Ukraine & Russia: Kiev, Moscow & St. Petersburg - 10 Days

INTRODUCTION

 

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Kiev
Arrival in Kiev. Transfer to the Hotel
You’ll be met at the airport in Kiev for your transfer to the hotel.

Meals: NA
Transport: minibus / coach

Day 2 - Kiev
Kiev City Tour. St. Sophia Cathedral. Kreshatik Street
We begin our comprehensive sightseeing programme with a tour of Kiev, built along the banks of the River Dnepr. During our guided bus tour, you’ll see some of the city’s highlights: the 12th century St. Archangel Michael’s Golden Domes Monastery, the main triumphal entrance of ancient Kiev known as the Golden Gates and of course St. Vladimir Cathedral, which was built in the 19th century. The murals of the latter make this a unique stop. After the tour, there’ll be time to wander down Kreshatik Street, Kiev’s main shopping boulevard. This afternoon we’ve devoted to the St. Sophia Cathedral. Built in 1037, its thirteen domes give it a sense of majesty and beauty that drew the eye of UNESCO.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach

Day 3 - Kiev
Kievo-Pecherska Lavra. Visit to Andriyivsky Uzviz. Departure to Moscow
Today, we’ve included a guided tour of the Kievo-Pecherska Lavra. This monastery was constructed piecemeal over the centuries, with the oldest structures around a thousand years old. It’s still a working monastery today, as well as being recognised as a National Historical Architectural Preserve. We’ll explore throughout, from its cathedrals to its museums, its collection of sacred relics and the caves in which they’re found,

Back in the city, it’s time to test out those calf muscles on Kiev’s steepest street: Andriyivsky Uzviz (Andriyivsky Descent). This ancient thoroughfare is now where you’ll find the city’s best craftsmen and women hawking their wares at the arts and crafts market held here daily. It’s the perfect place to stop and peruse for those all important souvenirs. Overseeing the action is the Baroque church of St. Andrew, designed in 1754 by Rastrelli and the most important landmark of the Upper City. Nearby, you’ll also encounter the Castle of Richard, dating from 1902 and under refurbishment as a luxury hotel.

It’s time to transfer to the railway station from where you’ll catch a fast train to Moscow. You’ll be able to opt for either First or Second Class; all linen and towels are provided and there’s a restaurant on board. You’ll arrive in Moscow early in the morning.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach

Day 4 - Moscow
Arrival. Moscow City Tour. Novodevichiy Convent. Red Square, St. Basil's, Lenin Mausoleum. Arbat Street
Arrival in Moscow early in the morning. After a quick transfer to the hotel we will start our Russian discovery.

Moscow’s a vast city with a compact core. To give you an overview of the Russian capital we’ve arranged a bus tour to orientate you with its major sights, including the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Tverskaya Street, Bulvarnoye Koltso (Boulevard Ring) and several other attractions. One of the highlights of this tour is to be taken up to the Sparrow Hills observation platform from which there’s a superb panoramic view across the city. A visit to the Novodevichiy Convent with its legendary cemetery follows.

No visit to Moscow could be complete without a look at Red Square. We’ll admire the colourful St. Basil’s Cathedral and peer at Lenin’s body in the Mausoleum. After lunch there’ll be time to explore Arbat Street. This is one of Moscow’s premier shopping areas, and a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts for those back home. If you like, you could buy a typical Russian fur hat known as a shapka.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach

Day 5 - Moscow
Kremlin & Armoury. Moscow Metro Tour
Having ticked off some of the major sights, we delve a little into Moscow’s history today. Our focus is the Kremlin, once the former residence of the Tsars and the centre for the Russian Orthodox Church. These days, it is home to the President. One of the highlights of a visit to the Kremlin is the chance to see its magnificent cathedrals with their glittering domes. There’ll also be the opportunity to take a look at the Tsar Cannon. Though it is one of the largest cannons ever to be made, it has never seen warfare. The Tsar Bell has no equal anywhere on the planet; if you thought Big Ben was impressive, this one is a massive fifteen times its weight.

Even the public transport systems in the Russian capital are impressive, particularly the famous Moscow Metro and so we’ve included a guided tour this afternoon. Plans date back to the time of the Russian Empire but construction didn’t begin until the 20th century and the first station opened in 1935. It’s now the second busiest metro system in the world. This is Soviet Era architecture at its very best: colourful frescoes, ornate mouldings, intricate mosaics and of course plenty of bling make this a jaw-dropping visit.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach

Day 6 - Moscow
Kolomenskoe – UNESCO Heritage Site. Departure to St. Petersburg
A visit to the Kolomenskoye estate is on the cards today. This former Royal estate overlooks the Moskva River and can be found just outside the city. The white Ascension Church, built in 1532, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was Tsar Alexis the First’s favourite summer residence and this wooden palace complex was the perfect antidote to the city. Later the wooden structures were torn down and replaced with stone, but a reconstruction of the wooden palace was completed in 2011.

This evening, we’ll travel on the Russian Orient Express – the luxurious Red Arrow train. It’s linked Moscow with St Petersburg for over 75 years. Attentive service complements the comfortable accommodation to make this a pleasurable experience.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach, train

Day 7 - St. Petersburg
Arrival in St. Petersburg. City Tour. Peter & Paul's Fortress
We’ll arrive in St Petersburg in time for breakfast, after which we’ll begin exploring this elegant city. It is the most elegant of all the Russian cities, often nicknamed the “Venice of the North” on account of its many canals. As we tour its historic heart, you’ll see many of its oldest and most treasured buildings and monuments, including St Isaac’s Cathedral and the Church of Christ’s Resurrection (The Saviour of the Blood).

Our tour also takes us to the Peter and Paul Fortress, founded with the new settlement to protect this corner of Russia from potential invasions from the expansionist Swedes. The fortress was also used as a political prison before the Russian Revolution. These days, it’s a fascinating museum complex, one of the highlights of which is a delightful cathedral; inside you’ll find the tombs of the Romanov monarchs. This evening is free, but should you wish, we can help you secure tickets for a ballet or opera performance.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach

Day 8 - St. Petersburg
Hermitage Museum. Folklore Performance
Today is devoted to one of the world’s premier museums, The Hermitage. Originally, the building was the Tsar’s Winter Palace, the main residence of the family from the 1760s. These days it holds one of the most extensive collections of art anywhere in the world. All the famous names of the art world are represented, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt and Picasso among them. It’s possible to be a little overwhelmed, so we’d suggest planning what you’d especially like to see in advance rather than trying to look at everything.

This evening, we’ve arranged for you to see a Folklore Show at the Nikolaevsky Palace. Entitled “Feel Yourself Russian” it encompasses the diverse and rich cultural heritage of the country, showcasing everything from the high-energy dances of the Cossacks to the sound of the balalaika, that quintessentially Russian instrument. You’ll begin to see why Russia is still an enigma, barely understood by East or West, and learn a little about the passion and feeling that characterises the country’s people.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach

Day 9 - St. Petersburg
Petrodvorets - Palace and Gardens
Today, we’ll take you to the Petrodvorets Palace (also known as Peterhof), deep in the city’s suburbs. It was constructed by Peter the Great and is best known for its stunning fountains and manicured Summer Gardens. For many, it bears a resemblance to Versailles in France, and whether you agree with that comparison or not, it’s a beautiful place to explore. Back in St Petersburg this evening, you’ll have free time to wander on your own.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach

Day 10 - St. Petersburg
Departure to the Airport
Sadly, it’s time to pack and head off to the airport. You’ll be transferred by our driver for your flight home.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach

PRICES

Hotels 3*, Kiev - Premier Rus, Moscow - Ibis Bakhrushina, St. Petersburg - Nevsky Grand
Tour start date	10 pax 1 free	15 pax 1 free	20 pax 1 free	single supplement	1st class train upgrade	day train option (Moscow - St.Petes)
01/01 - 31/03	€1,195	€1,145	€1,095	€145	€145	€45
01/04 - 30/04	€1,245	€1,195	€1,145	€195	€145	€55
01/05 - 30/06	€1,345	€1,295	€1,245	€245	€145	€95
01/07 - 30/09	€1,245	€1,195	€1,145	€195	€145	€55
01/10 - 31/12	€1,195	€1,145	€1,095	€145	€145	€45

 

Hotels 4*, Kiev - Kreshatik, Moscow - Marriott Courtyard, St. Petersburg - Petropalace
Tour start date	10 pax 1 free	15 pax 1 free	20 pax 1 free	single supplement	1st class train upgrade	day train option (Moscow - St.Petes)
01/01 - 31/03	€1,295	€1,245	€1,195	€195	€145	€75
01/04 - 30/04	€1,495	€1,445	€1,395	€295	€145	€125
01/05 - 30/06	€1,545	€1,495	€1,445	€355	€145	€155
01/07 - 30/09	€1,495	€1,445	€1,395	€295	€145	€125
01/10 - 31/12	€1,295	€1,245	€1,195	€195	€145	€75

Note on pricing:

• All prices are in EURO per person based on the number of participants in the group
• 1 free - one free of charge participant
• Single supplement goes towards single room accommodation at hotels

INCLUDED

• Accommodation
• Excursions according to the programme
• Entrance fees
• Airport & railway transfers
• Overnight train 2nd class (4 berth compartments)
• Meals according to the programme
• Visa support letter

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights
• Optional excursions & services
• Travel insurance
• Tips
• Visa fees. We can assist with visas in the UK, USA, Germany, France, Spain