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.