Russia: Moscow & St Petersburg
(8 days)

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Day 1: Join tour Moscow

Arrive Moscow and check into hotel. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

Day 2: Orientation and Red Square

Moscow is the pivotal centre of Russia and there is much to see and do here. This morning we will do a tour of the metro, which is itself an experience – many of the stations being cavernous underground halls elaborately decorated with chandeliers. Our metro tour will end in the infamous Red Square, still paved in its original stones, where you can gaze in awe at the colourful onion-domes of the 16th century St Basil's (the cathedral of the Intercession). Ivan the Terrible worshiped here and it is surely one of the most remarkable architectural edifices in the world. This afternoon we go on an orientation tour by bus of some of the sights on the outskirts of the city, including the Lenin Hills, from which we should get a panorama of the city, and the outside of Novodevichy Convent/Monastery. We return to the hotel later this afternoon. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Visit the Kremlin

This morning we take the metro to the massive Moscow Kremlin – a city within a city. The triangular walls enclose an incredible complex of buildings including three fine palaces, cathedrals, belfries and towers that represent Russia throughout its glorious past. We recommend an optional visit to the Kremlin Armoury museum which contains a stunning collection of imperial jewels and regalia, including the 16th century English silver sent to Ivan the Terrible by Queen Elizabeth I with an eye to matrimony. The afternoon is free to discover Russia's Capital on your own. You may choose to visit the state central museum of contemporary history, where you can get a good insight into Russia's history from the beginning of the 19th Century to present day. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Free in Moscow; optional Sergiev Posad tour; overnight train to St Petersburg

Today is left at your leisure to explore the many other sights Moscow has to offer. You might opt to visit Lenin's tomc (closed Mondays), one of the many fine art galleries, the impressive GUM department store, the Bolshoi theatre or Gorky Park. Alternatively you might like to take an optional tour to Sergiev Posad, the stunningly beautiful monastery 60 km from Moscow that is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country. This evening we re-unite to transfer to Moscow's main station to board the train bound for St Petersburg (4 berth compartments; bedding provided). Overnight Train (U) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 5: In St Petersburg; city tour

St Petersburg (formerly Leningrad) was founded by Peter the Great as his 'Window on the West', and built on the hundred islets that form the delta of the Neva river. It must surely be acclaimed as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe – some would say the most beautiful. Peter's original idea for its location as a naval base on the Baltic Coast was perhaps something of a mistake: the port is ice-bound for one third of the year. It became the city for great writers such as Pushkin and Dostoyevski and it still retains much of the romantic spirit of those bygone days. We arrive in the morning on the train from Moscow and head off on a guided tour of some of the highlights of this great city. We will take in St Isaac's Cathedral, Alexander Nevsky Convent, the Church of the Saviour of the Spilled Blood, the Cruiser Aurora, and Palace Square (please note we only have time to visit the outside of these sites on our bus tour). This afternoon you may wish to visit the St. Peter and Paul Fortress (optional). Please note this breakfast is not included on the overnight train. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

Day 6: In St Petersburg; Winter Palace and Hermitage

Included on our second day is a visit to the Winter Palace and Hermitage Museum. The Hermitage is unquestionably one of the finest art galleries in the world, containing the works of masters like Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Raphael, Velázquez, Rubens and Rembrandt, as well as contemporary pieces by Matisse and Picasso. This afternoon is free to enjoy the city at your leisure. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 7: In St Petersburg; visit Catherine the Great's Palace at Pushkin

On our third day we shall visit Pushkin (formerly Tsarskoe Selo, the 'Tsar's Village'), where Pushkin's 19th century wooden house is located. The Tsar's royal estates were built here, including the summer residence of Catherine the Great, a majestic palace styled in blue and gold rococo. After viewing its sumptuous interior, including the grand gold and crystal ballroom, we may stroll around the lakes and gardens of the palace. This afternoon is free and if you have not done so already you should spend some time just wandering down Nevsky Prospekt. The main street in town is a fascinating walk with three miles of shops, cafés, waterways, elegant buildings and historic monuments. There is the option of a visit to Yusupov Palace, the city residence of one of Russia's wealthiest families. The tour includes the state rooms, private apartments and its beautiful theatre as well as the basement apartments where the 'mad monk', Rasputin was murdered in the early twentieth century. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Tour ends St Petersburg

Included meals: Breakfast