Beyond Red Square: An In-Depth Exploration of Western Russia

17 days
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4.4/5 Great
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Small Group Tour
Learn the true story of Russia through the country’s monuments and people on this educational adventure. Join experts at sites from the Kremlin to the towns of the Golden Ring.
From$5,999
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • I like to spend much of the day exploring
    • Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
    • Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group

What's this trip about?

    Learn the true story of Russia through the country’s monuments and people on this educational adventure. Join experts at sites from the Kremlin to the towns of the Golden Ring.

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 24 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityMoscow
End CitySt. Petersburg

Travel Themes

  • Culinary & Wine
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Relaxing Retreats
  • Yoga, Meditation & Wellness
  • Photography
  • Holy Land

Destinations

  • North America
  • United States
  • Europe
  • Russia

Attractions

  • Moscow
  • St. Petersburg

Activities

  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Yoga & Meditation

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Moscow, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Moscow

Note: Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. local time.

Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency proced...

Day 3 Moscow City Field Trip Moscow

Getting on/off a motorcoach; At Pushkin Museum, climbing 18 steps to entrance and interior main staircase with 48 steps, no railings; no elevators.

Following the introductory lecture by our expert Group Leader, set out via private transportation on an introducto...

Day 4 Moscow State University, Tretyakov Gallery, Home Dinner Moscow

Getting on/off motorcoach; The group will take a short walk from the entrance of the new portion of the university to the elevators, which they will then take up to the floor where the lecture is presented.

Departing the hotel via private transportation, we will...

Day 5 Treasures of Red Square, Kremlin, Evening Performance Moscow

Getting on/off a motorcoach; walking up to 4 miles; uneven streets and sidewalks. Armory Museum, State History Museum, and St. Basil's Cathedral accessible only by staircases; no elevators.

This morning we embark on an in-depth exploration of the Moscow Kremlin....

Day 6 Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center, Metro, Free Time Moscow

Getting on/off a motorcoach; Getting on/off a public subway; The Moscow Metro excursion by public transportation includes stations in the city center only.

Today, we'll start off with an educational lecture by our expert Group Leader. Afterwards, we'll depart fo...

Day 7 Depart Moscow, Vladimir, Suzdal Suzdal

Getting on/off a motorcoach; Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day; uneven streets and sidewalks. Some sites accessible only by staircases, no elevators. 100-120 steps in total. Drive from Moscow to Vladimir is 120 miles and takes 4-5 hours. Drive from Vladimir to ...

Day 8 Suzdal, Kideksha Estate Suzdal

Getting on/off a motorcoach; Walking up to 1 mile; uneven streets and sidewalks; some sites accessible only by staircases; museums do not have elevators.

We will spend the morning exploring Suzdal, founded in 1024. The city was named by Grand Duke Yaroslav the W...

Day 9 Kostroma, St. Ipatiev Monastery Kostroma

Getting on/off a motorcoach; Walking up to 1 mile; uneven streets and sidewalks; some sites accessible only by staircases. Drive from Suzdal to Kostroma is 120 miles, about 3 hours.

After checking out of the hotel, we will drive to Kostroma. This 12th-century to...

Day 10 Yaroslavl, Spassky Monastery, Museums Yaroslavl

Getting on/off a motorcoach; Drive from Kostroma to Yaroslavl is 50 miles, about 1.5-2 hours. Walking up to 1 mile; uneven streets and sidewalks; some sites are only accessible via staircases; museums do not have elevators.

Today we set off for Yaroslavl, founde...

Day 11 Rostov, Sergiev Posad, Moscow, Train to St. Petersburg St. Petersburg

Getting on/off a motorcoach; Getting on/off a public train; On the evening high-speed train from Moscow to St. Petersburg, a trip of approximately 4 hours, departing early evening and arriving at night. Drive from Yaroslavl to Rostov Veliky is 40 miles, about 1 hour. ...

Day 12 Fortress of Peter and Paul, Boat Ride Along the Canals St. Petersburg

Getting on/off a motorcoach; Getting on/off a public boat. Walking about 3-5 miles total throughout the day; flat and cobblestone surfaces, some steps. The boat ride is about 13 miles; approximately 1 hour.

Our exploration of St. Petersburg via private transport...

Day 13 St. Isaac's Cathedral, Yusupov Palace, Dacha Dinner St. Petersburg

Getting on/off a motorcoach; The drive to the Dacha is about 50 miles (80 km) - approx. 1.5 hours each way. To show your appreciation for dinner in the home of a local family, it is appropriate (not required) to bring a small token of friendship for the hosts.

W...

Day 14 Fabergé Museum, Church of Savior on the Blood, Nevsky Ave St. Petersburg

Getting on/off a motorcoach; Participants should be prepared to walk approximately 2 miles during the course of the day while sightseeing, both in museums and on the street.

We begin the day with a lecture and discussion led by a specially invited local expert. ...

Day 15 Hermitage Museum, Theater Performance St. Petersburg

Getting on/off a motorcoach; Hermitage will involve walking 1-2 miles total within the halls of the museum, from the main museum building, across the Palace Square, to the Impressionists’ collection in the General Staff Headquarters building. Travelers should expect t...

Day 16 Peterhof, Catherine Palace, Farewell Dinner St. Petersburg

Walking up to 2 miles, uneven streets and sidewalks. Stairs at entrance of Catherine Palace. The elevator inside is turned on only with advance notice, so be sure to inform us before we go if you expect to need it.

Today, we’ll take an exciting hydrofoil ride fr...

Day 17 Program Concludes, In Transit From Program St. Petersburg

Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Hotel buffet as flight times permit. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,999
Price per day$353
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Road Scholar

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Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975, offers 5,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. Alongside local and renowned experts, experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural tours and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

Programs For Whatever You Love to Do:

Much more than a tour, a Road Scholar program is a true learning adventure. Whether you join us in Seattle or Santiago, Beijing or Berlin, Road Scholar programs all share four unique attributes:

--Exceptional opportunities for learning and exploration through special behind-the-scenes access to the world's most fascinating treasures, led by our passionate and knowledgeable instructors.

--The shared fellowship of learning and warm camaraderie, whether a solo traveler or with a companion.

--Comfortable accommodations and appetizing meals.

--Excellent value.

Explore Your Mind and the World:

There are no grades or tests on Road Scholar programs. All that's needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit, and the belief that learning and discovery are lifelong pursuits.

Established in 1975, Road Scholar offers participants once-in-a-lifetime experiences delivered by local and world-renowned experts. Experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural excursions and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

Our Most Popular Tours:

Adventures Afloat Cruises: On these educational cruises, you’ll traverse some of the world's most spectacular waterways, offering you a convenient and rewarding way to learn and explore aboard ocean liners, riverboats and small ships.

Independent City Discoveries: Combine structured learning with independent discovery — each program includes hotel accommodations and some meals, lectures, expert-led field trips and detailed outlines for four self-guided excursions.

Grandparent Travel: Discover and explore together with your grandchild through interactive learning experiences and field trips. Both you and your grandchild will share the joy of learning with other grandparents and their grandchildren, bridging generations and opening doors to discovery and friendship.

National Parks: From Denali to the Everglades and countless beautiful, historic places in between, field trips to America’s National Parks reveal what tourists can’t see on their own, with specialized experts showing you how to track wildlife or lead you to the spot with the most awe-inspiring view.

Outdoor Adventures: From hiking in the Grand Canyon to exploring France by barge and bicycle, to sharpening your golf or tennis skills, these active programs exercise the body and the mind.

Service Learning: From tutoring school children or helping restore a crucial forest habitat for wildlife, to assisting with artifact restoration and museum curatorial work, Service Learning adventures are an opportunity to make a difference in the world.

Small Groups: Love to learn in a small-group setting? Check out this collection of programs that have 10-24 participants.

Why Road Scholar?

You Can't Beat Road Scholar's Remarkable Value: Our all-inclusive prices have no hidden costs. Compare the price of one of our programs to what it would cost to duplicate the experience on your own (if that's even possible) and you'll see what we mean by "remarkable value."

Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Friends: When you participate in a Road Scholar program, you will not only expand your mind, you will be in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life.

Instructors Who Inspire: Road Scholar instructors are both experts in their field and lifelong learners themselves who are excited to answer your questions, hear your opinions and share in your experience.

Solo Participants Love Our Programs: Road Scholar programs are renowned for being inclusive, warm and welcoming for solo participants. We can either match you with a roommate or, on most programs, you can choose to room on your own.

Think Outside the Tour: The educational focus of Road Scholar programs makes us completely different from a commercial travel tour. Road Scholar programs offer educational experiences that answer the what's, the why's and the how-to's.

You Go Where Others Can't: We've been offering educational experiences since 1975 and we've made connections with educators and other local "insiders" all around the world, creating learning opportunities that show you the world in a way that just can't be done on your own or on a "tour."

We've Covered All the Bases: From expert-led lectures and field trips to comfortable lodgings and meals, we handle all the details, including the ones you might not anticipate. We've taken the worry out of the planning, so you can focus on your learning experience.

Peace of Mind Through the Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan: The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, which is purchased on behalf of every participant, provides 24-hour emergency assistance in the unlikely case of a medical emergency.

Scholarships for Those in Financial Need: Each year, Road Scholar awards $250,000 in scholarships toward programs in North America for those who do not have the financial means to participate.

Our Donors: Each year, thousands of donors contribute to our Annual Fund, helping to cover the gap between the tuition we charge and the actual cost of our programs.

What they’re known for
Popular global tours with a unique focus on educational experiences for mostly senior travelers.

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Logistics

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • Number of Breakfast: 15
  • Number of Lunch: 12
  • Number of Dinner: 10
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
roadscholar-19337

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