Moscow, the Golden Ring and St Petersburg

9 days from £3480 per person

View looking up at the multi-coloured onion-shaped domes of St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow

Russia is one of the world's great nations. A place that has made, and shaped, history, everything in this mysterious land is on an epic scale. Although located in Russia's far west, Moscow remains the heart-beat of the nation and is one of Europe's great cities. Explore iconic Red Square, the onion-domes of St Basil's and the Kremlin then travel outside of the capital to the idyllic 'Golden Ring' towns of Sergiev Posad, Suzdal and Vladimir to appreciate traditional Russian life. End the journey in regal St Petersburg, with its grand imperial palaces, picturesque canals and world class museums.

Route: Moscow – Suzdal – St Petersburg

Itinerary Highlights

Culture rich, Moscow is a fascinating city that on the surface looks like a life-size fairy-tale, but underneath has a prominent and deep-rooted history waiting to be discovered.

A key location within the Golden Ring cluster of ancient towns, Suzdal is a pleasing contrast to city life with its delightful mix of wooden cottages, rolling green hills and local charm.

Visit the town of Pushkin to explore the vast complex of palaces and landscape gardens of Tsarskoe Selo, a perfect example of Russian architectural excellence.

Itinerary: Moscow, the Golden Ring and St Petersburg

Day 1 UK to Moscow

This morning depart the UK on a British Airways flight to Moscow arriving mid-afternoon. One of Europe’s great cities, Moscow has been at the forefront of history for centuries, growing under the patronage of Ivan the Terrible, repelling Napoleon’s siege of 1812 and cementing its position as the steadfast capital of the Soviet Union. Please note that this itinerary is based on a Friday departure from the UK. (N)

Accommodation in Moscow: Marriott Grand Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Ritz-Carlton Moscow (or similar)

Day 2 Moscow

Start today in iconic Red Square. Located in the heart of the city, the square is framed by the high walls of the Kremlin and the colourful domes of the celebrated St Basil's Cathedral. Passing Lenin's Mausoleum, approach the onion-domes of St Basil’s – a fairytale, traditionally Russian, building commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in 1552. Leaving Red Square, explore the streets of Medieval Moscow then view the city on high from the Sparrow Hills. End the day at the exceptional Tretyakov Gallery which houses, amongst others, one of the finest collections of 20th century Russian art. (B)

Accommodation in Moscow: Marriott Grand Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Ritz-Carlton Moscow (or similar)

Day 3 Moscow

The Kremlin remains the apex of political power in the Russian Federation and today explore this fabulous complex which is home to over 800 years of Russian history. A fortified stronghold, construction of Moscow’s kremlin started during the 1100s with it increasing in size and importance over the centuries. Highlights of the complex include the 15th century Assumption Cathedral and Archangel Cathedral, resting place of the tsars, the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, Great Kremlin Palace and the treasures housed in the Armoury. Afterwards, take a ride on Moscow’s famous and opulent metro. (B)

Accommodation in Moscow: Marriott Grand Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Ritz-Carlton Moscow (or similar)

Day 4 Moscow to Suzdal via Sergiev Posad – 220kms

Leaving Moscow, drive north out of the city to Sergiev Posad, location of the blue and gold cupolas of the Trinity Monastery of St Sergius. One of Russia’s holiest sites, the monastery dates back to 1340 and has played an important role in the country’s history sheltering tsars and becoming residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. Following lunch continue to beautiful Suzdal. Little-changed over the centuries, Suzdal’s collection of wooden cottages and church cupolas creates a quintessentially Russian scene. (B)

Accommodation in Suzdal: Pushkarskaya Sloboda (or similar)

Day 5 Suzdal to Vladimir – 40kms/ Vladimir to St Petersburg – by train

After breakfast explore attractive Suzdal with your guide. Highlights include the Kremlin and blue-domed Nativity of the Virgin Cathedral, the old trading arcades, 14th century Saviour Monastery of St. Euthymius and Museum of Wooden Architecture. Continue on to neighbouring Vladimir with its eclectic mix of Soviet and Medieval architecture including the Golden Gate then take the evening fast train to St Petersburg. Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, beautiful St Petersburg is Russia’s grandest city. (B)

Accommodation in St Petersburg: Angleterre Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Belmond Grand Hotel Europe (or similar)

Day 6 St Petersburg – visit Pushkin

This morning drive south from the city to the town of Pushkin, site of the grand imperial estate of Tsarskoe Selo, or ‘Tsar’s Village’. A vast complex of palaces, parks and lakes, the highlight is the Catherine Palace – a vast baroque home designed by Rastrelli and given by Peter the Great to his wife Catherine in the mid-18th century. Returning to St Petersburg, spend the afternoon at the Yusupov Palace – one of the city’s finest. Built during the 1740s, this opulent palace even has its own theatre. It was also in a cellar here that the murder of Rasputin was planned. (B)

Accommodation in St Petersburg: Angleterre Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Belmond Grand Hotel Europe (or similar)

Day 7 St Petersburg

Forming part of the spectacular Winter Palace, today visit the Hermitage Museum. Here one of the most magnificent collections of Western European art in the world is housed in 365 rooms in a vast complex of palaces. Leaving the Hermitage continue towards the gold dome of the lavish St Isaac’s Cathedral and, after visiting, wander the grand streets and picturesque canals. End the day at the Peter and Paul Fortress. The oldest structure in the city, the fortress is best known for the gilded spire of its cathedral and for holding political prisoners including Dostoyevsky, Lenin’s sibling Alexander and Trotsky. (B)

Accommodation in St Petersburg: Angleterre Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Belmond Grand Hotel Europe (or similar)

Day 8 St Petersburg – visit Peterhof

Today travel west to the palace at Peterhof. Overlooking the Gulf of Finland, Peterhof was the former summer residence of the tsars and is comparable in scale and grandeur to the Palace of Versailles. Famed for its stunning gravity-powered fountains, explore the sumptuous Grand Palace, Peter the Great’s retreat ‘Monplaisir’, and the Marly Palace. Returning to St Petersburg, the remainder of your afternoon is free to further explore the city. (B)

Accommodation in St Petersburg: Angleterre Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Belmond Grand Hotel Europe (or similar)

Day 9 St Petersburg to the UK

After a morning at leisure, you will be met and transferred to St Petersburg Airport for the afternoon British Airways flight to the UK. A boat ride on the city’s canals can also be arranged prior to your homeward flight. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Train travel as specified
Private car and driver
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals unless specified

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Moscow, the Golden Ring and St Petersburg

9 days from £3480 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Moscow, the Golden Ring and St Petersburg

What To Do Next?

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

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When to Visit

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