Russia - Treasures of Russia

Days 1–2: USA or Canada / Moscow, Russia
Depart on an overnight flight to Moscow. On arrival you are met and transferred to your luxurious hotel near Red Square. If you choose, join an introductory walking tour this afternoon before meeting fellow travellers later for drinks followed by a welcome dinner. Ararat Park Hyatt D

Day 3: Moscow
Today view Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the many fine squares and streets of Imperial and Soviet grandeur. After lunch, visit the Tretyakov Gallery, home to the world’s greatest collection of Russian art. Enjoy dinner followed by entertainment. Ararat Park Hyatt B L D

Day 4: Moscow
Take a ride on Moscow’s famous Metro. Then peruse the Pushkin Museum with its collection of Impressionist paintings. In the afternoon, stop at the historic Novodevichy Convent, founded in 1524. This evening, dine independently. Ararat Park Hyatt B L

Day 5: Moscow
At the Kremlin, tour the famous Armory collection, the amazing Diamond Fund and the Square of Four Cathedrals. Following a private concert and lunch, continue to Stalin’s Bunker and Izmaylovo, where you can stroll around the famous arts and craft market and the collection of 17th-century wooden buildings in the open-air museum. Ararat Park Hyatt B L D

Day 6: Moscow / St. Petersburg
Fly to St. Petersburg and visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, containing the tombs of the Romanov Dynasty, and beautiful St. Isaac’s Cathedral. This evening dine à la carte in one of a carefully selected choice of restaurants. Grand Hotel Europe B L D

Day 7: St. Petersburg / Pushkin / St. Petersburg
This morning drive to Pushkin, where your visit includes Catherine’s Palace and the beautifully restored Amber Room. After lunch return to St. Petersburg for an afternoon at leisure. Grand Hotel Europe B L D

Day 8: St. Petersburg / Petrodvorets / St. Petersburg
Drive to Petrodvorets to see this palace estate of Peter the Great. After lunch, travel back to St. Petersburg by hydrofoil on the River Neva. This afternoon’s Design Your Day options include a walking tour with a visit to the Church on Spilled Blood, or a trip to the State Museum of Political History, housing unique historical documents. Grand Hotel Europe B L D

Day 9: St. Petersburg
Highlights today include the magnificent Hermitage Museum and the sumptuous Yusupov Palace, where Rasputin was said to be poisoned in 1916. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure before this evening’s farewell reception. Grand Hotel Europe B L

Day 10: St. Petersburg / USA or Canada
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a homebound flight. B

ADVANTAGES

Design Your Day with a selection of activities and sightseeing options available in designated cities
Private concert at the Kremlin arranged specially for the Tour Operators guests
Guest lecture in Moscow to enlighten you on contemporary issues
Lunch at a country restaurant outside of St. Petersburg with folklore entertainment, traditional cuisine and music
Accommodations at two of the most prestigious hotels in the country — the Ararat Park Hyatt and the Grand Hotel Europe
Freedom of choice to dine at one of the Tour Operators recommended restaurants in select cities
“Fast track” access to the most popular sights, eliminating waiting in long lines
English-speaking check-in assistance on your departure day included at St. Petersburg Airport