A Connections Boutique Group Journey
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Experience the full panorama of Russian culture as you view artefacts at the Kremlin, explore the historic towns of the Golden Ring, cruise the scenic canals of St. Petersburg, and enjoy early access to the Hermitage and Peterhof.
Highlights
- Explore medieval Suzdal, and have lunch with a local family
- Enjoy a talk by a Russian scholar on Russia’s past and present
- Avoid the crowds with before-hours visits to the Kremlin Armory, Peterhof and the Hermitage
- Listen to a choir performance in Moscow’s magnificent Church of St. Nicholas
- Meet an expert on the Romanovs to learn about the fascinating history of Russia’s last ruling dynasty
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Moscow, Russia
Upon arrival in Moscow, transfer to your hotel. This evening join fellow guests for a welcome dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodation: Metropol Hotel
Day 2
Moscow | The Stately Capital
Tour Moscow, starting at the Kremlin, and beat the crowds with an exclusive before-hours visit to the State Armory. View its impressive collection of carriages, royal gala clothes and fabulous Fabergé eggs. Then, visit two Kremlin cathedrals: Assumption and Archangel. After lunch at a local restaurant, stroll Red Square to view Lenin’s Tomb and St. Basil’s Cathedral. See the city from a different perspective when you ride the Moscow Metro, renowned for its ornate stations.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Metropol Hotel
Day 3
Moscow | Russian Legends
This morning, enjoy a talk by a Russian scholar. Continue your explorations of Moscow with a visit to the New Maiden Cemetery, final resting place of Chekhov and other noted figures. After lunch at a local restaurant, stop at the Tretyakov Gallery, one of Moscow’s greatest treasures. Behind the gallery’s whimsical façade lies the foremost collection of Russian fine art in the world.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Metropol Hotel
Day 4
The Golden Ring | Russia’s Ancient Heart
Leave the city for the Golden Ring, the circle of venerable cities northeast of Moscow. Travel by train to historic Vladimir for sightseeing before continuing to the old town of Suzdal. Check into your hotel, and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride before dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Pushkarskaya Sloboda
Day 5
Suzdal | Living Museum
Explore Suzdal, often described as an open-air museum of Russian history for its extensive prerevolution architecture. Eat lunch with a local family before visiting a traditional craft workshop. After some time at leisure, enjoy a revitalizing visit to an authentic Russian bath — an A&K-exclusive experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Pushkarskaya Sloboda
Day 6
St. Petersburg | Venice of the North
Transfer by road back to Moscow, where you board a high-speed Sapsan train for the ride to St. Petersburg, the crowning glory of Peter the Great, arriving in the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria
Day 7
St. Petersburg | Legacy of a Dynasty
Start the day at the Hermitage, home to three million pieces of artwork, enjoying early access and fewer crowds. After lunch at a local restaurant, learn the history of the Romanovs when you meet with an expert on the subject. Cruise the city’s canals and visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral to marvel at its gilded dome, as well as the red granite columns that grace its façade.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria
Day 8
Peterhof | Private Grand Palace Tour
Drive to Peterhof, summer estate of Peter the Great. Tour the Grand Palace, which is opened for you before official operating hours. Return to St. Petersburg via hydrofoil and visit the fascinating Peter and Paul Fortress.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria
Day 9
Pushkin | Russia’s Past & Present
Travel to Tsarskoe Selo (“Tsar’s Village”), also called Pushkin. View Catherine Palace and the world-famous Amber Room now restored to its original glory. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, and tonight, join your fellow guests for a farewell dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria
Day 10
Depart St. Petersburg
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and depart.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey Details
- Minimum age is 10 years.
- First group event: welcome briefing at 6:30 p.m. on Day 1.
- Last group event: farewell dinner at 7:00 p.m. on Day 9.
- Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
Departures & Rates
Ask one of our Travel Specialists about Packaging Flights with your Tour and Save
Additional dates and rates may be available, please speak to one of our Travel Specialists for more information.
Single Supplement rates are available on request.
*Rates are subject to availability and seasonality and may change without notice. Rates are based on two adults sharing. For solo travellers or single person occupancy rates or further information on terms and conditions, please contact our Travel Specialists at time of booking.
Accommodation
Pushkarskaya Sloboda
Pushkarskaya Sloboda is an attractive riverside retreat comprising several 19th century buildings, traditional log cabins and a modern annex. All rooms have en suite bathrooms and free WiFi. There are three restaurants including a rustic country tavern plus a spa centre and pool.
Hotel Astoria, St. Petersburg
Hotel Astoria opened in 1913 and has been the venue of choice for novelists, dancers, artists, poets, actors, photographers, presidents and royalty. Outside, it fits perfectly with its surroundings, standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the grandest buildings in the city.
Inside, the hotel has been meticulously designed to reflect the noble history of St Petersburg. Its 169 rooms and suites are the height of urban chic and include luxurious touches such as marble bathrooms. Meanwhile, the Astoria’s lounges – the Lichfield Bar and the Rotonda – are sublime spaces reminiscent of a bygone, golden age.
Hotel Astoria occupies an unrivalled setting in St Isaac’s Square at the hub of St Petersburg’s vibrant city centre. St Isaac’s Cathedral stands opposite, and the renowned Hermitage Museum is only a short walk away. This elegant hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the magic and mystery of St. Petersburg.
