Travel style: cultural journey
ITINERARY
Day 1. Arrival in Moscow, meeting at airport and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2. 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 (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 3. 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 4. 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 5. 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 6. 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 7. 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 8. Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the airport for the flight back home.
This tour is also possible for independent travellers, who want to explore the cultural, historic and entertainment options in the two largest Russian cities without a set programme. We’ll just give you a general overview in our City tours, and you can build your own programme, based on your own preferences. Included: accommodation, transfers and sightseeing tours in both cities.
Major Highlights of this Tour:
Optional excursions:
At your request we can organise for you various activities, please click here for a detailed list of options.
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