8 days Easy Pace Russia
Experience the grandeur of Russia, exploring the baroque architecture of St Petersburg and the palaces of Moscow. Marvel at the famous art collection of the Hermitage Museum and travel by hydrofoil and high-speed train in perfect style.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome to St. Petersburg. | Airport transfers depart from St. Petersburg airport at 14:30 and 17:00. Meet your Travel Director and travel companions at 19:00 for a friendly Welcome Dinner served with wine. Hotel: Crowne Plaza St. Petersburg, Ligovsky/Courtyard St. Petersburg Vasilievsky. Meals: Dinner with Wine |
| 2 | St. Petersburg Sightseeing. | Morning sightseeing with your Local Expert includes views of St. Isaac's Cathedral, the fortress of St. Peter and Paul and Decembrists' Square. Travel along Nevsky Prospekt for views of the great Cathedral of Kazan and the iconic, onion-domed Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Perhaps experience the festivities of the annual International Winter Festival where St. Petersburg showcases an array of culture from the regions of Russia, combined with Christmas traditions from all over the world? Hotel: Crowne Plaza St. Petersburg, Ligovsky Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 3 | The City of Tsars | (Relaxed Start) In the little town of Pushkin, visit St. Catherine’s Palace with a Local Expert. A ‘Golden Enfilade’ of suites lead to the restored Amber Room, a truly unique and spectacular chamber solely decorated with amber panels, gold leaves and mirrors. Later, cross the Neva River to Peter and Paul Fortress, where St. Petersburg’s foundation stone was laid in 1703. With a Local Expert, visit the fortress to see the imperial tombs of the Romanov rulers and learn the secrets of Russian history. Hotel: Crowne Plaza St. Petersburg, Ligovsky Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 4 | The Hermitage Museum. | (Relaxed Start) Located in the Winter Palace, the Hermitage is one of the world’s greatest museums. Marvel at this fabulous collection of paintings and ornaments, ranging from Egyptian carvings to Impressionist masterpieces. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore, shop or relax. Hotel: Crowne Plaza St. Petersburg, Ligovsky Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 5 | High Speed Sapsan Train to Moscow. | (Relaxed Start) Enjoy a relaxed start in the morning, or perhaps visit the former residence of the Yusupov family and the scene of Rasputin's murder? Later, board your high speed Sapsan train and relax in modern luxury and comfort as you swoop to Moscow in just a few hours. On arrival in this fascinating city, you are transferred to your hotel for a leisurely three-night stay. Hotel: Moscow Marriott Grand Hotel. Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 6 | Moscow, a Russian Revelation. | (Relaxed Start) Begin your exploration of the Russian capital with a Local Expert. Start in Red Square, lined by Moscow's landmark buildings. At one end rises the onion-shaped domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, in front of the Kremlin stands Lenin's Mausoleum, while on the opposite side, the grand GUM department store offers a variety of glamorous goods. During your stay, you will visit one of the Metro stations which Stalin called ‘Palaces for the People.' Gain a local insight into the themes depicted among the marble, mosaics, sculptures and chandeliers. You will also view the crown jewels and Fabergé Egg collection of the Imperial Russian Family. In your free time, you may like to wrap up warm and venture out to explore the dazzling festivities of the Christmas season. Snow-covered stalls are crowned with twinkling fairylights, while vendors serve warm drinks and food. When Moscow’s Journey into Christmas begins, each district becomes part of the festival, offering everything from exciting street shows and concerts, to master cooking classes of traditional Russian foods. There really is something for everyone. Hotel: Moscow Marriott Grand Hotel Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 7 | Moscow and The Kremlin. | (Relaxed Start) In the morning you are at leisure to relax or explore the Russian capital as you wish. The Christmas Markets offer plenty of unique art pieces and classic Russian ornaments. Perhaps visit the Borodino Panorama Exhibition, or take an Optional Experience to the renowned centre of ancient Russian art and architecture, Zagorsk? In the afternoon, walk inside the walls of the Kremlin Fortress to visit one of the cathedrals as well as the Armoury Chamber. Later, enjoy delicious food, great wine and wonderful company as you toast to your travels during your Celebration Dinner. Hotel: Moscow Marriott Grand Hotel. Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 8 | Farewell Moscow. | Departure transfers will arrive at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport at 05:00, 08:00 and 11:00 and at Moscow's Domodedovo Airport at 05:00, 10:00 and 13:00. Meals: Buffet Breakfast |