Private Tour Highlights
- Take in the beauty of the mirrored Grand Ballroom and the opulent Amber Room of Catherine's Palace where Empress Catherine the Great lived and died.
- Step into Red Square of Moscow to admire the colorful domes of St. Basil's cathedral.
- Admire the most famous church in the city of St. Petersburg, the Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood.
- Visit Bow Hill to commemorate the fallen in the World War II and learn the story from the Russian perspective.
- Drive around the Kremlin and reach the Christ the Savior Cathedral, a church with a controversial history.
- Learn what it was like to live under the KGB's watchful eye in Russia as your expert guide shares keen insights into the KGB history and personal family stories.
Tour Overview
Visit the must-see sites with The Best of Russia Tour alongside an expert Yampu Tours guide. Visiting two of Russia’s most acclaimed cities, travelers will witness Russia’s most signature points of interest, including the Kremlin in Moscow as well as the Hermitage and Catherine’s palace in St. Petersburg, plunging into the life and history of Russia.
Upon arrival in Moscow, travelers will be whisked away to their accommodation within the city center before enjoying a full day exploring the city and admiring famed Russian architecture, including Saint Basil’s domed cathedral. In the evening, travelers will taste traditional Russian cuisine a-la-Russe with a luxurious dinner in downtown Moscow.
The Best of Russia Tour continues with a step back in time to see what it was like to live under the KGB’s watchful eye in Russia. Following the intriguing history lesson, the tour continues with a rapid train to St Petersburg, a Russian port city on the Baltic Sea. Here, visitors will take in many of the cities acclaimed sites, including a guided visit to the famous Hermitage Museum with its masterpieces by hundreds of artists, including Renoir, Da Vinci, and Matisse.
The Russia tour comes to an end with a visit to the majestic Catherine’s Palace where Empress Catherine the Great lived and died, just outside of St Petersburg. Visitors can also spend a day wandering the stunning gardens and admiring the famed fountain of Peterhof Palace, commissioned by Peter the Great as a direct response to the Palace of Versailles by Louis XIV of France.
Inclusions
Exclusions
International airfare (unless specifically included), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, meals not mentioned, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, visa fees/services and other personal items or services not mentioned.
Package Price: From £$ 5074
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Overnight Flight to Russia
Overnight international flight to the capital of Russia, Moscow.
Overnight international flight to the capital of Russia, Moscow.
Welcome to Moscow!
Upon arrival to Moscow airport, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel. Feel free to have a welcome drink during check-in.
Moscow is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is well known for its display of Russian architecture, particularly its historic buildings such as the Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Red Square, and the Moscow Kremlin, of which the latter serves as the seat of power of the Government of Russia.
Upon arrival to Moscow airport, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel. Feel free to have a welcome drink during check-in.
Moscow is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is well known for its display of Russian architecture, particularly its historic buildings such as the Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Red Square, and the Moscow Kremlin, of which the latter serves as the seat of power of the Government of Russia.
Moscow Highlights Tour & Dinner a la Russe
Today, read more...
Today, we offer you some insights into the rich history of Moscow. Take a Metro ride with your guide and stop to explore the grandeur of its most impressive stations.
Then, enter the Kremlin walls to feel the country's past and present. The Kremlin is an old fortress and the most important historical and political center of Russia. You will see the Kremlin's compositional center and look into the three main cathedrals - the Assumption, the Annunciation and the Archangel's Michael cathedral.
Step into Red Square to admire the colorful domes of St. Basil's cathedral. You will view famous landmarks including the Savior Tower, the Kremlin walls, GUM department store, the State Historical Museum and Lenin's mausoleum.
Then, drive around the Kremlin and reach the Christ the Savior Cathedral, a church with a controversial history. Then, you'll view the New Maiden Convent - the "Convent of the Broken Hearts". Later, visit Bow Hill to commemorate the fallen in the World War II and learn the story from the Russian perspective.
In the evening, you will enjoy a luxurious dinner a la Russe, and soak up the unique atmosphere of downtown Moscow.
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KGB History Tour
Take read more...
Take the Metro to your next touring point, while appreciating more exquisite stations. Learn what it was like to live under the KGB's watchful eye in Russia. Your expert guide will share keen insights into the KGB history and personal family stories. Visit the places connected with the time of great repression and fear. Step on Lubyanka Square and visit the Park of Arts Muzeon.
Instead of KGB History, you may also choose from one of these tours, depending on your interest; please ask your Yampu Tour Consultant.
• Kolomenskoye Estate
• Old Tretyakov Gallery
• Kitay-Gorod & Zaryadye Walk
• Jewish Moscow Tour ...read less
Rapid Train to St. Petersburg
Enjoy read more...
Enjoy your free morning in Moscow. After check out, you will be transferred to Leningradsky railway station to board the rapid train Sapsan to St. Petersburg (approx. 4 hrs). Upon arrival you will check in to your hotel.
St. Petersburg is a Russian port city on the Baltic Sea. It is known for mecca of cultural, historical, and architectural landmarks. Founded by Tsar Peter I (the Great) as Russia's "window on Europe", it bears the unofficial status of Russia's cultural capital and most European city, a distinction that it strives to retain in its perennial competition with Moscow.
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Northern Capital Tour - The Hermitage
After read more...
After a leisurely breakfast, meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel. Enjoy the tour of the northern capital of Russia. View the impressive St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Bronze Horseman, the statue of Peter the Great, and a splendid view of the city from the Spit of Vasilievsky Island. Explore the Peter and Paul Fortress where the town of Peter started in 1703. Admire the most famous church in the city, the Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood. After, view the Palace square and take in the spectacular panorama of the General Staff building, Alexander column, and the Hermitage. A highlight of your stay is a guided visit to the famous Hermitage Museum with its masterpieces by hundreds of artists including Renoir, Da Vinci, and Matisse. The State Hermitage occupies six magnificent buildings and is one of the oldest and largest art galleries in the world. It is estimated that you would need eleven years to view each exhibit on display for just one minute! ...read less
Imperial Treasures - Catherine's Palace
Today, read more...
Today, you will depart to the Pushkin town or Tsarskoye Selo, just outside St. Petersburg. It is famed for its majestic Catherine's Palace where Empress Catherine the Great lived and died. Its main attractions are the mirrored Grand Ballroom and the opulent Amber Room. You will continue to the beautiful Catherine Park surrounding the palace. Before the transfer to St. Petersburg for your lunch.
You'll have time to refresh back at the hotel before the performance. Enjoy the Gala Reception at the Romanov Dynasty Palace.
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Peterhof Fountains & Palace Tour
Today, you can visit the Peterhof fountains and palace or instead of visiting Peterhof, you may also choose one of these tours, depending on your interest; please ask your Yampu Tour Consultant.
• Pavlovsk Palace & Park
• Revolution Tour
• Canal cruise
Today, you can visit the Peterhof fountains and palace or instead of visiting Peterhof, you may also choose one of these tours, depending on your interest; please ask your Yampu Tour Consultant.
• Pavlovsk Palace & Park
• Revolution Tour
• Canal cruise
International Flight Home
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport for your flight home.
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Moscow, Russia
St Petersburg, Russia
Places You'll See
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Moscow
A city that combines the past and the present, Moscow is where old buildings live together with modern high rises. Moscow is home to more than 500 museums, 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and several world architectural records. Moscow’s rich architecture can also be seen underground: the central metro stations—real “palaces of the people” with mosaics, paintings, stucco, and dazzling illumination. Moscow is a metropolis that has everything: the best restaurants, fashionable nightclubs, skyscrapers, dizzying views, and even peaceful old courtyards where time has stood still for more than a century.
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St. Petersburg
Serving as Russia’s cultural capital, Saint Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The Hermitage, the Russian Museum, Saint Isaac’s and Kazan cathedrals, the Church of the Savior on Blood, Peter and Paul Fortress, Nevsky Prospect and the Summer Garden are some of the attractions that need no introduction. But Saint Petersburg also has attractions outside the city: Tsarskoye Selo in Pushkin, Pavlovsk and, of course, magnificent Petergof. Visitors come from all over the world to see this unusual city during the white nights, to visit the royal palaces and parks, the fairytale fountains and movable bridges.
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
4 Star Properties
Tverskaya Marriott
Moscow , Russia
Experience contemporary comfort with 4-star flair in Russia’s thriving capital. Moscow Marriott Tverskaya Hotel is ideally located right in the vibrant city center. Enjoy effortless relaxation in stylish hotel rooms and suites, featuring classic high ceilings, marble bathrooms, courtesy slippers and robes, ergonomic workspace, and complimentary high-speed wireless internet. Explore iconic attractions, including the Expo Center, Red Square, and the Kremlin. Host flawless meetings, conferences, and events in versatile hotel venues with Marriott-Certified catering and planning services. Thrill your palate with delectable international cuisine at Gratzi or stop by our upscale lobby bar for cocktails with colleagues. After a full day of business or sightseeing, recharge your body in our sleek fitness center or relax in our soothing sauna. With 24-hour room service, a business center, and an ideal location near Belorusskaya Metro Station, our hotel on Tverskaya Street is the perfect place to center your visit to Moscow.
St. Petersburg : Crowne Plaza Ligovsky
Crowne Plaza Ligovsky
St. Petersburg , Russia
Crowne Plaza St. Petersburg – Ligovsky hotel situated close to major cultural attractions, and a short walk from Moscow railway station. Elegant central St. Petersburg hotel, with conference spaces and a fitness center.
5 Star Properties
Moscow : InterContinental Tverskaya
InterContinental Tverskaya
Moscow , Russia
Putting you in the vibrant heart of the city, InterContinental Moscow Tverskaya is just 500 meters from 4 metro stations and near the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia. It’s a 15-minute walk to the historic Kremlin and less than two-kilometers to the stunning performances at the Bolshoi Theatre. The hotel features 6 meeting rooms catering to every business need. Relaxing evening dinners and drinks can be found at P-Square Gastrobar. Enjoy the hotel’s fitness room, sauna, and Mahash Spa.
St. Petersburg : Grand Belmond
Grand Belmond
St. Petersburg , Russia
We’ve enchanted Russia’s high society for more than a century. Find us on Nevsky Prospekt, between the city’s most celebrated landmarks. Step inside to resplendent marble, gilded stucco ceilings, breathtaking stained glass, and some of the city’s finest modern cuisine. Indeed, there’s treasure around every corner.
Testimonials
Jenifer S.
Traveled December 2017
Yampu did an amazing job
I loved the printed itinerary you provided. It was helpful and we referred to it often. It had almost all the info we needed. I would recommend adding information in there about cell phone/mobile network coverage. I hadn’t thought about it ahead of time but luckily my phone had a daily TravelPass from a previous trip. Loved the hotels – all were high quality, and in great locations. Loved that the accommodations all included free breakfast! The transportation was really well organized – and made me feel like a celebrity. 1) Airport guide in Santiago was fantastic. When he dropped us back off at the airport, he actually stayed with us and helped us get processed through the ticket counter, and up to the security gate. He went above/beyond 2) I loved that Buenos Aires agency gave us printed vouchers with the specifics of everything – hotel, tours, transportation City tours were both really great. The tour guides for both Santiago and Buenos Aires were awesome. Antarctica XXI – Punta Arenas team I’m glad we upgraded the flight to Antarctica – it added some value. The flight attendant on Antarctica Air was fantastic. The daily events at the hotel were a bit confusing. They didn’t put up notifications about times/expectations until the morning of. I would have preferred they give some notice the day before. The briefing at the hotel was well organized, as was the boot sizing, and the registration. Antarctica XXI – Cruise team The entire cruise team was fantastic. The expedition staff was incredible – knowledgeable, personable, and everything was safety first. The rest of the staff (dining, bar, housekeeping, captain) were all also fantastic. My only disappointment was I thought we would be able to get the Antarctic stamps at one/more of the bases on the continent. I had asked during the webinar (provided by Antarctica XXI) and they said we give our passports to the cruise team when we embark (which we did) and get them back when we disembark (which we did). But that THEIR team would get us stamps at a base or two. At the very least, I wish we could have received the stamps from Russian and Chinese base camps at King George when we landed at the airport. Seems like that would have been easy to arrange. Amazing trip overall. Yampu did an amazing job of keeping us informed, updated and ready for the trip.
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Paul F.
Traveled July 2018
My son and I recommend Yampu enthusiastically!
Travel to FINLAND with YAMPU If you know that the capital of Finland is Helsinki but can’t quite place it on the map, or if you’ve heard that Santa Claus comes from Lapland but don’t know that Lapland is in the northern part of Finland; or if you want to hike with an expert guide in the spectacular Pyah-Luosto National Park,(where you actually do see Russia from Finland’s backyard), use Yampu to arrange the trip. My son and I recommend Yampu enthusiastically! They “tailor-made” our Finland trip this past July. There were a lot of phone calls and double-checking and e-mailing before it was finalized. Every hotel, from the Helsinki’s Presendentii (in the heart of the city) to the Kalevala Lodge on the lake outside Kuhmo, was excellent. Yampu’s staff is savvy and well-traveled does their homework. Even our drivers were knowledgeable and easy to get along with. For example, because they knew we wanted to see wildlife, they arranged for us to spend a night in a bear blind on the Soviet border to see brown bears, wolverines, and wolves in their natural habitat. I read that “In Finland, there is freedom to roam.” Finland’s wilderness is pristine, but the culture is interesting also We read up on the Winter War (Nov 1939) when the Finns, outnumbered 10-1, repelled the Russian army. A nice touch–our hotel Kalevala was a short walk to Winter War Museum. Finns love the sauna–it’s their invention. In a country of 5 million people, there are 3 million of them. Every hotel has one and it’s a must-do. The Finns have many sayings about the sauna, like: “The sauna is a poor man’s pharmacy.” “A house without a sauna is not a home.” Maybe the sauna is not as exciting as a bear blind but it is “educational.” Most Finns you meet in a sauna speak English and tell great stories. And you have to have their coffee–it’s better than any we ever in South America. –A lot of surprises, but all good ones. Two Thumbs up for Yampu on this trip.
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Eric R.
Traveled August, 2016
Added great great value! Shocking to me actually.
I am a very experienced traveler – I never use a ‘travel agent’. In general I will explore the area I’m traveling to and just go. Maybe just maybe I book the first night. However, on this trip I’m taking my children and it was short and last minute and although frankly it isn’t even that exotic (vs Borneo, Cuba, Russia, the Amazon), somehow I found Yampu. I didn’t realize they were more than just a booking agency at first, and I started to talk to Wendy.
It was clear from our first conversation they were really knowledgeable and had a great style to accommodate even a difficult independent traveler like me. She spent a ton of time with me. Brought up activities and the pro’s and cons of activities, timing, everything that I had not found myself and didn’t find in any of the usual exploration tools like TripAdvisor, other big agencies like liberty or apple, Frommers or even Lonely Planet (my favorite).
She added great great value! shocking to me actually. So in short she and Yampu are an amazing place to make your trip better vs any alternative I have found.
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