8 Day Imperial Russia
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
✓ Travel with Collette Tours
✓ Get a glimpse and experience the distinctive allure of Russia, world’s largest country
✓ Like an intricate matryoshka doll, Russia is a multi-layered country
✓ Begin your journey in Moscow, Russia’s dynamic capital city
✓ Enjoy a walking tour of Moscow’s historic Kremlin and Red Square
✓ You’ll stand in awe of Saint Basil’s Cathedral
✓ Get acquainted with Russia’s epicurean roots on an immersive food tour
✓ Enter the imposing Winter Palace
✓ Tour the Hermitage Museum, the second-largest museum in the world
✓ Discover the lavish summer residence of Russian tsars, the Catherine Palace
✓ Cruise the regal streets of St. Petersburg in a vintage Soviet car
✓ Full of energy, surprises, and grandeur – Russia awaits
✓ 7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Moscow, Russia’s glamourous capital city where beguiling architecture, complex history, and posh culture thrive. Let the energy of this intriguing city wrap around you and inspire your curiosity.
Your journey through Moscow begins with a short ride on the Metro, Russia’s incredibly elegant and efficient public transit system. Arrive at the Kremlin (UNESCO), the beating heart of Moscow and the seat of power in Russia. Home to a stunning collection of wealth from eras when tsars reigned supreme, this fortress complex is a can’t-miss glimpse into Russian history. Enjoy a guided visit of the Armoury Museum, home to a priceless collection of Imperial crown jewels, weaponry, and Faberge eggs.
Continue on your exploration of the Kremlin with a visit to the Assumption Cathedral, designed in the ornate Old Russian style. In the bustling Red Square of Moscow, pause to admire the iconic domes of Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Next, visit GUM, the lavish department store at the heart of the city. This evening, enjoy a traditional Russian dinner at a local restaurant.
This morning, travel on Moscow’s Metro. Enjoy stops along the way to marvel at the lavish mosaics, ornate stained glass and stunning architecture, each stop on the Metro is like a mini-museum with its own unique allure.
Then, it’s your choice! Choose between a themed tour, “Back to the USSR,” where you’ll gain insight into the tensions between the U.S. and former Soviet Union and the great “Space Race” -OR- take a guided tour of the Tretyakov Gallery, one of the most significant art museums in Russia with over 100,000 artistic works. Next, a local expert reveals a bit about life “behind the Iron Curtain,” during an informative lecture about Soviet society. The evening is yours to soak in the splendors of your final night in Moscow.
Later this morning, an epicurean adventure awaits! Get a taste of local flavor as you stroll the streets with a local guide and savor authentic dishes found on the tables of many Russian families.
This afternoon, hop aboard a high-speed train to St. Petersburg, the “Venice of the North” and Russia’s Imperial capital.
Experience the Imperial Russia of your dreams, full of regal beauty and iconic sights. A panoramic tour of St. Petersburg brings this historic city to life. See St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Peter and Paul Fortress, and the famed Palace Square. Go inside the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, St. Petersburg’s most elaborate church. After getting acquainted with this vibrant city, you can opt to spend the remainder of your day at leisure or take an optional tour of the meticulously landscaped grounds and soaring fountains of the Peterhof Grand Palace, better known as the “Russian Versailles.”
Tonight, delight in traditional Georgian cuisine at a favorite local restaurant. Savor the exotic comfort food and drink of a region that has been producing wine for over 8,000 years.
Welcome to the Winter Palace, St. Petersburg’s most iconic building and the former home of Russian tsars. Built for Peter the Great, this Russian wonder is a true glimpse into the glory of Russian aristocracy. Enter the breathtaking green and white complex and make your way to the incredible Hermitage Museum for a guided tour. Second in size only to the Louvre, the Hermitage is home to the largest collection of paintings in the world, with works from the likes of Monet and Matisse.
Take a step back in time with a tour of the magnificent Catherine Palace. Built in 1717, the Rococo palace was once the opulent summer home of Russian tsars. It’s said the building was torn down and rebuilt six times to satisfy the grand visions of Peter the Great’s daughter, Elizabeth. Enjoy exclusive early access here and marvel at the robin’s egg blue exterior and the lavish décor of the interior rooms. Next, we’ll see St. Petersburg from a different perspective - from the interior of a vintage Soviet car! Feel as if you’ve entered a different era as you ride through the city in luxury.
Tonight, get one final taste of Russian culture and cuisine during a farewell dinner and traditional folk show.
Today, say do-svidaniya (goodbye for now) to Russia as your Imperial journey comes to a close.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.
Single Supplement
Please follow the 'book now' prompts and select 1 passenger to view the single supplement cost
Triple Share
Not Available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including, e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Group size varies from package to package. Depending on the services provided, the group size might range from private 2 person experiences up to coaches of 50 people depending on your selected holiday.
Tour Type - Independant
On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. The choice is yours.
Children
Children must share a room with parents at all times and are charged the same price as adults.
Australia
United States
Canada
India
