Historic Gems of Russia 7 Nights from $3499 (GT Small Group Tour)

Day 1 – Welcome to Moscow

Check in to the deluxe Hilton Leningradskaya. This evening, get to know your small band of fellow travelers over a congenial dinner at your hotel. Meals D

Day 2 – Out and about in Moscow

Set out with your in-the-know Trip Leader and ride the famed Moscow Metro to Red Square , passing through some of the city’s most beautifully decorated underground stations. Admire the colorful domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral and enter within the imposing walls of the Kremlin for a walking tour of the grounds, including Cathedral Square. In the Armory Museum, you’ll be dazzled by a priceless collection of Imperial memorabilia, including gilded carriages and bejeweled Fabergé eggs. In the afternoon, a comprehensive city tour shows you the Bolshoi Theater, KGB building, Novodevichy Convent and more. Meals B

Day 3 – Moscow at leisure

Take advantage of this day to pursue your own interests. The city is filled with historical sites and unique museums like the Tretyakov Gallery, Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts and the World War II Bow Hill Memorial Museum. Of course, our attentive Trip Leader is on hand for suggestions and assistance. Meals B

Day 4 – Into the fabled Golden Ring

Journey to ancient Vladimir , founded more than 1,000 years ago. See the Golden Gate, a rare monument of Old Russian military architecture, and visit St. Demetrius Cathedral, built and beautifully carved 800 years ago. Travel on to Suzdal and discover the highlights of one of Russia’s oldest cities. Founded in 1024, it was the capital of a 12th-century prince and its well-preserved Kremlin walls once protected the borders of the Empire. Tour the Museum of Wooden Architecture and see the Church of the Intercession. Set in a lovely meadow, this rarely-visited gem is one of Russia’s most romantic and enduring visions. Enjoy dinner at the Pushkarskaya Sloboda Hotel. Meals B,L,D

Day 5 – Off the beaten path and on to St. Petersburg

Today we’ll take you well off the beaten path to Yuryev Polsky . With its splendidly preserved ramparts, this is one of the most picturesque Golden Ring towns and home to historic St. George’s Cathedral, the last stone church built before the Mongol invasion. Nearby, Alexandrov was the capital of Russia under Ivan the Terrible. Your visit here includes the Alexandrovskaya Sloboda Museum and the private chambers of Russia’s most infamous ruler. Return to Moscow and board the high-speed train for an evening rail journey through the Russian countryside. Arrive St. Petersburg and transfer to the deluxe Corinthia Nevsky Hotel, ideally located on the city’s most famous and elegant boulevard. Meals B,L

Day 6 – The Catherine Palace and Hermitage

Travel to Tsarskoye Selo to visit the Catherine Palace for a tantalizing look into the opulent life of Peter the Great’s wife. See the gilded Grand Ballroom and the famous Amber Room, restored to its original splendor. Back in St. Petersburg, join your well-informed guide for an extensive afternoon tour of the Hermitage, erstwhile palace of the Czars, to view one of the world’s greatest art collections. Meals B

Day 7 – Excursion to The Peterhof and city sightseeing

From mid May through mid September, the exuberant fountains of The Peterhof are on full display and you’ll enjoy an unforgettable visit to this spectacular estate, created by Peter the Great as his summer residence on the Gulf of Finland. Meander its landscaped grounds, graced with beautiful palaces built by a succession of czars. Admire the gilded statues that ornament the park and thrill to the incredible display of its Grand Cascades. Then return to St. Petersburg for an afternoon tour of the city’s myriad architectural treasures, starting with the handsome Baroque buildings that grace the Nevsky Prospekt. Behold the massive dome of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, gilded with 220 pounds of pure gold, and admire the stately elegance of the Church of the Spilled Blood, set alongside one of the city’s many picturesque canals. This evening, join your Trip Leader and fellow travelers for a convivial farewell dinner. Meals B,D

Day 8 – Farewell to St. Petersburg

Your program with us finishes after breakfast. Meals B