(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis) St. Petersburg, Moscow
This luxurious private tour features the best of Russia's two great cities— Moscow and St. Petersburg—plus a host of special cultural and educational activities designed just for families such as an afternoon in a private family room at traditional Russian bathhouse, exploring the best markets, a private cruise on the canals of St. Petersburg, a visit to a local home, a traditional Russian Orthodox ceremony at a local church, a circus performance, a ballet at the Mariinsky Theater, parks with unusual attractions and lots of open space, and unique local restaurants featuring activities kids love. This tour can be fully customized to suit your family’s specific interests, needs, schedule and age range.
In stunning St. Petersburg, experience the artwork, palaces, waterways and lifestyle of Peter the Great's "window on the world." During private cultural touring with your own guide and driver, see the highlights of the city, such as Peter & Paul Fortress, St. Isaac's Cathedral and the Hermitage, one of the greatest art museums in the world. On a private canal cruise, see how the Neva River delta was transformed into a carefully planned city. Take a private excursion to Pavlovsk and Pushkin to tour the Baroque Catherine Palace, a confection of blue, white and gold, and ride in a troika (horse-drawn carriage) through the vast English-style gardens of Pavlovsk Park. Enjoy a traditional Cossack show in an Old Russia-style timber structure. During another excursion, gain special access to Peterhof, home of Peter the Great's grand Summer Palace. Tour its pavilions and see water gardens with playful trick fountains sure to enchant young travelers. Also, explore interesting residential neighborhoods, local food markets and shopping districts, and enjoy a performance at the world-renowned Mariinsky Theater.
Continue to Moscow, and spend your first evening relaxing in a traditional Russian bathhouse. During private touring with your own guide and driver, experience the spectacular treasures this exciting city has amassed over the centuries since it became Russia's capital. Tour the Kremlin's gold-domed cathedrals and their frescoed interiors, and gaze at the czar's precious collections in the Armory. Also, gain access to the Diamond Fund, a dazzling array of the rarest jewels. Tour Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum and GUM Department Store. Spend time in Gorky Park, a favorite destination for local Russian families to play and stroll, and visit its most magical spots for kids. Tour the Tretyakov Gallery to see masterpieces of Russian art, and visit a museum dedicated to matryoshka (nesting dolls). Browse for unique Russian products at a local market and along the city's most fashionable shopping streets. Learn about the Moscow Metro's ostentatious designs from a local expert. One night, enjoy a performance of amazing acrobatics at Moscow’s most interesting circus.
This tour can be fully customized, and it can also be combined with additional Artisans of Leisure destinations in Europe.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrive St. Petersburg
Private transfer to hotel for 4 nights
Day 2
St. Petersburg
Full-day private touring. Evening Mariinsky performance
Day 3
St. Petersburg , Pavlovsk & Pushkin
Full-day private excursion
Day 4
St. Petersburg & Peterhof
Morning privately guided excursion to Peterhof
Day 5
St. Petersburg – Moscow
Private transfer to station for express train to Moscow. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 4 nights. Evening at Russian bathhouse (private family room)
Day 6
Moscow
Full-day private touring
Day 7
Moscow
Full-day private touring and flexible shopping. Evening circus performance
Day 8
Moscow
Half-day private touring
Day 9
Depart Moscow
Private airport transfer
Hotels
St. Petersburg:
Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace, Hotel Astoria
or Grand Hotel Europe
