Day 1
We begin this Russian tour with a 3 to 4 hour tour of St Petersburg.
This tour is aimed to give an overview of this enchanting city by getting a
look at its most spectacular and noted sites, including the world-famous Nevsky Prospect with the exquisite palaces of Russian royalty and aristocracy,
majestic cathedrals and fair-sized squares, imposing bridges and other
landmarks.
Day 2
Today you will travel a little out of St Petersburg to Tsarskoe Selo.
The palace and park complex of Tsarskoye Selo is located twenty-five kilometers
south of St Petersburg. More than 100 architectural objects that cover the total
area of 300 hectares occupy the territory of the Catherine and Alexander Parks:
from the most magnificent palaces and monuments, to pavilions and bridges. This
was the location of the famous "Amber Room" stolen by the fascists during WWII.
The Amber Room has since been recreated and the exhibition was opened in 2003.
Day 3
We begin the day with a guided tour to the Hermitage – one of the oldest and
largest museums in the world. Regarded to be found in 1764, museum comprises 5
historical buildings of St Petersburg, including the Winter Palace – the
former residence of Russian tsars and the Hermitage theatre – the only
building which is not occupied by the museum collections, containing 3 million
works of art, that represent different ages, countries and people. Following
lunch we take a guided tour to the Yusupov Palace built on the Moika
Embankment for Princes Yusupov, the richest aristocratic family in Russia. The
palace is noted not only for the refined luxury and exquisite taste of its
interior decorations, but also as a historical site tied to the fall of the
imperial Russia. Gala and residential rooms of the palace witnessed one of
Russian history’s moments of high drama – the murder of Gregory Rasputin in
December 1916. You will see as well the Rasputin exposition: wax figures
of the conspirators - the Russian noblemen who participated in the drama and
the cellar, where the assassination took place. Tonight you board the
overnight train to Moscow.
Day 4
Arriving in Moscow you will be met by your guide at
the station and taken to your hotel for early check in. Following this will be
a 3 hour Moscow city tour including Red square. The afternoon is free.
Evening free (Optional evening entertainment can include circus or theater when
available)
Day 5
Today you will travel to Sergiev Posad (about 60k NE
of Moscow)
The religious center of modern Russia established in the middle of the 14th
century, Sergiev Posad is often referred to as the "Russian Vatican". You will
be taken on a tour of the monastery, including the unique churches located on
its grounds. Lunch will be available in the monastery. A great opportunity to buy authentic souvenirs. Return to Moscow.
Evening free (Optional evening entertainment can include circus or theater when
available)
Day 6
In the morning we will visit Kolomenskoe Park the
257-hectare estate which served as a country residence for the Russian Tsars from
Ivan III to Peter I. Following a light lunch Russian blini (pancakes), that
come with an assortment of toppings from caviar to honey, we shall take a
visit to the Sculpture Garden opposite Gorky Park on the banks of the Moscow
River.
Day 7
The day begins with a 4hr private tour of the Kremlin which includes The
Armory, The Diamond Fund and three of the Great Cathedrals. We then go to a
cozy restaurant to sample some traditional Russian cuisine. The remainder of
the afternoon will be free.
Day 8
Transfer to Airport
Depart Moscow
Notes
Accommodation is 4 Star hotel in Moscow (Usually Ukraina or Rosia). We offer apartment accommodation in St. Petersburg but hotel is available on request. Concert or circus tickets are not included as they are subject to seasonable availability. If you have a special interest please let us know so that we can make advance arrangements. Your host for your tour will be flexible with the schedule to get the most out of weather fluctuations and special interests. Museum tickets are included. Apart from breakfast, only meals mentioned in the tour description are included in the price.
RUSSIA TRAVEL PACKAGES
A selection of Russian tours to take as they are or adjust to your needs.
THE GOLDEN RING
Visit the heart of ancient Russia. What is the Golden Ring?
MOSCOW TOURS
What you can see in Moscow.
MOSCOW DAY TRIPS
Get out of Moscow and take a relaxing trip to some of these places
ST. PETERSBURG
Some of the sights to see in Petersburg
LAKE BAIKAL TOURS
Hiking and trekking around the world's deepest lake in the heart of Siberia
RUSSIAN DIGS
Come and work in the field on a Russian Archaeological dig. Full training given
on site.
TRAVEL TIPS & SERVICES
Getting around in Russia
Moscow and the Golden Ring of Russia.
Golden Ring 5 Days - 4 Nights.
City tour with Peter and Paul’s Fortress.
Petersburg tour Saviour on the Spilled Blood.
City tour with Alexander Nevsky Lavra.
City tour with St. Isaac’s Cathedral.
Hermitage Museum with one Treasure Gallery.
Three Cathedrals of St. Petersburg.
Yusupov Palace with Rasputin Murder.