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Cities of Tsars
offered by supplier M08252 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 9
day(s)
Group Size: 2
- 20
people
Destination(s):
Russia
Specialty Categories:
Archeology/History
Cultural Journey
Season: January - December
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 1100 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 1200 US Dollar (USD)
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This tour takes you to Moscow and St. Petersburg - the two capital cities from which the Tsars ruled the Russian Empire. The excursion schedule includes not only the major highlights of these cities, but provides a focus on the history of Russia, as influenced by these rulers. You start in Moscow, a city over 850 years old and home to Russia's most famous Kremlin. Here the Tsar's ruled until Peter the Great saw fit to move it to St. Petersburg, the city he is credited with building. In St. Petersburg, you will see in the art and architecture just how wealthy and powerful this empire once was, and learn about the last days of the Tsars as the Revolution of 1917 changed the history of Russia forever, and in the process, moved the capital back to Moscow. As there are many other sites to see in both of these cities, aside from those directly related to the Tsars, we have left some free time, which you can use to explore on your own, or you can opt to include other excursions - from art and literature to shopping or just neighborhood walking tours. We also recommend attending a performance at the Bolshoi, Marinsky, or a range of other theaters. Once your travel dates are set, we will be happy to provide you with scheduling information.
Founded in 1703, St. Petersburg has just celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2003. The second largest city in Russia, it is often compared to Venice and Amsterdam due to the large numbers of canals that flow through the city. Although it may look "European" at first glance, the city of St. Petersburg still has a very "Russian" feel, which makes it very unique indeed. Over the course of its history, St. Petersburg has had a couple other names: Petrograd and Leningrad. In 1991 it reverted back to its original name. Founded by Peter the Great, it was supposed to be the "Window on Europe" that would allow Russia to progress along the lines of Western Europe where Peter spent many years. Attracted to the city's character, writers, poets and artists flocked here and made St. Petersburg their home. It is very easy to feel that you are walking in the footsteps of many famous figures in history and literature. Here you can find house-museums of Dostoyevsky and Pushkin, the Marinsky Ballet, and the world's greatest art collection at the State Hermitage Gallery. Recently declared the cultural center of Russia, there is more than enough to keep anybody busy here for several days. Most attractions are easily reached on foot, and are concentrated in the downtown area.
Moscow - the name carries many images and thoughts: parades in Red Square with tanks rumbling through; cold, snowy winters and unsmiling faces. To the romantic adventurers, it is home to the KGB, Lenin, the mafia and more. To the youngest generation, Moscow may even be known as a city of nightlife. Winters may be cold here, but that's about the only stereotype you will encounter. Summers are bright and warm, and a walk down the Arbat, Moscow's famous pedestrian mall, or in the many city parks, will introduce you to many a Muscovite smiling, enjoying the street entertainment and the company of friends. The past, present, and future of Russia is seen in the many faces of the buildings and the people of Moscow. The past is found in the scars and memorials from invading armies, from the yoke of the Mongols to WWII, and in between the Poles and Napoleon. Beautiful domed churches dot the skyline despite 80 years of official state atheisms, and unique architectural designs can be found dating back hundreds of years. In fact, archeological discoveries have shown that humans have inhabited this region for thousands of years; some of these are on display at various museums.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrive in Moscow, transfer to hotel.
Day 2 - Morning tour of the historic heart of the city, including Red Square and the Kremlin. In the Kremlin, visit the Cathedrals and the Armory for an introduction to the Tsars who ruled from Moscow. Afternoon free time.
Day 3 - Morning tour to Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve, where Tsars in the 14th century built their summer residences. Afternoon free time.
Day 4 - Morning tour of Novodevichy Convent, where Peter the Great and other Tsars sent their wives and daughters to "keep them out of trouble." Evening transfer to train station for overnight train to St. Petersburg.
Day 5 - Arrival in St. Petersburg, transfer to accommodations. After getting settled in, there is a general city tour, including St. Isaac's Cathedral, the best place for a bird's eye view of the city. You will also visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, final resting place from the Tsars, from Peter the Great to the Nicholas II and his family. Learn the interesting history of the reformist Tsar Alexander II, as you visit the Church of Our Saviour-on-the-Spilt-Blood, built on the site of his murder in 1881.
Day 6 - Day trip to the Summer Palace in Peterhoff, with its magnificent Grand Cascade, designed by Peter the Great.
Day 7 - Morning tour of the Hermitage Gallery (Winter Palace), one of the greatest collections of art in the world. Afternoon free time, although you may well find that you are still exploring the many halls of the Hermitage until closing!
Day 8 - Free time. Walk around the interesting side streets of St. Petersburg, shop, visit more museums, or take in a performance. You will have no shortage of options, but if you like, we'd be happy to make some suggestions based on your interests.
Day 9 - Free time and transfer to the airport for flight home.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Russia
Archeology/History
Cultural Journey
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