Cradles of Russian History - Moscow and St. Petersburg - 6 Days
The 1917 Revolution was and is one of the most intriguing events in Russian history, and still attracts huge interest. We explore with your team the historical labyrinths of Soviet Russia, its ideology and myths, and try to uncover the secret of this, controversial, dramatic and highly successful Empire, whose existence affected the entire world for more than 80-years.
To spice up the focus on history, and add a flavour of the culture – and some fun! - we also offer a visit to the famous Russian circus and a performance of folk dancing. Join us in this fascinating journey of discovery and share in our passion for our unique Russian history, culture and traditions!
Day 1 - Moscow
Arrival in Moscow. Transfer to the hotel. After registration (if you still have energy after your flight) have your first glimpse of the Russian capital.
Day 2 - Moscow
Start your discovery of Russia with a city tour of Moscow. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Sparrow Hills observation platform, visit Poklonnaya Hills - a monument in honour of a Russian victory in the Great War (or World War II), see the famous Red Square and the Bolshoi (Big) theatre or explore modern Moscow’s busy streets and discover the rich history of this magnificent city.
We continue our tour in Novodevichy Convent (New Convent of the Maidens), founded in 1524 and situated along a prominent bend in the Moskva River. The convent's fame, however, has less to do with its role as a protective fortress than with its aristocratic and political history, for Novodevichy was the favored destination for high-ranking women banished from court. The most famous such inmate was Peter’s the Great elder sister Sofia, who had ruled as Regent during his minority. Novodevichy is also famous for the cemetery that lies beyond its south wall. Here lie many famous Russian writers, artists, and politicians, including Gogol, Checkov, Bulgakov, Mayakovsky, Stanislavsky, Shostokovich, Eisenstein, and Nikita Khrushchev, the only Soviet leader not buried behind Lenin's Mausoleum.
After lunch we have a brief introduction to the famous Moscow underground, visiting several stations. Then we invite you to visit a formerly secret location, Taganskiy, created out of a Soviet era secret signalling centre . After a rapid 65-metre descent by lift, you’ll discover one of the USSR’s top-secret military facilities , the Taganskiy Secured Command Post (SCP). Construction of the Taganskiy SCP started in 1951. 5 years later in 1956, construction of an enormous underground site with over 7000 square metres was approved by the authorities. The USSR National Security Department took this site under its strict control, to provide round-the-clock communication for the state leadership in case of nuclear attack. Now the Taganskiy SCP is merely a monument to the might of the former Soviet Union. The ultimate goal of the reconstruction of the Taganskiy SCP is as a reminder of the history of the confrontation between the two superpowers and to prevent any future nuclear conflict. Optional: interactive game in this secret military location (available upon request).
In the evening visit to Moscow circus/theatre (optional at your request).
Day 3 - Moscow
After breakfast we check-out from the hotel as it is our last day in Moscow. In the morning your guide will take you to the Red Square. You will see St. Basil's cathedral, the world - renowned Lenin Mausoleum (entrance is not included due to long queuing) and the Kremlin. Kremlin is a self-contained city with many palaces, armouries, and churches, a medieval fortress that bridges the modern nation to its legendary past. You will discover the interior of the Kremlin - the former residence of the Tsars and now the residence of the Russian president. You will also visit Kremlin’s beautiful orthodox cathedrals. The Cathedral Square still retains the aura of early Tsarist Russia, where the spirits of Ivan the Terrible, Boris Godunov, and the early Romanovs loom large.
Lunch in the centre of Moscow – try delicious Russian cuisine in a traditional local restaurant.
After lunch there is a guided visit to the Russian State Historical Museum, the museum of Russian history. Its exhibits range from relics of the prehistoric tribes that inhabited what is now Russia, to priceless artworks acquired by members of the Romanov dynasty. The largest historical museum in the country, the State Historical Museum was established in 1872 as a "living history of Russia," on the initiative of the Russian scientific community - Articles and monuments representing the culture and history of the multinational Russian State were brought to the new museum from all the regions of Russia. The total number of objects in the museum's collection is in the millions.
OR
Guided visit to the Museum of Modern Russian History. Here you will find themed exhibitions dealing with the Russian Empire, such as the Bolshevik (revolutionary) coup, the Civil War (Reds versus Whites), the emergence of Stalinism and the history of the Soviet Union from its creation in 1922 to its dissolution in 1991. There is also a lot of hardware on display: period small arms, a World War I armoured car, a 6-inch artillery gun used by Bolshevik insurgents to shell the Kremlin and pieces of Moscow's barricades from 1991. A separate exhibition features gifts which have been presented to Soviet leaders from Stalin to Gorbachev.
Later in the evening your guide will also take you to the Old Arbat street, famous for its architectural masterpieces and souvenirs. After the guided tour you will have some free time to browse among the shops selling merchandise and enjoy various Arbat cafes or restaurants.
In the late evening a transfer to Leningradsky railway station - here is your unique opportunity to travel on the historic, luxurious Red Arrow, often called the Russian Orient Express. This famous train has recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. Comfortable compartments, excellent service and the charming 'provodnitca' train attendants will certainly make this journey one of the highlights of your Russian experience
Day 4 - St. Petersburg
Arrival in St. Petersburg. Your guide will take you around the stunning “ Venice of the North”; you will see many famous sites including St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Church of Christ’s Resurrection (The Saviour of the Blood).
We will also visit Peter and Paul Fortress which is located in the historical part of St. Petersburg. The fortress, the first building of the new city, was founded in order to protect the Neva lands, regained during the Northern War, from possible attacks by Swedish troops. The fortress was used as a political prison before 1917. This doughty fortress-cum-prison has had many of its buildings converted into museums and features a splendid cathedral containing the tombs of the Romanov monarchs.
After lunch, visit to The State Museum of the Political History of Russia, former the State Museum of Revolution, which was created on October 9, 1919, by decree of the Petrograd Soviet of Workers and the Red Army Deputies. Among the initiators were prominent figures in the Bolshevik Party and the narodnik (populist) movement, and representatives of the intelligentsia. The first members of the museum staff were Anatoly Lunacharsky, Michael Novorussky, Maxim Gorky, Pavel Shchegolev, Grigorij Zinovjev, Olaf Oldenburg, all famous names of the first days of the Soviet Revolution. The State Museum of the Revolution was the first museum in the country to engage with historical and revolutionary issues. By the mid-1920s it had a unique collection of revolutionary banners, an extremely valuable collection of leaflets of the different political parties, posters, and objects from that period.
Day 5 - St. Petersburg
Today is our last full day in St. Petersburg and it’s devoted to the Soviet ideology which, as in any totalitarian regime, needed its myths and idols, delivered to the masses in the form of clear, simple symbols. The Revolution itself instantly became one of those symbols, with its Lenin, the battleship Aurora, the takeover of the Winter Palace etc.
Join us in the hunt for Red October at the Smolny Institute, the headquarters of the Bolsheviks, from which Lenin and his comrades coordinated the battle. Board the Aurora, the flagship of the Revolution, the legendary ship whose cannon, on Lenin’s orders, gave the signal for the beginning of the Great Socialist Revolution more than 90 years ago. Re-enact the April meeting at the Finland Station, where Lenin delivered his immortal ‘April Theses,’ standing on top of an armoured car, and setting the trend for later generations of Russian leaders.
After lunch free time.
In the evening Visit to the Folk Show “Feel yourself Russian”. The mysterious Russian soul… You can travel all way through Russia and still not understand what it’s all about – why this country between Europe and Asia is still not understood either by either East or West. But visit the folk show at Nikolaevsky Palace and you’ll probably find some clues! These are Russian artists who want to preserve the traditional folk art of all the different parts of Russia – from energetic Cossack dances to mellow songs from the north of the country and the lively sounds of the balalaika, the traditional Russian instrument.
Day 6 - St. Petersburg
Half day tour to the suburbs of St Petersburg to visit one of the magnificent summer palaces.
In summer: Transfer to Petrodvorets. Best known for its glorious fountains and Summer Gardens, the palace is often compared to France's Versailles.
In winter: Transfer to Tsarskoye Selo (formerly known as Pushkin settlement), one of St. Petersburg's numerous Imperial estates.
Transfer to the airport to fly back home in the afternoon.
To spice up the focus on history, and add a flavour of the culture – and some fun! - we also offer a visit to the famous Russian circus and a performance of folk dancing. Join us in this fascinating journey of discovery and share in our passion for our unique Russian history, culture and traditions!
Day 1 - Moscow
Arrival in Moscow. Transfer to the hotel. After registration (if you still have energy after your flight) have your first glimpse of the Russian capital.
Day 2 - Moscow
Start your discovery of Russia with a city tour of Moscow. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Sparrow Hills observation platform, visit Poklonnaya Hills - a monument in honour of a Russian victory in the Great War (or World War II), see the famous Red Square and the Bolshoi (Big) theatre or explore modern Moscow’s busy streets and discover the rich history of this magnificent city.
We continue our tour in Novodevichy Convent (New Convent of the Maidens), founded in 1524 and situated along a prominent bend in the Moskva River. The convent's fame, however, has less to do with its role as a protective fortress than with its aristocratic and political history, for Novodevichy was the favored destination for high-ranking women banished from court. The most famous such inmate was Peter’s the Great elder sister Sofia, who had ruled as Regent during his minority. Novodevichy is also famous for the cemetery that lies beyond its south wall. Here lie many famous Russian writers, artists, and politicians, including Gogol, Checkov, Bulgakov, Mayakovsky, Stanislavsky, Shostokovich, Eisenstein, and Nikita Khrushchev, the only Soviet leader not buried behind Lenin's Mausoleum.
After lunch we have a brief introduction to the famous Moscow underground, visiting several stations. Then we invite you to visit a formerly secret location, Taganskiy, created out of a Soviet era secret signalling centre . After a rapid 65-metre descent by lift, you’ll discover one of the USSR’s top-secret military facilities , the Taganskiy Secured Command Post (SCP). Construction of the Taganskiy SCP started in 1951. 5 years later in 1956, construction of an enormous underground site with over 7000 square metres was approved by the authorities. The USSR National Security Department took this site under its strict control, to provide round-the-clock communication for the state leadership in case of nuclear attack. Now the Taganskiy SCP is merely a monument to the might of the former Soviet Union. The ultimate goal of the reconstruction of the Taganskiy SCP is as a reminder of the history of the confrontation between the two superpowers and to prevent any future nuclear conflict. Optional: interactive game in this secret military location (available upon request).
In the evening visit to Moscow circus/theatre (optional at your request).
Day 3 - Moscow
After breakfast we check-out from the hotel as it is our last day in Moscow. In the morning your guide will take you to the Red Square. You will see St. Basil's cathedral, the world - renowned Lenin Mausoleum (entrance is not included due to long queuing) and the Kremlin. Kremlin is a self-contained city with many palaces, armouries, and churches, a medieval fortress that bridges the modern nation to its legendary past. You will discover the interior of the Kremlin - the former residence of the Tsars and now the residence of the Russian president. You will also visit Kremlin’s beautiful orthodox cathedrals. The Cathedral Square still retains the aura of early Tsarist Russia, where the spirits of Ivan the Terrible, Boris Godunov, and the early Romanovs loom large.
Lunch in the centre of Moscow – try delicious Russian cuisine in a traditional local restaurant.
After lunch there is a guided visit to the Russian State Historical Museum, the museum of Russian history. Its exhibits range from relics of the prehistoric tribes that inhabited what is now Russia, to priceless artworks acquired by members of the Romanov dynasty. The largest historical museum in the country, the State Historical Museum was established in 1872 as a "living history of Russia," on the initiative of the Russian scientific community - Articles and monuments representing the culture and history of the multinational Russian State were brought to the new museum from all the regions of Russia. The total number of objects in the museum's collection is in the millions.
OR
Guided visit to the Museum of Modern Russian History. Here you will find themed exhibitions dealing with the Russian Empire, such as the Bolshevik (revolutionary) coup, the Civil War (Reds versus Whites), the emergence of Stalinism and the history of the Soviet Union from its creation in 1922 to its dissolution in 1991. There is also a lot of hardware on display: period small arms, a World War I armoured car, a 6-inch artillery gun used by Bolshevik insurgents to shell the Kremlin and pieces of Moscow's barricades from 1991. A separate exhibition features gifts which have been presented to Soviet leaders from Stalin to Gorbachev.
Later in the evening your guide will also take you to the Old Arbat street, famous for its architectural masterpieces and souvenirs. After the guided tour you will have some free time to browse among the shops selling merchandise and enjoy various Arbat cafes or restaurants.
In the late evening a transfer to Leningradsky railway station - here is your unique opportunity to travel on the historic, luxurious Red Arrow, often called the Russian Orient Express. This famous train has recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. Comfortable compartments, excellent service and the charming 'provodnitca' train attendants will certainly make this journey one of the highlights of your Russian experience
Day 4 - St. Petersburg
Arrival in St. Petersburg. Your guide will take you around the stunning “ Venice of the North”; you will see many famous sites including St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Church of Christ’s Resurrection (The Saviour of the Blood).
We will also visit Peter and Paul Fortress which is located in the historical part of St. Petersburg. The fortress, the first building of the new city, was founded in order to protect the Neva lands, regained during the Northern War, from possible attacks by Swedish troops. The fortress was used as a political prison before 1917. This doughty fortress-cum-prison has had many of its buildings converted into museums and features a splendid cathedral containing the tombs of the Romanov monarchs.
After lunch, visit to The State Museum of the Political History of Russia, former the State Museum of Revolution, which was created on October 9, 1919, by decree of the Petrograd Soviet of Workers and the Red Army Deputies. Among the initiators were prominent figures in the Bolshevik Party and the narodnik (populist) movement, and representatives of the intelligentsia. The first members of the museum staff were Anatoly Lunacharsky, Michael Novorussky, Maxim Gorky, Pavel Shchegolev, Grigorij Zinovjev, Olaf Oldenburg, all famous names of the first days of the Soviet Revolution. The State Museum of the Revolution was the first museum in the country to engage with historical and revolutionary issues. By the mid-1920s it had a unique collection of revolutionary banners, an extremely valuable collection of leaflets of the different political parties, posters, and objects from that period.
Day 5 - St. Petersburg
Today is our last full day in St. Petersburg and it’s devoted to the Soviet ideology which, as in any totalitarian regime, needed its myths and idols, delivered to the masses in the form of clear, simple symbols. The Revolution itself instantly became one of those symbols, with its Lenin, the battleship Aurora, the takeover of the Winter Palace etc.
Join us in the hunt for Red October at the Smolny Institute, the headquarters of the Bolsheviks, from which Lenin and his comrades coordinated the battle. Board the Aurora, the flagship of the Revolution, the legendary ship whose cannon, on Lenin’s orders, gave the signal for the beginning of the Great Socialist Revolution more than 90 years ago. Re-enact the April meeting at the Finland Station, where Lenin delivered his immortal ‘April Theses,’ standing on top of an armoured car, and setting the trend for later generations of Russian leaders.
After lunch free time.
In the evening Visit to the Folk Show “Feel yourself Russian”. The mysterious Russian soul… You can travel all way through Russia and still not understand what it’s all about – why this country between Europe and Asia is still not understood either by either East or West. But visit the folk show at Nikolaevsky Palace and you’ll probably find some clues! These are Russian artists who want to preserve the traditional folk art of all the different parts of Russia – from energetic Cossack dances to mellow songs from the north of the country and the lively sounds of the balalaika, the traditional Russian instrument.
Day 6 - St. Petersburg
Half day tour to the suburbs of St Petersburg to visit one of the magnificent summer palaces.
In summer: Transfer to Petrodvorets. Best known for its glorious fountains and Summer Gardens, the palace is often compared to France's Versailles.
In winter: Transfer to Tsarskoye Selo (formerly known as Pushkin settlement), one of St. Petersburg's numerous Imperial estates.
Transfer to the airport to fly back home in the afternoon.