Moscow and St Petersburg have always remained pivotal to Eastern Europe’s culture and unsurprisingly harbour some of the world’s most influential history, finest architecture, most stunning art and artefact collections, and thus almost always feature on today’s travellers’ wish lists of ‘must see’ destinations.
First to Moscow – for many steeped in mystery, the grand “Cold War” Soviet parades are long gone now, yet the city still retains a tantalising, almost remoteness from Europe’s other great capitals. Top of any visitor’s list is the extraordinary Kremlin complex, three cathedrals, great palaces, the Senate, the remarkable Treasury plus several grand squares and towers. Equally recognisable are St Basil’s Cathedral with its amazing multi-coloured domes, plus the monumental Red Square – home to Lenin’s tomb, whose worldwide influence like Stalin’s, remains undeniable if somewhat tainted.
Yet there is so much more to Moscow than the awe inspiring sights and politics. See the city’s fine university where famous writers like Chekhov, Sakharov and Pasternak studied and the stunning Bolshoi, arguably the world’s finest ballet. Shopping takes on a refreshing novelty in the grand arcades of Tverskaya Street and bohemian Arbat Street. Gorky Park, Stalin’s Bunker, the Gulag Museum, Victory Park and Tolstoy’s house…. the list of fascinating places goes on, and all linked by the legendary metro with its cathedral – like stations and grand designs – Moscow is utterly unique.
Next, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, St Petersburg, Imperial capital of the Tsars, founded in 1703 by Peter the Great and truly worthy of an emperor! The majestic boulevards and splendid baroque buildings, threaded by winding canals and set amongst great parks are so redolent of the classical Italy which inspired Peter’s great vision.
A magnificent monument of old Russia, the Tsar’s winter palace, the Hermitage houses one of the world’s finest art collections; the magnificent St Isaac’s Cathedral is simply inspiring and the waterfront’s grandeur has to be seen to be believed. The Peter and Paul Fortress with its ornate cathedral featuring marbled columns and glittering chandeliers is the Romanovs’ final resting place. St Petersburg though has another face too: lose yourself in the parks, take a stroll along the canals criss-crossing the city or window shop in the city’s department stores and markets. Then there is the Kirov (now known as the Mariinsky), one of the world’s most famous ballet companies where Nureyev, Nijinsky and Anna Pavlova gained worldwide recognition. Other famous St Petersburgers include Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, Stravinsky and Pushkin whose wonderful cultural legacies still endure.
The city was founded by an emperor and was home to Catherine the Great and the Romanovs. Subsequently the Revolution radically changed the course of 20th century world history and then came a change of name to Leningrad; the arrival of Stalin the Second World War’s brutal three year siege followed by the ‘Cold War’. Recently it has been time for two more St Petersburgers to take centre stage: Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin. Today St Petersburg has emerged wonderfully from this turbulent past, reclaiming its rightful place amongst the world’s most beautiful and fascinating cities.
The price is per person, based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Sole occupancy is available at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
Included excursions: guided visits of Moscow & St Petersburg, guided tour of the Kremlin including entrance into the Armoury museum, guided tour of Moscow Metro, visit to the Moscow Voska Museum, second class high speed Sapsan train from Moscow to St Petersburg with reserved seat, entrance to Hermitage museum, entrance to Peterhof.
A Russian visa is not included, please see visa section below for details.
A night at the ballet in Russia - from £155 per person
A night at the ballet is surely something not to be missed when in Russia, the home of classical ballet. Performances at some of the top theatres in both Moscow and St Petersburg can sell out within hours of going on sale, and ticket prices can be eye watering. The small and intricately decorated Hermitage Theatre (part of the Hermitage Complex) was commissioned by Catherine the Great as her own private theatre, where she frequently enjoyed performances with a small and select crowd of invitees. Nowadays the theatre hosts frequent performances of the popular ballet, Swan Lake, with a view to opening ballet up to a wider audience.
A free seating policy is operated, as there is no such thing as a bad or restricted view in this small venue. What could be better than following in the steps of Catherine the Great for an evening of sophisticated entertainment? Please contact us to pre-book this experience.
Experience the Golden Ring Folk-show in Moscow - from £49 per person
Enjoy the heritage of many generations and the unique spirit of the Russian people, beautifully conveyed in the performance by the artists.
Please contact us to add either of these experiences to your booking.
Enjoy more space, time and flexibility with less than 25 people in your group.
All of UK & European tours currently on sale will be small group experiences with no more than 25 guests and social distancing in place.
Our full size coaches will never be more than half-full with plenty of space to spread out.
You’ll have your own personal headset for the duration of the tour.
Enjoy your meals at hotels with social distancing in place, often with table service as standard.
Applies to new bookings only, made after 20 December 2020.
Fact File
Visa Information
Along with a valid passport, UK citizens must have a visa in order to travel to Russia. For the most up-to-date passport and visa information visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia/entry-requirements
Visa cost is £101.40 per person. Applications are initially made online, however you must also go in person to a Russian Visa Application Centre in either London, Manchester or Edinburgh for biometric data (fingerprints) to be collected. Full details of how and when to apply will be sent with your booking confirmation.
We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.
Please note that visa costs may be subject to change.
Mobility
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns. General information on mobility in connection with our tours can be found here.
Connecting Flights
Please contact us if you would like timings and/or further information on the connecting flights. All flight details will be listed in your booking confirmation.
Transfer Times
All transfer times listed here are approximate, and dependent on traffic. If you have a question regarding transfer times please don't hesitate to contact us.
Arrival airport | First hotel location | Transfer time | Final hotel location | Departure airport | Transfer time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Moscow Domodedovo Airport | Moscow | 2 hrs | St Petersburg | Pulkovo Airport, St Petersburg | 40 mins |