Two Capitals of Russia: Moscow - St. Petersburg - 6 Days

INTRODUCTION

 

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Moscow
Arrival in Moscow. Transfer to the Hotel
Our driver will meet you at the airport in Moscow and transfer you to your hotel. There’ll be time for you to explore on your own this afternoon and evening if you wish.

Meals: NA
Transport: minibus / coach

Day 2 - Moscow
Moscow City Tour. Novodevichiy Convent. Red Square, St. Basil's, Lenin Mausoleum. Arbat Street
Moscow’s a vast city with a compact core. To give you an overview of the Russian capital we’ve arranged a bus tour to orientate you with its major sights, including the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Tverskaya Street, Bulvarnoye Koltso (Boulevard Ring) and several other attractions. One of the highlights of this tour is to be taken up to the Sparrow Hills observation platform from which there’s a superb panoramic view across the city. A visit to the Novodevichiy Convent with its legendary cemetery follows.

No visit to Moscow could be complete without a look at Red Square. We’ll admire the colourful St. Basil’s Cathedral and peer at Lenin’s body in the Mausoleum. After lunch there’ll be time to explore Arbat Street. This is one of Moscow’s premier shopping areas, and a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts for those back home. If you like, you could buy a typical Russian fur hat known as a shapka.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach

Day 3 - Moscow
Kremlin & Armoury. Moscow Metro Tour. Departure to St. Petersburg
Having ticked off some of the major sights, we delve a little into Moscow’s history today. Our focus is the Kremlin, once the former residence of the Tsars and the centre for the Russian Orthodox Church. These days, it is home to the President. One of the highlights of a visit to the Kremlin is the chance to see its magnificent cathedrals with their glittering domes. There’ll also be the opportunity to take a look at the Tsar Cannon. Though it is one of the largest cannons ever to be made, it has never seen warfare. The Tsar Bell has no equal anywhere on the planet; if you thought Big Ben was impressive, this one is a massive fifteen times its weight.

Even the public transport systems in the Russian capital are impressive, particularly the famous Moscow Metro and so we’ve included a guided tour this afternoon. Plans date back to the time of the Russian Empire but construction didn’t begin until the 20th century and the first station opened in 1935. It’s now the second busiest metro system in the world. This is Soviet Era architecture at its very best: colourful frescoes, ornate mouldings, intricate mosaics and of course plenty of bling make this a jaw-dropping visit.

The high speed journey by Sapsan takes around 4 hours. On arrival you’ll be met at the train station and driven to your hotel where you’ll check in.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach, train

Day 4 - St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg City Tour
After breakfast you'll take a guided city tour of St Petersburg. This, the most European of all Russian cities, is nicknamed the Venice of the North. You'll explore the city's must-see sights, including the Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac's Cathedral and the Church of Christ's Resurrection (also known as the Saviour of the Blood). You will also lay eyes on the famous cruiser Aurora, the legendary ship whose cannon, on Lenin's orders, signalled the beginning of the Great Social Revolution.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach

Day 5 - St. Petersburg
Hermitage Museum. Folklore Performance
Today is devoted to one of the world’s premier museums, The Hermitage. Originally, the building was the Tsar’s Winter Palace, the main residence of the family from the 1760s. These days it holds one of the most extensive collections of art anywhere in the world. All the famous names of the art world are represented, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt and Picasso among them. It’s possible to be a little overwhelmed, so we’d suggest planning what you’d especially like to see in advance rather than trying to look at everything.

This evening, we’ve arranged for you to see a Folklore Show at the Nikolaevsky Palace. Entitled “Feel Yourself Russian” it encompasses the diverse and rich cultural heritage of the country, showcasing everything from the high-energy dances of the Cossacks to the sound of the balalaika, that quintessentially Russian instrument. You’ll begin to see why Russia is still an enigma, barely understood by East or West, and learn a little about the passion and feeling that characterises the country’s people.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach

Day 6 - St. Petersburg
Departure to the Airport
Sadly, it’s time to pack and head off to the airport. You’ll be transferred by our driver for your flight home.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach

PRICES

Hotels 3*, Moscow - Ibis Bakhrushina, St. Petersburg - Nevsky Grand
Tour start date	10 pax 1 free	15 pax 1 free	20 pax 1 free	single supplement	1st class train upgrade
01/01 - 31/03	€645	€595	€545	€125	€75
01/04 - 30/04	€745	€695	€645	€175	€75
01/05 - 30/06	€795	€745	€695	€225	€75
01/07 - 30/09	€745	€695	€645	€175	€75
01/10 - 31/12	€645	€595	€545	€125	€75

 

Hotels 4*, Moscow - Marriott Courtyard, St. Petersburg - Petropalace
Tour start date	10 pax 1 free	15 pax 1 free	20 pax 1 free	single supplement	1st class train upgrade
01/01 - 31/03	€695	€645	€595	€195	€75
01/04 - 30/04	€845	€795	€745	€295	€75
01/05 - 30/06	€895	€845	€795	€355	€75
01/07 - 30/09	€845	€795	€745	€295	€75
01/10 - 31/12	€695	€645	€595	€195	€75

Note on pricing:

• All prices are in EURO per person based on the number of participants in the group
• 1 free - one free of charge participant
• Single supplement goes towards single room accommodation at hotels

INCLUDED

• Accommodation
• Excursions according to the programme
• Entrance fees
• Airport & railway transfers
• Day train 2nd class 
• Meals according to the programme
• Visa support letter

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights
• Optional excursions & services
• Travel insurance
• Tips
• Visa fees. We can assist with visas in India, UK, USA, Germany, France, Spain