WINTER MAGIC IN RUSSIA TOUR

Let the journey begin! The second day will be very educational and filled with many famous sights. Our professional guides will shed light on historical aspects every step along the way.

We will start our tour at the Kremlin – the fortified complex in the heart of Moscow that attracts people from all around the world. Soak up rich and dramatic history of Moscow, step into three of the oldest cathedrals in Russia, view the giant Tsar Cannon and the Tsar Bell, and pass by the official residence of the President. Tour through the streets of the city center and behold the magnificent architecture. A traditional Russian cuisine lunch is provided after the tour.

Some leisure time is reserved in the afternoon or you can choose an afternoon activity from our optional tours list for Day Two. Our options include the Armory Museum tour, Arbat Street and Moscow Metro tour, City Highlights driving tour, or we can provide you with a guide and/or a driver (2 hours minimum) if you have made your own plans regarding the route and destinations.

Armory Museum - former Royal Treasure house – it holds an extensive collection of jewelry, carriages, coronation dresses, state regalia, armor, weapons, and Faberge eggs
Arbat Street and Moscow Metro tour – roam though the street famous for its majestic architecture, street artists and musicians, and high quality souvenir stores. Then step down into the subway and learn the history behind the most beautiful underground system in the world.
City Highlights Driving tour – explore the city on a private tour.
Guide and/or English speaking driver – set out on your own route and learn more about the places you want to visit (2 hours minimum).

Russia is frequently called the country of contrasts. The life in the cities goes fast, and sometimes it might feel good to slow it down by traveling to a whole different world – to the suburban and rural areas. Imagine forests and fields sleeping peacefully under snow blankets, little cozy wooden houses with smoke coming out of chimneys… Set out on our optional full-day countryside tour that takes place in the suburban area only a one-hour drive away from Moscow (transfer included). You will have lots of fun husky sledging or sliding down the hill on a toboggan called “vatrushka”! Later on, a delicious lunch will be served. Moreover, you can join the Pelmeni-Molding Course or master other Russian dishes. At the end of the day, you are welcome to enjoy a traditional bath house – the “banya”. Venture to jump into the snow right after - trust us - you will be surprised how amazing that feels!

If you want to set up your own program for Day 3, there is free time reserved on this day. Moscow is an enormously large city and it might be difficult to cover all its must-see places in a few days, but this is definitely doable! Take a walk around Moscow City business district with its fantastic skyscrapers or escape from the city noise in one of the numerous parks. Visit museums holding antique art collections or peruse contemporary art exhibitions at modern galleries. Each visitor will find attractions that suit his or her interests.

This is the last call for Moscow adventures! By this time, we hope you have already made great memories throughout your stay. But the last day in Moscow can still be filled with activities prior to leaving. There will be enough time for you to roam the city, and don’t forget your camera – there are many unique places and interesting views to capture and save to memory!

Upon request, we can organize a tour to the Izmailovo Kremlin prior to departure. This is a very colorful modern recreational facility with a variety of stores inside. This complex is also used for civil weddings, and serves as an amusement museum for children representing “old Russia”.

In the afternoon, you will be taking a high-speed Sapsan train to Saint Petersburg – the train travels 714 km up north and gets to the city in 4 hours. New adventures are yet to come! Upon arrival at the main railway station in St. Petersburg, our driver will meet you and transport you to your hotel. If you want to make an acquaintance with the city on the same day, you can request a guide service. Our leader will welcome you at the station.

During your first night at Saint Petersburg, you can request an optional authentic style plus one of the following:

different types of caviar tasting
crafted local flavored vodka tasting
Samovar tea ceremony with pancakes

Discover the main attractions of St. Petersburg by joining a 4-hour walking tour! You will visit The Hermitage, the second-largest art museum in the world comprising over three million pieces of art. Known not only for its enormous collection but also for its astonishing interiors, as it occupies a complex of historical buildings, including the Winter Palace. It might take a few days to familiarize yourself with all the exhibits, thus our experienced guides will be happy to lead you through the major halls. As part of the tour, you will walk along the Nevsky Prospect encountering historical buildings, the Church of the Savior on Blood, Kazansky Cathedral, and the mighty Neva River.

Additional trips to decide upon for Day 5:

City Highlights driving tour – Maximize your sightseeing experience in St. Petersburg
Guide and/or English speaking driver – set out on your own route and learn more about the places you want to visit (2 hours minimum).
St Petersburg Night tour – tour through the city illuminated by the charming light decorations

Travel back in time by visiting the Tsarskoe Selo town located to the south of St. Petersburg. We will tour though the Catherine Palace designed in Rococo style that has served as residence of three Russian emperors. It is considered to be one of the most fascinating palaces built in the 18th century. Walk through the mysterious Amber Room and learn the ambiguous story behind those gorgeous amber panels, golden frames, and numerous mirrors.

You can also extend your day program by selecting from extra activities and services on Day 6:

Amber Workshop – learn all the intricacies of crafting amber
Ice Skating Experience – engage in a classic winter activity
Faberge Museum Tour – marvel at magnificent fine arts and Imperial Easter Eggs
Russian Ballet or Opera at Mariinsky Theater – upon availability.

This is sadly the last day of our tour, but we hope that your experience with us in these two cities will leave unforgettable memories.

On the last day there will be some time for you to check out local boutiques and souvenir stores. We highly recommend visiting Au Pont Rouge or Gostiny Dvor shopping malls for that purpose.

At the end of the day we will pick you up from the hotel and transport you to the airport.

Flexibility is our wheelhouse and we can extend your stay in Russia upon request.
Trips to other Russian cities may also be organized.