Russian Heritage Tours For Individual Travelers

DAY 1 in Saint-Petersburg

Enjoy the Grand Tour of St. Petersburg, which offers visitors the opportunity to take in as much as possible of the city in a day's sightseeing from the comfort of a car or mini van and with a knowledgeable and experienced guide. You will take a complete tour of Saint-Petersburg most famous sites - beginning with visiting of the neo-classical splendour of St.Isaac's Cathedral, geometry of the Palace Square, visiting the oldest construction of Saint-Petersburg - Peter & Paul's Fortress and the Cathedral - the burial vault of Romanovs' family. The tour includes an elegant lunch in the restaurant serving traditional Russian cuisine. In the afternoon a 2-hour guided excursion in the largest museum of Russia and one of the richest museums of the world - The State Hermitage Museum - to finalize your excellent introduction to St.Petersburg.

DAY 2 in Peterhof and St.Petersburg

Come and discover Peterhof - St. Petersburg's most famous and spectacular Imperial estate. Located on the sea shore The Grand Palace and park complex of Peterhof with its unique array of fountains is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Peterhof is perhaps St. Petersburg's most famous and luxurous Imperial estate. The Grand Palace, filled with fascinating and elaborate interiors, sits on top of a high seashore ridge overlooking the vast Lower Park. The palace at Peterhof sits amidst an enormous park, adorned with fountains, statues and pavilions.
In the evening enjoy the folk show 'Feel yourself Russian' in Nikolaevsky palace. Discover traditional Russian dance and music throughout this wonderful evening! You'll also have the opportunity to savor in a buffet of delicious gourmet food and drink. There is no doubt, without the folk show "Feel yourself Russian" your visit to Russia wouldn't be complete! This show is the unique opportunity to experience the history and spirit of Russia throughout one evening.

DAY 3 in Pushkin (Tsarskoe Selo)

Unlock the secrets of the world wonder - the Amber Room on a half-day tour to the magnificent baroque - style Palace of Catherine the Great in the town of Pushkin (Tsarskoe Selo). Feel the spirit of the eras of the powerful empresses- Elizabeth and Catherine walking though the gilded amphelade of the numerous ballrooms and imperial halls, amazing with the luxury of their decoration. All Russian monarchs lived, worked, granted audiences, arranged diplomatic receptions for foreign ambassadors, gala balls and masquerades in the gorgeous halls of the palace.
Depart on an overnight train to Moscow.

DAY 4 in Moscow

Arrive in magnificent Moscow early in the morning. Today the capital of Russia is one of the biggest cities of Europe with the population over 13 million people. Moscow is a political, scientific, historical, architectural and business centre, from which power and might of theRussian state developed.
Enjoy an orientation City Tour "Dedication to Moscovites". The main streets and squares of the city, world known sights of the capital. During this tour you will see old and modern Moscow, center of the city including Red Square and Alexander Garden, Moscow Kremlin. Church of Christ the Savior, Novodevichy Convent, Arbat street, KGB. Splendid architectural ensembles and historical monuments, beautiful streets and embankments and will enjoy the panorama of Moscow from the Sparrow Hills.
Take a walking excursion "Red Square, Kremlin & Cathedrals". Moscow Kremlin will charm you with the beauty of its architectural ensemble and Kremlin cathedrals and churches will impress with richness of their interiors. Inextricably linked to all the most important historical and political events in Russia since the 13th century, the Kremlin was the residence of the Great Prince and also a religious centre. At the foot of its ramparts, on Red Square, St Basil's Basilica is one of the most beautiful Russian Orthodox monuments. Visit the Armory Chamber.
Depart to Vladimir in the evening.

DAY 5 "Golden Ring of Russia": Vladimir & Suzdal

Drive to Suzdal, the most beautiful and best preserved town on the Golden Ring. Tour sights include the Kremlin of Suzdal and Assumption Cathedral, Church of Resurrection, the Spaso-Efimiev Monastery, Spaso-Transfiguration Monastery, the Museum of Wooden Architecture. No other town possesses as many splendid pieces of Russian architecture of different epochs whilst retaining its original character and appearance. The hilly green town is very seductive, walking around is a pleasure, the monasteries and old beautiful churches offer dream views.
Enjoy a half-day sightseeing in Vladimir, an ancient historic Russian town located on a tributary of the Volga. Vladimir bears the name of its founder, Prince Vladimir Monomach. The city dates back to the 10th century and some of the highlights are the Golden Gates and the Byzantine Assumption Cathedral and numerous frescoes of Andrey Rublev. among countless other treasures you will pass by on your city tour.The Cathedral of Dmitry has a wondrously festive look with its intricate lace of carved stone bas-reliefs. There are many more interesting sights here, but the town appeals because of its peaceful atmosphere and its big contrast with large cities.

DAY 6 "Golden Ring of Russia": Kostroma

Arrive to Kostroma in the morning. Kostroma was firstly mentioned in the cronicles in 1237. It was the first stop of Mongol-Tatars on their way to sacking Yaroslavl in 1238.
Contemporary Kostroma is a picturesque city with a strong historical atmosphere. Lunch at the local restaurant. Kostroma city tour - visit to the Ipatiev Monastery - a real miracle of architecture, the Romanov's Palace, Trade Galleries. Kostroma played a particular role in Russian history as the birthplace of the Romanov Dynasty. In 1613, the boyars gathering at the Ipatiev Monastery blessed the young Mikhail Romanov to become the Tzar of Russia. Kostroma has preserved its peculiar image of a Russian city. It is also famous for its Fire-Watch Tower (the symbol of the town) and ancient churches like the Church of the Resurrection.

DAY 7 "Golden Ring of Russia": Yaroslavl

Drive to Yaroslavl, founded in 1010, and explore one of Russia's most beautiful cities. You will take a sightseeing tour, which includes a visit to the Spassky monastery (Saviour monastery), that was founded in the 12th century. The main church of the monastery is also the oldest building in Yaroslavl: Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral (Savior Transfiguration cathedral), which is almost 500 years old (the foundation is 800 years old). It was built very skilfully in the best traditions of Russian architecture of the time.

DAY 8 "Golden Ring of Russia": Rostov, Pereslavl and Sergiev Posad

Arrive to Rostov the Great, an ancient Russian town located on the Nero lake. The history of this place started 4 thousand years BC, when the first tribes stayed next to the lake. Now it is a small town (32 thousand inhabitants), with old buildings and authentic Russian architecture.
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the ancient Kremlin. Inside the Kremlin, there's an archelogocal museum, where you can see what they found in the earth, just where you stand. You can figure out how it was from the Stone Age to the last century: stone knives, relics of a drakkar, the first stone of a convent.
Drive to Pereslavl-Zalessky and explore this ancient town. Tour sights include the Red Square, Spaso-Preobrazhensky cathedral - the oldest building, located in the heart of Pereslavl, - and the Church of Mitropolit Peter.
Depart to Sergiev Posad and enjoy the tour to this historic town, which is home to the stunningly-beautiful Trinity Monastery of St Sergiev. Sergiev Posad is one of the oldest seats of the Russian Orthodox Church and is one of the most important pilgrimage towns in the country.
The monastery was a formidable fortress in the 16th Century and today is a working monastery and clerical school. The crowning glory of its celebrated architecture is the five-domed Assumption Cathedral, considered by many to be the most beautiful in Russia. Among the treasures of the Lavra is the famous icon, The Trinity, by Andrei Rublev.
Return to Moscow in the evening.

Tour Details

Available tour start dates

The tour is available all year round on on Mon, Tu, Wen,Thu, Fr, Sat, Sun.

Inclusions

St. Petersburg:
• 4 excursions by car, 1 show;
• 1 lunch on the 1st day;
• Transportation by car or mini-van: 1st day - 3 hours, 2nd day - 5 hours, 3rd day - 5 hours;
• 2nd class train fare from St. Petersburg to Moscow: (1st class upon request);
• Guide assistance: during all the tour activities;
• Entrance fees: all the visits according to the tour itinerary.

Moscow and Golden Ring:
• 11 excursions;
• 4 nights accommodation in Vladimir (2 nights), Kostroma (1 night) and Yaroslavl (1 night): 3-star hotels, twin rooms;
• 4 breakfasts on the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th days of the tour
• Transportation by car or mini-van: all the time of the tour;
• Guide assistance: during all the tour activities;
• Entrance fees: all the visits according to the tour itinerary.