Three Cultural Centers of Russia

Get ready to see the best-known tourist attractions in Moscow. Starting with Kremlin and the Armory Chamber you'll see the sequence of the most famous sights in the city: the most ancient square, the largest bell, the most famous treasury, the most unique cannon and the most stunning architectural masterpieces.
After the lunch in GUM, the largest department store in Russia, we will visit the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed and appreciate its ancient interiors.
An evening river walk with dinner will become a perfect ending of the perfect day.

Our first spot is the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the largest active temple of the country where we will learn about its rebuilding.
After that we are to admire the treasures of Tretyakov Gallery, especially its stunning collection of Russian painters, beloved by all Russian people.
After lunch, we will show you another side of Russian culture in the Sanduny Bath House. Here you'll gain an experience beyond mere sightseeing, which will help you to understand why banya has always been so popular in Russia.

You will have time to examine in more detail those places that have interested you during the sightseeing tour around Moscow.
Then we will go to the airport and take a flight to Kazan. Transfer to the hotel.

Today we will stroll through the streets and squares of Kazan, try the national cuisine, learn about the history of the Volga region and enjoy the local hospitality.

The tour will start in the Kazan Kremlin, which was included into the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites. This is a huge complex spread over 1,500 square meters where Russian and Tatar cultural traditions are harmoniously combined. Behind the walls of the Kazan Kremlin, there are plenty of architectural objects - both historical monuments and modern sights: Syuyumbike Tower, a symbol of the Kazan Kremlin; Kul Sharif Mosque, the youngest and most elegant structure of the Kazan Kremlin.

Then we will take a walk around the city, hear many legends and get lots of great photos. During the stroll we will see the Old Tatar Quarter (“Staro-Tatarskaya Sloboda”). Over the centuries, a unique ensemble of national Tatar architecture has been formed here, becoming a center of public and religious life. Every house is associated with Tatar history and culture.

Today we will also have a culinary master class at the Tatar Estate restaurant, when you will learn how to cook a traditional “Ochpochmak” (a three-corner pie).

Transfer to the hotel.

Breakfast. Check out from hotel. Transfer from Kazan to Sviyagsk Island (1 hour).

The town of Sviyazhsk stands on the island. It was built by Ivan the Terrible during the capture of Kazan. There is a wooden church, built in 16th century without a single nail. Here are monasteries with stone walls 3 meters thick. We will take a short sightseeing tour to see all this beauty and experience the atmosphere of medieval Russia.

Then you will have a free time to explore the island. For instance, take a visit to ‘Konniy Dvor’ and ride a horse, or visit one of the numerous museums. If you travel with children, you will also enjoy the Lazy Torzhok cultural center, stylized as a medieval town. Here you can compete in archery and try on real armor.

A visit to Sviyazhsk can give you an exclusive immersion into Tatarstan’s history and provides an excellent opportunity to see the beauty of its nature.

Transfer to the airport. Departure to St. Petersburg

A walk around St. Petersburg's city center will be the best start of the day. The main highlight of our stroll is Shuvalov Palace, where Faberge Museum is located. Many of its exhibits belonged to the imperial family. Afterwards we will admire mosaic patterns in the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and feel like noblemen, slowly walking through the Field of Mars and the Summer Garden.
In the second half of the day, we will go to the Peter and Paul Fortress and see buildings of the times of Peter the Great, as well as the House of Romanov's tomb – the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.
Immersion into Russian culture would be incomplete without opera or ballet. Therefore, we recommend you to visit the famous Mariinsky Theater. We will assist you with purchasing the tickets.

The next spot of our tour around the Northern Capital is the Hermitage, one of the richest museums in the world. On our way we will see the stunning and luxurious Palace Square.
In the afternoon, it is time to admire the interiors of St. Isaac's Cathedral and ascent the observation deck. A stroll to Strelka of Vasilievsky Island will lead us to another magnificent panorama of the city and become a nice conclusion of the evening.

Let's take a hydrofoil to the Fountains of Peterhof, emperor's countryside residence. Called the "Russian Versailles" for its number of fountains (150+), the complex also includes a huge park, gardens and a marvellous palace. Like its French prototype the palace doesn't leave anyone indifferent.

A private car will take you from the hotel to the airport.