Russian Classic – day by day itinerary

Day 1 Departure Day

Leave England on your flight to Russia. Arrive in Moscow where your RCB local representative will meet you and accompany you by coach to your hotel for check-in. Following dinner at your hotel, enjoy an introduction to the heart and soul of Moscow as you take a stroll around Red Square at night. Feel the unique atmosphere as you’re surrounded by the imposing Kremlin walls, Lenin’s Mausoleum, the beautiful St. Basil’s Cathedral and the famous department store GUM!*

Day 2 Moscow sightseeing

Start today off with a comprehensive guided sightseeing tour of Moscow by coach. Pass the world famous Bolshoi Theatre and the spectacular Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, recently reconstructed after originally being converted into a swimming pool for 40 years! Enjoy the fabulous views of Moscow from the University on Sparrow Hills and stop to admire the shining domes of New Maiden’s Convent. See the White House, where in 1991, Yeltsin famously defied a coup attempt and drive past the sombre building which housed the headquarters of the former KGB. After lunch, visit a local Russian school on a cultural exchange and meet your fellow students! In the evening there will be an opportunity to test your bowing skills against your fellow travellers at a local bowling alley (not included) *

Day 3 Kremlin guided tour

Today visit the awe-inspiring Kremlin and its cathedrals on a guided tour. Admire the sparkling golden domes, the mighty walls and the towers of this powerful fortress, the nucleus of Moscow. Head to Old Arbat street for lunch and some free time. The Arbat is one of Moscow’s most popular meeting and shopping spots. Here you’ll find cafes, art galleries, antique stores, souvenir stalls and portrait painters. Tonight why not experience one of the Russians’ favorite forms of entertainment - the Circus! (not included and depends on schedule and availability) Later on, transfer to the train station for your overnight journey to spectacular St. Petersburg.

Day 4 St. Petersburg sightseeing

You will be met at the train station by your expert local St. Petersburg guide. After breakfast, take a comprehensive guided sightseeing tour of this beautiful former capital city. Amongst many striking sights see the Church of the Spilt Blood, rivaling the beauty of St Basil’s in Moscow, Kazan Cathedral, the Bronze Horseman and the remarkable battleship “Aurora”. Stop for a photo outside the majestic, recently renovated St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the 4th largest cathedral in the world. Cross the Neva River to tour historic Peter and Paul Fortress, burial place of the Romanovs and see why Peter the Great selected this location as ideal for the foundation of St Petersburg in 1703. This evening you will have the option to visit a traditional Russian folklore show in the magnificent setting of the graceful Nikolayevsky Palace.*

Day 5 Hermitage guided tour

Today visit the Hermitage, one of the world’s finest art museums, housed in the opulent, baroque Winter Palace. Your guide will introduce you to the most important works of art since you would need several years to see everything! In the afternoon, visit the beautiful interiors of the Yusupov Palace, the residence of the respected Yusupov family and the scene of Rasputin’s murder! This evening there will be an opportunity to visit the world-renowned Russian ballet (optional and depends on schedule and availability)*

Day 6 Return home

After check out, travel south to the small town of Tsarskoe Selo, formerly known as Pushkin after the famous poet who once studied here. Tour inside Catherine’s Palace, see the splendid and only recently fully restored Amber Room and stroll through the beautiful gardens. Then transfer to the airport for your return flight to England.

* Evening Activities

We suggest an evening at the Russian Circus, a traditional Russian Folklore show, a night of bowling, a visit to the ballet and/or a sporting event (if you are lucky enough to be in Russia during an ice hockey, basketball or football game). We will contact you nearer your departure date with the schedule for any such performances. These can be booked and paid for in advance, but are not included in our initial tour quote. Your local guide can help you make a bowling reservation on tour and you should pay for this on the evening, to the bowling alley.