Moscow & St Petersburg - Solo Traveller

9 Night Holiday

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On this 9-night solo traveller holiday, you will experience two of Russia's most captivating cities, where some of the world’s most famous art, literature and history has been created. Your journey will begin in the capital, Moscow, and from there you will travel to the country’s second largest city, St. Petersburg, situated on the Baltic Sea.

In Moscow, you will see some of the the iconic squares and palaces that are so symbolic of the city. You will see Red Square, an enormous plaza that houses St. Basil’s Cathedral, amongst others. Other highlights include the Kremlin, a huge compound of government buildings containing the seat of the president and the Kremlin Armoury, home to some of the most valuable jewels in the world.

St. Petersburg has more of a Scandinavian feel than the capital and is home to the Winter Palace, the former residence of the Russian monarchs. In the nearby town of Tzarskoye, you can also visit the Catherine Palace, which boasts some of the most opulent architecture and interior design you are ever likely to see. Book now with Travel Department to experience everything that “The Land of the Tsars” has to offer.

Please note that on some departure dates the Peterhof Palace excursion will take place on Day 9 instead of Day 10.

A visa is required for travel to Russia.

Learn more about travel visa requirements for Russia.

Currency
Ruble (RUB)
Local Time
Ireland/UK Time +3 hours
Passport
In order to obtain a Russian tourist visa, an invitation from the tour operator is required. A fee applies for the visa. For more information on a Visa for Russia please click here.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not required before your departure.
Airport
Moscow Airport is around 30 minutes drive from the hotel.
Climate
The European part of Russia has a continental climate, typified by exceedingly cold, long winters and warm summers. Spring, early summer and autumn enjoy mild to warm weather with some light rainfall.
Food & Drink
Russia's cuisine varies through its regions. Beetroot soup (borscht) and Beef Stroganoff are popular, as are pancakes. Vodka is the national drink, so make sure you enjoy some ice cold shots of it!
Packing List
Your valid passport Sunscreen (depending on the time of year) A continental plug adaptor A rain jacket A small backpack A sun hat Comfortable shoes Camera Insect repellent
Getting Around
In Moscow the subway (Metro) is certainly the best way to get around, and is fairly easy to navigate even if you don't have much in the way of Russian language skills. It's fairly clean, trains are very frequent and they can take you anywhere you'd want to go in this large city. In St Petersburg the metro, buses and trolleybuses are clean and cheap, but can get overcrowded during the day. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for excursions !
Useful Contacts
Irish Embassy: Grokholski Pereulok 5 Moscow 129010 Tel: +7 495 937 59 11, Fax: +7 495 6800 623 Website: www.embassyofireland.ru British Embassy: Smolenskaya Naberezhnaya 10 Moscow 121099 Tel: +7 495 956 7200, Fax: +7 495 956 7200 Website: www.ukinrussia.fco.gov.uk/en
Recommended Reading
Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy The Siege by Helen Dunmore

Currency

Ruble (RUB)

Local Time

Ireland/UK Time +3 hours

Passport

In order to obtain a Russian tourist visa, an invitation from the tour operator is required. A fee applies for the visa. For more information on a Visa for Russia please click here.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are not required before your departure.

Airport

Moscow Airport is around 30 minutes drive from the hotel.

Climate

The European part of Russia has a continental climate, typified by exceedingly cold, long winters and warm summers. Spring, early summer and autumn enjoy mild to warm weather with some light rainfall.

Food & Drink

Russia's cuisine varies through its regions. Beetroot soup (borscht) and Beef Stroganoff are popular, as are pancakes. Vodka is the national drink, so make sure you enjoy some ice cold shots of it!

Packing List

Your valid passport
Sunscreen (depending on the time of year)
A continental plug adaptor
A rain jacket
A small backpack
A sun hat
Comfortable shoes
Camera
Insect repellent

Getting Around

In Moscow the subway (Metro) is certainly the best way to get around, and is fairly easy to navigate even if you don't have much in the way of Russian language skills. It's fairly clean, trains are very frequent and they can take you anywhere you'd want to go in this large city. In St Petersburg the metro, buses and trolleybuses are clean and cheap, but can get overcrowded during the day. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for excursions !

Useful Contacts

Irish Embassy: Grokholski Pereulok 5 Moscow 129010 Tel: +7 495 937 59 11, Fax: +7 495 6800 623 Website: www.embassyofireland.ru

British Embassy: Smolenskaya Naberezhnaya 10 Moscow 121099 Tel: +7 495 956 7200, Fax: +7 495 956 7200 Website: www.ukinrussia.fco.gov.uk/en

Moscow
The Kremlin & Armoury
At the very heart of the city is the Kremlin, the Russian place of command for almost eight centuries and religious centre of Moscow with its golden-domed Assumption, Annunciation and Archangel’s cathedrals. The Armoury dates back to the 16^th century and today it contains a dazzling display of jewellery, priceless trinkets, and religious art, as well as weapons, carriages and royal regalia. It is in this museum that the exquisite Fabergé Easter eggs can be viewed.
Red Square
Red Square and the exquisite, colourful domes of Saint Basil's Cathedral are images that have long been associated with the Soviet Union in the minds of Westerners. On Red Square you will also find Lenin’s mausoleum.
Bolshoi Theatre
Home to one of the oldest and probably the most famous ballet and opera companies in the world, the Bolshoi Theatre is one of Moscow's most important landmarks. The building is a notable example of Russian Classical architecture and its artistic strength is present in everything from the impressive statue of Apollo that graces its facade to the ballet's unique style of choreography.
St. Petersburg
The Hermitage Museum
The splendid Winter Palace was once the main residence of the Russian Tsars. Today this green, white and gold Baroque-style palace is home to the main building of the Hermitage Museum. Boasting over 2.7 million exhibits, it displays art and artefacts from throughout the ages, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt and Rubens, as well as many important Impressionist works.
Catherine Palace
This palace was designed by Rastrelli in the 18^th century, and is the former residence of Russian Tsars. It is one of the best examples of Russian baroque architecture in this region.
Peterhof
This formal garden was built for Peter the Great and is now a popular park with more than 80 of the original marble statues and sculptures. It houses Peter's Summer Palace, a simply designed two-storey building that now displays many of the ruler's own artefacts.

Currency
Ruble (RUB)
Local Time
Ireland/UK Time +3 hours
Passport
In order to obtain a Russian tourist visa, an invitation from the tour operator is required. A fee applies for the visa. For more information on a Visa for Russia please click here.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not required before your departure.
Airport
Moscow Airport is around 30 minutes drive from the hotel.
Climate
The European part of Russia has a continental climate, typified by exceedingly cold, long winters and warm summers. Spring, early summer and autumn enjoy mild to warm weather with some light rainfall.
Food & Drink
Russia's cuisine varies through its regions. Beetroot soup (borscht) and Beef Stroganoff are popular, as are pancakes. Vodka is the national drink, so make sure you enjoy some ice cold shots of it!
Packing List
Your valid passport Sunscreen (depending on the time of year) A continental plug adaptor A rain jacket A small backpack A sun hat Comfortable shoes Camera Insect repellent
Getting Around
In Moscow the subway (Metro) is certainly the best way to get around, and is fairly easy to navigate even if you don't have much in the way of Russian language skills. It's fairly clean, trains are very frequent and they can take you anywhere you'd want to go in this large city. In St Petersburg the metro, buses and trolleybuses are clean and cheap, but can get overcrowded during the day. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for excursions !
Useful Contacts
Irish Embassy: Grokholski Pereulok 5 Moscow 129010 Tel: +7 495 937 59 11, Fax: +7 495 6800 623 Website: www.embassyofireland.ru British Embassy: Smolenskaya Naberezhnaya 10 Moscow 121099 Tel: +7 495 956 7200, Fax: +7 495 956 7200 Website: www.ukinrussia.fco.gov.uk/en
Recommended Reading
Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy The Siege by Helen Dunmore

Day 1 - Travel to Russia

Travel to Russia

Upon arrival in Moscow you will be met by our local representative in the arrivals area of the airport before being transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 - Moscow Guided Tour

Morning

Moscow Guided Tour

After breakfast begin your holiday with a guided tour of this remarkable city. You will visit Red Square, which has been the scene of many public ceremonies and coronations. The square separates the Kremlin and an historic merchant quarter known as Kitai-Gorod. St. Basil’s Cathedral is also located here and is easily recognisable with its collection of coloured domes. From Red Square you will move on to the Bolshoi Theatre whose exterior you will be able to view. The famous theatre was the site of many historic premieres including Tchaikovsky’s The Voyevoda and still holds performances of ballet and opera. You will also see Victory Park, which celebrates the Russian victories over Napoleon in the 19th century and over the Germans in World War II.

Evening

Evening meal

You will have some free time in the afternoon to enjoy at your leisure before enjoying a dinner with your group in a local restaurant.

Evening

Welcome dinner

In the evening there will be an opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers at an evening meal in your hotel.

Day 3 - Sergiev Posad & Arbat St

Morning

Sergiev Posad

Today you will travel to one of Russia’s “Golden Ring” cities in Sergiev Posad. It grew around one of the greatest Russian monasteries in the 15th century. It has since become a hub of learning particularly focused around the Russian Orthodox Church. You will visit the famous Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, and have the opportunity to buy Matryoshka nesting dolls from the city in which they were first created. Lunch is included.

Afternoon

Arbat Street and Moscow Metro

After lunch you will discover Arbat Street, which is in the historical centre of Moscow. In the 18th century it became one of the most desirable places to live in the city and today it is a favourite meeting area for artists and street musicians. There will still be time to take a look at the decorative Moscow underground stations. Unlike most cities’ underground transit, the stations of Moscow’s metros are adorned with ornate artwork and chandeliers.

Day 4 - Kremlin

Morning

Kremlin

On day 4 you will embark on a guided tour of the Kremlin, the fortified complex at the heart of Moscow. The Kremlin is almost like a mini city and contains five palaces, four cathedrals, the Kremlin towers and the residence of the president of the Russian Federation. The complex also contains the Kremlin Armoury, which was used historically to hold the possessions of the Tsars. Today it contains some of the most valuable treasures in the world including the Imperial Crown of Russia, the Ivory Throne of Ivan the Terrible and ten Fabergé eggs. This tour also included a trip to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.

Day 5 - Depart for St. Petersburg

Morning

Depart for St. Petersburg

On day 5 you will leave Moscow and travel by train to St. Petersburg where you will be escorted to your hotel with guide assistance.

Day 6 - St. Petersburg Guided Tour

Morning

St. Petersburg Guided Tour

Get to know the city with a half day guided tour of St. Petersburg, Russia’s second city. On this half-day excursion you will enjoy a view of the splendid Winter Palace, former residence of the Russian Monarchs and of The Church of our Saviour on Spilled Blood. The church was erected where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated. After you will walk down the Nevsky Prospect, admire the Anichkov Palace, view Smolny, and have a guided tour of the Peter and Paul Fortress, founded by Peter the Great in 1703.

Afternoon

At Leisure

The afternoon can be spent at your own pace in St. Petersburg. Why not take a stroll down the Griboedov Canal, which is traversed by 21 bridges and was the site where revolutionaries assassinated Alexander II in the 19th century. Enjoy an exclusive evening at the ballet, tickets for ballet in the Hermitage can be requested from 3 months before travel (when the show schedules are released), with prices starting at approximately €200 per person.

Day 7 - Hermitage

Morning

Hermitage

After breakfast on day 7 you will take a guided visit to the Hermitage Museum, one of the oldest museums in the world. This vast gallery contains over two million works of art and has houses the largest collection of paintings in the world. It is said that if you spent three minutes looking at every painting, it would take over nine years to complete. It showcases everything from Russian, Renaissance and Egyptian art and the many of the rooms are works of art in themselves.

Afternoon

Evening Meal

You will have some free time in the afternoon to enjoy at your leisure before enjoying a dinner with your group in a local restaurant.

Day 8 - Catherine Palace and Park

Morning

Catherine Palace and Park

On day 8 you will travel to the town of Tzarskoye Selo, which is home to Catherine Palace and Park. Empress Catherine built this magnificent structure in the 18th century. All of the rooms are beautifully decorated and many are finished with gold leaf. Much of the building was destroyed in World War II but it has largely been restored to its former glory. After exploring the palace take some time to relax in the palace gardens, where Johann Strauss once performed with his orchestra.

Evening

At Leisure

The afternoon will be free to enjoy at your leisure in St. Petersburg.

Page 9 - At Leisure

At Leisure

Today is free to enjoy at your leisure. Why not pick up some last minute souvenirs in one of the many markets. Your guide will be able to direct you to the ones closest to you.

Day 10 - Peterhof Palace & Park & Return Home

Morning

Peterhof Palace

On your final day in Russia you will spend the morning at Peterhof Palace and Park. Often called the ‘Russian Versailles,’ this palace was built by Peter the Great in the early 18th century. Cascading fountains, extravagant chandeliers, rolling lawns, and beautiful baroque architecture are just some of the many features of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Evening

Return Home

After some free time to have lunch at your own leisure, you will be transferred to the airport for your evening flight home, with guide assistance.

* Please note that the order of your excursions on the itinerary above is provisional and subject to change

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Moscow & St Petersburg - Solo Traveller

Practical Information for this holiday

Holiday highlights

Practical Information for this holiday

Trip Itinerary - Day by day

Day 1 - Travel to Russia

Travel to Russia

Day 2 - Moscow Guided Tour

Moscow Guided Tour

Evening meal

Welcome dinner

Day 3 - Sergiev Posad & Arbat St

Sergiev Posad

Arbat Street and Moscow Metro

Day 4 - Kremlin

Kremlin

Day 5 - Depart for St. Petersburg

Depart for St. Petersburg

Day 6 - St. Petersburg Guided Tour

St. Petersburg Guided Tour

At Leisure

Day 7 - Hermitage

Hermitage

Evening Meal

Day 8 - Catherine Palace and Park

Catherine Palace and Park

At Leisure

Page 9 - At Leisure

At Leisure

Day 10 - Peterhof Palace & Park & Return Home

Peterhof Palace

Return Home

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