ESCORTED SMALL GROUP TOUR
Trip Length: 10 days / 9 nights
Trip Dates:
September 6–15, 2012
8 nights in Deluxe accommodations
3 nights in Moscow & 5 nights in St. Petersburg
2012 Rates: From $5895 double, $6395 single
International Airfare is additional
| Depart USA | |
| Arrive Moscow | |
| Red Square with St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Tomb, Metro ride, Kremlin with Armory & Diamond Fund | |
| Old Tretyakov Gallery, New Tretyakov Gallery, Park of Fallen Idols | |
| Cold War Museum (4 hours). Depart to St. Petersburg | |
| Hermitage, Hermitage storage rooms | |
| Catherin palace in Pushkin, Pavlovsk | |
| Peterhof, St. Isaac's cathedral | |
| Peter & Paul Fortress, Yusunov palace, one hour private boat ride | |
| Depart St. Petersburg |
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Moscow.
Upon arrival at Moscow airport and after going through the passport formalities at customs control you will be welcomed to Russia in the arrivals hall and transferred to your hotel where you will be assisted with check-in procedures. One group transfer will be arranged for arrival flights. Any transfers needed at a different time will be arranged separately and at additional cost.
Later in the evening enjoy Welcome dinner at Bolshoi restaurant.
You will be confirmed for 3 nights at the at the Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel in a Deluxe Double/Twin rooms, inclusive of Bed & Breakfast (Full).
Hotel: Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel
Room: Classic
Meals: Dinner
Today have full day sightseeing tour with you private vehicle and guide starting with magnificent Red Square visit. Red Square is the focal point of the city, the square lies on the east wall of the Kremlin surrounded by a thick red fortress wall containing 20 towers all at various intervals. Originally allotted for a market, the square itself appeared around the end of the 15th century when Ivan III ordered all wooden buildings in the vicinity of the Kremlin to be demolished to protect the Kremlin from fires. You might wish to visit St. Basil Cathedral, built in times of Ivan the Terrible. There is a legend around it that the Tsar ordered to blind the architects so they would never create anything as beautiful as this Cathedral.
Afterwards visit Moscow metro that is considered to be the most beautiful in the world with its chandeliers, mosaics, paintings, bronze statues. At the station “Ploshad Revolutsii” (Square of Revolution) all students go to make a wish to pass exams with flying color. The guide will tell you all mysterious stories about this huge underground city.
After lunch at Godunov restaurant continue to the State Armoury, the oldest museum in Russia, home to a collection of precious stones, masterpieces of 18th and 19th century jewelry, priceless artifacts dating as far as the 14th century as well as impressive collection of carriages from the best Russian and European masters, precious fabrics, and royal gala clothes. The Armoury is famous also for its fine collection of Faberge eggs.
Afterwards see the dazzling exhibition of the State Diamond Fund. Continue your tour with the Kremlin Territory. For centuries, the Kremlin has been witness to many famous and tragic events in Russia’s past and it’s a treasure trove of Russian history. Visit two of the Kremlin’s cathedrals: Assumption, the place of coronations and the burial church of religious leaders, and Archangel, the royal burial church
Afternoon at leisure.
Hotel: Marriott Royal Aurora
Room: Classic
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning with your private vehicle and guide visit the Tretyakov Gallery, containing the best collection of Russian art in the world. Reopened in 1995 after a nine-year renovation, it houses an outstanding display of pre-revolutionary Russian art as well as an extensive collection of icons.
After lunch at Artist’s Gallery restaurant visit New building of the Tretyakov Gallery that houses a unique museum exhibition of national 20th century art. The exhibition is opened by the works of Mikhail Larionov, Natalia Goncharova, the artists of the association "Bubnovy Valet", whose creativity marks the beginning of the new Avant-Garde movement in Russia. The world - known artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, Mark Chagall, Kazimir Malevich (the painter of the "Black Square") and artists of neoclassicism are also well represented. The hall with the reconstruction of the well-known exhibition of "OBMOHU" (Association of young artists) of 1921 is devoted to constructivism of the 1920th. The art works featuring "social realism" – an official style of totalitarian era in 1930-50s - are widely shown in the Gallery. Objects, installations, photographs, conceptual art created since 1950 up to now, are also represented as alternative directions of the Soviet art evolution.
Afterwards visit "The Park of Fallen idols”, the last asylum for numerous statues of Lenin, Stalin and others of that ilk.
Hotel: Marriott Royal Aurora
Room: Classic
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - mon sep 10 -- moscow–st. petersburg. Cold war museum. Train to st. petersburg.
In the morning with your private vehicle and guide visit to the Cold War Museum. After going down on a speed elevator to the depth of 65 meters, you will find yourself inside one of the most restricted military objects of Soviet Union. Your tour will lead you through the secret tunnels of the building and you will have an exclusive opportunity to get familiar with soviet armament and communication facilities of the Cold War.
Today in the afternoon you will be privately transferred to the train station to take high-speed Sapsan train to St Petersburg departing at 1:30 pm (1st class). Train schedule is subject to change.
Upon arrival at St Petersburg train station at 6:00 pm we will be met by your guide and privately transferred to our hotel where you will be assisted with check-in procedures. The remainder of today is at leisure.
You will be confirmed for 5 nights at the Renaissance Baltic Hotel, St Petersburg in a Deluxe Double/Twin rooms, inclusive of Bed & Breakfast (Full)
Hotel: Renaissance Baltic
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today travel with your private vehicle and guide to the Hermitage museum. The museum is situated in the lavishly decorated Winter Palace and occupies six magnificent building with 3 million pieces of artwork from the Stone Age to modern times. The main building and largest part of the museum is the rococo-style Winter Palace, residence of the Czars from 1762 to 1917. The museum was commissioned by Catherine the Great and she and her successors built the Hermitage collection in large part with purchases of the private collections of the Western European aristocracy and monarchy.
After lunch at Vodka Room #1 restaurant you will have an exclusive visit to Hermitage storage chambers (subject to reconfirmation) to see hidden treasures of this world-famous museum. This is the place hidden from general public and you will have the unique chance to see carriages, coronation dresses, jewelry etc.
Hotel: Renaissance Baltic
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today travel with your private vehicle and guide outside the city to visit Tsarskoe Selo (renamed Pushkin in 1937 to commemorate the centenary of famous Russian poet death). You may visit the summer palace, created for Catherine I, expanded and redesigned for Empress Elizabeth and remodeled again for Catherine the Great. The baroque Catherine Palace, whose exterior features golden domes and blue and white facade mouldings, suffered extensive wartime damage, but is today a masterpiece of restoration thanks to the reinstatement of the world-famous amber room that enhances the interior that gleams and glitters with mirrors, chandeliers and gilded woodcarvings.
Enjoy a traditional hearty Russian lunch at Podvorie Dacha restaurant and travel to Pavlovsk. The Great Palace at Pavlovsk, a gift from Catherine the Great to her son Paul. Originally designed by Charles Cameron, it was partly redesigned at Paul’s request by several famous European architects including Quarenghi and Rossi. Although severely damaged in World War II, the palace has been beautifully and lavishly restored, and is set amidst delightful parkland which, when created, was the largest landscaped area in the world.
Hotel: Renaissance Baltic
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today travel with your private vehicle and guide outside the city to visit Petrodvorets (also known as Peterhof), the great summer estate and artistic gem of Peter the Great, nestled on the shore of the Gulf of Finland (part of the Baltic Sea). After his victory over the Swedes at Poltava in 1709, Peter decided to build a palace “befitting to the very highest of monarchs” and a visit to Versailles in 1717 furthered these ambitions. This magnificent estate that was officially opened in 1723. A prominent highlight is the Grand Cascade, a delightful sequence of 37 gilded bronze sculptures, 64 fountains and 142 water jets descending from the terraces of the Great Palace to the Marine Canal and the sea. The park features numerous palaces, summer houses and pavilions.
After lunch at Peterhof restaurant, return to the city by hydrofoil and visit St Isaac’s Cathedral. It was built between 1818 and 1858, by the French-born architect Auguste Montferrand, to be one of the most impressive landmarks of the Russian Imperial capital.
Afternoon is at leisure
Hotel: Renaissance Baltic
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today travel with your private vehicle and guide to visit Peter & Paul Fortress inside which was the first construction of St Petersburg put up by Peter the Great in 1703 to provide protection from the Swedes. The Fortress Cathedral is the burial place of most of Russia's Tsars and Tsarinas from the 18th century onwards, including Peter the Great.
Have lunch at Sadko restaurant proceed to Yusupov Palace, which belonged to Prince Felix Yusupov, who organized the assassination of the infamous Siberian monk Gregory Rasputin. Also visit the room where the assassination took place.
Later this afternoon, experience a unique perspective of St. Petersburg with a one-hour private journey on a canal boat, which allows you to see unusual parts of the city not seen when driving along the city streets. The city is built on 42 islands, being washed by more than 90 rivers: Neva’s arms and channels. The granite embankments with slopes and piers have become peculiar pedestals for the magnificent palaces.
In the evening enjoy Farewell Dinner at Tsar Restaurant.
Hotel: Renaissance Baltic
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will be transferred to the airport for our return flights to the USA. One group transfer will be arranged (usually for very early flights leaving Russia.) Any transfers required at a different time will be arranged separately for an additional cost.
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Built only in 1999 The Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel is one of the most luxurious in town: with the Red Square and the Kremlin as well as the famous Bolshoi Theatre in walking distance, the hotel has the capital’s commercial, political and cultural heart literally on the doorstep. With its arches and spires, the hotel gloriously blends traditional Moscow with modern conveniences. The spacious rooms feature in-room safes, a mini-bar, wireless Internet access as well as video or home theatre. With its beautiful design and an atmosphere that captures Imperial Russia, together with a complimentary Butler service that – uniquely for Moscow – can be enjoyed at the Marriott Royal, it is one of the most exclusive hotels in the whole country. Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel has two restaurants, and one bar lounge. The Aurora, the hotel's main restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a stylish, yet informal setting. Polo Restaurant serves International cuisine and has an open kitchen where one can watch how the hotel chefs prepare the best steaks in town. The Aurora Club features the latest in cardio-vascular technology, a large indoor pool and spa treatments. |
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Luxury St Petersburg, Russia boutique hotel located in the historic city centre within walking distance to main attractions. One of the finest boutique hotels in St Petersburg, Russia with fine dining, impeccable amenities, great service, broadband Internet and Wi-Fi. Renaissance St Petersburg Baltic Hotel offers luxury accommodations with elegant interior design, comfortable furnishings and large work area. Each of the deluxe guest rooms feature a large working desk, 2 telephones with data port, high speed internet service, satellite TV, safety deposit box, mini-bar, individual climat-control, keycard system and fire detectors with sprinkler system. His hotel has one of the best restaurants in St. Petersburg with artistic cuisine and traditional Russian food. |
| Double | Single |
| $5895 | $6395 |
Single rates can be avoided by sharing. We will be happy to match you with another single traveler who also wishes to share. If no share is available, the single rate will apply.
Additional Hotel Night Costs
If you arrive early or stay after the tour ends, the following rates will apply at the hotels we are using for the program (subject to change.)
| Moscow | St Petersburg |
| $616 double | $264 double |
| $560 single | $230 single |
Private Transfers
If you require a private transfer upon arrival in Moscow or a private transfer upon departure in St Petersburg the following supplement will apply.
| $264 - 1 person | $223 - 2 persons |
Special Note: Rates are based on current rates and currency exchange rates at the time of publishing the tour on-line. Rates are subject to change until final payment has been made.
Travel Documents
A visa is required for Russia for American or Canadian passport holders. This must be obtained prior to travel to Russia. For current costs and to download forms, we recommend using Zierer Visa Service. To speak directly to ZVS Customer Service, call 866-788-1100 (toll-free in the U.S.). Please note that visas cannot be processed more than 90 days prior to departure and processing may take several weeks to complete. You may also apply directly with a Russian Consulate in your area. For information, google the Russian Consulate nearest you (e.g. Russian Consulate New York). You must have a valid passport that remains valid six months past your return to the U.S. You should also have a minimum of two empty passport pages.
Shots
None required or recommended. It is recommended you have your regular vaccinations up-to-date before traveling. For further information, visit the Center For Disease Control website.
International Airfare
Delta Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa are airlines that can be used for this trip. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to try to use Frequent Flyer Miles for free tickets or upgrades or the American Express Platinum card 2-4-1 program.
The departure is guaranteed on 6 participants. A Coda Tour Manager accompanies the tour on a minimum of 10 participants. (* Some modifications to the inclusions in the program may be made if participation is fewer than 10 travelers.)
- Accommodation in at the Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel, Moscow, breakfast daily
- Accommodation at Renaissance Baltic hotel St Petersburg, breakfast daily
- 6 lunches; 1 Welcome dinner in Moscow; 1 Farewell dinner in St Petersburg
- Private transport by Mercedes Sprinter or similar. Please note that the vehicle provided allows for one piece of luggage per person.
- 1st Class train tickets from Moscow to St Petersburg
- Basic English-speaking assistant for transfers
- Expert local English-speaking guides for sightseeing
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums mentioned in the program
- Porterage
- 24 hour emergency contact service
- International airfare. Coda Tours will be happy to arrange your air travel for you. Please ask us for a quote for coach, business or first class travel.
- Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance (highly recommended.)
- Passport and visa expenses (approx. $250 per person if using a visa service.)
- Meals except those mentioned in the Inclusions
- Drinks with meals.
- Gratuities to guides and drivers
- All items of a personal nature (e.g. beverages, telephone calls, laundry, personal insurance)
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Inclusions” list above.
August / September |
St. Petersburg | Moscow |
| High | 66 |
68 |
| Low | 54 |
52 |
| Precipitation Inches | 3 |
2.8 |
