RUSSIA TOUR FOR 9 DAYS FROM DOHA (SATURDAY-SUNDAY)

Why choose this tour?

• Adapted program for tourists from Doha.
• Good three star hotel
• Individual approach
• Information support from 8:00 to 23:00 Moscow time
• Professional guides
• Mini groups. Maximum 12 people in one group.
• Departures every week

Additional features in the Extra package

• Four star hotel
• Dinners at the hotel in Moscow

Day 1 (Saturday)

3:50 pm Departure from Doha to Moscow by Qatar Airways

9:25 pm Arrival in Moscow

10:30 pm Meeting with guide and transfer to the hotel

Day 2 (Sunday)

9:00 Hotel breakfast

10:00 Meet in the hotel lobby
Our first stop of the tour is the building of the Moscow Government, located in close proximity to the meeting spot. The amazing architecture of the red building decorated with white columns will leave tourists in awe. We’ll then cross an underground passage to Tverskaya Street, where we can appreciate the monument to Yuri Dolgorukiy – the first ruler of Moscow. As various events often take place in this square, we have the chance to see one of the popular festivals during the tour.

10:20 Walk along Tverskaya
We continue our journey along one of Moscow’s most significant streets. Here, tourists will learn about the history of building relocations in the 20th century and enjoy the magnificent architecture symbolizing the Stalin era. As a complement, we may visit the main Natura Siberica store (cosmetics shop).

10:40 Manezhnaya Square
Our tour leads us to the heart of the capital – Manezhnaya Square. From here, breathtaking views of the city’s landmarks such as the Hotel National, Hotel Moscow, Historical Museum and Duma, as well as the famous monument to military commander Zhukov, will be revealed.

11:00 Walk along Mokhovaya Street
Continuing our walk, we’ll head to Mokhovaya Street, where we’ll take a closer look at the Hotel National and also see the Manege and the first building of Moscow State University.

11:30 Alexandrovsky Garden
Our tour continues in the Alexandrovsky Garden, where we can enjoy the shade under the trees, see the famous fountain, visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and witness the Changing of the Guard (if we’re lucky).

12:00 Red Square
Next, we’ll head to Red Square – the most recognizable symbol of Russia, where we’ll walk on the cobblestones, admire the Kazan Cathedral, the Church of St. Basil, the Mausoleum, and the Historical Museum.

12:30 GUM
We’ll then enter GUM – the first department store in Russia, where tourists can try the legendary ice cream and lemonade.

1:30 pm Zaryadye
Afterwards, we’ll visit the modern park Zaryadye, where we’ll enjoy views of various climatic zones of Russia. We’ll climb to the tundra zone, from which a stunning view of St. Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square will be revealed, and then walk to the Floating Bridge to admire the Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Skyscraper and the walls of the Moscow Kremlin. The bridge offers a beautiful view, and the glass railings provide an opportunity to take many beautiful photos.

2:30 pm Walking tour of the city center
We’ll walk through the historic center of Moscow: see the churches on Varvarka Street, enjoy the architecture on Ilyinka, and admire the stunning, sacred ornaments on Nikolskaya Street.

3:10 pm Bolshoi Theatre
We’ll see the stunning building of the Bolshoi Theatre. Tourists should bring a 100 ruble bill since the building of the Bolshoi Theatre is depicted on it. Across from the Bolshoi Theatre is the Metropol Hotel, often frequented by celebrities.

3:40 pm Lubyanka and TSUM
We’ll head towards Lubyanka Square via Theatre Passage. Here, we’ll see the former KGB building and the Polytechnical Museum. We can climb to the roof of TSUM for a stunning view of the center of Moscow. (Plus 30 minutes) *Payment for the viewing platform can only be made on site for 120 rubles.

4:00 pm End of the tour and return to the hotel

Day 3 (Monday)

9:00 Breakfast

10:00 Meeting with the guide in the hotel lobby and departure for the excursion.

10:30 Christ the Savior Cathedral
You will see the impressive building of the Christ the Savior Cathedral. Optionally, you can enter it. Then you can walk along the Patriarchal Bridge, from where you can enjoy the stunning view of the Christ the Savior Cathedral and Moscow and take many photos. Crossing the Moscow River, you will see the impressive building of the GES-2 Center for Contemporary Art, and in the distance, you will see the Muzeon Park and the Peter the Great Monument.

11:30 Continuation of the bus tour

12:00 Novodevichy Monastery
Our next stop will be the Novodevichy Monastery, which is one of the most important religious shrines in Moscow. On the way, the guide will tell you about the monastery, and then you can visit it from the inside.

12:30 Continuation of the bus tour

1:00 pm Vorobievy gory
Vorobievy gory (Sparrow Hills) is one of the favorite viewing platforms for Muscovites and guests of the capital. From here, there is a stunning view of the city. In addition to the panorama of the city, you can admire the building of MGU.

2:00 pm Lunch break

3:30 pm Continuation of the bus tour

4:00 pm Victory Park
We will make a stop at the Park dedicated to the Victory of the USSR in the Great Patriotic War. Here, the guide will tell you a little bit of history, and you can take photos of this complex.

Day 4 (Tuesday)

9:00 Hotel breakfast

10:00 Meeting with a guide and departure from the hotel

11:30 Excursion to the VDNKh
VDNKh (Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy) is one of the largest exhibition complexes in Russia and the world. It is located in Moscow and occupies an area of over 200 hectares. VDNKh was founded in 1939 and was created to demonstrate the achievements of agriculture. It quickly became a place for exhibitions and fairs in all areas of the economy. VDNKh has become a popular place for cultural events such as festivals, concerts, and exhibitions. Today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Moscow. Today you’ll see the main part of the park with stunning fountains, buildings with different architecture, and enjoy the blooming roses (only in summer).

2:00 pm Excursion to the Cosmonautics Museum
The Cosmonautics Museum at VDNKh is one of the largest museums in Russia dedicated to the history of space exploration. It was opened in 1981 and is located on the territory of VDNKh. The museum displays many exhibits, including carrier rockets, spacecraft, spacesuits, and other items used during space missions. In the museum, you can see a copy of the first artificial Earth satellite, which was “Sputnik-1”, as well as the “Voskhod” capsule and many other items related to the history of space exploration. The museum also offers interactive exhibits that help visitors better understand the dynamics of flight and many other aspects of space. You’ll be provided with a guided tour of the museum.

3:30 pm Finish of the excursion and return to the hotel

5:00 pm Arrival at the hotel

Day 5 (Wednesday)

9:00 Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 Meet with the guide and leave the hotel. You will meet the guide in the hotel lobby and walk to the walls of the Kremlin.

11:00 Kremlin Tour.
The Kremlin is a must-visit attraction when in Moscow, and this tour will give you a chance to explore this historic site with a professional guide. During the tour, you will get to learn about the rich history and culture of the Kremlin, which is known as the place where Moscow began. Your guide will take you through the various buildings and structures within the Kremlin walls, including Cathedral Square, the oldest and most important part of the Kremlin. Here, you will see several important cathedrals, including the Cathedral of the Assumption, the Cathedral of the Annunciation, and the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael. You will have a chance to learn about the role of the Russian Orthodox Church and its significance in the history of the Kremlin and Russia. In addition, you will have the opportunity to marvel at the impressive Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon, two of the largest and most historic cannons in the world. Overall, this tour will give you a fascinating insight into the history and culture of this important landmark and help you appreciate the rich heritage of Moscow.

12:30 End of the tour and return to the hotel.

10:00 pm Transfer to the station.

11:30 pm Departure of the overnight train to St. Petersburg. Accommodation in a 4-person berth.
*If you do not want to take the overnight train, there is an option to replace it with the high-speed Sapsan train, which takes about 4 hours between Moscow and St. Petersburg.

7:30 pm Moscow – 11:35 pm St. Petersburg

8:50 pm Moscow – 00:32 am St. Petersburg
In case you want to replace the overnight train with Sapsan, you will need to pay for an additional night at the hotel. Please mention this request during tour booking.

Day 6 (Thursday)

8:30 Arrival in St. Petersburg by train.
Your hotel is located opposite the station. You can walk to the hotel and leave your belongings in the baggage room. You will have time to have breakfast at a café on your own.

10:00 Meet your guide in the hotel lobby.
After meeting your guide, you will start your city tour. You will begin your walk on the main street of St. Petersburg – Nevsky Prospect. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the history of the city and you can admire its stunning architecture.

10:30 Fontanka River Embankment.
The Fontanka River is one of the symbols of St. Petersburg, along with the Neva River. The Fontanka embankment attracts lovers of architecture, as there is a high concentration of historical and iconic buildings. The narrow streets and canals of St. Petersburg offer a cozy atmosphere here.

10:45 Gostiny Dvor.
We will make a brief stop at Gostiny Dvor to admire the architecture of the ancient building. On the other side of Nevsky Prospect, we will see the Armenian Apostolic Church of St. Catherine. Walking a little further, we will see the famous tower with the clock of the City Council, and opposite to it is St. Catherine’s Basilica.

11:00 Kazan Cathedral.
We will cross the Griboedov Canal and see the magnificent Kazan Cathedral, which can often be seen on city postcards. After taking enough photographs, your guide will tell you about the interesting building opposite on Nevsky Prospect – the Singer House.

11:30 Church of the Savior on Blood.
We will come back to the Griboedov Canal and head away from the bustling Nevsky Prospect. Here, on the banks of the Griboedov Canal, is the stunning Church of the Savior on Blood. Your guide will tell you about the history and architecture of this unique place.

12:30 Palace Square.
From the Church of the Savior on Blood, we will walk along narrow and cozy streets towards the Palace Square. Here, we will see the magnificent Winter Palace, which now houses the Hermitage Museum. In the middle of the square stands the Alexander Column.

1:00 pm Neva River Embankment.
We will walk around the Hermitage and come out to the Neva River embankment, the main river in St. Petersburg. From here, we can admire the passing boats and see the Peter and Paul Fortress on the other bank. You will also see the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island and the Kunstkamera.

2:00 pm St. Isaac’s Cathedral.
After spending time on the embankment, we will head to the next attraction – St. Isaac’s Cathedral. St. Isaac’s Cathedral often decorates postcards and magnets and is rightfully one of the most important symbols of St. Petersburg. Your guide will tell you about the history and architecture of this building.

3:30 pm End of the tour program.
Today, St. Isaac’s Cathedral will be the final point of our route. Your guide can leave you in the city center so you can stroll around or go up to the observation deck at St. Isaac’s Cathedral. There is a wide selection of restaurants, so you can enjoy food at St. Petersburg restaurants. Your guide can help you call a taxi back to the hotel.

Day 7 (Friday)

9:00 Breakfast at the hotel

10:00 Meeting with the guide at the hotel
Today we will embark on a small journey through the Saint Petersburg metro. Accompanied by our experienced guide, you will ride a few stations. The guide will tell you the history of the metro, as well as how to buy tickets and use the transportation system of Saint Petersburg.

11:30 Hermitage
During the excursion at the Hermitage Museum, a qualified guide will lead you through the many rooms and halls of this world-renowned museum. You will appreciate the collection of masterpieces by famous artists. Your guide will provide cultural and historical insights and answer all your questions, making your visit a truly unforgettable experience.

1:00 PM End of the tour.
After the tour ends, you can continue to stroll around the Hermitage Museum on your own, or continue your walk in the city center. The guide will help you to call a taxi to get back to your hotel.

Day 8 (Saturday)

9:00 Breakfast at the hotel

10:00 Meeting with guide at the hotel and transfer to Peterhof

12:00 Peterhof
Afterwards, your guide will take you for a walk through the breathtaking gardens that inspired Peter the Great’s vision. Stroll through the Lower Park, filled with fountains and cascades, and marvel at the beauty of the Grand Cascade- the centerpiece of the park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout your trip, your guide will share stories about the palace and its royal residents, as well as interesting facts about the intricate engineering of Peterhof’s fountain system.

3:00 pm Return to St. Petersburg

Day 9 (Sunday)

7:00 Transfer to the airport

10:30 Deaprture from St. Petersburg to Moscow by Aeroflot

12:10 Arrival in Moscow

4:55 pm Departure from Moscow to Doha by Qatar Airways

10:20 pm Arrival in Doha