places that will be required to visit. Various components of the life of the Tatars are presented here: printing masters, entrepreneurs and merchants flocked here.
This program will be interesting not only from the cultural side, but also from the universal side, since Islam, in its original concept, is not a religion of terror and is in no way connected with acts of violence.
Evening Kazan: bus tour
A small two-hour tour will be a good choice for those who have not had time to get too tired after a day of active exploration of the city. However, tired romantics are also guaranteed not to refuse a program that will allow them to see the city, not armed with the charm of a twenty-first century metropolis.
Do you know anything about how the streets of this gigantic city were lit before electricity became the norm? Not? Well, this chance should not be missed.
The reputation of the city of “glass and concrete” will instantly crack, revealing a completely different – more peaceful and fabulous – look of Kazan. During the trip, you will see the main sights of the capital, which are illuminated by original illumination at night.
The bus will also make a number of stops so that you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and take really colorful pictures.
A day with a local: history, food and backyards
Detailed historical reference and study of maps of the area will not give a real idea of what the real Kazan is. This requires more than information flow.
It is worth starting your acquaintance with the city in an overview format, but accompanied by a guide who is a native of this city and really loves it.
This program will allow you not only to learn a little more about those sights that are featured on most advertising brochures, but also about those local attractions that only residents know about. All significant events for the history of the city will be presented not in a dry historiographical manner, but through local traditions and legends.
The story about Ivan the Great is intertwined with the tale of the Kazan cat, which for some reason is honored in the former northern capital of Russia, pouring out into the story of Queen Syuyumbika, who really once lived in the city.
In this version of the excursion program, there are two very significant pluses: a bonus acquaintance with the Tatar national cuisine in its quirkiness and variability, as well as the opportunity to get a small guidebook compiled personally by the guide. It contains useful travel notes, timetables and addresses of places where you should look without leaving a fortune at the entrance.
Cognitive quest “Secrets of the Kazan Arbat”
The stories of the years, even if they are very talented and enthusiastic, sooner or later begin to bother. If this happens, it is worth looking for alternative ways to get to know the brightest places in the city, and getting to know the city in the quest format is a great alternative, allowing you to find out the same information, but in an active or even more playful way.
This quest is spatially limited to Bauman Street, which is hardly inferior to the notorious Moscow Arbat in its crowdedness.
By solving various puzzles, ciphers and mysteries, the tourist will be able to immerse himself in the general ethno-cultural canvas of the city and recognize it not from a purely aesthetic or scientific side.
All those who choose this tour are guaranteed to learn a lot of new information, and also get the opportunity to visit the House of Tatar Cuisine, where you can taste the most famous dishes of Tatar cuisine. As a rule, such a quest takes place in a group.
Make sure that at least one person has access to the Internet.
Quest-tour “Adventure in the Kazan Kremlin”
In the company of a young and energetic guide, getting to know the city will turn into a pleasant format for more than an active holiday, as you will visit many monuments that those who have chosen other city tours simply do not reach.
During the walk, tourists will receive answers to a number of rather tricky questions. Was Vladimir Lenin really expelled from one Kazan university? Which local park has the most ghosts? How many “trial” attempts did Ivan the Great need to take Kazan? Why did Ivan the Terrible take Kazan, but did not like Peter the Great?
This and much more will become known only after visiting various monuments, museums and parks proper.
Also, tourists who choose this format of exploring the city will be able to take a bright photo against the backdrop of one of the seven towers, which are called “falling”, try real Tatar cuisine, and also catch luck by the tail, making a wish from the famous “clawed” inhabitant of the city .
Master class on Tatar pastries
This tour will be of interest not only to housewives who, finally, were able to escape to rest, as the focus is on getting to know the gastronomic component of the city in its history and traditions. The master class takes place in a Tatar restaurant under the strict guidance of the master chef. The choice is to cook echpochmak or chak-chak, which is better known to tourists.
At the same time, a short lecture will be held, which covers such issues as the traditions and way of life of the Tatars, unusual cultural elements of their life, the history and diversity of Tatar cuisine, a little about Tatar etiquette and the history of the local tea ceremony, which most guests are not even aware of. .
The restaurant is part of the complex, on the territory of which there is also an authentic Tatar house and a number of museums. Perhaps the most interesting is the museum, which contains an impressive collection of samovars.
First meeting
Have you recently arrived in the city and want to get a more complete picture of it as soon as possible? Great, this tour is perfect for fully revealing the original beauty of one of the oldest capitals in the world.
A rich journey through the main historical landmarks of the city will take only 2.5 hours. You can enjoy the bright street atmosphere, walk along the ancient stones of Kazan squares, personally find out where and under what circumstances the cauldron, not even standing on fire, managed to boil.
After visiting the treasury of warlike khans and various cultural buildings, the best moment will come to plunge into the church world.
Even if you are not a believer, the architectural originality of the many cathedrals, monasteries and churches that still exist today is guaranteed to make a strong impression on you.
Raifa, Sviyazhsk, Ecumenical Temple
This secular sightseeing tour will allow you to get acquainted with the architectural and cultural monuments of Sviyazhska Island. In general, 8 hours are allotted for acquaintance.
The creation of the city on the “Round Mountain” is the merit of Ivan the Terrible, who in the middle of the sixteenth century laid the foundation for the construction of the main center of Orthodoxy in the Volga region. Only here there is such a high concentration of various cathedrals, churches and monasteries.
Among the monasteries of the Volga region, the Raifa monastery of the seventeenth century stands out without a doubt. It is located on the shore of the lake.
Its architectural ensemble is one of the most complex, which is not surprising: it took hundreds of years to create it. There will be one more stop during the tour. The Temple of All Religions is a unique building – its appearance reflects elements of sixteen religious practices, some of which have already disappeared.
Photo walk in the center: the most important thing in 2.5 hours
This format of exploring the city is suitable for those tourists who are limited in time, but still want to get acquainted with the most colorful sights of the central part.
A walk along Bauman Street, also known as Kazansky Arbat, will allow you to feel the atmosphere of underground galleries and unique monuments. After visiting the Cathedral of Peter and Paul, you will find yourself on the street of majestic passages – the Kremlin.
At the end of the two-hour tour, you will visit the Kremlin, on the territory of which there are such objects as the Syuyumbike Tower, the Kul Sharif Mosque, the Cathedral of the Annunciation, etc. The final walk along the Kremlin embankment will end at the walls of the Palace of Farmers.
As a result, you will replenish your luggage not only with historical facts, but also with professional pictures taken by your guide.
Kazan Kremlin through the centuries
The Kazan Kremlin is the only khan's fortress on the territory of Tatarstan. The object is under the protection of UNESCO. The participants of our excursion will learn about how it grew. The residence of the khans and the current president of the republic is worthy of a detailed acquaintance. During the route we will get acquainted with the history of the architectural monument. You will learn about how the face of the Kremlin grew and changed.
It is this place that is considered the point of contact of two world religions – Christianity and Islam. Tatarstan is a vivid example of the fact that people of two faiths can peacefully coexist with each other for centuries and not come into conflict. A lot of ancient artifacts have been preserved on the territory of the republic. We will look at them and see the art of the local population.
You will hear a legend about how the Miraculous Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was found and why thousands of people rush to the shrine. We will visit the main cathedral mosque and admire the luxurious decoration of the Islamic shrine together. You will discover an amazing fact about why all the crescents on mosques face the same direction.
In addition, you will get acquainted with such significant sights as:
Do not miss the chance to get acquainted with the amazing culture of the Tatarstan people.
First impressions of the third capital
Even Herzen wrote that in Kazan there are two beginnings – eastern and western. And today we will find out why the great thinker thought so. Our path will lie through the most significant places in the city. The tour will take place by car, so do not be afraid of weather conditions. We will consider everything in detail.
You will visit the Old Tatar Sloboda – the most beautiful place in the city. We will walk along its streets with colored houses and get acquainted with the history of this area. See the building of the puppet theater “Ekiyat” and see how intricately it is built.
Well-known personalities not only of the republic, but also of the world studied within the walls of Kazan University. The guide will tell you who sat in the auditoriums of the oldest university. You will also visit Freedom Square. The Government of Tatarstan is located here. You will get acquainted with the principles of government in the republic. It is they who allow the peaceful coexistence of the two faiths.
You will see the main registry office of the republic. It is made in the form of a huge bowl. You will travel around the city and get acquainted with the most important sights. And if you have a desire to visit the Bogoroditsky Monastery, you can go there. It is here that the famous Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is kept.
We are waiting for you on the most exciting program.
Staro-Tatarskaya Sloboda: immersion in the original Tatar life
Tatar culture is rich and interesting, if you want to get acquainted with the original traditions of this people, then you should take advantage of our offer. During the program, you will learn a lot of interesting facts about the life of the nationality, customs and mores. It is worth noting that the traditions of the Tatars have changed little. This is the most hospitable and hospitable people.
In one of the most picturesque places in the city – the Old Tatar Sloboda, ancient monuments of architecture have been preserved to the fullest extent. Here you will be able to reproduce the details of the life of the Tatars and get acquainted with the peculiarities of the way of life. At the end of the event, you can enjoy traditional Tatar cuisine and delicious tea brewed in accordance with established traditions.
You will find out why Sloboda was formed near the most mysterious body of water in the city – Lake Kaban.
You can look inside a real merchant's house and see how rich Tatars used to equip their homes. In addition, you will hear interesting facts about polygamy, the wedding traditions of this people.
You will see the oldest city mosque. It has been standing for 250 years and still amazes with the grandeur of others. At the end of the program, those who wish can taste tea in the spirit of Tatar traditions.
Mysterious Kazan after sunset
Night Kazan looks completely different. This is a mysterious and mysterious city, silently keeping its secrets. If you want to immerse yourself in an unforgettable mysterious atmosphere, then this walk is for you. To begin with, you will stop at the most beautiful building of the Ekiyat puppet theater. Enjoy the extraordinary view of this building. A fairy tale castle with weathervanes and turrets, twisted columns and stained glass windows will remind you of a picture from a book of fairy tales. The figure of the Little Prince, the hero of S. Exupery, is also installed right there.
The guide will tell you what secret the walls of this unusual building keep. Then you will walk through the stylized village “Tugan Avalym” and go to the oldest district of the city – Staro-Tatarskaya Sloboda. Here you will be able to enjoy the local flavor and feel the culture of the Tatars. After that, you will visit a creepy and mysterious place – Lake Kaban. The guide will tell you what secrets are hidden in its waters.
You will see the sights located on the main Freedom Square and find out why the President of the Republic takes a panoramic picture of the city every morning. At the end of the program, you will get acquainted with the modern city and its sights.
Blue lakes – a picturesque corner in the vicinity of Kazan
If this is not your first time in the city and you are familiar with the main attractions, it's time to move on to exploring the surroundings. Blue Lakes is a protected area. This is a unique reservoir. It never freezes, and on our walk you will find out why. The water here is always warm. Even in winter the temperature does not fall below +5 degrees.
You will learn why there is no fish here, and the clay is considered to be healing. Those who wish can swim, and daredevils can try to swim across an unusual pond. Then there will be tea drinking in the fresh air and a walk through the forest. Rare plants grow here. Many of them are listed in the Red Book. The picturesque corner will impress both children and adults.
In addition, you will find a fascinating legend about the unhappy love of the khan. This walk is great for those who want to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Symbols of the city and the Temple of All Religions
The two-hour program will allow you to get acquainted with the iconic sights of the capital of Tatarstan, as well as see the most unusual shrine in the world – the Temple of All Religions. The participants will have a trip to the colorful village of Tugan Avylym. Here we will get acquainted with the life, culture and traditions of the people, hear interesting details about the way of life and see how the ancient Tatars lived.
You will also learn the history of the construction of the most beautiful theater – “Ekiyat”. The building looks like a living picture from a book of fairy tales. Explore the Palace of Farmers and admire the Kazan Kremlin – the symbol of the city.
You will visit the oldest building of Kazan University. He produced many famous scientists who are known all over the world. Then you will get acquainted with the masterpiece of modern architecture – the Temple of All Religions. Find out what the author of the project wanted to say with his creation, what concept he supports.
In addition, visit the main attractions of the capital: Freedom Square, Admiralteyskaya Sloboda, the Millennium Bridge, built in honor of the 1000th anniversary of the city.
You will also hear an amazing legend about how the miraculous icon of the Kazan Mother of God was found, about where it is located and what miracles are attributed to the shrine.
Group tour-quest around the Kremlin “The Tale of the Kazan Cat”
The Kremlin is the symbol of the city. It is still not fully understood and keeps a lot of secrets within its walls. If you want to touch historical mysteries and visit places where no tourists have gone before, you will love our offer. And the legendary heroes will help us explore the oldest fortress – the Cat of Kazan and his comrades.
This is an extraordinary program. There will be no place for known historical facts. We have to look at the Kremlin from a completely different angle. You will learn how it happened that the Cat suddenly became a nobleman, how the nicknames Barsik and Murzik appeared, what secrets lie hidden within the walls of the Kremlin.
Also get answers to questions about the underground passages of the fortress. You will see the falling tower built in honor of the Khan's Queen, hear the sad story of her love and visit the observation deck. But the event will not be limited to the guide's story, you will receive interesting tasks and rewards.
You will try to shoot from a real bow and demonstrate your fighting skills. To complete all the tasks, you will have to solve the riddles of the elder sage and go through the rite of purification. All participants will receive a solemn award.
The main symbols of the city and the island of Sviyazhsk in one day
Kazan and the island of Sviyazhsk are considered the keepers of the history of Tatarstan. We will have a fascinating acquaintance with the cult sights of these places. A rich program will not let you get bored and will introduce you to the main symbols of the capital. The journey will start from Staro-Tatarskaya Sloboda. This oldest corner of Kazan is called a sample of Tatar culture. A lot of ancient monuments, including mosques, have been preserved here. This is a significant place for the Tatar people, and you will find out why.
In addition, few people realize that secrets and mysteries are kept in the dark waters of Lake Kaban. We will find out what secrets the reservoir hides. The program includes a visit to the Bogoroditsky Monastery. It is here that the main Orthodox shrine is kept – the icon of the Kazan Mother of God. You will learn how it was found, and what miracles are attributed to it.
You will visit the University campus and Freedom Square, see the Government House and look into the oldest mosque Kul-Sharif. Then there is a trip to the unique island of Sviyazhsk. It is included in the UNESCO list. The island is famous for its unique church. It was built in just one day. Not a single nail was used in its construction.
Ivan the Terrible himself came to the island to pray before miraculous icons. You will visit the church where the great sovereign liked to visit.
Kazan by car with a panoramic roof
The third capital of Russia is always glad to see guests. There are a lot of historical monuments, interesting places and original buildings that have become famous all over the world. All this is to be seen on a sightseeing ride in a car with a panoramic roof.
You will pass through the whole city and get acquainted with the iconic sights. Black Lake Park, its magical Love Arch, singing fountains and the mysterious Kaban Lake – these are not all the places that we will see.
The program includes a visit to the most colorful corner of the capital – the Old Tatar Sloboda. Here once lived industrialists and clergy – the richest people in the city. Since that time, architectural monuments have been preserved – mosques and merchant houses.
You will walk along the oldest khan's fortress – the Kazan Kremlin. You will learn how the appearance of the symbol of the republic changed over time, hear amazing stories about the khans and rulers who once inhabited it. You will also visit the Temple of All Religions. This amazing masterpiece of architecture has gained worldwide fame.
You can visit the unique island town of Sviyazhsk. Ivan the Terrible himself had a hand in its foundation. This is the center of Orthodox churches and temples. See Innopolis. This is the first city on the territory of the Russian Federation, built for IT-specialists.
Assess the flavor of Tatar life by visiting Tugan Avylym. And at the end of the program, visit the monasteries, which attract pilgrims from all over the world. You will be able to get out of the car to take memorable pictures and capture the best moments of the tour. We are waiting for you and your friends.
Innopolis, the city of Sviyazhsk, the Raifa Monastery and the Temple of All Religions
Tatarstan is proud of the places you are about to see. These monuments are the heritage of the nation. You are given a unique opportunity to see significant sights on one excursion program.
Innopolis is an unusual city. It was created for IT specialists to live and work here. This is the youngest city in Russia. In addition, the first IT university in the Russian Federation operates here. The area is fully equipped. Residents feel comfortable and at ease.
The island-city of Sviyazhsk was founded thanks to the efforts of Ivan the Terrible. The great sovereign visited him to spend time in prayer. The oldest temples are concentrated here. One of them became famous for being built without a single nail in just a day. How this was done has not yet been established, although different versions are put forward.
The territory of the Raifa Monastery is full of secrets and mysteries. Even the frogs don't croak here, and you'll find out why. You will hear the history of the founding of the holy monastery and see the smallest church in Europe. And the walk will end with an acquaintance with an amazing masterpiece of architecture – the Temple of All Religions. The author of the project united 16 religions under one roof. You will find out what idea the architect embodied when he decided to build an unusual shrine.
To Bolgar by bus – Northern Mecca
There is an amazing place in Tatarstan – Bolgar. Once here was the capital of the Golden Horde. Many years have passed since then. But since that time, amazing architectural monuments have been preserved. You will see the Cathedral Mosque. There is a belief among tourists that if you walk around the main pillar three times, then your most cherished wish will come true.
You will visit the khan's tombs and try to translate the inscriptions on the tombstones. Find out why khans were never buried in the Khan's tomb. Visit the Black Chamber. It was from here that the golden-haired Altinchech jumped off so as not to fall into the hands of the unloved.
You will also drive to the amazing beauty of the White Mosque. It resembles the Taj Mahal. In addition, there will be a unique opportunity to see the largest Quran in the world. The deluxe edition impresses with its magnificence. It takes 4 people to turn one page.
If you want to plunge into the atmosphere of oriental tales, touch the secrets of the Golden Horde and see unique artifacts, you should definitely pay attention to this offer. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the sacred land where, according to legend, Islam was adopted.