Moscow & St PetersburgEscorted Tour, Russia

This fabulous tour begins with a three-night stay in the Russian capital, Moscow, where a sightseeing tour will introduce you to many of its highlights. During your time in the city, you will also visit the mighty Kremlin, the Museum of Patriotic War of 1812 and the Leo Tolstoy Museum Estate in Khamovniki, one of Russia's oldest literary museums. Next, you'll board a train and head to the country's former capital, St Petersburg. Four nights here gives you plenty of time to explore, and a guided tour of the Hermitage State Museum is sure to be a highlight of your visit. You'll also enjoy a tasting at the Russian Vodka Museum and gain an insight into the opulent lives of the Russian aristocracy at the Fabergé Museum. To complete your holiday, there's a trip to the Catherine Palace at Pushkin, where you'll explore the palace and gardens.

INCLUDES

Return flights

7 nights in 4-star hotels

10 meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 dinners

Tour Manager and Local Guide

Overseas transfers and other transportation

Porterage

Audio Guide

Included excursions and visits

Moscow tour

The Kremlin and Armoury Museum

The Museum of Patriotic War of 1812

Tolstoy's House

St Petersburg tour

Hermitage Museum visit

Russian Vodka Museum and tasting

Fabergé Museum visit

Catherine Palace and gardens

ITINERARY

DAY 1 UK/ MOSCOW

Depart on your flight to Moscow. On arrival you'll transfer you to your hotel in the Russian capital.

DAY 2 THE KREMLIN & ARMOURY MUSEUM

Today you’ll discover the highlights of Moscow on a sightseeing tour. The city boasts some incredible architecture, so be sure to have your camera at the ready. Later you’ll delve further into the city's history with a visit to The Kremlin. On arrival at this mighty fortress there’s time to admire its magnificent cathedrals and palaces prior to your tour of the Armoury Museum. The collection here fills nine halls and on display you'll see jewellery, armour, weaponry, imperial clothing and many other treasures.

DAY 3 THE MUSEUM OF PATRIOTIC WAR OF 1812 & TOLSTOY’S MUSEUM

Today you'll visit The Museum of Patriotic War of 1812, located in the very centre of Moscow just a few steps away from the Red Square. It is housed in a beautiful 19th century red-brick building which was originally Moscow's City Hall and then became the State Lenin Museum during the Soviet period. The exhibition contains a fascinating collection weapons, uniforms, documents and works of art relating to the War of 1812, including rooms dedicated to the Battle of Borodino and Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Your explorations continue this afternoon as you head to Khamovniki to visit the Leo Tolstoy Museum Estate, one of Russia's oldest literary museums. The writer lived in this house from 1882 to 1901 and penned many famous works here.

DAY 4 MOSCOW TO ST PETERSBURG

You're heading to St Petersburg today, which you’ll reach via a 4-hour journey on the Sapsan fast train. You’ll stay in the city for the next four nights.

DAY 5 ST PETERSBURG

St Petersburg, formerly Leningrad, was the capital of Russia until the October Revolution in 1917. On today’s sightseeing tour you’ll see its palaces, broad avenues and a host of architectural treasures. There's time too to make your own discoveries and explore at your own pace. You've the chance to attend a ballet at one of St Petersburg's renowned theatres on an optional excursion which promises to be an amazing experience.

DAY 6 HERMITAGE MUSEUM & VODKA TASTING

Today's highlight is the remarkable Hermitage State Museum, where a fascinating guided tour is arranged. On display is a wonderful showcase of wealth, art and culture with more than three million items in its collection, and you'll see as much as possible. You're heading to another museum this afternoon, the Russian Vodka Museum, where you will learn all about the country's national drink. After your tour you’ll enjoy a tasting in authentic Russian style, with pancakes and red caviar.

DAY 7 FABERGÉ MUSEUM

You'll gain further insight into the opulent lives of the Russian tsars this morning on an included visit to the Fabergé Museum. Inside you'll see nine of the Imperial Fabergé eggs given by the two last tsars of Russia to their wives and mothers as elaborate Easter gifts. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish.

DAY 8 CATHERINE PALACE/UK

Your final discovery comes as you head to Pushkin to see the Catherine Palace, a Baroque masterpiece named after Peter the Great's wife, Catherine I. As you explore the palace and gardens, you'll get a glimpse of the Russian high life and an understanding of the extravagance of Russia's Imperial rulers. Later in the day you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

Moscow & St Petersburg is located in Escorted Tour, Russia. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 06/11/2019