Imperial Russia & Golden Ring

Imperial Russia & Golden Ring — 9-Day Tour

Nine days through the history of Russia — from the Kremlin and grand avenues of Moscow to the ancient towns of Vladimir and Suzdal and the magnificent imperial palaces of St. Petersburg.

This journey combines Russia's two great capitals with the Golden Ring, revealing a completely different side of the country: medieval churches, ancient monasteries, traditional Russian architecture, historic towns and centuries of cultural heritage.

The program continues in St. Petersburg with the Hermitage Museum, Peterhof and Tsarskoye Selo — creating a journey from medieval Russia to the age of the Russian Empire.

MOSCOW

Kremlin · Red Square · Moscow Metro · Old Arbat · Moscow River

Stay: Grada Boutique Hotel 4★ or similar

Moscow

Days 1–3 · 3 days

Welcome to Russia. Upon arrival at Moscow airport, our representative will meet the group and arrange a comfortable transfer to the hotel.

After check-in and time to rest, begin discovering the atmosphere of the Russian capital with an evening walk through central Moscow.

Depending on arrival time, the walk may include Red Square, Nikolskaya Street, GUM and the illuminated historic centre.

• Airport meeting
• Transfer to the hotel
• 4-star hotel accommodation
• Evening walking tour
• Dinner
• Tour leader / coordinator service

Explore the historic heart of the Russian capital, where centuries of Russian history are concentrated within a remarkably small area.

Walk across Red Square and see St. Basil's Cathedral, GUM, the Kremlin walls and Alexander Garden before entering the Moscow Kremlin.

Inside the Kremlin, discover Cathedral Square and the historic churches associated with Russian rulers, coronations and state ceremonies.

Later, experience several of the most beautiful stations of the Moscow Metro before continuing to Old Arbat, one of Moscow's best-known historic pedestrian streets.

• Breakfast
• Red Square
• Moscow Kremlin
• Cathedral Square
• Moscow Metro sightseeing
• Old Arbat
• Dinner

Discover the scale of Moscow on a panoramic sightseeing program featuring Sparrow Hills, Moscow State University, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, central avenues and views of the modern Moscow City skyline.

GOLDEN RING

Vladimir · Suzdal · Ancient Russia · Orthodox Heritage

Vladimir

Day 4

Travel from modern Moscow into one of the oldest regions of European Russia.

Vladimir was once one of the most important political and religious centres of medieval Rus and today preserves remarkable monuments of ancient Russian architecture.

Discover the historic centre, the famous Golden Gate and the magnificent white-stone cathedrals that recall the period when Vladimir was one of the most powerful cities in the country.

• Breakfast
• Moscow → Vladimir private coach
• Historic centre of Vladimir
• Golden Gate
• Cathedral architecture
• Vladimir → Suzdal transfer
• Dinner

Suzdal

Day 5

Wake up in Suzdal, one of the most atmospheric historic towns in Russia and a highlight of the Golden Ring.

Unlike Moscow and St. Petersburg, Suzdal preserves the scale and character of traditional old Russia, with monasteries, churches, wooden houses and open landscapes along the Kamenka River.

Explore the Suzdal Kremlin, historic monasteries and traditional architecture while learning about everyday life, religion and culture in ancient Russia.

After the excursion, the group continues towards Vladimir railway station for the journey to St. Petersburg.

• Breakfast
• Suzdal Kremlin
• Historic monasteries and churches
• Traditional Russian architecture
• Guided cultural program
• Transfer to railway station

ST. PETERSBURG & IMPERIAL SUBURBS

Hermitage · Winter Palace · Peterhof · Tsarskoye Selo

Stay: Moscow Hotel 4★ or similar

St. Petersburg

Days 6–9 · 4 days

Discover the former imperial capital of Russia and its magnificent historic centre.

The sightseeing route introduces Nevsky Prospekt, Palace Square, St. Isaac's Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, the Neva embankments and the Spit of Vasilievsky Island.

Visit the State Hermitage Museum, one of the world's great museums, located in the magnificent former Winter Palace of the Russian emperors.

Walk through ceremonial halls and imperial interiors while discovering masterpieces from one of the world's most important art collections.

• Breakfast
• State Hermitage Museum
• Winter Palace
• Palace Square
• Professional guide
• Dinner

Travel to Peterhof, the spectacular imperial residence overlooking the Gulf of Finland.

Often called the Russian Versailles, Peterhof is famous for its grand palaces, landscaped gardens, fountains and the spectacular Grand Cascade.

During the summer season the program focuses on the famous fountain parks. During winter, the program is adapted to include the palace complex and available imperial interiors.

• Breakfast
• Transfer to Peterhof
• Imperial palace and park complex
• Fountain Park during operating season
• Return to St. Petersburg
• Dinner

The final chapter of the journey takes you to Tsarskoye Selo, the magnificent former summer residence of the Russian imperial family.

Visit Catherine Palace, famous for its brilliant Baroque architecture, lavish ceremonial interiors and the legendary Amber Room.

After the excursion, the group is transferred to Pulkovo Airport according to the confirmed international flight schedule.

• Breakfast
• Tsarskoye Selo
• Catherine Palace
• Amber Room
• Transfer to Pulkovo Airport

TOUR PRICE

From $1,200 per person

Based on a group of 20 guests.

The $1,200 tour price includes accommodation, transportation inside Russia according to the itinerary, intercity train tickets, private group transfers, professional guided excursions and entrance tickets according to the program.

Transportation inside Russia includes airport and railway station transfers, private group transportation between Moscow, Vladimir and Suzdal, the transfer from Suzdal to Vladimir railway station and the rail journey to St. Petersburg.

Only international flights to Russia and from Russia are not included in the tour price and are purchased independently by the guests.

For reference, the estimated total budget for the complete 9-day trip including international flights is approximately $2,500 per person. This amount is provided only as an approximate total travel-budget reference and is not the selling price of the tour package.

Actual international airfare depends on the departure city, travel dates, airline and booking date. The final tour price may also vary depending on travel dates, hotel availability, transportation costs and group size.

ACCOMMODATION

The tour includes comfortable hotel accommodation throughout the journey. Exact hotels are confirmed according to travel dates, season, group size and availability. If a listed hotel is unavailable, accommodation of a similar standard will be provided.

Located in the heart of Moscow on Kuznetsky Most, the hotel provides convenient access to the historic centre, restaurants, theatres and major attractions.

Accommodation in Suzdal is selected to provide convenient access to the historic centre and the main Golden Ring attractions. The exact hotel is confirmed according to group size and availability.

Moscow Hotel is located at the end of Nevsky Prospekt, opposite the Alexander Nevsky Lavra and close to the Neva River. Its location and large room inventory make it particularly convenient for group accommodation.