Winter Treasures of Two Capitals

Day 1: Moscow

Welcome to Moscow! After your driver picks you up from the airport, you will be whisked to your hotel in the heart of this bustling metropolis. The evening is reserved for you to rest in preparation for your eventful week. If you wish, you can explore the area around the hotel.

Day 2: Moscow

Your adventure starts after a hearty Russian breakfast. The first day of touring will be eight hours of nonstop Moscow wonders, from the Red Square to the Vorob'evy Hills Park (World War II Memorial) to the beautiful Cathedral of Christ the Savior. You will even get to trek inside the mighty fortress of the Kremlin as well as the world-famous St. Basil's Cathedral.

The Kremlin is one of the most recognizable symbols of Russia and one of the world's most incredible sites. This ancient citadel was constructed in 1147 to defend the city from Mongol invaders. Moscow has since outgrown the Kremlin’s defensive walls, but the fortress has remained a symbol of Russian power. Today it is a museum of Russian history and the location of important government ceremonies, including the inauguration of the president and meetings with foreign leaders.

Day 3: Moscow

This evening you will choose from a first-class overnight train or the express economy train and travel to Russia's northern capital, St Petersburg. Before you leave, you will explore Moscow’s ornate subway as well as the Tretyakov Picture Gallery.

The Moscow Subway was constructed to streamline the city's transportation as well as celebrate the accomplishments of the Soviet system. The subway is a work of art with tunnels dedicated to historic events and stations that make passengers feel like they have arrived at a palace. On top of its cultural value, Moscow's subway carries three million passengers each day and spans the entire city. It also serves as a nuclear shelter in times of war.

The Tretyakov Gallery is Moscow's most famous collection of art and one of the world's top galleries. It began as the private collection of the wealthy Muscovite merchant, Tretyakov, who lived in the 19th century and donated his collection to the city.

Day 4: St. Petersburg

The culmination of the world’s best capitals, St. Petersburg is the crown jewel of travel destinations. Your tour guide will take you to the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and St Isaac's Cathedral. After four hours of guided touring you will have the chance to explore the city on your own.

The Peter and Paul Fortress has taken on many roles except the one it was designed for – to defend the city from sea invaders. It was a political prison for dissidents of the tsarist regime, a museum during the rise of the Soviets, and stands now as a tomb for Russian emperors.

St Isaac's Cathedral is one of the most imposing buildings in Europe. Its decadent golden cupolas, sweeping observation deck, lush interior decorations, and ornate artifacts make it one of the most popular sites in St. Petersburg.

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 as it is very close to your hotel.

Day 5: The Hermitage

After a quick and filling breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed to the heart of St. Petersburg: Palace Square and the Winter Palace. Your tour of these historically vibrant locations will last five hours.

The Hermitage sits inside the gorgeous Winter Palace. It boasts works of such rarity that you will leave hypnotized by beauty. It was also here that the Bolsheviks overthrew the Russian emperors and attempted to destroy the palace, but its artistic value was so immense that they transformed it into the museum it is today. If you were to spend three minutes by each exhibit in the Hermitage, it would take you three years to see them all. Under the direction of your experienced private guide, however, you will see the best of the Hermitage in four hours before exploring the palace on your own.

*Optional: tour of the Diamond Room, a jewelry collection from 300 BC to present day ($151 per person).

Day 6: Catherine's Palace and the Famous Russian Troika

Catherine’s Palace is located on the outskirts of St. Petersburg. It was a gift by Peter the Great to his wife and is renowned for its legendary Amber Room, looted during World War II by the Germans. Though it was later recovered by American troops, the Amber Room was not reconstructed until 2003. You will feast on delicious Russian dishes for lunch in the Podvorye restaurant, built to resemble the homes of ancient Russia. In the afternoon you will travel to Pavel's Palace.

Day 7: Departure

Your driver will take you to the airport. You will be leaving Russia with a lifetime of memories from her two beautiful capitals, Moscow and St. Petersburg. We hope you return to this enigmatic country soon!