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!

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. (Dinner)

Days 2-3 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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. (Breakfast, Lunch)

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. (Breakfast)

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. (Breakfast)

Day 8 St. Petersburg
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS WITH US
Learn more about booking an air-inclusive vacation - the reasons why include, you'll receive free airport transfer on published dates and your air will be coordinated with your vacation.

AIRPORT TRANSFER TIMES
Ask about airport transfer times, prices and what's included with your vacation.

Vacation Highlights

INCLUDED FEATURES
Headsets throughout the tour

Notes:
Security train regulations require clients’ family and first name, D.O.B., gender, and nationality at time of booking.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

GUIDES
Local Guides for city sightseeing in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sergiyev Posad, Peterhof Palace & Gardens and Hermitage Museum (entrance fees included). Professional Tour Director while touring

STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Learn more about transportation, hotels, and other standard included features offered.

Accommodations

MEALS
Buffet breakfasts; 2 lunches; 2 dinners

HOTELS - (F) First-Class (ST) Superior Tourist-Class (T) Tourist Class
MOSCOW Holiday Inn Suschevsky (F), ST. PETERSBURG Park Inn Pulkovskaya (F)

TRANSPORTATION
Transportation: Overnight train from Moscow to St. Petersburg in 4-berth, second-class couchette. Upgrade to first-class available.

Optional Excursions

Important Note: the following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation as they are the excursions that are being offered for this vacation in the current travel year. These optional excursions might or might not be offered next year, as well as new optional excursions might be offered. Information about what optional excursions will be offered for your vacation will be available later this year into next year. If no example excursions are listed, please check back later.

Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.

Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency.

CITY: Moscow

By Night
Most of you have seen pictures of famous Moscow buildings illuminated but there is nothing like the real thing. This late evening program takes you on a drive through Moscow to show you these famous landmarks which have a magical and somewhat mystical appearance by night.
Approximate value: EUR €32 per person

Tretyakov Gallery
The State Tretyakov Gallery is the national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the greatest museums in the world. It is located in one of the oldest districts of Moscow, not far from the Kremlin. The date of its foundation is estimated to be around 1856 when the young Tretyakov first acquired works by Russian artists of his day with the aim of creating a collection, which might later grow into a museum of national art. Russian art works ranging from the 11th to the early 20th century are on display in the Gallery's historic building on Lavrushinskiy Pereulok.
Approximate value: EUR €36 per person

Cathedral Christ The Saviour
In 1994, reconstruction began on the Cathedral of Christ our Savior, considered one of the most powerful symbols of Russia's spiritual identity and nationhood and destroyed by Stalin in 1931. Rebuilding the church was the centerpiece of a huge renovation plan in Moscow pursued by its mayor, Yuri Luzhkov. When the cornerstone was laid, Luzhkov said "Let the reconstruction of the main cathedral stand as symbolic proof of hundreds of destroyed churches and millions of lost lives."
Approximate value: EUR €33 per person

Moscow Circus
Complete your visit to Moscow by enjoying an unforgettable evening at the world-famous Moscow State Circus, renowned for its breathtaking performances by acrobats, trapeze artists and clowns.
Approximate value: EUR €49 per person

Moscow River Cruise
You will be transferred from your hotel to the cruise, which starts in the centre of Moscow and lasts approximately one hour and 30 minutes. From the river, view the Kremlin, Christ the Saviour Cathedral, the Red October chocolate factory, Gorky Park, the Peter the Great Monument, and Luzhniki stadium - in fact, all of the famous sights of Moscow.
Approximate value: EUR €36 per person

CITY: St. Petersburg

Peter & Paul Fortress
This fortress on Zayachiy Island is the historical core of St. Petersburg. Ordered and planned by Peter the Great in 1703, it is a monument of military and engineering craft.
Approximate value: EUR €28 per person

Canal Cruise
A chance to see this beautiful Russian city from the water by joining a cruise through its canals.
Approximate value: EUR €34 per person

Ballet
A unique opportunity to see a famous ballet in St. Petersburg, possibly Swan Lake or another well known ballet.
Approximate value: EUR €103 per person

Catherine's Palace
The palace and park ensemble of Tsarskoye Selo (a former country residence of the Russian emperors) is a fascinating monument to the architecture and gardening arts of the 18th and 19th centuries. The Tsarskoselsky Lyceum, situated next to the Palace, was an elite school established at the beginning of the 19th century for noble families' offspring. The Great Russian poet, Aleksandr Pushkin, attended here. In the park and Catherine's Palace there are various exhibitions open to the public.
Approximate value: EUR €48 per person

Nikolaevsky Palace & Fourchet
For your last night in Russia, why not enjoy a folklore show of fiery dances and original songs with snacks and "champagne" at the majestic Nikolayesvky Palace, which belonged to the Grand Duke Nicholas in the 19th century.
Approximate value: EUR €47 per person  

PRICES
From approx $1,579 US per person double occupancy