Check-in to the luxurious Ritz Carlton Hotel in Moscow and Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg
Tour with an intimate group of just up to 16 guests led by highly educated professional guides
Visit Armory Chamber with the Collection of Faberge Eggs in the Moscow Kremlin, see a great collection of paintings at the Tretyakov Gallery and listen to the stories of the Cold War in the Secret Underground Bunker in Moscow Subway
Enter magnificent Hermitage museum with the curator of the museum and admire one of the world greatest collection of art including visit to the Diamond Fund of the Hermitage
Tour most remarkable Imperial estates in Peterhof, Pushkin, and Pavlovsk
Attend an opera or ballet performance at one of the Russian opera house
Dine in the famous restaurants of Moscow and St. Petersburg such as Pushkin Cafe, Tsar and Molohovets
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
Moscow's City Tour with visit to Red Square and Kremlin
Today, your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and you will go on one of the most interesting tours in the world as we explore Moscow's most amazing sites. We will visit the famous Red Square and go inside St. Basil’s Cathedral, which was built by Ivan the Terrible in the 15th century.
Before you are ready to take more of cultural discovery at your next stop beside the Kremlin Walls we will take you for an indulging lunch at the most prestigious restaurants in Moscow, called Pushkin Cafe. It is a place where you can not only learn the actual meaning of "ostentatious" and mingle with local moscovites but enjoy one of the best meals in the city.
After a thorough tour of Moscow highlights and spending some time in the middle of the most famous square in the world, Red Square, 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.
A visitor unsteeped in Russia's history could not even venture to guess that the beautiful basilicas and edifices comprising the Kremlin once comprised part of a royal fortress shielding Moscow from centuries of fierce Mongol invasions. A beauty so deep imbibes the Kremlin that Stalin himself did not dare to disturb this crowning treasure, which astounds with an eclectic mixture of playful colors and architectural bravado and eerier sternness of structure and function in the form of Lenin's Mausoleum.
The Kremlin of Moscow is one of the most recognizable symbols of Russia and, as you will experience yourself, it is marvelous inside. Half of its territory is reserved for the government and the other half is open to the public. You will explore the Kremlin with one of the best guides in Moscow who will tell you many interesting stories that have took place inside the walls of Kremlin since 1147!
And yet another surprise of the day, after strolling inside the Kremlin walls you will proceed to the highlight of the Kremlin grounds - the Armory Chamber museum revealing the most unique and precious artifacts from different times in Russian history. This is where you have a chance to look at the famous Faberge Eggs and Catherine's the Great imperial dresses giving you the feel as you traveled back in time. (B, L, D)
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.
Moscow Subway. Located deep underground, it is also a nuclear shelter and a museum of Soviet socialist art that celebrates the unity of Soviet republics. The unity is no longer there, but the most amazing subway system in the world is. By the way, Moscow Subway carries 3 mln passengers daily. You will take a short ride on Moscow Subway to get a bit of taste of what its like to live in Moscow.
Tretyakov Picture Gallery is Moscow's best collection of art and one of the best collections of Russian paintings in the world. The gallery started as a private collection of wealthy 19th century merchant Ivan Tretyakov, who donated his collection to the city.
From Moscow journey in style and romance first class on St. Petersburg's Express to Russia's Window on the World, St. Petersburg.
Upon arrival to the St. Petersburg train station your guide will be waiting for you at the platform. You will be escorted to the Grand Hotel Europe. We recommend you to have a dinner at the hotel's restaurant Rossi's that will surprise you by one of the best Italian dishes and desserts, and no wonder the Chef Marco is commissioned by Grand Hotel Europe straight from Italy and is famous for his exquisite cooking and presentation of dishes.
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. (B)
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. The crowning masterpiece of Russia's greatest ruler, Peter the Great, St. Petersburg dazzles you with its resplendent European architecture, its gorgeous arches and bridges, its wide and relaxed thoroughfares and its storied sunsets.
Today, you will explore the Peter and Paul's Fortress, the Church of Savior on Spilled Blood and the St. Isaak's Cathedral and after lunch you will proceed to the Hermitage Museum and accompanied by the curator of the Hermitage you will visit the Diamond Room.
Peter and Paul Fortress was built by Peter the Great to defend the city from invasion from the sea. Later, the tsars converted it into a prison for political dissidents. The Bolsheviks turned the fortress into a museum of tsarist oppressions. After the collapse of Soviet power, the Fortress was turned to the tomb of the Russian imperial family.
The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is one of the most distinct churches in in Russia. It is standing in the middle of the road, on the very spot where one of Russia's greatest emperors, Alexander II was attacked and murdered by a dissident. Alexander II is most famous for liberating Russian serfs, two years before abolition of slavery in the US, in fact. The church is rather ascetic inside so we will not go on a tour of it, but you can always do it on your own as it is just few blocks away from your hotel.
St Isaac's Cathedral is the symbol of the city. It is the fourth largest cathedral in the world with gigantic golden cupola and an excellent observation deck that overlooks the entire city.
During this city tour you will also see visit St. Isaak's Square and observe these from 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.
Imperial style lunch awaits you at the most authentic and favorite among local elite restaurant called the "Tsar". You will indulge yourself with a fine Russian cuisine in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.
The rest of the program is reserved for Hermitage Museum, which is to St. Petersburg what Kremlin is to Moscow. 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 and the curator of the museum, who will show you the best rooms and halls in just 4 hours.
Optional evening program: St. Petersburg boasts some of the best theaters in the world. Ask your tour specialist to arrange you the tickets. (B,L)
Catherine The Great Palace and Park and Amber Room
Today we again will explore yet another luxury residence of the past. We will drive outside of St. Petersburg together with you guide to visit the magnificent Catherine palace and stroll along the sophisticated Catherine park. Catherine's Palace was a gift from Peter the Great to his wife Catherine, whom he loved very much, ironically he build the palace on the other side of the city. Catherine's Palace is located in the town of Pushkin (also known as Tsarskoe Selo). Experience the wonder of the Summer Palace, where gold and marble statutes adorn the beaming sea entrance from the cold stormy waters of the Baltic to this sun-drenched gold-dripped masterpiece. Enter into the Amber Room, a beauteous room built of pure amber that disappeared during German occupation in World War II to be restored to its original magnificence for your viewing pleasure.
You will enjoy a peaceful and authentic atmosphere of the "Old Tower" cafe during your scheduled lunch near the tsar's residence.
The tour will last for 6 hours and you will get back to the hotel by 3 pm.
We suggest you to relax for several hours before your theater performance tonight. You will be invited to the famous Mariinsky Theater for ballet or opera*
*Depending on the playbill and theater holiday your alternative theaters will be Mikhailovsky or Hermitage Theater. (B, L)
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. You guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and will escort you to the bus. We will exist at the Palace Square at the river Neva to take an express boat ride across gulf of Finland to Peterhof. The most amazing view of St. Petersburg will be revealed from the gulf.
Peterhof is located on the banks of Gulf of Finland most famous for its parks and fountains that were inspired by the french Versallies. Peter the Great spent most of his time in this place because it was close to the wharfs where Peter was raising Russian navy. Become enchanted with the meticulously planned gardens of the Summer Palace, where Peter the Great wooed, entertained and played pranks on his stunned visitors which you can experience firsthand.
After a detailed tour of the palace and parks for about 4 hours you will have transfer back to the city center. The drive will take about an hour and will give you a chance to enjoy the landscapes of St. Petersburg outskirts on the way.
You will have a free time for lunch at a local restaurant called "Gallery" but do not get too much as tonight a tsar-like Gala dinner awaits you at the famous and exclusive restaurant "Molohovets". As you already recognized this restaurant celebrates all the traditional recipes of Russian that were carefully kept and recorded in the most successful cook book in the 19th century, "A Gift to Young Housewives" This will be indeed the most a celebration of taste and Russian cuisine in its best traditions. (B, D)
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!
Tour details
Small Group Tour
Price
$ 3,591 per person
What's included
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights Type: small group tour (no more then 16 travelers) 2012 travel dates:
May 18 - May 24
June 22 - June 28
July 20 - July 26
Aug 24 - Aug 30
Sept 14 - Sept 20
2013 travel dates:
May 17 - May 23
June 14 - June 20
July 19 - July 25
Aug 16 - Aug 22
Sept 13 - Sept 19
Brochure rate:$7,182 per person With special offer 2-for-1 your price per person for the 5 star luxury package - $3,591 per person
Included in the price:
* Russian visas and full visa processing service for North America customers. Visa support service (invitation) for customers from other countries;
* Airport transfers;
* Top hotels in Moscow and 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;
* First Class Train tickets on high-speed "Sapsan" train from Moscow to St. Petersburg. *Air is not included in the price. ** Single travelers pay single supplement of $980 or sign up for a Travel mate
Now this package comes with 5-star hotels in Moscow and St. Peterbsurg!
Moscow: Ritz Carlton or Park Ararat Hyatt
St. Petersburg: Grand Hotel Europe
Upgrades to Superior Room are available upon request. Ask your travel specialist about details.
Customers say...
We just got back from our trip to Russia a couple of weeks ago and it was by far the best packaged tour I have ever been on. Our small group of four was given guided tours by English speaking, and very knowledgeable guides. The drivers were courteous. Every place we went we got to the front of the line and not stuck behind large groups. We saw some amazing things while we were there. Absolutely worth every penny. Thank you so much. - Faith Govey
Travelers from most Western countries including the US and Canada need Russian tourist visas in order to enter Russia. We offer full-service visa processing for customers from the US and Canada. Customers from other countries can receive an official Russian visa invitation from us:
We recommend that you book arrival and departure transfers in advance. All of our transfers are serviced by modern vehicles and professional drivers. Our driver will meet you by airport exit gate or in hotel lobby; he will be holding a sign with your name on it.
"Travel All Russia" is the world leading agency for travel to Russia. Based in Washington DC, London, Moscow and St Petersburg, With services ranging from private tours to Russian river cruises, "Travel All Russia" organizes the most amazing travel itineraries to this enigmatic country always delivering unmatched value, signature service and uncompromising quality. Welcome to "Travel All Russia" - Where Journeys to Russia Begin. Continue »
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Mayakovskogo st. 18, Suite 22, Saint Petersburg, Russia. Tel. Russia: 7-812-490-6729
