Day 1, arrive Moscow, Saturday

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Welcome dinner in the evening. (D)

Day 2, in Moscow, Sunday

Moscow, one of the largest cities in the world, is the symbolic heart and soul of the country. Sightseeing begins at the Red Square, dominated by St. Basil’s Cathedral and by the massive red walls of the kremlin. Visit the Armory Museum; proceed to see the Moscow University and the popular Arbat shopping district. Continue with a drive along the wide boulevards and then stroll through GUM, Russia’s largest department store. Rest of the day is at leisure. You may take part in an optional tour by night of Moscow and its subway. (B)

Day 3, to Tver and Novgorod, Monday

After an early breakfast, depart for Tver, an ancient trading port nestled on the banks of the Volga River. The city offers fascinating treasures, including Putevoy Dvorets, built for Catherine II as a resting place on her journeys from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Enjoy a short sightseeing tour of this remarkable city. End the day in historic Novgorod, founded almost
twelve centuries ago. (B, D)

Day 4, to St. Petersburg, Tuesday

A morning sightseeing tour of Novgorod starts at the Kremlin with a visit to St. Sophia Cathedral. Then, cross the river via a pedestrian bridge to visit the Yaroslav Court. In the afternoon, travel north to St. Petersburg, the former capital of the Romanov Czars.Upon arrival first enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city starting with the visit of Peter and Paul Fortress, quarter of the City museum and its cathedral, which houses the crypt of the Russian emperors. Next, visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral. (B, D)

Day 5, in St. Petersburg, Wednesday

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 “Venice of the North”. This morning sightseeing tour will feature highlight: the world-famous Hermitage, which houses many treasures from the Czarist era. The rest of the day is free at leisure. (B)

Day 6, in St. Petersburg, Thursday

Free day for shopping or individual activities. An optional tour to visit Petrodvorets, Peter the Great’s Summer Palace, will be available. In the evening you may take part in an optional tour featuring a folklore performance (B)

Day 7, depart St. Petersburg, Friday

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)