Russian village vacations in a comfortable log cabin near the lake Velio (Valdai forest reserve); fantastic views, rowing boats, horse riding, utterly quiet place.

A big, comfortable log house near Velio Lake, Valdai forest reserve, 5 hours trip from Moscow to the North, in Saint Petersburg direction. A small private meat and milk farm supplies its splendid goods. Four gentle horses are always ready for horse ridings. The lake (20 km longwise) is full of fish, with sandy, banks - great chance to fish, swim and row. Pine forests are full of mushrooms and animals.

Horseback rides and trips in Staritsa, Tver region, between Moscow & St. Petersburg. Rolling hills over the Volga. Authentic rural accommodation. Home-raised animals. Very inexpensive, eg. $25-30/day for basic accommodation and unlimited riding. Dead season specials may be as low as $50/week! Tours of Staritsa, boating, exploration of catacombs, rafting and boating too..
Prices are from
$30 for the "basic" package (use facilities but no service) to $55 for VIP
treatment (including sauna, assistance saddling them, lessons if necessary
etc.).