We Love —
- Enjoy a stay in two luxury properties and take in the sights and delights of these amazing must see destinations
- The existing and former Capitals of Russia are steeped in history with wondrous architecture
- Our members will enjoy the highlights of both cities with this escorted tour - with ample free time to explore at your own leisure
Your Destinations —
Moscow is the most populated city in Europe and the northern-most megacity on Earth. As such, it has served as a key geo-political and economical centre, both in Europe and the world.
Built in its heart, and facing one of the many meanders of the Moskva river, is the Moscow Kremlin. This fortified complex has functioned as the Seat of the Grand Dukes, the Residence of the Tsars, and currently is the residence of the President of the Russian Federation; it features four palaces, four cathedrals, and monumental enclosing walls and towers.
Around the Kremlin one can find many of the most important landmarks in Moscow, including the Alexander Garden, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, and the Red Square.
In this setting, and with the same grandeur in mind, the Metropol Hotel was originally built. The hotel is only a few blocks away from the Kremlin, Red Square and Moscow city centre. The Hotel Metropol was thought to serve as a multi-function building, to host important social and political events and feasts, and to accommodate visiting dignitaries. Eventually it was nationalised and housed offices for the growing Soviet bureaucracy.
Often described as the Venice of the North, St Petersburg is a city defined by water. The mighty Neva River empties into the Gulf of Finland near the Fortress of Peter & Paul – the final resting place of the Tsars – and canals snake through the backstreets, passing stately townhouses. Explore this enchanting city and discover the many hidden treasures!
The centuries have been kind to the former capital of the Russian Empire – St Petersburg looks as grand today as when Peter the Great laid the foundation stones in 1703. From his cabin on Petrogradskaya Storona, the Russian emperor invited Europe's leading architects to fill the streets with extravagant palaces and elegant Baroque cathedrals. Today, the historic centre is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with the grand palaces of the Romanovs at Peterhof, Pushkin and Pavlovsk.
Please note: a visa is required for entry into Russia. Please see further details at the bottom of this page.
Your Itinerary —
Day 1: Moscow
Upon arrival in Moscow you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Day 2: Morning City Tour of Moscow
Enjoy breakfast followed by a City Sightseeing Tour of Moscow. Doing this tour you will have an excellent opportunity to learn the history of the Russian capital and see the most impressive sights of great historic and cultural value. Visit The Red Square, one of the most spacious squares of the world, famous for Lenin’s Mausoleum and St. Basil Cathedral, and dominated by the grand Kremlin walls of red brick. You will have a chance to see the tower buildings symbolic of the Soviet Moscow, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior that was demolished and then reconstructed as a symbol of the Russian faith.
After that visit the Moscow Subway (Metro) which spans almost the entire Russian capital. It is one of the world's most heavily used metro systems. It is well known for the ornate design of many of its stations, which contain beautiful examples of socialist realist art. You will then have free time to spend your afternoon at leisure.
Day 3: Private Tour of The Kremlin
After breakfast, visit the Moscow Kremlin, the symbol of Moscow and of Russia. This stronghold is the historical, spiritual and political heart of Moscow and the city's most famous landmark and tourist attraction. You will then visit 2 cathedrals and have the afternoon to spend at leisure.
Day 4: Moscow - St. Petersburg
After breakfast you will be transferred to the railway station for a train to St. Petersburg. Upon arrival in St Petersburg you will have a private transfer to your hotel and free time for the afternoon.
Day 5: Morning City Tour St. Petersburg
Breakfast. City Sightseeing Tour including a visit to Peter & Paul fortress.The historical capital of the Russian Empire invites you to admire its splendid views: the Square of Arts with 3 museums and 4 theatres along its perimeter, the Palace Square offering an impressive view upon the Baroque Winter Palace; the historical Strelka (Cape) of the Vasilevsky Isle; the famous Nevsky Avenue considered the “heart” of the city. Free time in the afternoon.
Day 6: Private Tour of the Hermitage
Hermitage museum, Russia's best gallery of world art, one of the most prominent art museums in the world and definitely the main tourist attraction of St. Petersburg. The principal building of the Hermitage Museum is the Winter Palace, the residence of the Russian Czars. Today, the Hermitage boasts over 2.7 million exhibits and displays a diverse range of art and artefacts from all over the world and from throughout history (from Ancient Egypt to the early 20th century Europe). The Hermitage's collections include works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian, a unique collection of Rembrandts and Rubens. The collection is both enormous and diverse and is an essential stop for all those interested in art and history.
Day 7: Flight Home
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.
Your Hotels —
Sleeps up to:
Please note: hotels will be those listed or of equivalent standard.
Peter I 5* - Moscow
You will be spending 3 nights in a Standard Room with breakfast included.
This hotel won the Certificate of Excellence from the world's leading review website, which honours hotels & accommodations that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence.
There are 133 spacious rooms alongside a full range of great facilities, such as a fitness centre with pool, beauty salon, brilliant restaurant and 24 hour lobby bar.
Your standard room offers all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, such as wi-fi, king-sized bed, pillow menu, telephone and bathroom facilities.
Hotel Domina Prestige 5* - St. Petersburg
You will be spending 3 nights in a Mansard Room with breakfast included.
This hotel won the Travellers' Choice Award, the highest award bestowed by the world’s leading review website. This annual award reflects "the best of the best" for service, quality, and customer satisfaction from hotels & accommodations.
The hotel offers many facilities and services to ensure a comfortable stay. Take advantage of the 24 hour room service, laundry service, or well well equipped fitness and wellness centre. Sample a range of delicious cuisine in the hotel restaurant, which provides local and international specialties.
Your cosy bedroom (20-25sqm) has everything you need to stay relaxed whilst on holiday. Enjoy the use of complimentary wi-fi, telephone, armchair, air-conditioning and spacious en-suite bathroom with shower and bathtub.
Your Journey —
Flights: The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers: Private transfers are included throughout
Your approximate transfer times / distances are as follows:
- Moscow Airport to Peter I Hotel: 1hr 30min / 46km
- Peter I Hotel to Leningradsky Rail Terminal: 20min / 4.5km
- Moskovsky Rail Terminal to Domina Prestige Hotel: 16min / 4km
- Domina Prestige Hotel to St Petersburg Airport: 35min / 22km
Visa —
A visa is required for entry into Russia.
You will require a letter of invitation to support your visa application, which will be provided by our local supplier. To obtain the letters of invitation required, you will need to send the following information to the local tour company (details will be provided on your voucher)
Last name
First name
Middle name
The date of birth
Passport number
Nationality
Gender
Once you have received your letter of invitation, you will need to apply for a visa.
We would recommend visiting the following website as the visa application process provided by the Russian Nation Tourist Office.
http://www.visitrussia.org.uk/visa/tourist-visa.php
Standard Service – 7 working days - £115
Express Service – 2 working days - £210
(prices correct at time of print, subject to change)
PLEASE NOTE: WHEN APPLYING FOR A VISA IT IS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE YOUR FINGERPRINTS TO THE RUSSIAN AUTHORITIES. YOU MUST DO THIS IN PERSON BY VISITING THEIR OFFICE IN EITHER LONDON OR EDINBURGH
If you do require any assistance, it may be worth contacting the Russian National Tourist Office on 0207 985 1234 to discuss this further.
Voyage Prive cannot be held responsible for visas and full cancellation costs will be incurred in the event the visa is not granted or received in advance of your departure.
Special conditions mandatory: passport information of each client (for visa support and train ticket reservation)
