Millennium Tours Presents: Russia’s Two Capital Cities Day 1 - August 8 Depart to Russia. Day 2 - August 9 Arrive in Moscow, the magnificent capital of Russia. Transfer to the hotel, independent time to unwind and prepare for your adventure in Russia. The evening is yours to begin exploring Moscow. Day 3 - August 10 On your first full day in Russia, you will start with a six-hour city tour. You will visit the historic Red Square and marvel at the beauty of the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral, one of the world's most magnificent Russian Orthodox structures. You will see State History Museum and GUM, a store that could be confused with a palace. Continue via the imposing Christ the Savior Cathedral on the bank of the Moskva River and the red and white baroque Novodevichy Convent. You will make our way to the observation platform at Sparrow Hills to see panoramic views of the city. After approximately 3 pm, you will have free time to explore this part of Moscow. Not to worry, your tour directors will be available to translate and help you around the city. Day 4 - August 11 Pack your walking shoes! Today you will embark on a six-hour walking tour of the Kremlin, the former residence of Russian czars. You will see Czar Cannon, the 16th-century Czar Bell and Cathedral Square, home to three of Moscow's most elaborate cathedrals. You will marvel and admire the ornate interior and beautiful icons. After, you will visit the astonishing Armory Museum with its Imperial Russian treasures including royal crowns, embossed carriages, and the extraordinary jeweled Faberge Eggs. Then, stroll through the lovely Alexander Gardens with its obelisk dedicated to the Romanovs and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. Day 5 - August 12 Today you will embark on a walking tour of the famous Arbat Street - the artisan center of the city, home to magnificent shops and cafes. Afterwards, you will explore Moscow’s ornate subway stations, each unique in its own way. Each station is like a museum, with its lavish decorations of marble, mosaics, chandeliers, and statues. Day 6 - August 13
Transcript
Millennium Tours Presents: Russia’s Two Capital Cities
Day 1 - August 8 Depart to Russia. Day 2 - August 9 Arrive in Moscow, the magnificent capital of Russia. Transfer to the hotel, independent time to unwind and prepare for your adventure in Russia. The evening is yours to begin exploring Moscow. Day 3 - August 10
On your first full day in Russia, you will start with a six-hour city tour. You will visit the historic Red Square and marvel at the beauty of the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral, one of the world's most magnificent Russian Orthodox structures. You will see State History Museum and GUM, a store that could be confused with a palace. Continue via the imposing Christ the Savior Cathedral on the bank of the Moskva River and the red and white baroque Novodevichy Convent. You will make our way to the observation platform at Sparrow Hills to see panoramic views of the city.
After approximately 3 pm, you will have free time to explore this part of Moscow. Not to worry, your tour directors will be available to translate and help you around the city. Day 4 - August 11 Pack your walking shoes! Today you will embark on a six-hour walking tour of the Kremlin, the former residence of Russian czars. You will see Czar Cannon, the 16th-century Czar Bell and Cathedral Square, home to three of Moscow's most elaborate cathedrals. You will marvel and admire the ornate interior and beautiful icons. After, you will visit the astonishing Armory Museum with its Imperial Russian treasures including royal crowns, embossed carriages, and the extraordinary jeweled Faberge Eggs. Then, stroll through the lovely Alexander Gardens with its obelisk dedicated to the Romanovs and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. Day 5 - August 12 Today you will embark on a walking tour of the famous Arbat Street - the artisan center of the city, home to magnificent shops and cafes. Afterwards, you will explore Moscow’s ornate subway stations, each unique in its own way. Each station is like a museum, with its lavish decorations of marble, mosaics, chandeliers, and statues. Day 6 - August 13
In the morning, you will check out of your hotel and head to the Tretyakovsky State Gallery, known for its finest collection of Russian art. The gallery, which was founded in 1856, is one of the greatest art museums in the world. In the afternoon, you will board a high-speed train that will take you to St. Petersburg. Upon arrival in St. Petersburg, you will be transferred to your hotel. Day 7 - August 14 There are few cities that can match the grace and beauty of St. Petersburg, considered by many to be one of the world's most majestic cities. When Peter the Great founded the city in 1703, he hired Europe's best architects, craftsmen, and artists to build and decorate the city. The city is also known as the Venice of the North because of its location on various islands in the Neva River and its many canals and bridges.
Start your visit with a panoramic city tour, a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with all of St. Petersburg’s major highlights. Your daylong tour begins with a drive past monumental St. Isaac's Cathedral, whose construction took more than 40 years, and the magnificent neoclassical Mariinsky Palace. Drive along the Neva embankment to view the imposing Bronze Horseman the famous monument to Peter the Great, the Admiralty, Palace Square and the remarkable Winter Palace and Hermitage Museum. You will drive past Peter and Paul
Fortress, the magnificent Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and Yusupov Palace. Day 8 - August 15 Today you will visit Catherine's Palace at Pushkin, the splendid country palace of the Czars nestled in a beautiful park setting. This royal palace, with its magnificent blend of architecture and sumptuous furnishings, is distinguished by its priceless Amber Room. The Amber Room is a truly unique work of craftsmanship – a room made entirely of amber. The room was looted by the Nazi’s during WWII but luckily most of its pieces were recovered. The room was fully rebuilt in 2003. Tsarskoye Selo was also the main residence of the last Tsar Nicolas II and his family. Spend the rest of the day exploring St Petersburg's 18th-century Pavlovsk Palace, a Russian state museum surrounded by exquisite English-style gardens. Embark on a tour of this unique property, largely destroyed by Germans during WWII and now undergoing constant restoration. Wander the state rooms of the elegant palace and visit the Imperial family's former chambers, then stroll among the meticulously landscapes grounds—which offer many locals a needed respite from the city's bustling center. Day 9 - August 16
You'll be dazzled on the visit to the renowned Hermitage Museum, housing the largest and richest collection of Western art. Originally the personal gallery of Catherine the Great, the vast assemblage of art spans six buildings including the Winter Palace. Astounding priceless masterpieces by Michelangelo, da Vinci, Picasso, Raphael, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Monet, and more are displayed amid the fittingly opulent architectural design of the museum. As the collection is housed in the lavishly decorated Winter Palace, you'll also see some of the historic rooms where Russian royalty once lived.
In the afternoon, cruise through the canals and River Neva and watch as the city transforms into a magical place that has inspired generations of artists. Enjoy the sights of this classical city from a different perspective. Day 10 - August 17 Peterhof (Petrodvorets) is a jewel of Russian art - a town of parks, palaces and fountains. Known as the Russian Versailles, it was used as an exquisite summer residence by the Russian Tsars. You will visit the Grand Palace - the
largest and the most famous palace of the residence which was often used for gala receptions. After this you will proceed to the Lower Park (Nizhny Park) which is a genuine masterpiece of landscape design. The park is adorned with more than 150 fountains and 4 monumental cascades. There are several small palaces and pavilions on the park territory, such as the Monplaisir, Catherine´s Block, Marli, Hermitage, the Bath Block and many more. If you are ready to walk a lot you will also enjoy a magnificent view of the Gulf of Finland. Day 11 - August 18 Say goodbye, or “do svidanie”, to Russia! Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Cost of Tour: Price per person, based on double occupancy: $1699 + flight Price for third person (child under 12) in a double room: $899 + flight Price for third adult in a double room: $1399 + flight Additional charge for single occupancy: $750 Deposit (applied to the final cost of your tour): $200 per person Full payment is due 60 days prior to tour departure. Cost Includes:
● 4 nights’ accommodations in Moscow ● 5 nights’ accommodations in St Petersburg ● Daily breakfast ● All transfers ● Services of English-speaking guide and tour directors ● All excursions per itinerary ● Entrance fees per itinerary ● Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
● High-speed Train Moscow to St Petersburg Cost Does Not Include:
● Airfare from the United States to Russia ● Russian Visa Fee ● Travel Insurance (we offer group travel protection) ● Tips and Gratuities
Additional Information: Passports and Visas It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa. US citizens traveling to Russia must obtain a visa prior to leaving home. Millennium Tours will be glad to assist you in this process. Please provide the following information to acquire an entry visa:
● passport, valid at least 6 month after your return from Russia ● remember to sign your new passport ● one passport size photo (2″ x 2″) ● Russian visa questionnaire ● a check for the amount specified below, depending on visa type
If you were born in Russia or any republic of the former Soviet Union, please contact us to ensure you are able to qualify for an entry visa.
Cancellation Policy Deposit is fully refundable up until 90 days prior to scheduled departure. Cancellations requested between 60-89 days prior to scheduled departure are subject to $100 per person + applicable airline penalties. Cancellation requests less than 60 day prior to scheduled departure are to 100% penalty. The only way to avoid this is to purchase travel insurance.
