Cradle of Russia

Embark on a journey to Eastern Europe’s three greatest capitals - Kiev, Moscow, and St. Petersburg! We’ve designed this small group tour for those who prefer traveling with other English-speakers yet do not want to be stuck in a group larger than fifteen to twenty.

DATES IN 2013	AVAILABILITY
May 21-30	Group closed
June 10-19	Group closed
July 16-25	4 spaces left
Aug 13-22	Available
Sept 10-19	Available
DATES IN 2014	AVAILABILITY
May 14-23	Available
June 4 -13	Available
July 9-18	Available
Aug 13-22	Available
Sept 10-19	Available

Duration: 10 days

Type: Small group

Price per person

Regular price 2013

$ 3,077

Price is valid for all dates in 2013

Early bird special 2014

$ 2,977

A discounted price for early bookings made for any tour date in 2014.

Single traveler

$ 4,177

All prices are per person, based on 2 persons traveling, unless noted otherwise. Prices for a single traveler or for a third person may differ.

100% price transparency: this price includes all taxes, fees and credit card charges.

Overview
Itinerary
Included
Hotels
Visas
Sights
Reviews

Itinerary

ITINERARY

Close all days-

Day 1

Kiev, arrival -

Transfer with a guide is arranged for you.

Day 2

City tour of Kiev -

Kiev city tour including St Sophia, Golden Gates, Andrew's Slope and Andrew Church. Lunch is included. Enjoy welcome dinner at traditional Ukraine restaurant.

Day 3

Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra -

Lunch is included. You'll have a chance to be enthralled by walking tour of central street Kreshatik and Independence Square.

Day 4

Tour to Pirogovo, flight from Kiev to Moscow -

After the tour to Pirogovo, you'll have a lunch and will get a transfer to the airport. You will be met by guide at the airport upon your arrival in Moscow.

Day 5

Moscow, Red Square and Kremlin -

Tour duration is 8 hours: 4-hour city tour of Moscow covers Red Square, St Basil's Cathedral, Vorobyovy Gory Park and the beautiful Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the second half of the tour covers Kremlin territory and Armoury. Lunch is included. Welcome dinner will be arranged at your hotel at 8 p.m.

Day 6

Moscow, visit to Tretyakov Gallery, arrival in St. Petersburg -

A short metro-ride to/from Tretyakov Gallery, 2 hour tour of Treryakov Gallery, transfer to the station is arranged, going to St. Petersburg onboard Sapsan train, transfer with a guide to the hotel is arranged.

Day 7

St. Petersburg, city tour -

6 hour city tour with visits to Peter and Paul's fortress, St Issac's Cathedral and Church on Spilled Blood. Lunch is included.

Day 8

St. Petersburg, visit to the Hermitage -

A 4 hour-guided tour of the Hermitage Museum. Optional tour: Diamond Room, $105/person (should be booked at least 1 month before the tour).

Day 9

St. Petersburg, Peterhof -

6-hour tour to Peterhof with a visit to Grand Palace in Peterhof. Farewell dinner will be arranged at your hotel at 8 p.m.

Day 10

St. Petersburg, departure -

Your driver will take you to the airport.

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Call us today

1-800-884-1721

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What's included

Full Russian visa processing service for US customers and visa support service (invitation) for customers from all other countries;
Airport transfers;
Quality hotels in Kiev, Moscow, St. Petersburg (see reviews below);
Breakfasts at the hotel;
Museum entrance fees and special no-line admission;
Tours and lunches according to the itinerary;
Welcome and Farewell Dinners.
Economy tickets on high-speed "Sapsan" train from Moscow to St. Petersburg;
Economy flight from Kiev to Moscow.

Other airfares (from your home city to Kiev and from Moscow back home) are not included.

Hotels

	Khreschatyk Hotel, Kiev Khreshatik is a 4-star hotel set right in the city centre, next to the Maydan Nezalezhnosti (The Independence Square). Khreschatyk Hotel
	Marriott Courtyard, Moscow The best located 4-star hotel, Marriott Courtyard is few blocks away from the Red Square and Kremlin. It is, in our opinion, is one of the best 4-star hotel in entire city. Marriott Courtyard Moscow
	Hotel Rossi, Saint Petersburg Boutique Hotel Rossi is a small hotel with strong emphasis on style and interior decoration. Location is superb too. Overall, this is probably the finest 4-star hotel in the city. Hotel Rossi

* Hotels availability is subject to change. In case current hotels are booked out we will provide alternative hotels of an equal value for you.

Visa

Many of our tours include visa support. We arrange visas to Russia, China, Mongolia, Ukraine and Belarus. Please refer to What's included section to see if visa service is included in this tour program.

Our Visa Department in Washington DC provides comprehensive visa service for US citizens and residents. We will prepare your application and take it to the Russian Consulate, and make sure that it is perfect (approval rate of our applications is 99.9%). Customers from other countries can also utilize our visa support. We will issue official visa invitation, which is required for applying for Russian visa, and provide you with step-by-step instructions for the application process.

United States customers

Visa service included in your tour We will prepare your application package and submit it to the Russian Consulate in Washington DC.

Visa service is not included in your tour program You can apply for visas on your own OR you can purchase our visa services: Visa section

Customers from other countries

Visa service included in your tour We will prepare your application package and submit it to the Russian Consulate in Washington DC.

Visa service is not included in your tour program You can apply for visas on your own OR you can purchase our visa service. Visa section

Sights included in program

Kiev

Kiev is one of the oldest surviving cities of ancient Russ. The kingdom of Kievan Russ, from which Russia, the Ukraine, and Belarus descended, was established between the 9th and 11th centuries and was one of the most advanced principalities in Europe before it was finally destroyed by the Mongols. The Mongols were particularly keen on burning Kiev, so much so that they raided it every few years to ensure that it never recovered its power and influence. It was in the shadow of this titanic struggle that the small principality of Moscow began building in power.

Kiev: St. Sofia Cathedral

St. Sofia Cathedral (1037 AD) is an amazing architectural testament to Kievan Russ. Originally the burial place of Kievan rulers, it fell into disrepair after the pillaging by the Kievan dukes in 1169 and then by the Mongols in 1240. The Soviet rulers called for the destruction of the cathedral, but thanks to the efforts of scientists and historians, this national heritage has been preserved.

Kiev: Andreevsky Uzviz

Andreevsky Uzviz is a major tourist attraction in Kiev that is often compared to Montmartre. Some of Kiev's most interesting sites are here, including the Castle of Richard the Lionheart, St Andrew's Church, and Mikhail Bulgakov's house. This street also has a plethora of gift shops, art galleries, delicious restaurants, and museums, making it popular among locals and tourists alike.

Kiev: Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra

One of the most interesting sights in Kiev is the Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra Monastery. Dating back to 11th century, it was the first large christian temple built in Russian lands. The Monastery is a gigantic complex with various churches and structures on the surface and intricate caves and labyrinths underneath. You will have a chance to not only walk around this very special place, but to also see the mummies of some of Russia’s ancient heroes.

Moscow: the Kremlin

Travelers sometimes describe the Kremlin as the Eighth Wonder of the World. A historic fortress complex, this principal symbol of Russia sits on the banks of the Moscow River. Its origins trace back to the very foundation of Moscow in 1147, when it was a “grad” or fortified settlement, with walls built from wood. The Kremlin walls (interspersed with 20 towers, some literal objects of art) encompass the country’s most important ceremonies and meetings, all the while serving as one of its most exhilarating tourist destinations. There are so many sights to see, from its palace buildings to its places of worship, that the better part of a day should be budgeted in any attempt to view it all. A good example of just one important sight is Cathedral Square, the fortress’ most breathtakingly beautiful location. Centered here are the limestone-faced Cathedral of the Dormition (the location of imperial coronations), the gilded-domed Cathedral of the Annunciation (personal chapel of the Imperial Family), and the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael (burial location of many of Russia’s tsars).

Moscow Subway

Moscow Subway is a subway, a nuclear bunker, and the world’s largest Stalinist art gallery. This sophisticated 300-kilometer underground railway network transports Moscow commuters - in style. With 12 separate lines that connect 186 stations, the Metro carries an average of 6.7 million people each day, more than half of the population of the city. The system was designed to operate at a faster pace than the New York Subway. But the Metro is not merely a series of trains and tunnels.

Moscow: St. Basil's Cathedral

St. Basil's Cathedral is one of the most famous works of architecture in Moscow. This colorful cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Basil the Blessed, was built between 1555 and 1561. Read on

Moscow: Tretyakov Gallery

Founded by a legendary appreciator of Russian art. Before Pavel Tretyakov opened his gallery, he collected art for four decades. Originally, this was to be a private collection accumulated for his own family to appreciate. Inspired, though, by the St. Petersburg gallery of Fedor Pryanishnikov, Tretyakov came to the idea that there should exist a public gallery in which Russian art could nspire Russian ideas among its viewers. He even sponsored a society of great Moscow artists he called “The Wanderers” in 1870, who in turn provided him with an ever-growing collection of select work with which to fulfill his vision. The gallery opened at long last in mid-August 1894, after which Moscow authorities agreed to receive it as a public institution. Ever since, even during Soviet times, the Tretyakov has been synonymous with the best in Russian art.

St. Petersburg: St. Isaac's Cathedral

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.

St. Petersburg: Peter & Paul Fortress

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. Read on

St. Petersburg: The Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage is the world’s second largest museum which houses such a vast art collection that only fifteen percent of it can be shown at any given time. It was built in 1754 by commission of Empress Elizabeth and then remodeled and extended by Catherine the Great, who used the buildings primarily to house her husband’s ever-growing art collection. It consists of five interconnected lavish palaces displaying everything from Russian Prehistoric artifacts to Da Vincis, Rembrandts, Van Goghs and Rodin’s, as well as the fabulous Scythian gold and the display of the Faberge jewelry including the Faberge eggs, gilt-incrusted furnished ballrooms, and Peter the Great’s throne. The thousands of rooms (Winter Palace alone has 1057 rooms) offer such a mesmerizing sight that you run the risk of being absorbed by one single display and then running out of time to see the rest. Rooms are numbered but not necessarily organized in any logical fashion and it’s easy to get confused and wander off. If you do, make sure that you enjoy your surroundings as you’re looking for the exit –The buildings themselves are true works of art, with over 200 white marble staircases and windows overlooking the Neva River.

What to see in St. Petersburg: City guide

St. Petersburg: The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood was built to commemorate one of Russia's greatest emperors, Alexander II. It stands on the spot of the emperor’s infamous assassination at the hands of a radical dissident who threw a bomb into his carriage. Alexander II is most famous for liberating the Russian serfs two years before the abolition of slavery in the US. This tour will focus on the exterior of the cathedral, but if you would like to explore inside the church, you may visit it on your own.

St. Petersburg: Peterhof

Tsar Peter I’s efficiency, perhaps more than anything else, made him “Great.” The first royal residence, a summer palace christened “Monplaisir” or “My Pleasure,” broke ground in 1714. Throughout his reign, Peter continued to add to the original Braunstein structure. First Jean-Baptiste LeBlonde and then Niccolo Michetti converted this simple residence into a Baroque shoreline treasure, and after Peter’s death, it became a private museum dedicated to his memory. On the bluff, Elizabeth, Peter’s daughter, commissioned Bartolomeo Rastrelli to create an extravagant Baroque building during her reign called the Grand Palace. As with all of Elizabeth’s works, it is a representation of Romanov wealth. Among the fountains, the most famous of these is the Samson Fountain, depicting the Greek hero tearing apart the mouth of a lion (a representation of Peter’s defeat of the Swedes, who used a lion as their emblem). However, the greatest attraction at Peterhof is the Grand Cascade, extending downward from Samson toward the Baltic Sea. The artistic achievement of the Peterhof is a must-see St. Petersburg attraction, but be forewarned, touring it can easily take the better part of a day.

Reviews

Lucille Cormier

03/12/2013 08:17

I have been meaning to let you know how much we enjoyed out trip to the Ukraine and to Russia. Ten days was not nearly enough! I would love to return to spend more time at the Tratyakov Gallery in Moscow and at the Museum of Russian Art in St. Petersburg - and the Hermitage too, of course. If you ever put a tour together with a concentration on Russian art - not just the beautiful icons - please let me know. I wish we had had enough time for a concert or ballet but the days were full as it was.

I also wanted to mention that our guide in Moscow, Alla, was superb. She was knowledgeable, efficient, and took very good care of us. Our other guides were also good.
We all appreciated Travel All Russia's management of the visa problems the group from Michigan had. We finally figured out that the airline office in Michigan did not give them boarding passes for the second part of the flight - from Moscow to Kiev so they had to leave the restricted area in Moscow to check in and receive boarding passes for Kiev - and this required them to use their one entry visa into Russia. Thus, the problem with trying to re-enter Russia after our stay in Kiev. Bill & I left from New York & received boarding passes for both the NY-Moscow flight and for the Moscow-Kiev flight so we did not have to leave the secure area in Moscow & had no problem re-entering Russia. The group from Michigan were full of praise for your efforts to help them obtain new visas as quickly as possible.

Lanford Adami

11/21/2012 14:14

I have a very favorable impression of Russia and the Ukraine. Of course, St Peterburg is a jewel and seeing it was the highlight of the tour. Travel All Russia did an excellent job in organizing the tour. I will recommend Travel All Russia to my friends and would not hesitate to choose your company for another tour.

Ivie Sherman

09/26/2012 13:22

I was very impressed with my Three Cities Tour with Travel All Russia. From the moment I booked the tour, Travel All Russia helped me find an airfare and even rebooked my flight when it was cancelled a few months later. Any question, I had was answered promptly. The guides on the tour were very knowledgeable and the hotels were located in central locations close to the downtown. Travel All Russia also found a roommate for me so that I would not have to pay the single supplement. The tour was relatively small 23 people and it was nice that the touring did not begin until 9:30 or 10 and finished near 3:30 so we had free time on our own. Travel All Russia made sure that we saw all the most important sights and the tours left promptly. I would highly recommend this tour company for anyone considering going to Russia.

Joseph Halovanic

07/18/2012 07:48

Sorry it took sop long to get back to you, but my computer was down. We really enjoyed our trip. By far our best guide and driver were in St. Petersburg. Olga was simply fantastic. We couldn't have asked for anything better. They even took to the train station and loaded our luggage on the train for us. Moscow was great too. Our guide was a former in-tourist guide. She did a very good job maybe talked a little too much, but still was very enjoyable. Kiev was not as good as the Russian part. We had a different driver each day. We also had a former in-tourist guide.She was also quite a talker. She gave us other options during the tour. But the ultimate decision was up to us. She showed us some places to shop and gave us an excellent place to eat.

All in all it was an excellent trip. I would recommend you to anyone traveling to Russia.

Carol Russell

12/19/2011 08:43

Our trip was wonderful. Ours was an art tour, and I can honestly say she helped us plan a tour that covered all the art collections in the two cities. Once we arrived, everything went perfectly. Our guides Olga and Ludmila were fabulous, professional, knowledgeable, helpful, and interesting. We had nice talks with them. Our hotels were very nice. Our train trip was a pleasure. Thank you for a perfect trip.
I would recommend this trip to anyone!

Daniel Kollin

07/16/2011 10:21

My wife and I just returned from a wonderful trip that you and Travel all Russia planned for us. I must express our sincere delight at all aspects of our holiday to Kiev, Moscow and St Petersburg. Each of our guides was superb, the hotels were truly 5 star in every way and the itineraries and scheduling went without any difficulties. Please accept our sincere gratitude for your efforts. I would be delighted to provide recommendations to any other clients for you and Travel all Russia.

We hope that your trip home was enjoyable. Best personal regards,

Dan Kollin

Angelo DaSilva

07/01/2011 07:55

Linda and I just returned from our tour. We loved it. We enjoyed Kiev and there had good uzbek food. Edith, the guide was knowledgeable and friendly. In Kiev there were just four of us. In Moscow we saw the essentials and joined 10 more tourists. We also had some good food and vodka. It was very hot. Our guide, Olga was funny and informative and with a great sense of humor. In S. Petersburg we had great fun and again, our guide, also named Olga, was very good. At the farewell dinner, attended by Senya, people were given the chance to comment on the Tour. There were some negative comments with which we did not agree, mostly about Olga number 1. Overall it was great. Pleaase forward our comments to Senya.

Spasiba

Linda and Angelo

Talk to an expert
Call us today

1-800-884-1721

Purchase Email us

Cradle of Russia

Price per person

Itinerary

ITINERARY

What's included

Hotels

Visa

Sights included in program

Reviews

Tour Reservation

Contact us

Client Area

Client Area

Cradle of Russia

Price per person

Itinerary

ITINERARY

What's included

Hotels

Visa

Sights included in program

Reviews

Tour Reservation

Contact us