Russia Highlights

Visiting: Russia

Russia Highlights

Experience a mesh of communist and capitalist cultures in the city of Moscow, Discover imperial treasures in the Kremlin, See Lenin in his eternal state, Explore medieval Russian capitals in the Golden Ring, Sip mead among sweeping meadows in Suzdal, Travel to Russia's oldest city, Novgorod, Admire tsarist treasures in the Hermitage, Take a guided tour of cultural attractions in St Petersburg, Be treated to a Russian tea party, Steam up in a public bath house

Taste mystery and intrigue on a revealing tour of Russia - a land that lay hidden behind the Iron Curtain for decades. Experience the grandeur of Moscow, the beauty of Russia's ancient capitals Suzdal and Novgorod, and the grace of St Petersburg. Visit the intricately detailed cathedrals, historic monuments, age-old treasures and romantic landscapes of this great nation, and find the heart of enigmatic Russia.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

Please have two copies of your passport, visa and migration cards ready. One will be collected by your leader, the other is for you to keep on you at all times whilst on this trip.

The great city of Moscow has survived centuries of revolution and seen Russia through some of its most turbulent years, from the days of the tsars through the communist era to the growing pains of democracy. Beneath its modern veneer - a sign of Russia's recent embrace of capitalism - Moscow is a fascinating, historic city with a wealth of sights to see.

Head to iconic Red Square.

Visit Lenin inside his mausoleum.

Please note that on occasion Lenin's Mausoleum and Red Square may be closed to the public during regular opening hours without prior warning.

Enter the Kremlin grounds which house the oldest and most important churches in the country, where many Tsars and Tsarinas are laid to rest. Also head inside the Armoury Museum which houses a glittering imperial collection of regalia and items once belonging to the world's richest monarchy, including Faberge eggs and ambassadorial gifts.

As Moscow's premier tourist attractions, tickets for the Kremlin and Armoury are in high demand. In order to control the number of tour groups entering these sights at one time the Moscow Tourism Administration has set strict quotas. For this reason some groups may visit Red Square in the morning and return later in the day to enter the Kremlin and Armoury rather than visiting all the sights together. The amount of time guides can spend with their groups is also restricted to 90 minutes in each area, with any exceptions possibly resulting in the guide losing their license, so while we appreciate that some travellers would like to spend longer in the Armoury Museum we ask for your understanding that the guide is under pressure to keep to the schedule.

The Diamond Fund isn't included, but after the Kremlin and Armoury there is time to visit. Entrance tickets cost RUB500 and can be purchased in the ticket office at the Armoury. The Diamond Fund is open for visitors from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm. Thursday it is closed.

Given that we only have limited time in Moscow we advise that you arrive a few days early to fully enjoy all that the city has to offer, including:

Step inside the colourful St Basil's Cathedral on Red Square. Legend has it that tsar, Ivan the Terrible, had the two architects blinded so that they couldn't build anything as beautiful.

Relive the nation's turbulent past at Victory Park.

The Izmailovo Markets are considered the best place for souvenir shopping.

Included Activities

• Red Square
• Kremlin & Armoury
• Lenin's Mausoleum

Optional Activities

Izmailovo Vernisazh Markets, Moscow - RUB10.00

Museum of the Great Patriotic War, Moscow - RUB200.00

Pushkin Fine Arts Museum, Moscow - RUB400.00

River cruise from, Moscow - RUB800.00

Russian State Historical Museum, Moscow - RUB250.00

St Basils Cathedral, Moscow - RUB150.00

Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow - RUB360.00

Victory Park Museum Entrance, Moscow - RUB200.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

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Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

Please have two copies of your passport, visa and migration cards ready. One will be collected by your leader, the other is for you to keep on you at all times whilst on this trip.

The great city of Moscow has survived centuries of revolution and seen Russia through some of its most turbulent years, from the days of the tsars through the communist era to the growing pains of democracy. Beneath its modern veneer - a sign of Russia's recent embrace of capitalism - Moscow is a fascinating, historic city with a wealth of sights to see.

Head to iconic Red Square.

Visit Lenin inside his mausoleum.

Please note that on occasion Lenin's Mausoleum and Red Square may be closed to the public during regular opening hours without prior warning.

Enter the Kremlin grounds which house the oldest and most important churches in the country, where many Tsars and Tsarinas are laid to rest. Also head inside the Armoury Museum which houses a glittering imperial collection of regalia and items once belonging to the world's richest monarchy, including Faberge eggs and ambassadorial gifts.

As Moscow's premier tourist attractions, tickets for the Kremlin and Armoury are in high demand. In order to control the number of tour groups entering these sights at one time the Moscow Tourism Administration has set strict quotas. For this reason some groups may visit Red Square in the morning and return later in the day to enter the Kremlin and Armoury rather than visiting all the sights together. The amount of time guides can spend with their groups is also restricted to 90 minutes in each area, with any exceptions possibly resulting in the guide losing their license, so while we appreciate that some travellers would like to spend longer in the Armoury Museum we ask for your understanding that the guide is under pressure to keep to the schedule.

The Diamond Fund isn't included, but after the Kremlin and Armoury there is time to visit. Entrance tickets cost RUB500 and can be purchased in the ticket office at the Armoury. The Diamond Fund is open for visitors from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm. Thursday it is closed.

Given that we only have limited time in Moscow we advise that you arrive a few days early to fully enjoy all that the city has to offer, including:

Step inside the colourful St Basil's Cathedral on Red Square. Legend has it that tsar, Ivan the Terrible, had the two architects blinded so that they couldn't build anything as beautiful.

Relive the nation's turbulent past at Victory Park.

The Izmailovo Markets are considered the best place for souvenir shopping.

Included Activities

• Red Square
• Kremlin & Armoury
• Lenin's Mausoleum

Optional Activities

Izmailovo Vernisazh Markets, Moscow - RUB10.00

Museum of the Great Patriotic War, Moscow - RUB200.00

Pushkin Fine Arts Museum, Moscow - RUB400.00

River cruise from, Moscow - RUB800.00

Russian State Historical Museum, Moscow - RUB250.00

St Basils Cathedral, Moscow - RUB150.00

Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow - RUB360.00

Victory Park Museum Entrance, Moscow - RUB200.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

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Travel by private bus to Suzdal (approx 4 hrs).

Suzdal is one of the famous towns in the so-called 'Golden Ring' - a group of ancient towns and former capitals of Russia. It's a beautiful place that feels like a fairytale, with many glittering onion domes dotting the skyline, opportunities to drink mead by the river, and a symphony of church bells to be heard in the evenings. Crumbling churches and lovingly decorated wooden cottages line the narrow streets and alleys of this magical spot.

For dinner we'll learn to cook some local specialities at the home of our local friends.

Join our local guide for a walking tour around some of the sights such as the local Kremlin, trading square and monasteries (approx 3 hrs).

Transfer to Moscow by private bus (approx 4 hours, although can be longer depending on traffic).

From Moscow's Leningradskiy railway station, board our overnight train to Novgorod (approx 8 hrs).

Trains on this journey are simple but comfortable. There's a toilet/bathroom at the end of each carriage with a small sink and cold water. An attendant is assigned to every carriage to look after our comfort and safety although service standards can vary greatly. Each compartment has four bunks with luggage storage space inside. Bedding is provided, although some travellers still prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. There's hot water available for making drinks or instant meals, tea and coffee. Sometimes snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board and most trains also have a dining car although with a limited menu. We travel 2nd class (four berths per compartment) on this trip.

Please note that in many cases, particularly in peak travel season, due to high demand for tickets on this route we aren't always able to get all of our tickets together. It's likely that at least some members of the group will be sharing compartments with other travellers, either foreign or local, particularly if your group does not divide evenly into four.

A brief word about drinking on the train: Social drinking is common on trains in Russia and Mongolia and can be an enjoyable way to meet local people as well as interact with your fellow ImTrav travellers. In order to make sure that your experience of train travel with us is a positive and safe one there are a few things we'd like you to keep in mind before setting out on your train journey.

While alcohol is often available for purchase on the train, spirits (including vodka) should only be consumed in the dining car. Train security guards keep a very close eye on drunken behaviour and have the legal right to fine or have any passengers who are intoxicated removed from the train without warning. Should this happen there's very little we can do to assist you in continuing your journey with the rest of the group.

Alcoholism is also a serious social problem in Russia and Mongolia so travellers should take care not to encourage or take part in drinking to excess. Fake alcohol is common and the motives for being invited to drink with locals may not always be honest. The locals' tolerance for alcohol is likely to be much higher than your own. You may be putting yourself and other members of your group at risk by getting involved in heavy drinking while on the train.

While we certainly want all our ImTrav travellers to have a great holiday it's important that you show due respect for your fellow group members and keep in mind that many of your local companions use the train as a means of transport to get home or to work. It's most appreciated if foreign travellers are respectful of this, particularly in the mornings and evenings or when other passengers are sleeping.

Included Activities

• Walking Tour Suzdal
• Cooking class

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

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Travel by private bus to Suzdal (approx 4 hrs).

Suzdal is one of the famous towns in the so-called 'Golden Ring' - a group of ancient towns and former capitals of Russia. It's a beautiful place that feels like a fairytale, with many glittering onion domes dotting the skyline, opportunities to drink mead by the river, and a symphony of church bells to be heard in the evenings. Crumbling churches and lovingly decorated wooden cottages line the narrow streets and alleys of this magical spot.

For dinner we'll learn to cook some local specialities at the home of our local friends.

Join our local guide for a walking tour around some of the sights such as the local Kremlin, trading square and monasteries (approx 3 hrs).

Transfer to Moscow by private bus (approx 4 hours, although can be longer depending on traffic).

From Moscow's Leningradskiy railway station, board our overnight train to Novgorod (approx 8 hrs).

Trains on this journey are simple but comfortable. There's a toilet/bathroom at the end of each carriage with a small sink and cold water. An attendant is assigned to every carriage to look after our comfort and safety although service standards can vary greatly. Each compartment has four bunks with luggage storage space inside. Bedding is provided, although some travellers still prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. There's hot water available for making drinks or instant meals, tea and coffee. Sometimes snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board and most trains also have a dining car although with a limited menu. We travel 2nd class (four berths per compartment) on this trip.

Please note that in many cases, particularly in peak travel season, due to high demand for tickets on this route we aren't always able to get all of our tickets together. It's likely that at least some members of the group will be sharing compartments with other travellers, either foreign or local, particularly if your group does not divide evenly into four.

A brief word about drinking on the train: Social drinking is common on trains in Russia and Mongolia and can be an enjoyable way to meet local people as well as interact with your fellow ImTrav travellers. In order to make sure that your experience of train travel with us is a positive and safe one there are a few things we'd like you to keep in mind before setting out on your train journey.

While alcohol is often available for purchase on the train, spirits (including vodka) should only be consumed in the dining car. Train security guards keep a very close eye on drunken behaviour and have the legal right to fine or have any passengers who are intoxicated removed from the train without warning. Should this happen there's very little we can do to assist you in continuing your journey with the rest of the group.

Alcoholism is also a serious social problem in Russia and Mongolia so travellers should take care not to encourage or take part in drinking to excess. Fake alcohol is common and the motives for being invited to drink with locals may not always be honest. The locals' tolerance for alcohol is likely to be much higher than your own. You may be putting yourself and other members of your group at risk by getting involved in heavy drinking while on the train.

While we certainly want all our ImTrav travellers to have a great holiday it's important that you show due respect for your fellow group members and keep in mind that many of your local companions use the train as a means of transport to get home or to work. It's most appreciated if foreign travellers are respectful of this, particularly in the mornings and evenings or when other passengers are sleeping.

Included Activities

• Walking Tour Suzdal
• Cooking class

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

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Novgorod is Russia's oldest city and is still home to numerous well-preserved architectural monuments hinting at the glories of the past. As the former capital of ancient Russia, it's often seen as the cradle of modern Russian civilisation.

Explore the city's sights on foot with our local guide. The city's foremost sight is the graceful Kremlin on the banks of the Volkhov River. Inside there are parks, museums and cathedrals as well as the amazing Millennium Monument, which tells the story of 1,000 years of Russian history. On the opposite bank of the river are quiet shady streets, the graceful ruins of Yaroslav's Court and other echoes of medieval times.

In your free time here you might like to check out the Yurev Monastery on the shores of Lake Ilmen, visit the Wooden Architecture Museum just outside of town or catch a music performance at the Philharmonic Hall. In the summer you can also relax on the little riverside beach or take a boat trip on the Volkhov River for glimpses of the quiet countryside surrounding Novgorod.

Join your leader and plenty of friendly locals for a refreshing steam and wash at the public banya (bath house).

Included Activities

• Walking Tour & Kremlin
• Public Banya

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

!item

Take a local train to St Petersburg (approx 4 hrs).

Truly one of Europe's finest cities, built of baroque European architecture combined with the opulent palaces of Russian royalty, St Petersburg was built by the Russian tsar Peter the Great and his legacy will clearly be felt as you explore its enigmatic streets and visit its showcase cathedrals and museums.

Visit the home of our local friends to see how the average Russian lives, and have a tea party Russian-style. Not all family members speak English but your leader will be on hand to interpret and with their warm hospitality you'll be feeling like one of the family in no time.

In the summer months, we take a night-time boat tour of the canals and waterways with a local guide to see the illuminated architecture from a unique perspective and to witness the spectacular opening of the bridges over the Neva River. In midsummer it will still be light as the sun barely sets during White Nights. Outside of these months we'll have a boat tour of the city's canals and waterways during the day (weather permitting). Please note that should the boat trip be unavailable this activity will be replaced with a guided walking tour of the city centre.

There are many great experiences to have in this city including:

For many the highlight of St Petersburg is the Hermitage Museum, one of the world's premier art collections housed in the former Imperial Winter Palace.

Please note that in high season (May-Sep) there can be very long queues to enter the Hermitage. In order to avoid waiting to enter and to make the most of your free day it's possible to book tickets to the Hermitage online in advance from the museum's website: http://hermitagemuseum.org

Go to St Isaac's Cathedral and climb to the colonnade from where you'll have magnificent views over the city.

Visit the Kunstkamera where Peter the Great's ghoulish collection of oddities is on show.

The city is surrounded by the summer residences of Russian tsars. Peterhof Palace is considered to be one of the best - take a trip out to discover for yourself (approx 30 mins by bus).

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

 

Included Activities

• Tea party with local family
• Boat Tour

Optional Activities

Aleksandr Nevsky Lavra & Cemeteries, St Petersburg - RUB150.00

Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg - RUB400.00

Kunstkamera Museum, St Petersburg - RUB200.00

Mariinsky Theatre cost from, St Petersburg - Free

Museum of the Siege of Leningrad, St Petersburg - RUB80.00

Peterhof Musuem, St Petersburg - RUB360.00

Peterhof Palace, St Petersburg - RUB150.00

Saviour on the Spilt Blood Church, St Petersburg - RUB250.00

St Isaacs Cathedral Colonnade, St Petersburg - RUB150.00

St Isaacs Cathedral, St Petersburg - RUB250.00

The Peter and Paul Fortress including cathedral and museum, St Petersburg - RUB370.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

!item

Take a local train to St Petersburg (approx 4 hrs).

Truly one of Europe's finest cities, built of baroque European architecture combined with the opulent palaces of Russian royalty, St Petersburg was built by the Russian tsar Peter the Great and his legacy will clearly be felt as you explore its enigmatic streets and visit its showcase cathedrals and museums.

Visit the home of our local friends to see how the average Russian lives, and have a tea party Russian-style. Not all family members speak English but your leader will be on hand to interpret and with their warm hospitality you'll be feeling like one of the family in no time.

In the summer months, we take a night-time boat tour of the canals and waterways with a local guide to see the illuminated architecture from a unique perspective and to witness the spectacular opening of the bridges over the Neva River. In midsummer it will still be light as the sun barely sets during White Nights. Outside of these months we'll have a boat tour of the city's canals and waterways during the day (weather permitting). Please note that should the boat trip be unavailable this activity will be replaced with a guided walking tour of the city centre.

There are many great experiences to have in this city including:

For many the highlight of St Petersburg is the Hermitage Museum, one of the world's premier art collections housed in the former Imperial Winter Palace.

Please note that in high season (May-Sep) there can be very long queues to enter the Hermitage. In order to avoid waiting to enter and to make the most of your free day it's possible to book tickets to the Hermitage online in advance from the museum's website: http://hermitagemuseum.org

Go to St Isaac's Cathedral and climb to the colonnade from where you'll have magnificent views over the city.

Visit the Kunstkamera where Peter the Great's ghoulish collection of oddities is on show.

The city is surrounded by the summer residences of Russian tsars. Peterhof Palace is considered to be one of the best - take a trip out to discover for yourself (approx 30 mins by bus).

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

 

Included Activities

• Tea party with local family
• Boat Tour

Optional Activities

Aleksandr Nevsky Lavra & Cemeteries, St Petersburg - RUB150.00

Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg - RUB400.00

Kunstkamera Museum, St Petersburg - RUB200.00

Mariinsky Theatre cost from, St Petersburg - Free

Museum of the Siege of Leningrad, St Petersburg - RUB80.00

Peterhof Musuem, St Petersburg - RUB360.00

Peterhof Palace, St Petersburg - RUB150.00

Saviour on the Spilt Blood Church, St Petersburg - RUB250.00

St Isaacs Cathedral Colonnade, St Petersburg - RUB150.00

St Isaacs Cathedral, St Petersburg - RUB250.00

The Peter and Paul Fortress including cathedral and museum, St Petersburg - RUB370.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

!item

Take a local train to St Petersburg (approx 4 hrs).

Truly one of Europe's finest cities, built of baroque European architecture combined with the opulent palaces of Russian royalty, St Petersburg was built by the Russian tsar Peter the Great and his legacy will clearly be felt as you explore its enigmatic streets and visit its showcase cathedrals and museums.

Visit the home of our local friends to see how the average Russian lives, and have a tea party Russian-style. Not all family members speak English but your leader will be on hand to interpret and with their warm hospitality you'll be feeling like one of the family in no time.

In the summer months, we take a night-time boat tour of the canals and waterways with a local guide to see the illuminated architecture from a unique perspective and to witness the spectacular opening of the bridges over the Neva River. In midsummer it will still be light as the sun barely sets during White Nights. Outside of these months we'll have a boat tour of the city's canals and waterways during the day (weather permitting). Please note that should the boat trip be unavailable this activity will be replaced with a guided walking tour of the city centre.

There are many great experiences to have in this city including:

For many the highlight of St Petersburg is the Hermitage Museum, one of the world's premier art collections housed in the former Imperial Winter Palace.

Please note that in high season (May-Sep) there can be very long queues to enter the Hermitage. In order to avoid waiting to enter and to make the most of your free day it's possible to book tickets to the Hermitage online in advance from the museum's website: http://hermitagemuseum.org

Go to St Isaac's Cathedral and climb to the colonnade from where you'll have magnificent views over the city.

Visit the Kunstkamera where Peter the Great's ghoulish collection of oddities is on show.

The city is surrounded by the summer residences of Russian tsars. Peterhof Palace is considered to be one of the best - take a trip out to discover for yourself (approx 30 mins by bus).

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

 

Included Activities

• Tea party with local family
• Boat Tour

Optional Activities

Aleksandr Nevsky Lavra & Cemeteries, St Petersburg - RUB150.00

Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg - RUB400.00

Kunstkamera Museum, St Petersburg - RUB200.00

Mariinsky Theatre cost from, St Petersburg - Free

Museum of the Siege of Leningrad, St Petersburg - RUB80.00

Peterhof Musuem, St Petersburg - RUB360.00

Peterhof Palace, St Petersburg - RUB150.00

Saviour on the Spilt Blood Church, St Petersburg - RUB250.00

St Isaacs Cathedral Colonnade, St Petersburg - RUB150.00

St Isaacs Cathedral, St Petersburg - RUB250.00

The Peter and Paul Fortress including cathedral and museum, St Petersburg - RUB370.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

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@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner