Russia is the largest country in the world, known for its vast landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. Key cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg feature iconic landmarks and a vibrant arts scene. With a legacy of influential writers, composers, and artists, Russia offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Upon arrival in Moscow, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Check-in at the hotel. Rest day is at leisure to explore on your own. Overnight at the hotel in Moscow.
10.00 hrs: After breakfast, our English-speaking tour guide will meet you at reception for an orientation tour of the city using private transportation. You will see some of the famous landmarks and places to which you may return at your leisure. The tour sights include Red Square, the Kremlin, Sparrow Hills, Bolshoi Theatre, Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Victory Park, Novodevichy Convent, the White House, and the famous Moscow streets. Free time is included for a short lunch break (lunch not included). In the city center, you may see the changing of the guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and queue to see Lenin’s Mausoleum You will also visit the Muzeon Park of Arts (formerly Fallen Monuments Park), filled with iconic monument relics from the Soviet era. Our tour concludes at around 15.00hrs at the hotel or you may stay in the city and make your own way back to the hotel. Highlights today. Muzeon Park of Arts, Changing of the Guard, Lenin’s Mausoleum. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day free to explore the city on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Check-out at your leisure by 12.00. There is free time until early afternoon departure transfer from the hotel to the railway station. Be ready in reception for transfer to Leningradsky rail station for your journey from Moscow to St Petersburg on the high-speed Sapsan train. Arrive & transfer to the hotel in St. Petersburg. Check-In at the hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel
10.00 hrs: After breakfast, your panoramic orientation tour of the city will commence. You will see all the major sights of the beautiful city of St Petersburg. You will see the world-renowned Hermitage Museum, located in the Winter Palace, Peter and Paul Fortress, and pass along the famous Nevsky Prospect. St Isaac’s cathedral is also on our route, as well as the Church on the Spilled Blood. Included today is a visit to Peter and Paul Fortress, which guards the city of St Petersburg, located on the island facing the Hermitage and dominating the Neva River. Built as a fortification during the Russian-Swedish war, it was never used as a fortress and its bastions were turned into political prison cells. There, Prince Alexei, a son of Peter the Great and a famous pretender to the throne, Princess Tarakanova, writer Radischev, Decembrists, and revolutionaries were all held as prisoners. Peter and Paul Cathedral, designed by Gresini, contains the remains of Russian rulers since 1725. You will also visit the Church on the Spilled Blood. With five domes, it is St Petersburg’s most elaborate church with a classic Russian Orthodox exterior and with an interior containing 7000 sq m of mosaics. Its colloquial name refers to the assassination of Tsar Alexander II at the same location in 1881. During the tour, there will be a break for coffee and doughnuts in the oldest doughnut shop in St Petersburg, still a favorite with locals. We end the tour with a visit to the Vodka Museum, where we have arranged a tasting of a selection of traditional Russian vodkas with snacks. Return to the hotel at around 16.00 or you may stay in the city for further exploration and make your own way back to the hotel. Highlights today: Peter and Paul Fortress, Church on the Spilled Blood, Vodka Museum & tasting, Doughnut shop. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken by your guide to visit one of St Petersburg’s most prized palaces. In the town of Pushkin (formerly Tsarskoye Selo) 29km south of St. Petersburg, is Catherine’s Summer Palace. The construction of the palace for Empress Catherine started in 1717. A park in the French style was laid out around the palace and, in the middle of the 18th century, Tsarskoye Selo became the official royal residence. This palace is famous for the ‘Amber Room’, now completely restored to its former glory. Not far from Catherine’s Palace there is the Lyceum where the great poet Alexander Pushkin studied. Return to your hotel early/mid-afternoon. Highlights today: Catherine’s Palace. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast at your hotel, check out by 12.00 hrs and transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
The best time to visit Russia is during late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
