Overview
Explore Moscow, Russia’s Mother City, where Red Square, the Kremlin, and the Armory Museum offer a magnificent introduction to the grand sweep of Russian history, then head into the “Golden Ring” of medieval towns with onion-domed churches rising along the Volga River, including the Holy City of Suzdal, founded in 1024. For a grand finale, an overnight train ride brings you to stunning St. Petersburg, Peter the Great’s creation, one of the most charming cities in Europe, laced with graceful bridges set amidst 18th century buildings have earned it the name “Venice of the North.” You’ll explore St. Petersburg’s leafy parks, romantic palaces, including Catherine the Great’s magnificent 18th century home, and the peerless Hermitage, one of the world’s greatest art collections. Your Private Journey includes your own English-speaking guide and private car with driver.
A real jewel of a trip: we had a great time! Moscow was not what we expected—our expectation was a Soviet-like city, but it was young and vibrant and the cuisine was good. St. Petersburg was a wonderful European-like city, and the Baltic capitals had a vibrant energy in their respective Old Towns. The guides overall were excellent, very well informed about their cities and the culture.
— Mark H., Wilmette, IL
Itinerary at a Glance
Please note: Due to the availability of some hotels, Day 1 of this itinerary must be a Friday.
Days 1-3
Moscow
Your explorations of Moscow include St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin, with its artistic treasures including Faberge’s bejeweled eggs, and the Tretyakov, the world’s largest collection of Russian art. At night, a performance at the opera or ballet is a delightful option.
Days 4-5
Sergiev Posad / Suzdal
Journey out to the renowned “Golden Ring” cities in the scenic Volga River region. En route to ancient Suzdal, visit Sergiev Posad, a town that grew around the Trinity St. Sergiev Monastery, founded in the 1340s, and the 12th century city of Pereslavl Zalessky. Suzdal is a gorgeous country town of wood-and-stone houses. Savor the heritage of this 10th century gem, with its posad (old trading quarter) and delicate wooden churches. The next day, visit the city of Vladimir to see the graceful 12th century Cathedral of St. Demetrius, with its masterfully carved exterior and take the overnight train to St. Petersburg.
Days 6-10
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, for 200 years the capital of the czars, is unique in its beauty, with miles of canals linked by graceful bridges and exquisite 18th century architecture. Explore the Hermitage Museum, visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, one of the first structures ever built in St. Petersburg, tour Catherine’s Palace and the gardens at Peterhof. Depart on Day 10, or join our Baltic States Extension.
Russia Private Journey
