Two Capitals at a Glance

3 days and 2 nights

  • Schedule
    Tour can be started on any day
  • Route
    Moscow - St. Petersburg
  • Languages
    English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
  • Accommodation
    The following hotel options are available:
    3 stars - 4 stars - 5 stars
  • PRIVATE TOUR
    This is a private tour, there won't be other people in your group
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Itinerary

Below is the itinerary of our popular Moscow St. Petersburg tour. The order of excursions may be changed in accordance to museum work schedules and your flight details. On some occasions, there may be two excursions on the same day.

Day 1 Moscow

Arrival in Moscow
On arrival in Moscow you will be met by our friendly representative who will escort you by car or mini bus to your hotel. Your Moscow travel itinerary begins right away as on the way to the hotel, you will have the opportunity to get your first glimpse of this truly unique city.

Panoramic City Tour. This tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city´s major highlights. Our professional guide will escort you on a route that includes Vorobyevi Hills where you will get an incredible view of the city from an observation point, you will proceed to Moscow State University which is an example of architecture from the time of Stalin and one of Russia’s leading schools of higher education, then on to Novodevichiy Convent, the Diplomatic Village, Victory Park, the Triumphal Arch, Kutuzovsky Prospect, the Arbat and much more.

Moscow is the capital and the largest city in Russia as well as the largest metropolitan area in Europe with a population well over 10 million. This amazing city has served as the capital of the Soviet Union, the Russian Empire and the Grand Duchy of Moscow. Moscow has had a tumultuous history dating back to medieval times when it was founded by Prince Yuri Dolgoruki (Yuri of the Long Arms, known for the length of his arms!) in the early 12th century. It has seen numerous invasions and sieges from the Mongols to the Poles and Lithuanians to the Crimean Tatars to Napoleon and finally the Nazi’s but it has persevered and today is a thriving metropolis. The city is filled with unique architecture from the Kremlin and Red Square to giant Stalin skyscrapers to new office blocks built during the economic boom of recent years and it contains a strikingly beautiful metro system. The city is the center of political as well as economic power in Russia and visitors can feel the energy in the streets. There is always something going on in Moscow and there is so much to see. 

Day 2 Moscow - St. Petersburg

Early morning - transfer to the train station

Sapsan high-speed train to St. Petersburg

Arrival in St. Petersburg

On arrival in St. Petersburg you will be met by our friendly representative who will escort you by car or mini bus to your hotel. On the way to the hotel, you will have the opportunity to get your first glimpse of this truly unique and beautiful city. After settling in at the hotel, you can sit down to a short lunch (optional), to prepare you for the city tour.

Panoramic City Tour. This tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with all of the city´s major highlights. Our professional guide will take you down Nevsky Prospect, St. Petersburg´s most famous and vibrant thoroughfare. There you will see some of the city´s most interesting architectural monuments including the Kazan Cathedral and the Winter Palace. You will then proceed to Vasilevsky Island - the area of the city that Peter the Great originally planned to be the city center. This island juts out into the Gulf of Finland - reminding you of St. Petersburg´s close proximity to the sea and maritime history. The tour will include a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress - a symbol of St. Petersburg and also the oldest building in the city. While there, you will visit Peter and Paul Cathedral, the burial place of the Russian Tsars from Peter the Great onward. You will then be taken back to your hotel to relax.

St. Petersburg is the former capital of Imperial Russia, home of the Tsars and one of the world’s most beautiful and romantic cities. St. Petersburg was founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703 on the banks of the Neva River and the Gulf of Finland. The city has seen its share of historical events including the Decembrist revolt, the palace coup and murder of Tsar Pavel, the intrigues of Catherine the Great, the assassination Tsar Alexander II, the influence of Rasputin on the Russian royal family, the Revolution of 1905 and the October Revolution of 1917 which brought the communists to power. During WWII, the city then known as Leningrad, went through a harrowing two and a half year blockade and siege by the Nazi invaders resulting in the deaths of over 1 million of its citizens. Today, St. Petersburg is Russia’s second largest city with a population of over 5 million. It is also known as the center of Russian art, culture and literature – former citizens included Pushkin and Dostoevsky just to name a few. The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of beautiful palaces and monuments including the Winter Palace. The city is also known as the Venice of the North because of its location on various islands in the Neva River and its many canals and bridges. St. Petersburg is home to the world famous Hermitage Museum which contains one of the world’s largest collections of art including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Matisse, Picasso as well as many other old masters and impressionists. We are sure that you will find St. Petersburg one of the most if not the most fascinating places you have ever visited.

Day 3 St. Petersburg

Breakfast at the hotel

Hotel check out
After a nice breakfast at the hotel, you will be escorted to one of the greatest and largest art museums in the world - the Hermitage. The museum consists of five historical buildings including the Winter Palace - the residence of the Russian Tsars. The museum contains over 3 million pieces of art with dates ranging from high antiquity to the present day. Among the Hermitages treasures are artworks by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens and more. We will spend 3 hours at the museum, however, to view the collection in its entirety would take almost 15 years, spending 8 hours a day in the museum and taking one minute to examine each exhibit.

Transfer to the airport

Say goodbye to Russia, we hope that you enjoyed your time with us and we look forward to welcoming you back sometime in the future. Do Svidaniya or until we meet again!

Accommodation

Below you can see a list of hotels that we most frequently use for our tours. All the hotels are located in city centre, close to sightseeing, shopping and dining areas. In case these hotels are not available on your travel dates we will offer alternatives of a similar quality.

Moscow
Arbat House
  • Restaurant
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Non-smoking Rooms
Arbat House

Arbat House is a mid-range hotel in the very centre of Moscow. It is located in a calm and well- guarded area just near Novy Arbat street. The hotel´s 5-storey building was constructed in 1984 and was totally renovated in 2006-2007. Nowadays the hotel can accommodate 100 guests in 60 rooms of 4 different categories. The hotel is an ideal place to stay at either for businessmen or tourists. All major business centres and places of interest are located nearby.

Maxima Panorama
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Non-smoking Rooms
Maxima Panorama

Maxima Panorama hotel is the 4th hotel in the Maxima hotels chain. The hotel welcomed its first guests in August 2009. The hotel occupies a building that was totally renovated according to the latest industry standards. Despite a bit scary fasade look, the hotel features very spacious and comfortable rooms with soft beds, new furniture, flat screen TVs and many other usefull facilities. Enjoy free WIFI access in all areas!

Boris Godunov
  • Bar
  • Fitness Center
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Non-smoking Rooms
Boris Godunov

Godunov Hotel is located just a bit to the north from Red Square and only a 5-minute walk from 2 central metro stations. Being located in the very city centre this hotel is perfect for travellers interested in city walks and Moscow's history. The hotel is modern, it features free WiFi internet access and air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs. You can choose a room with a bathtub or a shower. There is no shortage of restaurants or cafes nearby, and breakfast is served in the hotel's cafe.

Mercure Arbat
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness Center
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Non-smoking Rooms
Mercure Arbat

A 109-room boutique hotel ideally located in the historic center of Moscow on the pedestrian Arbat Street, famous for its artists, souvenir shops, restaurants, cafés and bars. The hotel is very close to two metro stations, the international trade center, Expocentre and the Moscow International Business Center. Guests have access to WIFI, tea and coffee making facilities, Nespresso machines in Privilege Rooms, a fitness center, infrared sauna, restaurant, bar area, library and meeting room.

Golden Ring
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness Center
  • Room Service
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Non-smoking Rooms
Golden Ring

The Golden Ring Hotel is a five-star hotel, affiliated with the Department of Affairs of the President of the Russian Federation. The hotel is located in the very center of Moscow, opposite the Ministery of Foreign Affairs buidling, not far from the Red Square and Kremlin museums, close to many embassies and in immediate proximity to the historical, cultural, business and entertainment centers of the capital.

Savoy
  • Room Service
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Fitness Center
  • Indoor Pool
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Non-smoking Rooms
Savoy

The historical five-star Savoy is located in the very heart of the Russian capital. Just steps away are the Bolshoy and Maly Theaters, Red Square, the Kremlin museums, fashionable boutiques, cafes and nightclubs. Reflecting the Moscow lifestyle, the Savoy combines gracious traditions with state-of-the-art guest room amenities. An extensive restoration and renovation in 2005 gave the Savoy its rebirth. While preserving its original glory and charm, the Savoy now offers its guests the highest level of luxury and comfort. In 2011 Savoy has become part of the prestigious "Great Hotels of the World" chain.

St. Petersburg
Kristoff Hotel
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Non-smoking Rooms
Kristoff Hotel

The new cozy Kristoff Hotel is located in the city center of St. Petersburg and has a very nice homestyle atmosphere making it a great place for both tourists and business travelers. The staff strives to fulfill even the most demanding customers´ needs. The hotel is located not far from the city´s central market, jazz club and the famous Troika restaurant.

M Hotel
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Non-smoking Rooms
M Hotel

"M Hotel" is a conveniently located inexpensive and comfortable hotel in the heart of St. Petersburg. The hotel is situated within the Golden Triangle district close to the Hermitage, the Kazan Cathedral, the Russian museum etc. There are lots of cute cafes and restaurants nearby. "M hotel" features 54 rooms including 3 suites and 8 superior rooms. Stay at this hotel, and you will definitely visit St. Petersburg again!

Golden Triangle
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Non-smoking Rooms
Golden Triangle

The hotel is located in the very heart of the city, actually in the central area with major places of interest that is usually called The Golden Triangle. So if you are a guest of this hotel all landmarks and tourist attractions are just minutes of walk away. Moreover, in addition to its great location the hotel boasts of its cozy and comfortable rooms.

Rossi
  • Spa
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Indoor Pool
  • Room Service
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Non-smoking Rooms
Rossi

The Rossi Hotel is situated in the heart of a world-known architectural ensemble of ulitsa Zodchego Rossi (Architect Rossi street). Opened in 2007, the hotel inherited the best traditions of the Russian hospitality. The comfort and luxury of its rooms are well-combined with modern technologies, that makes your stay in the hotel a pleasant experience.

Domina St Petersburg
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness Center
  • Room Service
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Non-smoking Rooms
Domina St Petersburg

Domina Saint-Petersburg is the first Russian 5-star hotel of the well-known Italian chain. It is located just 8 minutes' walk from St. Isaac's Cathedral and offers air-conditioned rooms of classic design with free Wi-Fi and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel is not huge (100+ rooms on 7 storeys), but still has its own restaurant Arcobaleno with a separate street entrance, which serves mainly Italian cuisine. As the hotel is in the very city centre with a limited parking lot on the street there is an underground parking at your convenience.

Petro Palace
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Indoor Pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Non-smoking Rooms
Petro Palace

This comfortable hotel opened in 2005 and is located in the historical center of Saint Petersburg on Malaya Morskaya Street within several-minute walk from the city´s main street - Nevsky Prospect and the city´s main sights of interest - Palace Square, The Hermitage, Saint Isaac´s Cathedral, The Admiralty, Kazansky Cathedral, the Peter and Paul Fortress, and others. The Hotel is located in an old, famous, fully renovated building protected as a historic landmark. The hotel has all modern amenities and is rated as a 4-star hotel.

Included Sightseeing

These sights are included into the standard package:

Moscow
Red Square
Red Square

The Red Square was first mentioned in the chronicles of 1434 as the Trade Square, then, after the devastating fire of 1493, it was renamed Fire Square. In the 16th century they called it Trinity Square, and in the 1660s it was finally given the name of Krasnaya, which at the time meant 'beautiful', 'best' or 'main'. Among the sights located in the square are: the statue of Minin and Pozharsky, the Mausoleum of Lenin, the Upper Trading Rows (including famous GUM), the clock at the Spasskaya Tower - showing the most correct Moscow time, the History Museum, the beautiful Church of St Basil the Blessed, Kazansky Cathedral and many other outstanding pieces of Russian architecture. 

Major Moscow City Highlights
Major Moscow City Highlights

Major Moscow highlights include: Vorobyevi Hills with an incredible view of the city from an observation point; Moscow State University which is an example of architecture from the time of Stalin; Novodevichiy Convent, the Diplomatic Village, Victory Park, the Triumphal Arch, Kutuzovsky Prospect, the Arbat and much more.

St. Petersburg
Peter and Paul Fortress
Peter and Paul Fortress

The fortress was founded by Peter the Great in 1703. Besides the ancient fortifications, the fortress includes the Peter and Paul Cathedral, built in the early XVIII century. The cathedral includes the burial vault of Peter the Great and other Russian Tsars, the museum of Trubetskoy Bastion prison and the expositions: The History of St. Petersburg, History of the Imperial Mint as well as a printing workshop and the museum of space exploration and missilery. It is also possible to walk along the walls of the fortress and observe the fabulous architecture of the surrounding areas. Any tour to St. Petersburg is not complete without a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress.

Nevsky Prospekt
Nevsky Prospekt

Nevsky Prospekt is St. Petersburg's main street. It stretches from the Admilarty building up to Alexander Nevsky Monastery. St. Petersburg was the first city in Russia to be built in accordance to a plan with Nevsky Prospect being a central part of the original plan. This is one of the oldest streets of the city and each building here has a rich history behind it. Kazan Catherdal, Stroganov Palace, the Zinger building, Eliseevsky Store - are just some of the famous buildings that you can see on Nevsky.

Hermitage Museum
Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage is one of the greatest museums in the world. The museum consists of five historical buildings including the Winter Palace - the residence of the Russian Tsars. The museum contains over 3 million pieces of art with dates ranging from high antiquity to the present day. Among the Hermitage's treasures are artworks by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens and many others.

Prices and Terms

Low Jan 11th - Mar 31st, Nov 1st - Dec 22nd
  hotel 3 stars hotel 4 stars hotel 5 stars
1 $1469 $1718 $1991
2 $835 $991 $1125
3 - 4 $693 $833 $968
5 - 6 $540 $663 $796
single supplement $102 $132 $232
Shoulder Apr 1st - Apr 30th, Oct 1st - Oct 31st
  hotel 3 stars hotel 4 stars hotel 5 stars
1 $1487 $1775 $2071
2 $844 $1019 $1165
3 - 4 $702 $861 $1008
5 - 6 $549 $690 $835
single supplement $108 $151 $259
High May 1st - Sep 30th, Dec 23rd - Jan 10th
  hotel 3 stars hotel 4 stars hotel 5 stars
1 $1615 $1918 $2199
2 $908 $1091 $1229
3 - 4 $765 $932 $1071
5 - 6 $610 $758 $896
single supplement $150 $198 $302

*Prices are per person based on double occupancy in a specific hotel. You should add single supplement to the price in case you travel in a group but you stay at a single room. We offer discounts for groups of 7 or more. To inquire about group rates, please contact us.

Prices include

  • Tickets to all museums
  • Transportation to museums and for excursions
  • Guide service
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Transfers according to the program
  • One-way train tickets from Moscow to St. Petersburg (Sapsan high-speed train, economy class)
  • Free visa invitation – the document necessary for obtaining a Russian visa when applying for one at the local Russian Consulate in your country. PLEASE NOTE: your passport should be valid for no less than 6 months after the planned departure from Russia and it should have at least 2 blank pages. The process of applying for visa may take a long time and we recommend that you start in 3 months before your trip. In case you are booking the trip last minute, we recommend that you check with the Russian Consulate in your country whether you have enough time for visa application process. In case you have to cancel your trip because of visa issues standard cancellation policy will be applied. 

Included sightseeing in Moscow:

  • Panoramic city tour

Included sightseeing in St. Petersburg:

  • Panoramic city tour with visit to Peter and Paul Fortress
  • Visit to the Hermitage Museum

Prices do not include

  • Visa processing costs. For US, UK and Canadian citizens, our company offers Full Visa Support. This is where you send us your passport and other documentation and we obtain the Russian visa for you. 
  • International airfare. Our Russian tours are offered as land only where you arrange your own airfare and we meet you at the airport and handle everything else. 
  • Optional services as well as theater tickets
  • Travel insurance. We highly recommend to purchase travel insurance before embarking on your trip to Russia. It’s always good to have extra protection while traveling far from home. Click here to learn more.

Tour dates are flexible. Tours can be customized to your taste. We can include additional excursions or performances on your request. We can also mix and match and adjust the accommodation to any hotel of your choice. 

Payment policy:
To book a tour, 30% deposit is required at the moment of booking. The trip must be fully paid 31 days before departure.

Cancellation policy:
61 or more days before departure - a few equal to 15% of the entire package will be charged.
60-15 days before departure - a fee equal to 30% of the entire package will be charged.
14 days or less before departure or no-show - a fee equal to 100% of the package will be charged.

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