Introduction
Steeped in history, Russia is often overlooked as a dreamy holiday destination. However, with such a huge selection of impressive cities, it is worth visiting to delve deeper into its fascinating culture, art scene and turbulent history. Russia offers a unique holiday experience, whether you are going on a tour of its historic cities, or exploring its vast and diverse landscape.
From the magnificence of Moscow to the cultural hub of St Petersburg, explore the glittering brilliance of Russia. Start at Red Square, where you can see the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral onion dome. Visit the Winter Palace and the Hermitage’s treasures, then travel through Siberia on the Golden Eagle Train.
On your exploration of this spectacular country, you could stand in awe of the Kremlin’s residence, jump on a high-speed train that will take you from Moscow to St Petersburg, relish in an exclusive entrance to the Peterhof Palace, as well as appreciate the huge royal art collections in the renowned State Hermitage Museum.
Highlights
BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR OF THE BOLSHOI THEATRE (Half day - Moscow)
Enjoy exclusive entry to the renowned Bolshoi Theatre after an excursion of the Red Square’s sights. Discover the background of the theatre and hear first-hand accounts about the celebrities and premieres.
AFTERNOON TEA (Half day - St Petersburg)
Join porcelain artist Yuri Petrochenkov and his family for afternoon tea. Browse his magnificent private collection and hear his unique perspectives on Russian art and culture.
VISIT THE MOSCOW SPACE MUSEUM AND VDNKh PARK (Half day - Moscow)
During a tour of the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics, discover everything there is to know about the USSR’s numerous aerospace missions, from Sputnik to Soyuz. Visit VDNKh, a Soviet-built permanent industrial show and theme park.
Recommended Hotels
Four Seasons Lion Palace
Your stay at this 19th-century palace, which is adorned by two marble lions, will make you feel like royalty. The hotel is located in the storied Admiralteysky area of St Petersburg, close to the Hermitage. One of the palace’s historic courtyards has a glass-roofed garden where you can truly unwind while sipping champagne.
Hotel Astoria
Stay at the Hotel Astoria in the heart of St Petersburg. Enjoy one of the 169 rooms decorated in Art Deco style, most of which have views of St Isaac’s Square, and unwind in the exquisite Lichfield Bar. Tuck into a fantastic breakfast at the renowned town cafe, the Astoria Café.
Four Seasons Hotel Moscow
This five-star establishment, which is only a few steps from the Kremlin, is a contemporary reimagining of the storied Hotel Moskva. Visit the Silk Lounge for afternoon tea, or unwind at The Amnis Spa with a treatment. Enjoy a fantastic meal in one of the hotel’s spectacular restaurants, after an evening swim in the glass-roofed pool.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival In Moscow, Russia
Upon arrival, you will take your transfer to your splendid hotel situated in the centre of stunning Moscow city.
Day 2: Moscow Exploration
This fantastic metropolis is the perfect city for anyone interested in history. During the day explore the Kremlin and Red Square, known for their political and military importance, where you may have the chance to experience the military parades that take place. For art and culture, visit the art collection at the Pushkin Museum of Fine Art and Museum of Contemporary Art, to learn more about the country’s people and heritage. With many cafes and restaurants dotted around, take a moment to soak up your surroundings with a spot of lunch or afternoon tea.
Day 3: Moscow
During your Moscow experience visit the Armoury Museum for your chance to see the amazing faberge eggs.
Day 4: Moscow & St Petersburg
Following your art tour in Moscow head to St Petersburg by train. St Petersburg is known for being Russia’s art and culture hub and often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, due to its winding canals and its position on the Neva river and at the Gulf of Finland. During your time there you will experience the city’s impressive Baroque and neo-classical architecture, which reaffirms its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 5: St Petersburg
During the day explore its historic sites, including the Winter Palace and the State Hermitage Museum, one of the largest museums in the world. Extending across 6 buildings and with over 3 million art pieces, some from Rembrandt, Titian and Henri Matisse, it will give you a deeper understanding into the rich artistic influences of the country.
Day 6: Peterhof
On this day head to the Peterhof Palace for an out-of-hours tour. During your exploration you will discover its stunning gardens, its huge collection of sculptures and paintings from world famous artists, and offer you a unique experience of this UNESCO World Heritage site. There is no doubt that after your St Peterburg tour you will truly appreciate the artistic powerhouse that it is, and its revolutionary soul coloured by a phenomenal history and air of opulence.
At the end of the day, you will return by hydrofoil.
Day 7: Pushkin
For the most amazing trip explore the luxurious and imposing, Baroque styled Catherine Palace in Pushkin, an incredible gift from Peter the Great to his wife, built in 1717. One of the largest palaces in St Petersburg, you can look forward to grand rooms dressed in gold and marble, the famous Amber chamber, vast collections of paintings, porcelains, carpets and jaw dropping columns and sculptures. After exploring its phenomenal interior, head outdoors to wander through its palatial gardens, equally magnificent and opulent, where you will feel the grandeur of this spectacular landmark in history.
Day 8: Depart St Petersburg
On your final morning in Russia, explore the streets of St Peterburg one final time, before heading to the airport to catch your return flight home, rich with all the knowledge and experience of this impressive land and its people.
