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.

In the morning, your driver will pick you up for a short tour to Vladimir. You will visit the famous Dormition Cathedral, part of a World Heritage Site. The interior was painted in the 12th century and then repainted by Andrei Rublev, one of the greatest medieval Russian painters of Orthodox icons and frescos.

Then we will drive to Suzdal, located 30 km away from Vladimir. We shall have lunch and try different tastes of the famous local drink “medovukha”. Suzdal produces the very best one!

Proceed to the Suzdal Kremlin, the oldest part of the Russian city of Suzdal, dating from the 10th century. Like other Russian Kremlins, it was originally a fortress or citadel and was the religious and administrative centre of the city. Nowadays, the Suzdal Kremlin is a museum with numerous exhibits dedicated to the history of Suzdal, old Russian painting, applied art and the treasures of the monasteries and churches.

Start the day with the guided tour to Yaroslavl. The legend has it that the future Grand Prince of Kyiv Yaroslav Vladimirovich, being at that time the Prince of Rostov the Great, was inspecting his lands back in 1010 and met an unknown pagan tribe in the place where the Volga River and its tributary the Kotorosl River flow into each other. The locals were hostile towards the prince and set a ferocious she-bear on him. Yet the prince had no fear and killed the beast with a pole-axe. The pagans submitted themselves to the prince’s control and he decided to found a city with a fortress on this site in order for freight boats to sail freely across the Volga River and trades and crafts to be developed here.

Proceed to the Residence of Maslenitsa for lunch. What is, or who is Maslenitsa? Sign up to our tour to find out!

Take a transfer to Sergiev Posad and enjoy a wonderful sightseeing tour around the most cherished treasures of Russian Christians, that includes a visit to the spiritual centre of Russian Orthodoxy – the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius. This religious and military complex represents an epitome of the growth of Russian architecture and contains some of that architecture’s finest expressions. It exerted a profound influence on architecture in Russia and other parts of Eastern Europe.The property is a serial one, including buildings outside the main monastic compound.

In the evening, take a transfer to Moscow.

Stalin’s skyscrapers

Stalin left the city of Moscow with a gift of seven ‘sisters’, in the form of seven structurally – and now historically – significant buildings, built between 1947 and 1953. When constructed, the buildings were amongst the tallest in Europe; Moscow State University’s main building held the title of Europe’s tallest building until 1997. It’s difficult to miss these imposing structures in the Moscow skyline – look a little closer, and you’ll notice the unusual combination of Russian baroque, neoclassical, and Soviet Realism architectural influences.

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.

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.

The Church of the Saviour on teh Spilled Blood

Built in the 19th century, the Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood is a dramatic feast for the eyes, with an intriguing history. It’s shrouded in mystery and legend, stemming from the assassination attempt on Tsar Alexander II. Designed in the quintessential Russian Orthodox style of extravagant colour and texture, it’s not difficult to see why the Church of the Spilled Blood took 24 years to complete.

During the late Soviet era, the church permanently stood in a falsework. This was lasting for so, so long that finally St. Petersburg residents made an ironic belief that as soon as falsework was removed, the entire USSR would be removed as well. Believe it or not, but the fact is: in 1991 the temple’s falsework was finally taken away and the same year, in August 1991, the end of the Soviet power has come.

St. Petersburg drawbridges’ opening and closing is a magnificent show, spectacular and captivating. What’s interesting it’s not a tourist attraction, but a purely technological procedure, the fact which adds flavor to the experience. St Petersburg has 9 out of 10 world’s big bridges that are lifted regularly. The remainin one is the London’s Tower bridge. Optional midnight drawing bridges cruise is seasonally available, please inquire.

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.

Enjoy a romantic cruise down the canals of St. Petersburg, and see some of the city’s monuments on the banks of the River Neva, all beautifully illuminated for the evening.

Spend you evening exploring famous Rubinsteina street, which happens to be one of the longest bar streets in Europe. Just let your guide know you’d like to try some Russian midnight fun and you’ll get the list of the best, safe places which our travelers and us have already checked. St Petersburg is a place for long, very long parties and you can easily spend most part of the night exploring one place after another. It is safe and sound to relax until at 3 AM after enlighting and busy sightseeing day with your guide. Surprisingly, St Petersburg is not just a city full of museums and glorious architecture it is world-famus for, but a great place if you like to relax in the evening in a cozy craft beer bar. Just ask your guide for a recommendation for the evening!

Day 11

FAREWELL

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!