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An outstanding and thorough journey through historical, religious and political centers of Russia. This is an excellent opportunity for the traveleer to explore the lesser known principalities and duchies and to see the splendour of two Russian capitals: Moscow and St. Petersburg.
1st day:
Arrival in Moscow. Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel.
2nd day: Moscow
Moscow. Morning sightseeing tour of Moscow encompasses Red Square, St. Basil's cathedral, the famous GUM store, the Bolshoy Theatre, the Sparrow Hills and Novodevichy Convent.
A tour in the afternoon incorporates the Kremlin with its cathedrals, renowned for their fine art and marvelous interiors.
Facultative: concert, ballet or circus performance in the evening.
3rd day:
Leave Moscow for Sergiev Posad (65 km) to visit the Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Laura – “Russian Vatican» – one of the most important monasteries and religious centers of Russia.
Departure for Rostov (130 km) with a stop in Pereslavl-Zalessky to see the wonderful architecture of its historical center. In Rostov – a tour of the Kremlin, the most famous landmark of the town, situated on Nero lake, exhibition of enamel works, which Rostov is famous for. Departure for Yaroslavl (57 km). Hotel accommodation.
4th day: Yaroslavl & Kostroma.
City tour of Yaroslavl – the oldest city on the Volga, founded by Yaroslav-the-Wise at the beginning of the X cent. The highlights of this tour are the Monastery of the Savior and the church of Elijah the Prophet.
Departure for Suzdal (250 km) with a stop for a sightseeing tour of the Ipatiev Monastery in Kostroma – Tsars Romanovs' dynasty cradle. Hotel accommodation in Suzdal.
5th day: Suzdal & Vladimir.
Sightseeing tour of Suzdal — a museum town with magnificent monuments of Russian stone and wooden architecture XIII-XVIII cent., with rich icon and applied art collection, bell-ringing.
Departure for Vladimir (30 km), once the capital of Russia, to see the mas-terpieces of Russian architecture – the Assumption and St. Dimetrius Cathedrals, Bogoljubovo – ex-residence of Vladimir princes, world famous church of the Intercession-on-the Nerl.
Dinner with Russian cuisine. Facultative: Choir concert / Folklore concert.
Transfer to the railway station to take the overnight train to St. Petersburg.
6th day: St. Petersburg.
Morning arrival in St.Petersburg. Transfer to the hotel.
City tour shows us the Admiralty, Bronze Horseman statue, Arts Square, Kazan and St. Isaac Cathedrals, Winter Palace. Visit to Hermitage – world famous arts treasury. Facultative: canal boat trip / opera, ballet, or concert performance.
7th day:
Half-day tour to one of the suburban royal residences of Tsarskoye Selo or Peterhof. Time at leisure.
Fakultative: Farewell dinner.
8th day:
Transfer to the airport.
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