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A journey to the heart of enigmatic Russia. Experience the mesh of communist and capitalist cultures in Moscow, travel to Russia's oldest city of Novgorod, sip mead among sweeping meadows, and explore medieval Russian capitals in the Golden Ring.

Type of Holiday: Culture Holidays
Price:

£995 (maximum group size of 12)

Duration: 8 days
Departures: Departs almost every Monday between 19 April and 18 October 2010
Start point: Moscow
End point: St Petersburg
 

Taste mystery and intrigue on an exploration of the land that lay hidden behind the Iron Curtain for decades. Experience the grandeur of Moscow, the beauty of Russia's ancient capitals and the grace of St Petersburg. Discover the cathedrals, monuments, age-old treasures and romantic landscapes of this great nation and find the heart of enigmatic Russia.

Summary itinerary

Our joining hotel in Moscow, the Izmailovo Hotel is closely connected with the history of Moscow City. The hotel was designed to host athletes and foreign visitors during the Olympic Games in 1980. It is located 3 minutes walk from Partizanskaya metro station. Every room has a refrigerator, cozy furniture, telephone, bath or shower, radio and TV.

Days 1-2 Moscow: A city where old-world orthodoxy meets audacious free enterprise, Moscow is one of the greatest capitals of the world. Explore the Kremlin and discover its huge collection of imperial treasures including exquisite Faberge eggs and ceremonial regalia. Wander among the cathedrals and museums within the Kremlin walls and join the hoards to get a glimpse of Lenin in his eternal state. Be sure to travel the metro system - these 'Palaces of the People' are unlike any in the world.

Days 3-4 Vladimir/ Suzdal: Marvel at these glittering towns and former Russian capitals, which form part of the Golden Ring. Inspect the elaborate frescoes on the walls of the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir, before travelling to Suzdal, a town with a remarkable number of churches and a memorable skyline. Wind down with a glass of medovukha, a light alcoholic drink made from honey, and enjoy lovely views across picturesque meadows.

Day 5 Novgorod: Russia's oldest city is an absolute gem. Take in the many well-preserved architectural treasures that hint at the city's former glory. Travel back in time with a visit to the Millennium Monument and the Cathedral of St Sophia, both concealed within the kremlin walls.

Days 6-8 St Petersburg: Take a guided walking tour to learn about the many historical characters associated with the beautiful sights of St Petersburg. This former imperial capital boasts the magnificent Hermitage Museum, located inside the opulent Winter Palace. Spend an afternoon browsing the museum's millions of artistic masterpieces from all over the world.

What price includes

 
  • Accompanied by a tour leader throughout
  • Travel by train, bus, metro and by foot
  • Hotels (5 nts), guesthouse (1nt), overnight train (1 nt)
  • Meals included: 4 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner, 1 Russian Tea Party
  • Walking tours and many museum entries included eg Kremlin
  • Russian language lesson in Suzdal
 

Location

 

Plan your journey by train

Meeting point:
Izmailovo Hotel, Moscow

Nearest train station to meeting point:
Moscow Belorusskaya station

Transfer to meeting point:
Guests make their own way to meeting point
Trains from Central Europe arrive at Belorusskaya station. Take the Circular Line Metro to Kurskaya, change to the dark blue line to Partizanskaya station (Izmailovsky Park on older metro maps). The Izmailovo Hotel is a 5 minutes walk.

How to get there:
Train from London to Moscow

 
Plan your journey by train to Moscow
 

Plan your journey by train

Finish point:
M Hotel, St Petersburg

Nearest train station to finish point:
St Petersburg Moskovsky station

Transfer to finish point:
Guests make their own way to station
The end point of the trip, the M Hotel is in the heart of St Petersburg's Golden Triangle district. To reach Moskovsky train station take Metro Line 3 for 1 stop.

How to get back:
Train from St Petersburg to London

 
Plan your return train journey from St Petersburg