DAY 1: UK - Moscow.
Fly to Moscow where you will be met by our representative and transferred to the 3 star Aerostar, Cosmos or similar alternative hotel, in Moscow. (D)

DAY 2-3: Moscow. Included sightseeing.
Sightseeing tour with a local guide. Highlights include a drive into Red Square dominated by the onion-shaped domes of St Basil's Cathedral, a visit to the 12th-century Kremlin and cathedral, and one of the city's famed Underground stations, decorated with chandeliers and mosaics. After the tour, a full day and a half is yours to explore the city at your own pace and maybe join one of our optional activities. (B)

DAY 4: Moscow - Sergiyev Posad - Overnight train - St Petersburg.
Leave Moscow this morning and travel east to visit the Trinity Monastery of St Sergius in Sergiyev Posad. One of Russia's most splendid architectural treasures, this vast fortified monastery attracts thousands of believers and like the town it stands in, is a favourite film location due to its stunning, five-tiered Bell Tower. After dinner in Moscow, board an overnight train and travel in a second class couchette (four berth, mixed gender) to St Petersburg. Optional upgrade to a first class (two berth) sleeper is available at a supplement. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: St Petersburg. Peterhof Palace and Gardens.
Morning arrival in St Petersburg. After breakfast, enjoy an included visit to the city's St Peterhof Palace and Gardens, which was almost totally destroyed in World War II and has been recently restored to its original glory. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the 3 star Ibis Hotel or a similar alternative, for three nights. The hotel will be of a comfortable standard and will be located on the outskirts of St Petersburg. (B, L)

DAY 6: St Petersburg. Included sightseeing.
The city's main highlights unfold for you this morning on our included sightseeing tour. Inspired in 1703 by Peter the Great who made it Russia's capital, this fascinating city offers incredible sight after incredible sight in the shape of majestic monuments, parks, boulevards and more, and is also haunted by its siege during World War II, one of the longest and cruellest of modern times. In the afternoon there is plenty of time to get better acquainted with the city with time for your own exploring. (B)

DAY 7: St Petersburg. Hermitage Museum.
Top of the city's must-sees is the Hermitage Museum of the Winter Palace, the latter built in 1754 during Empress Elisabeth's reign. This unforgettable museum houses an unparalleled collection of paintings, including some of the finest works of the French impressionist and modern eras, and boasts scintillating interiors, including the famous Jordan staircase. (B)

DAY 8: St Petersburg - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)