US$ 941 / pp
Russia
Dates:
All year round
Duration:
8 days
Tour:
Private
Spend the week of your life exploring Moscow & St. Petersburg. This 8-day trip offers unparalleled access to Russia's most famous cities and all their attractions. Our Signature tour, group or private, on your choice, will dazzle you with stunning architecture & heritage under the guidance of our expert local tour guides. This tour runs vice versa.
Day 1: Arrival at Moscow
Arrival at Moscow. Meet & Greet at the airport and transfer to your cosy hotel in downtown. The evening is free at leisure. In the evening, join the group for a welcome dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: The Kremlin & Novodevichy convent
A tour to Russia is not complete without a tour to Moscow, the heart of Russia and one of the oldest cities in the country. It is a city of bright contrasts where quiet patriarchal courts and small streets adjoin to futuristic business centres, and old neighbourhoods are interspersed with modern high-rises. After breakfast, start with a full-day sightseeing tour in Moscow including the Moscow Kremlin (all the highlights including the Armory), the Red Square, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Saint Basil's Cathedral, GUM, the Bolshoi Theatre, KGB Headquarters & other attractions of the downtown, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills (Lenin Hills), and Arbat street. During the tour, you also take a ride by the famous Moscow metro. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Tretyakov Gallery, VDNKh & more
After breakfast, take a full-day sightseeing tour in Moscow. The tour includes several locations. First of all, visit the State Tretyakov Gallery, the foremost depository of Russian fine art in the world. Then enjoy the beauty of the Izmaylovo Kremlin. Visiting the Kremlin gives you a rare opportunity to get into an atmosphere of the past, see masters of handicraft at work — blacksmiths, potters, wood carvers, and also participate in the process of producing artworks of the national applied and decorative arts. The tour also includes Stalin's skyscrapers and the VDNKh. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Train to St. Petersburg
After breakfast, take a transfer to the railway station and board high-speed bullet train for 4 hours journey to St.Petersburg. Meet & Greet at St Petersburg railway station and transfer to your hotel in downtown. The evening is free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Peterhof
After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour to the royal Peterhof Palace. Gardens and Parks are spread over more than four hundred hectares and include thirty-one amazing museums and beautiful Versailles-style gardens. Interiors, as always in Russia, are all made of gold. In summer, the Peterhof is especially good thanks to its famous fountains which run naturally. We shall visit the Grand Palace - the golden must-see! - and have a tour around the estate. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: The Hermitage & iconic landmarks
After breakfast, take a full-day sightseeing tour in St. Petersburg. Today, you visit one of the most important sites in Russian history and heritage, the world-famous Palace of the Hermitage, the former residence of the Royal Family. The Hermitage today is the second largest art museum in the world; its collection includes over 2.7 mln items. Then, take a tour to see the city’s iconic landmark: Isaac Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral, the Peter and Paul Fortress and cathedral. Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood — one of the most powerful constructions in Russian Orthodox Christian architecture, an absolutely enthralling must-see. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: The Catherine Palace
After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour in Pushkin/Tsarskoye Selo (30 km south of St. Petersburg). The tour includes the Catherine Palace and world-famous Amber Room. The stunning Rococo palace was the summer residence of the Russian Tsars. The residence originated in 1717 when Catherine I hired German architect Johann-Friedrich Braunstein to construct a summer palace for her pleasure. Construction lasted for four years, and on 30 July 1756, the architect presented the brand-new 325-meter-long palace to the Empress. Amber room is a reconstructed chamber decorated in amber panels backed with gold leaf and mirrors, located in the Catherine Palace. The afternoon is free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 1: Arrival at St. Petersburg
Arrival at St. Petersburg. Meet & Greet at the airport and transfer to your cosy hotel in downtown. The evening is free at leisure. In the evening join the group for a welcome dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Hermitage & iconic landmarks
After breakfast, take a full-day sightseeing tour in St. Petersburg. Today, you visit one of the most important sites in Russian history and heritage, the world-famous Palace of the Hermitage, the former residence of the Royal Family. The Hermitage today is the second largest art museum in the world; its collection includes over 2.7 mln items. Then, take a tour to see the city’s iconic landmark: Isaac Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral, the Peter and Paul Fortress and cathedral. Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood — one of the most powerful constructions in Russian Orthodox Christian architecture, an absolutely enthralling must-see. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Peterhof Palace
After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour to the royal Peterhof Palace. Gardens and Parks are spread over more than four hundred hectares and include thirty-one amazing museums and beautiful Versailles-style gardens. Interiors, as always in Russia, are all made of gold. In summer, the Peterhof is especially good thanks to its famous fountains which run naturally. We shall visit the Grand Palace - the golden must-see! - and have a tour around the estate. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: The Catherine Palace
After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour in Pushkin/Tsarskoye Selo (30 km south of St. Petersburg). The tour includes the Catherine Palace and world-famous Amber Room. The stunning Rococo palace was the summer residence of the Russian Tsars. The residence originated in 1717 when Catherine I hired German architect Johann-Friedrich Braunstein to construct a summer palace for her pleasure. Construction lasted for four years, and on 30 July 1756, the architect presented the brand-new 325-meter-long palace to the Empress. Amber room is a reconstructed chamber decorated in amber panels backed with gold leaf and mirrors, located in the Catherine Palace. The afternoon is free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Train to Moscow
After breakfast, take a transfer to the railway station and board high-speed bullet train for 4 hours journey to Moscow. Meet & Greet at Moscow railway station and transfer to your hotel in downtown. The evening is free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: The Kremlin & Novodevichy convent
A tour to Russia is not complete without a tour to Moscow, the heart of Russia and one of the oldest cities in the country. It is a city of bright contrasts where quiet patriarchal courts and small streets adjoin to futuristic business centres, and old neighbourhoods are interspersed with modern high-rises. After breakfast, start with a full-day sightseeing tour in Moscow including the Moscow Kremlin (all the highlights including the Armory), the Red Square, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Saint Basil's Cathedral, GUM, the Bolshoi Theatre, KGB Headquarters & other attractions of the downtown, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills (Lenin Hills), and Arbat street. During the tour, you also take a ride by the famous Moscow metro. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Tretyakov Gallery, VDNKh & more
After breakfast, take a full-day sightseeing tour in Moscow. The tour includes several locations. First of all, visit the State Tretyakov Gallery, the foremost depository of Russian fine art in the world. Then enjoy the beauty of the Izmaylovo Kremlin. Visiting the Kremlin gives you a rare opportunity to get into an atmosphere of the past, see masters of handicraft at work — blacksmiths, potters, wood carvers, and also participate in the process of producing artworks of the national applied and decorative arts. The tour also includes Stalin's skyscrapers and the VDNKh. Overnight at the hotel.
Russia
Citizens of the UK should apply for a visa only personally (63 GBP for a visa, issued in 20 days). Сitizens of New Zealand can apply for a visa by mail (120 $ NZ for a visa, issued in 10 days). Citizens of Australia can apply for a visa through Visa Application Service Centers (120 AUD, issued in 4-10 days). Citizens of the USA and Canada can apply for visa personally or through Visa Application Service Centers (160 USD for the USA citizens and 112 CAD for the citizens of Canada).
Accommodation
Centrally located hand-picked hotels
3 nights in Moscow // 4 nights in St. Petersburg
Meals
Full breakfast daily
Group tour: welcome dinner
Guided tours
Moscow full day (8 hours) guided tour: the Moscow Kremlin, the Armory, the Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow metro tour, Novodevichy convent & Sparrow Hills
Moscow full day (8 hours) guided tour: the State Tretyakov Gallery, Stalin's skyscrapers tour, the Izmailovo Kremlin, the VDNKh & Museum of Cosmonautics
St Petersburg day (6 hours) guided tour: the Royal Palace of Peterhof, Faberge Museum
St. Petersburg full day (8 hours) guided tour: the Winter Palace and the Hermitage, Isaac Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Cathedral
Catherine’s palace day (6 hours) guided tour: Pushkin/Tsarskoye Selo, Catherine’s palace & Amber room
Transportation
Bullet train Moscow to St. Petersburg
Meet & greet at every location
Return airport/train station transfers
Transportation on tours as per program in a comfortable a/c car/minivan/bus
Full metro/public transport passes in Moscow & St. Petersburg
Speed boat ride to Peterhof Palace
Support
24/7 phone/WhatsApp support line
WofDi Tour manager
Travel tips online brochure
English-speaking guide
Local sim card
Entrance tickets
Entrance tickets to all listed attractions
Russian visa letter of invitation (required by the Ministry of Tourism to grant you a Russian visa) is provided free of charge
Not Included
International flights
Meals not mentioned
Optional tours and activities
Personal expenditures
A sightseeing tour in Pushkin/Tsarskoye Selo
The royal Peterhof Palace, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Novodevichy Convent, the best-known cloister of Moscow
The world-famous Palace of the Hermitage, the former residence of the Royal Family
The Moscow Kremlin - all the highlights including the Armory
The famous Moscow metro, the fifth longest in the world
Stacy
Australia
Trans- Scandinavian train tour on a private, September 2019 I’s looking for a train trip around Scandinavia and found it was not widely available option with many operators. Mostly, they do coach tours or cruises. World of Discoveries was the first company which offered a solution, a privately arranged non-escorted train trip tour for our small party of just 6 people. We are experienced travelers in our early 40th and always want to be immersed in the culture of a new country, eat local food, meet the people. We wanted an authentic experience and it was a great trip all round. We did not have to worry about our accommodation, or train tickets, or activities in various locations. We had our transfers to and from hotels pre-arranged. Guides provided great insight into Scandinavian culture and were undeniably helpful as we all had different ideas about spare time and extra activities. We went out at every visited city and they gave us lots of great recommendations. Could have stayed for more! Would love the same experience when we visit other, less traveled and remote parts of the world with World of Discoveries! Would love the same experience when we visit other, less traveled and remote parts of the world with World of Discoveries!
Howard Rogers
USA
Nomadic Escape Mongolia Tour ...Gobi dunes, yurt experience, camels, Karakorum , wild horse park – Mongolia turned out to be a great place. We did not expect much and only decided to go there as we had a trip to China and it was close. For Americans, Mongolia is visa free and we made really spontaneous decision just a week before arrival to China. Despite that, World of Discoveries team was able to arrange extensive 7 days itinerary around the country and we are so happy we did the tour! Huge thanks to Alex, great customer service.
Coco Bermudez
Australia
I was extremely satisfied with my trip. Everyone at the agency have been courteous and helpful from the very beginning, trying to organize our 17 day World Cup experience. The guides and drivers are very professional and friendly, and the accommodations were simply superb. I highly recommend World of Discoveries as I know they will turn your trip into an unforgettable experience.
Brett B
Australia
I am a very active person and did have some hesitation about the amount of driving which was required to complete this tour. However, despite bumpy roads, I found it pretty bearable overall. Distances are big, country is vast and underdeveloped but once it’s get more developed, you will not this sense of freedom and tranquility any more. I recommend going to Mongolia if you’re looking for a varied, culturally enriching experience of a life time framed by unbelievably beautiful landscapes. Locals were very welcome and guides were great and were always ready to help to explore more of their home country. Very safe country, very friendly people. Interesting food, but vegans might be starving.
Jacinta Ami
Australia
Highly recommend!! Well organised, friendly and knowledgeable staff who go out of their way to make sure you have the best experience! If you ever intend on visiting Russia, definately try this company!
Francisco Caycedo
USA
Travelled to Russia FIFA World Cup 2018 with a family of 4 including (2 boys: 4 and 12 y/o) . What an amazing experience it was! Super well organized, transfers were always on time, hotels were good, we couldn’t ask for a more responsible tour guide, Phillip was awesome and in care of every little detail to make us feel like at home, would recommend the company with no hesitation at all!