ITINERARY - 10 DAY BEST OF RUSSIA TOUR
Day 1: Arrive in Moscow
This tour starts in Moscow, the historic capital. On arrival we will be met by our local bilingual tour guide and transfer to our hotel and check in. Rest of the afternoon is free to rest and relax. In the evening, we will have welcome drinks followed by dinner at the hotel. (D)
Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Moscow
Day 2: In Moscow
Moscow, one of the largest cities in the world, is the symbolic heart and soul of the country. We start our sightseeing at the Red Square dominated by St. Basil's Cathedral and by the massive red granite walls of the Kremlin. We first take a close look at iconic St. Basil's Cathedral (including interior of the cathedral) and then visit Lenin’s Mausoleum before strolling to GUM, Russia’s famous historic department store.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we go on a city tour to see major land marks of Moscow including Vorobievi Gori for a panoramic view of Moscow, the Triumphal Arch, the Victory Park, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and the Moscow Metro.The rest of the day and evening are free. You can go for a walk or just relax at your hotel. (B/L).
Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Moscow
Day 3: In Moscow
We start the day with a tour of the Kremlin where we visit three churches and museums including the Armory Museum. After lunch, we go on a cruise on Moscow River taking in the varied views along its shores. We then proceed to the popular Arbat shopping district where you can do souvenir shopping, have your portrait painted or just browse around.
Rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening, you may take part in an optional tour of Moscow by night. (B)
Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Moscow
Day 4: Moscow - The Golden Ring
After breakfast we leave Moscow and go on an excursion on the 'Golden Ring' (Золото́е кольцо́ in Russian). Located to the north-east of Moscow, the route forms a circle with many famous historic towns along the way. Our first stop is at Sergiev Pasad where we visit the architectural ensemble of Troitse-Sergievskaya Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage site (listed in 1993). Built in the 15-19th centuries by Russian masters of the period, the Lavra is one of the jewels of Russian architecture.
After lunch, we head for the historical town of Vladimir, founded by Vladimir Sviatoslavovich, a Kiev prince. Built on the site of an ancient settlement in 992, it has several places of interest. We then head for the ancient town of Suzdal where we have dinner. (B/L/D).
Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Suzdal
Day 5: The Golden Ring - Moscow - St Petersburg
After breakfast, we go on a morning tour of Suzdal, visiting Suzdal Kremlin and the Museum of Russian wood building and village life. After lunch in a local restaurant, we return to Moscow and go to the railway station to catch our high-speed train to fabulous St. Petersburg. Dinner is not included. So you may have dinner either at the station before boarding the train or on board the train. On arrival in St Petersburg, we transfer to our hotel and check in. (B/L).
Overnight in St Petersburg
Day 6: In St Petersburg
There are not many cities in the world that can match the grace of St. Petersburg. When Peter the Great founded the city in 1703, he hired Europe’s best architects, craftsmen and artists to build and decorate it. Spread over 100 islands linked by over 600 bridges, it is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”.
This morning, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city starting with Peter and Paul Fortress, burial place of the Russian Tsars and the cathedral, which houses the crypt of the Russian emperors. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the impressive St. Isaac’s Cathedral followed by a canal cruise to admire the stunning architecture from the water. The rest of the day is free. In the evening, there is welcome dinner at the hotel including a shot of vodka or a glass of wine. (B/L/D)
Overnight in St Petersburg
Day 7: In St Petersburg
St. Petersburg, the former capital of the Romanov Tsars, the birthplace of Russian ballet, home to literary giants including Pushkin and Dostoevsky and musical maestros such as Shostakovich and Rachmaninoff, has many fascinating attractions in and around the city. Today we take an excursion to the town of Pushkin 25km south of St Petersburg to see the imperial estate of Tsarskoe Selo (Tsar’s Village). The town changed its name to Pushkin in 1937 after Russia’s favourite poet.
The most notable sight here is the vast baroque Catherine Palace and its grounds. The palace which was designed by the Italian architect Rastrelli and damaged in WWII has been restored to its former glory. After our visit to the palace, you will have free time to explore the surrounding parks and nearby attractions such as the Cameron Gallery, the Great Pond and structures such as the Pyramid, Chinese Pavillion, Marble Bridge, etc. In the afternoon, we return to St Petersburg and the rest of the day is free. (B)
Overnight in St Petersburg
Day 8: In St Petersburg
As you will have discovered by now, St. Petersburg is a city of outstanding architectural beauty, famous for its magnificent palaces, cathedrals, fountains and bridges. This morning we take an extensive tour of the world-famous Hermitage Museum which houses many treasures from the Tsarist era and the State Rooms of the Winter Palace.
Lunch is not included. There are cafes in the palace where you can buy refreshments or light lunch. The rest of the day is free at leisure. (B)
Overnight in St Petersburg.
Day 9: In St Petersburg
After breakfast at hotel, we depart by coach or hydrofoil for Peterhof, the magnificent summer residence of all the Russian Tsars. As well as the main palace, we go on a tour of the Lower Park including Grand Cascades, Monplaisir, Bath House (inside visit), etc.
We have lunch in the ‘Big Greenhouse Restaurant’ in the palace grounds. We return to the city by coach. The rest of the day is free. This evening we go to see a colourful Russian folklore show at the Nikolaevsky Palace, with snacks during the intermission. Farewell dinner is at the nearby “Za Stsenoi” restaurant. (B/L/D)
Overnight in St Petersburg.
Day 10: In St Petersburg
After buffet breakfast at hotel, the tour ends. We transfer to St. Petersburg Airport to connect with flights to Istanbul or other destinations. Those doing the combined Russia and Ukraine tour will fly to Kiev. Participants will be advised of the transport and transfer details at the time of booking. (B)
TOUR DETAILS
10 day Best of Russia tour 2011
(This tour starts in Moscow and finishes in St Petersburg, Russia)
Tour Dates: (See Note 1) |
Saturday 18 June to Monday 27 June 2011. |
Tour duration: |
10 days / 9 nights |
Tour price: (See Note 2) |
$3,750 for group of 15 -20 per person twin share.
|
Combined Best of Russia/Ukraine Discovery tour price: |
$7,150 for group of 15 -20 per person twin share.
|
Group Size |
Minimum: 8, Maximum: 20 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The tour price includes:
- Accommodation in centrally located, mostly four-star hotels.
- Meals as indicated in itinerary plus Farewell Dinner on Day 10 (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
- Transportation within Russia (See Note 3).
- Modern air-conditioned coach with at least one spare seat for every two people.
- Airport transfers on arrival in Moscow and departure in St Petersburg.
- Sightseeing program as shown in the itinerary (including excursions and all entrance fees), tipping to hotels and restaurants and other charges.
- Services of a bilingual tour leader who is with the group on 24/7 basis.
- Services of an English speaking professional tour guide.
- First medical insurance and visa support.
- Drinking water on the coach.
The tour price does NOT include:
- International airfares. (See Note 3)
- Departure taxes, levies and other charges.
- Passport, visa and visa registration fees.
- Items of a personal nature such as drinks. minibar, phone calls, etc.
- Porterage at airports and railway stations.
- Beverages at meal times.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- The tour date and itinerary may change without notice. In the event of any such changes, those who have booked and paid the required deposit will be notified in writing.
- The prices are subject to change without notice until paid in full.
- The combined tour price includes airfare from St Petersburg to Kiev.
- ‘Add-On’ flights are available between Istanbul and Russian cities at reduced rates, if flying to and from Istanbul with Turkish Airlines on long haul flights.
- The Best of Russia and the 11-Day Ukraine Discovery tours are run back-to-back and may be combined. See our Newsletter “OzTours News” for details.
- This itinerary is current as at 03 Sept 2010.