Russian Winter Wonder Land: New Year's in St. Petersburg
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"St. Petersburg is the most beautiful city I've visited. I'd also recommend travel to any part of the region. Winter was a fabulous time to visit."
Roger Neate
Seattle, WA
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Nobody loves New Year's Eve like the Russians do - it's the most festive holiday of the year, with parties, presents, and champagne toasts. This celebratory tour revolves around New Year's in glorious St. Petersburg, with Moscow merrymaking and a visit to 12th century Suzdal to round out the festivities.
Days 1-5: St. Petersburg, New Year Celebrations
An elegant champagne reception greets us in St. Petersburg. Then for four days we explore this 300-year-old imperial capital envisioned by Peter the Great, visiting Alexander's Palace, the favorite of Nicholas and Alexandra, the Gold and Malachite Rooms at the Winter Palace, majestic St. Isaac's Cathedral, and the Usupoff Palace.
Ring in the New Year at a late-night dinner in a Russian home, feasting, raising toasts and singing songs. Or opt to don gown and tux and join the creme de la creme at the glittering Czar's Ball at Catherine's Palace, where tiered crystal chandeliers illuminate the polished parquet floors as an orchestra invites you to waltz. Next day, board the afternoon express train to Moscow.
Day 6: Moscow
Experience Moscow as few travelers have, at its most graceful and serene, resting beneath a blanket of fresh snow. Visit the ancient Kremlin and the Armory Museum, including an exclusive tour of the Diamond Fund with its crown jewels.
Days 7-10: Vladimir, Suzdal, Moscow
Visit the 12th century Cathedral of the Assumption in Vladimir, where street traffic still passes under the Golden Gate, rebuilt by Catherine the Great. Drive to little Suzdal, once the grand capital of several medieval principalities. Admire its 16th century churches, their vaulted ceilings lit by flickering candles, with the unearthly beauty of Russian hymns filling the air. Return to Moscow for a visit to the splendid Tretyakov Gallery before the journey ends.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
10 Days |
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| Departures: |
1 |
| Dates: |
December 29, 2010 -January 7, 2011 |
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| Land Tour Cost: |
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| 4-16 travelers |
$4,995*** |
| Single Supplement |
$795 |
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| No Hidden Costs! |
| ***Czar's Ball tickets are not included. Please call for Czar's Ball pricing |
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MIR Signature Features
- Ring in the New Year at a St. Petersburg party
- Experience an exhilarating sleigh ride
- Enjoy an exclusive tour of the Kremlin's Diamond Fund with exclusive access
Map - Click to Enlarge
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| Days 1-4: |
St. Petersburg, New Year celebrations |
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| Day 5: |
afternoon train to Moscow |
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| Day 6: |
Moscow |
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| Day 7: |
drive to Vladimir, Suzdal |
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| Day 8: |
Suzdal |
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| Day 9: |
drive to Moscow |
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| Day 10: |
Moscow |
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| St. Petersburg |
Historic City Center (UNESCO World Heritage site), Hermitage Museum - Winter Palace, backstage tour of a theater, ballet at Mariinsky Theater, St. Isaac's Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress, Church of the Savior on the Blood, New Year's dinner at a local home, Nevsky Prospekt, exteriors of Kazansky Cathedral and Gostiny Dvor, tour of Usupoff's Palace |
| Pushkin |
Alexander's Palace |
| Moscow |
Red Square, the Kremlin (UNESCO World Heritage site) and the Armory Museum, Diamond Fund, St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow Metro, Izmailovsky Park, Tretyakov Gallery, Museum of Lev Tolstoy, performance of Moscow Circus or Tchaikovsky Conservatory
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| Vladimir |
Cathedral of the Assumption, Cathedral of St. Demetrius (UNESCO World Heritage site) |
| Suzdal |
Traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride, city tour, attend an Orthodox church service |
Suggested Extensions
Extend your stay in St.
Petersburg or Moscow. Contact us for details.
Some images on this page courtesy Hotel Snegurochka, Kostoma
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