DAY 1, Friday - Arrive in Moscow
Arrive in Moscow, fabled capital of Russia; transfer to your hotel. Time to rest and relax, or begin your independent discovery of this cosmopolitan city. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager on the fascinating journey that awaits you in Russia at approximately 7 pm. Begin with a champagne toast to celebrate your arrival in Moscow, followed by a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 5 pm or earlier, if possible
Overnight: Moscow
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2, Saturday - The Kremlin, Armory Museum, Arbat Street
Today's exploration of Moscow, the symbolic heart, and soul of Russia, begins at the massive red walls of the Kremlin, a former residence of Russian Czars. View Czar Cannon, the 16th-century Czar Bell and Cathedral Square, home to three of Moscow's most elaborate cathedrals, enter one of them to admire the ornate interior and beautiful icons. Visit the astonishing Armory Museum with its Imperial Russian treasures including royal crowns, embossed carriages, and the extraordinary jeweled Faberge Eggs. Then, stroll through the lovely Alexander Gardens with its obelisk dedicated to the Romanovs and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. On to historic Red Square, dominated by Lenin's Tomb and colorful St. Basil's Cathedral, one of the world's most magnificent Russian Orthodox structures. Pass the State History Museum en route to GUM, a store that could easily be confused with a palace. Here, time to shop and enjoy lunch on your own. Continue via the imposing Christ the Savior Cathedral on the northern bank of the Moskva River and the striking red and white baroque Novodevichy Convent. Afterward, on to Arbat Street, the humming artisan center of the city with time to explore or just sip Russian tea at an outdoor café. This evening, perhaps join the crowds at lively Tverskaya Street or visit the observation platform at Sparrow Hills to see panoramic views of the illuminated city
Overnight: Moscow
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3, Sunday - Tretyakov State Gallery
This morning, visit the Tretyakov State Gallery, known for its finest collection of Russian art and one of the greatest art museums in the world. The Gallery was founded in 1856 by a Moscow merchant and patron of the arts Pavel Tretyakov, to display works of Russian artists. The collection contains more than 150,000 works of art, from the 10th to the end of the 19th century. View exquisite Russian icons, paintings, and sculptures, including works by Brullov, Kiprensky, Karavak, Fedotov, Repin and many others. Lunch is at a local restaurant. The afternoon is at leisure for individual pursuits. In the evening, become a "Moscovite" on this optional Metro & Moscow by night tour, when you ride a few stops on the unique subway, with its lavishly decorated stations in marble, mosaics, chandeliers, and statues. Enjoy the glitter of the city's lights before returning to the hotel
Optional: Metro & Moscow by Night (PM)
Overnight: Moscow
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4, Monday - High Speed Train to St. Petersburg
At Moscow's railway station, board the high speed train that takes you to St. Petersburg, arriving in the afternoon. Your first sight of this glorious city, former capital of the Romanov Czars, will indeed be memorable. On the way from the railway station join your fellow travelers at the "Welcome to St. Petersburg" Dinner held at a popular restaurant near the Mariinsky Theater. Feast on traditional Russian Borscht, fresh-baked cakes, legendary Chicken Kiev and other Russian favorites, topped off by a traditional shot of vodka
Overnight: St. Petersburg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Tuesday - Tour of St. Petersburg, the "Venice of the North"
There are few cities that can match the grace and beauty of St. Petersburg, considered by many to be one of the world's grandest cities. When Peter the Great founded the city in 1703, he hired Europe's best architects, craftsmen, and artists to build and decorate the city. Spread over 100 islands linked by over 600 bridges, it is known as the "Venice of the North". Your daylong tour begins with a drive past monumental St. Isaac's Cathedral, whose construction took more than 40 years, and the magnificent neoclassical Mariinsky Palace. Drive along the Neva embankment to view the imposing Bronze Horseman the famous monument to Peter the Great, the Admiralty, Palace Square and the remarkable Winter Palace and Hermitage Museum. Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, housing the crypts of several Russian Czars before driving past the magnificent Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, a superb example of Russian architecture and St. Michael's Castle, with its mysterious past. End the day with a drive along Nevsky Prospect, the main avenue of the city adorned with beautiful buildings, decorated squares, and ornate bridges. Evening on your own to dine at a charming restaurant and savor the delicious food - be sure to try blinis, a Russian favorite. Tonight, don't miss the optional Russian Folklore Evening, one of the best folklore programs in St. Petersburg including dances, songs, instruments and costumes from all over Russia along with canapes and champagne during intermission
Optional: Russian Folklore Evening (PM)
Overnight: St. Petersburg
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Wednesday - Tour the Hermitage Museum
An exciting and inspiring day. You'll be dazzled on the visit to the renowned Hermitage Museum, housing the largest and richest collection of Western art. Originally the personal gallery of Catherine the Great, the vast assemblage of art spans six buildings including the Winter Palace. Astounding priceless masterpieces by Michelangelo, da Vinci, Picasso, Raphael, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Monet, and more are displayed amid the fittingly opulent architectural design of the museum. As the collection is housed in the lavishly decorated Winter Palace, you'll also see some of the historic rooms where Russian royalty once lived. Linger at the museum, spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own, or participate in the optional* tour to Catherine's Palace at Pushkin, the splendid country palace of the Czars nestled in a beautiful park setting. This royal palace, with its magnificent blend of architecture and sumptuous furnishings, is distinguished by its priceless Amber Room. Then, join the optional** cruise that takes you on the city's rivers and canals offering panoramic views of sparkling St. Petersburg at night
*Be advised that you might not be able to book this optional tour locally, due to certain restrictions regarding Catherine’s Palace
**If booking both Catherine Palace & Cruise on the Rivers and Canals optional tours, please keep in mind that you may have limited time in between for dinner
**The optional Evening Canal Cruise (PM) will not operate on the Mar 26 & Apr 2 departure
Optional: Catherine's Palace at Pushkin (PM)
Optional: Evening Canal Cruise (PM)
Overnight: St. Petersburg
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Thursday - Yusupov Palace, Farewell Dinner
Enjoy the morning at leisure or join the optional tour to Peterhof (formerly called Petrodvorets), the amazing Summer Palace of Peter the Great with its gorgeous landscaped grounds and fountains overlooking the Gulf of Finland, referred to as the "Russian Versailles". In the afternoon, visit the Yusupov Palace, once the home of one of the wealthiest and most distinguished noble families in the 19th century. The opulent and exquisitely decorated interior has been totally recreated and now functions as a museum, a theater and the St. Petersburg Palace of Culture. This palace rivals those owned by the Romanovs, with a history that is just as mysterious. Time on your own for independent explorations. On your last night in Russia, share wonderful memories of your journey at the Farewell Dinner at a classical Russian restaurant
Optional: Peterhof Tour (AM)
Overnight: St. Petersburg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Friday - Depart Russia
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
***End of Tour***
SPECIAL FEATURES:
· Visit the astonishing Armory Museum with its Imperial Russian treasures including the extraordinary jeweled Faberge Eggs
· Travel to the Tretyakovsky State Gallery, known for its finest collection of Russian art and one of the greatest art museums in the world
· Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress in glorious St. Petersburg, housing the crypts of many Russian Czars
· An extraordinary visit to the renowned Hermitage Museum, housing the largest and richest collection of Western art
· Tour the opulent 19th century Yusupov Palace, once home of one of the wealthiest and most distinguished noble families in St. Petersburg
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