Jewels of Russia

Arrive into the Russian capital and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax and settle in.
Four Seasons Hotel Moscow (Deluxe Room) 

Discover the history and significance of Moscow’s most iconic sights today accompanied by your guide. Start off in magnificent Red Square with its famous landmark, St. Basil’s domed cathedral (inside viewing), and Lenin’s Tomb (outside viewing). Ride like a local on the famous Moscow metro, renowned for the ornate splendour of its stations.  Admire the panoramic view of Moscow from the observation platform at Sparrow Hills. Explore the Novodevichy cemetery where Nikita Khrushchev, Raisa Gorbachev, Boris Yeltsin and many others are buried. Afternoon at leisure.
Four Seasons Hotel Moscow (Deluxe Room) | Meals: B

Moscow’s other great sight and seat of power, the Kremlin, is top of the list today. This massive fortified complex is the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation and also includes the Assumption, Annunciation and Archangel Cathedrals, all of which are important in their own right. The Armoury Museum is another unmissable highlight. Dating back to 1485, it houses a vast collection of regalia belonging to the Tsars as well as the Diamond Fund – the collection of Tsar’s Jewels. Afternoon at leisure.
Four Seasons Hotel Moscow (Deluxe Room) | Meals: B

Today you can admire the world’s largest collection of Russian art on a guided visit to the Tretyakov Gallery. See delicate icons and an outstanding collection of pre-Revolutionary Russian pieces. This afternoon you have the choice to explore your way with a choice of rewarding outings. Art enthusiasts will relish a visit to the Pushkin Museum of Fine Art which houses many fine Impressionist and post-Impressionist works. Or, visit the newly opened Moscow Space Museum for an insight to the life of an astronaut in Space with authentic space artefacts and a series of interactive programmes which recreate the sensation of being an astronaut in orbit. Or, descend 65 metres underground to discover the Cold War Museum, one of the most restricted Soviet military zones. Capable of withstanding a nuclear missile attack it could accommodate 3,000 people for up to 90 days in complete isolation from the outside. Today you are at liberty to wander through the secret tunnels and check out the exhibits which range from Stalin's meeting rooms to Hazchem suits from the 1950s, military uniforms, weaponry and communications equipment.
Four Seasons Hotel Moscow (Deluxe Room) | Meals: B

Venture out of Moscow today to Sergiev Posad, one of Russia’s most important religious and historical landmarks. Visit the Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius and its impressive cathedrals. For 500 years, this was the most important place of pilgrimage in Russia and you‘ll spend the day exploring. Return to Moscow and the railway station for the high speed Sapsan train to St. Petersburg (approx. 4 hours). On arrival at St. Petersburg’s railway station you are met and transferred to the hotel.
Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace (Deluxe Room) | Meals: BD 

Soak up the vibe of Russia’s most regal city with its columned cathedrals and pastel palaces. Start off at the Peter & Paul Fortress, the oldest building in the city which sits on its own island on the Neva Delta. In the Cathedral, inside the fortress, is the burial place of many of the Russian emperors and empresses of the ruling Romanov family. Later on, visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the largest Orthodox cathedral in the city with its dome covered in pure gold and an interior filled with marble and precious stones. Then get a different perspective of the city on an hour-long private cruise through the canals. Enjoy a sundowner during the rivers & canal cruise.
Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace (Deluxe Room) | Meals: B

Prepare to be amazed this morning when you set foot in the Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s most famous. Originally commissioned by Catherine the Great as a winter palace, the museum now houses over two million exhibits and is the largest collection of paintings in the world. Your guide will navigate you through the highlights including the Ambassador’s Staircase, the Throne Room and the Ballroom. 

This afternoon another treat is in store when you visit the newly opened Fabergé museum and see the stunning collection of eggs and glittering objets d’art created by Peter Carl Fabergé and his contemporaries. The collection is rated as one of the world's most valuable and includes items bought from the Forbes family for $100 million in 2004. One of the most famous pieces on display here is the Imperial Coronation Egg, made in 1897.
Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace (Deluxe Room) | Meals: B

Head out of the city today to Tsarskoe Selo (‘the Tsar’s village’), more commonly known as Pushkin. You’ll be dazzled by the beautiful Catherine Palace, a splendid example of the Russian Baroque. The sumptuous décor of the Great Hall and the world-famous Amber Room will take your breath away. Surrounding the palace is some 300 hectares of parkland with formal gardens and an assortment of grand pavilions, bridges and marble monuments. Return to St. Petersburg. Afternoon at leisure.
Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace (Deluxe Room) | Meals: B

Another palace to amaze and inspire when you visit Petrodvorets (Peterhof), the summer palace of Peter the Great. Inspired by Versailles, the lavish décor of the buildings is rivalled only by its famous Grand Cascade of fountains and gilded figures. If time permits, visit one of the smaller palaces such as Peter the Great’s original villa, Monplaisir. Return to St. Petersburg by hydrofoil (summer only) up the Neva River and your final stop is at the ornate Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, a superb example of Russian architecture and decorative art from the end of the 19th century. The church was built on the spot where Alexander II was fatally wounded in 1881. Marvel at its spectacular interior and exterior, both richly adorned with stunning mosaics, precious stones, enamel and coloured tiles – true to the style of the Muscovite Tsars of the 17th century. The icon-cases and canopy are not to be missed as they are rare examples of jewellery work and masonry.
Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace (Deluxe Room) | Meals: B 

Transfer to the airport where your journey ends.
Meals: B