Compare The Soul of Russia by Travel All Russia 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 | 11 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 3,218 | $ 2,225 |
| Price Per Day | $ 293 | $ 278 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Basic |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Treat yourself to an all-embracing experience of Russia's two capitals and the ancient Golden Ring treasures. Guided tours with local pros in a group of no more than 14 people, airport transfers, and central hotels are all part of the package. |
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: Arrival in Moscow
Transfer
Welcome to the glorious capital of Russia - Moscow! Your driver meets you at the airport and transfers you to your centrally located hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day is free to relax in your cozy room, dine in one of the nearby restaurants or start exploring the amazing city center on your own.
Day 2: Tour to the Trinity Lavra in Sergiev Posad
Meals: Breakfast
City tour
Following early breakfast and check-out, your private guide-driver picks you up at the hotel in Moscow and takes you to Sergiev Posad known as "Russian Vatican" for its magnificent blue and golden cupolas scattered all around the town.
Upon arrival, you enjoy a wonderful sightseeing tour around the most cherished treasures of Sergiev Posad. The highlight of the day is a tour lead by a churchman in the spiritual center of Russian Orthodoxy - the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius.
After a lunch break, your guide takes you to a cozy town Suzdal, and after check-in, you have a free evening to enjoy the atmosphere of provincial Russia.
Day 3: Tour of Suzdal & Vladimir and Return to Moscow
Meals: Breakfast
Day tour
After breakfast meet your guide at the hotel lobby and enjoy a sightseeing tour of Suzdal known as a city-museum of the Golden Ring. Suzdal boasts its large number of preserved historical monuments of ancient Russian art and architecture.
During the tour, you visit UNESCO World Heritage Site - the brilliant architectural complex of the Kremlin. Continue your trip to the Museum of Wooden Architecture which is an example of classical ancient Russia.
After a lunch break, you are taken to Vladimir to witness unique architectural creations. During your tour around this town, you go inside the Dormition Cathedral that preserves the world famous frescoes of Andrei Rublev dating back to the 15th century. Together with your guide you explore the architectural complex of the Cathedral of St. Dimitriy (exterior) and walk along a central pedestrian street full of galleries, artists, and local souvenirs. Once the tour is over your driver takes you to Moscow hotel.
Day 4: Exploring the Kremlin, Armoury Chamber & the Heart of Moscow
Meals: Breakfast
City tour
After breakfast, you have a welcome meeting with your guide and the rest of the group. Today you go on a wonderful 6-hour walking tour around the most magnificent Moscow landmarks.
During the tour, you explore the territory of the stunning Kremlin and go inside the Kremlin walls to visit its famous Armoury Chamber that houses a unique collection of crown jewels, stunning coronation finery, hand-forged armor and weapons, royal carriages and sleighs, and world-famous Fabergé eggs.
Then you proceed with the heart of Moscow, the fancy Red Square, go inside the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral and admire a beautiful facade of the gorgeous GUMdepartment store.
After the tour, you are transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.
Day 5: Tretyakov Gallery & Moscow Subway Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Museum
City tour
This day is dedicated to the exploration of one of the most outstanding Moscow icons - the Tretyakov Gallery. Shortly you arrive at the world-famous treasure trove of the Russian fine art, you have amazing time viewing the gems of its collection, including the famous masterpieces of Ivan Aivazovsky, Mikhail Vrubel, and Viktor Vasnetsov.
After taking the art therapy, you explore one of the most interesting sites in Moscow hidden deep beneath the surface - the Moscow Subway. You have a quick subway ride to taste local life and enjoy the splendid decorations of its stations.
After the tour, you have the rest of the day free.
Day 6: Panoramic City Tour & Cathedral of Christ the Savior
Meals: Breakfast
City tour
Following breakfast, you check out from your hotel and enjoy a panoramic Moscow city tour. Today you have a chance to enjoy one of the best city views at Sparrow Hills and see the grand building of Moscow State University, the highest of seven Stalinist skyscrapers of Moscow.
Today you also see the spectacular Cathedral of Christ the Savior and learn the story of its destruction and reconstruction.
After the tour, you are transferred to the train station where you board the modern high-speed Sapsan train that takes you to St. Petersburg in comfort and safety in just 4 hours.
Upon arrival, your driver meets you at the train station platform and takes you to your centrally located hotel for overnight.
Day 7: St. Petersburg City Tour & Boat Ride
Meals: Breakfast
City tour
Boat ride
After breakfast you meet your guide at the hotel lobby and go on an amazing panoramic city tour around the most cherished gems of St. Petersburg, including Palace Square, the St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Nevsky Prospect and many other popular attractions (no entrances included).
During the tour you also visit the Peter and Paul Fortress - a burial place of almost all the Russian emperors and empresses from Peter the Great to Nicholas II and his family.
Later you enjoy a private boat ride along the rivers and canals of St. Petersburg to see the city from a completely new perspective.
Optional evening activity: Feel Yourself Russian Folk Show
Enchanting festival of Russian spirit "Feel yourself Russian" is performed by a professional folk ensemble at the Nikolaevsky Palace. Three musicians brilliantly perform folk compositions.
Day 8: Tour of the Hermitage Museum
Meals: Breakfast
Museum
Following breakfast you meet your guide at the hotel lobby and go to the legendary a href="/hermitage">Hermitage Museum, that houses its unique collection of world art, including the masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, El Greco, Francisco Goya and Thomas Gainsborough in the halls of the Winter Palace as well as the works of the renowned impressionists in the General Staff Building.
They say that if you were to spend three minutes by each of the exhibits in the Hermitage, it would have taken you three years to see the entire exhibition. But don't worry - you have an experienced guide, who will show you the best rooms and halls of the exhibit within several hours.
After the tour you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.
Day 9: Trip to Peterhof
Meals: Breakfast
Day tour
After breakfast you meet your guide at the hotel lobby and travel to the outskirts of St. Petersburg to explore the former summer residence of Russian tsars and the gem of palace architecture - Peterhof.
During the tour you visit the famous Bath Cottage and take a walk in the beautiful Lower Park, lavishly adorned with 176 fountains of various forms and styles and numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes.
After the tour you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.
Day 10: Trip to Pushkin
Meals: Breakfast
Day tour
After breakfast you meet your guide at the hotel lobby and head for Pushkin (Tsarskoye Selo) to explore the brilliant Catherine's Palace that is a striking example of baroque architecture gifted by Peter the Great to his wife Catherine I.
During the tour you walk through the lavish parks and gardens of this outstanding palace and enjoy its gorgeous interiors, including the replica of the world-renowned Amber Room.
After the tour you return to your hotel in St. Petersburg and have the rest of the day free.
Day 11: Departure from St. Petersburg
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer
This is the final day of your amazing Russia tour! After breakfast you check out from your hotel and your private driver takes you to the airport for your flight back home. We hope you've enjoyed both magnificent Russian capitals and return home with lifelong memories and unforgettable impressions. We wish you a safe flight and hope to work on your future trips!
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.
