Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: St. Petersburg, Russia
Welcome to St. Petersburg! Start exploring this fascinating city at your own pace. Your Local Host is available for questions and directions this afternoon and tomorrow morning.
Day 2: St. Petersburg
Founded by Peter the Great, construction of St. Petersburg began in 1703 and the city eventually spread over 100 islands linked by 700 bridges. It suffered severe damage during World War II, when a cruel 900-day siege claimed more than a million victims. At 2 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions. Then, follow your Local Guide for a walk to magnificent ST. ISAAC’S CATHEDRAL. This evening, to get a real taste of traditional Russian delicacies, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel
Day 3: St. Petersburg
Visit the Winter Palace complex with your Local Guide. Formerly the residence of the czars, it is now home to the world-famous HERMITAGE MUSEUM, with celebrated works by Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci.
Day 4: St. Petersburg.
Travel to Pushkin, home of Russia’s last czar, and visit magnificent CATHERINE PALACE (if closed visit Pavlovsk Palace instead). The balance of the day is at leisure and optional activities are available to further explore this fascinating city.
Day 5: St. Petersburg–Moscow.
Transfer to the railway station and board the high-speed SAPSAN TRAIN to Moscow. This evening, you may wish to join an optional excursion to the impressive Moscow Underground.
Today’s Distance: 404 mi / 650 km
Day 6: Moscow.
Sightseeing with a Local Guide features visits to RED SQUARE and the KREMLIN, a city-within-a-city, where you can admire the medieval towers, cathedrals, and palaces. At the ARMORY MUSEUM, see treasures such as Ivan the Terrible’s throne. Of course, you will also see the Bolshoi Theater.
Day 7: Moscow.
Another day full of highlights: Visit the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR, the largest Orthodox Christian church in the world, as well as the NOVODEVICHY (New Maiden) CONVENT and its CEMETERY, with the tombs of famous Russian authors, musicians, and political leaders. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with Russian champagne and local specialties as a proper dasvidaniya to Russia.
Day 8: Moscow.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Package Inclusions
Inclusions:
• 04 nights accommodation in St. Petersburg
• 03 nights accommodation in Moscow
• Guided visit of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, a welcome dinner with Russian delicacies, visit the Hermitage Museum and Catherine Palace (if closed, visit Pavlovsk Palace instead) in St Petersburg
• St. Petersburg to Moscow by Sapsan train
• Guided sightseeing, visit the Kremlin, Red Square, and the Armory Museum
• Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and Novodevichy (New Maiden) Convent with its cemetery; farewell dinner with Russian champagne in Moscow