Day 1
ARRIVE MOSCOW
Day Schedule
➤Meet & greet at Moscow airport
➤Private transfer to your cosy hotel in the downtown. All our properties are centrally located within walking distance to the main city attractions. So whatever you choose – our 3*, 4* or 5* hotel based packages, – you stay in the city centre.
➤Evening free at leisure
The heart of Russia and one of its oldest existing cities, Moscow is a must-see destination on any Russian tour. Combining the rich heritage of Russia’s past with the bustling metropolis of Russia in the 21st century, Moscow will leave you awed.
Founded on the banks of the Moscow River, it’s uncertain exactly how Russia’s vibrant capital came to be. Its multifaceted past lends Moscow a mysterious atmosphere and will leave you wanting to discover more. Its streets have hosted Tsars, Emperors and Communist leaders, welcomed home the world’s first space traveller and inspired artists for centuries.
Each of our professional guides offers a unique perception and historical knowledge of the city – be sure to make the most of their expertise. If you’re interested in learning more about Moscow’s history, we recommend a visit to Zaryadye Park, where you can view a short 3D-film on the subject. Located right next to the Kremlin and Red Square, Zaryadye Park is an attraction in and of itself, boasting a spot on Time Magazine’s 2018 ‘100 places to visit now’ list.
World-famous sightseeing spots including St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin and Red Square, the Tretyakov State Art Gallery and countless more sights will keep you busy at any time of year. Discovery Russia has carefully curated the ideal Moscow experience, just for you.
Day 2
MIGHTY KREMLIN & THE CITY
Moscow Tour
➤Breakfast
➤Moscow metro tour
➤Moscow Kremlin tour
➤Walking city tour
➤Free evening on the Arbat
The Moscow Kremlin
The Kremlin’s original purpose was to protect Moscow’s citizens – the very word ‘Kremlin’ translates to ‘fortress inside a city’. As Russia gained power, the Moscow Kremlin gained status as a symbol of power. Today, the Kremlin is a must-see attraction and holds a coveted place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Representing the pinnacle of Russian power and prowess, the structure’s rich history and physical enormity will amaze you. Enjoy a fully guided tour of the Moscow Kremlin, including the Cathedrals and the Amory, at no additional cost.
St. Basil’s Cathedral
Also known as Pokrovsky Cathedral, this monument is so much more than a church. It was constructed in Red Square to commemorate the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan, a victory that occurred on the Intercession of the Theotokos – a feast day for Russian Orthodox churches. The abundance of feasting is evident in the cathedral’s integral Russian architecture; towering spires, vibrant colours and a mismatch of patterns.
The Red Square
With a name originating from ‘Krasnaya’, or ‘red’ in modern Russian, and closely related to the Old Russian word for ‘beautiful’, it’s no secret how the Red Square got its name. It’s very red and very beautiful – many of our guests say it’s one of the highlights of their time in Russia.
Moscow Metro Tour
The best way to get to know the city of Moscow is by immersing yourself in it – on the train. As the first underground railway system within the Soviet Union, Moscow’s railway system has cultural significance while offering a surefire way to avoid getting stuck in traffic. Opening with 13 stations, the Moscow Metro System now boasts 255 stations, with the majority of the stations and railway lying under Moscow’s streetscape. It’s the busiest metro system in Europe, and a tourist attraction in itself as central stations represent wonderful samples of Soviet architecture and decorative art.
Old Arbat Street is one of the oldest streets in Moscow, and a walk along its old sidewalks is a significant expedition into the past. For centuries, it has attracted artists and creatives who have been inspired by its beatnik attitude. Enjoy an evening of leisure strolling along this famous street, enjoying the gorgeous architecture and artists at work.
Day 3
TRETYAKOV STATE GALLERY, NOVODEVICHY CONVENT & MORE
Day Schedule
➤Breakfast
➤Guided tour of the State Tretyakov Gallery
➤Panoramic driving city tour
➤Explore the VDNKh
➤ Guided tour of the Museum of Cosmonautics
The State Tretyakov Gallery
The Tretyakov Gallery is home to some of Russia’s most famous works of art. With an inspiring collection of art as started by Pavel Mikhailovich in the 19th century and an impressive array of exhibitions each year, you’re sure to enjoy your visit. In 1892, Tretyakov presented his already famous collection of approximately 2,000 works (1,362 paintings, 526 drawings, and 9 sculptures) to the Russian nation. The collection now contains more than 130,000 exhibits, ranging from Theotokos of Vladimir and Andrei Rublev’s Trinity to the monumental Composition VII by Wassily Kandinsky and the Black Square by Kazimir Malevich.
Day 4
ARRIVE ST. PETERSBURG
Day Schedule
➤Breakfast and check out
➤Transfer to the railway station, 4-hour high-speed train journey to St. Petersburg, transfer to your hotel in the downtown and check-in
➤Evening free at leisure
St. Petersburg
Russia’s imperial capital is the heart and soul of Russia. Scattered along the graceful canals are stately buildings, cobblestone streets, and a lively spirit that only comes from starting one of the biggest revolutions in history.
Get ready to immerse yourself in St. Petersburg over the next few days. As one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you won’t be short of things to do. Enjoy a relaxing transfer to your hotel, and be sure to get a good night’s rest in preparation for our jam-packed St. Petersburg experience.
We suggest to visit in the evening one of famous rooftop restaurants with gorgeous Russian cuisine and amazing views.
Day 5
PETERHOF PALACE & BOAT CRUISE
Day Schedule
➤Breakfast
➤Guided tour to the royal Peterhof Palace
➤Guided tour to the Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral
➤Optional Faberge Museum Tour
➤Boat cruise
➤Evening free at leisure
Peterhof Palace
Gardens and parks are spread over more than four hundred hectares and include thirty-one amazing museums and beautiful Versailles-style gardens. Interiors, as always in Russia, are all made of gold. In summer, the Peterhof is especially good thanks to its famous fountains which run naturally.
We shall visit the Grand Palace – the golden must-see! – and have a tour around the estate. Facing the Gulf of Finland, the palace – rises above the Grand Cascade and the Lower Park, stretching along the upper terrace for almost three hundred yards.
The original idea for the location and general appearance of the “Upper Chambers” — as the Grand Palace was first known — belonged to Peter the Great. Throughout the XVIIIth and XIXth centuries, the finest Russian and West European architects worked on the facades and the interior decor. But the greatest contribution was made by Bartolomeo Francesco Rastrelli, who transformed the Grand Palace into a masterpiece of Baroque art during the reign of Peter’s illustrious daughter, Empress Elizabeth, in the eighteenth century.
The Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral
It is the first and oldest landmark in St. Petersburg, built between 1712 and 1733 on Hare Island along the Neva River. Both the cathedral and the fortress were originally built under Peter the Great and designed by Domenico Trezzini. The cathedral’s bell tower is the world’s tallest Orthodox bell tower. Since the belfry is not standalone, but an integral part of the main building, the cathedral is sometimes considered the highest Orthodox Church in the world. There is another Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul Church in St. Petersburg, located in Peterhof.
Day 6
THE HERMITAGE & ICONIC LANDMARKS
Day Schedule
➤Breakfast
➤Guided Tour of the Winter Palace and Hermitage
➤City Sightseeing Tour: St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Kazan, the Church of the Spilled Blood
Hermitage Tour
The State Hermitage Museum is often called St. Petersburg’s most important site – a title we think is well deserved. The Winter Palace, the main building of the Hermitage, was home to the Russian Tsars and royal family. There is no better way to understand the heart and soul of St. Petersburg than by roaming the grounds of the Hermitage. Come face to face with history, and the majestic splendour of this unapologetically baroque Palace.
St Isaac’s Cathedral & Kazan Cathedral
After enjoying some traditional Russian food at a stolovaya, or a ‘canteen’, take a short walk past St. Petersburg’s most iconic churches. St Isaac’s Cathedral is one of the world’s largest cathedrals, and its dome is unmissable from any vantage point in St Petersburg. If you’re looking for ornate, this is it.
Surprisingly, St Petersburg is one of the leading gastronomic destinations in Europe. Original and varied, Russian cuisine is famous for exotic soups, which are eaten for lunch. Amongst soups, we should first of all mention “schi” made of sourcrout and “solyanka”, made of assorted meats.
Russians are great lovers of pelmeni, small Siberian meat pies boiled in broth. Those are very similar to Italian ravioli but larger in size, more like Chinese dumplings. Mushrooms are one of the most abundant gifts of Russian woods. Those are eaten fried, pickled, salted or boiled. We should also mention “pirozhki” and “bliny” – pancakes, the later became a symbolic Russian food every serious traveler has to try with the caviar.
Construction of beautiful Kazan cathedral commenced at the start of the 19th century, and this neoclassical beauty has stood tall and proud ever since. Often commended as having some of the most beautiful features of any cathedral in the world, the scale of Kazan is something you must experience for yourself.
Day 7
CATHERINE’S PALACE
Day Schedule
➤Breakfast
➤Visit Pushkin and Tsarskoye Selo, with a guided tour of Catherine’s Palace and the Amber Room
➤Group tour: Farewell dinner
Catherine’s Palace
Pushkin, or Tsarskoye Selo – one of the most famous suburbs of St Petersburg – is home to Catherine’s Palace, an extravagant display of Rococo-era opulence. Commissioned in 1717, the Palace has had many a transformation since its original imaginings. It’s most well known for being the summer palace of Peter the Great and Catherine I in the late 1700s; now, it’s a must-see display of Russian architecture.
The Amber Room
The highlight of Catherine’s Palace, the Amber Room is a reconstructed chamber decorated in amber panels, backed with gold leaf and mirrors. The original Amber Room has an estimated value of $500 million. It’s sometimes referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, thanks to its lavish display of precious gold and craftsmanship. Sadly, the panelling of the original Amber Room was lost during WWII, but the reconstruction is still a sight to behold.
Day 8
DEPARTURE
Enjoy a private transfer to the airport at the time of your choosing. Be sure to stay in touch with Discovery Russia once you’re back home! We love seeing your holiday pictures and hearing your reflections on the trip.
To find out more about this incredible tour, chat to our friendly staff now. Already convinced that you’ll have the time of your life travelling with us? Secure your spot today!
