Research Station «Pure Forest» of Central-Forest Nature Reserve, National Park «Smolenskoe Poozerie», National Park «Ugra»

09:00 Departure from Moscow to ancient Russian town Toropets (417 km). 15:00 Arrival. Hotel accommodation. Lunch. 16:00 Toropets sightseeing excursion: Kazanskaya Church (one of the oldest buildings in Toropets), ancient town place, Korsunsko-Bogoroditsky Cathedral. 19:00 Dinner. Free time. Overnight.

08:00 Breakfast. 08:30 Departure to the research station “Pure Forest”, which is an independent department of Central-Forest Nature Reserve (30 km). S. Pazhetnov, the founder of the station and outstanding Russian ecologist devoted his whole life to investigation of brown bear species. Here at the station they nurse bear cubs that were deserted and release into nature grown-up animals. Excursion at the Biological station. You will get to know many interesting facts about brown bears and wolves. You will research plant species and associations, birds and animals that is indicative for South taiga climatic zone. Demonstration of unique video materials from the life of bear cubs and wolfs. Special field excursion to watch wolfs in their natural habitat. 14:00 Lunch 15:00 Excursion along ecological trail. The trail goes along all plant communities specific for the territory of Tverskaya region. A guide will tell you not only about the variety of flora, but also show animals’ tracks. Alternative: historical excursion to see ancient monuments in this area – old town places of the 10-13th centuries. 17:00 Departure to Smolensk (287 km) 21:00 Arrival. Hotel accommodation. Dinner. Overnight.

08:00 Breakfast. 08:30 Smolensk city tour: city center, Uspensky Cathedral 10:00 Transfer to the National Park “Smolenskoe Poozerie” (128 km). 12:00 Excursion in the park: Przheval’sky Museum, private exhibition of wooden carving, visit to the dendrological site, ecological trail, lakes. 15:00 Lunch – picnic at the bonfire. 16:00 Departure to Kaluga city (486 km). Dinner on the way. 22:00 Arrival. Hotel accommodation. Overnight.

08:00 Breakfast. 08:30 Kaluga city tour: city park, Barazuisky ravine, churches 10:00 Transfer to Kozel’sk (71 km). On the way – stopovers at view points in Podborki village (Zhizrda valley view) and Shamordino village (Serena valley view). 11:30 Excursion in the National Park “Ugra” – Lazy Lake, Berezichy Forestry, Mansion-house of Obolenskie (famous Russian Dukes). 14:00 Lunch 16:00 Departure to Moscow (194 km).