Moscow & St Petersburg

Fly to Moscow

From London Heathrow, board your direct flight to Russia's capital city of Moscow, checking in to the Novotel Centre Moscow on arrival. Here you'll be welcomed in traditional style, being presented with bread, associated with hospitality, and salt, representative of a long friendship.

On Day 2  we embark on a sightseeing tour, travelling by coach around some of Moscow's most impressive landmarks. Sparrow Hills, situated on the bank of the Moskva River from which the city takes its name, offers a magnificent panoramic view of Moscow. Here, you will also find the Temple of the Holy Trinity, a whitewashed Russian Orthodox temple with aquamarine domes.

The impressive Moscow State University is another site you visit today, boasting of beautiful collections of diverse architectural styles and enchanting botanical gardens. You also visit Red Square. This city square is surrounded by many of the most iconic sights of the city, including the multi-coloured domes of Saint Basil's Cathedral. Also on the square is Lenin's Mausoleum, where it is possible to view the body of the Communist leader.

There'll also be a visit to the vast Kremlin building, a walled city surrounded by 18th century towers, and the seat of Russian government. This afternoon, and this evening, are at leisure to continue exploring Moscow at your own pace.

Please note: for departure 18MWJ01 due to the inauguration of the Russian President on May 4-7 the itinerary for Days 2-3 will be subject to change at short notice as access to Red Square may be restricted.

Moscow Metro Tour

Today you get to experience one of the most visually pleasing Metro systems in the world, and a true highlight of the city, on a guided tour. Moscow's amazing Metro system dates back to the 1930's, and many of the stations are sumptuously decorated with marble, bronze, chandeliers, and stained glass.

Featuring art and sculptures spanning from Soviet philosophy to the Modernist avant-garde movement, these magnificent termini are a delight to behold and explore. Following this, you are at leisure to enjoy your last evening in Moscow.

Please note: for departure 18MWJ01 due to the inauguration of the Russian President on May 4-7 the itinerary for Days 2-3 will be subject to change at short notice as access to Red Square may be restricted.

Uncovering St Petersburg

Make the journey by rail to 'City of the Tsars' St Petersburg today, for a three night stay. Begin exploring on Day 5 with time at leisure, then on Day 6 embark on a tour of two of the city's most enticing attractions, Peterhof Palace and the Hermitage. Sometimes referred to as a 'Russian Versailles', the opulent Peterhof Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site constructed by Peter the Great and renowned for its beautiful grounds.

Later continue to the Hermitage, founded by Catherine the Great in 1764 and set in the magnificent Royal Winter Palace. The extravagant state rooms encapsulate the history of the Romanov family - at the head of one corridor is the clock stopped by Tsar Nicholas at the moment the Palace was stormed in 1917.

Homeward bound

Transfer to the airport after breakfast for your flight back to London. On arrival, your tour concludes

Departure Times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We will write to you around 10 weeks before your departure date with the precise meeting times for your tour group.