7-day Tour of Moscow and St. Petersburg
In this 7-day tour of Moscow and St. Petersburg, you will see some of the best sights in Russia, including the former KGB headquarters, the Hermitage museum, the Winter Palace and other historic and heritage sites.
DAY 1
Arrive in Moscow. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the comfort of a private car. Balance of day at leisure.
DAY 2 AND 3While in Moscow, you will be escorted by private car on an in-depth tour of this fascinating Russian capital. Enjoy the grandeur of Red Square and the Russian White House. See magnificent Moscow University, the former KGB headquarters building and central Moscow. Experience a deep sense of history as you trace the footsteps of the legion of princes, paupers and poets who have passed through this ancient city. For the rest of your stay in Moscow, you may explore on your own. Visit Novodevichy Convent or the exquisite palaces and churches of the Kremlin. Whatever your interest, our local hosts ease your way by making all arrangements for tours, theater, ballet, opera or circus tickets. They can even arrange for personal guides/interpreters, to help you enjoy your stay to the fullest. Private car transfer to the train station for your overnight train to St. Petersburg.
DAY 4Private car transfer from the train station to your Hotel in St. Petersburg, Tsar Peter the Great's "Window to the West". Balance of day and evening free.
DAY 5 AND 6Private-car city tour today. Enjoy the extravagant baroque architecture of the city center, Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square and Smolny Convent. While in St. Petersburg, enjoy a visit to the elegant Winter Palace, which now houses the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest art and cultural museums in the world. The vast collection (about 65,000 items) includes some of history's most important art. Numerous tours and cultural performances can be arranged by our experts in St. Petersburg.
DAY 7Bid farewell to this elegant, exciting city, as we transfer you to the airport after your journey to this fascinating land.
Please contact us at info@rnto.org for pricing or other information on all tours.Venice of the North Best of St. Petersburg
This tour showcases the best of St. Petersburg. Be swept away by the historic beauty of Petergof Palace, and let your imagination run wild at the Hermitage. Your knowledgeable guides will help you make the most of your St. Petersburg excursion. Come see for yourself why many call this city the Venice of the North!
DAY 1
Leave the US on your overnight flight to St. Petersburg.
DAY 2
Arrive in St. Petersburg. You will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel in a comfortable private car. Balance of the day at leisure. Many exciting options available. Overnight in the hotel.
DAY 3
After breakfast, you will have an in-depth escorted tour of this gorgeous and glamorous city. Lunch in town. After lunch visit the Alexander Nevsky Abbey – a monastery and a 19th-century Necropolis, containing the graves of many world-famous Russian writers, composers and sculptors. Overnight in the hotel.
DAY 4
Today the morning drive will take you to the lovely city of Pushkin – formerly Tsarskoe Selo, the Tsar's Village. Enjoy an escorted tour of the beautiful baroque style Catherine Palace. Lunch will be served in Pavlovsk, where you will see one of the Tsar Pavel's summer palaces. Like many other royal residences, the palace sustained heavy damage during the war, but most of it has been restored to its former glory.
DAY 5
Enjoy a tour of Peter and Paul Fortress and St. Isaac's Cathedral. At the Fortress, visit the famous Peter and Paul Cathedral. a sepulcher of Russian rulers from Peter the Great through Alexander III. After visiting the Fortress, continue your tour to the largest in the city St. Isaac's Cathedral. Lunch in town. This afternoon, enjoy the many wonders of the elegant Winter Palace, which now houses the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest art and culture museums in the world. Its vast collection of about 65,000 items includes some of history's most important art.
DAY 6
This morning you will delight in visiting the Summer Palace complex of Peter the Great, the construction of which began in 1714 and included numerous fountains. Enjoy your shopping in the afternoon.
DAY 7
Morning visit to the Yusupov Palace,where Rasputin was murdered. Enjoy a "Vodka Rasputin" lunch. This afternoon, visit the famous Russian Museum.
DAY 8
Bid farewell to this elegant, exciting city, as we transfer you to the airport after your fascinating journey.
Please contact us at info@rnto.org for pricing or other information on all tours.The Best of Moscow 4-day Tour
This tour of Russia’s bustling metropolitan capital is ideal for travelers with a specific reason to visit Moscow: a business meeting, research or a concert. The itinerary is designed to work around and not interfere with your original plans.
DAY 1
Arrive in Moscow. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel Balance of day at leisure.
DAY 2 AND 3
While in Moscow, you will be escorted on an in depth tour of this fascinating Russian capital. Enjoy the grandeur of Red Square and the Russian White House. See magnificent Moscow University, the former KGB headquarters building and central Moscow. Experience a deep sense of history as you trace the footsteps of the legion of princes, paupers and poets who have passed through this ancient city. Visit Novodevichy Convent or the exquisite palaces and churches of the Kremlin. Whatever your interest, our local hosts ease your way by making all arrangements for tours, theater, ballet, opera or circus tickets. This tour takes you to the heart of the city the Kremlin.This former Moscow citadel "Kremlin"means "fortress" houses exquisite palaces, presidential buildings lovely churches and scores of major historical monuments. Your tour of the Kremlin will also include a visit to the fascinating State Armory, the oldest museum in Russia. As its name implies, it contains many ancient weapons and armor, as well as a treasure-trove of gorgeous crown jewels, golden crusted icons, bejeweled royal scepters and exquisitely carved thrones. All these lovely treasures eloquently tell the history of Imperial Russia.
DAY 4
Bid farewell to this elegant, exciting city,as we transfer you to the airport after your journey to this fascinating land.
Please contact us at info@rnto.org for pricing or other information on all tours.Moscow – St. Petersburg 8-day Tour
A sightseeing tour of Moscow and St. Petersburg where you will visit such famous locations as Red Square, the Russian “White House,” the Hermitage museum and other renowned landmarks.
DAY 1
USA/EN ROUTE: Our Russian journey begins with an overnight flight to Moscow. All meals served on board, as well as complimentary beverages, movies and earphones for your travel comfort. If you fly from Europe your Day 1 will start on Day 2 of this program.
DAY 2
ARRIVE MOSCOW: Arrive at Moscow International Airport. Upon arrival, meet awaiting tour escort and motor coach and continue to the hotel for check-in. Overnight in Moscow.
DAY 3
MOSCOW: After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of the city, including Red Square, which was originally known more prosaically as the tog or market place. The present name dates from the 17th century, meaning "beautiful." Red Square is famous for its scene of markets, fairs and religious festivals, as well as a famous place of execution. Here, rebels met their deaths beside the raised circular dais called the "Lobnoe Mesto," from which state decrees were also read out. The tour continues with the former headquarters of the KGB, Moscow University and the Russian "White House." Lunch on own in the city center. Lunch if followed by the tour of the Kremlin, which includes a visit to the fascinating State Armory, the oldest museum in Russia. As its name implies, it contains many ancient weapons and armor, but it also houses a treasure-trove of gorgeous jewels, gold-encrusted icons, bejeweled royal scepters and exquisitely carved thrones. All of these lovely treasures eloquently tell the history of Imperial Russia. Overnight in Moscow.
DAY 4
MOSCOW /VLADIMIR /SUZDAL: After breakfast, meet awaiting motor coach and drive to the Golden Ring of Russia, including Vladimir, an ancient historic Russian town located on a tributary of the Volga. Upon arrival you will have lunch at a nice local restaurant, which will be followed by a city tour of Vladimir. The city dates back to the 10th century and some of its highlights such as the Golden Gates and the Byzantine Assumption Cathedral you will be able to admire during the tour. Continue to Suzdal, one of the most beautiful cities of the Golden Ring. Dinner and overnight in Suzdal.
DAY 5
SUZDAL/MOSCOW/ST.PETERSBURG OVERNIGHT TRAIN: After breakfast, full-day sightseeing of Suzdal, the best preserved town on the Golden Ring. Tour sights include the Kremlin of Suzdal and Assumption Cathedral. Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch you will visit a Museum of Wooden Architecture and then head for Moscow to catch an overnight train to St.Petersburg.
DAY 6
ST.PETERSBURG: Breakfast snack provided on board the train. Upon arrival begin a city sightseeing tour including views of the Peter and Paul Cathedral designed by the famous architect Rastrelli. It stands on the grounds of Peter and Paul Fortress in the oldest section of the city and contains the tombs of Russian rulers from Peter the Great through Nicholas II. Lunch on own in the city center. Check-in at the hotel. After lunch visit the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest art and cultural museums in the world. Its vast collection (about 65,000 items) includes some of history's most important art. Overnight in St.Petersburg.
DAY 7
ST. PETERSBURG: After breakfast, travel outside St. Petersburg to the lovely city of Pushkin – formerly Tsarskoe Selo, the Tsar's Village. Tour Catherine Palace, the beautiful Baroque-style building that was built by Empress Elizabeth and named after her mother, Catherine I. The architect was Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who also designed the Winter Palace and the Hermitage Pavilion. Like many other royal residences, the palace sustained heavy damage during the war, although most of it has been restored to its former glory. Lunch on own in St.Petersburg. After lunch continue on your city tour along Nevsky Prospekt and visit Yusupov Palace, site of Rasputin's death. The rest of the day is available for independent sightseeing, shopping and last-minute photo opportunities. Overnight in St. Petersburg.
DAY 8
ST.PETERSBURG/USA: After breakfast, time at leisure for independent sightseeing and shopping. Transfer to St. Petersburg International Airport. Our journey comes to an end as we board our flight bound for the USA.
Please contact us at info@rnto.org for pricing or other information on all tours.St. Petersburg to Moscow 9-day Tour with Suzdal and Vladimir
Experience Russia’s two great capitals and other ancient cities on this combination tour. We unite the best of the two capitals with the most exciting sites on the Golden Ring.DAYS 1-2. ARRIVAL Arrival St.Petersburg The Cold War and the "Second Russian Revolution" are now long over. Get set for a fascinating visit to that part of the former Soviet Union called Russia. The Aeroflot (or American flag carrier) jet makes the night a short one, and soon you are landing not far from the Arctic Circle, in a city which was first called St. Petersburg, then Leningrad, and St.Petersburg once again. The city of the czars! Meet your passports-appointed Intourist representative and continue to your centrally-located hotel, settle in and then set out to explore the city with your escort. Meals included: Dinner Overnight: St. Petersburg.DAY 3. ST.PETERSBURG CITY SIGHTSEEING A city tour introduces the historic center of St. Petersburg, a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the avenue known as Nevsky Prospect, Kazan Cathedral, the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, Palace Square with the Winter Palace (which was the main imperial residence under the Czars), the Hermitage, the Almiralty, St. Isaac's Cathedral and the Mariinsky Theater (renamed Kirov Theater during the Soviet era). On the other side of the Neva River, you will see the University, Menchikov Palace, the Fortresss of Peter and Paul, the Cabin of Peter the Great (dating back to 1703, when the Czar was building his dream city), and the heavy cruiser Aurora, whose guns rang out loudest in 1917, during the "first" Russian revolution. You'll see the heavy cruiser Aurora, whose guns rang out loudest in 1917, during the "first" Russian revolution. Local Guide • A full-day local guide, well-educated and specially-trained on the history and culture of St. Petersburg, will accompany your group. Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan • Visit the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan, begun in 1801 in the Neo-Classical style and modeled after Rome's Basilica of St. Peter. During the Soviet era, the cathedral was deconsecrated and its housed the Museum of Religion and Atheism. It is once again an active Orthodox Cathedral, with "Atheism" removed from the name of the museum's collections it still holds. Peter and Paul Fortress • Enjoy a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress, built by Peter the Great to protect the area along the Neva River from the Swedes. Later, the fortress became the city's garrison and political prison, which housed famous inmates including Dostoyevsky, Gorkiy, Trotsky, Lenin's older brother Alexander and even Peter the Great's own rebellious son, Alexei. St. Isaac's Cathedral • Enjoy a visit to St. Isaac's Cathedral, whose gilded dome dominates St. Petersburg's skyline. Once the largest church in all of Russia, St. Isaac's is big enough to accommodate 14,000 standing worshippers. The Cathedral was converted into a museum in the 1930's. Visitors can admire exquisite exterior facades and inspirational sculptures, icons and paintings. Entrance is included to the observation point at the base of the dome, known as the Colonnade, for a spectacular view of the city. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: St. Petersburg. DAY 4. EXCURSION TO PETRODVORETS, HERMITAGE MUSEUM The Palace of Versailles is magnificent, but Petrodvorets, built by Peter the Great as a summer retreat, is greater still, as you will discover on a visit here today. Its construction, begun in 1704, extended for decades. See the Upper and Lower Parks' spectacular fountains and waterworks (the Sea Canal is connected to the Gulf) as well as the elaborate palace dreamed by the Russian Hermitage Museum • Today, visit the museum of all museums, the Hermitage! Lavishly decorated and fastidiously maintained since the days of Catherine the Great, these large, gold-leafed rooms contain works of art of inestimable value. Much of this art is European, imported by an admiring Russian aristocracy. Meals included: Dinner Overnight: St. Petersburg. DAY 5. EXCURSION TO PAVLOVSK AND PUSHKIN, OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO MOSCOW Travel to Pavlovsk, a town located nineteen miles south of St. Petersburg which grew around one of the most extravagant palaces in Russia. Grand Palace • Visit the golden-colored Grand Palace, situated on a bluff overlooking the Slavyanka River and surrounded by a splendid 1,500 acre park. The last of the imperial summer palaces to be built in the late 18th century, it includes a Neoclassical dome supported by 64 columns, a Throne Room, Knights Hall and Greek Hall, all decorated with paintings, bas-reliefs, gilt, marble and Gobelin tapestries. Travel to Pushkin • Travel to Pushkin, a town founded in the 18th century as a royal residence named Tsarskoye Selo. It now bears the name of the poet Pushkin, who studied in this city from 1811 to 1817. Catherine Palace • Visit the sumptuous Catherine Palace, begun in the 1750s by the Empress Elizabeth and later enlarged by Catherine II the Great. See how its striking blue and white façade extends nearly 1000 feet from the Agate Pavilion to the five-domed Palace Church. Inside, the lavish interior includes the "Golden Enfilade," a series of palatial rooms starting with the Great Hall (also called Light Gallery because of its large windows on either side), and the famous Amber Room added by Catherine the Great in 1770. It took skilled craftsmen twelve years and several tons of amber to create this room's original amber panels from 100,000 pieces of amber, carved then perfectly fitted together along with semiprecious gems and mirrors. Dismantled by the Nazis during World War II, the amber panels were shipped to Germany, and their location remains a mystery to this day. (The value of this "lost treasure" was estimated at 142 million dollars in 2000.) The restoration of the Amber Room to its original condition was completed in 2003. Overnight train to Moscow • Pick up the pace tonight with an exciting ride on the famed Red Arrow, the overnight train which links St. Petersburg to Moscow. Railway trains are different in Russia. To begin with, the railway tracks are farther apart than in Western countries, and the railway coaches are thus wider and more spacious, with purple curtains and oriental rugs on the inside, occasional silver samovar, and crisp white sheets on the sleeping berths. (One of these is reserved in your name.) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Aboard train. DAY 6. MOSCOW CITY SIGHTSEEING City sightseeing includes Red Square (with Lenin's Tomb on one side, and the equally well-known GUM department store on the other), St. Basil's Cathedral (built by Ivan the Terrible in the 1550s to commemorate the capture of the city of Kazan), Tverskaya Street (formerly Gorky Street), and the Kremlin. In town, you will also see the Bolshoi Theater, the forbidding façade of the Loubianka (once the headquarters of the KGB), the narrow streets of the old Kitaï-Gorod district, the banks of Moskva River and the Duma (Federal Assembly). Then motor up to the Vorobiev Hills (Sparrow Hills, formerly called Lenin Hills), the site of Moscow State University, from which you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Local Guide • A full-day local guide, well-educated and specially-trained on the history and culture of Moscow, will accompany you today. St. Basil's Cathedral • On a visit to St. Basil's Cathedral, the universally recognized symbol of Moscow, get a close-up view of its extraordinary ensemble of multicolored and seemingly random steeples, pinnacles and onion-domed towers. Yet, the cathedral is designed according to a classic Greek cross pattern, with chapels arranged around the main sanctuary, all with superb interior decoration. Originally white with golden domes when it was built in the 1550s, St. Basil's was later painted with a riot of colors that accentuate the unique characteristics of the towers, arranged to symbolize the flames of a bonfire. You will see the Novodevichy Convent, also known as the Smolensky Monastery. Founded in 1524, it is beautifully preserved and on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ride on the Moscow Metro • Your city tour includes a visit to the Moscow Metro, inaugurated in 1935 as a state-of-the-art urban transportation system and dubbed The People's Palace. Stations were decorated by the best artists of the time, with materials brought in from different regions of the Soviet Federation. The Moscow Metro now counts 145 stations and you will visit the most beautiful, which are decorated with marble, granite, onyx, paintings, mosaics or majolica tiles. Meals included: Breakfast on route, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Moscow. DAY 7. MOSCOW CITY SIGHTSEEING, SERGIEV POSAD, SUZDAL City sightseeing includes Red Square (with Lenin's Tomb on one side, and the equally well-known GUM department store on the other), St. Basil's Cathedral (built by Ivan the Terrible in the 1550s to commemorate the capture of the city of Kazan), Tverskaya Street (formerly Gorky Street), and the Kremlin. In town, you will also see the Bolshoi Theater, the forbidding façade of the Loubianka (once the headquarters of the KGB), the narrow streets of the old Kitaï-Gorod district, the banks of Moskva River and the Duma (Federal Assembly). Then motor up to the Vorobiev Hills (Sparrow Hills, formerly called Lenin Hills), the site of Moscow State University, from which you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Local Guide • A half-day local guide, well-educated and specially-trained on the history and culture of Moscow, will accompany your group. The Kremlin • A walk within the Kremlin provides a fascinating close-up view of the luxurious palaces built by the Czars and still used as government offices. You'll also see three of the most important cathedrals in all of Russia: the Cathedral of the Dormition, where the Czars were crowned, the Cathedral of the Annunciation with its nine golden domes, and the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, where the Czars were buried. Cathedral of the Dormition • A visit is included to the Cathedral of the Dormition, the most important church in Russia. Travel to Suzdal via Sergiev Posad • Your coach takes you forty miles north of Moscow to Sergiev Posad, which was renamed Zagorsk during the Soviet era. For the last 500 years, this city has been the most important pilgrimage center in Russia. And, oddly enough, it has also developed a reputation as a toy-making center. The first wooden dolls, known as matryoshka, were made in this town, and production continues to this day. Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius • Most visitors are drawn to Sergiev Posad by the Troitsa Sergieva Lavra, or Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius, which you will visit. This outstanding architectural ensemble serves as the residence of the Russian Patriarch and as the administrative center of the Russian Orthodox Church. Founded in 1340 by Sergiy of Radonezh (who became Russia's patron saint), the monastery is once again open for worship and its school of theology again attracts many students. Such is the importance of Sergiev Posad that UNESCO has placed it on its list of World Heritage Sites. Cathedral of the Assumption • You will visit the blue-domed Cathedral of the Assumption (Uspenky Sobor), built in the 16th century by Czar Ivan the Terrible. Travel to Suzdal • Travel to Suzdal, along a road lined with villages that evoke times gone by with their fairy-tale diplay of gabled roofs. Look for the banyas, Russia's popular version of the sauna. Meals included: Breakfest, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Suzdal. DAYS 8. SUZDAL GUIDED WALKING TOUR, KIDEKSHA, BOGOLYUBOVO, VLADIMIR, MOSCOW Explore Suzdal, which became the religious center of medieval Rus after the fall of Kiev. Its wealth of monuments, towers, domes, churches and monasteries illustrate the development of Russian architecture from the 12th to the 19th centuries. Suzdal Kremlin • Visit the Suzdal Kremlin, where you will see remnants of the first stone church, built in the 12th century, the main belfry and the snow white Archiepiscopal Palace. Nativity Cathedral • Dominating the Kremlin is the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God, which you will visit. This monumental building with five domes was begun in the 11th century. Travel to Moscow via Kidekcha, Bogolyubovo and Vladimir • Explore Suzdal, which became the religious center of medieval Rus after the fall of Kiev. Its wealth of monuments, towers, domes, churches and monasteries illustrate the development of Russian architecture from the 12th to the 19th centuries. Travel to Kidekcha • Travel to Kidekcha, a small village located three miles from Suzdal which was in the 12th century the residence of Prince Yuri Dolgorukiy, also known as George I of Rus. Church of St. Boris and St. Gleb • Visit the Church of St. Boris and St. Gleb, built on order of Prince Dolgorukiy. One of the oldest churches in this region of ancient monuments, it its dedicated to the princes Boris and Gleb, children of Vladimir the Great, who were the first Russian Orthodox saints to be canonized after they were murdered in 1015. Church of the Intercession of the Virgin on the Nerl photo stop • Stop on a small hill for a view of Bogolyubovo's Church of the Intercession of the Virgin on the Nerl, which dates back to 1165. This is perhaps the most famous monument in the Vladimir region, due to the elegance of its architecture, its location on a meadow overlooking the River Nerl and its connection to the Byzantine icon revered as The Virgin of Vladimir (now in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow). Half-day city sightseeing • Discover Vladimir's rich history through its striking monuments. Start at Golden Gates, the city gates built in 1164, from which you can see the two cathedrals built during the same period. Local Guide • A half-day local guide, well-educated and speciallytrained on the history and culture of Vladimir, will accompany your group. Cathedral of the Assumption • Visit the Cathedral of the Assumption, which stands on a hill by the Klyazma River and is known for its fine gilt, majolica tiles and frescoes. Dimitri Cathedral • The Dimitri Cathedral, which you will visit, is considered to be one of the most outstanding cathedrals in the country with the exceptional high reliefs carved on its façade and the outstanding frescoes and mosaics. Travel to Moscow • Travel to Moscow. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Moscow. DAY 9. DEPARTURE Depart Moscow • Da sveedanya! The time has come to say good-bye to Russia. Memories of a strong and courageous people will animate your reports to friends and family. Meals included: Breakfast
Please contact us at info@rnto.org for pricing or other information on all tours.Trans-Siberian Railroad Tour: Moscow – Vladivostok & Vladivostok – Moscow
Russia is a mysterious country and many have tried to understand it. But even Lev Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoyevsky wrote about the restless Russian soul. To understand Russia one should get on a train and cross it from East to West. For this purpose the Trans-Siberian Railway will be perfect — the most famous railway in the world, the path to the heart of Russia, thousands of kilometers from the shores of the Pacific Ocean to Moscow. Russia in all its historical greatness, the mixture of cultures, the architectural splendor and extravagance unifying different people and religions.Please contact us at info@rnto.org for pricing or other information on all tours.Trans-Siberian Railroad Tour: Moscow – Beijing & Beijing – Moscow
Two of the world’s great cultures are linked on our tour between Beijing and Moscow. Learn how Oriental traditions and Western civilization influenced each other.Please contact us at info@rnto.org for pricing or other information on all tours.5-day tour of Legendary Sochi-Krasnaya Polyana
Enjoy a 5-day vacation in a legendary city, which hosted the XXII Olympic Winter Games in 2014 and was one of the host cities for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Situated on the Black Sea coast, Sochi is the country’s biggest and most popular summer sea resort and one of the fastest-growing winter resorts. Its beautiful endless beaches, unique nature and warm healing climate will be an unforgettable experience for you and your family! The climate of the mountainous part of Sochi allows for a full ski season in winter, which makes Sochi one of the world’s most attractive year-round resorts.DAYS 1 Arrive in Sochi. You will be greeted at the airport by our professional guide and transferred to the hotel in Krasnaya Polyana. In the afternoon Visit of Sky Park Sochi. Catch the incredible feeling while an unforgettable walk along the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. DAYS 2 and 3
Begin with the excursion to Krasnaya Polyana – mountain cluster of Olympic games, and then continue with the Sochi city tour. During this sightseeing tour you will see the most popular places of the famous Russian resort: the architectural ensembles of the Sea Port and Central Railway Station, Sochi's numerous spa complexes and health resorts built in the 30ties-50ties, as well as ultra modern hotels. You are sure to admire the palatial building of the Winter Theater erected in 1936 being a masterpiece of architecture as it looks like ancient Greek-Roman temple.
The excursion includes the visit to the heart of the resort – Matsesta Spa Complex renowned for its curative mineral springs. Due to its unique balneological factor Sochi has become a resort of the worldwide significance.
You will also visit Stalin's summer residence, which is a "time-travel" into dictator's epoch wherein everything and especially the atmosphere is still preserved like during his lifetime. While touring the residence you may order a cup of tea or coffee and relax at the favorite Stalin's open terrace.
Visit to Park Arboretum, which features more than 2000 species of plants brought from different climatic zones of the world from each continent. At any time of the year one can admire the blossoming flowers and vegetation. Among other sites of this tour is a stop at Akhun Mount (from which you can admire Sochi from the height of a bird's flight). From the observation platfrom you will enjoy the vast panoramic view over National Park, the Great Caucasian Range, the Black Sea and the whole Sochi , "Pearl of the Black Sea".
At the end of the busy day, enjoy overnight at the hotel in the very center of Sochi.
DAY 4 Visit to Olympic Park (coastal cluster of Olympic Games) and Sochi autodrom. This is where 5 ice palaces and a new stadium for holding the world football championship 2018 are to be found. Cutting-edge technologies have been used to create the venues for figure skating, curling and ice-hockey. A new Grand-prix track is also located in Olympic park. DAY 5 Bid farewell to this beautiful sunny city as we transfer you to the airport after your exciting journey.Please contact us at info@rnto.org for pricing or other information on all tours.Russian Winter Wonder Land
Come celebrate the Russian Winter Fest! Pack some warm clothes for a troika sleigh ride and enjoy one of the most amazing journeys of your lifetime! (No need for a fur hat, we will get it for you in Russia).DECEMBER 27
Morning Arrival to Moscow Airport Transfer to the city-centre Private excursion of Moscow city-tour (covers major places of interest City Tour. Experience the grandeur of Red Square and the Russian White House. See Moscow University, the former KGB headquarters building and central Moscow) Private sightseeing excursion to Kremlin with Cathedrals Free time Evening pick up from the lobby of the hotel Metropol + private transfer for your overnight train to St. Petersburg, 1st class ticket.
DECEMBER 28
Morning arrival to St. Petersburg Transfer from the train station to the hotel Check-in to the hotel Morning pick up from the lobby of the hotel for your private city-tour (covers major places of interest) Lunch free Afternoon private sightseeing excursion of the Hermitage Museum in Winter Palace Evening transfer back to the hotel Overnight at the hotel.
DECEMBER 29
Breakfast at the hotel Morning pick up from the lobby of the hotel for your private sightseeing excursion of St. Isaac's and Peter and Paul's Fortress Cathedrals Lunch free Afternoon private sightseeing excursion to Peter the Great's Summer Residence - Peterhoff Evening transfer back to the hotel Overnight at the hotel.
DECEMBER 30
Breakfast at the hotel Check-out from the hotel Pick up from the lobby of the hotel + private sightseeing excursion of Catherine's Palace in Pushkin Lunch free Afternoon private sightseeing excursion of Paul's Palace in Pavlovsk Return to St. Petersburg Evening Departure transfer from the city centre to the airport for your flight back.
Please contact us at info@rnto.org for pricing or other information on all tours.New Year’s Eve in Catherine Palace
Russian National Group has assembled all the elements of a mind-enriching week’s journey taking in Russia’s great cultural treasures. It culminates in the Tsar’s New Year’s Ball at Catherine Palace. It features evening-long meals and entertainment sampling ballet, opera and folkloric elements – all hosted by a cast of nearly a hundred Russian “nobles” in period dress. You will be transported back to 18th-century Imperial Russia on an evening you will never forget!
DECEMBER 28
Leave the US on your overnight flight for your journey to Russia.
DECEMBER 29
Arrival in St. Petersburg. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Balance a day at leisure of rest and relaxation. Welcome dinner with cocktail.
DECEMBER 30
This morning you will have a city tour. En route, you will enjoy the sights of this gorgeous city, Tsar Peter the Greats "Window to the West." Only 300 years ago, the city was built by Tsar Peter to capture and rival the beauties of Paris and Venice. You'll love the extravagant baroque architecture of the city center,Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square, and Smolny Convent. In the afternoon, tour Peter and Paul Fortress with its famous Peter and Paul Church containing the tombs of Russian rulers from Peter the Great through Alexander III. After visiting the fortress, your tour continues to St.Isaac's Cathedral (constructed 1818-58) is the largest in the city, with its tall gilt dome, one of the many focal points of St.Petersburg. Your tour continues with a visit to Alexander Nevsky Abbey. You will visit the oldest cemetery in Russia, wheremany of the country's most famous historical figures are buried.
DECEMBER 31
Today enjoy the many wonders of the elegant Winter Palace that houses the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest art and cultural museums in the world. This vast collection (about 65,000 items) includes some of history's most important art. Lunch in the City. Balance of afternoon at leisure for relaxation before theNew Year's Eve event in Catherine Palace. A late evening drive will take you to the lovely city of Pushkin, formerly Tsarskoe Selo, the "Tsar's Village". On the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg, you will meet in the magnificent Catherine Palace, which hosts the Ball with an authentic atmosphere of unequaled pomp. A true romance and splendor of the Imperial traditions of festivities will be felt by the guests as they are brought back to the times of a bygone era. Inside the Palace the Russian hussars, Prince and Princess,provide a lavish welcome traditionally reserved for royalty. The Ball starts in the ballroom of the Catherine Palace. The Court Ballet greets the guests with a polonaise, followed by the official announcement of the dinner by the Prince and Princess. The specially created menu features traditional Russian caviar, served in large blocks of ice, blinis, and European-style dishes complemented by carefully selected wines and champagne. A philharmonic and classical balalaika orchestra provide background music. Midnight is celebrated with pomp, a bell concert and fireworks in the park. The extravaganza continues through the morning of the New Year with a Russian Folklore and Cossack Show, as well as Gypsy songs with wild dancing and singing by the performers.
JANUARY 1
This morning enjoy the Troika Ride. Afternoon transfer to the train station foryour day train trip Moscow. Arrival in Moscow. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Dinner at the hotel.
JANUARY 2
After breakfast, you will be escorted on an in-depth tour of this fascinating Russian capital. Enjoy the grandeur of Red Square and the Russian White House. See Moscow University, the former KGBheadquarters, and central Moscow. Experience a deep sense of history as you trace the footsteps of the legions of princes, paupers, and poets who have passed through this ancient city. This afternoon delight in a visit to the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts. Here, discover an important collection of FrenchImpressionism, as well as other major schools of Western Art dating from the Renaissance through the 20th century. After the museum, ride the amazing Moscow Metro where every station is an individual monument to Soviet art and design. Enjoy an evening performance in one of the best theatres of Moscow.
JANUARY 3
This morning's tour takes you to the heart of the city, the Kremlin. This former Moscow citadel, "Kremlin" means "fortress" and houses exquisite palaces, presidential buildings, lovely churches, and scores of major historical monuments. Your tour of the Kremlin will also include a visit to the fascinating State Armory, the oldest museum in Russia. As its name implies, it contains many ancient weapons and armor, as well as a treasure-trove of gorgeous crown jewels, gold-encrusted icons, bejeweled royal scepters and exquisitely carved thrones. All these lovely treasures eloquently tell the history of Imperial Russia. Visit Novodevichy Convent. Originally built as a fortress, it also functioned as a convent for women of the royal family and prison for Princess Sophia, sister of Peter the Great, after she made three aborted attempts on his life to deprive him of the throne. The convent itself is a unique example of 16th and 17th century architecture.
JANUARY 4
Bid farewell to this exciting city, as we transfer you to the airport after your fascinating journey.
Please contact us at info@rnto.org for pricing or other information on all tours.Private Sightseeing
Private sightseeing is a great opportunity to custom-design the exact trips you’ve always dreamed about.MOSCOW
Founded more than 850 years ago the historical capital offers a wealth of cultural, musical and entertainment activities to its visitors. Today, this ancient heart of Russia is enjoying a renaissance of impressive proportions.
City Tour • Experience the grandeur of Red Square and the Russian White House. See Moscow University, the former KGB headquarters building and central Moscow.
Novodevichy Convent • Add Novodevichy Convent to your city sightseeing tour. Originally built as a fortress, it also functioned as a convent for women of the royal family and a prison for Princess Sophia, sister of Peter the Great. It is a unique example of 16th and 17th century architecture.
The Kremlin • This former Moscow citadel the name means Fortress houses exquisite palaces, presidential buildings, lovely churches and scores of major historical monuments. Kremlin tour with three cathedrals.
Armory Museum • Add a visit to the Armory Museum to your Kremlin tour.The State Armory is the oldest museum in Russia. As its name implies, it contains many ancient weapons and armor, but you will also find a treasure trove of gorgeous crown jewels, golden crusted icons, bejeweled royal scepters and exquisitely carved thrones. Kremlin tour with the Armory Museum.
Royal Diamond Fund • You may add this to the above tour of the Kremlin and Armory Museum. The Diamond Fund is a true treasure trove of thousands of loose diamonds, gold nuggets, and both ancient and modern jewelry of kinds.Rate for Kremlin Tour with Armory and Diamond Fund.
Tretyakov Gallery • Founded in 1856by Pavel Tretyakov to show the work of Russian artists. Today, after much expansion, the gallery houses and celebrates over 57,000 pieces of the most important ancient and contemporary Russian art in the world.
Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts • Here you will discover an important collection of French Impressionists as well as other major schools of Western Art, dating from the Renaissance to the Twentieth Century.
Excursion to Sergiev Posad • Located 44 miles northeast of Moscow,you will visit the Trinity Monastery of St.Sergiy, Russia's foremost chief monastery.After a visit to Trinity Church, oldest building in the monastery (1422 - 1423),you will visit the museum of icons.
Excursion to Kolomenskoe • This summer residence of the Tzars is located on the high bank of the Moskva River. The museum houses a collection of decorative and applied arts and crafts of the 17th century.
Performances • Any tickets to performances are available for the Bolshoi theatre, Stanislavsky Opera or Ballet, Tchaikovsky Hall, Puppet Show, and folklore shows.
ST. PETERSBURG
Visit this 300 years old exquisite city of palaces and canals, built by tzar Peter the Great as his "Window on the west", to rival other great cities of Europe; it is known to many as "Venice of the North". Choose a hotel below and add your own sightseeing and ground services: airport to hotel transfers are $60 per car for 1 to 3 people in either direction. All sightseeing is by private car with driver and an expert English-speaking guide from our fully staffed offices. With Russian National Group there is never a booking fee to create your own package, it's one our many freebies we like to offer you. You'll get great service and a plethora of historical facts to interest even the most avid history buff.
City Tour • Enjoy a tour of the central city including Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square and Smolny convent.Combine a city sightseeing tour with one or more of the following in depth tours:Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac's Cathedral, or the Alexander Nevsky Abbey.
Peter and Paul Fortress and St.Isaac's Cathedral • At the fortress,visit the famous Peter and Paul Cathedral,which contains the tombs of Russian rulers from Peter the Great through Alexander III. After visiting the fortress,continue your tour with a visit to St.Isaac's Cathedral (under construction from 1818 to 1858), largest in the city.With its tall gilt dome, is one of the landmarks of the city.
Alexander Nevsky Abbey • Visit the monastery and the 19thcenturyNecropolis, which contains the graves of many famous Russian writers, composers and sculptors.
Hermitage Museum • Enjoy the many wonders of the elegant Winter Palace,which now houses the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest art and cultural museums in the world. This vast collection (about 65,000 items) includes some of history's most important art.
Peterhof and Parks • Visit the summer palace complex of Peter the Great,the construction of which began in 1714 and included numerous fountains.Catherine Palace in Pushkin • Visit the city of Pushkin, formerly Tsarskoe Selo, Cz.
Pavlovsk Palace • One of Czar Pavel's summer palaces. Like many other royal residences, this palace sustained heavy damage during the war, but most of it has been restored to its former glory. Combine Pavlovsk with Catherine Palace.
Yusupov Palace • Visit the palace where Rasputin was murdered. Enjoy a "Vodka Rasputin".
Performances • Any tickets to performances are available for the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres, Hermitage theatre, Alexandriysky Opera and Ballet,Stanislavsky Opera or Ballet, Tchaikovsky Hall, Puppet Show, and folklore shows.
Please contact us at info@rnto.org for pricing or other information on all tours.
