This introduction to Russia’s two greatest cities is the ideal tour for first time visitors. Moscow and St Petersburg vie for supremacy in Russia but they both possess their own unique charms; Moscow with its air of chintzy glamour and iconic landmarks and St Petersburg with its classical grandeur, serene canals and Parisian sophistication.
Our popular 8-day tour includes the main attractions and also allows free time for independent exploration to discover the many museums and galleries, or perhaps to just relax over fresh blini and tea at an outdoor café. For a special evening’s entertainment, ask a Regent Russia Specialist about booking tickets to a world-class performance at Moscow’s Bolshoi or St Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre. Travelling by train is a quintessential Russian experience. On this tour take the express Sapsan (meaning Peregrine Falcon) Train between Moscow and St Petersburg which travels at speeds of up to 155mph and takes just over four hours.
This is our most popular group tour to Russia, and with multiple departures available every month, you can choose a time of travel to best suit you
Fly to Moscow. Transfer to the hotel and check in for three nights at the Novotel Moscow Centre Hotel
This morning meet the Moscow tour guide in the hotel lobby, and visit Gorki Leninskie Sanatorium. This is the place where Vladimir Lenin died and the estate, located in the suburbs of Moscow, has three museums in his honour. After lunch, return back to Moscow for a three hour city sightseeing tour. The knowledgeable guide will provide you with a detailed and interesting insight into the history of Moscow and the main points of interest; the tour is an excellent way to appreciate the enormity of the city. (B, L)
After breakfast head to one of Moscow’s most iconic attractions, the Kremlin. This half day tour includes entrance to the Armoury Chamber, built in 1841 as a weapons and arms factory, which now houses Russian treasures ranging from religious icons to Fabergé eggs. (Please note: excursion time to be confirmed locally by your local guide).
In the afternoon, visit Old Arbat Street on a walking/shopping tour. As one of Moscow’s most famous thoroughfares, originally forming a key part of the trade route into Moscow, the street developed into a district for nobility and parliamentary members, before becoming home to artists and intellectuals. The historic influences of Old Arbat combined with its more recent revival as a lively shopping district make it an eclectic and interesting place to spend several hours exploring. Also included is a tour of the most impressive stations of the Moscow Metro. (B)
In the morning visit the Tretyakov Gallery to admire the world renowned collection of Russian fine art. After the tour enjoy some free time before transferring to the railway station for the journey to St Petersburg. Travel by Sapsan fast train from Moscow to St Petersburg. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in for a four night stay. (B)
Depart this morning on a three hour morning city tour of St Petersburg by coach, accompanied by a knowledge local guide who will help familiarise you with the city, its history, and points of interest. Enjoy several key sights along the way, with a photo-stop at St Isaac’s Cathedral. This afternoon visit Peter and Paul Fortress; dating back to 1703 the fortress is one of the oldest buildings in St Petersburg and the resting place of Peter the Great. (B)
Meet with your local guide and transfer to the world-renowned Hermitage Museum. An attraction for nearly all visitors to St Petersburg, one could spend weeks exploring the vast collection of outstanding works of the Hermitage. Open to the public since the mid 1800’s, and displaying nearly three hundred thousand artifacts across six buildings this fascinating collection features works from Russia, Europe and Egypt. The guide will be on hand until 1pm, and after this time you may continue at your leisure to explore, or transfer back to the hotel. (B)
Visit undoubtedly one of St Petersburg’s most popular attractions, the grand estate of Tsarskoye Selo in the town of Pushkin, and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Russian nobility. Admire the lavish late-Baroque Catherine’s Palace with its restored Amber Room, and spend time exploring the picturesque grounds and gardens. (B)
Spend the morning at leisure until your transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)
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These are guaranteed departure tours operated in conjunction with our Russian partners and are not exclusive to Regent Holidays’ clients. They operate with a minimum of 2 persons. Please note that our local partners reserve the right to change hotels to similar hotels of the same standard and sometimes they need to change the order of excursions due to local circumstances.
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