This fantastic tour takes you to all the highlights of these two great Russian cities, from palatial wonders to the treasures of the art galleries and cultural masterpieces.
Private transfer from the airport to Hotel Sokos Vasilievsky or similar; check-in and early evening welcome meeting with your tour escort & fellow guests.
This is an amazing city where Imperial palaces and museums enjoy worldwide fame, while the Neva River and the many canals have deservedly given the city the title, Venice of the North. During your morning sightseeing tour, become acquainted with all the splendours of the city: the Peter-Paul Fortress, Winter Palace, St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Church of the Bleeding Savior, Nevsky Convent and more. Afternoon visit to Zarskoye Selo to see the impressive Catherine's Palace and Amber Room, which vanished during World War II and was restored for St. Petersburg's tri-centennial celebrations. Evening visit to the Nikolaevsky Palace to seen an exciting traditional Russian folklore show, including some Russian drinks and snacks.
Morning excursion to Peterhof Palace - an uncontested masterpiece of Peter the Great's time, with the impressive Grand Palace, Grand Cascade, Water Avenue and its wonderful parks. Afternoon visit to the world-famous, treasure filled, Hermitage Art Museum - a truly wonderful way to end your exploration of this great city. Tonight, you might like to join the optional Russian dinner at Restaurant Pryanosti & Radosti.
Early morning guided canal cruise along the meandering waterways. Around noon, we transfer to the Railway Station and board the Sapsan high-speed train bound for Moscow. The train ride takes us through endless Russian landscapes along the River Volga. Late afternoon arrival in Moscow, for accommodation at Hotel Azimut Smolenskaya or similar.
Moscow, the Mother of Russia, is a genuine Russian city with the Kremlin and its onion domed cathedrals. The dramatic changes over the last decade have made the city one of the most dynamic metropolis in the world. Morning sightseeing includes all the highlights of this vast city - Red Square with the Kremlin, Theatre Square with the Bolshoi Theatre, Sparrow Hills with Moscow University and the Kremlin grounds including one of the cathedrals. Afternoon visit to the famous Moscow Metro including the stations along the Ring Line, followed by a guided stroll along famous Arbat Street, is offered. Evening 'Moscow by Night' tour which and includes an unforgettable river cruise with the White Flotilla.
Full day excursion to Sergiev Posad, with a visit to the Trinity Lavra of St Sergius, the most important Russian monastery and the country's spiritual.
Private transfer from hotel to the airport and end of arrangements.
Notes:
Maximum Group Size: 45 persons
These departures continue on, making a 10 day tour including Vladimir, Suzdal and Bogolyubovo. Please see our Russian Capitals and Historic Towns tour for more details.
Prices may vary according to dates of travel
INCLUDES: 6 nights at centrally located 4 star hotels including buffet breakfast; welcome meeting with champagne cocktail or juice; entrances to Peter-and-Paul Fortress St. Petersburg, Kremlin Moscow; services of a multi-lingual tour escort; transport in 1st class motor coaches or minivans throughout the itinerary; train ticket St. Petersburg-Moscow one way 2nd class; porterage at hotels; private arrival + departure transfers; 4hr excursion to Zarskoye Selo & Catherine's Palace including the Amber Room; folklore show at Nikolaevsky Palace; 4hr excursion to Peterhof Palace including Grand Palace; 3hr visit to the Hermitage Art Museum; 3hr St. Petersburg channel cruise, 3hr Moscow Metro and Arbat Street tour, 3hr Moscow by Night tour, 8hr Sergiev Posad tour.
EXCLUDES: Russian Visa; optional special dinner being Russian dinner at Restaurant Pryanosti & Radosti; half board at hotels (6 x 3-course dinners with coffee/tea).