Russian Imperial Heritage

Arrive at St. Petersburg International Airport where our representative will greet you and transfer you to your centrally located hotel. After check-in and refreshments, enjoy an orientation tour of Russia's cultural capital, driving along the magnificent Nevsky Prospekt, the city's main avenue, to see landmark buildings and majestic bridges over the Neva River. Evening welcome dinner featuring traditional Russian cuisine. Overnight in St. Petersburg.

After breakfast, full day exploring St. Petersburg's magnificent attractions. Visit the spectacular Hermitage Museum, one of the world's greatest art museums housed in the former Winter Palace of the Tsars, containing over three million items including masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Rembrandt. After lunch, tour the Peter and Paul Fortress, the city's original citadel, with its impressive cathedral housing the tombs of Russian emperors. Evening optional ballet or opera performance at one of St. Petersburg's historic theaters (extra charge). Overnight in St. Petersburg.

Full day excursion to the imperial estates outside St. Petersburg. Visit the magnificent Catherine Palace in Pushkin (Tsarskoye Selo) with its opulent interiors including the legendary Amber Room, decorated with panels of amber backed with gold leaf. Continue to Peterhof, the "Russian Versailles," to admire its spectacular Grand Palace and the famous Grand Cascade fountain ensemble featuring golden statues and 64 fountains (fountains operate May to October). Return to St. Petersburg in the late afternoon. Evening at leisure to explore the city. Overnight in St. Petersburg.

Morning visit to St. Isaac's Cathedral with its massive golden dome and stunning interior decorated with malachite and lapis lazuli columns. Continue to the magnificent Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood with its colorful onion domes and spectacular mosaics built on the site where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated. After lunch, visit the Russian Museum, housing the world's largest collection of Russian art. Evening boat cruise along St. Petersburg's romantic canals and the Neva River (May to October) or visit to a traditional Russian folk show with dinner. Overnight in St. Petersburg.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the railway station to board the high-speed Sapsan train to Moscow (approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival in Russia's capital, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy an evening orientation tour of Moscow, including a stop at Sparrow Hills for a panoramic view of the city and Moscow State University. Dinner at a local restaurant featuring Russian specialties. Overnight in Moscow.

Full day exploring Moscow's iconic sights. Morning visit to the magnificent Red Square, surrounded by the colorful onion domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, the massive GUM department store, and Lenin's Mausoleum. Continue to the Kremlin, Russia's political heart and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Kremlin's ancient cathedrals where Russian tsars were crowned and view the impressive collection of royal treasures in the Armory Chamber, including Fabergé eggs, royal carriages, and the famous Crown Jewels. After lunch, stroll along Arbat Street, Moscow's historic pedestrian thoroughfare lined with cafés, shops, and street performers. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Moscow.

 Morning visit to the remarkable Tretyakov Gallery, housing the world's greatest collection of Russian art from icons to modern masterpieces. Continue to the impressive Cathedral of Christ the Savior, reconstructed in the 1990s after being destroyed during the Soviet era. After lunch, explore some of Moscow's ornate metro stations, often called the "People's Palaces" for their spectacular architecture and decor featuring mosaics, stained glass, and sculptures. Evening farewell dinner with Russian folk entertainment. Overnight in Moscow.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Depending on your flight time, enjoy some last-minute shopping at Izmailovo Market, famous for traditional Russian crafts and souvenirs, or visit Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery, the final resting place of many famous Russians including Chekhov, Prokofiev, and Yeltsin. Transfer to Moscow International Airport for your departure flight, taking home wonderful memories of your Russian adventure.