Russia Full Itinerary

10-DAY BEST OF RUSSIA TOUR
(This tour starts in Moscow and finishes in St Petersburg, Russia)
(Current as at 15 March 2014)

Day 1: Arrive in Moscow
This tour starts in Moscow, the historic capital. Those who have done the Ukraine Discovery tour will arrive from Simferopol (Flight VV4136, 10:50 or S7 164, 12:25). On arrival we will be met by our local bilingual tour guide and transfer to our hotel and check in. Rest of the afternoon is free to rest and relax. In the evening, we will have welcome drinks followed by dinner at the hotel. (D)

Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Moscow

Day 2: In Moscow
Moscow, one of the largest cities in the world, is the symbolic heart and soul of the country. We start our sightseeing at the Red Square dominated by St. Basil's Cathedral and by the massive red granite walls of the Kremlin. We first take a close look at iconic St. Basil's Cathedral (including interior of the cathedral) and then visit Lenin’s Mausoleum before strolling to GUM, Russia’s famous historic department store, where you will have free time for shopping and lunch (not included).

After lunch, we go on a city tour to see major land marks of Moscow including Moscow Metro, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Vorobievi Gori for a panoramic view of Moscow, the Triumphal Arch and the Victory Park. In the evening, we have dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)

Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Moscow

Day 3: In Moscow
We start the day with a walking tour of the Alexander Gardens near the Kremlin Walls and then go into the Kremlin where we visit several churches and museums including the Armoury Museum.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we go on a cruise on Moscow River taking in the varied views along its shores. We then proceed to the popular Arbat shopping district and the rest of the day and evening are free. In Arbat Street, you may do souvenir shopping, have your portrait painted or just browse around. In the evening, you may take part in an optional tour of Moscow by night. (B/L)

Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Moscow

Day 4: In Moscow
Today we have free time until late afternoon. You can go on an optional excursion to Sergiev Posad 70km from Moscow on the 'Golden Ring' to visit the architectural ensemble of Troitse-Sergievskaya Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage site (listed in 1993). Built in the 15-19th centuries by Russian masters of the period, the Lavra is one of the jewels of Russian architecture. Alternatively, you can wander around in Moscow to see new sights or to have a closer look at the sights you have already seen such as the Red Square, the GUM store, etc.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we transfer to the ‘Leningradsky’ railway station to catch our high-speed train to fabulous St. Petersburg. Hot meals are available from the Bistro car on board the train. (B/L).

Overnight in St Petersburg

Day 5: In St Petersburg
There are not many cities in the world that can match the grace of St. Petersburg. When Peter the Great founded the city in 1703, he hired Europe’s best architects, craftsmen and artists to build and decorate it. Spread over 100 islands linked by over 600 bridges, it is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”. This morning, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city starting with Peter and Paul Fortress, burial place of the Russian Tsars and the cathedral housing the crypt of the Russian emperors. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the impressive St. Isaac’s Cathedral followed by a canal cruise to admire the stunning architecture from the water. The rest of the day is free. In the evening, there is a welcome dinner at the hotel including a shot of vodka or a glass of wine. (B/L/D)

Overnight in St Petersburg

Day 6: In St Petersburg
St. Petersburg, the former capital of the Romanov Tsars, the birthplace of Russian ballet, home to literary giants including Pushkin and Dostoevsky and musical maestros such as Shostakovich and Rachmaninoff, has many fascinating attractions in and around the city. Today we take an excursion to the towns of Pavlovsk and Pushkin and about 30km south of St Petersburg. Walking through the halls of the Pavlosk Palace and along the avenues of the park complex, one cannot help feeling an admiration for the versatile talent and inexhaustible imagination that are embodied in the surrounding landscape and architecture. Nature and the daring creative effort of man, the solemn grandeur and the heartfelt simplicity - all this is Pavlosk.

We then drive a short distance to the imperial estate of Tsarskoe Selo (Tsar’s Village) at Pushkin. The town changed its name to Pushkin in 1937 after Russia’s favourite poet. The most notable sight here is the vast baroque Catherine Palace and its grounds.

The palace which was designed by the Italian architect Rastrelli and extensively damaged in WWII has been restored to its former glory. After our visit to the palace, you will have free time to explore the surrounding parks and nearby attractions such as the Cameron Gallery, the Great Pond and structures such as the Pyramid, Chinese Pavilion, Marble Bridge, etc. In the afternoon, we return to St Petersburg and the rest of the day is free. (B)

Overnight in St Petersburg

Day 7: In St Petersburg
As you will have discovered by now, St. Petersburg is a city of outstanding architectural beauty, famous for its magnificent palaces, cathedrals, fountains and bridges. This morning we take an extensive tour of the world-famous Hermitage Museum which houses many treasures from the Tsarist era and the State Rooms of the Winter Palace forming part of the Hermitage Museum.

Lunch is not included. There are cafes in the palace where you can buy refreshments or light lunch. The rest of the day is free. In the evening, we go to see a colourful Russian folklore show at the Nikolaevsky Palace, with snacks served during the intermission. (B)

Overnight on in St Petersburg.

Day 8: St Petersburg – Novgorod – St Petersburg
This morning we go on an excursion to Novgorod, which is one of the favourite destinations in Russia and is the best place to get a feel for old Russia. You see how it used to be hundreds of years ago.

Our sightseeing starts at the Kremlin, a 14th Century brick fortress with 9 towers. After lunch at a local restaurant, we see the St. Sophia Cathedral, and the "1000 years of Russia" monument. It is a rich and heavy monument dedicated to the millennium of Russia and is the second most popular sight in Novgorod. Our last visit before returning to St Petersburg is to the Yaroslav’s Court, opposite the Kremlin, before returning to St Petersburg.. The rest of the day is free. This evening we go to see a colourful Russian folklore show at the Nikolaevsky Palace, with snacks during the intermission. (B/L)

Overnight on in St Petersburg.

Day 9: In St Petersburg
After breakfast at hotel, we depart by coach or hydrofoil for Peterhof, the magnificent summer residence of all the Russian Tsars. As well as the main palace, we go on a tour of the Lower Park including Grand Cascades, Monplaisir, Bath House (inside visit), etc.

We have lunch in the ‘Big Greenhouse Restaurant’ in the palace grounds. We return to the city by coach. The rest of the day is free. Farewell dinner is at the nearby “Za Stsenoy” (or the Backstage) restaurant. (B/L/D)

Overnight in St Petersburg.

Day 10: In St Petersburg
After buffet breakfast at hotel, the tour ends. We transfer to St. Petersburg Airport to connect with flights to Istanbul or other destinations. Participants will be advised of the transport and transfer details at the time of booking. (B)