Two Hearts of Russia: Moscow and St Petersburg
Days
8 days
Available from
11 Dec 2021
From
£851pp
Two Hearts of Russia: Moscow and St Petersburg
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Included
- Hotel Overview
This inspiring eight day tour of Russia's two best-known cities offers experiences of some of the country's most important landmarks. In Moscow you can discover what goes on behind the mighty walls of the Kremlin and marvel at the magnificent domes of Russia's ancient churches. In St Petersburg there's a chance to soak up culture at The Hermitage, the biggest museum in the world, and explore the lavish Tsarist palaces.
Along the way you will be led by our expert tour guide who will reveal the stories and history behind these incredible attractions.
Highlights
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Eight days focusing on four days in Moscow and four days in St Petersburg;
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Find out where the president of Russia works in the Moscow Kremlin;
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Discover Moscow as a city of many contrasts, not least the unique combination of Stalinist, modern and classical architecture;
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Take a trip down to the Moscow metro, and experience a masterpiece of the Soviet era Explore the incredible Red Square;
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Find out why Ivan the Terrible liked iconic St Basil's cathedral quite so much;
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Visit Kolomenskoye Estate - UNESCO Heritage Site and Former Tsar Residence;
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Bring your art-history up to scratch with a trip to the world's biggest museum, the Hermitage;
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Take a trip to the wonderful Peterhof;
By purchasing an organised trip to Russia with us, we will donate £10 to help fill the "bravery box" to reward brave children battling cancer. For more information, click here.
Day 1 - Arrive in Moscow
We have organised your transfer to the hotel.
Top tip
We have not arranged any excursions for your first day in Russia, so it is up to if you would like to explore the city independently, or just relax in your hotel and recover from the flight. There are lots of restaurant options in the vicinity, but the hotel also offers a choice of five restaurants. Take your pick of a range of different cuisines, including Russian, where you can try national dishes, such as borsch (beetroot soup), pelmeni (dumplings) and buckwheat with chicken.
Day 2 - City tour of Moscow and guided tour of Moscow Underground
Your first full day in Moscow you will have a guided tour of the major cultural and historical sites of the city. We visit Red Square and the Moscow State University on Lenin Hill, where there are outstanding views over Moscow. On the way down, we pass through the Memorial Complex at Poklonnaya Hill and Victory Park, where the impressive Triumphal Arch is sited. Then it is back to the city streets, taking in Kutuzov Avenue, New Arbat, Boulevard Ring and Pushkin Square, before ending up at Tverskaya Street.
Guided tour of Moscow’s Underground – explore one of the masterpieces of the Soviet era created in the Socialist Realism style. The Moscow Metro, with its stations decorated with marble, mosaics, stained-glass panels and bronze sculptures, looks more like a vast art museum. It was one of the proudest achievements of the Soviet era and it still beats many other European underground systems with its ultra-reliable service.
Top tip
Once the tour is over and you are back at your hotel, we suggest you visit the Vodka Museum, which is also situated in the Izmailovo Kremlin, and is worth popping into. You can find out all about Russia's celebrated drink, including its history and how its made. It is quite symbolic that this museum was transferred from St. Petersburg to Moscow, because this is where this drink was invented in the 15th century.
Day 3 - Guided tour of Red Square, Kremlin and Armoury museum
The heart of the city and some say also of Russia is the Kremlin, a kind of mini-city contained behind walls featuring cathedrals, armories and palaces. Not just the official residence of the Russian president but also a place for ordinary Muscovites to hang out, discover more about Russia's imperial history and the revolutions that took place during the 20th century. You will also visit the Armoury Museum. The Armoury’s collection is overwhelming. It contains such exhibits as golden and silver works of applied art by Russian, European and Oriental masters, priceless weapons and other works made of precious metals and stones and a unique collection of over fifty Faberge eggs.
Day 4 - Kolomenskoye Estate - UNESCO Heritage Site and Former Tsar Residence Guided Tour.
Kolomenskoye is a former royal estate and one of the most picturesque and enjoyable of Moscow’s out-of-town attractions. This 15-17th century Tsarist estate is preserved in its original layout and comprises of unique architectural monuments, including the Church of the Ascension (1532).
We will visit the stunning, recently reconstructed Wooden Palace of the Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich Romanov (17th century) often referred to as ‘an eighth wonder of the world’. Here, you will have a unique chance to see the way of life of the Russian Tsars. The building represents a huge maze of intricate corridors, with 250 rooms. Famous for its fairytale roofs, the Wooden Palace was constructed without using saws, nails, or hooks. After the tour - transfer to the train station for your speedy train (4 hours) from Moscow to St Petersburg. Upon arrival to St Petersburg you will be taken to your hotel for check-in.
Day 5 - St Petersburg City tour with visit to St Isaak's Cathedral
Today will take you around the stunning "Venice of the North", as St Petersburg is also known. You will see the Peter and Paul Fortress, St Isaac's Cathedral and the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood. Then there’s the famous Aurora warship, the legendary ship whose canon-fire gave the signal, on the order of Lenin, for the beginning of the Great Socialist Revolution more than 90 years ago.
Day 6 - Peterhof Grand Palace and Park
Enjoy a guided tour to Peterhof Grand Palace & Park in the morning.
Peterhof an erstwhile residence of the Czars of yore. Visit the Grand Palace and be amazed with its fascinating & elaborate interiors. This world-famous Palace, Fountain and Park ensemble of Peterhof shines forth as a glittering landmark of Russia's aesthetic culture in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its wonderful parks, 176 fountains of various forms, majestic palaces, numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes, paintings and works of art and culture make Peterhof a veritable gem of art, often called the 'Capital of Fountains,' unique in the world.
Day 7 - The State Hermitage Museum
A guided tour of the Hermitage, former residence of the Russian Tsars (famous Winter Palace) 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 representing 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.
Optional
Tsarskoe Selo guided tour
This small town situated outside St Petersburg was once home to royalty and rivals Versaille in the extravagance of its palaces. Perfect examples of the baroque style, the buildings are distinctively decorated in blue, white and gold on the outside, but it's the interiors which will really get your motor running.
A tour round the iconic Catherine Palace is not to be missed - its unique Amber Room, which is literally lined with slabs of real amber and decorated with golf leaf, brings a whole new meaning to the word glow. Prepare to be dazzled too by the Grand Hall, which features massive arched windows, a myriad of mirrors and lots of gold leaf.
* Kindly ask you to pay attention that during high season (May - September) actual timing for your tour might differ from your initial itinerary. Timing will be finalized within 14-9 days prior to visit to Catherine palace.
Top tip (optional)
In the evening, a Russian folk show at the beautiful 19th century Nikolaevsky Palace provides a brilliant opportunity to enjoy the cultural traditions of Russia. Using common household items such as wooden spoons to make music, over two hours, the dynamic, colorful display of songs and dances from regional Russia is bound to dazzle and entertain. Tickets for the show can be bought from our office.
Day 8 - Departure
After taking time to pick up some final mementos and souvenirs, a driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby to take you to the airport.
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Accommodation: Marco Polo Hotel St Petersburg 4* or Grand Hotel Tchaikovsky 4* or similar;
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7 Breakfasts;
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Tickets for the day speedy train Moscow - St Petersburg (4 hours);
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Transport: for transfers and sightseeing tours we use a comfortable coach or minibus; on our sightseeing trips we may also go on foot or use public transport (mainly the Underground, which is very efficient and helps to avoid traffic congestion);
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Tour staff and support: English-speaking guide, transfer driver;
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Guided sightseeing city tour Moscow / St Petersburg;
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Underground guided tour, entry fee to the Metro;
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Kremlin Grounds Tour, entry fee to the Kremlin grounds and Cathedrals;
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Guided tour to Hermitage, entry fee to the Hermitage;
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Guided tour to Kolomenskoe, entry fee to Kolomenskoe;
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Guided tour to Peterhof, entry fee to the Grand Palace;
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Entrance fees: all entrance fees as per itinerary;
Please note we have designed our tours for you that you have a guided tours first half of the day and you have some free time after. We believe this is the best way to explore the cities.
Flights and Visa services are not included in the tour.
You may choose and book your flight using our smart and easy tool at:
https://www.visitrussia.org.uk/flights/
Moscow - Garden Ring Hotel****
Choosing between Moscow hotels isn’t easy. We’re sure you’ll enjoy staying at this 4-star hotel in Moscow, located in the central part of the city and providing a high level of service and really comfortable rooms. We believe our guests deserve the best, which is why the Moscow hotel meets the top international standards.
Garden Ring Hotel in Moscow is the perfect choice both for tourists coming for sightseeing and fun, and businessmen travelling for work. It’s very easy to get to the centre of Moscow and all the major sights, including Red Square and the Kremlin, Bolshoi Theatre and Olympic Stadium. Moreover, there are lots of museums, churches, theatres and parks within walking distance of the hotel. You can also find numerous restaurants, cafes, clubs and shopping centres nearby.
St Petersburg: Marco Polo Hotel St Petersburg ****
According to the project of the architect Rudolf F.F., In 1874 five-story house number 27 on the 12th line of Vasilievsky Island was built for the senator N. Kalachev. From 1915 to 1920 an outstanding hydrologist V. Glushkov lived in this house. He became one of the founders of the Department of Hydrology in St. Petersburg. From 1902 to 1915 a well-known mathematician, mechanic, and Doctor of Science Alexander Lyapunov lived in this house. He developed his main theories that were recognized throughout the scientific world.The hotel was officially opened in 2005. Immerse in the royal past of St. Petersburg with the unrivaled design of the Marco Polo St Petersburg boutique-hotel.
Nearest metro station is Vasileostrovskaya.
St Petersburg: Grand Hotel Tchaikovsky ****
Grand Hotel Tchaikovsky is situated in a 19th-century revenue house, conveys the atmosphere of true Petersburg and combines it with modern design and technology. It is only 3 minutes away from Chernishevskaya underground station, a five minute walk from Nevsky Prospect and within 10 minutes walking distance of the Alexandrinsky Theatre and St Isaac's Cathedral.
Facilities include 24-hour reception, elevator and free WiFi.
European cuisine can be enjoyed in the hotel's elegant restaurant.