ITINERARY

Tour Pace

This fabulous tour introduces you to the two major cities of Russia, yet still with plenty of time to explore the onion domed cathedrals, majestic palaces and fantastic museums at your own pace. The early evening train journey to St Petersburg effectively gives you an extra free day in Moscow!

DAY 1 – SAT – MOSCOW AT LEISURE

Welcome to Russia! Prepare yourself for a fascinating journey from the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Moscow to St Petersburg's Imperial past. Complimentary arrival transfers depart from both of Moscow's Airports at 14:00 and 17:00. Then relax and settle in. Tonight, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink. Hotel: President. (Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)

DAY 2 – SUN – MOSCOW

On today's sightseeing tour we tour Red Square, lined by Moscow's famous landmark buildings. At one end rises the colourful onion shaped domes of St Basil's Cathedral. In front of the Kremlin, stands Lenin's Mausoleum. On the opposite side of the square stands GUM, the grand Soviet department store now offering the most glamourous and fashionable goods from the west. We walk inside the walls of the Kremlin Fortress, to visit one of the cathedrals. Finally we explore the Metro Stations which Stalin called 'palaces for the people', still leaving time to shop for souvenirs. (Buffet breakfast)

DAY 3 – MON – MOSCOW

A full day to explore Moscow at our own pace! Maybe visit the Kremlin museum to gaze at the treasury of the Tsars? (Buffet breakfast)

DAY 4 – TUE – MOSCOW – ST PETERSBURG

Moscow has captivated the imagination of travellers for centuries so this morning is at leisure to continue that tradition! After an included lunch there is free time for last minute sightseeing. Early this evening we transfer to the station for our 5 hour train journey to St Petersburg - founded by Peter the Great in 1703 expressly to be the new capital of Tsarist Russia. Though the city was virtually destroyed during World War II's 900 day siege, it has been lovingly restored and abounds in beautiful buildings and monuments! Hotel: Pribaltiskaya. (Buffet breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 5 – WED – ST PETERSBURG

Our sightseeing tour shows us St Isaac's Cathedral, the fortress of St Peter and Paul, Decembrist's Square, Nevsky Prospekt Boulevard, the great cathedral of Kazan and the Winter Palace - former residence of Russian tsars. We shall see the memorial to the Nazi siege of Lenningrad during World War II and the cruiser 'Aurora' at anchor on the Neva river, whose crew signalled the outset of the Russian Revolution. Then we visit the Hermitage, one of the world's greatest museums, housing a fabulous collection of paintings and objets d'art. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore, shop or relax. Tonight our Highlight Dinner at the hotel includes champagne! (Buffet breakfast, Speciality Highlight Dinner)

DAY 6 – THU – ST PETERSBURG

Today we visit the fabulous gardens and fountains of Peter the Great's summer residence at Petrodvorets. For over 200 years Petrodvorets was used for official ceremonies, lavish feasts and formal receptions. (Buffet breakfast)

DAY 7 – FRI – ST PETERSBURG

St Petersburg is a city of incomparable architectural, historic and artistic interest - so we have devoted another day to explore at our own pace! (Buffet breakfast)

DAY 8 – SAT – ST PETERSBURG

Our tour ends today. Transfers to the airport are available. Please check with your Travel Agent (Buffet breakfast)

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All prices are based on twin share, low season departures, in Australian Dollars and are subject to change at anytime without prior notice. + Conditions Apply - Costless Discount prices are based on twin share, low season departure and 7 months advance book and pay.