Epic History
On the Footsteps of the Tsars, from the Golden Domes of the Golden Ring to the Palaces of Saint-Petersburg.
Duration
11 days
From
€1,390/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
Often, people come to Russie to see Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Yet there are many interesting sites to discover beyond these two major cities.
This 11-day tour offers history enthusiasts an opportunity to learn more about this great nation. They will notably see the face of tsarism of old in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Indeed, this itinerary includes a visit to the Moscow Kremlin and the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg.
But the best of this travel package is undoubtedly the beautiful towns of the Golden Ring: Vladimir with its Assumption Cathedral, Suzdal with the Savior Euthymius Monastery, Plyos and its pleasant atmosphere, Kostroma with the Ipatiev Monastery, Yaroslavl with the Rotunda Embankment, and Rostov with its silver-domed cathedral.
Through its urban landscapes and the information provided by English-speaking guides, history lovers will enjoy discovering the past of Russie.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
A tour in Moscow
Today, we have an appointment with our guide for a tour of the capital by transport. An opportunity to discover Red Square, GOUM, The Kremlin Bolshoi, Manège Square, and Tverskaya Street.
To this is added "Vorobievi" Hill also known as "Sparrow Hill". The view from its summit is stunning.
We also pass near the Novodevichiy Convent.
We will complete this little outing with a visit to the interior of Saint Basil's Cathedral located on the side of Red Square.
Guided tour of the Kremlin and its cathedrals. Our guide reveals the most beautiful attractions and stories of this famous monument listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Kremlin is considered one of the largest fortresses in Russie. Once the residence of the Tsars, the Kremlin consists of palaces and cathedrals. Within its walls are the tombs of 54 tsars of the country as well as the gigantic "Tsar of Cannons" (or Tsar-Pushka) and the grand "Tsar of Bells".
Moscow
Guided tour of the Tretiakov Gallery located in the private mansion of collector Pavel Tretiakov, in the heart of the "Zamoskvorietchié" district. You'll visit it to appreciate its impressive collection of Russian artworks from the 11th and 20th centuries.
The afternoon will be dedicated to a free tour of the city. Optional:
The Bolshoi Theatre: a prestigious stage and symbol of Moscow and Russie. It is also one of the most beautiful theatrical buildings in the world. Throughout the year, different performances are presented there: ballets, theatre scenes, operas...
From Vladimir to Suzdal
After breakfast, we are transferred to the station.
We board the train to Vladimir, an essential city of the Golden Ring, scheduled departure at 9:30 AM.
Arriving in Vladimir at 11:17 AM, we are taken to the excursion office where we meet our English-speaking guide.
Beginning of the visit to Vladimir by minibus. We discover Saint Dimitri Cathedral and the Golden Gate.
Lunch in town before heading to Souzdal.
End of day and dinner on your own.
Suzdal
This morning we meet our driver who accompanies us on our visit to Souzdal by minibus. Souzdal is a charming little town often considered the cradle of Russie.
There are no fewer than 200 monuments scattered here and there around its historic center.
Our visit leads us to the discovery of its Saint-Euphémius Monastery, its Cathedral of the Nativity, its Architecture Museum…
Suzdal, Plios, Kostroma, Yaroslavl
A day of excursion awaits us. Our driver picks us up at the hotel and we hit the road for Plios (allow 2h30 driving time).
Upon arrival in Plios, we take advantage of our free time to discover the city. Plios is a charming small town on the banks of the Volga. Having become one of the symbols of Russie, notably for having inspired many Russian painters including Levitan and Répine, Plios has become a resort destination
Lunch in town before hitting the road again for Kostroma.
Upon arrival, we meet up with our guide for a visit to the Ipatiev Monastery, a splendid white stone monument from the 14th century which stands out for its golden domes and green towers.
Panoramic discovery of the city of Kostroma, formerly closed to foreigners until 1991. You will notice these many architectural treasures which allowed it to preserve its 19th century appearance.
We resume our journey towards Yaroslavl located about 80 km from Kostroma (allow 1h to 1h30 driving time).
Yaroslavl - Saint Petersburg
We start the day with a visit to Rostov, a charming city. We discover, among other things, its Kremlin which houses a superb cathedral and two incredible churches.
Lunch in Rostov.
This afternoon, we visit the city of Yaroslavl, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. By minibus and on foot we stop at the Holy Saviour Monastery and the Transfiguration Cathedral.
In the evening, transfer to the station to board an overnight train heading to Saint-Pétersbourg.
Dinner and night in the train.
We spend the night on the train. Optionally, we can choose first class, with a compartment for 2 people (€80 additional per person).
Welcome to St. Petersburg
We meet up with our guide, and together we set off on a city tour by transport: situated at the mouth of the Neva River, we discover this modern city through Decembrists Square, the Admiralty, Nevsky Prospect, the Cathedral of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, its canals…
We then stop at the Peter and Paul Fortress. This defensive building is the first structure erected in Saint Petersburg and is distinguished by its imposing ramparts along the Neva and the Little Neva. You will notably see the Mint and the Museum of Astronautics and Rocket Construction.
Lunch on your own and free afternoon.
The Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg
We meet up with our guide who takes us to the Hermitage Museum recognizable by its Russian Baroque buildings. It is one of the three largest museums in the world alongside the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum. It has a large collection of artworks, archaeological pieces and graphic objects. It stands out notably for its ancient artifacts and works by great names in art (Henri Matisse, Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Monet, Renoir, etc.). This great diversity earned it a place on the Unesco list.
We continue with the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Alexander III had it built at the spot where his father (Alexander II) was assassinated. Its neo-Russian architecture has some similarities with the Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow. It is one of the most visited religious buildings in Saint Petersburg.
We depart with our guide for a visit to Saint Isaac's Cathedral (as a bonus with a tour of its colonnade). Saint Isaac's Orthodox Cathedral was built in the 19th century under the rule of Alexander I, Nicholas I and Alexander II. It was the center of Orthodox religion in Saint Petersburg until the time of the Revolution. Today, it is the third largest cathedral in Europe with a dome 102 meters high. Its colonnade offers a breathtaking view of the city and the Neva River.
Optional: In the evening, we can go to the Nikolaevsky Palace to watch traditional dances. Budget approximately 50 Euro.
Optional: Attend a show at the famous Mariinsky Theatre.
Peterhof and Saint Petersburg
We meet our guide on foot or by public transport. Today, we board a hydrofoil to reach the Peterhof Palace (transport available between May and September if weather permits the crossing). After his numerous trips to France, Peter the Great had developed a deep admiration for the aristocratic architecture of the French court. A sense of wonder that led him to erect a palace like Versailles in Saint Petersburg. A Russian castle that served as his residence. It is located on the shores of the Baltic Sea. It is characterized by the beauty of its gardens and its great cascade (functional between mid-May and September).
Lunch is on your own on site. Return to the city.
Lunch and afternoon are free. Without a guide and without a predefined itinerary, we set out to discover this city. As an option, we can explore the famous canals of Saint Petersburg during a boat tour (activity available between mid-May and mid-September) and/or enjoy a guided tour of the Peteraqua interactive miniatures museum.
Have a good flight and see you soon!
After breakfast at the hotel, free transfer to the airport.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Russia for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, and we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Russia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of entry into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada are in principle subject to a visa requirement to enter Russia. A tourist visa must be obtained from the competent Russian embassy or consulate before departure.
To obtain a tourist visa, the documents generally required are:
a valid passport with sufficient validity duration,
a completed visa application form,
a hotel reservation confirmation or a tourist invitation issued by an approved tourism operator in Russia,
travel insurance covering the entire stay on Russian territory.
A tourist visa is generally granted for a stay of up to 30 days. Its validity period and entry conditions (single or double entry) vary depending on the type of visa issued.
Mandatory registration
Any foreign traveler staying in Russia must register with the local authorities within seven business days following their arrival. In most cases, this registration is carried out directly by the hotel or accommodation provider. In the case of accommodation with a private individual, the host is responsible for completing this procedure.
It is advisable to keep the registration proof to present it upon leaving the country.
Geopolitical context
Due to the geopolitical context linked to the conflict in Ukraine, many EEA countries, Switzerland and Canada have issued travel warnings strongly advising against or prohibiting all travel to Russia. Direct air connections between Russia and much of Europe are suspended. It is imperative to consult the official travel recommendations of your government before considering any travel.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport and an individual visa covering the duration of the stay.
When a minor travels without one or both of their parents, a notarized parental authorization may be required by Russian authorities upon entry and exit from the country.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire with the Russian embassy or consulate of their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Frequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required, along with an invitation letter from an approved agency. The current geopolitical context requires maximum vigilance. Entry conditions evolve regularly: you must consult the consular recommendations of your country of residence before booking.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
In the current context, tourist travel to Russia is strongly discouraged. Should conditions permit, expect between 170 and 280 euros per day per person for a tailor-made trip, excluding flights. Our teams closely monitor the situation's evolution.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) protection that covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Moscow Region
A Nomadays advisor will get back to you to refine this project — itinerary, dates, budget, wishes — and propose a tailor-made version suited to your trip.