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Tour Description
Russia is brimming with historical and enlightening icons that will connect you to a proud and colorful culture of enduring fascination. On this unique journey, you’ll explore and connect and come away with a keen appreciation of the past and present glories of this dynamic country. The Hermitage, created for Catherine the Great, welcomes you to view one of the world’s greatest art collections including paintings that few in the West have ever seen. Stand before the nine-towered Kremlin and marvel at its 10-foot-thick walls. In Suzdal, experience the carefully preserved serenity of this sleepy medieval village and its 30 captivating churches. In St. Petersburg, explore the stunning palaces of this home to Russian aristocracy immortalized through the pen of Tolstoy. From the imposing grandeur of the onion-domed St. Basil’s Cathedral to the smallest remarkable detail in the study of Peter the Great-see it all and be inspired.
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Itinerary
DAYS 1 - 3
Moscow, Russia
Enjoy a city tour including Red Square, featuring the Cathedral of St. Basil built in 1552 for Ivan the Terrible. Explore the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan. On Day 3 return to Red Square to explore the Kremlin necropolis - one of the largest museums in the world. View the Lenin Mausoleum where his body is preserved in a crystal crypt. This evening attend the famous Moscow Circus.(2B)
Hotel Baltschug Kempinski, Moscow
DAY 4
Vladimir Suzdal
Tour Vladimir, visiting the Uspensky Cathedral to see the Last Judgment frescoes from the Middle Ages. Continue through the countryside to Suzdal, a village of one-story cottages, ancient cathedrals and monasteries.(B, L, D)
Pushkarskaya Sloboda, Suzdal
DAY 5
Suzdal Moscow
Explore 1,000-year-old Suzdal. Visit the Cathedral of the Nativity with its blue and gold domes and remarkable 13th- and 17th-century frescoes, followed by the Spasso-Yefimiev Monastery. After lunch, explore Suzdal’s Kremlin before returning to Moscow by late afternoon.(B, L)
Hotel Baltschug Kempinski, Moscow
DAYS 6 & 7
St. Petersburg
Fly to St. Petersburg, the “Venice of the North.” This city is filled with Baroque palaces, picturesque canals and elaborate cathedrals, along with splendid avenues and some wonderful restaurants. Enjoy a tour of St. Petersburg, including the Peter and Paul Fortress. Spend an afternoon at the Winter Palace, better known as the State Hermitage Museum, the world’s largest art museum.(2B)
Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg
DAYS 8 - 10
St. Petersburg, Pushkin Depart for Home
On Day 8 drive to visit Peterhof, or “Peter’s Court,” and the Grand Palace, known as the “Russian Versailles.” Explore this vast museum of lavish rooms and galleries, and the Grand Cascade with its more than 140 fountains.
On Day 9 drive to Pushkin, also known as the Czars Village, former summer residences of the Russian Czars. The highlight of this unique complex is Catherine’s Palace, given by Peter the Great to his wife Catherine. The palace is a huge, elegant building with white and gold Baroque moldings, set in a beautiful park with elaborate gardens, canals and pavilions. On Day 10 you will be taken to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination. (3B)
Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg
Departures
Pricing Information
December 31, 2011
From $4,995.00 per person double occupancy.
From $1,345.00 single room supplement.
Journey Includes
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- All transfers and fully guided daily sightseeing provided by a private deluxe A/C vehicle
- Local English-speaking guide for sightseeing in each city
- Entrance fees per final scheduled itinerary
- Airport porterage, where available (2 bags per person)
- Local taxes
- TravcoAssist (Medical Travel Assistance Plan)
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
