TOUR TWO RUSSIAN CAPITALS AND ARCTIC FROM JOHANNESBURG FOR 9 DAYS (MONDAY-TUESDAY)

Why choose this tour?

• Adapted program for tourists from Addis-Ababa.
• 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

Day 1 (Monday)

You can choose one of the offered flights

Ethiopian Airlines
9:50 Johannesburg – 8:45 pm Addis Ababa
11:30 pm Addis Ababa – 7:25 Moscow (Next day)

Emirates
6:50 pm (previous day) Johannesburg – 5:05 Dubai
9:05 Dubai – 1:40 pm Moscow

Egypt Air
9:45 pm (previous day) Johannesburg – 6:10 Cairo
7:50 Cairo – 2:45 pm Moscow

After arrival, a driver with a sign will be waiting for you and will take you to the hotel.

Day 2 (Tuesday)

12:00 Meet in the hotel lobby
After meeting with the guides, you will travel on the Moscow metro. You will go to the center and along the way you will be able to see some of the most beautiful meter stations in the world. The guide will tell you how to use the public transport system and how to buy tickets.

1:00 pm 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).

1:20 pm 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.

1:40 pm 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.

2:00 pm 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).

2:20 pm 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.

3:00 pm GUM
We’ll then enter GUM – the first department store in Russia, where tourists can try the legendary ice cream and lemonade.

3:30 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.

4:00 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.

4:10 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.

4:40 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.

5:00 pm End of the tour and return to the hotel

Day 3 (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 4 (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.

2:30 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 5 (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.

2:00 pm Transfer to the airport

5:20 pm Departure to Murmansk by Rossia Airlines

7:05 pm Arrival in Murmansk

8:00 pm Meeting with driver and transfer to the hotel

Day 6 (Saturday)

8:00 departure from Murmansk. The road to Teriberka will take about 2.5 hours. Along the way, you will find a fascinating story from your guide about the region, stops in the tundra and at a rock garden.

10:30 Arrival in Teriberka, visit to the eternal parking of abandoned fishing ships.

12:00 Boat trip and photo hunt for marine life, about 2.5-3 hours.

3:00 pm Lunch at one of the restaurants in Teriberka.

4:30 pm Walk along the eco-trail, visit the dragon eggs beach, Batareisky waterfall with panoramic views of the sea.
Transfer to old Teriberka, where we will see the skeleton of a whale, the largest swing in the North, and walk along the sandy shore.

6:00 pm  Departure to Murmansk.

8:30 pm – 9:00 pm  Arrival at the hotel.

Day 7 (Sunday)

9:00 Breakfast at the hotel

10:00 Discover the Beauty of Murmansk City
Embark on a captivating journey as you meet your knowledgeable guide at the hotel and head to the bustling sea station. Learn about the fascinating history and significance of the commercial port in shaping the city’s identity. Explore the iconic icebreaker “Lenin” with your guide, uncovering its rich maritime heritage. Immerse yourself in the heart of the city at Five Corners Square, where the very first stone was laid, and marvel at the architectural wonders that surround you. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Spas-on-Vody and Cape Zeleny, where the striking monument “Defenders of the Soviet Arctic during the Great Patriotic War” (also known as “Alyosha”) stands proudly. Pay homage to the past as you visit the poignant monuments of “Waiting” and “Stove Chimney.” Finally, indulge in a visit to a local fish shop, experiencing the vibrant flavors of the region.

2:00 pm Lunch

3:30 pm Transfer to the hotel

Day 8 (Monday)

9:00 Breakfast at the hotel

Today you will have a free day in Murmansk. You can try Arctic cuisine and enjoy the city on your own.

12:00  Transfer tot the airport

2:30 pm Departure from Murmansk to Moscow by Aeroflot Airlines

5:20 pm Arrival in Moscow Sheremetievo Airport

6:20 pm Meeting with driver and transfer tot the hotel

Day 9 (Tuesday)

9:00 Breakfast at the hotel

Today you will have a free day in Moscow, you can enjoy the architecture of the city and try local cuisine

To return to Johannesburg you can choose one of the flights.

Qatar Airways
11:55 pm Moscow – 4:20 (Next Day) Doha
7:35 Doha – 3:00 pm Johannesburg

EgyptAir
3:45 pm Moscow – 8:25 pm Cairo
11:55 pm Cairo – 7:10 (Next Day) Johannesburg

Turkish Airlines
8:10 pm Moscow – 0:10 (Next Day) Istanbul
1:30 Istanbul – 11:05 Johannesburg