The Experience

On this independent program, begin in Moscow’s historic Red Square to see the iconic onion-shaped domes of St. Basil’s and visit the Kremlin. Head to the countryside and picture the lavish lifestyle of the czars with visits to the massive palaces and museums in St. Petersburg. Day 1: Moscow, Russia
Upon arrival in Moscow, you are met and privately transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the balance of your day at leisure.

The Ritz-Carlton Moscow (Gold) or InterContinental Moscow Tverskaya (Silver)
Day 2: Moscow | Red Square
Visit historic Red Square and envision the important events that have taken place in this center of Russian culture. See the colorful onion-shaped domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral and Novodevichy Convent with its 16 gilded domes. This afternoon, choose to visit either the Tretyakov Gallery, home of the world’s greatest collection of Russian icons and an outstanding collection of pre-Revolutionary Russian art, or the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts.

The Ritz-Carlton Moscow (Gold) or InterContinental Moscow Tverskaya (Silver) | Meals: B
Day 3: Sergiev Posad | Medieval Monastery
Drive into the countryside to visit the Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius, which for over 500 years has been one of the most important centers of pilgrimage in Russia. The monastery’s golden cupolas and blue bell tower are some of the most picturesque in the country.

The Ritz-Carlton Moscow (Gold) or InterContinental Moscow Tverskaya (Silver) | Meals: B
Day 4: Moscow | The Kremlin
Visit two of the Kremlin’s cathedrals as well as the State Armory, home to a collection of priceless artifacts dating back to the 14th century. It also houses the Diamond Fund, a separate collection of Russia’s most valuable gems, including the diamond-encrusted coronation crown of Catherine the Great and the 190-carat Orlov diamond. Transfer to the rail station for the high-speed train to St. Petersburg, enjoying dinner on board.

Grand Hotel Europe (Gold) or Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 (Silver) | Meals: B D
Day 5: St. Petersburg | Fortresses and Cathedrals
Embark on a full day of sightseeing that includes the Peter and Paul Fortress, designed to stave off enemy attacks on the city and later one of the most terrifying prisons in czarist Russia, as well as gold-domed St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Yusupov Palace, where, in 1916, assassins poisoned and then shot the infamous priest and counselor to the Romanov family, Grigory Rasputin.

Grand Hotel Europe (Gold) or Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 (Silver) | Meals: B
Day 6: St. Petersburg | The Spectacular Hermitage
Here, in the early 18th century, Peter the Great decided to build his country’s capital, after taking it away from Sweden in a military battle. This morning, visit the Hermitage Museum, considered one of the finest in the world. Designed in the mid-18th century by Bartolomeo Rastrelli as the Winter Palace of Catherine the Great, the building contains the stunning state collection of European objets d’ art and memorabilia from the lavish Imperial Court through the Revolution, as well as the famous Gold Room.

Grand Hotel Europe (Gold) or Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 (Silver) | Meals: B
Day 7: Pushkin | Catherine Palace
Drive into the countryside to the village of Pushkin to explore the sparkling Catherine Palace, built in the mid-18th century for Czarina Elizabeth, who named the palace in honor of her mother. Then have lunch in a country restaurant with traditional folk entertainment. This afternoon, visit Pavlovsk Great Palace, a gift from Catherine the Great to her son Paul.

Grand Hotel Europe (Gold) or Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 (Silver) | Meals: B L
Day 8: Petrodvorets | Legacy of Peter the Great
Travel to Petrodvorets, the opulent summer palace of Peter the Great, which was designed to befit the very highest of monarchs., Explore the massive estate, with its cascading fountains, bronze sculptures and sea channels. Its Grand Cascade a sequence of sculptures, fountains and water jets is one of the largest fountain ensembles in the world. This afternoon, return to St. Petersburg by hydrofoil (weather permitting) and visit the Russian Museum.

Grand Hotel Europe (Gold) or Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 (Silver) | Meals: B
Day 9: Depart St. Petersburg
Today, transfer to the airport to board your departing flight.

Meals: B