We begin in the Eastern colossus Russia, spending a couple of days wandering through the distinctive streets of St Petersburg and admiring the city's curious blend of East and West influences. Known as 'The Venice of the North,' St Petersburg makes for a feast for the eyes with its palace-lined waterways and bounteous museums; we find out for ourselves why it is the artistic and cultural center of the country. From here, we make our way through a number of equally memorable towns and cities, exploring magnificent domed cathedrals, gazing at white-stone towers and marveling at ancient monuments, before we reach Moscow, an awe-inspiring city of contrasts that would alone warrant a visit to Russia.
Crossing into Belarus, we find a land that has undergone remarkable restoration since the Great Patriotic War (the Second World War) and a people whose cultural identity is profoundly intertwined with the events of that time in its tragic history. Around every corner, there lies some reminder of the War, be it one of the plethora of memorials, the untouched bullet-holes in the side of buildings, or, perhaps more subtly, the innumerable recently restored edifices that silently convey the extent of damage inflicted on the country. After visiting the major urban attractions, we travel through gently sloping hills and wooden villages reminiscent of years gone by to Ukraine, where we spend the remainder of our tour. Picturesque landscapes and ancient fortresses, castles, churches and cathedrals abound in this wondrous country and we enjoy a full week of taking in its many sights and learning about its unique history.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Breakfast and dinner (hotels & local restaurants) daily
- All transport, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters
- Airport transfers for land / air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
Price Excludes:
- Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), domestic and international air taxes (if applicable), excursions referenced as 'optional'
- Airport transfers for early / late arrivals / departures or Land Only customers
- Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs and shopping.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Russia
Ukraine
Cultural Journey
Archeology/History
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