Treasures of Two Capitals
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URL: http://www.travelallrussia.com/tours-to-moscow/russia-two%20capitals-tour132.html
Itinerary
| Day 1 | Arrival to Moscow Welcome to Moscow - the historic capital of Russia and the largest city in entire Europe. Your driver will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. There is no program planned for this evening, but your hotel is located in the heart of the city, right by the Kremlin, so you can check out local restaurants or take a walk and enjoy fresh summer breeze of Moscow evenings. |
| Day 2 | The Red Square and Kremlin Today, we will head to the heart of it all in Moscow - the Red Square. After spending some time in the middle of this most famous square in the world that you have seen so many times on TV and in the movies, we will proceed to the St. Basil's Cathedral (the colorful church that stands on the Red Square that you are also very familiar with) and then to the Kremlin. The Kremlin is the most recognizable symbol of Moscow. This ancient citadel was constructed in 1147 to defend the city from the Mongols and the Lithuanians. Moscow has since grown beyond the original walls, but the Kremlin has remained a representation of political power in Russia. St. Basil's Cathedral stands as one of the most impressive architectural sites in Moscow. This colorful cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of Basil the Blessed and was built between 1555 and 1561. Today your lunch will be provided in a local city restaurant during the tour. In the evening we have prepared for you a Welcome Dinner in the hotel. What to see in Moscow: Moscow City Guide |
| Day 3 | Moscow City Tour The Red Square and the Kremlin are the most interesting sights in Moscow, of course, but there are other interesting things to see too. Two of such must-see places is Moscow Subway and Tretyakov Picture Gallery. We will start the tour of both places right after breakfast. The Moscow Subway was constructed not only to streamline the city's transportation, but also to celebrate the accomplishments of the Soviets. The entire subway is a work of socialist realism, making passengers feel as though they are entering various underground palaces, not merely riding the subway to work. On top of immense cultural value, Moscow's subway is a highly efficient transportation system that carries three million passengers daily and spans the entire city in a star-like fashion. Interestingly, the subway can also serve as a nuclear shelter in case of war. The Tretyakov Picture Gallery is Moscow's most famous collection of art and one of the world's top galleries. It began as the private collection of a wealthy Muscovite merchant, Tretyakov, who lived in the 19th century and donated his collection to the city. Right after the tour, we will transfer you to the train station for your departure to St. Petersburg on a new modern express train Sapsan. Notes: Hotel check out at noon. You should either check out before going on the day's tour and leave your bags in the special storage room of the hotel, or you can request your travel specialist to arrange late checkout. |
| Day 4 | St. Petersburg City Tour St. Petersburg welcomes you. This city is the crown jewel of Russian cities and one of the world's most amazing travel destinations. Today, you will explore the Peter and Paul's Fortress, the Church of Savior on Spilled Blood and the St. Isaak's Cathedral. This afternoon, you will have some free time to explore the city on your own. Peter and Paul Fortress was designed to defend the city from naval attacks, but was used as a political prison for dissidents of the tsarist regime and as a museum during the soviet era. The fortress now stands as the tomb for the Russian imperial family. The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood was built to commemorate one of Russia's greatest emperors. Alexander II is most famous for liberating the Russian serfs two years before the abolition of slavery in the U.S. After he was assassinated, the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood was erected in his honor. St Isaac's Cathedral is one of the most impressive cathedrals in Europe. Because of its rich decorations, gigantic golden cupolas, and sprawling observation deck, it is one of the most popular tourist sites in St. Petersburg. You will have lunch in a local city restaurant. During this city tour you will also visit St. Isaac's Square and observe these from the outside: the Mariinsky Theater, the Hermitage, the Winter Palace, the Palace Square, the Spit of Vasilievskiy Island, the Bronze Horseman Statue, Peter's Log Cabin, Cruiser Aurora, Smolny Palace, the Nevsky Prospect, the Square of Arts, and more. Learn more about the venues from our Guide to St. Petersburg Theaters. What to see in St. Petersburg: St. Petersburg City Guide |
| Day 5 | The Hermitage and the Winter Palace This day is reserved for the Hermitage Museum, which is to St. Petersburg what Kremlin is to Moscow. St Petersburg has dozens of beautiful palaces, but the Winter Palace stands above them all. First of all, it is one of the best collections of art in the world. Secondly, this collection is located in the very building where Russian emperors lived. It is here that they rose to power and its if from these walls that they ruled 1/5 of the world's territories. It was also here that the Bolsheviks overthrew their reign. The Bolsheviks were tempted to destroy the palace, the symbol of tsars, but its artistic value was so immense that they transformed it into the museum. The Hermitage. They say that if you were to spent three minutes by each of the exhibits in the Hermitage, it would've taken you three years to see the Hermitage. But don't worry - you will have an experienced guide, who will show you the best rooms and halls in just 4 hours. And, when the guided tour ends, you can continue exploring this enormous palace/museum on your own. Optional: tour of the Diamond Room, a jewelry collection from 300 BC to present day ($115 per person). Visit to Diamond Room should be booked at least one month before the tour! Recommended activity for the afternoon/early evening: take a boat ride over St. Petersburg canals. It is quite an experience. Boats stop at most central bridges. Optional tour of Catherine's Palace is also available for this day. Please ask your tour manager for details.
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| Day 6 | Peterhof This day is reserved for the trip outside of the city, to Peterhof - royal residence on the outskirts of the city where Russian tsars spend most of their time during warm time of the year. Visit magnificent Grand Summer Palace, lavishly decorated with the two white pavilions with gilded cupolas. Beige and white, the palace is majestic without being overwhelming, and provides a perfect backdrop both to the elegantly formal Upper Garden, and to the spectacular Grand Cascade at the very foot of the palace. Peterhof is most famous for its fountain park, which rivals that of Versailles. Its sprawling gardens, 176 ornate fountains of various forms and styles, numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes, including the famous Samson Fountain, will enthrall you. Duration of the tour is 6 hours. |
| Day 7 | Departure Today is the final day of your tour. Your driver will take you to the airport where you will leave with a lifetime of memories from Russia’s two amazing capitals. We hope you return to this enigmatic country soon! |