Reflections of Russia (St. Petersburg & Moscow, 8 days)
This tour focuses on the historic capital cities, offering a good balance of organized activities and free time to explore as you please.
DAY 1: St.Petersburg
Upon arrival in St. Petersburg, a Tour De Force representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to your hotel. Check-in, then have a welcome drink and get acquainted with your travel mates and Program Director.
DAY 2: St.Petersburg
Experience a day of sightseeing in the northern capital of the country. Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, St. Petersburg is spread across 40 islands with many canals and rivers. We stop first at Peter and Paul Fortress. Built on the order of Peter the Great, this was once a political prison. Within the Peter and Paul Fortress, SS Peter and Paul Cathedral contains the tombs of the Romanov monarchs. This afternoon we enjoy a guided visit to perhaps the best museum in the world – the Hermitage, housed in a majestic former Winter Palace.
DAY 3: St.Petersburg
Enjoy an introduction to the Russian style of life - away from the tourist traps. You will visit a food market. Take your own shopping bag and browse the market where the locals sell delicious foods, including just - picked vegetables and fruits from their dacha (country house) plots. Sample popular brands and flavors of Russian vodka and learn some Russian toasts. For lunch enjoy a bowl of borsch - Russia's most famous soup - at a traditional Slavic restaurant. Enjoy a free afternoon or take an optional tour to one of the former summer Imperial Palaces: the Peterhof Grand Palace or Catherine Palace.
DAY 4: St.Petersburg
Check-out. Enjoy free time to explore St. Petersburg. In the evening departure to Moscow by overnight train.
DAY 5: Moscow
Arrival at Moscow in the morning. Check-in to hotel.
DAY 6: Moscow
Enjoy a walking tour of this sprawling capital. Stroll through the legendary Red Square – the site of many marches and celebrations during Communist times, the Kitay-Gorod and Lubyanka squares and the magnificent St. Basil's cathedral. You'll take a ride on the Underground and see the Moscow Metro stations that were built during Stalin's rule as “palaces for the people”. In the afternoon, you'll explore the grounds of the Kremlin – the famous fortress and seat of Russian power.
DAY 7: Moscow
Get a glimpse of Soviet Moscow. Ever imagine being 65 meters underground in a Soviet bunker built as a nuclear war shelter? Up until recently it has been kept a state secret. This tour also features a visit to the monuments to Soviet leaders assembled in the famous Sculpture Park.
DAY 8: Moscow
Check-out and departure.
Price: from €759
What you get:
- arrival transfer
- 1 night train - 4 berth cabin
- 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch
- guided tours
- relevant transportation
- entry fees
Services on request:
- Single supplement
- Upgrade to 2 berth cabin
- Departure transfer
- Pre/post accommodation
