Moscow´s history, architecture and artistry.
Sergiev Posad and the Trinity St. Sergius Lavra.
St. Petersburg, city of palaces and museums.
Upon arrival in Moscow, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
The rest of the day is to relax or perhaps begin your independent
discovery of the fabled capital of Russia. Tonight, a briefing by your
Tour Director on the fascinating tour that awaits you, followed by a
Welcome Dinner. (D)
Moscow, one of the largest cities in the world, is the symbolic heart
and soul of the country. Your sightseeing tour begins at Red Square,
dominated by colorful St. Basil’s Cathedral and by the massive red
walls of the Kremlin. Visit the Armory Museum, with its impressive
collection of Tsarist, Russian, and foreign jewelry, armor, and other
artifacts. Walk along the wide boulevards and a stroll through GUM,
Russia’s largest department store, following the drive by Moscow
University. Further on the north bank of the River Moskva, passing by
baroque Novodevichy convent; ending the tour at the popular Arbat
shopping district, time to shop or enjoy lunch on your own. The rest of
the day is at leisure. (B)
Today we travel 75 km North of Moscow, to a small town of Sergiev
Posad, former Zagorsk – founded in the 14th century and renowned as
a center of ancient Russian art and architecture. For centuries it served
as a place of pilgrimage and the religious capital of Russia. Within the
old walled city admire the fairy-tale golden and blue domes of the Holy
Trinity St. Sergius Lavra, one of the most beautiful of all monasteries.
After lunch at a popular restaurant, return to Moscow, the rest of the
day at leisure. This evening take an Optional tour Moscow by night &
Subway, to see the metro stations which Stalin called “Palaces for the
People.” (B, L)
Time at leisure in Moscow, before transfer to the railway station for
our four hours high-speed Sapsan train ride to St. Petersburg. Upon
arrival at the St. Petersburg train station, transfer to your hotel. Dinner
at the hotel. Join an optional Russian Folklore evening. (B, D)
There are not many cities in the world that can match the grace of St.
Petersburg. When Peter the Great founded the city in 1703, he hired
Europe’s best architects, craftsmen, and artists to build and decorate
it. Spread over 100 islands and linked by over 600 bridges, it is often
referred to as the “Venice of the North.” Today the main sites to be
visited on the tour are Palace Square with the Winter Palace, Senate
Square with the monument to Russian Emperor Peter the Great,
the founder of the city, St. Isaac’s Square with St. Isaac’s Cathedral,
Smolny Cathedral, Cruiser Aurora, Field of Mars, and Nevsky Prospect.
Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, built in 1703 to protect the city from
enemy attacks. Visit Peter and Paul Cathedral, which towers in the
center of the fortress served as the burial place for Russian Emperors
from Peter I. Your evening is free or join an optional Evening Canal
Cruise. (B)
This morning you’ll make a highlight visit to the world-famous
Hermitage, housing more than four million works of art. It ranks
among one of the largest and oldest museums of the world, founded
in 1764 by Catherine the Great. Admire the world-famous masterpieces
by Leonardo da Vinci, Rafael, Titian, Rembrandt, El Greco, Velasquez,
Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya, and French Impressionists. The Hermitage
occupies five buildings, the largest is the Winter Palace, the former
residence of Russian Emperors. Spend the rest of the day at leisure
exploring the city on your own or perhaps you may choose to take an
optional tour to Petrodvorets, Peterhof Summer Palace of Peter the
Great. Tonight, join your fellow travelers in a farewell dinner. (B, D)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure
flight. (B)
Inclusion
Airport transfer from Moscow airport to the hotel
Centrally located first class hotels
Breakfast daily
Welcome dinner in Moscow (glass of wine, beer or soft drink)
1 lunch and 2 dinners (coffee or tea included)
Touring by modern air-conditioned motor coach
Professional English-Speaking Tour Director throughout
Licensed Local Guides
High-speed train from Moscow to St. Petersburg
Baggage handling at hotels
Whisper technology enhanced touring
Admission included where indicated in bold letters
Hotel taxes and service taxes Departure transfer from hotel to St. Petersburg airport
Exclusion
International / Domestic Airfare
Optional activities
Lunch, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Voluntary tips for guides or drivers
Travel and medical insurance
Entrance Fees to Archeological sites & museums
Personal expenses
Note
This tour can be extended with Helsinki and Baltic
countries escorted tour.