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.