Big Russian tour

Excursion to the Moscow Kremlin and Kremlin Cathedrals. (please note that a visit to the Armory Chamber and the Diamond Fund is not included in the tour price. It can be added upon request for extra payment). The Kremlin is a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city´s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury and the workplace of the Russian President. The Kremlin is the center of Russia´s political life and State power and has been home to Tsars, General Secretaries of the Soviet Union and Russian Presidents. The Kremlin has always been the spiritual centre of Russia. You will see several ancient cathedrals on its territory the most famous of which are the Assumption Cathedral, the Archangel is Cathedral and the Annunciation Cathedral.

Red Square is just outside the Kremlin´s walls. While walking on Red Square you will admire the Mausoleum of Lenin, the clock on the Savior (Spasskaya) Tower - showing the most correct Moscow time, the History Museum, the beautiful Cathedral of the Intercession (the Church of St Basil the Blessed), Kazansky Cathedral and many other outstanding pieces of Russian architecture.

In the evening, enjoy a ballet or opera performance at the Bolshoi Theater - one of the world´s greatest musical companies (optional).

Overnight at Moscow hotel.

During the tour we will walk around major cultural and historical points in Moscow. We will visit Lubyanka Square – the world-famous KGB centre of the Soviet epoch, and the Teatralnaya Square next to Bolshoi Theatre. Then we will continue our walk through the small central streets and lanes where every building has its own unique and interesting story. Most of them currently represent Russian theatres, hotels, museums or state institutions. We will also visit Tverskaya Street – the main and the busiest street in Moscow – with lots of shops, restaurants and unique combination of old, Stalin and modern architecture. We will then take a stroll along the pedestrian zone near the Red Square.

Visit the following:

• Red Square;
• Lenin’s Tomb;
• GUM Department Store;
• Manezhnaya Square;
• Tverskaya Street. Visit Yeliseyevsky.

Our professional guide will escort you on a route that includes Vorobyevi Hills where you will get an incredible view of the city from an observation point, you will proceed to Moscow State University which is an example of architecture from the time of Stalin and one of Russia is leading schools of higher education, then on to Novodevichiy Convent, the Diplomatic Village, Victory Park, the Triumphal Arch, Kutuzovsky Prospect, the Arbat and much more.

Tretyakov Gallery. The exotic boyar castle on a little lane in Zamoskvorechie contains the main branch of the State Tretyakov Gallery, housing the world’s best collection of Russian icons and an outstanding collection of other pre-revolutionary Russian Art.

Buy lunch at Danilovsky Market (optional). Eat at Gorky Park.

Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery built in the 16th and 17th centuries in the so-called Moscow Baroque style, was part of a chain of monastic ensembles that were integrated into the defence system of the city. The convent was directly associated with the political, cultural and religious history of Russia, and closely linked to the Moscow Kremlin. It was used by women of the Tsar’s family and the aristocracy. Members of the Tsar’s family and entourage were also buried in its cemetery. The convent provides an example of the highest accomplishments of Russian The museum`s collection now consist of about 12,000 items, including old Russian paintings, fabrics from the 16th—20th centuries, items from precious metals and stones, liturgical items, and vestments, made by the best artists, jewelers and embroiderers.

St. Sofia’s Embankment, a splendid panoramic view of the Kremlin. (Drive through- Car stopping not allowed).

The Victory park - Biggest Victory park in world. Visit the Museum and Borodino battle Scene.(Borodino Tickets price not Included in the Price).

Visit to Izmailovsky Market.

Overnight at Moscow hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel

Tour of the Moscow Metro system and the Old Arbat street. The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union´s achievements both for the Russians themselves and visitors from abroad. The stations are all uniquely designed with decorative elements including mosaics, statues, marble floors, walls and staircases to name a few. The tour will then proceed to Old Arbat street, one of Moscow is oldest streets. The street has gone from being the headquarters of Ivan the Terrible is secret police, the Oprichina to the center of aristocratic life in Moscow in the 18th century to finally being the center of the Russian intelligentsia and bohemian life in the capital. You will be told of the street´s interesting history and view the street´s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the street´s many craftsmen.

Lunch in a local restaurant (optional)

Pushkin State Museum. This is Moscow’s premier foreign-art museum, split over three branches and showing off a broad selection of European works, including masterpieces from ancient civilisations, the Italian Renaissance and the Dutch Golden Age. Artists such as Botticelli, Tiepolo and Veronese are all represented. The highlight is perhaps the Dutch masterpieces from the 17th century, the so-called Golden Age of Dutch art. Rembrandt is the star of the show, with many paintings on display, including his moving Portrait of an Old Woman. The rest of Europe is also well represented from this period.

Cathedral of Christ the Savior. It is one of the largest Orthodox church in the world. The building is magnificent, but not as old as it looks, it was rebuilt in 2000 (the original was demolished by the order of Stalin). One of the highlights of the Cathedral is the panoramic view from the 40-meter-high observation platform.

A walk along Moscow’s boulevards, a historical and cultural centre of Moscow with its museums, theatres and memorial places.

Overnight at Moscow hotel.

In the morning our driver and representative will pick you up to depart for Vladimir by car or mini-van. Vladimir is located about 2-3 hours' drive from Moscow. Arrival in Vladimir.

Lunch at the local restaurant.

Panoramic city tour. During the city tour you will become acquainted with the main highlights of the city. The first stop is the Assumption Cathedral, a unique monument of the white-stone architecture of Vladimir. The cathedral was built in the middle of the XII century by Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky as the main church of the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality. World-famous frescoes by Andrei Rublev are preserved there. You will then proceed to the small, one-domed cathedral of St. Dmitry, built in the beginning of the XII century by Prince Vsevolod as his palace church. The cathedral´s interior still features frescoes of the XII century.

You will also visit the Golden Gates - considered to be the door to Vladimir built in the early XII century by Prince Andrei Bogolubsky. In ancient times they served as the main military tower of the fortress.

We will also visit the Museum of Crystal, lacquer miniatures and embroidery. It possesses an amazing collection of traditional Russian handicrafts and folk art, lacquer miniature papier-mâché boxes, embroidery, rock crystal and glass pieces.

Excursion to Bogolyubovo, the residence of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky built between 1158 and 1165 at the mouth of the Nerl River. Andrei spent 17 years of his reign here until his murder in 1174. Russian Orthodox Christians believe that Bogolyubovo was founded on the spot where Andrei Bogolyubsky saw a vision of the Virgin Mary who appeared to him in a dream-like vision holding a scroll in Her right hand, and commanded him to build a church and monastery on the place of the vision. On this spot the Church of the Intercession of Neri was constructed. Today the church is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

After the tour, you will be taken to the town of Suzdal, often called the Russian Mecca. It is just 32 km from Vladimir. Suzdal is amazingly tranquil and beautiful with its numerous churches, wooden houses, bird songs and the ringing of bells throughout the day.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, a sightseeing tour will take you to the oldest part of the Kremlin, the heart of Suzdal. Specialists believe the Kremlin dates back to the X century and first appeared in the chronicles in 1024. On its territory you will admire the Cathedral of the Nativity, dating back to the beginning of the XIII century, the largest relic of which is the Golden Gates. The next stop will be to the Archbishops´ Chambers, a large architectural masterpiece that took several centuries to be built. It houses a unique collection of historical and archaeological objects, including the Cross-Vaulted Chamber.

The open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture recreates the life and traditions of the people of Suzdal in the XVIII-XIX century. The ensemble includes churches, log houses and other structures.

* During the low season the museum of Wooden Architecture will be substituted with the Spaso-Yevfimievsky Monastery of Our Savior.

• Lunch at the local restaurant;
• Transfer to Kostroma;
• Dinner at the restaurant of the hotel;
• Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel you will be delivered to Kostroma for a city tour which will take you to the five-domed Epiphany Cathedral that was the first stone edifice in the city. You will then visit the Ipatievsky Monastery and admire the frescoes at the Trinity Cathedral painted by the famous Kostroma master, Guri Nikitin and his team of expert icon-painters.
Transfer to Yaroslavl. The ancient Russian town of Yaroslavl stands on a high, steep bank of the Volga river surrounded by boundless forests.

After lunch at the local restaurant we will go on a city tour with a visit to the Savior Transfiguration Monastery and the Church of Elijah the Prophet*

*During the low season the Church of Elijah the Prophet will be substituted with the Icon Museum at the Prior´s chambers.

Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Rostov Veliky.

Rostov Veliky (Rostov the Great) is located on the shores of Lake Nero and is one of the oldest towns in Russia, dating back to 862 AD. You will go on a city tour with visit to the

Kremlin and the Museum of Finift (enamel painting).

Lunch at the local restaurant.

Transfer to Pereslavl Zalessky.

During the short visit to Pereslavl Zalessky you will have some time to walk on the Red Square and take some pictures.

Transfer to Sergiev Posad. Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. Our tour starts with the Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra), built in the first half of the 1340s by the son of Rostov Boyar, Sergius of Radonezh, who remains one the most venerated saints in Russia. The monastery includes more than fifty edifices constructed by Moscow, Pskov and Yaroslavl craftsmen. In 1993 it was entered into the UNESCO World Heritage list. The History and Art museum within the walls of the monastery contains a rich collection of old Russian paintings and various works of art dating from the 14th thru 17th centuries. The collection includes over 120,000 items: ancient icons, medieval manuscripts and old printed books, icon and ornamental embroideries, church utensils, articles of gold and silver, paintings, engravings, folk and contemporary art. Sergiev Posad is also famous for being home to the world's first matryoshka doll.

Departure to Veliky Novgorod.

Overnight at the V. Novgorod hotel.

In the morning our driver will pick you up at your hotel in St. Petersburg and take you to Veliky Novgorod.

Lunch at the local restaurant.

After lunch, you will be taken on sightseeing tour. Your first impression of the city will be the Kremlin of Novgorod - the oldest in Russia. The structure dates back to 864. You will have the chance to walk along its ancient walls during your visit. The cathedral of St. Sophia dominates the structure of the Kremlin. Built between 1045 and 1050 under the patronage of Vladimir Yaroslavich, the son of Yaroslav the Wise. It is the best preserved of 11th century churches, probably the oldest structure still in use in Russia and the first one to represent original features of Russian architecture (austere stone walls, five helmet-like cupolas). It is adorned with beautiful frescoes from the 12th century and icons. The dome of the cathedral is made in the form of a huge helmet, to show the defendant power of the city. You will also see the Millennium of Russia Monument that displays Russia's history from Rurik to Nicholas I.

After the tour, you will have the chance to take a look at local handicrafts. In the evening, you will have free time to stroll along the city streets and to dine at a restaurant of your choice.

Overnight at the Novgorod hotel.

After breakfast you will head to the Yuriev Monastery, a medieval religious complex built in 1030 along the Volkov River. The Cathedral of St. George will impress you by its size and beauty, as it was initially intended to surpass even St. Sophia Cathedral in grandeur.

Open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture "Vitoslavlitsy". Located on the banks of Lake Myachino and the Volkhov River, at St. George Monastery there is an open-air museum of wooden architecture Vitoslavlitsy. This is one of the most picturesque places in the Novgorod region. Izbas (village houses), chapels and churches form streets like those in old Russian villages. Restorers managed to preserve the unique works of Novgorodian carpenters. The buildings on display are so magnificent that they need no introduction. To get to know how Russian people lived many years ago, one must visit any of the izbas.

In the afternoon, you will depart for Pskov. The trip will take about 2 hours. Upon arrival in Pskov, you will have lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will check into the hotel and have some time to rest before your next tour.

In the evening, you will be taken on a Pskov city tour. You will visit the Kremlin, the Trinity Cathedral, the Dovmont's Town, and the Administrative Chambers. You will also see merchant houses dating back to XVII century.

Pskov is one of the most ancient cities in Russia. It is the administrative center of the Pskov Oblast located in the European part of Russia. Visiting Pskov will give you an excellent opportunity to see firsthand how the Rus (an ancient name of Russia and its people) developed.

Pskov is also home to the world-famous Pskov paintings - masterpieces of ancient art including icons and frescoes. It is also home to many fabulous works of ancient, Russian architecture. In the 16th century, Pskov was well known as one of Russia's most beautiful cities with its magnificent churches and cathedrals. In the 18th century, Pskov was considered to be the third most important Russian city after Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Overnight at the Pskov hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will visit Pogankini Palaty, a great example of medieval architecture which houses a rich collection of ancient Russian icons. The tour will be followed by souvenir shopping opportunities.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch you will head to Izborsk and Pechory.

Izborsk is a village in the Pechora district in the region of Pskov, approximately 850 km from Moscow and 300 km from St. Petersburg. Izborsk is home to an ancient settlement and a stone fortress set on the Zheraviya Hill. Here, much of Russian history began. Meetings between different nations took place here and the city is still a place where their cultures, traditions and faiths are intertwined. Artists and writers always found sources of inspiration in this area. Today, the past and present of Izborsk is studied by archaeologists, ecologists, anthropologists, linguists and folklorists.

You will visit the Izborsk Fortress that dates back to the XIV century. You will also get the opportunity to sample the healing waters of Slovensky Springs, also known as the Springs of the 12 Apostles. In about half an hour, you will reach Pechory. Pechory is a small town located 43 km from Pskov. The town was founded in 1472 when the Assumption Church that was dug out of the rock was consecrated here. This was the first church of the Pskov-Pechory Assumption Cave Monastery. Being located on the Russian – Estonian border, Pechory was an important Russia’s outpost. Because of this strategic location, a mighty fortress was built here in 1565. The fortress more than once succumbed to the onslaught of Polish and Swedish forces in the XVI-XVIII centuries. In 1782, Pechory was granted the status of a town. During WWI, the town was occupied by the German army. After the war, Pechory became the site of a struggle between the Red Armyand the troops of bourgeois Estonia. Estonia won the struggle and Pechory became a part of its territory. This was favorable for the monastery as it was not closed down as most churches and monasteries were during the Soviet times. In 1944, Pechory became part of Russia. The Assumption Cave Monastery is still the heart of town.

In Pechory, you will visit the amazing Cave Monastery – one of the most famous and oldest monasteries in Russia (founded in 1473).

Transfer to St. Petersburg.

Overnight at the St. Petersburg hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

We get down at major beautiful photo panoramic spots and also with visits inside the Cathedrals.

• The Spit of Vasilevsky (St. Basil’s) Island with stop at the river Neva panorama water front.
• Cabin Of Peter The Great.(First Residential Building in St. Petersburg).
• Peter and Paul Fortress.(First Official Building of St. Petersburg). Visit to the cathedral on the territory of the fortress is optional.
• University Embankment with photo stop to Antique Egyptian Sphinxes.
• Menshikov’s Palace.
• St. Isaac's Cathedral with St. Isaac's Square.
• Church on Spilled Blood.
• Kazan's Cathedral.

In the evening you will have free time to stroll along the city streets and to dine at a restaurant of your choice. If you would like recommendations on good places to eat, just ask us.

Overnight at the Saint-Petersburg hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast we will head to one of the greatest and largest art museums in the world - the Hermitage. The museum consists of five historical buildings including the Winter Palace - the residence of the Russian Tsars. The museum contains over 3 million pieces of art with dates ranging from high antiquity to the present day. Among the Hermitage´s treasures are artworks by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens as well as many others. We will spend 5 hours at the museum, however, to view the collection in its entirety would take almost 15 years, spending 8 hours a day in the museum and taking one minute to examine each exhibit.

In the evening, enjoy a ballet or opera performance at the Mariinsky Theater - one of the world´s greatest musical companies (optional). Another option would be to attend one of Russia´s premier folk shows, "Feel yourself Russian!" The show is performed by the best folk company in the city. During the intermission, delicious Russian appetizers will be served. (optional)

Overnight at Saint-Petersburg Hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast we will visit the Palace and Park of Tsarskoye Selo, a former country residence of the Russian emperors. It is a fascinating monument of the world´s architectural and gardening arts of the XVIII-XIX centuries. Its 3 parks occupy an area of 600 hectares on which are located over 100 architectural monuments: from magnificent palaces and grand monuments to intimate pavilions and park sculptures designed by masters of the Venetian school such as P. Baratta, A. Tarsia and D. Bonazza. The center of Tsarskoye Selo is Catherine Palace, containing exquisite decorative objects, furniture, Russian and Western-European paintings, unique collections of porcelain, amber, arms and decorative bronze sculptures. The Palace also contains the Amber Room - a truly unique work of craftsmanship – a room made entirely of amber. The room was looted by the Nazi’s during WWII but luckily most of its pieces were recovered. The room was fully rebuilt in 2003. Tsarskoye Selo was also the main residence of the last Tsar Nicolas II and his family.

Lunch at the Famous Russian Village Restaurant Podvorie.

En route visit the War Memorial (The monument to second world war/Heroic defenders to Siege of Leningrad).

At midnight you may take a boat ride.

River and Canal Cruise for 2 hours:

Private boat (cruise) booked only for you. It’s not the common city boat, but a private charter personal boat. No outsiders would be present. (optional) Snacks and drinks on board can be arranged as per the guests wish. Dinner can be organized on the boat. Look at the beauty of St.Petersburg from a completely different perspective, you would not be able to believe that this was all built a couple of centuries ago. After this tour you will understand why the city is nicknamed as The Venice of the North.

Overnight at Saint-Petersburg Hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit to Peterhof. Peterhof (Petrodvorets) is a jewel of Russian art - a town of parks, palaces and fountains. In the past, it was used as an exquisite summer residence by the Russian Tsars. You will visit the Grand Palace - the largest and the most famous palace of the residence which was often used for gala receptions. After this you will proceed to the Lower Park (Nizhny Park) which is a genuine masterpiece of landscape design. The park is adorned with more than 150 fountains and 4 monumental cascades. There are several small palaces and pavilions on the park territory, such as the Monplaisir, Catherine´s Block, Marli, Hermitage, the Bath Block and many more.

Lunch at the local restaurant.

Optional visit to the Island Kronstadt- Famous for its beautiful drive on the dam built over Gulf of Finland (Baltic Sea) Huge and eye-catching Naval Cathedral.(its highly recommended). This island was off limits to civilians right up to the break up of USSR as it was the main Baltic Fleet naval port.

En Route also you may also visit:

• The Imperial Lomonosov Porcelain Factory.(entry tickets not included).
• Strelna.

Overnight at Saint-Petersburg Hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Yusupov’s Palace- the Palace of one of the richest Russian noble families, famous for the basement (wine cellar), where the famous Rasputin was Murdered. Faberge Museum. Largest collection of Faberge under one roof.

After lunch visit a souvenir shop. There are a lot of handicrafts that can be purchased that are intimately related to Russia: nesting dolls, lacquered boxes, traditional Russian outfits - sarafans and head-dresses kokoshniks, wood carving and painted figurines, khokhloma wood crockery and many other nice souvenirs. You can also negotiate prices and get decent discounts at the street shops if you are willing to try!

Overnight at Saint-Petersburg Hotel.