Tours

Explore the lively history, culture and architectural wonders of Russia with GEMTOUR. DAY 01:  ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA Arrive in St. Petersburg, the most beautiful of Russian cities that has been praised far and wide. It is sometimes called the Northern Palmira, The Northern Venice and the City of White nights. Upon arrival, meet and greet at the airport then proceed to a dinner at a restaurant followed by transfer to hotel for check-in. (D) DAY 02:  ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA After breakfast inside hotel, start the tour by visiting the magnificent St. Isaac’s Cathedral which is largest cathedral in town to accommodate 10,000 people. Proceed to Peter and Paul Fortress. The construction of the fortress began on May 16, 1703; this date is officially recognized as the Birth Day of the city. Tzar Peter the Great chose an excellent site for the fortress – a small island at the widest part of the Neva River delta. After Lunch, Proceed to Pushkin and Park, the main summer residence of the Imperial family from the 18th century to the fall of monarchy in 1917. Enjoy Catherine’s Palace, an ornate Baroque building palace with a blue façade and gold onion domes. Admire the White Vestibule, the Amber Room, the Portrait Hall, the Crimson Pilaster Room and its park at Pushkin. (B,L,D) DAY 03: ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA Visit Palace Square which is located in the heart of St. Petersburg and is one of the most beautiful squares in the world. In the center of the square is the Alexander Column, built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon in the war of 1812. Within the Palace square is the Winter Palace, the former residence of the Czars but now housing the famous Hermitage Museum, one of the largest museums in the world. Almost 300 exposition rooms house over 3 million exhibits. The collection is one of the best in the world and includes masterpieces by Rafel, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, El Greco, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Picasso and other great masters. After lunch, Proceed to Peterhof Palace and Park a luxurious palace often referred as the “Russian Versailles” (B,L,D) DAY 04: ST. PETERSBURG – MOSCOW – SUZDAL, RUSSIA Take the morning flight or fast train from St. Petersburg to Moscow. Visit Sergeiv Posad. After lunch, transfer north to Suzdal, part of the Golden Ring giving one a taste of rural Russia. Dinner and stay at Pushkarskaya Sloboda Hotel or similar in Suzdal. (B,L,D) DAY 05: SUZDAL – VLADIMIR – MOSCOW, RUSSIA Tour Suzdal, one of the oldest and best-preserved Russian towns with many splendid architectural monuments of different epochs. Visit Kremlin, Spaso-Efimievskiy Monastery, Convent of the Intercession and Rozhdestvenskiy Cathedral.  Take lunch at the ancient great town of Vladimir, to the south of Suzdal. Return to Moscow for dinner and stay at Holiday Inn Sokolniki Hotel or similar in Moscow. (B,L,D) DAY 06: MOSCOW, RUSSIA Enjoy a city tour and visit Visit Poklonnaya Hill and its war memorial. This complex includes a museum with its displays dedicated to the events of 1941-45, Conquerors’ Square adorned with the allegorical figure of the goddess of Victory, ”Years of War” alley and the Orthodox Church of St. George decorated with huge bronze bas reliefs. There is also synagogue and a mosque.  Proceed to the famous Red Square which is often considered the central square of Moscow and all of Russia. Visit St. Basils Cathedral and Gum Department store. Watch the world-famous Old Circus. Dinner and stay at hotel in Moscow. (B,L,D) DAY 07: MOSCOW, RUSSIA Enjoy a guided tour of the Kremlin, a city within a city, with medieval towers, five cathedrals and palaces. Visit the Annunciation and Assumption Cathedrals in Kremlin’s Square, a testimony of the vibrant faith of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Annunciation Cathedral was decorated by the great icon painters and was intended to be the royal family’s private chapel.  The Assumption Cathedral is the oldest structure in the Square where Russian tsars were crowned, metropolitans and patriarchs were elected and important edicts read out.  Marvel at the magnificence of the city seeing the enormous Red Square with the colorful onion-domed St. Basil’s Cathedral.  See Alexandrovskiy garden with the tomb of the Unknown soldiers, Catherine the Great Grotto, fountains and the Kremlin walls. Don’t miss a visit to the lavishly decorated metro stations that are unique to Russia. If time permits, visit Arbat street where the chance to shop for typical Russian crafts and gifts. Dinner and stay at hotel in Moscow. (B,L,D) DAY 08: MOSCOW, RUSSIA – MANILA, PHILIPPINES Free Day. Afternoon transfer for flight back home. (B,L)

Prepare to embrace unforgettable memories for marvelous Russia with GEMTOUR Day 1          MOSCOW – ST. PETERSBURG, Russia Arrive to St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg, the cultural soul of Russia, is a repository of priceless art, a home to poets, musicians and composers and a witness to the rise and fall of Imperial Russia, two shattering revolutions and a civil war. Dinner and stay at hotel Day 2         ST. PETERSBURG Enjoy a full day guided tour to Peter and Paul fortress, the oldest monument of history and architecture in St. Petersburg built as a fortification during the Russian-Swedish war but never used as a fortress with its bastions turned into political prison cells. Proceed to Pushkin Palace and park, the main summer residence of the Imperial family from the 18th century to the fall of monarchy in 1917. Enjoy Catherine’s Palace, an ornate Baroque building palace with a blue façade and gold onion domes. Admire the White Vestibule, the Amber Room, the Portrait Hall, the Crimson Pilaster Room and its park at Pushkin. See Pavlovsk Palace and park, one of the last summer palaces built by Russian tsars. The 1500-acre site, presented by Catherine the Great to her son Paul, future Tsar Paul1, became a charming Estate of the Royal family. After Dinner, watch the 7pm ballet at Mariinskiy Theater or River Cruise (Optional). Stay at hotel in St. Petersburg. Day 3        ST. PETERSBURG Admire the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Rodin, Rembrandt at the Hermitage Museum, the Tsar’s former Winter Palace housing one of the finest art collections in the world. Admire Peter the Great’s Palace and its park in Petrodvorets. The palaces and parks with fountains were built in 18th century under the order of Peter the Great. Built to rival Versailles, the palace sits atop a hill overlooking the Gulf of Finland. Tour the Throne Room, the Portrait Room and the White Dining Room. Visit Yusapov Palace where the monk Rasputin was murdered. Then on to  Saint Isaac Cathedral, the city’s largest church and one of the world’s largest domed structures. Dinner at local restaurant and stay at hotel in St. Petersburg. Day 4       ST. PETERSBURG – MOSCOW – SUZDAL Take the flight from St. Petersburg to Moscow. Visit Sergiev Posad. After lunch, transfer north to Suzdal, part of the Golden Ring giving one a taste of rural Russia. Dinner and stayat hotel in Suzdal. Day 5        SUZDAL – VLADIMIR – MOSCOW Tour Suzdal, one of the oldest and best-preserved Russian towns with many splendid architectural monuments of different epochs. Visit Kremlin, Spaso-Efimievskiy Monastery, Convent of the Intercession and Rozhdestvenskiy Cathedral.  Take lunch at the ancient great town of Vladimir, to the south of Suzdal. Return to Moscow for dinner and stay at hotel in Moscow. Day 6           MOSCOW Enjoy a city tour with Lenin Hills at the right bank of the Moscow River and one of the highest points in Moscow. See the Moscow State University, formerly the tallest building in Europe. Visit Poklonnaya Hill and its war memorial. This complex includes a museum with its displays dedicated to the events of 1941-45, Conquerors’ Square adorned with the allegorical figure of the goddess of Victory, ”Years of War” alley and the Orthodox Church of St. George decorated with huge bronze bas reliefs. There is also synagogue and a mosque. Watch the world-famous Old Circus. Dinner and stay at hotel in Moscow. Day 7          MOSCOW Enjoy a guided tour of the Kremlin, a city within a city, with medieval towers, five cathedrals and palaces. Visit the Annunciation and Assumption Cathedrals in Kremlin’s Square, a testimony of the vibrant faith of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Annunciation Cathedral was decorated by the great icon painters and was intended to be the royal family’s private chapel.  The Assumption Cathedral is the oldest structure in the Square where Russian tsars were crowned, metropolitans and patriarchs were elected and important edicts read out.  Visit the treasure-filled Armory Museum which displays the lavish court life of Imperial Russia. It is famous for its collection of Old Imperial Russian regalia, thrones, jewelry, costumes, state gifts, arms, Faberge eggs, royal carriages, ball gowns, jewel-encrusted swords that are relics of the wealth and power that once belonged to the tsars. Marvel at the magnificence of the city seeing the enormous Red Square with the colorful onion-domed St. Basil’s Cathedral.  See Alexandrovskiy garden with the tomb of the Unknown soldiers, Catherine the Great Grotto, fountains and the Kremlin walls. Don’t miss a visit to the lavishly decorated metro stations that are unique to Russia. If time permits, visit Arbat street where the chance to shop for typical Russian crafts and gifts. Dinner and stay at hotel in Moscow. Day 8           MOSCOW Visit the Novodevichiy convent inside and Christ the Saviour Cathedral. Take flight back home

Uncover the rich history and architectural marvels of the city. Day 1 St. Petersburg Arrival to St. Petersburg. Transfer to the hotel Day 2 St. Petersburg Explore the Hermitage. The vast collection of art and artifacts housed within its walls is truly impressive, spanning centuries and cultures. From the stunning architecture of the Winter Palace to the intricate detail of the Faberge eggs, every corner of the Hermitage exudes a sense of history and elegance Take a journey to Peterhof Garden and Grand Palace via hydrofoil, enjoying scenic views along the way. Built by Peter the Great in the early 18th century, Peterhof boasts stunning gardens, intricate fountains, and opulent interiors that showcase the wealth and power of the Russian tsars. One of the highlights of Peterhof is the Grand Cascade, a cascading fountain with golden statues and ornate decorations that is truly a sight to behold. Visitors to Peterhof can also explore the various palaces and pavilions on the grounds, each with its own unique design and history. Day 3 St. Petersburg Visit Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral, symbolic landmark of St. Petersburg. Enjoy panoramic views from the fortress walls.  Built by Peter the Great in 1703, the fortress served as a formidable defense against enemy attacks and as a political prison for prominent figures. The centrepiece of the fortress is the Peter and Paul Cathedral, the burial place of many Russian emperors including Peter the Great himself. The fortress also houses the Museum of the History of St. Petersburg, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the city’s development over the centuries. Explore the opulent Catherine Palace including the famed Amber Room. Located just outside of St. Petersburg, Tsarskoe Selo is known for its stunning Catherine Palace, which served as the summer residence of the Russian tsars. The palace’s opulent Baroque architecture and lush gardens are a testament to the wealth and power of the Russian monarchy. Additionally, the nearby Puskin Estate is home to the former residence of Alexander Pushkin, one of Russia’s most renowned poets. Day 4 St. Petersburg Transfer to the airport for your return flight Please note that the tour operator may adjust the sequence of excursions and visits.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Irkutsk with GEMTOUR. Day 1 Arrival to Irkutsk  Lunch in a local restaurant. Irkutsk city tour. Irkutsk, located near Lake Baikal, is renowned for its well-preserved wooden architecture and rich Siberian heritage. From the iconic wooden architecture of the Irkutsk Regional Museum to the natural beauty of Lake Baikal, exploring Irkutsk offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of this dynamic city. Dinner and overnight in hotel. Day 2  Start your day with visit to Taltsy wooden museum. Located in the Irkutsk region of Siberia, Taltsy is a historical open-air museum that offers visitors a fascinating insight into the traditional architecture and way of life of the indigenous people of Baikal. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 40 wooden buildings from the 17th to the 20th century, which have been meticulously preserved and reconstructed on-site. Visitors can wander through the streets of this outdoor museum, exploring log cabins, churches, and workshops that provide a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Moving on to Listvyanka, a small village on the shores of Lake Baikal, tourists can visit the Baikal Museum to discover the unique flora and fauna of the lake. Additionally, the St. Nicholas Church in Listvyanka provides a glimpse into the religious heritage of the area. These museums and attractions help enhance the overall experience of exploring Baikal and offer valuable insights into the region’s past.  Additionally, the Listvyanka Fish Market offers a glimpse into the local culture and economy, with fresh catches of omul and other Baikal fish available for purchase. Another must-visit attraction is the Chersky Stone, a natural monument that offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Baikal and the surrounding mountains. Overall, Listvyanka provides a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and natural attractions that make it a must-see destination in Siberia. Dinner in Irkutsk and overnight in hotel Day 3  Breakfast Transfer to airport Departure to Moscow

Day 01: MOSCOW. Arrival in Moscow, proceed immediately to a short orientation tour. Moscow is the capital of Russian Federation. The city was founded by Yury Dolgoruky in 1147. Nowadays Moscow is the most important political and business center of Russia and has a true “Russian” feel. Some people even call it a “big village”. Dinner and overnight at Marco Polo Day 02: MOSCOW. This lovely morning, sightseeing tour will take you to marvel at Red Square and see the colorful onion-domed St. Basils Cathedral. Then later to the walls of the Kremlin Fortress with cathedrals the highlight of the tour. This place plays a very significant part in Russian history. Listen and be amazed in the rich history of this country. After that we will explore the Metro Stations, which Stalin called “Palace for the People”. Day 03: MOSCOW After breakfast, proceed to a city tour with Lenin Hills a hill on the right bank of the Moscow river and one of the highest points in Moscow with an altitude up to 220m( 60-70 m above the river level).It gives a good panoramic view of the city. See the MGU – Moscow State University (formerly the tallest building in Europe). Poklonnaya Hill with War memorial – this memorial complex includes a museum (its displays are dedicated to the events of 1941-45), Conquerors’ Square adorned with the allegorical figure of the goddess of Victory ”Years of War” alley and the Orthodox Church of St. George decorated with huge bronze bas reliefs.  Proceed to See the magnificent building of Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow which may be the largest Orthodox church in the world. it was rebuilt in 2000 after the original was demolished by Stalin. Day 04: MOSCOW- SERGIEV POSAD-MOSCOW Full-day guided excursion to Sergiev Possad. This town was named in honour of St. Sergius of Radonezh. It is the spiritual centre of Russian orthodoxy. Craft and production shops operate in the town where one can buy famous MATRYOSHKA. After Sergiv Possad Tour, we will head back to Moscow to visit visit Izhmailovo Market. Day 05: MOSCOW- ST.PETERSBURG After breakfast, transfer to train Station for 4hrs ride to St. Petersburg. Meet with guide, dinner and check in to St. Petersburg Hotel for overnight at Sokos Olympia. Day 06: ST. PETERSBURG Visit Hermitage, the state winter palace. It is the largest and most ornate building in the city. It houses Russia’s collections of famous sculptures and paintings like Madonna of Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrand’s – Return of the prodigal son. Visit Palace square and be amazed of the Alexander Column, the tallest Triumphal column in the world. Lunch then Proceed to Peter and Paul Fortress– the oldest monument of history and Architecture in St, Petersburg. It was built as a fortification during theRussian-Swedish war but it was never used as a fortress and its bastions were turned into political prison cells. Day 07:  ST. PETERSBURG After breakfast, on to Peterhof Palace or Petrodvorets. It’s an 18th century palace built under the order of Peter the Great to rival Versailles. The palace sits atop of a hill and overlooking the Gulf of Finland.  Peterhof Palace is originally known as the Popov farmstead and from 1944 as Petrodvorets (Peter’s Palace). It is truely a reminiscent of a sparkling diamond of unique beauty. After Lunch, proceed to Pushkin Palace and Park, the main summer residence of the Imperial family from the 18th century to the fall of monarchy in 1917. Enjoy Catherine’s Palace, an ornate Baroque building palace with a blue façade and gold onion domes. Admire the White Vestibule, the Amber Room, the Portrait Hall, the Crimson Pilaster Room and its park at Pushkin. Day 08: ST. PETERSBURG After breakfast, continuation of city tour which includes a visit to St. Isaac Cathedral, the city’s largest church. Be impressed of this five-domed cathedral towering the height of 101.5 meter, one of the world’s largest domed structures. Next worth visiting is the Church of the Spilled Blood and be amazed of the architecture of this church. Rest of the day is free for leisure or avail the optional river cruise. Day 09: ST. PETERSBURG  After breakfast, proceed to Kazan Cathedral and last minute shopping. Lunch then transfer to airport for flight back home.