Wonders of St Petersburg and Moscow Summer 2018

Day 1: Arrive St. Petersburg (3 Nights)

Tread in the footsteps of tsars and tsarinas, of artists, poets and musicians, whose great gifts to the romantic city of St. Petersburg you will have an opportunity to see during an orientation drive through Russia's Imperial City after meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and light dinner. Welcome Reception

Day 2: St. Petersburg Sightseeing and Hermitage Museum visit

Explore opulent royal history and the might of Imperial Russia on a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist during which you will view the magnificent Tsar's Winter Palace, Nevsky Prospekt, St. Isaac's Cathedral and the statue of Peter the Great, whose inspired vision for this Baltic settlement saw it rival even the most sophisticated of European capitals. Explore the Peter and Paul Fortress on an included visit before our Be My Guest experience where we'll meet some of the students of St. Petersburg's Theatre for canapés and an unforgettable stage performance. Later join a Small Group Sightseeing visit with a Local Specialist to the incredible Hermitage Museum. Occupying five buildings on the banks of the Neva, the Hermitage features some 3 million artefacts, representing the development of world culture and art from the stone age to the 20th century. This evening consider a theatre visit to enjoy a fascinating Russian Folklore performance. Buffet Breakfast, Be My Guests Dining

Day 3: St. Petersburg At Leisure

The cobblestone lanes and grand boulevards of St. Petersburg are ours to explore today at leisure. Admire the ornate domes and colourful mosaics of the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood and the gold-plated dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral with spectacular panoramic views of the city. Perhaps consider joining an Optional Experience to visit the gardens and cascading miracle of engineering that are the spectacular fountains of Peter the Great's summer residence at Peterhof, designed to rival the opulence of Versailles. Buffet Breakfast

Day 4: St. Petersburg – High-Speed Train – Moscow (3 Nights)

After a hearty breakfast, enjoy some time at leisure before boarding a train to the Russian capital, a fascinating mix of imperial history and modern sophistication. En route, contemplate the tumultuous and captivating history of an ancient city that oozes grandeur, and the indomitable spirit of the Russian nation which saw it send the first man to outer space. Straddling the Moskva River, this city is the country's political, economic, religious and financial hub - and your home for the next three nights. Buffet Breakfast

Day 5: Moscow Sightseeing and At Leisure

The imposing Red Square - the site of grand celebrations, fierce fighting and beautiful architecture - takes centre stage this morning during a guided sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. See the fairy-tale spires of St. Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin Walls and towers before spending some time at leisure exploring the sights. Perhaps stroll along the flower-lined boulevards of Gorky Park or join an Optional Experience to admire the exquisite underground art and history showcase that is the Moscow Metro. Buffet Breakfast

Day 6: Moscow At Leisure

Kickstart your morning soaking up the kofe culture of Moscow, before taking to its streets to learn about its triumphs and defeats. Consider visiting one of the city's fascinating museums, explore the city's extraordinary literary and artistic heritage or take an Optional Experience to the 14th century Sergiyev Posad, a place of pilgrimage and the largest religious and cultural centre in Russia. This evening, we toast to the magic and magnificence of Mother Russia, joining our fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner. Buffet Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 7: Depart Moscow

We close the door on our epic At Leisure holiday in two iconic Russian cities and say farewell to newfound friends. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply. Buffet Breakfast