The city was founded in 1703 and was named in honour of patron saint of its founder.

The city of St Petersburg is known as the cultural treasure house of Russia and it is often reffered to as an Open-air Museum. There are more than 140 museums and around 100 theatres. St Petersburg together with its palaces, museums, theatres, distant suburbs and their parks is renowned piece of the world's cultural heritage.

A lot of the most poetic names have been given to the city since that time, among them the most popular are "Northern Palmyra" and "Venice of the North".

  The Peter and Paul Cathedral, the building of 12 collegias, the St. Nicolas Church, the Winter Palace, the Smolny Cathedral, the buildings of Senate and Sinod, the St. Isaak's Cathedral and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan, the Nicolas and the Mariinsky Palaces, built to the designs of world famous architects make a visit to the city unforgettable. The streets and squares of the city are ornamented by brilliant sculptures. Among them is the famous Bronze Horseman, the monument to Peter the Great, which became one of the symbols of St.Petersburg. For those interested in revolutionary history of the country  it can be recommended not to miss the legendary cruiser "Aurora", the Smolny Institute and the Field of Mars.

The museum contains one of the largest  collections of pieces of art in the world. The collection is housed in 4 buildings, all constructed adjacent to each other. The most famous of them is the Winter Palace, the former Royal residence. 

There is one more building making a harmonious whole with the mentioned four ones, it is the Hermitage Theatre, constructed for private theatricals of Catherine II.

Although begun as separate buildings, the Winter Palace and the Hermitage are now effectively one and the same thing. Catherine the Great created the first Hermitage and its embryonic art collection, and though "respectable" citizens were admitted after 1852, it only became fully accessible following the revolution of 1917. 

The collection of the Hermitage numbers over three million items, among them there are examples of prehistoric culture — Egyptian art, the art of Antiquity, Scythian gold — and a great collection of Western-European paintings and sculptures.

The highlights of the collection are the masterpieces by the old Italian masters, French Impressionists, and other world-famous painters.

The interiors of the Winter Palace are among the masterpieces of Russian monumental and applied arts.

The Hermitage collections of works of art present the development of the world culture and art from the Stone Age to the 20th century.

The oldest monument of history and architecture in St.Peterburg. The construction of it  started in 1703. The 27th of May 1703 when Peter the Great laid the first stone of the fortress is regarded as a birthday of the city.

The fortress was built as a fortification during the Russian-Swedish war. But it was never used as a fortress and its bastions were turned into political prison cells. The fortress's role as a prison dates back to 1718, when Peter the Great's son, Alexey, was tortured to death here. The "Secret House", built to contain Empress Anna's opponents, was subsequently  used by Nicolas I to hold the Decembrists, while later generations of revolutionaries were incarcerated in the Trubetskoy Bastion.     

Today the fortress is cherished as an historic monument — especially its cathedral. The construction of the Peter and Paul Cathedral was started in 1712 and finished by Domenico Trezzini in 1733. It has been the burial-vault of Russian emperors since 1725 when Peter the Great died and who lies buried inside on a spot he chose himself. Nearly all his successors were buried there too, including Nicolas II, the last Russian tsar, who was executed with his family in 1918 in Ekaterinburg and whose remnants were recently reburied into the cathedral.

Among other buildings on the territory of the fortress there is the Boat House (1760's) erected to preserve the boat in which Peter the Great made his first sailing trips; the Mint (1790's) where the world's first lever press for coining money was devised in 1811; the Commandant's House (1740's) used for major political trials of the 19th century; and some others.

The cathedral is one of the most beautiful and highest buildings (101,5 m) in the city. The name saint of the cathedral is St. Isaak of Dalmatia, a Byzantine monk whose feast day fell on Peter the Great's birthday — May 30. The cathedral was built in 40 years (1818–1858) to the design of French architect Auguste de Montfferand in Russian Classical style.

The interior decorations of the cathedral include painting, mozaics, multicoloured decorative stones. The most precious materials of its inner ornamentation are lapis-lazuli, jasper, malachite, gilded stucco, porphyry and fourteen kind of marble. The most impressive decorations of the cathedral interiors are: an 800-square-metre painting of the Virgin surrounded by saints and angels that covers the inside of the cupola; the huge bronze doors decorated with bas-reliefs depicting Biblical scenes; malachite and lapis lazuli columns framing a white marble iconostasis; and 62 mosaics.

For those who are interested it is possible to climb 262 steps up to the dome of the cathedral (the 3rd largest cathedral dome in Europe). Dwarfed by a great colonnade topped with 24 statues, the dome's wind-swept iron gallery offers a stunning panoramic view of central St.Petersburg.

The granit giant of the cathedral magnificently elevates over St.Petersburg, attracting attention from far away by its wonderful dome guilding.

Church of the Savior on Spilt Blood (1883–1907, architect A. Parland) was erected on the place where Russian Emperor Alexander II was assassinated. In 1861 Alexander II abolished serfdom, and people gave him a title Tsar the Liberator. He wanted to make Russia a Constitutional Monarchy. But on the 1st of March, 1881, he was killed by I. Grinevitsky (revolutionary, a member of People's Will organization). After his tragic death Alexander II was given a title Tsar the Martyr.

Built in 1883–1907, the church was designed in the spirit of sixteenth- and seventeenth century Russian architecture, inspired particularly by St Basil's Cathedral on Red Square in Moscow.

The rich mosaics that cover the walls of the cathedral both inside and outside are of a great value. The mosaic panels were made in Frolov's workshop to the originals by outstanding Russian artists, including Vasnetsov, Nesterov, Riabushkin and others. The total area of the mosaic is impressive 7050 square meters.

The Savior-on-the-Blood was greatly damaged under the Soviets. Like many other churches in Saint Petersburg it was closed soon after the revolution of 1917 and for many years was used as a storehouse. By the late 1960's the unique monument of Russian architecture had been in drastic condition and in 1970 the restoration works that lasted for almost 30 years were started.

Now with scaffolding already removed, the bell-tower dome gilded, and the interiors carefully restored, the church opened its doors to visitors. The official opening took place in August, 1997 and you can now see this jewel in the crown of St. Petersburg in its stunning beauty.

The Summer Garden is the city's most treasured public garden.

Less than in a year after the city's foundation Peter the Great ordered a formal garden to be designed in the style of Versailles, with intricate flowerbeds, a glass conservatory, orange and lemon trees, and numerous fountains.

Unfortunately a disastrous flood of 1777 wrecked the garden. Reconstruction took place under Catherine the Great who preferred a less formal English-style garden that survived till present days.

The Garden is decorated with many fine sculptures made by Italian masters. One of them called  "Peace and Abundance" (1722) depicts allegorically Russia's victory over Sweden in the Northern War. Here there is a monument to Ivan Krylov (1855), the "Russian La Fontaine".

There are several attractive buildings in the Garden, including the Coffee House (1826), the Tea House (1827). In the northern corner of the Garden there is Peter's Summer Palace (1710–14) designed by Domenico Trezzini. A modest two-storey building of bricks and stucco is one of the first stone structures in the city. On the ground floor of the palace there were rooms of Peter the Great, and on upper floors — his wife's living quarters. On display in the museum one can find personal belongings of Peter the Great, his mechanical instruments, meteorological devices, etc.

The State Russian Museum is the world's largest museum of Russian art. The collection of the Russian Museum numbers some 400000 works and covers the entire history of Russian fine art from the tenth century to the present day. It reflects virtually every form and genre of art in Russia, including a unique collection of Old Russian icons. Among them are the famous "Angel Gold Hair" of the early 12th century and works by old masters Rublev and Ushakov.

The collection of the museum is housed in the former palace constructed in 1819–1925 for Grand Duke Michael, the youngest son of Emperor Paul I.

In 1896 Nicolas II turned this palace into a museum to commemorate his father, Alexander III. 

Its collection of icons is outstanding, it includes the early 12th century "Angel Gold Hair" and many works by old masters — Rublev and Ushakov.

17th- and 18th-century paintings are well represented here, but of more importance is the collection of works by 19th-century painters (Aivazovsky, Repin, Serov, and many others). The Soviet period is represented by some fine examples of early 20th-century Russian art, including Kandinsky and Malevich.

In the beginning of the 20th century the east wing of the Michael Palace (which housed stables and laundry of the palace) was replaced by a Neoclassical building built to house the ethnographical collections of the Russian Museum.

In 1934 this became entirely separate Museum of Ethnography.

The Russian Museum of Ethnography is one of the largest ethnographic museums in the world.

Its collections number about half a million exhibits consisting of objects of everyday life, archive materials, drawings, engravings, lithographs and documentary photographs reflecting the traditional cultures of more than 150 peoples of the Eastern Europe, Siberia, the Far East, the Caucasus and Central Asia from 18th–20th centuries.

On display in the museum there are pieces of folk art, costumes, tools, reconstructed house interiors and photographs representing numerous nationalities and ethnic groups of Russian Federation. The museum collection offers an insight into the variety of peoples and cultures which inhabited the old Soviet Union.

In the so-called "Gold Room" of the museum there is a fascinating collection of pieces of applied art, decorations, armaments, and cult objects, made of precious stones.

Located on the banks of the Neva in the center of St. Petersburg, the Kunstkammer has been the symbol of the Russian Academy of Sciences since the early 18th century.

The Museum is the oldest state museum in Russia. It was founded in 1704 at Peter the Great's decree and served as the foundation for the St. Petersburg (and later Russian) Academy of Sciences and a number of the Academy's scientific and museum institutions.

The Museum was opened to the public in 1714. Its purpose was to collect and examine natural and human curiosities and rarities.

Today, collections of Peter the Great's Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkammer) are among the most complete and interesting in the world. These collections contain over one million artifacts and reflect the diversity of traditional cultures in the Old and New World. The Museum has always been one of the world's largest centers where human cultural heritage is studied, continuing the traditions of the great Russian cultural and physical anthropologists of the 18th–20th centuries.

The State Memorial Museum of Leningrad Defence and Blockade traces back to the exhibition "The Great Patriotic War" which was opened in Leningrad in August 1941. This is the unique military museum opened during Great Patriotic War.

In 1946 a museum dedicated to the defence of Leningrad during the WW2 was opened to the public.

At present the exposition of the museum tells about the heroic defence of Leningrad and the life of its defenders during the period 1941 — 1944.

Among 35 thousands eshibits one can see personal belonging of the city defence participants, soldiers' diaries, letters and pictures, weapons and medals.

One of the most interesting exhibits are reconstracted interiors of apartments during the war years.

The 900 Days of Leningrad Siege Museum

The memorial is dedicated to the 900 days heroic defence of the city in th WW2. It consists of 48-meter granite obelisk, sculptured composition representing defenders of Leningrad standing on bronze pedestals and an underground Memorial Hall, where original documents and items of that time are displayed.

The memorial was made by the whole city and was open in 1975 in the day of celebration of the 30th anniversary of the victory in the war.

In the center of Saint-Petersburg not far from Peter and Paul fortress there is the Military Historic Museum of Artillery, Engineering Forces and Forces of Communication. This museum, founded in 1703, is one of the oldest and largest in Russia.

At present the museum has the extremely valuable collections of artillery equipment and ammunition, shooting and cold steel arms, military engineering technic, military communication means, fighting banners, military uniforms, works of battle painting and drawing, rewards, and also archives documentary.

The museum exhibition, which fills 13 halls, recounts Russia's military history, the development of its arms and armour and the work of military engineers and signallers. Among the unique exhibits are the first Russian arquebus (late 14th — early 15th centuries) which fired stone, lead or iron cannonballs; a bronze gun cast by Yakov in 1491 (the earliest surviving example of cannon foundry work); a rare collection of seven guns made by Andrei Chokhov in the late 16th century; and a bronze mortar — a remarkable monument to the artistry of the early 17th-century cannon-founders. There are large displays of weaponry and ammunition, firearms and side-arms, military trophies, standards, battle paintings, decorations, uniforms and other relics.

A large part of the museum is devoted to the Patriotic War of 1812 and the Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany (1941–45). Heavy artillery, rockets, military engineering and signal equipment are on display in the huge courtyard outside the museum.

The Pulkovo Astronomical Observatory was established by the October 1833 Decree of the Russian Emperor Nicholas I. The Observatory was constructed and equipped under supervision and directorship of its first director Academician Vasily Yakovlevich (actually, Friedrich Georg Wilhelm) Struve. The Observatory's design had been presented by architect Alexander Bryullov and approved by the special Academic Commission. The Observatory was inaugurated on 19 August, 1839.

Built on the very top of the Pulkovo Hill in the environs of Saint Petersburg, in 8 verstas (8,5 km) from Tsarskoye Selo and in 19 verstas (20,3 km) from Academy of Sciences, the first Russian Observatory was called "Pulkovo Observatory" due to the name of the highs where it is located.

If you are interested in the history of Russian astronomy and cosmonautics, the visit to the Pulkovo Observatory is a unique opportunity to learn more about the development of Russian science.

The museum to Fedor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky (1821–1881) opened in 1971 in the house where the writer rented his last apartment from 1878 until his death in 1881. It was here that he worked on his Diary, his famous Speech on Pushkin and completed his last novel The Brothers Karamazov.

Dostoyevsky's apartment has been restored to its original state with the aid of archive material, photographs and memoirs by the writer's contemporaries. The memorial rooms (the entrance-hall, drawing-room, study, dining-room and the room of the writer's wife Anna Grigoryevna Snitkina) contain displays of Dostoyevsky's personal belongings and furnishings, many of which were donated to the museum by the writer's descendants. Together, the exhibits illustrate the life of a Russian intellectual in the second half of the 19th century. A literary display offers insights into Dostoyevsky's work on such novels as Poor People, Crime and Punishment, The Idiot and The Possessed, shedding light on the circumstances of their creation. It includes editions of Dostoyevsky's books published during his lifetime, a collection of illustrations for them, books and photographs signed by the writer and his famous contemporaries, and manuscripts and portraits. Every year, in November, the museum holds an international conference about Dostoyevsky and World Culture.

The Yusupov Palace on the Moika Embankment is an outstanding historic and architectural monument of the late 18th — early 20th centuries. Built by Vallin de la Mothe in 1760 the palace changed more than once its owners and was redesigned several times.  

The last owner of the palace was Prince Yusupov, whose wife was a niece of the Nicolas II, the last Russian tsar. It was the richest aristocratic family in Russia.

Wandering around the halls of the Yusupov Palace which preserve a sense of the past, one can learn about the refined luxury, exquisite taste, splendor of the high life, family happiness and human tragedies of the past. Gala and residential rooms of the palace are open for visitors who will be impressed by the white marble staircase, private apartments including a Moorish-style billiard room, the White-column hall, the Picture Gallery and the exquisite court theatre.

At this theatre Glinka's opera "Ivan Susanin" was premiered in 1836. It is still used for concerts of classical and folk music.

Not only is the Palace a remarkable architectural monument, but it is also a historical site, tied to the fall of imperial Russia. It was here that Grigory Rasputin, a favorite of the last Russian Tsar, was murdered.

The Menshikov Palace, situated on the University embankment of Vasilyevsky Island was commissioned by the first governor of Saint Petersburg and close associate of Peter I Alexander Menshikov.

This first monumental stone structure in the city started to be built in 1710 from the design of Giovanni Mario Fontana and continued under the guidance of Johann Gottfried Schaedel. The architectural composition of the palace is characteristic of the early 18th century.

The palace was the most luxurious building of Saint Petersburg of Peter's time and was often used for the official diplomatic receptions and assemblies.

Later, throughout the 18th century, the palace underwent several reconstructions.From the 2nd half of the 18th-century on, it housed the military educational institution — the First Cadets' School.

Recently, following continuous restoration works, the building has assumed its original early 18th-century appearance.

The Menshikov Palace was completely restored and became a branch of the State Hermitage in 1981, featuring permanent exhibition on "Russia's Culture of the First Third of the 18th century".

The palace and park complex of Gatchina, located 45 km south-west of St. Petersburg, is an outstanding example of eighteenth-century landscape architecture.

The palace, built in the Early Classical Style to a design by Antonio Rinaldi between 1766 and 1781, was enlarged by Vincenzo Brenna in 1796–1798, and reconstructed by Roman Kuzmin between 1845 and 1860.

The landscape parks, occupying an area of 700 hectare, are enlivened by the calm waters of picturesque lakes, ponds, and canals. The arbitrarily scattered bridges, terraces, obelisks, piers, and gates made of local limestone add a romantic air to the beautiful scenery.

The interior decor was created by Russian masters according to designs by Rinaldi and Vincenzo Brenna.

Today visitors can enjoy the decor of the Anteroom, the Marble Dining-Room, the Throne, White and Picture Halls. The superb parquetry designs, painted ceilings, stuccowork, bronzes, furniture and gobelins are of immense artistic value.

The palace's former art collections containing Russian and Western European paintings, porcelains, and Oriental objets d'art, are gradually being restored to their former owner. Visitors can also explore a mysterious subterranean passageway leading from the palace to the Echo grotto. On display is a remarkable collection of fire- and side-arms by I6th-20th century masters, begun by Count Grigory Orlov. On the parade ground, in front of the palace, is a bronze monument to Paul I, sculpted by Ivan Vitali (1850–51).

Located twenty-five kilometers south of St. Petersburg, the town of Pushkin, originally called Tsarskoye Selo, came into existence when Catherine I built a little surprise palace here for her husband, Peter the Great. The Empress Elizabeth had the palace (named Yekaterininsky Dvorets, or Catherine's Palace) expanded and renovated in 1752, and work continued through Catherine the Great's reign.

The park-and-palace ensemble of Tzarskoje Selo (Tzar's village), the former country residence of Russian royal family is a fascinating specimen of the world architecture and gardening of XVIII–XIX cent. Its three parks take up the total square of 600 hectares and contain over 100 architectural constructions ranging from gorgeous palaces and magnificent monuments to smaller pavilions and park sculpture.

The compositional centre of the whole complex is the Catherine Palace where one can find fine objects of applied art, furniture, Russian and West European painting, unique collections of porcelain, amber, arms, bronze and sculpture. Totally there are about 20 thousand exhibits in the museum collection.

Bolshoy Catherine Palace is a remarkable example of Russian baroque architecture. The existing palace was built between 1744 and 1756 by architects Zemtsov, Kvasov, Chevakinskiy, Rastrelli, Cameron, Quarenghi, Monighetti, Stasov.

In 1713 the governor of St.Petersburg and Peter the Great's favorite Alexader Menshikov ordered to construct a grand summer residence in 12 km to the east of Petrodvorets (the summer residence of Peter I). The construction of Oranienbaum bankrupted Menshikov and in 1728 the whole estate passed to the Royal Family. Empress Elizabeth gave it to her nephew, the future Tsar Peter III and husband of Catherine the Great.

A fortress ensemble with a petite palace was constructed for him to the design of architect A.Rinaldi. Later, Rinaldi was commissioned by Catherine the Great  to erect the Chinese Pavilion and the Katalnaya Gorka (Sliding Hill) with a pavilion. 

The highlight of the estate, the Chinese Palace — is a splendid monument of Rococo architecture. Its interiors are striking for the wealth and variety of their decor. The state rooms are adorned with stylized Chinese motifs, hence the name. The palace houses collections of paintings by artists of the Venetian School, Russian and Western European porcelain, furniture and works of Oriental decorative and applied art, which were very highly rated in the 18th century.

The halls of the Sliding Hill contain a display of porcelain statuettes from Meissen.

Oranienbaum is famous for its landscape parks dating back to the middle of the 19th century. 

Peterhof is the palace of the sea god. Here the fountains are not mere accessories: they are the essence of the place. They are the symbolic expression of the sea's dominion, the mist that rises from the waves as they surge against its shores. N. Benois

The world-famous palace, fountain and park ensemble of Peterhof is an outstanding landmark of Russian artistic culture of the 18th–19th centuries.

Founded in the very beginning of the eighteenth century by Emperor Peter the Great not far from his new northern capital St.Petersburg, Peterhof was intended to become the most splendid official royal summer residence.

Credit for its creation should go to a great number of eminent architects, artists, and anonymous folk craftsmen. Its wonderful parks, 176 fountains of various forms and styles and four cascades, majestic palaces, numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes, remarkable collections of sculpture, painting and works of the minor arts make Peterhof a veritable gem of art, often called "Capital of Fountains", unique in the world.

Named after Paul I, Pavlovsk was the last of the imperial estates to be built. In 1777 Catherine the Great gave 1500 acres of land to her son, the future Tsar Paul I, to reward him for the birth of a grandson who would continue the dynasty.

The Palace was completed in the summer of 1785. The southern part of Ihe Palace housed Maria Feodorovna's drawing rooms and ceremonials halls, while the northern part had Pave I's corresponding suites. They were called "male"and "female" suites, respectively.

The Palace has an elegant simplicity to it and it was built in the style of classicism. Its interiors are very beautiful with artificial marble walls and sumptuous murals and tapestries.

The area — virgin forest, used by the Tsars for hunting — was named Pavlovsk, after Paul. 

The formation of the collections of the palace was closely connected with the trip of its owners over Europe in 1781–1782.  They brought to Russia a large number of antique sculptures from Italy, as well as gifts from European Royal courts. All these items are on display in the palace nowadays.

The Pavlovsk Park is one of the largest in the world, the length of its paths and lanes is equal to the distance between St. Petersburg and Moscow.

Staraya Russa, a district centre of the Veliky Novgorod region, with a population of 41,2 thousand, is located on the right bank of the Polist river. For the first time it was mentioned in the chronicles in 1167.

In the 15th–17th centuries, the ancient merchant town changed into a prosperous industrial centre, with saltworks as the principle business activity. When Ivan the Terrible ascended the throne, Staraya Russa was the fourth most populous city in Russia, after Moscow, Pskov and Novgorod. During the Time of Troubles it was held by Polish brigands and heavily depopulated. Only 38 people lived there in 1613.

In 1824, Tsar Alexander I created the so-called military settlements near Staraya Russa, which would be a stage for an uprising in 1831 as part of the Cholera Riots. The town was fictionalized as Skotoprigonievsk in Dostoyevsky's novel The Brothers Karamazov (1879–80). The Soviet authority in Staraya Russa was established on November 5(18), 1917. The city was occupied by the Germans between August 9, 1941 and February 18, 1944. Totally destroyed by them, it was later restored.

Staraya Russa is a balneologic resort, celebrated for its mineral springs used for baths, drinking, and inhalations; medicinal silt mud of the Lake Verkhneye and Lake Sredneye and mud from artificial reservoirs. A summer residence of the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky, who wrote there his novels The Brothers Karamazov and The Possessed, is open to visitors as a museum.

The ancient monuments include the Transfiguration monastery, with a cathedral built in 70 days in 1198, partly rebuilt in the 15th century, and several 17th-century buildings and churches. The principal city cathedral (1678) is dedicated to the Resurrection of Christ. Other notable churches are consecrated to St George (1410, family temple of the Dostoevsky family), Mina the Martyr (14th century), and the Holy Trinity (1676).

One of the main places of is the F. M. Dostoevsky Cottage Museum. For the first time the writer arrived to Staraya Russa in 1782 and during the next 8 years the town become the favorite place of rest for Dostoevsky and his family. The museum consists of 6 interiors with documents, books and other belongings of Dostoevsky. It was here that Dostoevsky created his novel “Brothers Karamasov”.

Russia is a country of rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Now you have a unique opportunity to get acquainted with a Russian legend, vodka, since our culture would not be the same without our national drink. For centuries it has been not only an attribute of daily life but also an integral part of Russian history.

We invite you to discover the secrets of vodka making, to reveal centuries-old drinking traditions and uncover the important role which vodka plays in Russian social life. The tour will contain:

EXCURSION — You will be taken through the exciting history of vodka. You’ll learn who first produced it, how distillation process is performed, the best way to drink vodka and which food is the best to go with it.

TASTING — We invite you to a “rumochnaya” (standing-room-only cafe) for vodka tasting: to sample several different brands of vodka accompanied by a variety of Russian traditional vodka snacks — “zakuski”.

LUNCH — Russian Vodka Room No. 1 is the first place in St. Petersburg to present Russian cuisine from different historical periods. Here, you can try pre-Petrine dishes such as “oven-cooked buckwheat porridge with chicken hearts and porcini mushrooms”, dishes featuring everyday meals of the Russian merchants and aristocrats, such as “pike perch rissole with mashed potato”; and Soviet cuisine such as, “chicken Kiev” or “Russian salad”.

You will start your day at the Village Shuvalovka, the joyful world of Russian handicrafts.  Meet a smith, watch him forge a nail. Bring home your handmade bast plaited souvenir after visiting the master-class of a hostess having good hand at the Russian bast plaiting. The genuine Russian tea with bread-rings and world famous pancakes will complete the visit to the Village and make the rest of the day pleasant.

In the afternoon you will proceed to Petrodvorets to be offered a spacious tour of the grounds of the Imperial residence, both its quite corners and immensely luxurious and ornate palaces:

• the Cottage Palace of Nicolas I where his family spent the most romantic and delightful days;
• the Bath House that reveals the secrets of the Tsars' everyday life;
• and finally the Grand Palace, a witness of love affairs, ups and downs of several generations of the Royal family.

At the end of the tour follow your way into the park. 155 fountains and 5 water cascades made the residence the world’s capital of fountains. The tour finishes at the shore of the Gulf of Finland, you will find there a hydrofoil that will take you back to St. Petersburg. This is your chance to view the Grand palace and the Grand Cascade of fountains from the water. Keep it in memory, the view is breathtaking!

Moscow, the capital of Russia, is one of the biggest cities of the world. It occupies the area of 1035 km2 (more than 9 million people). Moscow's history covers about two thousand years, though the earliest annals set the date of its foundation as 1147, which is the official "birthday" of the city. It was founded by prince Yuri Dolgoruky and is famous for numerous places of interest and architectural monuments.

The heart of the city is the Kremlin which stands on the crest of a hill above the Moskva River. It is flanked by the Red Square, that is crowned by the unique and gorgeous St. Basil's Cathedral.

Besides the ancient historical buildings Moscow has many modern buildings — Moscow State University, the Central Stadium in Luzhniki which hosted the 1980 Olympic Games, and the Ostankino TV Tower (536 meters high). Moscow is the city of theatres, among them is the world famous Bolshoi Opera and Ballet House.

The city tour includes visiting both the historical center of the city (the Red Square, the Sofiiskaya Embankment with the building of the St. Sophia Cathedral and the panorama of the Kremlin walls, etc.) and its modern part (the Lenin (Vorobievy) Hills — the highest place in the city, providing a beautiful view; the Poklonnaya Hill where there is a monument commemorating defenders of the city during the World War Two, etc).

The Moscow Kremlin is frequently referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World".

 It is located on the left bank of the Moskva River and considered one of the most beautiful architectual ensembles in the world. For many centuries the Kremlin has been the heart of Moskow.

The Kremlin has always been perceived as a symbol of power and mighty of the Russian state, the national idea expressed in stone. Each era in the history of Russia left its significant architectural trace in the Kremlin.

On the territory of the Kremlin there are buildings of 5 Russian Orthodox Cathedrals among which the most famous is the Cathedral of Assumption (1475–79) — Russia's principal church; the Bell Tower named after Ivan the Great (1505–08); the Tsar Bell — the biggest bell in the world (1733-35); the Tsar Cannon with the largest caliber of any gun in the world (1586); the Grand Kremlin Palace (which is a group of several buildings with the main section dating back to 1838–1849); the Arsenal (early 19th cent); the Palace of Congresses (1961) and many other objects.

The Uspensky (Assumption) Cathedral is one of the oldest edifices of the Kremlin. It was  built by the Italian architect Aristotle Fiorovanti, who had spent many years in Russia studying traditional architecture. Topped by five gilt domes, it is both austere and solemn. It contains rare ancient paintings, including the icon of the Virgin of Vladimir (11th cent) and the icons of St. George (12th cent) and the Trinity (14th cent). The carved throne of Ivan the Terrible also stands here.

The Armoury Chamber, a treasure-house, is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace's complex. It is situated in the building constructed in 1851 by architect Konstantin Ton. The museum collections were based on the precious items that had been preserved for centuries in the tsars' treasury and the Patriarch's vestry. Some of the exhibits were made in the Kremlin's workshops, others were accepted as ambassadorial gifts. The museum was named after one of the oldest Kremlin's treasury stores.

One of the world's largest museums of applied art, it contains items ranging in age from the 4th cent. A.D. to the 20th century, arranged in thematic collections — i.e. weaponry, jewelry, Russian and West European silverware, precious textiles and embroideries, regalia, carriages and ceremonial harnesses.

Here on the display there are samples of ancient armory, valuables of all Grand Princes from the Ruric Family to the Romanovs, monastic utensils, a rare collection of jewelry. The Armory Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin was the treasury of the Moscow tsars and emperors for 8 centuries. The highlight of the museum is the collection of Easter eggs by Faberge jewelers (19th cent); among them there is a silver egg, the surface of which is engraved with a map of the Trans-Siberian railroad, the "surprise" inside is a golden clockwork model of a train with a platinum engine, windows of crystal, and a headlight made of a tiny ruby.

The Diamond Fund is the state collection of the unique diamonds, jewelry and precious minerals dating from 18th century to the present days.

The Russian Diamond fund is located in the Kremlin Armory Chamber.It was added to the Armoury in 1922, however it was only in 1976 that it was opened to the public. Today the Armory building houses an exhibition of the Diamond Fund where one can see a fascinating collection of the rarest stones and jewelry.

This exhibition displays unique state treasures, including historical relics such as the State Regalia: the Orb, Sceptre, and  large Imperial Crown of gold, silver, diamonds and pearls made for the coronation of Catherine the Great, the huge world-famous Orlov and Shah diamonds, the world's largest cut sapphire (258.8 carats) and the Big Bouquet — magnificent piece of jewelry set with diamonds and emeralds (18th century). The exhibition also features a collection of Yakut diamonds and masterpieces by modern jewelers. There are special show-cases with wide collection of emeralds, rubies, sapphires and alexandrites and, of course, semi-precious stones from the Ural mountains. There is the oldest collection of the gold and platinum nuggets on display. It is more than 150 years old.

Here one can find the largest of the existing gold nuggets — "The Big Triangle" (36 kg).

The base of the Diamond Fund collection are the imperial regalias accumulated during the centuries. All this treasures were not the personal property of Russian Tsars, it belonged to the "crown" meaning the state. Russian Tsars and Tsarinas could borrow items from this jewerly collection only for "temporary use".

The tour makes you feel and understand better the glorious past of the Russian Empire.

Novodevichy, or "New Maidens Convent" in English, was founded by Vasily III in 1524 to commemorate the recapture of Smolensk from the Lithuanians in 1514. The convent's main cathedral was consecrated in honor of the Smolenskaya Icon of the Mother of God Hodigitria, which according to legend was painted by St.Luke himself.

The most significant buildings of Novodevichy are Smolensky Cathedral and the Bellfry. Smolensky Cathedral was built in 1524–25 years. Six storeyd octagonal belfry, built in 1689–90, once was the highest building in Moscow, contending only with "Ivan the Great" campanile.

In the early 17th century, during the reign of Boris Godunov, the walls of the cathedral were ornamented with frescoes representing historic episodes in the struggle for the formation of a centralized Russian state. 

Novodevichy was Moscow's richest convent and many wives and widows of tsars and boyars and their daughters and sisters entered the convent and in doing so handed over all their jewels, pearls, gold and silver. Among the convents more notable residents were Tsarina Irina Godunova, who withdrew to Novodevichy after the death of her husband Tsar Fyodor, and was accompanied by her brother, the boyar Boris Godunov, who remained there until he was crowned in the monastery grounds in 1589.

As soon as the convent was founded, a cemetery was opened on its grounds, which subsequently became a traditional burial place for the church dignitaries, noble families and feudal lords of Moscow and later on, in the 19th century, of the intelligentsia and merchants.

The State Tretyakov Gallery is the national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the greatest museums in the world. 

The Gallery's collection consists entirely of Russian art and artists who have made а contribution to the history of Russian art or been closely connected with it. The collection contains more than 130000 works of painting, sculpture and graphics, created throughout the centuries by successive generations of Russian artists.

The date of its foundation is usually taken to be 1856 when the young Moscow merchant and industrialist Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov first acquired works by Russian artists of his day with the aim of creating а collection, which might later grow into а museum of national art.

Among the highlights of the collection are the works of Andrei Rublev, the world famous icon painter of the 14th–15th centuries; the canvases by Ilya Repin and Vasily Surikov; the landscapes by Isaak Levitan, Arkhip Kuinji, Alexei Savrasov; the marine scenes by Ivan Aivazovsky; the portraits by Ivan Kramskoy; the sculptures by Sergei Konenkov and Anna Golubkina.

A large section of the collection is devoted to contemporary Soviet and Russian art, containing many works by both traditionalists and experimentalists.

The museum was founded in 1912 by professor of Moscow University Tsvetayev and was supported by private donations. Its building was constructed in 1895–1912 and was first known as Alexander III's museum.

It is the largest museum in Russia after the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. It has a fine collection of Western European Art. Ancient Greece and Rome are also well represented though mostly by copies. The pride of the museum is the collection of ancient Egyptian art collected by Golenishev, as well as famous Fayoum Portraits of the 1st–4th centuries A.D.

One of the most significant and valuable sectors of the museum's collection is that of the Western European art of the 17–18th centuries. The leading Italian, Spanish, Flemish, Dutch  and French schools are widely represented in the museum.

The collection of French art of the 18–20th centuries is fully represented and illustrates different schools and trends such as "barbison" school, impressionism, postimpressionism, cubism and so on.

The entrance to the Museum is performed in the post-modern style. There is taboo truss lying as a border at the memorial building as a symbol of interrupted time in the flow of current life.

This new Museum creates a model of age and world of Mayakovsky, transforms the poetical metaphor into poetical compositions, realizes intellect and fantasy of the author, transforms a visitor from an obedient super into a co-author and participant. The House space, which is transformed by the will of authors of the composition (scenarios, artists, architects and builders), reminds the Labyrinth of Life, whose heart is the "Boat Room", the poet's memorial room on the fourth floor, and whose living nerve is the path of Mayakovsky in the house, the trace of his memory.

Like a theater, this Museum begins from the hall-stand. Guests in this House are poets who "did not love and did not smoke there last cigarette": Francois Villion, Alexander Pushkin, Marina Tsvetaeva and all those who see themselves in the mirror...

The Arbat located between Arbatskie Vorota Square and Smolenskaya Square is one of the most famous streets in Moscow. The Arbat is also one of the symbols of old Moscow, which was celebrated in poems, novels, songs and movies.

Nowadays the Arbat is the name of the pedestrian street, but actually the Arbat is the whole district of Moscow that marked its 500th birthday in 1993.

The Arbat Street ranges among the oldest in the Russian capital. Its exotic name comes from an Arabian word "arbad" ("rabad") that means "suburb, estate". This word was probably brought to Moscow by Crimean Tatars or Arabian merchants in the 15th century. In the middle of the 17th century there were attempts to rename the street Smolenskaya, but this name did not find acceptance. Originally, the Arbat was the place where merchants and craftspeople lived, but by the end of the 18th century they were replaced by the noblemen. In the middle of the 19th century the Arbat turned into the prestigious and fashionable place. The richest and the most powerful Russian families preferred to have their mansions here. The Arbat was a peaceful and quiet district where the relatively small mansions in the Empire style and wooden houses surrounded by gardens were put up. The area was popular among the doctors, lawyers, writers and poets. In different times, the Arbat was the place of stay for Alexander Pushkin, Sergey Rakhmaninov, Alexander Skryabin, Nikolay Gogol, Lev Tolstoy, Mikhail Saltikov-Shchedrin, Anton Chekhov, and Alexander Block. Life of famous director

Evgeniy Vakhtangov and his theater was closely connected to the Arbat.

By the end of the 19th century the Arbat started to approach its modern look. A lot of shops and many-storied tenement-houses were constructed.

At the time of the Soviet power the look of the Old Arbat underwent irreversible changes.

The Estate Kuskovo is a unique cultural property site of the 18th century.  This is the former summer residence of  Prince Pyotr Sheremetiev. "The summer country house of count Sheremetev", the former name of Kuskovo, was intended specially for receptions, smart assemblies, festivals with fireworks and different  celebrations. The most solemn receptions were carried out in the Palace.

The construction works in Kuskovo were most active in 1750's, during the rule in Russia of empress Elizabeth. Several architects took part in the construction of the architectural-park ensemble, including J.I.Kologrivov, F.S.Argunov, K.I.Blank and others. The architecture of Kuskovo combines features of Baroque and Classicism

The 18th century ensemble has survived to our days and includes more than 20 unique monument of architecture including the Palace, the Church with the belfry, the Dutch House, the Italian House and the Grotto, the Orangery, the Hermitage. One of the highlightd of the estate in the regular french park with marble sculptures, ponds and pavilions.

The Palace is the centre of the Estate ensemble. The interiors, furniture, ornaments and articles of everyday life of the 18–19th centuries have survived to our days as well. On desplay there is the collection of Russian and West-Europian art and the portraits of Russian emperors and Sheremetiev family.

In 1919 the Estate was turned into museum and in 1938 a unique Museum of Ceramics was joined to it.

At present Kuskovo Estate is one of the largest museums of ceramics and glass in the world. The collection amounts to 30000 exibits including the Italian mayolics, Venecian, English and Russian glass-works and many other unique works from antiquity up to the present day.

Along with a permanent exposition, various exhibitions of applied art and items of ceramics take place here.

Monument of architecture Kolomenskoe, a former country residence of the Tsar in the 16–17th centuries, is well known in Russia and in foreign countries.

A total of 17 monuments of architecture, history, and culture of federal significance are situated in the museum. The territory proper is a unique natural reserved landscape with natural relief and ancient archeological and geological monuments left from the past.

The most interesting buildings on the territory of the estate are the Ascension Church (1532), the Church of  the Icon of the Kazan Virgin (17th cent) and the house of Peter the Great.

The most striking part of the large complex is the beautiful Church of the Ascension of Christ (1532), built in the old Russian "tent" style. There is a partly rebuilt 16th century iconostasis. The belfry also dates from the beginning of the same century.

The log cabin in which Peter the Great lived in Archangelsk has been transferred here. Other examples of Russian wooden architecture are the Prison Tower from Siberia (1631), the Defense Tower from the White Sea (1690) and a 17th century mead brewery from the village of Preobrazhenskoye.

The Museum is housed in the former servants' quarters of the estate, its collection contains icons, metalwork, tiles.

Underground system is the quickest and most convenient mode of transport for such a huge megapolis as Moscow. The idea of constracting Moscow Underground system appeared in early 20th century.

The construction works began in 1931. The first underground line was opened on May 15, 1935.

At present the Moscow underground system has eleven lines with over 260 km of track and 156 stations.

More than 8 million peopkle use it daily.

In 2010 Moscow Metro will selebrate its 75th anniversary.

Its oldest stations (Belorusskaya, Kievskaya, Komsomolskaya and others which date back to 1937–1941) are decorated with marble, mosaics, stained glass panels and bronze sculptures and look like an art museum. 

The Central Museum of Armed Forces is the biggest and one of the most unique museums of Russia. Its exposition covers the period starting from the 17th century and up to the recent days. The first floore houses the armament objects, original documents, military clothing as well as many of other historical items.

The exposition of the second floore will introduce you to the History of the Soviet time. You will be empressed by the solemn athmosphere of the "Glory Hall". The open-air part of the museum houses tanks, military planes, helicopters, anti-aircraft guns, etc.

Poklonnaya Hill is the most significant monument constructed in honour of victory in the Great Patriotic War. Solemn opening of the Victory Memorial in Moscow was held on May, 9, 1995.

In February, 23, 1958 on Poklonnaya Hill a memorable granite sign was established with the inscription: "Here there will be a monument to the Victory of Soviet people in Great Patriotic War". Trees were planted around the place, park was layed named the Victory Park. For the whole complex a site of 135 hectares was allocated. A great work on designing, discussion and choosing the best project of the main monument to freedom began. At that time, however, the question remained unsolved as none of the projects submitted was accepted. Everything remained without changes until the general management of the construction of the Memorial was undertaken by the mayor of Moscow J. M. Luzhkov. And the construction, threatened to be broken, was completed for three years.

At present  the Memorial includes the 142 meter high main Victory Monument; the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945, covering an area of 33992 square meters, with an adjoining picture gallery; the Victory Park spreading over an area of 135 hectares; the Church of Great Martyr and Victory Bearer St. George, consecrated on May 6, 1995; The memorial Mosque built in 1997 in memory of servicemen-moslems perished in the War; the Memorial Synagogue to memorize Jews perished in the War and the Holocaust Memorial Museum opened in 1998; open-air exhibitions of weapons and combat equipment, including specimens of material of the navy and the railroad forces, and engineering structures.

The Museum-Panorama "Borodino Battle" is devoted to the brightest episode of the Patriotic War of 1812 – the battle between Russian and French armies near the Borodino village.

It was opened  in 1962.

The main exhibit in the Museum is the huge panorama by Frantz Rubo, depicting the scenes of Borodino Battle. It is a 15 meter (50 feet) high and 115 meter (383 feet) wide canvas located in a round hall with a viewing platform which is "the centre of the battle". On the canvas you will find the portraits of some famous historical personalities and the two outstanding commanders Michael Kutuzov and Napoleon Bonaparte.

The author reproduces a most critical episode of the battle on September 7, 1812, when Napoleon determined to crush the Russian army by charging his main forces against it, failed.

Tour of the panorama hall with the observation platform is accompanied by noise effects that reproduce the battle sounds.

The State Memorial and Natural Preserve "Museum-Estate of Leo Tolstoy "Yasnaya Polyana" is located just 200 kilometers south of Moscow and 14 kilometers from Tula. A three-hour ride by bus or car from Moscow will bring you to the entrance towers that have for years been the symbol of the Yasnaya Polyana museum.

Yasnaya Polyana is a phenomenon of Russia's historic and cultural life. With its authentic buildings, surrounded by picturesque forests, orchards, and parks, it is a typical Russian estate, which will give you an insight into the every-day life and traditions of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Whether it is your first visit or one of many you will be impressed by the simplicity and momentous associations of the Tolstoy House and everything in it.

The country estate of the 19th century has preserved its look up to this day. It includes the Tolstoy house with original furniture and library, a guest wing used for changing exhibitions and a house for the domestic staff which is now occupied by the administration. There are several farm buildings, parks with a cascade of ponds laid out at the end of the 18th century. Noteworthy are the apple orchards which occupy 40 hectares and the forests planted mostly by Tolstoy in 1870–1900.

The town emerged long time ago, round the St.Trinity Sergius Lavra, the monastery established here by one of the most honoured Russian saints, reverent Sergius of Radonezh.

The monastery was founded by St. Sergius in 1340 and  got the status of Lavra in 1744, has currently become a place of pilgrimage of the Russian Orthodox Church and one of the most interesting museums, where one may find the icons of Andrei Rublev and other famous masters of the 15th–18th century.

The architecture ensemble of monastery created during the long period of the 14th-19th centuries is a unique sample of wonderful combination of different architectural styles forming the most impressive and harmonious composition.

The town is located 70 km from Moscow. The main place of interest here is the St. Trinity — Sergius Lavra, the religious center of Russian Orthodox church, the residence of the Patriarch of All Russia, a working monastery, with the Theological Academy.

The architectural ensemble of the 15th–19th centuries represents all stages in the development of Russian architecture, it contains the Church of the Trinity (famous for its icons painted by Andrei Rublev), the Cathedral of Assumption dating back to 1554 (its five enormous bulb-shaped towers are painted in blue and gold ), a tiny colorful  chapel and  a miraculous fountain nearby the tomb of Boris Godunov and his family; the elegant Baroque belfry built in the middle of the 18th century by Rastrelli, the architect of St. Petersburg.

If you’d like to submerge yourself into the joyful world of Russian handicrafts and paint a matrioshka doll — welcome to the Museum of Matrioshka.

The wooden doll Matrioshka that has smaller dolls hidden inside is a worldwide famous Russian souvenir that symbolizes a big family, where the elders take care of the young ones.

We invite you to the Museum of Matrioshka, where you’ll see a big collection of completely different dolls and will learn the history of this traditional Russian handicraft. You will also bring home your handmade matrioshka painted by yourself (!) having visited a master-class given by a Russian artist with a good hand at handicrafts.

That’s going to be a joyful experience for you and a great addition to your tour-program during your stay in Moscow.

Description of the tour:

Terms:

• hotels of the tour:
  • St. Petersburg: "Sokos Palace Bridge" (5 star) or similar;
  • Moscow: "Marriott Grand" (5 star) or similar;
• all tours and transfers are with English speaking guide;

Description of the tour:

Terms:

• hotels of the tour:
  • Moscow: "Marriott Tverskaya" (4 star) or similar;
  • St. Petersburg: "Marriott Courtyard" (4 star) or similar;
• in / out transfers in Moscow and in St. Petersburg are with English speaking assistant;
• city tours in Moscow and in St. Petersburg are with English speaking guide;
• day train St.Petersburg — Moscow, 2nd class, sitting cars.

Additional nights at the hotels and extra tours can be booked in advance according to our fit tariffs.

Day 1, Sun: Moscow — Vladimir — Suzdal

08:00 — Departure from hotel in Moscow.

11:00 — Arrival to Vladimir, city tour including the Golden Gates (1164), the Uspensky (Assumption) Cathedral (constructed in 1158–61, rebuilt in 1185–89).

Departure from Vladimir for Suzdal.

Vladimir is one of the towns of the Gold Ring located 170 km from Moscow. The town is situated on the banks of the Kliazma river, a small tributary of Volga. It was founded in 1108. The town is recognized by UNESCO as one of the most valuable treasures of the international heritage.

14:00 — Arrival to Suzdal, city tour including Kremlin, Spaso-Evfimievsky Monastery, the open-air museum of wooden architecture.

Suzdal is the town that was awarded The Golden Apple Prize by the International Journalists' Organization for preservation of its architectural ensemble and tourist development in the area. The name of Suzdal appeared in the annals for the first time in 1024. The first stone church was built here in the 12th century. In Suzdal there are 33 churches, 5 monasteries, 7 chapels and no any modern constructions in the centre of the town.

18:00 — Check-in to the hotel "Pushkarskaya sloboda" in Suzdal. Dinner at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2, Mon: Suzdal — Ples — Kostroma — Yaroslavl

09:30 — After breakfast departure from Suzdal to Kostroma.

On the way — a "green stop" in Ples (small town located 65 km from Kostroma).

Ples is a small town located in picturesque place on a bank of the river Volga, it is an ideal site for a picnic or a walking tour. Ples was a home place of a Russian artist Ivan Levitan who was inspired by the local nature to paint his famous landscapes.

We invite You to try the traditional Russian hospitality of the 18th­–19th centuries: a housewife will greet You, invite to the "izba" (a wooden house) and offer to taste her cooking; a husband, craftsman, will show his works of handicraft.

14:00 — Arrival to Kostroma. HD city tour of Kostroma including Ipatievsky Monastery and the Church of Resurrection-on-Debra.

Kostroma is known as an important trade and handicraft centre in the Old Russia. In the 17th century it became the 4th largest city of Russia, after Moscow, Yaroslavl and Nizhni Novgorod.

19:00 — After city tour in Kostroma departure for Yaroslavl. Checking in hotel "Ring Premiere". Dinner and overnight in hotel.

In 1010 Prince Yaroslav the Wise founded a fort on the banks of the Volga that is later turned into a beautiful town. The abundance of frescoes and ceramic ornaments in its churches earned the town the title of the "Florence of Russia".

Day 3, Tue: Yaroslavl — Rostov the Great — Pereyaslavl-­Zalessky — Zagorsk

08:30 — after breakfast check out from hotel and departure to Moscow. Visits on the way: city tour in Yaroslavl including visit to Transfiguration Monastery.

12:00 — city tour in Rostov the Great.

Rostov the Great is the town frequently referred to as "a symphony in stone" and "Russia's Eternal city". It is about 193 km from Moscow. The town was founded in A.D. 862. Rostov is famous for its enamels, they are the trademark of the town.

14:00 — "Photo-stop" in Pereyaslavl-Zalessky.

Pereyaslavl-Zalessky, the "town on waters", is the birthplace of the Russian Navy. The town was founded by Price Yury Dolgoruky in 1152, five years after the foundation of Moscow.

16:00 — arrival to Zagorsk. Visit to St. Trinity — Sergius Monastery.

17:00 — lunch in local restaurant in Zagorsk.

In Zagorsk (Sergiev Posad) there is the monastery of St. Trinity — St. Sergius that is a kind of Mecca for Orthodox piligrims. The monastery is a museum of national importance, it is also a major religious centre.

The trip ends in the evening in Moscow.

Hotel accommodation for the last night in Moscow is not included. It can be quoted and added depending on the client's wishes. In this case please specify the number of nights that is needed and the category of hotel.

Description of the tour:

Suggestive Hotels

Moscow — Marriott Tverskaya (4*) or similar

Suzdal — Pushkarskaya Sloboda (3*)

Yaroslavl — Ring Premier (4*)

St. Petersburg — Courtyard by Marriott (4*) or similar

Inclusions:

Airport transfers in Moscow and in St. Petersburg by private car.

All tours and visits are on regular basis English speaking guide;

Overnight train Moscow → St. Petersburg, 2nd class (sleeper, quadruple cabins).

We are happy to offer our new project of the garanteed sightseeing tours with fixed dates, time and price.

The rates include:

• transportation service
• English speaking guide;
• entrance fees as per itinerary.

St. Petersburg

Regular tour # 1 — City tour of St. Petersburg

Description of the tour:

The city of St. Petersburg is known as the cultural treasure house of Russia and it is often referred to as an Open-air Museum. There are more than 140 museums and around 100 theatres. St Petersburg together with its palaces, museums, theatres, distant suburbs and their parks is renowned piece of the world’s cultural heritage. City tour includes visiting the exteriors of most exciting historic sights of the city, such as Nevsky prospect, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood, Field of Mars, Smolny Cathedral and many other.

 Departure 1 — each Monday 10:00. Pick up from hotel Courtyard by Marriott Vasilievsky: address 61/30, Line 2 of the Vasilievsky Island. Duration of the tour: 3 hours.

Approx Rate: EUR 33 p/p

Departure 2 — each Saturday 10:00. Pick up from hotel Astoria: address 39, Bolshaya Morskaya Str. Duration of the tour: 3 hours.

Approx Rate: EUR 33 p/p

Regular tour # 2 — City tour of St. Petersburg with entrance to Peter and Paul Fortress

Description of the tour:

The Peter and Paul Fortress — the oldest construction of Saint Petersburg — is the birth-place of our city. Built in 1703 it has played an important role in the history of developing of the city. Nowadays it is the most important monument of Saint Petersburg. During the tour you will have a chance to visit Peter and Paul Cathedral, which is a burial place of all Russian Emperors starting from Peter the Great up to the last tsar Nicolas II.

Departure — each Wednesday 10:00. Pick up from hotel Sokos Palace Bridge Vasilievsky Island, 2–4, Birzhevoi pereulok. Duration of the tour: 4 hours.

Approx Rate EUR 51 p/p

Regular tour # 3 — Visit to the Hermitage museum

Decription of the tour:

It is the biggest art museum in the world. The collection is housed in 4 interconnected buildings, one of the most admirable of which is the Winter Palace — the main residence of the Russian Royal family.

The Hermitage collection has over 3 million paintings, including masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Rafael, Michael Angelo, Titian, Rembrandt, huge collection of Impressionists and Post-impressionists. The tour includes visiting of the Gala rooms of the Russian Royal family which have preserved the original interiors of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Departure 1 — each Wednesday 14:30. Pick up from hotel Astoria: address 39, Bolshaya Morskaya Str. Duration of the tour: 3 hours.

Approx Rate EUR 71 p/p

Departure 2 — each Sunday 10:00. Pick up from hotel Astoria: address 39, Bolshaya Morskaya Str. Duration of the tour: 3 hours.

Approx Rate EUR 71 p/p

Regular tour # 4 — Visit to Pushkin (Tsarskoe Selo) with entrance to Catherine Palace and park

Description of the tour:

It is a former country residence of Catherine the Great (25 km away from the city). This is a fascinating monument of the world’s architectural and gardening art of the 18th–19th centuries. The most striking experience for the tourists would be a visit to the famous legendary Amber Room (one of the rooms of the state royal residence). This unique amber study room was once presented to Peter the Great by a Prussian king (18th century) and then disappeared during the World War II. It has just been restored after almost 60 years of being lost.

Departure — each Thursday 09:30. Pick up from hotel Sokos Palace Bridge Vasilievsky Island, 2–4, Birzhevoi pereulok Duration of the tour: 4 hours.

Approx Rate EUR 68 p/p

Moscow

Regular tour # 1 — City tour of Moscow

Description of the tour:

Moscow was founded in 1147 by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky. It is famous for numerous places of interest and architectural monuments. The heart of the city is the Kremlin which stands on the crest of a hill above the Moskva River. It is flanked by the Red Square that is crowned by the unique and gorgeous St. Basil’s Cathedral.

Moscow has many modern buildings — Moscow State University, the Central Stadium in Luzhniki which hosted the 1980 Olympic Games, and the Ostankino TV Tower (536 meters high). Moscow is the city of theatres, among them is the world famous Bolshoi Opera and Ballet House.

The city tour includes visiting the historical center of the city (the Red Square, the Sofiiskaya Embankment with the building of the St. Sophia Cathedral and the panorama of the Kremlin.

Departure 1 — each Tuesday 10:00. Pick up from hotel Ritz Carlton: address 3–5, Tverskaya Str. Duration of the tour: 3 hours.

Approx Rate EUR 37 p/p

Departure 2 — each Saturday 10:00. Pick up from hotel Marriott Tverskaya: address 34, 1 Tverskaya-Yamskaya Str. Duration of the tour: 3 hours.

Approx Rate EUR 37 p/p

Regular tour # 2 — Walking tour of Kremlin with visit to 3 cathedrals

Description of the tour:

The Moscow Kremlin is frequently referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. On the territory of the Kremlin there are buildings of 5 Russian Orthodox Cathedrals among which the most famous is the Cathedral of Assumption (1475–79) — Russia’s principal church; the Bell Tower named after Ivan the Great (1505–08); the Tsar Bell — the biggest bell in the world (1733–35); the Tsar Cannon with the largest caliber of any gun in the world (1586); the Grand Kremlin Palace (which is a group of several buildings with the main section dating back to 1838–1849); the Arsenal (early 19th cent); the Palace of Congresses (1961) and many other objects.

The Uspensky (Assumption) Cathedral is one of the oldest edifices of the Kremlin. It was built by the Italian architect Aristotle Fiorovanti, who had spent many years in Russia studying traditional architecture. Topped by five gilt domes, it is both austere and solemn. It contains rare ancient paintings, including the icon of the Virgin of Vladimir (11th cent) and the icons of St. George (12th cent) and the Trinity (14th cent).

Departure — each Wednesday 10:00. Pick up from hotel Ritz Carlton: address 3–5, Tverskaya Str. Duration of the tour: 3 hours.

Approx Rate EUR 63 p/p

Regular tour # 3 — Visit to Kremlin with entrance to 1 cathedral and Armory Chamber

Descriprion of the tour:

Among the main important places to visit in the Kremlin is the Armory Chamber, the oldest museum of the Moscow Kremlin. The present building was erected in 1849–51. One of the world’s largest museums of applied art, it contains items ranging in age from the 4th cent. A.D. to the 20th century arranged in thematic collections — i.e. weaponry, jewelry, Russian and West European silverware, precious textiles and embroideries, regalia, carriages and ceremonial harnesses.

Here on the display there are samples of ancient armory, valuables of all Grand Princes from the Ruric Family to the Romanovs, monastic utensils, a rare collection of jewelry. The Armory Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin was the treasury of the Moscow tsars and emperors for 8 centuries. The highlight of the museum is the collection of Easter eggs by Faberge jewelers (19th cent); among them there is a silver egg, the surface of which is engraved with a map of the Trans-Siberian railroad, the “surprise” inside is a golden clockwork model of a train with a platinum engine, windows of crystal, and a headlight made of a tiny ruby.

Departure — each Saturday 09:30. Pick up from hotel Marriott Grand: address 26, Tverskaya  Str. Duration of the tour: 2 hours.

Approx Rate EUR 89 p/p

You have a unique chance to explore life of Russian Soldiery from inside. We offer three different thematic alternatives:

1. One day in Russian Army

• arrive to the military base and changing clothes to military style;
• theoretical trainings;
• practical trainings (including shooting from military weaponry);
• lunch at tactical field kitchen;
• passing "exams" and gaining the "certificate" of Russian Army Soldier.

2. Tank Rodeo

With individual trip program you choose the day and time, which is comfortable for you to come to the base. You can make the program in accordance with your desire, on your scenario within the limit of the time of your program.

Program of the trip includes studying of the tank; driving through the forest and on the concrete pavement on the high speed.

• arrival to the base and changing dresses to military uniform;
• instructions about the tank;
• photo session;
• orientation on the programme;
• tank drive #1 (forest area, manoeuvring, passing the obstacles);
• visit to the museum of Retro Military Equipment;
• tank drive #2 (concrete road, high-speed driving).

3. Jet Flight Experience

Flight Training in L-39 in Moscow

The L-39 Albatros was selected as the standard jet trainer in 1972 for the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact countries, with the exception of Poland and was the successor to the L-29 Delfin jet. The L-39 is a single engine, tandem two seat, all-metal, subsonic aircraft. The L-39 made its first flight on November 4, 1968. The aircraft's primary mission was basic and advanced training, with external armament stores that would enabled it to fulfill operational training in ground attack roles. The L-39 is a unique blend of Soviet-style simplicity and Czechoslovakian-style Western technology. An amazingly easy aircraft to fly — with excellent back-up systems. This is the current Russian Trainer.

Flying by MIG-29

The flight envelope provides for various aerobatics maneuvers — from standard to most advanced. Maximum acceleration a client can experience during the flight may reach 7–8G with the minimum of 3–4G.

The unique MiG-29 fighter will let you get dramatic impressions and a lot of adrenaline while performing normal and advanced aerobatics maneuvers.

Flying by MiG-31

Supersonic flight to the stratosphere (45–50 minutes).

The MiG-31 “Foxhound” long-range interceptor was developed from the MiG-25. The two-seat MiG-31 fighter has more capable equipment, including the powerful 'Zaslon' phased array radar with a range of 200km.

Wing Span: 13.40 m;

Length: 22.6 m;

Height: 6.1 m;

Wing Area: 61.6 m2;

Empty Weight: 21825 kg;

Max.Weight: 46200 kg;

Speed: 3000 km/h;

Ceiling: 20600 m;

Range: 3000km.

You have a unique chance to visit the most famous Russian brewery BALTICA and see the process of beer making in Russia.

The Baltica Breweries was established in 1990. Baltika is the undisputed leader of the Russian brewing industry and has established a formidable position among leading European breweries. Baltica brand first appeared on the market in June of 1992. Today, the brand encompasses 9 different varieties of beer that can satisfy the most demanding and diverse tastes. During 2005, among other prizes the brand was awarded "European Beer Star Awards", and "The Brewing Industry International Awards".  

After the orientation tour around the brewery you are invited for beer tasting.

Spy Game is a completely new experience for you and your friends.

You will have a unique opportunity to visit and to explore Russian cities full of mistery and enigmas. You will be drawn into the great story of kidnapping, pursuit, imprisonment, Russian Troikas, Imperial Palaces, Ghosts, hidden treasures and others…

With our company you have a unique chance to feel yourself Russian Tsar or Tsarina.

We would be delighted to organaze any of your special event or celebration in one of the interiors of the Imperial Russian Palaces.

You will be met by waiters dressed up in the 19th century costumes and led to the chosen dining-room decorated with candles and flowers especially for you. The elaborate dinner will be served in the way it used to be served during the reign of the Russian Emperors and accompanied by the "court" orchestra or ballet performance.

This Imperial Russian Ball will be an unfogettable experience in your life.

Take a dive into the charme and luxury of the  Emperial Russia...

If you come to Russia you should not miss the chance to enjoy the traditional "The Russian Party".

We are delighted to offer you the ideas about the traditional Russian festivities we would be pleased to organize for our guests.

Russians are famous for their hospitality and original cuisine. The most famous welcoming ritual, Russians have from time immemorial, is to greet their dear guests, by proposing "khleb-sol"(bread and salt), the symbol of Russian hospitality. In the traditional bread and salt ceremony, the guest pecks a taste of bread, sops it into the salt and then eats it.

Russian cuisine has enjoyed wide popularity and it is known all over the world, but you can try the genuine Russian dishes only in Russia! Visit the Old Russian Village and enter to "isba" (the log house of Russian peasants) to try "blini" — Russian pancakes with vodka and caviar. You will be charmed by the tea ceremony trying things such as specially prepared teas with herbal essences from Russian samovars, the recipes for which have survived to our times from the Ancient Rus.

Feel the unique Russian holiday spirit with luxurious "Troika" rides - the symbol of all Russian festivities. And the company of the Gipsy band singing and dancing only for you will create the atmosphere of the noble celebration.

We are pleased to organize the fabulous Party in the Russian style for you!

We are delighted to offer you some variations of Master Classes in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Are you interested in Russian Applied Art? You have a chance to make a Matrioshka Doll by your own hands.

If you are fond of Russian Ballet in Russia you have a great opportunity to participate in Master Class in the famous Vaganov School or others…

As a painter you can visit a master class in one of the Russian Art Schools, for example the School of Applied Art in St. Petersburg.

For example, in St.Petersburg you can visit The Applied Art Museum at St. Petersburg Artistic-Industrial Academy. It was established in 1878. The museum's building is an original sample of architectural  style  "historicism" by architect M. Messmacher. Its inner decoration reflects almost all historical epochs and art styles. The collection numbers more than 30000 items of applied art dated from Antiquity till nowadays.

It is a great possibility to see the students and master's work and create a unique masterpiece by yourself.

In Moscow there is a unique Alfred Mirek Russian Accordion Museum, the first museum devoted to one of the instruments most popular in Russia. Unique collection of European accordions donated to the city by art histoian Alfred Mirek. Fancy-dress musical excursions, concert programs and master classes can be held here. Try to sing in Russian and play Russian national musical instrument.