Insight Vacations – Easy Pace Russia with Christmas Markets – 8 days land only

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- Return airport/hotel transfers
- 7 nights hotel accommodation
- Breakfast daily & selected dinners
- Touring by luxury coach
- Assistance of a Tour Director
- Signature experiences included in each city
- All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes

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Welcome to St. Petersburg

Airport transfers depart from St. Petersburg Airport at 14:30 & 17:00. In the evening, meet your Tour Director for a warm, friendly Welcome Reception & an opportunity to mingle & get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner & wine.

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St Petersburg Sightseeing

Morning sightseeing with a Local Expert includes views of St. Isaac’s Cathedral & Decembrists’ Square. Travel down Nevsky Prospekt for views of the great Cathedral of Kazan & onion-domed Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood. With the afternoon at leisure, why not explore the festivities of the annual International Winter Festival where St. Petersburg showcases an array of culture from the regions of Russia, combined with Christmas traditions from all over the world?

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The City of Tsars

(Relaxed Start) In the little town of Pushkin, visit St. Catherine’s Palace with a Local Expert. A ‘Golden Enfilade’ of suites lead to the restored Amber Room, a truly unique & spectacular chamber solely decorated with amber panels, gold leaves & mirrors. Later, cross the Neva River to Peter & Paul Fortress, where St. Petersburg’s foundation stone was laid in 1703. With a Local Expert, visit the fortress to see the imperial tombs of the Romanov rulers & learn the secrets of Russian history.

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The Hermitage Museum

(Relaxed Start) Visit the Hermitage, one of the world’s greatest museums. Located in the Winter Palace, wander through this fabulous collection of paintings & objets d’art, ranging from Egyptian carvings to Impressionist masterpieces. The rest of the day is free.

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High-Speed Sapsan Train to Moscow

(Relaxed Start) In the morning, perhaps visit the former residence of the Yusupov family & the scene of Rasputin’s murder? Then board your high-speed Sapsan train to Moscow.

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Moscow, a Russian Revelation

(Relaxed Start) Begin your exploration of the Russian capital with a Local Expert. Start in Red Square, lined by Moscow’s landmark buildings. At one end, rises the onion- shaped domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral. In front of the Kremlin, stands Lenin’s Mausoleum. During your stay, you will also visit one of the Metro stations that Stalin called ‘palaces for the people’. Gain a local insight into the themes depicted among the marble, mosaics, sculptures & chandeliers. In your free time, why not view the crown jewels & Fabergé Egg collection of the Imperial Russian Family? You may like to wrap up warm & venture out to explore the dazzling festivities of the Christmas season. Snow-covered stalls are crowned with twinkling fairylights, while vendors serve warm drinks & food. When Moscow’s ‘Journey into Christmas’ begins, each district becomes part of the festival, offering everything from exciting street shows & concerts, to master cooking classes of traditional Russian foods. There really is something for everyone.

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Exploring the Kremlin

(Relaxed Start) With the morning at leisure, you can use your time as the final chance to collect a few souvenirs. The Christmas Markets offer plenty of unique art pieces & classic Russian ornaments. Perhaps visit the Borodino Panorama Exhibition, or take an optional experience to Zagorsk - renowned as a centre of ancient Russian art & architecture? In the afternoon, walk inside the walls of the Kremlin Fortress to visit one of the cathedrals & the Armoury Chamber. On your last night, enjoy delicious food, great wine & wonderful company at your evening Celebration Dinner.

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Depart Moscow

Departure transfers will arrive at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport at 05:00, 08:00 & 11:00 & at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport at 05:00, 10:00 & 13:00.