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Map of Premium Russia including Russian Federation

From Moscow to St Petersburg, discover Russia’s wealth of culture and history

Russia’s story is big enough to burst a bookshelf. This 8-day Premium adventure will guide you through the country’s multi-layered history and deep-rooted culture. Get to the heart of Russia’s heritage in Moscow, marvel at diverse architecture in the Golden Ring town of Suzdal, walk in the footsteps of Tsars in Strelna and experience old-world opulence in St Petersburg. Travel with an experienced local leader who will help to solve the riddles of a country that for so long guarded their treasures from the west.

Start
Moscow, Russia
Finish
St Petersburg, Russia
Destination
Russia
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
WMPR
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

intrepid premium

premium comfort

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Join in local life and customs in the Golden Ring town of Suzdal as you share a traditional meal in a Russian home and take part in a pastry making demonstration.

  • Soak up the atmosphere of Moscow’s Red Square and Kremlin, and marvel at the opulence of Peter the Great’s grand palace, gardens and fountains in Peterof.

  • Discover treasure-upon-treasure at the incredible art collection housed in St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, with the expert guidance of an art historian.

  • Enjoy an elegant feature stay in a prestigious location – your hotel sits on the beautiful grounds of the Konstantin Palace, former home of the Romanov Tsars.

  • Step into the resplendently decorated Polovtsov Mansion for a tour of the historical building, followed by an unforgettable private concert paired with champagne.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is a comfortable way to see the highlights and learn the history of Russia’s most iconic sights, using private transport and high-speed day trains.

  • We pack a lot into this short itinerary, so be prepared for days full of activities. We highly recommend staying additional days in St Petersburg and Moscow to get the most out of these fascinating destinations.

  • We recommend packing light and compact for this trip, as you will need to be able to carry your luggage on and off trains.

WMPR - Red Square located in Moscow, Russia
WMPR - Kremlin soldiers in Sudzal
WMPR - Intricate details of cottage windows found in Sudzal, Russia
WMPR - Spread of traditional Russian dishes
WMPR - Outside of the Hermitage museum in St Petersburg, Russia
WMPR - Feature stay: Baltic Star hotel exterior
WMPR - Polovtsov Mansion architecture details

Itinerary
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Zdrastvutye! Welcome to Russia. The great city of Moscow has survived centuries of revolution and tumult. Beneath its modern veneer – a sign of Russia's recent embrace of capitalism – Moscow is a fascinating, historic city with a wealth of sights to see. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel, where your adventure begins with a 6pm welcome meeting. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the city on Day 3 and 4, but if you arrive early you may like to head to historic Arbat street and peruse its elegant cafes and shops. After your meeting, join your leader and fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant that feels like stepping into the welcoming home of a Russian grandmother. Delight in an array of traditional dishes made with recipes passed down from generation to generation, such as beef stroganoff, borsch and Olivier salad.
Accommodation
  • Marco Polo Presnja Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Moscow - Welcome dinner
Optional Activities
  • Moscow - Moscow Behind the Icons Urban Adventure - EUR56
  • Moscow - Modern Moscow Urban Adventure - EUR38
  • Moscow - Gorky Park - Free
  • Moscow - River Cruise - RUB700
  • Moscow - Red October Art Zone - Free
  • Moscow - Pushkin Art Museum - RUB400
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm arrival transfer later than that.

Your insurance and next of kin details will be collected at the welcome meeting. Please also have two copies of your passport, visa and migration cards ready. Your leader will collect one; the other is for you to keep on you at all times whilst on the trip. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where the meeting will take place.

To avoid disappointment, we recommend that you book any theatre performances that you wish to attend in Moscow or St Petersburg in advance. If you wish to attend a performance at the Bolshoi or Mariinsky, you can do so through www.mariinsky.ru and www.bolshoi.ru, though please note both sites are in Russian and you must use your search engines translation function to acces

Head to the train station and take the Strizh high-speed train to Vladimir. From there you will transfer to Suzdal, a main stop on Russia’s legendary Golden Ring, the circle of ancient and former capitals that played an important part in the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church. The historic small town of Suzdal is filled with contrasting examples of early Russian architecture, where onion-domed monasteries stand next to decorated little wooden cottages. For lunch, join one of our local friends for a special home cooked meal featuring classic Russian dishes, then enjoy a Russian pastry baking demonstration to learn the tricks of the trade. In the afternoon, your local guide will introduce you to more of Suzdal. Echoes of the city’s history are everywhere – take in the grandeur of the Kremlin, the opulent frescoes of the Cathedral of the Nativity, the trading square, market and monastery. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy.
Accommodation
  • Art Hotel Nikolaevsky Posad or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Suzdal - Home-cooked meal and pastry baking demonstration
  • Suzdal - Guided sightseeing walking tour
Optional Activities
  • Suzdal - River Cruise (Commentary in Russian only) - RUB350
  • Suzdal - Mead Tasting - RUB280
  • Suzdal - Belfry Climb - RUB100
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s train journey is approximately 2 hours, plus an hour transfer.

Take the train back to Moscow this morning. In the afternoon, get beneath the surface of Moscow’s fascinating metro system during a short tour with your leader. So much more than a simple means of transport, luxuriantly decorated stations show off the best of Soviet architecture and serve as an underground museum of Moscow’s history. Travel to some of the most beautiful stations, learn the stories behind their intricate designs and hear the myths, legends and superstitions of Europe’s busiest metro system. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Perhaps take a stroll around the always lively Gorky park, or watch a performance of classical or contemporary ballet. Speak to your leader for tips on how to spend a perfect night in this animated city.
Accommodation
  • Marco Polo Presnja Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Moscow - Leader-led metro tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s train journey is approximately 2 hours, plus an hour transfer.

Today, with a local expert on all things Moscow by your side, enter cobbled Red Square, surrounded by the brightly coloured domes of St Basil’s Cathedral, the stylish GUM Department store, the fairy-tale building of the State Historical Museum, and the imposing walls of the Kremlin. From the days of Ivan the Terrible to the military parades of the Cold War, the square has long been at the heart of Russian history. Enter the Kremlin grounds, home to the oldest and most important churches in the country, and the tombs of Tsars and Tsarinas. Walk through the soaring towers and cathedrals of the political and spiritual heart of Russia before entering the Armoury Museum. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city’s wonders. You may like to travel back to the beginnings of Russian art at the Tretyakov Gallery, or step inside the colourful St Basil's Cathedral on Red Square.
Accommodation
  • Marco Polo Presnja Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Moscow - Kremlin & Armoury Guided Tour
  • Moscow - Red Square
Optional Activities
  • Moscow - Izmailovo Vernisazh Markets - RUB10
  • Moscow - Victory Park Museum - RUB400
  • Moscow - St Basils Cathedral - RUB500
  • Moscow - Tretyakov Art Gallery - RUB500
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
On occasion Red Square may be closed to the public during regular opening hours for special events or without prior warning. As Moscow's premier tourist attractions, tickets for the Kremlin and Armoury are in high demand, and the Moscow Tourism Administration sets strict quotas to control visitor numbers. Time in each area is also limited to 90 minutes, with any exceptions possibly resulting in the guide losing their license. We ask for your understanding that the guide is under pressure to keep to the schedule. The Diamond Fund isn't included in your tour, but after the Kremlin and Armoury there may be time to visit. Entrance tickets can be purchased in the ticket office at the Armoury. The Diamond Fund is open for visitors from 10am-1pm and from 2pm-4pm. Thursday it is closed. Please talk to your leader at the Group Meeting if you are interested in this option so they can investigate pre-booking tickets.

Take a high-speed train from Moscow to St Petersburg, then transfer to the elegant town of Strelna. Overlooking the Gulf of Finland, Strelna is dotted with grand buildings, estates and palaces. In the afternoon, arrive at the illustrious Baltic Star Hotel, your feature stay accommodation for the evening. Built in 2001 on the grounds of the State Complex and next to the historic Konstantin Palace, the property offers a unique glimpse into Tsarist Russia. A favourite with foreign leaders and politicians, the Baltic Star has a prestigious roster of guests passing through its doors. Spacious rooms blend the aesthetics of a Russian estate with 21st-century amenities. Enjoy a free afternoon to discover the magnificent grounds of your hotel, perhaps taking a look inside the Konstantin Palace and the Russian Congress Hall. You may like to hire a bicycle to explore the surrounding area, or enjoy a marvellous dinner at one of the hotel’s two gourmet restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Baltic Star Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Strelna - National Congress (entrance fee) - RUB550
  • Strelna - Konstantinovsky Palace (entrance fee) - RUB460
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s train journey is approximately 5.5 hours plus a 1-hour transfer. The Baltic Star may be closed on occasion due to presidential or government events, in which case you will stay at a fabulous alternative hotel near the Peterof Palace.

This morning, visit the stunning Peterhof Palce, summer home of Peter the Great. Built to impress guests with the Tsar’s wealth and taste, the grounds of the park are filled with European inspired fountains, cascades and landscaped gardens. Your local guide will regale you with stories of the ruler and explain how the palace was accurately restored after being destroyed during Nazi occupation in World War II. In the afternoon, make the journey to St Petersburg and arrive at your centrally located hotel. After settling in, head to the opulent Polovtsov Mansion. A pot of gold in the heart of the city, step past its unassuming façade and uncover resplendent furnishings and eclectic architecture. Discover the rich history of this incredibly decorated building during a guided tour, followed by a private concert and champagne. Listening to classical Russian music under glorious gold ceilings is a magical memory that will surely stay with you.
Accommodation
  • Catherine Art Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • St Petersburg - Peterhof Park & Fountains
  • St Petersburg - Peterhof Palace (Summer Palace)
  • St. Petersburg - Polovtsov Mansion & private music concert
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 1.5 hours. On occasion our groups have been unable to visit Peterhof due to tickets being booked out or the park being closed without warning for an official delegation. At these times we will visit an alternative park and Palace in another of St Petersburg's suburbs.

Wake up in St Petersburg, a glorious city brimming with history. Today you will visit the famous Hermitage museum, built by Catherine the Great in 1764 and home to one of the world’s premier art collections. With nearly three million items, exploring the museum on your own only reveals half the story. Today you will tour the museum with an art historian who will offer expert insight into the stunning building, the stories behind it and the exhibits within it. Marvel at the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt and Rodin. Enjoy a free afternoon in this beautiful city before regrouping for a final dinner together. Russia has wholeheartedly embraced the flavoursome cuisine of Georgia, a former Soviet country. Head to a cheerful Georgian restaurant and enjoy a chicken chakhokhbili, spicy lobio beans or a cheesy khachapuri, then raise a glass of wine to toast the end of an adventure.
Accommodation
  • Catherine Art Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • St Petersburg - Guided Hermitage Museum tour (by art historian)
  • St Petersburg - Final dinner
Optional Activities
  • St Petersburg - Matryoshka Doll Painting Workshop - RUB2000
  • St Petersburg - Mariinsky Theatre Perfomance - RUB8000
  • St Petersburg - Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood - RUB350
  • St Petersburg - Saint Isaac’s Cathedral - RUB400
  • St Petersburg - Kazan Cathedral - Free
  • St Petersburg - Boat Trip (price from) - RUB700
  • St Petersburg - Saint Isaac’s Cathedral Colonnade - RUB400
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Your Russian adventure will come to an end today after breakfast. An airport transfer is not included, however you can arrange one in advance, or your leader or hotel staff can help you book a taxi for your flight. St Petersburg has much to offer, so we recommend that those that wish to see more extend their stay a day or two.
Optional Activities
  • St Petersburg - St Petersburg like a Local Urban Adventure - EUR50
  • St Petersburg - St Petersburg Discovery Urban Adventure - EUR50
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

High Speed Train, Private Bus, Metro

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Strelna Feature Stay (1 night)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Moscow - Welcome dinner
  • Suzdal - Home-cooked meal and pastry baking demonstration
  • Suzdal - Guided sightseeing walking tour
  • Moscow - Leader-led metro tour
  • Moscow - Kremlin & Armoury Guided Tour
  • Moscow - Red Square
  • St Petersburg - Peterhof Park & Fountains
  • St Petersburg - Peterhof Palace (Summer Palace)
  • St. Petersburg - Polovtsov Mansion & private music concert
  • St Petersburg - Guided Hermitage Museum tour (by art historian)
  • St Petersburg - Final dinner

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Please provide the following details exactly as they appear in your passport at the time of booking so that we can book your train tickets. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket if an amendment occurs.
• Your full name (first, middle, last)
• Passport details (number, nationality, issue, expiry dates, date of birth)

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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