Moscow & St. Petersburg

Accommodation throughout is in hotels of a 3 or 4-star standard. Amenities include bar, restaurant and lift. Bedrooms feature TV, telephone and private facilities.

In St. Petersburg you will stay in the 4-star Hotel Pribaltiyskaya or similar, located approximately 5 miles from the city centre.

In Moscow you will stay in the 4-star Holiday Inn Suschevsky or similar, a short drive from the city centre.

Hotels will be confirmed in your final documents.

Day 1: UK/St. Petersburg

Depart on your scheduled flight to St. Petersburg. On arrival transfer to your hotel for a three night stay.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, formerly Leningrad, was the capital of Russia until the October Revolution in 1917. Today the city is an enticing mix of the historical and modern. This morning we include a half-day tour of St. Petersburg – you will take a tour of the city passing by spectacular buildings including the Admiralty, St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Hermitage.

This world-renowned museum is vast. Within its walls are over 2.7 million pieces of art with examples from the Italian renaissance and French impressionist eras and work of the greats: Picasso, Rembrandt, Matisse and many others.

In the afternoon take the opportunity to visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, the historic core of St. Petersburg. The cathedral is the resting place of all Russian Emperors and Empresses from Peter the Great to Nicholas II.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 3: St. Petersburg

After breakfast this morning enjoy an optional excursion to Peterhof – the former Summer Palace of Peter the Great, the founder of the city. The palace is often referred to as the ‘Russian Versailles’ and indeed Peter took his inspiration for the estate after seeing the revered Versailles. Despite devastating destruction during the Second World War the palace was brought back to glory by a team of enthusiastic volunteers in the late 1940’s. The palace is surrounded by impressive formal gardens which have been established over a number of generations and encompass a variety of styles from different periods. And of course you will not want to miss the ornate fountains which themselves are a popular tourist attraction. The most famous collection of fountains, the Grand Cascade, comprises a remarkable 64 different golden fountains.

Alternatively you may wish to take the chance to explore St. Petersburg at your own pace. Just walking around the city is an experience in itself, there is so much to take in. Stroll along the broad avenues, admire the baroque palaces and immense cathedrals. Enjoy time to relax in a canal side café and try some traditional blini pancakes which are so popular here.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 4: Moscow

Enjoy the day at leisure to explore more of this charming metropolis, the most northern city in the world. St. Petersburg is actually situated on several islands with the Neva River flowing between, thus offering a very unique city experience.

Choose to join the optional tour this morning to St Catherine Palace. On this enlightening tour you will find that there is much to discover outside of the compounds of the city. We will venture into the countryside surrounding St. Petersburg to Pushkin where the palace is located. The flamboyant Baroque, Catherine Palace will offer you a taste of the Russian high life and the imperial history of this incredible region.

This afternoon perhaps take the opportunity to explore more of the Hermitage Museum. Your Tour Manager will help you to uncover some of the highlights of this extensive museum complex.

After an included dinner at your hotel you will be transferred to the railway station where you will board the overnight train to Moscow. Your Tour Manager will travel with you. Accommodation is in 4-berth, 2nd class couchette. An upgrade to 1st class, a 2-berth sleeper, is available at a supplement.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 5: Moscow

The city of Moscow was founded in 1147 as a wooden fortress, which developed into a city of immense contrasts – on the one hand a city with many great historical buildings, on the other a vibrant modern city of over 8 million people. After breakfast, enjoy our half-day included Moscow city tour, featuring the major sights such as the Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Choose from a selection of optional excursions and additional activities to see the best of the city.

Kremlin

The oldest part of the city is the Kremlin; it is surrounded by the red-brick towers and colossal walls that were erected in the 15th century. You’ll have the opportunity to see some of the magnificent cathedrals and palaces here today. The Kremlin is a symbol of Russia and an institution surrounded by mystery and intrigue. Take your chance to delve into the fascinating history of this remarkable fortress on this optional tour. Much of the citadel territory still remains out-of-bounds to the public; the section which is open to the public offers a wonderful insight into the history of the citadel and the fascinating work that goes on behind the scenes.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Days 6 - 7: Moscow

Moscow

Enjoy two days at leisure in this remarkable city. Explore at your own pace, alternatively choose to join the optional excursions and additional activities that are available - detailed below. Please note that alternative excursions may be offered.

Kremlin Armoury tour

You may wish to combine your visit to the Kremlin with a tour of the magnificent Armoury collection. The museum which is contained within the walls of the citadel, houses the nation’s collection of gold, silver, arms, imperial clothes, carriages and many other treasures. In the company of your local guide, you will learn some of the fascinating and diverse history of the country’s complicated yet captivating past.

Moscow by night

Join us as we take a tour of Moscow in the evening. As the light begins to fade and the street lights flicker into life, the city takes on a whole new identity. We will journey along the river, continuing to Tverskaya Avenue and on to lively Pushkinskaia Square. The city’s striking buildings and monuments look even more dramatic against the backdrop of the night sky. Our moonlight tour also takes us to the Kremlin, Red Square and the amazing St Basil’s Cathedral amongst many other impressive landmarks.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 8: Moscow/UK

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

Meals: Breakfast