Ten Day Russian Cities Tour

Arrive Riga and check in at hotel.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Today we explore the historic old town of Riga on foot. During our walking tour we get to see some of the fabulous pieces of architecture, from Gothic to Modernistic.Passing through places like Freedom Monument,so-called because of its dedication to "Fatherland and Freedom", Gunpowder Tower, Swedish Gate, St. Jacob's Church, Main Square, Cathedral and Three Brothers' House, this walk makes an interesting journey through the history of Riga.Later in the afternoon we take an overnight train to Moscow, Russia.

Overnight Basic Train Included meals: Breakfast

Please note that breakfast is not included on the train. Moscow is the pivotal centre of Russia and there is much to see and do here. Today in the afternoon we include a metro orientation tour which includes a visit to Red Square, still paved in its original stones. The metro itself is an experience being elaborately decorated with chandeliers and mosaics.Later in the evening we have free time to wander around the city centre.

Overnight Standard Hotel

On our second day, with a local guide we set on a bus to visit outlining areas of Moscow including Lenin Hills and get to see Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery from the outside, with red and white crenellated walls and golden dome, it is one of Moscow's most attractive monastries. Then we visit the famous Moscow Kremlin on Red Square – a city within a city. The triangular walls of this incredible complex of buildings enclose three fine palaces, cathedrals, belfries and towers, representing Russia throughout its glorious past. Later we recommend an optional visit to the Kremlin Armoury, which contains a stunning collection of imperial jewels and regalia, including the 16th century English silver sent to Ivan the Terrible by Queen Elizabeth I, with an eye to matrimony; or Lenin's Mausoleum and St Basils or visit one of the many fine art galleries.

Included meals: Breakfast

Today we begin our visit by road to the famous cities known as the Zolotoye Koltso or the ‘Golden Ring’. Each of these ancient towns in its own way represents the historic spirit or soul of the Russian people. We make a slight detour en route to Vladimir to visit Sergiev Posad, or Town of Sergius. We can only marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the golden domes and great bell-tower silhouetted so defiantly against the crisp blue sky. They form part of the Trinity Monastery of St Sergius, a main centre of the Russian Orthodox Church. Founded in the 1340s by the crusading monk Sergei Radonezhsky, who lies buried here under the Trinity Cathedral, the church buildings copy the style of a Byzantine Cruciform. Peter the Great regularly used this monastery. Today, the town is famed for the craftsmanship of its wooden toys, particularly the Matrioshka; nests of wooden dolls which fit one inside the other. This afternoon we continue to Vladimir, which is situated on a semi-circular hill on the Klyazma riverside. Founded in 1108 by Prince Vladimir Monomakh, the Grand Prince of Kiev, many of its striking 12th century monuments still remain intact. Among the splendid sights here are the Cathedrals of the Assumption (1185-89) and of St Demetrius (1194-97). The latter is a medieval gem, one of the finest in the whole country. Its high reliefs, carved on the front of the cathedral, depict strangely mixed characters from the scriptures and classical history, King Solomon and Alexander the Great, for example. Also of note are Vladimir’s Golden Gates (1164), which were ambitiously modelled on the gates of Kiev and which also acted as important fortifications to defend the city.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Already a settlement in the 10th century, Suzdal was mentioned for the first time in the chronicles of 1024, but began to flower architecturally in the 12th century under Yury Dolgoruky. We will be able to see the Kremlin (fortress or citadel), rebuilt during two or three centuries after being pillaged and burnt by the Mongols in 1238 (Outside only - not internal courtyard). To the north of the town stands the great Spaso-Evfimiyevsky Monastery (founded 14th century), which was used until the 20th century as a rather terrifying Russian Bastille to imprison disgraced nobles, free-thinkers and political hotheads. The outstanding building within its walls is the Cathedral of the Transfiguration (1594), with five domes and several superb murals. On the far side of the river we see the Convent of the Intercession (founded 1364), which was also long used as a prison for the unwanted wives of nobles (Ivan the Terrible, his father, and Peter the Great, all exiled their wives here for various reasons). Further down the river is the remarkable Field Museum of Wooden Architecture, which has a distinctive collection of ancient wooden churches, manor houses and windmills, dismantled and re-erected here from all across northern Russia. Continuing our journey we head to Rostov Veliky.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Located on the shores of Lake Nero, Rostov Veliky (Rostov the Great), is one of Russia’s oldest cities. We visit the Kremlin, considered by many locals as the finest outside Moscow. Its strategic position on top of a hill and the impressive kilometrelong white walls, make the Kremlin, the main landmark in this picturesque town in the Golden Ring. Also included in our sightseeing is the Enamel Museum inside the Kremlin. The art of enamel work was developed in this town at the end of the 18th century. We’ll appreciate both ancient and modern examples of this beautiful technique. We then drive to Yaroslavl which stands proudly at the meeting point of the two rivers, Volga and Kotorsl, and is rich in ancient monuments. It takes its name from Prince Yaroslavl of Rostov who captured the settlement here. The town can also claim to have founded Russian dramas: Fyodor Volkov established the first professional repertory company here in 1748. This afternoon we will visit one of Yaroslavl’s famed churches before taking a short boat trip on the river Volga. Tonight we take an overnight train to St, Petersburg.

Overnight Basic Train Included meals: Breakfast

St. Petersburg is famous for its romantic ‘White Nights’, the period from May until July when the sun practically never sets. The city (formerly known as Leningrad) was founded by Peter the Great as his ‘Window on the West’, and built on the hundred islets that form the delta of the Neva river. It must surely be acclaimed as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe – some would say the most beautiful. Peter’s original idea for its location as a naval base on the Baltic Coast was certainly a huge mistake as the port is ice-bound for one third of the year. Nevertheless, it became the city of great writers like Pushkin and Dostoyevski and it still retains much of the romantic spirit of those bygone days. On arrival this morning we will conduct a sightseeing tour of the city by bus, before going to our hotel to check in.

Please note breakfast is not included on the train.

Overnight Standard Hotel

This morning we visit the magnificent Hermitage Museum, which was augmented by Catherine the Great. The Hermitage is unquestionably one of the finest art galleries in the world, containing the works of masters like Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Raphael, Velazquez, Rubens and Rembrandt, as well as contemporary pieces by Matisse and Picasso. This afternoon you have the option to visit St. Peter and Paul’s fortress, the final resting place of many of Russia’s tsars and their families.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we shall Travel by bus to Pushkin(formerly Tsarskoe Selo, the ‘Tsar’s Village’) where Pushkin’s 19th century wooden house is located (currently under restoration). The Tsar’s royal estates were built here, including the summer residence of“Catherine the Great”, a majestic palace styled in blue and gold rococo. We may stroll around the lakes and gardens of the palace after viewing its sumptuous interior including the grand gold and crystal ballroom as well as the recently restored Amber Room. This afternoon we return to the city and you may have the option to visit the Yusupov Palace where the “mad monk” Rasputin was famously (eventually), murdered.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Included meals: Breakfast