Classic Russia

Russia, 5 Nights

Russia, a country of enormous social, political and geographic proportions, remains one of the great undiscovered destinations for travel in the 21st century with an incredible diversity of customs and culture. Explore the historic cities of Moscow and St Petersburg where stories of the rich and powerful Russian families of the 19th century prior to the Revolution are brought to life through ancient Russian art, the renowned sights of the Kremlin Territory and Red Square, the palaces, summer houses and pavilions of the Petrodvorets estate.

Day 1 - London/Moscow
Fly today from London to Moscow and the majestic Ritz-Carlton Hotel, perfectly located near the famed Red Square and the imposing Kremlin building. Regal styling and lavish décor featuring polished wood create a sense of stately grandeur. Dine in style at the Jeroboam Restaurant, and as the day fades, venture into cool sophistication of the rooftop lounge like no other and one of our favourite Moscow nightspots.

Day 2 - Moscow
This morning begin your tour of this magnificent city with a walk through Red Square to St. Basil's Cathedral, a colourful multi-domed complex built between 1555 and 1560. Continue on to the Novodevichy Convent, one of the finest examples of 16th and 17th century architecture in the city housing a museum of rare and ancient Russian art and Moscow's most prestigious cemetery. This afternoon marvel at the best collections of Russian art in the world at the Tretyakov Gallery, reopened in 1995 after a nine-year renovation and housing an outstanding display of prerevolutionary Russian art as well as an extensive collection of icons.

Day 3 - Moscow/St Petersburg
For centuries the Kremlin Territory was the backdrop for many famous and tragic events and it is a treasure trove of Russian history. This morning visit the State Armoury - the oldest museum in Russia and home to a collection of precious stones, platinum and gold and masterpieces of 18th and 19th century jewellery. The dazzling exhibition of the State Diamond Fund contains the "pride and glory" of Russia; the crown jewels, used for centuries in coronations right up to that of Nicholas II in 1896. This evening you will be driven to the train station to take the overnight Grand Express train to St Petersburg, arriving refreshed early the following morning.

Day 4 - St Petersburg
Set in the heart of St Petersburg with splendid views over St Isaac's Square, the Hotel Astoria is a member of the famed Rocco Forte collection and the height of urban chic. This elegant hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the magic and mystery of the city. Once settled in, enjoy a tour of the magnificent Hermitage Museum, a complex of six buildings housing 3 million pieces of artwork from the Stone Age to modern times. This afternoon visit Petrodvorets, the great summer estate and artistic gem of Peter the Great, where a highlight is the delightful sequence of 37 gilded bronze sculptures, 64 fountains and 142 water jets known as the Grand Cascade. The park features numerous palaces, summer houses and pavilions, specifically designed for holding Imperial dinner parties. Return to the Astoria for a classic Russian dinner at the fashionable Davidov Restaurant.

Day 5 - St Petersburg
Begin the day with a visit to the historic Peter and Paul Fortress, formerly a political prison and the burial site of many famous Russians, now a museum of masterpieces. Move on to St. Isaac's Cathedral, its gilded dome dominating the St Petersburg skyline, before arriving at the magnificent Yusupov Palace. Lying on a quiet stretch of the Moika River, it was home to one of the wealthiest and most powerful Russian families prior to the Revolution, and will forever be associated with the murder of the infamous Siberian mystic Grigory Rasputin by Prince Felix Yusupov and his fellow conspirators in December of 1916.

Day 6 - St Petersburg/London
A morning transfer takes you back to the airport for your flight home to London.

At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timetable. As a guide, this 6 day suggested journey in Russia will cost from £2,395 per person with flights from the UK and subject to availability.

Please call our specialist team for more information or help in planning your perfect stay.

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