Compare Moscow, St Petersburg & the Golden Ring by Audley Travel vs Easy Pace Russia with Christmas Markets - Classic Group, Winter 2022 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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Easy Pace Russia with Christmas Markets - Classic Group, Winter 2022 2023 Classic Group
by
Insight Vacations
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 4,147 | $ 2,225 |
| Price Per Day | $ 415 | $ 278 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Basic |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Russia’s main cities feel broadly European, but its history tells a different story due to the singular political path the country forged in the 20th century, which lives on in the bold Stalinist buildings that pepper Moscow. Our specialists are skilled at crafting Russia holidays that take in all the country’s paradoxes. They can help you delve into St Petersburg, advising you on which imperial palaces to visit, and how to avoid the crowds. In Moscow, they can indicate more unusual ways to experience the city (such as night river cruises), and they know where to find the best skyline views. |
Set out from St. Petersburg with your local Travel Director and expert in all things Russian, on an exploration of the city's iconic architecture—including the onion-domed Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood. After free time to explore picturesque Pushkin and the site of Rasputin's infamous demise, carve through the Baltic waves on a high-speed hydrofoil to the lavish grounds of Peter the Great's Petrodvorets Gardens. A speedy Sapspan train transplants you to Moscow in style, and begins a unique expert led exploration of the city—taking in the Kremlin, Red Square and Lenin's Mausoleum. |
Day 1 : Moscow
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Moscow. Upon arrival at the airport you'll be met by your private guide and driven to your hotel by private transfer.
Day 2 : Moscow
Enjoy a morning walking tour of the Kremlin complex today, taking in the highlights with your private guide. Your trip also includes a visit to the Kremlin Armoury which is home to a small but exquisite collection of Fabergé Eggs. Your afternoon is spent at leisure. We suggest exploring the metro system, whose marble monuments and artwork is a sight in itself, and visiting the GUM department store.
Day 3 : Moscow
At leisure in the city to allow you some time to explore under your own steam. We suggest visiting the Tretyakov Art Gallery, the Pushkin Art Gallery and Novodivichy Convent. We particularly like the Novodivichy Convent for its views over the city. Have a wander, too, around its cemetery, where many of Russia's great and good are buried. Look out for the graves of Yeltsin, Chekhov and Bulgakov.
Day 4 : Suzdal
Your private transfer meets you today at your hotel to take you out of the city to the pretty town of Suzdal via Vladimir, towns within the historic Golden Ring. Spend some time taking in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed churches and cathedrals here with your guide, before continuing on to your hotel in Suzdal in the late afternoon.
Day 5 : Suzdal
Enjoy a half day tour of Suzdal with your private guide. Your afternoon is at leisure. We suggest simply wandering around the town at your own pace, looking at its quaint wooden houses.
Day 6 : St Petersburg
Take a private transfer back to Moscow today in time to meet your high speed train to St Petersburg. Your private guide will be on hand at the station in order to help you board the train. The journey lasts around four and a half hours.On arrival in St Petersburg you're met by your private driver and guide who will take you to your hotel. The rest of your day is spent at leisure. If you're looking to push the boat out, we can arrange a dinner reservation at the Moika Kempinksi rooftop terrace restaurant, which has a panoramic view of the spires and roofs of city.
Day 7 : St Petersburg
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Day 8 : St Petersburg
With your private guide, today you'll travel out to the spectacular palace of Peter the Great by hydrofoil yacht for views over the Gulf of Finland. Spend some time exploring the palace and the fountained gardens before you travel back to the city by private transfer this afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure: we suggest heading out on a self-guided walking route around the city, finishing at St Isaac's Church. Climb to the viewing terrace on the colonnade if you have a head for heights and don't mind the steep ascent.
Day 9 : St Petersburg
Enjoy a morning tour of the Hermitage today with your private guide who will show you the highlights of the state rooms and the art collection housed here. Your afternoon is at leisure and you may wish to use this time to continue exploring the city's galleries under your own steam - there is simply vast amounts of art to see here. We suggest also peeking at the small ballet theatre commissioned by Catherine the Great.
Day 10 : International return flight
Your trip ends on a high note with a visit to the sumptuous Catherine Palace in the village of Pushkin, home to the Amber Room. Your guide shows you the highlights of the palace and grounds before you take a private transfer to the airport in the afternoon in time to meet your return flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
Day 1: Welcome to St. Petersburg
Airport transfers depart from St. Petersburg airport at 14:30 and 17:00.Meet your Travel Director and travel companions at 19:00 for a friendly Welcome Dinner served with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 2: St.Petersburg Sightseeing
Morning sightseeing with your Local Expert includes views of St. Isaac's Cathedral, the fortress of St. Peter and Paul and Decembrists' Square. Travel along Nevsky Prospekt for views of the great Cathedral of Kazan and the iconic, onion-domed Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the world-famous Alexandrinsky Theatre with a member of the production team. Visit the royal box and see an exhibition of authentic costumes. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit a local ceramist workshop supporting vulnerable youth. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Perhaps experience the festivities of the annual International Winter Festival where St. Petersburg showcases an array of culture from the regions of Russia, combined with Christmas traditions from all over the world?
Day 3: The City of Tsars Relaxed Start
In the little town of Pushkin, visit St. Catherine’s Palace with a Local Expert. A ‘Golden Enfilade’ of suites lead to the restored Amber Room, a truly unique and spectacular chamber solely decorated with amber panels, gold leaves and mirrors. Later, cross the Neva River to Peter and Paul Fortress, where St. Petersburg’s foundation stone was laid in 1703. With a Local Expert, visit the fortress to see the imperial tombs of the Romanov rulers and learn the secrets of Russian history.
Day 4: The Hermitage Museum Relaxed Start
Located in the Winter Palace, the Hermitage is one of the world’s greatest museums. Marvel at its fabulous collection of paintings and ornaments, ranging from Egyptian carvings to impressionist masterpieces.The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore, shop or relax.
Day 5: High-Speed Sapsan Train to Moscow Relaxed Start
Enjoy a relaxed start in the morning, or perhaps visit the former residence of the Yusupov family and the scene of Rasputin's murder? Later, board your high-speed Sapsan train and relax in modern luxury and comfort as you travel to Moscow in just a few hours. On arrival in this fascinating city, you are transferred to your hotel for a leisurely three-night stay. Famous for its unique history and colourful architecture, explore Moscow’s enchanting city centre and get lost in its captivating Modern art scene.
Day 6: Moscow, a Russian Revelation Relaxed Start
Begin your exploration of the Russian capital with a Local Expert. Start in Red Square, lined by Moscow's landmark buildings. At one end rises the onion-shaped domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, in front of the Kremlin stands Lenin's Mausoleum, while on the opposite side, the grand GUM department store offers a variety of glamorous goods. Explore Moscow with Insight Choice. Choose between visiting an ornate metro station or alternatively, join your Local Expert for a stroll through the popular Zaryadye Park and enjoy great views of your surroundings. In your free time, why not witness the crown jewels and Fabergé Egg collection of the Imperial Russian Family? In your free time, you may like to wrap up warm and venture out to explore the dazzling festivities of the Christmas season. Snow-covered stalls are crowned with twinkling fairylights, while vendors serve warm drinks and food. When Moscow’s Journey into Christmas begins, each district becomes part of the festival, offering everything from exciting street shows and concerts, to master cooking classes of traditional Russian foods. There really is something for everyone.
Day 7: Exploring the Kremlin Relaxed Start
In the morning you are at leisure to relax or explore the Russian capital as you wish. The Christmas Markets offer plenty of unique art pieces and classic Russian ornaments. Perhaps visit the Borodino Panorama Exhibition, or take an Optional Experience to the renowned centre of ancient Russian art and architecture, Zagorsk? In the afternoon, walk inside the walls of the Kremlin Fortress to visit one of the cathedrals as well as the Armoury Chamber. Later, enjoy delicious food, great wine and wonderful company as you toast to your travels during your Celebration Dinner.
Day 8: Farewell Moscow
It’s time to say goodbye to Moscow and your fellow travellers. Departure transfers will arrive at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport at 05:00, 08:00 and 11:00 and at Moscow's Domodedovo Airport at 05:00, 10:00 and 13:00.
