We have designed this amazing tour to introduce you to the past and present capitals of Russia and the Ukraine, the beautiful cities of Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kiev. It is in Kiev, an ancient city on the bank of the beautiful Dnepr River, that the Russian people were introduced to Christianity more than a thousand years ago. The city is still considered a sacred place for all Orthodox Christians in Russia and the Ukraine. From Kiev you move to magnificent Moscow, the present capital of Russia, its business and cultural centre. Here, in the third largest city in Europe, you’ll be struck by the unique architectural style, from the stunning Kremlin and Red Square to the Stalin-era skyscrapers and the most beautiful underground in the world. Your journey will end in the elegant “museum city” of St. Petersburg, the former capital of Russia, founded by the rebel tsar Peter the Great. St. Petersburg is called the Northern Venice because of its canals and its beautiful architecture: numerous palaces, mansions, parks and statues. The collection of the Hermitage museum is comparable to only one museum in the world, – the famous Louvre in Paris.
This tour offers you the incredible experience of discovering the cultural and historic treasures of two countries in ten unforgettable days!
FREE TICKET TO MOSCOW CIRCUS AND FOLKLORE SHOW AT THE NIKOLAEVSKY PALACE IN ST. PETERSBURG, ONE FREE LUNCH IN MOSCOW AND ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIAN VISA INCLUDED
PRICE
LAND-ONLY PRICE: £879
PACKAGE PRICE: £1,149
Travel style: cultural journey ITINERARY Day 1. Arrival in Kiev. Our English-speaking guide will meet you at the international airport at 15.00 pm. Transfer to the hotel. Free time in the evening. Stay overnight in a hotel. Day 2. City tour around Kiev. Kiev is one of the most beautiful cities of Europe, stretching along picturesque banks of the river Dnepr. Rich history of the city is embodied in its ancient architectural monuments. You will see such beautiful places as St. Archangel Michael’s Golden Domes Monastery built in 12th century, Golden Gates - the main triumphal entrance of ancient Kiev; St. Vladimir Cathedral built in the 19th century. The cathedral is a unique monument of architecture and arts due to its murals executed by the famous Russian artists of the 19th century: V. Vasnetsov, M. Nesterov, M. Vrubel and others. Stroll along the main street of Kiev - Kreshatik Street. In the afternoon you will also visit St. Sophia Cathedral – a majestic 13-domed cathedral built in 1037, masterpiece of world architecture and arts. Saint Sophia Cathedral is one of the chef-d’oeuvres of the world culture and it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Stay overnight in a hotel. Day 3. After breakfast, a guided tour to Kievo-Pecherska Lavra (monastery) – a sacred place of the Orthodoxy, with architectural ensemble of 11-19th centuries. At the present time Kievo-Pecherska Lavra is an active monastery and National Historical Architectural Preserve. Visit to its cathedrals, museums, exhibitions as well as to the caves with the saint relics. Time for lunch. In the afternoon we will visit the street Andriyivsky Uzviz (Andriyivsky Descent).The most ancient and steep street in Kiev, Andriyivsky Uzviz, is Kievers’ favorite place for outdoor fairs, festivals, and concerts. Art galleries, shops, and studios make Andriyivsky Uzviz the best place to shop for Ukrainian crafts and artworks. Cultural museums located here reveal the history of the legendary street and of the whole Kiev. Overlooking Andriyivsky Uzviz and Podil, the old section of Kiev, stands the Ukrainian Baroque church of St. Andrew designed in 1754 by the Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. This five-domed church remains the major adornment of the upper city. The Castle of Richard in the modernized Gothic style, built in 1902, is another of distinctive features of Andriyivsky Uzviz. The building is currently being reconstructed into a hotel. In the evening, you will be transferred to the railway station where you will take a train to Moscow. Day 4. Arrival in Moscow. Our English-speaking guide will meet you at the railway station and you will be transferred to the hotel.
You will start your discovery of Russia with a city tour of Moscow. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Sparrow Hills observation platform, visit Poklonnaya Hills a monument in honour of a Russian victory in the Great War (or World War II), see the famous Red Square and the Bolshoi (Big) theatre or explore modern Moscow’s busy streets and discover the rich history of this magnificent city.
In the evening you will enjoy a performance at the world-famous Moscow state circus. The famous Moscow circus was initially founded in London by English entrepreneur Philip Astley who was invited by Katherine the Great to introduce this performance entertainment in Russia (no transfers included). Day 5. A guided tour of the Tretyakov Gallery, the biggest collection of Russian fine art. There are more than 130 000 unique examples of painting, sculpture and graphics, created throughout the centuries by talented Russian artists. Free time in the afternoon to explore the city on your own.
Lunch in the centre of Moscow – try delicious Russian cuisine in a traditional local restaurant.
Guided tour of the Moscow Underground – explore one of the masterpieces of the Soviet era created in the Socialist Realism style. Your guide will also take you to the Old Arbat street, famous for its architectural masterpieces and souvenirs. After the guided tour you will have some free time to browse among the shops selling merchandise and enjoy various Arbat cafes or restaurants. Optional transfer to the hotel at your request. Day 6. In the morning we will visit the Red Square. You will see St. Basil's cathedral, the world - renowned Lenin Mausoleum and the Kremlin. Kremlin is a self-contained city with many palaces, armories, and churches, a medieval fortress that bridges the modern nation to its legendary past. You will discover the interior of the Kremlin - the former residence of the Tsars and now the residence of the Russian president. You will also visit Kremlin’s beautiful orthodox cathedrals. The Cathedral Square still retains the aura of early Tsarist Russia, where the spirits of Ivan the Terrible, Boris Godunov, and the early Romanovs loom large. You can also visit the Armoury to see a unique collection of ancient state regalia: the ceremonial vestments and coronation dress of the Tsars, gold and silverware by Russian craftsmen, and ceremonial weapons and arms (optional excursion at your request). Free time in the afternoon to explore the city by yourself.
In the evening transfer to Leningradsky railway station - here is a unique opportunity to travel on the historic, luxurious Red Arrow train, often called the Russian Orient Express. This famous train has recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. Comfortable compartments, excellent service and the charming 'provodnitca' train attendants will certainly make this journey one of the highlights of your Russian experience. Day 7. Arrival in St. Petersburg. A sightseeing tour will take you around the stunning “ Venice of the North”; you will see the Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaacґs Cathedral and the Church of Christ’s Resurrection (The Saviour of the Blood). You will also visit the famous cruiser Aurora; the legendary ship whose canon gave the signal, on the order of Lenin, for the beginning of the Great Social Revolution more than 90 years ago. Day 8. A guided tour of the Hermitage, former residence of the Russian Tzars and one of best museums of the world . This stunning palace, an architectural masterpiece in itself, contains a collection over 3,000,000 works of art re presenting the development of world culture and art from the Stone Age to the 20th century. The collection includes works of Leonardo Da Vinci, Titian, Raphael, French impressionists, sculptures and treasures icons, coins and Tsar’s jewellery. The Hermitage is an unforgettable place to visit. Day 9. Half day tour to the suburbs of St Petersburg to visit one of the magnificent summer palaces, including lunch in one of the palace restaurants.
In summer: Transfer to Petrodvorets. Best known for its glorious fountains and Summer Gardens, the palace is often compared to France's Versailles. In winter: Transfer to Tsarskoye Selo (formerly known as Pushkin settlement), one of St. Petersburg's numerous Imperial estates. Free time in the evening to explore the city on your own.
Day 10. Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the airport for the flight back home.
Some places you visit in this journey are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Please click here to view the UNESCO review page:
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