A Russian History Tour with Moscow and St Petersburg | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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A Russian History Tour with Moscow and St Petersburg

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PRIVATE TOUR - 11 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 6562

Private Tour Highlights

  • Take a Metro ride with your guide and stop to explore the grandeur of Moscow's most impressive and world renowned stations.
  • Visit the Park of Arts Muzeon, one of the largest Russian outdoor museums where the statues of disgraced leaders share their place with diverse creations by contemporary sculptors.
  • Enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride to the Suzdal town, host of beautiful churches, monasteries, and convents for a break from the bustle of the big city.
  • Embark on a marvelous culinary journey in St Petersburg to dine on dishes typically served in the northern capital, such as Rassolnik soup and Koryushka fish.
  • Take in works by famed artist, including pieces by Renoir, Da Vinci, and Matisse with a guided visit to the famous Hermitage Museum.
  • Experience a regal reception to Russia with an exclusive tour of the palace of Romanov dynasty, complete with a glass of champagne and a private concert with compositions by various Russian composers.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

From the Romanov Dynasty to the fall of the Soviet Union, step back in time through Russia’s complex past with A Russian History Tour with Moscow and St Petersburg.

Embark on a private 9-day tour of the two capitals of Russia with a private Yampu Tours guide, visiting the must-see sites while tracing the milestones of the Russian Revolution and learning what it was like to live under the KGB’s watchful eye. While walking the streets of Moscow and St. Petersburg, get a taste of Russian cuisine and try the region’s signature spirit, vodka for an authentic Russian experience.

In Moscow, the tour takes visitors through the city’s must-see sites. Enter the Kremlin walls to feel the country’s past and present and step into Red Square to admire the colorful domes of St. Basil’s cathedral. After taking the key points of interest, the tour continues to the outskirts of Moscow for a unique experience in the small ancient villages of Vladimir and Suzdal. Here beautiful churches, monasteries, convents, and small wooden houses transport visitors back in time.

Once in St Petersburg, travelers will get a taste of traditional Russian cuisine with a cooking class before being immersed in the unforgettable atmosphere of the Russian aristocratic era with a memorable regal reception at the palace of the Romanov dynasty. Complete with a glass of champagne, enjoy a farewell evening while experiencing the estate like the Tzars did with a private concert of classic compositions by various Russian composers.

Inclusions
Price includes domestic and regional flights within the itinerary; all hotel accommodations including daily continental or buffet breakfast and daily city tax; all transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling; guided tours in English including entrance fees.
Exclusions

International airfare (unless specifically included), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, meals not mentioned, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, visa fees/services and other personal items or services not mentioned.

Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 6562

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Overnight Flight to Russia

International Flight to Moscow.

International Flight to Moscow.

Day
2

Welcome to Moscow!

Upon arrival to Moscow airport, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel. Feel free to have a welcome drink during check-in.

Moscow is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is well known for its display of Russian architecture, particularly its historic buildings such as the Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Red Square, and the Moscow Kremlin, of which the latter serves as the seat of power of the Government of Russia.

Upon arrival to Moscow airport, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel. Feel free to have a welcome drink during check-in.

Moscow is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is well known for its display of Russian architecture, particularly its historic buildings such as the Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Red Square, and the Moscow Kremlin, of which the latter serves as the seat of power of the Government of Russia.

Day
3

Moscow Highlights Tour & Dinner a la Russe

Today, we offer you some insights into the rich history of Moscow. Take a Metro ride with your guide and stop to explore the grandeur of its most impressive stations.

Then, enter the Kremlin walls to feel the country's past and present. The Kremlin is an old fortress and the most important historical and political center of Russia. You will see the Kremlin's compositional center and look into the three main cathedrals - the Assumption, the Annunciation and the Archangel's Michael cathedral.

Step into Red Square to admire the colorful domes of St. Basil's cathedral. You will view famous landmarks including the Savior Tower, the Kremlin walls, GUM department store, the State Historical Museum and Lenin's mausoleum.
Then, drive around the Kremlin and reach the Christ the Savior Cathedral, a church with a controversial history. Then, you'll view the New Maiden Convent - the "Convent of the Broken Hearts". Later, visit Bow Hill to commemorate the fallen in the World War II and learn the story from the Russian perspective.

In the evening, you will enjoy a luxurious dinner a la Russe, and soak up the unique atmosphere of downtown Moscow.
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Day
4

Old Tretyakov Gallery & KGB History Tour

After breakfast, take the Metro (Subway) with your guide to see more of the city's impressive stations before visiting the Old Tretyakov gallery - the main museum housing a collection of Russian art from the XII to the XX century, including the world-famous Andrey Rublev's "Holy Trinity".

In the afternoon learn what it was like to live under the KGB's watchful eye in Russia. Your expert guide will share keen insights into the KGB history and personal family stories. Visit the places connected with the time of great repression and fear. Step on Lubyanka Square to see a memorial to the victims of political repression - Solovetsky Stone. Visit the Park of Arts Muzeon. It is one of the largest Russian outdoor museums where the statues of disgraced leaders share their place with diverse creations by contemporary sculptors.
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Day
5

Ancient Russia Tour

This morning, board the local train Lastochka to reach the charming Vladimir town (2.5 hours). During the tour of Vladimir, view the ancient Dmitrievsky Cathedral and the Golden Gate - the unique example of Russian military architecture of the 12th century. Then you will have a chance to feel the spirit of ancient Russia and see the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl River (or Bogolyubovo Monastery). Admire its beauty and tranquility. Transfer to Suzdal and accommodation wooden houses. Taste the seasonal meals for dinner! ...read less

Day
6

Suzdal Town Tour

After breakfast, enjoy horse drawn carriage ride. The Suzdal town remains an ecological escape that has no railway or airport. It is full of small wooden houses set in a magnificent landscape. Suzdal boasts a host of beautiful churches, monasteries, and convents. Take a break from the bustle of the big city!
Have a tour of Suzda's Kremlin which dates from the 10th century. Visit the Museum of Wooden Architecture and Spaso-Evfimievsky Monastery to listen to the church bells ring out in harmony. And then after lunch in the Suzdal family have some fun - take part in master-classes of pottery, shop for souvenirs at the Trading Rows and talk to the locals! Return to Moscow by train (2h 30 min).
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Day
7

Train to St. Petersburg with Peter & Paul Fortress Tour

After breakfast and check out you will be driven to the Leningradsky railway station to board the rapid train Sapsan to St. Petersburg (4 hrs.). Once you arrive in St. Petersburg we will take you on a marvelous culinary journey, to dine on dishes typically served in the northern capital, such as Rassolnik soup and Koryushka fish.
Next, we will tour city landmarks such as the incredible Peter and Paul Fortress, view the beautiful Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood, and world-famous St. Isaac Cathedral. As an option, take 562 steps to the colonnade of St. Isaac Cathedral to see the city with a birds eye view. Later, check in to your hotel.
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Day
8

The City of Tsars & Revolutions

First of all, view the Palace Square and take in the spectacular panorama of the General Staff building, Alexander column, and the Hermitage. Then the city tour will feature the impressive St. Isaac's Cathedral, Bronze Horseman statue of Peter the Great and splendid view of the city from the Spit of Vasilievsky Island. Follow your guide to the oldest part of the city - Peter and Paul Fortress where the town of Peter started in 1703. Continue past the Field of Mars and the Summer Gardens to the most famous church in the city the Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood. Enjoy the canal cruise and see the city from a different perspective. ...read less

Day
9

Peterhof & Culinary Class Tour

Today, it's time to experience the royal lifestyle of the 18th century. Let us take you on an unforgettable tour of the wonders of the Peterhof Palace and Park, along with the famous, stunningly elegant Grand Cascade fountain. It is beautiful in the summertime!

In the afternoon, we will recommend several choices from the best restaurants on Rubinshtein street, renowned for its variety of restaurants, cafes, pubs, and wine bars, with diverse cuisines that cater to every taste. Ask Petersburgers about the best place to eat on Rubinshtein, and you will get about 30 different answers!

Enjoy some time on your own in the center of the city before an evening of cooking and tasting national Russian dishes, accompanied by wine and Russian spirits for a memorable experience of the culinary charms of Russia. Bring home a treasure trove of memories of the friends you made in Russia, and of course - the recipes you learn.
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Day
10

Hermitage Museum & Art Gallery Tour

After a leisurely breakfast, go to Dvortsovaya (Palace square). A highlight of your stay is a guided visit to the famous Hermitage Museum with its masterpieces by hundreds of artists including Renoir, Da Vinci, and Matisse. The State Hermitage occupies six magnificent buildings and is one of the oldest and largest art galleries in the world. It is estimated that you would need eleven years to view each exhibit on display for just one minute!

After a lunch-break admire the Impressionist Gallery at the restored General Staff building. Then you will have an opportunity to explore the city on your own, visit multiple shops, or visit exhibits.

Then, enjoy a regal reception to Russia with an exclusive tour of the palace of Romanov dynasty, complete with a glass of champagne. Experience the estate like the Tzars did with a private concert. Virtuosi of the Mariinsky and Mikhailovsky Theatre will perform compositions by various Russian composers for your pleasure and delight, including pieces by Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky. Each performance is complemented by a short story about the composers and the history of the work performed.

Then explore the spacious rooms uninhibited, uncovering the unique decorative style of each space. The palace is the only mansion that was preserved during the Second World War. You will learn about to the history of the palace that survived the revolutionary changes of the eras and find out more about the people who lived in these royal surroundings. The evening will immerse you in the unforgettable atmosphere of the Russian aristocratic era.
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Day
11

International Flight Home

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport for your flight home.

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport for your flight home.

St Petersburg, Russia

Moscow, Russia

Places You'll See

  • Moscow

    A city that combines the past and the present, Moscow is where old buildings live together with modern high rises. Moscow is home to more than 500 museums, 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and several world architectural records. Moscow’s rich architecture can also be seen underground: the central metro stations—real “palaces of the people” with mosaics, paintings, stucco, and dazzling illumination. Moscow is a metropolis that has everything: the best restaurants, fashionable nightclubs, skyscrapers, dizzying views, and even peaceful old courtyards where time has stood still for more than a century.

  • St. Petersburg

    Serving as Russia’s cultural capital, Saint Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The Hermitage, the Russian Museum, Saint Isaac’s and Kazan cathedrals, the Church of the Savior on Blood, Peter and Paul Fortress, Nevsky Prospect and the Summer Garden are some of the attractions that need no introduction. But Saint Petersburg also has attractions outside the city: Tsarskoye Selo in Pushkin, Pavlovsk and, of course, magnificent Petergof. Visitors come from all over the world to see this unusual city during the white nights, to visit the royal palaces and parks, the fairytale fountains and movable bridges.

Hotel Options

4 Star Properties

Moscow : Tverskaya Marriott

St. Petersburg : Crowne Plaza Ligovsky

5 Star Properties

Moscow : InterContinental Tverskaya

St. Petersburg : Grand Belmond

Testimonials

Ron C.

Traveled June 2018

A life rewarding experience

Our family of four just returned from a two-week excursion in Peru. We traveled to Lima, the Peruvian Rainforest, Cusco, Urubamba, Machu Picchu and Puno/Lake Titicaca. We stayed in five different amazing hotels during our stay. Our tour operator, Yampu Tours did an exceptional job organizing the trip. We had an incredibly knowledgeable guide with us every step of way meeting us at our hotel managing our domestic air, bus and train transportation in Peru. Every guide was extremely knowledgeable about the sites/attractions. At no point did we ever get lost, feel rushed or left to our own devices (we do not speak Spanish… but we tried). This was easily one of the most carefree/safe trips with lots of adventures along the way. Lima is a city full of culinary delights, the biodiversity of the rainforest was incredible and visiting Cusco, the ancient Inca ruins, indigenous cultures of Puno, and Peruvian people in general was a life rewarding experience. I would wholeheartedly and emphatically recommend Yampu Tours (without reservation) for individuals and families alike for any travel considerations to Peru.

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Kurt & Rosabel, family of 5

Traveled August, 2010

I consider using your company again

The trip was fantastic. No complaints about the accomodations and I was truly impressed with the transportation arrangements. The guides from the various companies were courteous, polite and extremely helpful whenever a problem arose. The atmosphere on the Caribbean coast (Tortuguero) was completely different from that encountered on the Pacific coast (Guancaste), as was each location along the way. I honestly can’t say I preferred on spot over the others, though perhaps I was little more outspoken about the comforts of Arenal Springs compared to rest. The two beach spots along the Pacific were memorable for the ocean and all the things we did there.All the above said, I have no problem recommending your firm, and yourself in particular, to any of my friends and acquaintances regarding having you help them with their travel plans. Indeed, I have done so repeatedly today and will continue to do so into the future. It also goes without saying that I consider using your company again when Rosabel and myself start planning our next vacation or adventure trip.

Traveled To

Erica

Traveled July, 2016

It has certainly been a wonderful trip!

The best part of safari was just sitting and observing the animals.  Hearing them chew,walk, etc.  Loved it.  Victoria Falls was superb and we like them best from Zambian side.  It has certainly been a wonderful trip!

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