Day-By-Day Program:
DAY 1 SAT | Arrive in Moscow
You will be met and transferred to the Novotel Moscow City Centre ****, in historic Moscow, for a 2 nights' stay
DAY 2 SUN | In Moscow. Sightseeing
Today start with a panoramic city tour of Moscow that includes a drive along the fashionable Tverskaya Street, Moscow rive embankment with an iconic panorama of the Kremlin and the Cathedral of the Savior. Take a stroll on the historic Red Square with the splendid St. Basil's Cathedral, GUM store and Lenin's Mausoleum.
Drive to the Sparrow Hills for the best view of the city with an impressive Moscow State University, riverside Luzhniki Sports complex and New Maiden's Convent.
In the afternoon visit the famous Tretyakov Art Gallery, the world-class repository of Russian art displayed in world class surrounding. Appropriately enough, this is also the home to the finest collection of Russian icons in the world (B)
DAY 3 MON | In Moscow | Sightseeing
Tour of the Kremlin Grounds and a visit inside the spectacular Armoury Museum. A guided walking tour along the Old Arbat, the main pedestrian stretch in downtown Moscow. A Metro train ride, with a tour of Moscow subway stations. In the evening, a day express train to Vladimir, dep 4.35 pm arr 6.50 pm. From Vladimir you will be transferred 45 km to Suzdal. Check-in at the Pushkarskaya Sloboda Hotel (or similar) for an overnight (B)
DAY 4 TUE | Suzdal & Vladimir: A real feast for tourists eyes | Train to St. Petersburg
Sightseeing in Suzdal. Historic small town of Suzdal, is one of oldest and the most charming settlements in Russia. It is proudly on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Suzdal was first mentioned in the year 1024 AD, at the time when even Moscow was a secondary settlement.
The number and variety of stunningly beautiful churches and monasteries here is just astounding.
Often referred to as a living city-museum and the crowning jewel of the Golden Ring region, Suzdal boasts over 200 historic monuments and some of the most striking churches in Russia. Despite its popularity, Suzdal still retains its peaceful provincial feel. And tourists come here for its quiet narrow streets, old wooden houses, unpaved paths by churches with candy-colored domes, cinematic meadows. And a sip of medovukha honey cider for a taste of real Russia.
Visit the Kremlin, the Cathedral of Nativity, the Monastery of St. Euthymius with bell ringing, and the museum of Wooden architecture.
From Suzdal, transfer to Vladimir to continue sightseeing there. Also on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the town of Vladimir boasts a majestic Assumption cathedral, the Golden Gates and a museum of lacquered miniatures that you will visit.
You will also travel to the historical village of Bogolyubovo to view the 12th c. church of Intercession on the Nerl, an architectural masterpiece, on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Dinner at a local restaurant. Transfer to rail station for your overnight train to St. Petersburg, dep 23.00 arr 09.45 next morning (B,L,D)
DAY 5 WED | Arrive in St. Petersburg, Sightseeing
After breakfast depart by public bus service to St. Petersburg. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to downtown Radisson Sonya Hotel **** for a 3 nights’ stay.
Your city tour today will introduce you to the beautiful views of the elegant St. Petersburg. Also included is a visit inside the historical Peter-&-Paul Fortress where Russia’s all Emperors lie buried
DAY 6 THU | St. Petersburg, Sightseeing
8.30 am: Today you will be touring the incomparable Hermitage Museum. One of the most spectacular museums in the world, the Hermitage has a vast collection occupying a grand ensemble of buildings
DAY 7 FRI | Playground of the Czars
Today travel outside of St. Petersburg to Pushkin to visit exquisite Catherine’s Palace with its famous Amber Room (B)
DAY 8 SAT | See You Again, St. Petersburg
After breakfast your tour ends
