Discover the best of Russia on this vacation that focuses on the old and new capitals. Spend three overnights each in Moscow and St. Petersburg with a good balance of organized activities and free time to explore as you please. In Moscow, visit Red Square, the Kremlin, and one of its cathedrals, and take a short ride on the Metro to see the famous stations. Admire the Trinity Monastery of St. Sergiyev, a splendid architectural treasure featuring a 5-tiered bell tower. An overnight train ride transfers you to St. Petersburg, the magnificent city built by Peter the Great. See the city’s landmarks on a guided sightseeing tour, and enjoy a visit to the Hermitage Museum in the Winter Palace, a masterpiece of baroque architecture and home to a collection of precious paintings. This memorable vacation will certainly broaden your horizons!
Itinerary:
Day #1 Moscow, Russia. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the Russian capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)
Day #2 Moscow. Sightseeing with a Local Guide this morning will include a drive into Red Square, then a walk past St. Basil’s, a visit to the Kremlin and one of its cathedrals, and one of Moscow’s famed underground Metro stations. Free time to join other optional activities or do your own exploring of Russia’s fascinating capital. (B daily)
Day #3 Moscow. Sightseeing with a Local Guide this morning will include a drive into Red Square, then a walk past St. Basil’s, a visit to the Kremlin and one of its cathedrals, and one of Moscow’s famed underground Metro stations. Free time to join other optional activities or do your own exploring of Russia’s fascinating capital. (B daily)
Day #4 Moscow. Excursion to Sergiyev Posad–Overnight Train to St. Petersburg. Enjoy a day excursion that includes a visit to the Trinity Monastery of St. Sergiyev, founded by St. Sergiyev, one of Russia’s most revered holy men. To this day, thousands flock to the monastery not only as an act of religious belief but also to see one of Russia’s greatest and most splendid architectural treasures. It is also used by filmmakers because of its five-tiered bell tower, uniquely beautiful and equally photogenic. After dinner in Moscow, transfer to the station for your overnight train to St. Petersburg. (B,L,D)
Day #5 St. Petersburg. See the highlights on the city tour with a Local Guide. Created in 1703 by Peter the Great, this city was made the capital of all the Russias. Although not one of Russia’s oldest, it is steeped in history, particularly from the early 20th century to the end of the World War II when it endured one of the longest and cruelest sieges in modern history. A whole afternoon to do some individual exploring and to get to know more about this fascinating city. (B,L)
Day #6 St. Petersburg. After breakfast, join the included visit to the Peterhof Palace and its gardens. This historic building was almost totally destroyed during World War II and was most lovingly restored to its original splendor just a few years ago. (B)
Day #7 St. Petersburg. There is no greater attraction in this city than a visit to the Hermitage Museum, housed in the Winter Palace built by the Swiss/Italian architect Rastrelli in 1754 during Empress Elizabeth’s reign. It remained the home of the imperial Russian Royal Family up to 1917. Its collection of paintings spans all eras and is particularly well known for its French Impressionist and modern art. The inside architecture is of outstanding beauty; note the magnificent Jordan staircase. A day to be remembered. (B)
Day #8 St. Petersburg. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Hotels:
MOSCOW Holiday Inn Suschevsky (F)
ST. PETERSBURG Sokos Olympia Garden (F) or Sokos Vasilievsky (F)