Highlights of Russia Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Moscow
Welcome to Moscow, the capital of Russia as well as the political, scientific, historical, architectural and business hub of the country. Upon arrival into Moscow you are met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 Moscow
This morning you visit the most famous city square in Moscow, Red Square. The square separates the Kremlin from a historic merchant quarter, known as Kitay-gorod. During the middle ages the Square was used for huge public events, from coronations of Russia's Czars, to enemies' attacks. As major streets of Moscow radiate from the square in all directions, being promoted to major highways outside the city, Red Square is often considered the central square of Moscow and of all Russia. The Red Square first appeared in the late XV century, its name meaning “beautiful” in Russian. Next view St. Basil Cathedral, (exterior only) unusual in that the architects designed eight small onion-domed chapels around the main dome and made paths from one chapel to another. Every chapel is dedicated to a saint. Next visit the impressive GUM department store and Moscow University before enjoying lunch in a local restaurant. This afternoon visit the Metro and Arbat, a 1km street dating from the 15th century, thus laying claim to being one of the oldest surviving streets of the Russian capital. [B,L]
Day 3 Moscow
Your day begins with a visit to The Moscow Kremlin, the symbol of Moscow and of entire Russia. This stronghold is the historical, spiritual and political heart of Moscow and the city's most famous landmark and tourist attraction. It's an intriguing ensemble of buildings with an architectural variety that reveals a long and fascinating history. Today the Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian President and thus approximately two-thirds of the Kremlin is off-limits to visitors. However, on your tour you will still be able to visit the Assumption Cathedral, the major Russian Orthodox church, the Archangel Cathedral with the tombs of great Moscow princes and tsars, the Annunciation Cathedral, formerly the domestic church of the tsars, the Church of the Deposition of the Virgin's Robe, the Bell Tower of Ivan the Great, the highest structure inside the Kremlin, the Faceted Chamber and the Patriarch's Palace in the Cathedral Square. You are also able to visit the unique and priceless collection of jewellery as well as the Armoury Museum (both optional). After enjoying lunch in town the remainder of the day is at leisure. [B,L]
Day 4 Moscow - St Petersburg
The morning is at leisure before boarding the fast train to St Petersburg. Located north of Moscow, St Petersburg is said to be one of the worlds most beautiful cities home to lavish architecture, wild nightlife, an extraordinary history, rich culture and of course, the world's largest art museum, the Hermitage. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. [B]
Day 5 St Petersburg
A morning tour of St Petersburg which, with its many canals, is known as the Venice of the North. Your tour includes the city’s grand boulevards and a visit to the imposing Peter and Paul Fortress. Peter the Great had the construction of his new capital started with this fortress on 27 May, 1703, and this day is now considered the birthday of St Petersburg. Inside you'll find the beautiful cathedral where Russia's Tsars are entombed. The gilded spire of St. Peter and St. Paul Cathedral topped by a figure of an angel is visible from afar and serves as a symbolic “reference point”, no building constructed in the historic centre of the city may be higher than the Cathedral. After lunch you can enjoy an afternoon at leisure for exploring on your own. [B,L]
Day 6 St Petersburg
This morning visit the famous Hermitage Museum which boasts a priceless collection of more than 3 million pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures and ornate antique furniture. The Hermitage Museum is Russia's best gallery of world art, one of the most prominent art museums in the world and definitely the main tourist attraction of St. Petersburg. The principal building of the Hermitage Museum is the Winter Palace, the residence of the Russian Czars. Magnificently located on the bank of the Neva River, this green-and-white three-storey palace is a marvel of Baroque architecture. The museum was founded in 1764 when Catherine the Great purchased a collection of 255 paintings from the German city of Berlin. The Hermitage's collections include works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian, a unique collection of Rembrandts and Rubens, many French Impressionist works by Renoir, Cezanne, Manet, Monet and Pissarro, numerous canvasses by Van Gogh, Matisse, Gaugin and sculptures by Rodin. The collection is both enormous and diverse and is an essential stop for all those interested in art and history. The afternoon is at leisure. [B,L]
Day 7 Depart St Petersburg
Today marks the end of your tour as you are met and transferred to the airport for your onward flight. [B]
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