Two Hearts of Russia Moscow Novgorod and St. Petersburg Tour from Viator

Highlights:

If you want a taste of the real Russia, this is the trip for you. An eight-day tour of Russia's must-see attractions, it takes in Moscow, the powerhouse of the country, Novgorod the Great, one of its most ancient cities, St Petersburg.b

Experience first hand the vibrancy of Moscow's Red Square, get a sense for medieval Russia as you explore Novgorod and catch up with all that art that's so far passed you by with a trip to St Petersburg's Hermitage Museum. A fantastic opportunity to find out about how these cities have affected the political, economic and cultural development of Russia and see how relevant they are to the modern state today.

Day 1: Moscow

Arrival in Moscow. Transfer to your hotel and spend your time exploring on your own.

Day 2: Moscow - city center guided tour.

This guided tour of Moscow's most iconic landmarks will help to give you a sense of the city's culture and history. Kicking off in the renowned Red Square, you'll get to find out more about all the main attractions, including the iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin's grandiose mausoleum, and the magnificent State Historical Museum.

Day 3: Moscow - Kremlin and Armory Museum guided tour

Kremlin Grounds Tour.

Explore inside the Kremlin which, a bit like a mini-city, has its own palaces, cathedrals and armouries.

The Armory Museum and Tsar Treasures.

Next up is a visit to the Armoury Museum. The building started to function as a weapons store in 1508 – but within a few decades, it had become a workshop and repository for all sorts of treasures of the Imperial Court.

Day 4: Novgorod the Great

On arriving in Novgorod the Great, your driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. Standing at the source of the River Volkhov and Lake Ilmen, Novgorod the Great (Velikiy Novgorod) is one of the oldest cities in Russia.

Day 5: Novgorod the Great - St Petersburg

Your driver will meet you at the lobby of your hotel to take you to train station to go to St. Petersburg.

Crammed with splendid palaces, impressive historical monuments, tree-lined avenues and beautiful bridges, it's no wonder St. Petersburg has earned itself a reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A relatively young city, it was only founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great, but despite this, it's enjoyed a rich and exciting history – meaning there's lots to see and do.

Day 6: St. Petersburg, Hermitage State Museum

Today is devoted to Hermitage museum. With close to three million items in its collection, the majority of the  artifacts are housed in the Winter Palace, formerly the official residence of the Romanov Tsars, and its several annexes. This guided tour is designed to help you find your way around this enormous collection, with a detailed tour of the main site.

Day 7: Excursion to Tsarskoe Selo

Built in the 18th century, Tsarskoe Selo is an imperial estate along the lines of Versaille – though in terms of extravagance and excess, it by far outstrips its French counterpart. Set in extensive landscaped gardens and composed of two exceptional palaces, Alexander Palace and Catherine Palace, built for Empress Elizabeth by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, it's an attraction that wont fail to impress.

Day 8: St. Petersburg

Airport departure and transfer from the hotel.

Two Hearts of Russia Moscow Novgorod and St. Petersburg Tour

From $1423 USD

Agency: Viator

Two Hearts of Russia Moscow Novgorod and St. Petersburg Tour

From $1423 USD

Agency: Viator

Two Hearts of Russia Moscow Novgorod and St. Petersburg Tour

From $1423 USD

Agency: Viator