Day 1: DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight (not included).

Day 2: ST PETERSBURG
Welcome to St Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703, expressly to be the new capital of Tsarist Russia. In only 20 years of concentrated effort, the city rose from the desolate Neva marshes, under the personal supervision of the Tsar himself from his house beside the river. Although the city was virtually destroyed during World War II’s 900 day siege, it has been lovingly restored and abounds in important monuments and beautiful buildings. Your airport transfers depart from St Petersburg airport at 11:30, 14:30 and 17:00. Meet your Tour Director in the evening for a Welcome Reception with drink and a light meal, followed by time to relax and explore.(Welcome Reception)

Day 3: ST PETERSBURG SIGHTSEEING
A sightseeing tour takes in St Isaac’s Cathedral, the fortress of St Peter and Paul, Decembrist’s Square, and the Winter Palace – former residence of Russian tsars. Travel down St. Petersburg’s main avenue, Nevsky Prospekt, for views of the great Cathedral of Kazan and the onion domed Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood. See the cruiser Aurora, whose crew signalled the outset of the Russian Revolution. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore, shop or relax. This evening perhaps take a cruise through the centre of Peter the Great’s capital?(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 4: ST PETERSBURG SIGHTSEEING
Catherine the Great used to lament that only “the mice and me” were able to admire her vast art collection. Thankfully, this is no longer true because today you visit the Hermitage, one of the world’s greatest museums. Located in the Winter Palace, wander through this fabulous collection of paintings and objets d’art, ranging from Egyptian carvings to Impressionist masterpieces. This afternoon you are free to do as you please! Maybe take an optional excursion to the former residence of the Yusupov family and the scene of Rasputin’s murder?(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 5: ST PETERSBURG SIGHTSEEING
This morning will take you to Peter the Great’s summer residence which for over 200 years was used for official ceremonies, lavish feasts and formal receptions. Explore the fabulous gardens and cascading fountains . Back in St Petersburg, the afternoon leaves plenty of time to shop if you wish. Dinner this evening is a real Russian affair. Enjoy traditional snacks like caviar, blinis, vodka and champagne and Russian music.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Day 6: ST PETERSBURG – MOSCOW
A city of incomparable architectural, historic and artistic interest, St Petersburg is all yours this morning to enjoy as you wish. This afternoon, discover the unique adventure of train travel ‘soviet style’ as you head for the capital. On arrival in Moscow, transfer to your hotel for dinner and a leisurely three night stay.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 7: MOSCOW SIGHTSEEING
With a specialist guide, begin your exploration of the Russian capital. Start in Red Square, lined by Moscow’s famous landmark buildings. At one end rises the crimson and ivy coloured onion-shaped domes of St Basil’s Cathedral, in front of the Kremlin stands Lenin’s Mausoleum, while on the opposite side of the square stands GUM, the grand Soviet department store which now offers the most glamorous and fashionable goods from the West. Walk inside the walls of the Kremlin Fortress to visit one of the cathedrals. In your free time why not visit the Borodino Panorama Exhibition which brings to life the Battle of Borodino, one of the most important events in Russia’s history and immortalized in Tolstoy’s epic, ‘War and Peace’. Later, there is the opportunity to tour this bustling city by night and admire the evening magic of the famous Red Square and the Kremlin?(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 8: MOSCOW AT LEISURE
Visit one of the Metro stations which Stalin called ‘palaces for the people’. Gain a personal insight into the themes depicted among the marble, mosaics, sculptures and chandeliers. Moscow has captivated the imagination of travellers for centuries so the rest of the day is set aside to explore at your own pace. Consider a visit to the treasure chest of the Imperial Russian Family to see their crown jewels, jewel-studded thrones and costumes as well as the famous Fabergé Egg collection. This evening enjoy good food, good wine and good company at an end-of-tour Celebration Dinner in a Russian restaurant.(Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)

Day 9: RETURN TO USA
Departure transfers will arrive at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport at 05.00 and 11.00 and at Moscow’s Domodedevo airport at 05.00 and 13.00.(Buffet Breakfast)