9 DAYS CLASSIC RUSSIA: MOSCOW & ST PETERSBURG

Arrival in Moscow
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free to rest after your flight journey or enjoy a short orientation for a first glimpse of Red Square.

Moscow Highlights
Many say that Moscow is not a real city but a conglomeration of villages, each with its own flavor. This morning, start with Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Then embark on a city tour which includes Hill of Glory, Moscow River, the University, and the world’s tallest Eastern Orthodox Church in the world – Christ the Savior cathedral. End the morning with a visit to the lovely Novodevichy Convent, with its cluster of sparkling dome and gorgeous turreted wall.

This afternoon, visit the true gem of the Russian capital – Tretyakov Gallery. Comprising the world’s best collection of the Russian art, it is a place to visit for any connoisseur of art, wishing to plunge into Russian life and culture in the best traditions of the world fine arts.

Imperial Treasures and Soviet Secrets
This morning visit the Kremlin, you will visit the Armory Museum with a vast collection of Imperial Russian artwork. You will have a chance to see the greatest collection of Faberge Imperial Easter Eggs.nIt boasts unique collections of the Russian, Western European and Eastern applied arts spanning the period from the 5th to the 20th centuries.

In the afternoon, admire the extravagant décor of the Russian capital’s celebrated metro stations built during the Soviet period. End the day with a private visit of WWII Bunker, enjoy some mystic stories and the Soviet Russian history.

The Golden Ring of Russia
Morning visit to the Kolomenskoye opened air Museum, Former Country Residence of Russian Tzars. The history of Kolomenskoye is intertwined with the history of the Russian monarchy. It was a home for Peter the Great.

In the afternoon, drive to Vladimir, one of the Golden Ring cities. Vladimir was one of the medieval capitals of Russia and nowadays having 3 UNESCO World Heritage listed sites. After your tour of Vladimir, drive to the diamond of the Golden Ring cities, Suzdal. Stepping into Suzdal is like stepping back in time, the cute wooden cottages mingling with golden cupolas that reflect in the river. Enjoy a Matroshkla painting class.

The Spiritual Heart of Russia
This morning, we visit Sergiev Posad, the religious capital of Russia that offers a beautifully restored Monastery and the walled fortress of Troitse-Sergiev Monastery, one of Russia’s most beautiful, where pilgrims have journeyed since the 14th century. In the afternoon, drive back to Moscow and rest.

This evening enjoy dinner at SAVVA, a prestigious, michelin chef restaurant. It offers sophisticated “New Russian” cuisine, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques.

Train to Saint Petersburg
This morning, transfer to the train station and we board the high-speed train to Saint Petersburg, around 4 hours journey.

This afternoon, visit Peter & Paul Fortress, the best place to tell the history of the city. Then take a private boat tour along the canal to see the city from a different perspective.

Dinner with caviar tasting by caviar somelier.

Imperial Arts
Devote the morning to Hermitage, we will enter the museum before the crowd, the museum which compares with Louvre or British Museum as a truly world-class museum. Witness the Gold Peacock Clock Ceremony.

This afternoon, enjoy a private session at the Fabergé Museum, best known for the Imperial Easter Eggs created for the last two Russian emperors.

In the late afternoon, we go back stage at the Mariinsky Theatre for a special behind‑the‑scenes tour before attending a performance.

Imperial Heritage
This morning, we make an excursion to the former summer residences of the Russian court Peterhof. You will visit the Grand Palace itself as well as explore the lovely garden – with both French and English style sections.

Then we go on a walking tour. You will walk along Nevsky Prospect, the main street of the city, past the Bronze Horseman statue of Peter the Great, the first Stock Exchange, Decembrist’s Square, Vasilievsky Island, Smolny, Cathedral, Palace Square and the Admiralty building and many beautiful bridges of the city. You will also visit the beautiful St Isaac and Church of Spilled Blood.

Farewell to Saint Petersburg
Enjoy a leisure morning.

In the afternoon, visit the magnificent summer residence of the Russian Tsars – Pushkin (Tsarskoye Selo), Catherine Palace with the Amber Room inside, which is considered to be one of the world’s wonders.

After dinner, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.