* The Basic price includes: Round trip flights on Finnair or Lufthansa or Aeroflot from JFK, New York / Roundtrip transfers in Russia / Train ride from St. Petersburg to Moscow, sleeping compartments for 4 passengers / Hotel accommodation based on double occupancy / Breakfasts daily at hotels / Guided sightseeing tours in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Suzdal and Vladimir / Guided Hermitage tour / Guided Kremlin tour / One evening performance in St. Petersburg and Moscow.

Not included in the Basic price: Airport taxes and fuel surcharge $595 / Entry visa to Russia - $186 / Single supplement - $795.

Day 1, Thursday

The journey begins.

Day 2, Friday

Welcome to St. Petersburg! Upon arrival, you will be met by Eastern Tours representatives and transferred to the Best Western Hotel Neptun (*** stars) or Azimut, former Sovetskaya (***stars) both centrally located. St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It was founded by the beloved Russian Tsar, Peter the Great. After the Revolution it was renamed Leningrad after Lenin; but in 1991, in the wake of communism, it assumes its original name. St. Petersburg offers a unique sample of Western European architecture of the 18^th and 19^th centuries in Russia. It is built on 101 islands linked by more than 300 bridges, and is often referred to as "the Venice of the North".

After breakfast you will be taken to a guided sightseeing tour of St. Petersburg’s downtown and of the State Hermitage Museum. You will see some of the city’s most famous sites starting with Nevsky Prospect, St. Petersburg's main thoroughfare. It begins its course at the banks of the Neva river, where the building of Admiralty proudly erects its golden spear to the skies. The Admiralty, a symbol of the Russian Navy, established by Peter the Great over 300 years ago, in 1679. You will see the numerous cathedrals and palaces, learn the history of Mikhailovsky Palace, the site of the murder of Russian tsar, Paul the First; the Summer Garden, the famous promenade where Russian aristocrats spent enchanting summer evenings discussing the latest court news and gossiping about illicit love affairs; the Peter-and–Paul fortress built by Peter the Great in 1703, the place of eternal rest of members of the tsar’s family. A real treat is a visit to the world-famous State Hermitage Museum that occupies five magnificent buildings situated along the embankment of the River Neva, right in the heart of St. Petersburg. The leading role in this unique architectural ensemble is played by the Winter Palace, the residence of the Russian tsars that was built to the design of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli in 1754-62. Put together throughout two and a half centuries, the Hermitage collections of works of art (over 3,000,000 items) represent the development of the world culture and art from the Stone Age to the 20th century. In the evenings you will enjoy a ballet or opera (depending on the availability) at the world famous Mariinsky Theater.

Today is a day when you can explore the city on your own. You can visit souvenirs shops along Nevsky Prospect, or to visit the Russian Museum featuring the world's largest collection of the Russian art of all historical periods. We also suggest optional tours to suburban royal palaces in Petrodvorets, Pushkin or Pavlovsk. Of special interest is Alexandrovsky palace – the last St. Petersburg’s residence of the Tzar’s family before their exile where recently the family has been finally given the place of eternal rest. These tours may be arranged through our St. Petersburg office. Please enquire with your guides on availability and rates.

Day 5, Monday

Monday evening you will be transferred to the train station for an overnight ride to Moscow.

Day 6, Tuesday

Welcome to Moscow, the Capital and heart of Russia! Moscow was founded in 1147 by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky. The Kremlin, an ancient fortress of Moscow built by Italian architects, was once a home to the most cruel Russian rulers - Ivan the Terrible and Joseph Stalin. The architectural and historical monuments include hundreds of churches and cathedrals, dozens of museums, numerous theaters including world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre, and concert halls frequented by the world's best performers. You are arriving Moscow early in the morning and after breakfast you will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of the city including Kremlin and its Cathedrals. You will see numerous famous sites such as Red Square with exotic St. Basil's Cathedral and Lenin's Tomb. After the tour you will be transferred to the hotel Izmailovo. In the evening you will enjoy an exciting Moscow Circus performance, Opera or a Folk Show (depending on the availability).

Day 7, Wednesday

6:00 a.m. after early breakfast you will depart for a day long tour to Vladimir and Suzdal a part of so called Golden Ring. If we call Moscow the heart of Russia, we can undoubtedly call the Golden Ring its necklace. The Golden Ring is a unique heritage of ancient Russia. It consists of the famous ancient cities and towns in central Russia to the east of Moscow. These places are an important part of Russian culture. The Golden Ring encompasses the territory where the main events of Russian history occurred and the Russian nation was consolidated. This tour will give you a wonderful chance to become acquainted with Russia's past, culture and traditions.Vladimir bears the name of its founder, Prince Vladimir Monomach. In 1108, on the high bank of the Klyazma River, a fortress was built, which soon grew into a town. It rapidly expanded and become the capital of North-Eastern Russia in the 12th century. Its unique architectural masterpieces together with its cultural and artistic monuments tell of the profound spiritual life of the Russian people, the artistry of Russian builders, painters and craftsmen. The main entrance to the city is guarded by the Golden Gate (1164). The walls of the distinguished-looking Assumption Cathedral (1158-1161) carry the inimitable frescoes of Andrey Rublev. The Cathedral of Dmitry (1197) has a wondrously festive look with its intricate lace of carved stone bas-reliefs. There are many more interesting sights here, but the town appeals because of its peaceful atmosphere and its big contrast with big cities. After lunch you will continue your tour to Suzdal. Suzdal was established in 1024. This calm Russian town, first mentioned in chronicles in the 11th century, is considered to be one of the best preserved Russian towns. No other town possesses as many splendid specimens of Russian architecture of different epochs whilst retaining its original character and appearance. The hilly green town is very seductive, walking around is a pleasure, the monasteries and old beautiful churches offering dream views. You can even camp freely along the small river 'Kamenka' that goes through the town, or next to the Kremlin or next to a monastery. After dinner you will return to Moscow.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to New York.
Important notice:The sequence of sightseeing and events may be changed to conform to local factors such as weather and availability.