Compare Classic Russia tour by Audley Travel vs Easy Pace Russia with Christmas Markets - Classic Group, Winter 2022 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
Easy Pace Russia with Christmas Markets - Classic Group, Winter 2022 2023 Classic Group
by
Insight Vacations
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 3,214 | $ 2,225 |
| Price Per Day | $ 402 | $ 278 |
| Highlights |
N/A
|
|
| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Basic |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
|
| 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. Arriving into Moscow you're met at the airport by your private driver and guide, and driven to your hotel. Most flights arrive in the evening, so spend your first few hours in Russia simply relaxing in your hotel.
Day 2 : Moscow
This morning your private guide meets you at your hotel and takes you on the city's metro to Red Square and the Kremlin. You'll also visit the Armoury, containing a number of Fabergé Eggs as well as jewels, weapons and clothing of the Tsars, and St Basil's Cathedral. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore by yourself. We recommend visiting the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Fine Arts Museum.
Day 3 : Moscow
Today continue exploring Moscow under your own steam. We suggest making use of the city's elegant metro system to get around. Almost like an underground art museum full of marble monuments, the metro system's a sight in itself. You could visit the Novodevichy Convent and Heroes' Cemetery, which has excellent views over the city. In the afternoon, we recommend taking a river cruise on the Moskva, ending with a cocktail in the Radisson, which is located in one of Moscow's seven skyscrapers, nicknamed the Seven Sisters.
Day 4 : St Petersburg
Use your final morning at leisure in Moscow to wander by the river through Gorky Park, or perhaps visit the Museum of Russian Contemporary History. Later you'll be collected from your hotel by your private guide and driver, and taken to the train station to catch the day train to St Petersburg. The journey lasts around four and a half hours. On arriving in St Petersburg, you're met by your private guide and transferred to your hotel by private transfer.
Day 5 : St Petersburg
This morning, explore St Petersburg under your own steam. We suggest visiting St Isaac's Cathedral with its vast granite columns and colonnade that offers views over the city. Alternatively, explore the lavish, eccentric décor of the Yusupov Palace and learn more about its dark history as the place where the tsar's advisor Grigory Rasputin was murdered.In the afternoon, we can arrange a private guided tour of the Hermitage to see the highlights of its art collections. The guided tour itself takes three or four hours, but we recommend staying on afterwards and exploring some of the collections in greater depth.
Day 6 : St Petersburg
Today is at leisure to continue exploring the city. We suggest following our tried-and-tested walking route past St Petersburg's main attractions. We'd recommend ending your walk at St Isaac's Cathedral which affords panoramic views of the city.
Day 7 : St Petersburg
Today you have a further day to wander around the city at leisure. We suggest visiting Kazan Cathedral on Nevsly Prospekt for its interesting icon. En route, you could take in the exquisitely detailed creations of the Fabergé Museum.
Day 8 : International return flight
Your journey ends on a high note. A drive out from the city takes you to the staggeringly opulent Tsars' Village, where you visit the Summer Palace of Catherine the Great with your private guide. From here you'll take a private transfer to the airport for 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.
