Two capitals (Tour to Moscow and St.Petersburg)

 Two capitals (Tour to Moscow and St.Petersburg)

Two capitals, two of the epitomes of Russia, two of the greatest European cultural destinations – Moscow and St. Petersburg are welcoming you on this 7-day tour. The monumental architecture of Red Square with the magnificent St. Basil’s Cathedral, the famous Bolshoi Theatre and the uniquely decorated metro stations of Moscow along with the intriguing imperial history of St. Petersburg are among the highlights of this tour that show you simultaneously the modern life of the country and its glorious history.

Tour highlights:

♦ Red Square - where many of the city's architectural sights are located and where many of the important events in Russian history took place.
♦ Bolshoi theatre - the historical theatre from where some of the oldest and most renowned baller and opera companies originated
♦ Moscow metro - some of the most beautiful metro stations in the world
♦ Kremlin territory - historical fortified complex, now the place where the president resides
♦ Palace Square - the central city square of St. Petersburg


Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival
Arrival in Moscow and transfer to hotel and overnight.-/-/-

Day 2. New Maiden Convent - Sparrow Hills - Tretyakov Gallery
The next two days we will explore the Russian capital by metro instead of battling with the traffic on a bus tour. We will use the metro system to get around - an experience in itself. Today we will visit the New Maiden Convent (Новодевичий монастырь), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the best preserved and most peaceful of Moscow’s fortress cloisters. Beside the river and a popular small lake, it is guarded by tall brick walls similar to the Kremlin battlements. The central church is the Smolensk Cathedral, built in 1525 with a magnificent five-tiered iconostasis (1683–85) and richly decorated walls and frescoes. Sparrow hills (Воробьёвы го́ры) will be our next stop. They are situated on the right bank of the Moskva River and one of the highest points in Moscow. On top of the hill, 85m above the river, is the observation platform which gives a beautiful panoramic view of the city. After lunch our tour will continue to Old and New Tretyakov galleries, which holds the world’s largest collection of Russian art. The museum consists of more than 130,000 works of art covering the most ancient Russian art up to the avant-garde period. B/-/-

Day 3. Moscow Metro Tour - Red Square - Saint Basil'sCathedral - Kremlin
Our metro tour will start in the morning visiting some of the most iconic metro stations. They are cavernous underground halls, elaborately decorated with chandeliers. Then we continue with the famous Red Square, still paved in its original stones, where we can gaze in awe at the colourful onion-domes of Saint Basil's Cathedral. In the afternoon we visit the massive Moscow Kremlin - a city within a city. The triangular walls enclose an incredible complex of buildings, including three fine palaces,cathedrals, belfries and towers that represent Russia throughout its glorious past. Whilst here we visit the Armoury Museum, which contains a stunning collection of Imperial jewels and regalia. B/-/-

Day 4. Moscow - St. Petersburg
Today we take the Sapsan train to St. Petersburg. Named after a fast high-flying bird, a modern bullet Sapsan train is the fastest way to travel between Moscow and St. Petersburg. This high-speed Russian train is capable of reaching the speed of 250 kph (155 mph), connecting the city centers of the two Russian capitals in only 3.5 hours. Transfer from the train station to our hotel for overnight. B/-/-

Day 5. St. Petersburg
Built on the hundred islets that form the delta of the Neva River,St. Petersburg (formerly Leningrad) was founded by Peter the Great as his 'Window on the West'. Regarded as one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world, its picturesque canals and baroque and neoclassical architecture give the city a European feel. St. Petersburg has always been a city of ideas and ideals. Not only was it the home of great writers such as Pushkin and Dostoyevsky, but it was here that the Russian Revolution began, and where,arguably, the first shoots of democracy sprouted, 70 years later. The tour by private car today will take us to Saint Isaac's Cathedral, the Church of the Saviour of the Spilled Blood and Peter and Paul Fortress.B/-/-

Day 6. The Hermitage Museum - Peterhof
We spend the whole morning in the Hermitage museum, which is unquestionably one of the finest art galleries in the world. It contains the works of masters like Leonardo da Vinci, Titian,Raphael, Velázquez, Rubens and Rembrandt, as well as contemporary pieces by Matisse and Picasso. Collections are split between buildings, with much on display at the Winter Palace. The official residence of Russia's Tsars from the18th century until Nicolas II's forced abdication in 1917, this monumental building contains no less than 1,500 rooms. The Peterhof Palace (45 min drive from St,.Petersburg center), is a series of palaces and gardens, commissioned by Peter the Great as a direct response to the Palace of Versailles by Louis XIV of France. Originally intending it in 1709 for country habitation, Peter the Great sought to expand the property as a result of his visit to the French royal court in 1717, inspiring the nickname of "The Russian Versailles". The palace-ensemble along with the city center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. B/-/-

Day 7. Departure
Transfer to airport for departure. B/-/-


Price Includes:
accommodation in hotels 3* and 4* (Alfa Izmailovo,Nevskiy Grand and similar)
meals as per program
group transfer from/to airport
licensed guides
excursions
entrance tickets per program
metro tickets in Moscow private transport in St Petersburg
train tickets: Sapsan from Moscow to St. Petersburg (2 class)
visa support (voucher and visa invitation)

Not Included:
Supplement pp at 3 p.: 85 EUR
supplement pp at 2 p: 225 EUR
individual transfer from/to airport - 45 EUR/one way per vehicle (max 3p)


Gallery


Two capitals (Tour to Moscow and St.Petersburg) (Rated 4.86 / 5 Based on 115 Reviews.)
Group Size
4-8
Reservation System Code
RURUNDCAPT
Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip 650 , 8 Days

Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip

Situated on the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria is still one of the least explored countries in Europe....
Tour du Mont Blanc Circuit 1175 , 10 Days

Tour du Mont Blanc Circuit

 The Tour du Mont Blanc is undoubtedly the most renowned walking trail in the Alps that runs...
Roundtrip Iran - Classical Persia 990 , 10 Days

Roundtrip Iran - Classical Persia

A cultural trip that will show you both modern Iran and ancient Persia. This is a roundtrip...

View all» What people say about us

Mauricio

Tour: Iraqi Kurdistan
★★★★★
My recent trip in Iraq organized by Penguin was excellent from start to end. Both Penguin tour guide (Nessi) and the local guide (Fahad) managed all topics efficiently and facilitated an amazing experience for the group. Now I dream about visiting the Northern part of the country, too.


Peter

Tour: Socotra Island Adventures (Yemen)
★★★★★
Thanks for everything in terms of your work and help with this trip to Yemen. It was an amazing experience - one I would recommend to almost anyone. By the numbers of people who travelled to the island, it is only going to get more exposure. The local company was very good - so you can have no problems with them at all. I was really lucky though - there were only 2 of us on the trip - and it was a really nice experience. I will continue to work with Penguin in getting ideas for great places to travel.


Gunnar Svensson

Tour: Caucasus Explorer
★★★★★
Interesting trip in a different part of the world. with a possibility to learn a lot. Visit to spectacular churches and monastries, museums, wine producers, nature and beautiful cities. This tour is recommended.


View all»

Blog

04.06.2023 10:00

Suchitoto: Exploring the Cultural Gem of El Salvador

Nestled in the heart of El Salvador, the picturesque town of Suchitoto beckons travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. This colonial jewel, perched on the banks of Lake Suchitlán, offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its cobblestone streets, vibrant art scene, and warm hospitality, Suchitoto has emerged as a must-visit destination for those...


30.05.2023 13:30

Isfahan or Esfahan: Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Iran's Cultural Gem

Isfahan, a city steeped in rich history and unparalleled beauty, stands as a testament to the grandeur of Persian civilization. Located in central Iran, Isfahan boasts a mesmerizing blend of architectural marvels, vibrant bazaars, and serene gardens that have captivated travelers for centuries. With its UNESCO-listed landmarks, such as the majestic Imam Square and the stunning Shah Mosque,...


29.05.2023 14:55

Lake Nakuru - Discovering the Enchanting Beauty of Kenya

Kenya, a land of breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, holds an array of hidden gems for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences. Among these treasures lies the captivating Lake Nakuru, a mesmerizing waterbody nestled within the Great Rift Valley. Renowned for its abundant birdlife and stunning scenery, Lake Nakuru National Park offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and...


24.05.2023 16:26

Shibam: Exploring the Ancient Skyscrapers of Yemen

Nestled in the heart of Yemen, the city of Shibam stands as a living testament to the ingenuity and architectural marvels of ancient civilizations. Renowned as "the Manhattan of the desert," Shibam boasts a skyline of towering mud-brick skyscrapers, capturing the essence of Yemen's rich history and cultural heritage. Shibam, located in the Wadi Hadramaut region, is a UNESCO World...