A tour that introduces you to the two major cities of Russia, yet still with plenty of time to explore the onion domed cathedrals, majestic palaces and fantastic museums at your own pace . Join fellow passengers who share a love of history and culture. Highlights include Red Square in Moscow, the spectacular Hermitage Museum and Peter the Great's summer palace.

DAY 1 – SAT – MOSCOW AT LEISURE
Complimentary arrival transfers depart from both of Moscow's Airports at 14:00 and 17:00. Then relax and settle in. Tonight, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink. Hotel: President. (D)

DAY 2 – SUN – MOSCOW
On today's sightseeing tour we tour Red Square, seeing St Basil's Cathedral and Lenin's Tomb. We then walk inside the walls of the Kremlin Fortress, to visit one of the cathedrals. Finally we explore the Metro Stations which Stalin called 'palaces for the people', still leaving time to shop for souvenirs. (BB)

DAY 3 – MON – MOSCOW
A full day to explore Moscow at our own pace! Maybe visit the Kremlin museum to gaze at the treasury of the Tsars? (BB)

DAYS 4 – TUE – MOSCOW – ST PETERSBURG
Moscow has captivated the imagination of travellers for centuries so this morning is at leisure to continue that tradition! After an included lunch there is free time for last minute sightseeing. Early this evening we transfer to the station for our 4 hour train journey to St Petersburg - founded by Peter the Great in 1703 expressly to be the new capital of Tsarist Russia. Though the city was virtually destroyed during World War II's 900 day siege, it has been lovingly restored and abounds in beautiful buildings and monuments! Hotel: Pribaltiskaya. (BB,L)

DAY 5 – WED – ST PETERSBURG
Our sightseeing tour shows us St Isaac's Cathedral, the fortress of St Peter and Paul, Decembrist's Square, Nevsky Prospekt Boulevard, the great cathedral of Kazan and the Winter Palace - former residence of Russian tsars. We shall see the memorial to the Nazi siege of Lenningrad during World War II and the cruiser 'Aurora' at anchor on the Neva river, whose crew signalled the outset of the Russian Revolution. Then we visit the spectacular Hermitage, one of the world's greatest museums, housing a fabulous collection of paintings and objets D'art. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore, shop or relax. Tonight our Highlight Dinner at the hotel includes champagne! (BB,HD)

DAY 6 – THU – ST PETERSBURG
Today we visit the fabulous gardens and fountains of Peter the Great's summer residence at Petrodvorets. For over 200 years Petrodvorets was used for official ceremonies, lavish feasts and formal receptions. (BB)

DAY 7 – FRI – ST PETERSBURG
St Petersburg is a city of incomparable architectural, historic and artistic interest - so we have devoted another day to explore at our own pace! (BB)

DAY 8 – SAT – ST PETERSBURG
Our tour ends today. Complimentary transfers to the airport are available. Please check when booking (BB)