- Due to the ongoing situation we regret that we are currently not considering trips to Russia. We hope for a swift return to normality so that our trusted partners in Russia can once again help you discover the beautiful side to their destination.
- Combine two legendary and must-see cities to get the measure of today's Russia
- See the great classics of each city, but also look behind the scenes, accompanied by a local guide
- Travelling on the Sapsan, the Russian high-speed train, to connect your two stops in less than four hours
- Concierge, private tours, dinner with a Russian family: all reasons to travel with us
Contact one of our specialists + 44 (0) 20 3958 6120
In Moscow orthodox churches with multi-coloured bell towers rub shoulders with trendy restaurants, vestiges of Stalinist architecture and futuristic buildings in Moscow City. The city is a real mish-mash of classic and modern. This itinerary will take you to the heart of this 21st century Moscow, offering you a visit in two stages. The must-see Moscow is discovered in the company of a private guide who leads you into the arcane Kremlin.
St Petersburg, capital of the Arts
Despite the impeccable contours of its palaces, the ancient capital is a young and bustling city. It has always been and remains a cultural capital. Designed as a theatre of power, it is also home to intellectuals and the arts. It is best discovered on foot; on walks among its many palaces, the lattice of canals, sumptuous museums, peaceful parks and a thousand corners where the spirit of the Russian Enlightenment is still hidden. Again, we offer a two-step approach: Firstly, a private visit to the essential Catherine Palace, with a guide. Then, the day after a tour with another local guide,completely tailored to your interests.. Finally, on the last evening you will have the opportunity to exchange views with a St Petersburg family over dinner. History, modernity, friendliness: an in-depth approach to Russian culture.
Route
Flight to Moscow
You'll be privately transferred to the Arbat House hotel, where you'll be staying for three nights in a superior room. This three-star hotel boasts charming traditional decor and is very well located at the heart of the city. A quiet location in a pleasant historic district, a 20-minute walk from the Kremlin. The decoration reflects the spirit of the 19th century and fits perfectly with the antique district in which it is located.
Must-sees in Moscow
Two days, two faces of the Russian capital. Included in the itinerary for this first day: a visit to the Kremlin with a private guide. A true historical cradle of the city, the Kremlin is a city within the city, with its palaces, churches and administrative buildings. Its construction dates back to the 12th century, but the triangular shape by which we now recognise it was established in the 15th century. Inside, there is an architectural ensemble of secular and religious buildings of all ages and beauty, as well as the Tsarina Bell, which has never rang, and Tsar Cannon which has never fired.
Moscow on the inside
Included in the itinerary: Moscow accompanied by a local resident. Take a more local look at Moscow with another guide. Nothing will be planned in advance; the walk will be improvised according to your interests and what the guide thinks you will enjoy.
St Petersburg
Transfer to the train station and departure to St Petersburg, on board the Sapsan, Russia's first high-speed train. On arrival, your driver takes you to your hotel, The Brothers Karamazov. It's part of a new generation of hotels in Russia that focus on people-centred hospitality with an intimate setting and a decorative feel. Located just 25 minutes from Nevsky Prospekt, the hotel is nestled in a central, residential area. The interior decor recalls the atmosphere of St Petersburg from the 19th century. There are some antiques but also modern design notes: Philippe Stark chairs sit beside an old leather sofa, lamps and period furniture. The rooms bear the names of the female heroes of Dostoyevsky's work. His last home, now a museum, is just around the corner and, as a justification for the hotel's name, it was there that he put the final touches to his last novel, 'The Brothers Karamazov'.
St Petersburg must-sees
Included in the itinerary: the guided tour of Catherine's Palace in Pushkin (aka Tsarskoye Selo), a magnificent imperial summer residence built by Peter the Great for his wife. Modified over successive reigns, it combines baroque luxury with the elegance of neoclassicism. Outside, the 740 acres of parkland are divided between a French garden, marked out by rope, and a wilder English-style park.
The insiders' guide to St Petersburg
Included in the itinerary: A few hours with a guide to explore the city at a more 'local' level.
St Petersburg
This is a free day to discover the State Hermitage Museum, the beautiful churches of St Petersburg, strolling along the canals…
Included in the itinerary: Dinner with a Russian family, accompanied by a guide - an opportunity to enjoy Russian hospitality in a relaxed setting. The food will be traditional and accompanied by tea or a glass of vodka.
Return flight
Transfer to the airport and return flight.
A la carte
THE HERMITAGE MUSEUM AND THE TREASURE GALLERY
The jewellery collection of the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg is one of the most important in the world. A private collection of tsars, it has no equivalent in diversity and breadth in Russia. It was started by Peter I, who founded the new capital, St Petersburg, and was added to by his successors. Today it features an extraordinary collection of jewels, goldsmiths' works and timepieces by the greatest Russian and Western masters. Discover all it has to offer with a half day private tour.
Optional
SHOW AT THE MARIINSKY THEATRE IN ST PETERSBURG - ADMISSION
The Mariinsky Theatre is the city's largest opera and ballet theatre. A hub for music and dance, it has welcomed the greatest Russian choreographers and dancers such as Vaslav Nijinsky, Rudolf Nureyev, Pavlova, Nikinsky and Baryshnikov, and enjoys an extraordinary reputation for the quality of its artistic programming.
This ticket gives access to reserved seating for a performance.
Optional
On return, we take care of returning the router, so that it can be recycled.
Optional
A Rough Idea of Price
- Flight to Moscow and return flight from St Petersburg with a scheduled airline
- Welcome at the airport
- Welcome at the airport
- Airline taxes and fuel surcharge
- Rail tickets on the Sapsan between Moscow and St Petersburg, second class
- Airport /hotel round trip private transfers and hotel/train station round trip
- Three-night stay at the Arbat House Hotel in Moscow in a superior double room, breakfast included
- Four-night stay at the Brothers Karamazov Hotel in St Petersburg in a double room, breakfast included
- Half-day tour of the Kremlin, with a private guide
- Half-day tour of Moscow with a local resident
- Half-day tour of the Catherine Palace, with a private guide
- Half-day visit to St Petersburg, accompanied by a local guide
- Dinner with a Russian family
- Local mobile phone provided
- Our local Concierge service
Our local concierges
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UK airport lounge
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