Highlights of St. Petersburg & Moscow
9 Days from $1,280 per person
Explore the imperial twin cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow as they are today and their influence over the centuries – a fascinating encounter with the iconic sites of the Hermitage Museum, Tsar's Winter Palace, Red Square and the Kremlin.
Overview
Explore the imperial twin cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow as they are today and their influence over the centuries – a fascinating encounter with the iconic sites of the Hermitage Museum, Tsar's Winter Palace, Red Square and the Kremlin.
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive St. Petersburg (3 Nights)
Welcome to St. Petersburg, your home for the next three nights. On arrival at St. Petersburg Airport transfers will operate at 2.30pm and 5pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Relax and unwind after check-in, before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers later on for dinner.
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Day 3: St. Petersburg Sightseeing and Free Time
The Tsar's Winter Palace, Nevsky Prospekt, St. Isacc's Cathedral and the Statue of Peter the Great feature on your guided tour. Explore St. Peter and Paul Fortress with your Local Specialist. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. -
Day 4: St. Petersburg Free Time
Enjoy a free day to explore the city further, or visit the State Hermitage Museum, one of the oldest and largest museums in the world containing over 3 million works of art and artifacts. -
Day 5: St. Petersburg – Novgorod
This morning consider an Optional Experience to the summer residence of Peter the Great in Petrodvorets. Afterwards, cross the vast Russian plains to the ancient city of Novgorod where you view the Kremlin Fort, Millennium Monument and St. Sophia Cathedral. Dine tonight at your hotel. -
Day 6: Novgorod – Tver – Moscow (3 Nights)
Your journey continues through picturesque villages to the Tver region, where you stop for an included lunch. Travel via Klin, the former home of Tchaikovsky, to the Russian capital, Moscow.
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Day 7: Moscow Sightseeing and Free Time
Moscow is a city full of wonderful buildings and monuments. Your Local Specialist shows you an array of sights including Red Square and the domed St. Basil's Cathedral. In your free time perhaps visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Kremlin, considered to be one of the greatest architectural complexes in the world. Or visit the impressive Treasure Chambers of the Tsars, full of unique collections including priceless Faberge eggs, resplendent Imperial carriages and Catherine the Great's diamonds. -
Day 8: Moscow Free Time
See the sights of your choice during your free day in the city. There will be the opportunity for you to consider taking an Optional Experience to Sergiyev Posad, the largest religious and cultural center in Russia. -
Day 9: Depart Moscow
Say goodbye to this unique country at the end of your vacation. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport at 5am and 11am and at Moscow Domodedovo Airport at 5am and 1pm. Conditions apply.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Sep 18 | 23 Sep 18 |
|
$1,280pp | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Triple Discount: $100 p.p.
Airport transfers: On arrival at St. Petersburg airport transfers will operate at 2:30 pm and 5 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport at 5 am and 11 am and at Moscow Domodedovo Airport at 5 am and 1 pm.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $78 per person.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements. Visas cannot be issued upon entry to the country.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
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Personal Flight Options
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
Meal Summary
7 Buffet breakfasts, 1 Three course lunch , 2 Three course dinners, .
Sightseeing Highlights
- Sightseeing with a Local Specialist includes views of the Winter Palace, St. Isacc's Cathedral and Nevsky Prospekt. Visit the St. Peter and Paul Fortress
- View St. Sophia Cathedral and the Kremlin Fort
- Sightseeing with a Local Specialist includes views of Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin Gardens
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
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Passports and Visas
U.S. citizens traveling to Russia must have a current passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. Travelers visiting Russia will also need an entry visa. We will send you application forms to complete to obtain your visa prior to departure. Visa costs and entry requirements can change at any time. Please visit travel.state.gov to learn more.
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Currency
The currency in Russia is the Ruble. While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive in Russia, you’ll usually find better exchange rates in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in Russia. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
Russian food is rich and hearty, with a strong preference toward soups, herring, pickled vegetables, savory pancakes and rye breads. Try specialties such as beef stroganoff, borscht soup (beetroot soup) and pelmeni (meat dumplings). Russians love sweets and pride themselves on their desserts, especially the traditional ponchiki (hot sugared doughnuts). Vodka is popular and is often served straight or can be flavored with herbs and spices.
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Packing
Russia’s continental climate varies dramatically, with temperatures reaching the high 80s during summer heat waves and normally plummeting to single digits during winter months. We suggest bringing a variety of clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
Tipping has become more common throughout Eastern Europe in recent years. In Russia, it’s acceptable to leave 5-15 percent gratuity when dining out if a service fee has not already been added to your bill. It’s always a good idea to tip in cash and also important to note that some restaurants in Russia will not accept credit cards.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
St Petersburg
Imperial Splendours And Architectural Gems
Adult Price: €44.00
Your Local Specialist will offer a guided tour of the interiors of two iconic churches. The Church of the Saviour on the Spilt Blood, built to commemorate the assassination of Tsar Alexander II, has one of the country's most intricate displays of mosaic icons. Additionally, St Isaac's Cathedral is the 4th-largest cathedral in the world. Designed by a French architect, its immense interior is comprised of malachite and other precious materials.
St Petersburg
Venice Of The North Cruise And Champagne
Adult Price: €46.00
Soak up the atmosphere, romance and lights of this former imperial capital, known as the "Venice of the North". Board a private boat to cruise through the canals and along the River Neva. You'll sip champagne as your Local Specialist provides commentary about the city that has inspired artists for generations.
St Petersburg
Russian Folklore Evening
Adult Price: €53.00
A chance to attend one of the best Russian folklore programs in St. Petersburg. You’ll enjoy a high-energy performance featuring Cossack dances, songs, instruments and costumes from around Russia. During intermission, sample local champagne and vodka. An unforgettable experience!
St Petersburg
Rasputin And The Romanovs
Adult Price: €51.00
This two-part tour pays tribute to Russia's noble and royal families and provides an explanation for the collapse of the monarchy. You'll see the opulent interior of Yusupov Palace, one of the grandest noble residences in the country, and learn about the plot to murder the mystic Rasputin. Then, visit the tombs of Tsar Nicholas II and his family at Peter and Paul's Cathedral.
St Petersburg
The Hermitage Museum
Adult Price: €44.00
Experience a visit to one of the largest and most valuable collections of art in the world, all set in the splendour of the Winter Palace and its elaborate interiors.
Moscow
Kremlin And The Heart Of Moscow
Adult Price: €54.00
Discover ancient cathedrals, the world's largest cannon and the emperors' bell. You'll also visit the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Built on the site where the Soviet government dynamited the original Cathedral, it was funded by donations from millions of Muscovites. Finally we'll take a stroll through the famous Arbat street. Once inhabited by the tsar's artisans and equerries, often referred to as Moscow's Montmartre, it's lined with càfes, restaurants and shops selling local souvenirs. This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
St Petersburg
Imperial Summer Residences. Pushkin And Petrodvorets
Adult Price: €89.00
On this full-day tour, your Local Specialist will take you to the villages of Pushkin and Petrodvorets, where you will visit Catherine's Palace and Peterhof Gardens. Recently restored, Catherine's Palace is most famous for the fabled and wholly unique Amber Room. Located on the Baltic, Peterhof Gardens are modeled after those at Versailles. Following a guided tour, you'll have time to enjoy a stroll as you marvel at the gilded fountains. This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
St Petersburg
Evening At The Ballet
Adult Price: €110.00
There may be an opportunity to attend a ballet performance in the historic atmosphere of a Tsarist era theatre. Subject to availability of tickets and performance. Price will vary from €80-€110, depending on the venue and the Ballet Company.
Moscow
Treasures Of The Tsars
Adult Price: €52.00
You'll have a opportunity to skip the queues and take a guided tour of the Treasure Chamber of the Russian Tsars - one of the most important museums in Russia due to its unique collection. You’ll see priceless Faberge eggs and Catherine the Great's diamonds and many gowns. You’ll also discover the Imperial carriages, which are studded with precious stones and gold; coronation thrones; and other one-of-a-kind items from the Romanov Dynasty. This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Moscow
Sergiyev Posad - The Real Russia
Adult Price: €53.00
68 km from Moscow, Sergiyev Posad (known as Zagorsk in the Soviet era) is the centre of the Orthodox faith and Russia's most important pilgrimage site. You'll visit recently-renovated Troitse-Sergiieyeva Lavra, a working monastery, unique in the fact that it still operated during the atheist years of Communist rule. You'll also have time to browse the markets, where you might like to buy locally-crafted lacquer boxes or Matryoshka dolls. This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Moscow
Metro And Red Square By Night
Adult Price: €37.00
Often cited as the most beautiful subway system in the world, Moscow's grandiose Metro stations are decorated with mosaics, stained glass and bronze statues. They're also one of the few remaining places featuring Communist iconography. We'll finish our guided visit with a walk through Red Square, where the evening illuminations should provide enviable photo opportunities.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
-
Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
