Classic Western Russia: Moscow
& St. Petersburg
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"The cities are awesome and I had a fabulous time. But, a key part of this was the fact that we booked through MIR and MIR took care of everything."
Lisa Thatcher
Alexandria, VA |
This indispensable introduction to Russia's two great cities gives an insider's view of the real Russia, spotlighting not only the glittering palaces and dignified official edifices of the Russian Empire, but a toy factory in Sergiev Posad, the Cold War Museum, and the unforgettable warmth of a meal in a Russian home.
Days 1-4: Moscow, Sergiev Posad
Gather in Moscow, Russia's capital city. Admire the simple beauty of Red Square, framed by the elaborate cupolas of St. Basil's Cathedral and the red brick Kremlin wall. Learn secrets of the past at the Cold War Museum, and soak up the literary atmosphere at Tolstoy's House Museum. Tour the Armory Museum, built in 1841 as a weapons and armor factory, and now housing Russian treasures. Wander through the pedestrian Arbat district, once an enclave of court artisans, and spend an evening dining in a Russian home.
Take a day trip to Sergiev Posad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 1340s by St. Sergius of Radonezh, now the patron saint of Russia.
Board the afternoon train bound for St. Petersburg, the enduring legacy of Peter the Great's vision.
Days 5-9: St. Petersburg
Designed by the best architects and built by the best artisans of the era, St. Petersburg's architecture displays a rare harmony.
Observe the lifestyles of the czars at Catherine's Palace, with its brilliant blue exterior and carved and gilded interior. Explore the elegant Usupoff Palace with its jewel-box theater. Spend a morning exploring the world-class Hermitage Museum. The museum survived the ravages of WWII, with most of its enormous collection protected in the basement storage vaults or hidden in cellars throughout the city. Take a stroll along broad Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg's main street, and enjoy a romantic evening at one of the city's sophisticated theaters.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
9 Days |
| Departures in 2009: |
4 |
| Dates: |
May 22-30 |
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June 26-July 4 |
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August 14-22 |
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September 25-October 3 |
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| Land Tour Cost |
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| 2-16 travelers |
$4,995 |
| Single Supplement |
$995 |
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MIR Signature Features
- Enjoy an authentic Russian home-cooked meal
- Appreciate one of the finest art collections in the world at the Hermitage Museum
- Explore the Usupoff Palace, where the plot to assassinate Rasputin came to fruition
Map - Click to Enlarge
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| Days 1-3: |
Moscow |
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| Day 4: |
Moscow, afternoon train to St. Petersburg |
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Suggested Extensions
Combine this tour with Essential Ukraine with the Essential Baltics program. Contact us for details.
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