Russia Leisure Vacation

Our tour guide and the driver will wait for your arrival at the St. Petersburg airport and then accompany you to the elaborately-selected hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is your free time. You can either hang out or take a rest in the hotel.

Accommodation: Courtyard St. Petersburg Vasilievsky or similar (4 stars)

Today, our guide will escort you to tour around St. Petersburg, which is also known as the Venice of the North. We will successively drive by Nevsky Prospekt, the main street of St. Petersbug, the Kazan Cathedral, Winter Palace, Vasilievsky Island, St. Isaac Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress, and the Palace Square. In the afternoon, we will have a wonderful time visiting the Hermitage Museum, where the Winter Palace is located. This is one of the largest museums in the world, owning over 2.7 million collections, including the masterpieces representing western European art, ancient Roman art, Greek art, Egyptian art, etc.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Courtyard St. Petersburg Vasilievsky or similar (4 stars)

In the morning, we will go to the Summer Palace Petrodvorets. Previously known as Peterhof, it is located in the forest on the south bank of the Gulf of Finland, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the city center of St. Petersburg. Owing to the splendid architectural style, the palace is regarded as the Versailles in Russia. Entering through the main gate and walking along the fountain path, you will see the breathtaking water scenery and imposing palace complex. In the afternoon, we will drive back to the hotel and leave the rest day for your own arrangement.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Courtyard St. Petersburg Vasilievsky or similar (4 stars)

Today our guide and driver will send you to the airport to take an early flight to Sochi in the morning. Upon arrival, the local guide will escort you to the hotel and help you with checking in.

After a short break, we will pay a visit to the highlights in the city, including the Pushkinskaya Library, the Canon and Anchor Monument, and Primorskaya Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in this city which boasts the style of the Stalinist era. Besides, we will visit the Winter Theater, another typical example of the Stalinist architectures. Next, head for Matsesta, which is famous for its sulfur hot springs first discovered by the Greeks. For hundreds of years, it has made Sochi a popular spa resort. Later we will drive to visit Saint Prince Vladimir Cathedral and Riviera Park. The last stop of the day is the Sea Port, the largest passenger port in Sochi. There stands a white building with a spire, which is considered as a landmark in the city.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson (4 stars)

Today, let's head for Krasnaya Polyana. Commonly known as the Red Meadow, it is a superb spot for skiing and hiking. On the way, we will have a layover in the Monastyr Village, where you will enjoy the beautiful view of Akhtsu Cave and pass through the longest underpass in Russia with a length of 2,420 meters (2,650 yards). Then we will arrive at Chvizhepse Narzan Spring to taste the chalybeate mineral water. Finally, our car will stop at the Krasnaya Polyana Village. Then we will visit the local apiary to taste a variety of local honey and enjoy a delicious Caucasian lunch. At Krasnaya Polyana Ski Resort, you will have the opportunity to taste the unique wine made of local herbs and take the ski lift to the top of the mountain to enjoy the magnificent views of the Western Caucasus Mountains. At the end of the day, you can relax at the trout fishery, which is the largest and only trout farm in Russia. You will learn how to breed trout and feed the fish. You can even fish by yourself! After the visit, you can also taste the freshly cooked fish dishes here at your own expenses.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson (4 stars)

You will be transferred to the airport to catch a 2-hour flight for Moscow. Upon landing, the local guide will pick you up and escort you to the hotel. You can make your own arrangements for the rest of the day.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Series or similar (4 stars)

Today, we will take a car weaving through the streets and alleys, various monuments, gardens and squares in Moscow. On the way, we will pass by the Red Square, Bolshoi, and Tverskaya Street. Besides, we will spend a good time touring the Kitai-Gorod quarter, watching the Novodevichy Convent and Victory Park from the exterior, and taking photos on the Sparrow Hill. Standing on the hill, some small bridges and parks will come in view. If the weather is fine, we can also have a panoramic view of Moscow. Later, our guide will accompany you to the Moscow Kremlin at the heart of the city. It's not only the national landmark of Russia, but also one of the largest architectural complexes in the world. After the visit, our guide will lead you to visit the most beautiful subway station in Moscow, which was built during the rule of Stalin. From there, we will take subway to the Arbat Street and linger in the shops dotted along both sides. After today's sightseeing, send you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Series or similar (4 stars)

On day 8 we will proceed to Sergiev Posad, a small town that is 70 kilometers (43 miles) away from Moscow. It is a popular destination for both tourists and pilgrims. On the way, you can enjoy the scenery and listen to the guide to give some interesting introductions to the architectures there.

After arrival, we will visit the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius and its cathedrals, which are the most important spiritual center of the Russian Orthodox Church. In addition, you can admire some famous sights, such as the Dormition Cathedral, the Holy Gates and the Godunov Burial Vault. If you are lucky, you can see the Orthodox believers lining up to kiss the coffin of Sergiev Posad devoutly and accept the "holy water". We will return to the hotel in Moscow in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Series or similar (4 stars)

You can enjoy a free day in Moscow. It's advised to go to the local market to experience the lifestyle of the locals and buy some souvenirs for your families and friends.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Series or similar (4 stars)

Our 10 days St. Petersburg and Moscow tours come to an end today. After breakfast, our guide and the driver will send you to the airport and see you off. Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast