The perfect vacation in two majestic cities! Start with a special welcome dinner with your traveling companions that features caviar, blinis, pickled cucumber, and vodka, and enjoy guided sightseeing including visits to the world-famous Hermitage Museum, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the magnificent Catharine Palace (if closed, visit Pavlovsk Palace instead). Travel by high-speed Sapsam Train to Moscow, where sightseeing includes Red Square and the Kremlin. An included farewell dinner celebrates the success of your Russian vacation.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in St. Petersburg, Russia. Welcome to St. Petersburg! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a [LF] special welcome dinner at your hotel with traditional Russian delicatessen like caviar, blinis, pickled cucumber, and vodka. (D)
Day #2 St. Petersburg. Founded by Peter the Great, construction began in 1703 and the city eventually spread over 100 islands linked by 700 bridges. It suffered severe damage during World War II, when a cruel 900-day siege claimed more than a million victims. Start with the Winter Palace complex. Formerly the residence of the czars, it is now home of the world-famous HERMITAGE MUSEUM, with celebrated works by Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, and the major French impressionists. Next, drive along elegant Nevsky Prospect and admire ST. ISAAC’S CATHEDRAL with its gilded dome and marble columns. (B)
Day #3 St. Petersburg. Travel to Pushkin, home of Russia’s last czar, and visit magnificent CATHERINE PALACE (if closed, visit PAVLOVSK PALACE instead). Balance of the day is at leisure, and exciting optional activities are available. (B)
Day #4 St. Petersburg–Moscow. Transfer to the railway station and board the high-speed SAPSAN TRAIN to Moscow. (B)
Day #5 Moscow. Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes RED SQUARE, the center of this 865-year-old city. At its core are the Lenin Mausoleum and opulent St. Basil’s Cathedral. Inside the KREMLIN, a city-within-a-city, admire the medieval towers, cathedrals, and palaces. At the ARMORY MUSEUM, see treasures such as Ivan the Terrible’s throne. Of course, you will also see the Bolshoi Theater. (B)
Day #6 At Leisure in Moscow. Another day to further explore this fascinating city. This evening, enjoy dinner with your traveling companions to celebrate the success of your vacation. (B,D)
Day #7 Moscow. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Hotels:
ST. PETERSBURG Angleterre (SF)
MOSCOW Marriott Moscow Grand (SF)