Winter in Russia

Day 1. Moscow
Arrival in Moscow and transfer by private coach to the hotel. Accommodation at the hotel. Welcome dinner.

Day 2. Moscow
Breakfast at the hotel.

Excursion to the Moscow Kremlin.
Red Square, the Kremlin, and St. Basil's Cathedral have been recognized symbols of political, social, and religious life in Russia for centuries. Spend the day exploring these important sites and learn more about their special significance. Inside the Kremlin, visit the Assumption Cathedral, where the tsars were baptized, crowned, and buried. Marvel at the rich treasures of the nearby State Armory Museum, which houses armaments, royal coaches, ecclesiastical vestments, elaborate imperial gowns, and Faberge objects.

Following a lunch of Russian specialties at Restaurant, stop on Red Square to see St. Basil's Cathedral, built in the 16th century by Ivan the Terrible. Transfer to the train station. Departure to Vladimir.

Day 3. Vladimir 
Arrival to Vladimir.

Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.
Climb into a horse-drawn troika upon arrival this morning in Vladimir. Warm under the lap blankets, take a ride through the frosty air to the nearby historic town of Bogolyubsky, where the beautifully proportioned onion domes of the 12th-century Church of the Intercession come into view along the Nerl River.

Return to Vladimir, an administrative center during the Middle Ages, to see the 12th-century Golden Gate of Vladimir and the Cathedral of St. Dmitry, featuring a facade uniquely adorned with griffins and other fantastic creatures. At the Assumption Cathedral, view works by the important icon painter, Andrei Rubliov.

Day 4. Suzdal
Breakfast at the hotel.

Set off for the picturesque town of Suzdal, the religious and cultural center of Old Russia, where medieval fortresses and churches are complemented by elaborately carved and painted cottages. Here, visit the 11th-century Cathedral of the Nativity and the fascinating Museum of Ancient Wooden Architecture, which boasts exceptionally well-preserved examples of churches, peasant houses, windmills, and barns. After lunch in the Saviour Monastery of St. Euthymius, enjoy a private concert of choral music in the monastery cathedral. Transfer to the train station. Departure for Yaroslavl.

Day 5. Yaroslavl
Arrival to Yaroslavl.

Nestled on the bank of the Volga River, Yaroslavl boasts excellently preserved architectural treasures. A city tour brings you to the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior, one of the region's oldest monasteries, founded in the 12th century. Continue to the Church of the Epiphany known for its colorful ceramic tiles and frescoes painted in 1693.

Day 6. Veliki Ustug
Arrival in Veliki Ustug, a well-preserved 16th-century town of the remote far north, and legendary home of the Russian Grandfather Frost! Ride a troika to see the main cathedral, then go behind the scenes to see the "Northern Chern" Factory, a facility where beautiful decorative art, jewelry, and enamelware is manufactured.
At the Grandfather Frost Mansion, listen to a lecture on Russian holiday traditions by a resident of the town, followed by a meeting with local school children who will share songs and gifts.

Enjoy a lunch of traditional Russian holiday cuisine, including blinis with various fillings. Tonight a festive farewell dinner is served on board the train as you travel to your final destination St. Petersburg!

Day 7. St. Petersburg
Arrival to St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg was founded and developed by Peter the Great more than 300 years ago as a "Window to the West." Meeting with the guide. Set off for an orientation tour of this grand city. Visit the Winter Palace, the Bronze Horseman, and Nevsky Prospekt before lunch in a downtown restaurant. 

Enjoy a full afternoon at the world-renowned Hermitage Museum. Focus on the State Rooms and the museum's extensive collection of Old Masters, once the property of Catherine II. Check into your hotel later this afternoon.
Dinner tonight is at the Restaurant, one of St. Petersburg's finest dining establishments.

Day 8. St. Petersburg
Breakfast at the hotel.

Excursion to the Village of Shuvalovka. During the sightseeing tour you will hear a story of the complex creating, you will learn about architectural features of the Old Russian wooden architecture. When walking on "Butter Meadow" you will see Blacksmith's and Potter's Workshops, Traditional Peasant Hut, Vodka Theatre, Crafts Center, Windmill and Church. Transfer to St. Petersburg.

Day 9. St. Petersburg
Breakfast at the hotel.

During a morning excursion, visit the historic Peter and Paul Fortress, burial place of the tsars since Peter the Great, and marvel at the beautifully restored St. Isaac's Cathedral. Following a delicious lunch at St. Petersburg Restaurant, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to follow personal interests.

Farewell dinner at the hotel.
Depart St. Petersburg for your return flight.

Starting price from $ 1 360

Included:
- accommodation in the hotels (Moscow, St. Petersburg) in a shared double room
- registration fee
- breakfasts
- airport-hotel transfers
- hotel-airport transfers
- excursions (incl. transportation, entrance fees and services of an individual English-speaking guide)
- transportation by car
- accommodation in Golden Ring hotels with breakfast
- excursions (incl. transportation, entrance fees and services of an individual English-speaking guide)
- train tickets as per the itinerary (2nd class)
- meals as per the itinerary
- bank fee
- insurance
- visa support documents