One of the loveliest cities of the Golden Ring, Kostroma is certainly a highlight of the cruise. The pride of Kostroma is the museum at the former Ipatyevsky Monastery founded in the 14th century by the Zernov family, the forebearers of the Godunovs. The crypt of the Monastery became the Godunov burial vault. Kostroma is the only Russian city retaining the classical layout of the 18th/19th centuries, with streets and boulevards fanning out like the spokes of a wheel from a central square. Of special interest will be a visit to the outdoor museum village, “Berengevka".