Heritage Cities of Russia

Russia has long been a land of wonder and power which intrigues those in the west.  Russia is the motherland to brilliant writers, artists, and innovators.  It boasts St. Basil’s cathedral, one of the most iconic buildings in the world, and ballet, one of the most arduous and beautiful forms of dance.  See the highlights of Moscow and Saint Petersburg and immerse yourself in the cultural and historical heritage of this fascinating country.

Day 1 Moscow

Arrive at the airport in Moscow. Meet your guide and reach the heart of the city by private car. Check into your selected Moscow hotel and rest up for the days ahead.

Day 2 Moscow

Explore Russia’s capital city with your private guide. Become acquainted with the Moscow subway, the most popular and fastest public transport.  Many of Moscow’s metro stations are architectural masterpieces, heavily themed with sculptures, reliefs, and mosaics.  After riding the Metro, visit the Kremlin. Step inside for a tour of the interior of the famous fortress whose foundation in the 12^th century signified the birth of Moscow.

Walk through Red Square, the heart of Moscow and all Russia. Enter the GUM store, the historic department store unrivaled in its combination of size, elegance and opulent architecture.

Enjoy an afternoon and evening to discover the city at your leisure.

Day 3 Moscow & Saint Petersburg

Embark on a morning trip to Izmailovo Vernisage, where you can find traditional Russian crafts, antiques, art works, and souvenirs.  Continue to the Vodka Museum and learn the secrets of the production of Russia’s national drink.  Take part in a tasting and enjoy lunch at a traditional bar with authentic appetizers, including sturgeon and salmon caviar. Then take a master class in painting traditional Russian matryoshka – also known as the Russian nesting doll.

Drive to the Leningradsky station for a fast train to the “north capital.” Enjoy the four-hour journey sipping hot sweet tea, delivered by your carriage’s provodnitsa (attendant), while admiring the Russian countryside.  Arrive Saint Petersburg and  transfer to your selected hotel for overnight.

Day 4 Saint Petersburg

Begin your exploration today with a view of the major architectural works of the city. You will have chance to see the famous statue of Peter the Great, known as the Bronze Horseman. Admire the Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood and  St. Isaac’s Cathedral.

Cross the Neva River to Vasilievsky Island, the largest island in the Neva delta.  Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, the birthplace of the city.  The Fortress is located on one of the small islands in Neva Delta.

Take a relaxing boat ride along the rivers and canals of St. Petersburg, revealing the unique beauty of the city. Be sure to take your camera as you will have a chance to see the city from different angles, with ample opportunities to capture memorable photos. Enjoy time at leisure in the  city center before returning to your hotel.

Day 5 Saint Petersburg

Take an unforgettable tour of the famous State Hermitage Museum, occupying six magnificent buildings along the Neva River in the heart of St Petersburg. The leading role in this unique architectural ensemble is played by the Winter Palace.

The Hermitage is one of the largest museums in the world, housing incomparable collections of art treasures.  Afterward, enjoy some free time for your own personal pursuits.

Day 6 Saint Petersburg

Enjoy a tour to Tsarskoye Selo (Tsar’s village), which served as a summer residence of the Russian Royal family from the days of Peter the Great until the time of the last tsar.
Visit the 18th-century Catherine’s Palace, followed by a tour of Peterhof, another summer residence of the Russian Royal family, located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. It shows the Russian tsars’ admiration for the French-styled palaces and gardens.

A system of multiple fountains and waterfalls with an abundance of gold sculptures below the Grand Palace has recently been opened to the public after restoration. View the cascade of 129 fountains from the terrace. The most famous of these is the Samson Fountain, from which a jet of water shoots 66 feet into the air.

Transfer to the city center by hydrofoil (depending on the season).

Day 7 Saint Petersburg

After breakfast, bid farewell to St. Petersburg as you depart for the airport and your onward or homeward bound flight.