Essential Russia
A compact and compelling survey of Russia's political capital, Moscow and its cultural capital, St. Petersburg, this tour communicates the character of Western Russia in a succinct and meaningful series of experiences. Admire imperial palaces, enjoy traditional food and crafts, and get a sense of today's Russia on the animated streets of its great cities.
Days 1-3: Moscow
Gather in Moscow, Russia's capital city. Admire the simple beauty of Red Square, framed by the elaborate cupolas of St. Basil's Cathedral and the red brick Kremlin wall. Visit the Tretyakov Gallery for an intimate view of Russian art, and shop for traditional crafts at the Izmailovo weekend bazaar. Tour the Armory Museum, built in 1841 as a weapons and armor factory, and now housing Russian treasures. Descend into the Moscow Metro to admire some of its showpiece stations, furnished with statues, mosaics and frescoes.
Board the overnight train bound for St. Petersburg, the enduring legacy of Peter the Great's vision.
Days 4-7: St. Petersburg
Designed by the best architects and built by the best artisans of the era, St. Petersburg's architecture displays a rare harmony.
Observe the lifestyles of the czars at Catherine's Palace, with its sky blue exterior and carved and gilded interior, and at Pavlovsk, given to Paul I and his wife by Catherine the Great. Spend some time exploring the world-class Hermitage Museum. The museum survived the ravages of World War II, with most of its enormous collection protected in the basement storage vaults or hidden in cellars throughout the city. At Peter the Great's summer palace, Peterhof, admire the glistening sculpted marble, granite and limestone fountains and cascades that adorn the Lower Park. Just off Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg's chic main street, discover the magnificent blue and gold cupolas of the Church of the Savior on the Blood.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
7 Days |
| Departures: |
Your choice of dates - start on a Saturday |
 |
| Land Tour Cost: |
|
| 2 traveler minimum |
From $2,595 to $3,395 |
| Single Supplement |
From $335 to $795 |
|
| Note: Pricing for the rest of 2009 may differ slightly. Call 800-424-7289 for more information about 2009 Essential trip pricing |
|
| Essential trip prices vary by season and are subject to hotel availability for your travel dates. Hotel upgrades, additional nights and solo traveler prices are available on request. Contact us for a descriptive itinerary and booking details. |
|
Map - Click to Enlarge
| |
| Days 1-3: |
Moscow, overnight train to St. Petersburg |
|
|
|
About Essential Trips
Flexible Essential Private Trips are compact, well-designed private tour itineraries - researched and ready to book on the dates you choose. They work perfectly as brief overviews of a country or as effortless extensions to group tours - great for solo travelers, couples, or private parties who prefer to travel independently but appreciate a savvy predesigned program.
Some photos on this page courtesy of Helge Pedersen
|
