Easy Pace Russia - Small Group, 2023 Small Group

Day 1: Welcome to St. Petersburg

Airport transfers depart from St. Petersburg airport at 14:30 and 17:00.Meet your Travel Director and travel companions at 19:00 for a friendly Welcome Dinner served with wine at a local restaurant.

Day 2: St.Petersburg Sightseeing

Morning sightseeing with your Local Expert includes views of St. Isaac's Cathedral, the fortress of St. Peter and Paul and Decembrists' Square. Travel along Nevsky Prospekt for views of the great Cathedral of Kazan and the iconic, onion-domed Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit a local ceramist workshop supporting vulnerable youth. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Perhaps join an Optional Experience and visit the beautiful Catherine Palace in the small town of Tsarskoe Selo, now called Pushkin? Or, if you prefer, relax at your hotel where you can make the most of its luxury facilities.

Day 3: Petrodvorets by Hydrofoil Relaxed Start

Cruise by hydrofoil along the Baltic shore to Peter the Great’s summer residence of Petrodvorets. For over 200 years it was used for official ceremonies, lavish feasts and formal receptions. Explore the perfectly manicured gardens and see the cascading fountains. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the world-famous Alexandrinsky Theatre with a member of the production team. Visit the royal box and see an exhibition of authentic costumes. Later you are at leisure, or perhaps visit the former residence of the Yusupov family and the scene of Rasputin's murder?

Day 4: The Hermitage Museum Relaxed Start

Located in the Winter Palace, the Hermitage is one of the world’s greatest museums. Marvel at its fabulous collection of paintings and ornaments, ranging from Egyptian carvings to impressionist masterpieces.The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore, shop or relax.

Day 5: High-Speed Sapsan Train to Moscow Relaxed Start

Enjoy a relaxed start in the morning, or perhaps visit the former residence of the Yusupov family and the scene of Rasputin's murder?Board your high-speed Sapsan train and relax in modern luxury and comfort as you swoop to Moscow in just a few hours.On arrival in this fascinating city, you are transferred to your hotel for a leisurely three-night stay. Famous for its unique history and colourful architecture, explore Moscow’s enchanting city centre and get lost in its captivating Modern art scene. For those wanting to take a stroll, why not promenade through the delights of Gorky Park—designed in the 1920s by famed architect Konstantin Melnikov, and always abuzz with art exhibitions.

Day 6: Moscow, a Russian Revelation Relaxed Start

Begin your exploration of the Russian capital with a Local Expert. Start in Red Square, lined by Moscow's landmark buildings. At one end rises the onion-shaped domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, in front of the Kremlin stands Lenin's Mausoleum, while on the opposite side, the grand GUM department store offers a variety of glamorous goods. Explore Moscow with Insight Choice. Choose to visit an ornate metro station. Alternatively, join your Local Expert for a stroll through the popular Zaryadye Park and enjoy great views of your surroundings.

Day 7: Moscow and The Kremlin Relaxed Start

In the morning, you are at leisure to relax or explore the Russian capital as you wish. Perhaps visit the Borodino Panorama Exhibition or take an Optional Experience to Zagorsk, the renowned centre of ancient Russian art and architectureIn the afternoon, walk within the walls of the Kremlin Fortress to visit one of the cathedrals. Learn more about Russia’s famous Tsars, the history of the Fortress and how its role has changed over the years.Later, enjoy delicious food, great wine and wonderful company as you toast to your travels during your Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 8: Farewell Moscow

Departure transfers will arrive at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport at 05:00, 08:00 and 11:00 and at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport at 05:00, 10:00 and 13:00.