Itinerary Include flights Leave this field blank Expand all Fly to Moscow; transfer to city centre.Arrive in the early evening and transfer to our centrally located hotel in Moscow. The journey takes approximately 1 hour from Domodedovo or Sheremetyevo Airport, during peak season this can be longer due to heavy traffic. The closest subway station to our hotel is Arbatskaya on the blue line (the only station where four lines meet).After dinner, we recommend an evening walk to Red SquareBoris Godunov Hotel or similar Day 1 Start Moscow.Arrive in the early evening and transfer to our centrally located hotel in Moscow. The journey takes approximately 1 hour from Domodedovo or Sheremetyevo Airport, during peak season this can be longer due to heavy traffic. The closest subway station to our hotel is Arbatskaya on the blue line (the only station where four lines meet).After dinner, we recommend an evening walk to Red SquareBoris Godunov Hotel or similar Day 2 Morning orientation tour including Red Square and Lenin’s Tomb. Free afternoon to explore the Russian capital.This morning we enjoy a guided walk across Red Square, past Lenin’s Mausoleum visiting the revolutionary leader’s tomb. After we gain our bearings, there is free time to visit the magnificent St Basil’s Cathedral, which was built by Ivan the Terrible and remains one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. We then hop aboard the efficient Metro system, for a short tour of some of the most beautiful stations.Later, if time allows, there might be chance to see Moscow’s premier art collection at the Tretyakov Gallery, where the priceless Russian Icon collection is kept along with other highlights. Or you may choose to do some shopping at the souvenir market. Evening visits to the Bolshoy Theatre are very popular and are available to book online (subject to availability). The circus is also a popular choice - however, live animals are used in some acts so this may not be to everyone’s taste. Please note that Exodus are unable to pre-book these tickets as we are not official ticket agents and tickets can only be booked in advance.Boris Godunov Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Guided tour of the Kremlin grounds and Armoury Museum. Free afternoon for shopping or sightseeing. Overnight sleeper train to Novgorod.Today we head straight to the highlight for many who visit Moscow, the Kremlin - a city within a city. It is still the seat of much political power and contains many of Russia’s greatest treasures. We visit some of the magnificent cathedrals of St. Michael the Archangel, the Annunciation and the Assumption, and have a look at the Tsar Bell and the golden domes of Ivan the Great Bell Tower from the outside. We visit the famous Armoury, a museum of opulent treasures including fabulous gold coaches and the famous Fabergé eggs. There is some more free time in the afternoon before we meet at the hotel for the short transfer to the train station. There will be time to visit the shops to buy some snacks and drinks for the journey, before boarding our late night sleeper train to Novgorod.Sleeper train Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Morning walking tour including visits to Novgorod Kremlin, St Sofia's Cathedral and Yaroslav's Court; optional afternoon to visit to the Museum of Wooden Architecture.No other Russian city can compete with Novgorod in the variety and age of its historical monuments. We spend a relaxing morning on a gentle walking tour through the riverside Kremlin dating back to the 10th century. We take in the sites of St Sofia’s Cathedral Yaroslav's Court and the Millennium Monument, created to celebrate 1000 years of Russia. The afternoon is free, a chance to experience a less visited city with a truly Russian feel. Most choose to head out into the countryside to enjoy the Yuriev Monastery and the Open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture, to learn more about rural life in Russia For many Novgorod is a real highlight and a welcome break from hectic Moscow before moving on to St Petersburg.Volkhov Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Transfer to Pushkin; visit Catherine Palace including the Amber Room. Free afternoon.In the morning we transfer to the small town of Pushkin to see the incredible Catherine Palace and gardens. Every room in this huge palace is as opulent as the last, lined with gold and marble. The highlight, however, is The Amber Room, which was dismantled by the Nazis during the war and its contents lost somewhere in East Prussia. It has recently been restored to its former glory and is a sight to behold. After the tour there is free time to enjoy the gardens, or return to the hotel for a traditional banya - a Russian sauna.Hotel Natali or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Early departure to St Petersburg to explore the historic city centre; free afternoon. Evening visit to the Fabergé Museum.After approximately an hour transfer we arrive in one of the finest and most extravagant cities in Europe - St Petersburg. This is a relatively young city, which only celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2003. It was the vision of Peter the Great and was part of his desire to bring ‘old Russia' into the modern European age. Much of its design and work was contributed to by foreign designers and craftsmen - the result being some of the finest 18th and 19th-century buildings to be found in Europe, but with a distinct Russian influence. Our hotel is located 10 minutes' walk from Nevsky Prospekt, St Petersburg’s most famous street, full of fine mansions, cathedrals and shops, all with a story to tell. We enjoy an orientation tour including a visit inside the Peter and Paul Fortress and the famous cathedral that contains the tombs of the Romanovs. Perhaps make an optional visit inside St Isaac’s Cathedral or the Church of the Spilt Blood. We will meet again in the early evening, for a visit to the new Fabergé Museum housing 4,000 pieces of fine decorative art, the highlight of which is a group of nine imperial Easter eggs created by Fabergé for the last two Tsars.Hotel Margarita or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Morning tour of the Hermitage. Free afternoon to see more of the sites of St Petersburg. Art lovers can choose to stay in the Hermitage.We make the most of our final full day in Russia, with a guided tour of the Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace. One of the largest and oldest museums in the world, it was founded in 1764. Here every room is a piece of art in its own right, you will marvel at the Pavilion Hall, Peacock Room, and Hanging Gardens and that’s before you’ve even seen any art! The afternoon at leisure to see more of the sights of St Petersburg. Why not take in the sights of the city by boat on a relaxing canal trip?Please note that this day may operate in reverse due to entrance slots at the Hermitage.Hotel Margarita or similar Meals included: Breakfast Fly to London.After breakfast, there is some free time before the group flight back to London. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 End St Petersburg.After breakfast, there is some free time before the group flight back to London. Meals included: Breakfast
RussiaAll nationalities require a visa for Russia. These requirements will vary depending on your nationality. For British nationals, visa applications must now be made in person at a visa processing centre, located in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. At the time of application, fingerprints will be taken. We will be providing a new type of service to assist with the application process; however, we will no longer be able to submit the application on your behalf. It is your responsibility to arrange a visa prior to travel, but we will provide you with more information after booking to help and advice with this. The cost of the visa is currently GBP108.40. For more information please click here.Please note: The visa application takes approximently 20 working days. You can arrange for your passport to be posted back to you or returned to the visa processing centre to collect it in person. There is a £20pp charge to create an invitation letter if any pre or post tour accommodation is not booked with Exodus.
RussiaThere are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever.
Hotel and Sleeper Train You will spend 6 nights in comfortable 3 star hotels and 1 night on a sleeper train. All accommodation is offered on a twin share basis. Our properties in all three cities are in a central location within walking distance of the main sights (no more than 20 minutes). Wi-Fi is available free of charge but may only be accessible in public areas and is often temperamental. Every hotel offers a buffet breakfast.The sleeper train is based on 2nd class, 4 berth cabins. Linen is provided. If you have trouble climbing into an upper bunk, please let Exodus know at the time of booking.Single supplement, excludes sleeper train between Moscow and Novgorod.Pre- and post-tour accommodation available in Moscow and St. Petersburg on request.
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Reviewed September 2019 Alison BoneExperience Russia Just returned from this trip. It was fast paced, covering Moscow, Novrogod, Pushkin and St Petersburg, all in a week. Our tour guide Artem met us at the airport and was always on hand, from making sure we knew when and when we needed to met for each activity to giving advice on what to do during our free time (its limited on this trip), he also took us to some great restaurants which catered for those who wanted to taste the local cuisine and those wanting a more European choice. He was always on hand to help translate, which was needed. All the hotels we stayed in were clean and comfortable and well located close to attractions. Some didn't have tea & coffee making facilities so take a travel kettle if necessary. The trip covered most of the must see sights so days were full on, so comfy shoes are a must! The highlight for was Red Square at night and Catherine Palace but nowhere disappointed. All in all a good trip, giving us a real taste of Russia. I'd recommend adding a day before and after the trip as there's loads to see if both Moscow and St Petersburg which isn't covered.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Rec Square at nightWhat did you think of your group leader? Great. Artem was very helpful, keeping our group of 16 on track. He took us to some great restaurants and was always on hand to give advice on optional activities. A credit to Exodus.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take a travel kettle and comfy shoes.
Reviewed August 2019 Emily MartinFascinating trip! I absolutely loved this trip and found it incredibly rich in culture and history. It was a lot to take in and rather fast paced at times, but by the end of it the whole group was up to speed on the different leaders and monarchs or Russia through the ages and had a good insight as to how the country/cities have developed to what they are today. Our leader, Artem, was full of passion and love for his country and shared his views and hopes for the future which made the trip even more insightful and interesting. Get ready for a lot of gold, chandeliers and palaces!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The trip was so full of history and our local guides were brilliant story tellers and sharers of information that it inspired me to continue reading about Russia and it's history... and to come back one day! The incredible craftsmanship that went in to the opulent palaces and works of art were mind-blowing as well!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Bring comfortable shoes to walk in! We found most places took card for payments so you don't need to take much cash with you and the food was great and diverse!
Reviewed July 2019 Janet WilsonFrom Russia with Love This is a fast-paced tour covering 4 cities in 7 days with almost as many modes of transport. The whirlwind of Moscow and St Petersburg is tempered by the quietness and quaintness of Novgorod and Pushkin. I had no idea what to expect of Russia and you can almost be put off by the visa application process alone, but what I found was a friendlier, cleaner and much greener country than I expected. This trip gives you an ideal mechanism of seeing the key tourist sites plus a little of the country and leaves you wanting to go back to sample more.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The first time I saw Red Square had the sun just starting to set, with clear blue skies. The image of St Basil's and the GUM department store being lit up will never leave me. And who knew that a trip around the Moscow underground could be so impressive?What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader Artem was patient, entertaining, informative and constantly ensured that we got the most out of our trip and our free-time. There were 16 of us on our trip and I'm sure he often thought he was herding cats. Our group got on really well and Artem definitely ensured we had fun as well as culture during our trip.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This may be classed as a leisurely/moderate trip but trying to see everything you can means pounding the pavements and museums for an easy 12 miles per day. Although the trip notes advise purchasing opera/ballet tickets several months in advance, our experience was that (in June) any site you may wish to do in your spare time, E.g. Peterhof Palace in St Petersburg, also needs to be booked a long time in advance. And if anyone offers you horseradish vodka - run!Is there anything else you would like to add? I'm veggie and had no problems getting food during the trip - we tried Russian, Georgian and Armenian throughout, with some nods to Asian and pizza in between. There is so much to do in St Petersburg that I'd recommend having an extra 1 or 2 nights to give you time to see more and just do some people watching - but beware that in June there are gazillions of cruise ship passengers.
Reviewed June 2019 Christine McdougallAmazing trip This trip is an excellent introduction to Russia. It is fast paced but this ensures you are able to see as much as possible. It was interesting to visit smaller towns of novgorod and Pushkin as well as Moscow and st. Petersburg.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The whole trip was interesting but highlights were the hermitage, the faberge museum and the Moscow metro. All surpassed expectations.What did you think of your group leader? Artem was very good at organising us and in taking us to good places to eat. Very friendly guide with excellent English ( all our local guides were very good and knowledgable about the places we were visiting). I was surprised we did not have a tipping kitty on this trip as it makes everything so much easier.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take comfortable shoes for walking and don’t pack too much.Is there anything else you would like to add? This is a very good first trip to Russia. Hotels and restaurants were better than expected. If you have time to add a few days do so. It is easy to get around st petersburg and hotel staff are very helpful. Unfortunately I couldn’t do this as there was so much more to see.
Reviewed June 2019 Christine McdougallFabulous tripa very A very good trip to a fascinating country. Trip covers Moscow, novrogod, Pushkin and st petersburg and is very busy. Great to see so many places in one trip. It was all fascinatingWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It was all fascinating but the Hermitage and faberge surpassed my expectations. Trip on Moscow metro also fascinating.What did you think of your group leader? Artem was very good. Trip was well organised and he selected a variety of good restaurants for us to try. The food was better than I expected. Very pleasant guide with excellent English. We didn’t have a kitty for tips (which I have had on past trips). I think this would have been a good ideal I reallyDo you have any advice for potential travellers? Take comfortable shoes as lots of walking. You don’t need lots of clothes and avoid a heavy suitcase as you are on the move between towns.Is there anything else you would like to add? I really enjoyed this trip. I have wanted to visit Russia for a long time. It is a good introduction to the country. If you can add a few days in st petersburg do so. I couldn’t do this on my trip but several members of our group did. Most restaurants and hotel staff speak English and you can get around on your own
Reviewed June 2019 Jane Howard25/05/2019 This trip packs a lot into a short period of time. Be prepared to walk a lot and see a lot of art - all amazing. The overnight train trip is an experience, I didn't get a lot of sleep but I didn't expect to!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The faberge museum was fantastic, as was the Hermitage.What did you think of your group leader? Our guide, Artem, was knowledgeable and keen to ensure we had the best experience in Russia.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be warned that on some days the lunch stop is late - 2-2.30pm - so packing a few muslei bars to keep you going might be an idea. Travel light - with all the moving around lugging lots of luggage is hard work.
Reviewed May 2019 Andrea MinneyTwo wonderful cities I loved the trip, just the right length for me, very busy with lots of walking but that was what I was expecting. Nice balance of free time and group excursions. Minimal additional payments required. Not too many early mornings. I was very impressed with the standard of accomodation. We ate as a group most nights and I enjoyed all of the restaurants selected, although we did not have to eat with the group I found it easier than researching my own places. The only part I would do without would be the overnight train, having done many overnight train journeys, I find they just make people tired, it is not an experience I ever enjoy. I would recommend staying longer in both cities before and after the tour, something I wasn't able to do, there is simply so much to see and do.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I loved St Basils Cathedral, well worth going inside.What did you think of your group leader? I liked Eugene, he was very organised and tried his best to keep our group together which was difficult at times. It was easy to say that you were going to do something alone rather than with the group and Eugene was helpful with suggestions of where to go. I liked this as we did not always want to go with the group. He was one of the best tour leaders I have had. He managed to get us around the majority of the sights despite the public holiday and road closures making it very difficult for him to arrange our schedule. The local guides were good but I found it very difficult to hear what they were saying as well as taking photos, it was impossible to do both, so I found I missed a lot of information. We used ear pieces in The Hermitage, which was much easier.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for a lot of walking, there is a lot to see in a short space of time and walking is the best way to see most of it. Avoid booking around the Russian public holiday on May 9th, there are many road closures around the centre of Moscow on three days for practicing military parades, then for the actual parade on May 9th. Red Square is also closed at these times, it means that some attractions are not accessible making planning of the tour very difficult. St Petersburg also has road closures over this holiday, meaning we took a different route into the city missing some key sights and activities had to be crammed into a shorter time period. I would have avoided these dates had I known.
Reviewed May 2019 sandeep sahiMoscow to St Petersburg Thought it was a very enjoyable trip. So much to see and so much history. Russia isn't everybody's idea of a vacation, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought a week was just about the right time considering the distances covered.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I really enjoyed both Moscow for the Kremlin and Red Square are places I've wanted to visit from a young age and St Petersburg is a beautiful city - it's hard for me to decide between the two. If I had to decide, I did go the theatre in Moscow, which was fantastic.What did you think of your group leader? Eugene was a very good group leader. Conscientious and helpful at all time and engaging. Members of the group can wander off at times, so he had to be on his guard!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This was mentioned in the trip notes that it would be advisable to spend extra time in St Petersburg - it's such a big city and so much to see.
Reviewed March 2019 Mike GradyCultural excellence Exciting tour of Moscow, Novgorod, Pushkin and St Petersburg. Great architecture, fascinating museums, splendid churches and friendly people. Weather was kind and walking in Moscow strenuous. Good hotels and restaurants.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Summer Palace at Novograd and the Hearmitwge and Russian Museum in St Petersburg not to mention trips to Bolshoi and mariinsty ballet in Moscow and St Petersburg.What did you think of your group leader? Very helpful and affable The pace of walking tour was demanding and more attention needs to be given to group cohesion and mixed abilities. Made great efforts to engage and with better and timely communication has potential be be a really good tour guide.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Check weather forecasts before trip and pack to cover as many scenarios as possible.Is there anything else you would like to add? Fantastic trip, learned a great deal about Russia and its history and culture.
Reviewed October 2018 Gillian Wright-DixonGreat country What a great place to visit. Seeing the Kremlin and St Basil's cathedral in Red Square, and the architecture of St Petersburg. Two completely contrasting cities and all within 8 days.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The Kremlin was a huge part of the trip I wont forget, especially seeing Lenin's tomb. Also walking around St Petersburg and marveling at the buildings.What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader was a joy to oversee our tour. Julia was exceptional as a tour leader and met all of our needs.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take around 40,000 ruble (as of 2018 and if your not one to buy souvenirs). I took 56,000 and had 23,000 left over as I wasn't sure how much I would need. If you travel in early October the weather was very mild so you don't need many jumpers.Is there anything else you would like to add? Just what a great country to visit. Very interesting. If you get the chance, go snd visit the cold war bunker in Moscow.
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