I didn't go to Suzdal, but went to three other Golden Ring towns, and would say it was very much worthwhile.

Suzdal is very worthwhile but I have a feeling it is too far for a sensible day trip from Moscow.

To get into the Golden Ring a day trip to Sergiev Posad would be possible, impressive but with a very different feel to Suzdal.

This may be of interest:

http://homepage.mac.com/wasleys/golden_ring_mw/index.html

we are toying with the idea of going to suzdal too
i think you have to go through vladimir unless you get a private guide with a car

as far as it being a possible day trip
im not sure...
something in my memory says it is possible
i think it is only 1hr from vladimir so they recommend a short visit to vladimir and then on to suzdal but you have to make sure you know when the last bus leaves
and i remember someone writing that the bus goes when it is deemed 'full enough'
sergei posad is definitely a day trip from what i have learned
ill try to find my notes on this... and get back to you if i find something a bit more concrete!

if you check way to russia's website it says that the vladimir/ suzdal trip is about 3- 4 hours from moscow
now when we were interested in going to cesky krumlov as a day trip from prague everyone howled us down - too far..u have to overnight etc
but we asked the local prague people and they said - not a problem - catch the early train and sure enough we we did the whole trip in a day and were back before dark ( ( we travelled about 3 and half hours each way)

so 3- 4 hours is still a day trip if you can get an early train to vladimir and get there by 11 or 12 then catch a bus to suzdal have a look around and start your homeward journey by 5 or 6
of course it depends on the bus 'timetables'
and being russia these may not be as reliable as we might like them to be
i know one guy missed the bus and had to hitch it back to moscow
id not be doing that ....
i think there are plenty of opportunities to take a little tour out to these towns when you get to moscow so ask at your accommodation or even email them before you go
ive read that sometimes they will take you even if youre the only person on the 'tour bus'

we will be going in may so ill post a report anyway

Thank you so much for your replies and advice... really appreciate it. Im thinking if we go to Sudzal it will be an overnight trip. Depends on time costraints .... it would be nice to be able to go for a year!!!

talked to my travel agent - she really recommends it as an overnighter


we shall see.....