Our Moscow & St. Petersburg package takes you through the grandeur of Imperial Russia in six unforgettable days. This journey begins in Moscow — the historic heart of Russia — with the iconic Red Square, the ancient Kremlin fortress, and the marble halls of the legendary Moscow Metro. Furthermore, the journey continues to St. Petersburg aboard the Sapsan High-Speed Train to discover the world-class Hermitage, the gilded fountains of Peterhof, and the ornate canals of the Venice of the North. Six days. Two imperial cities. One extraordinary Russia.

OVERVIEW & TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Moscow: The Imperial Capital

In Moscow, you stand at the centre of Russian history. The tour covers the iconic Red Square, the magnificent Kremlin fortress, and its ancient cathedrals, including the Cathedral of the Assumption and Cathedral of the Archangel. In addition, you ride the world’s most beautiful metro system through ornate Soviet-era stations, and stroll along the legendary Arbat Street. Each landmark tells a different story of Russia’s extraordinary past.

The Sapsan Express: Moscow to St. Petersburg

On Day 3, you board the legendary Sapsan High-Speed Train — travelling at up to 250 km/h through the Russian countryside. This iconic rail journey connects Russia’s two greatest cities in just four hours. Moreover, arriving in St. Petersburg feels like stepping into another world entirely — from Soviet grandeur to Tsarist elegance. The Sapsan experience is a highlight of the journey in itself.

St. Petersburg: Venice of the North

Next, St. Petersburg reveals its extraordinary collection of imperial treasures. You visit the State Hermitage Museum — one of the world’s largest art museums, housed in the magnificent Winter Palace with over 3 million works spanning 3,000 years. Then, the gilded Grand Cascade fountains of Peterhof Palace — often called the “Russian Versailles” — bring the journey to a spectacular close. As a result, you leave Russia with memories of golden domes, imperial palaces, and timeless grandeur.

ITINERARY

Day 1 — Moscow: Arrival & City Tour

Arrive at Moscow airport. You are met by your English-speaking guide and driver holding a name placard. Transfer to hotel and check in. In the afternoon, begin your Moscow City Tour with a visit to the iconic Red Square — the historic heart of Russia, flanked by the magnificent Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Then enter the ancient Kremlin fortress walls and visit its famous cathedrals, including the Cathedral of the Assumption and Cathedral of the Archangel. Drive past the Bolshoi Theatre, the Moscow River embankment, and the grand Stalin-era skyscrapers. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Moscow.

Day 2 — Moscow Exploration

Breakfast at hotel. This morning, embark on a Moscow Metro Tour — ride through the world’s most beautiful metro system and visit ornate stations like Komsomolskaya, Kiyevskaya, and Mayakovskaya, each a masterpiece of Soviet-era art and architecture. Next, explore Russia’s rich space heritage at the Museum of Cosmonautics, dedicated to the Soviet space programme. In the afternoon, stroll along Arbat Street — Moscow’s most famous pedestrian boulevard — browsing souvenir shops, street art, buskers, and local cafés. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Moscow.

Day 3 — Moscow → St. Petersburg | Sapsan Express

Breakfast at hotel. Check out before 12:00 noon. Transfer to railway station to board the legendary Sapsan High-Speed Train to St. Petersburg — travelling at speeds up to 250 km/h through the Russian countryside (approx. 4 hours, 2nd class). Arrive in St. Petersburg — the Venice of the North. Transfer to hotel and check in. In the afternoon, enjoy a St. Petersburg City Tour — a panoramic drive with stops at Palace Square, the iconic St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Bronze Horseman statue, and the historic Peter and Paul Fortress. Overnight in St. Petersburg.

Day 4 — St. Petersburg | Hermitage & City

Breakfast at hotel. Meet your guide at the lobby. Begin with the State Hermitage Museum — one of the world’s largest and most prestigious art museums, housed in the magnificent Winter Palace. Marvel at over 3 million works of art spanning 3,000 years of history. Next, visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood — a breathtaking Russian-revival masterpiece built on the site where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated in 1881. In the afternoon, stroll along Nevsky Prospect — St. Petersburg’s grand main boulevard lined with palaces, cathedrals, and elegant shops. Overnight in St. Petersburg.

Day 5 — St. Petersburg | Peterhof & Surrounds

Breakfast at hotel. Meet your guide at the lobby. Drive to Peterhof Palace & Gardens — visit the Lower Park of this magnificent seaside palace complex, often called the “Russian Versailles”. The Grand Cascade and gilded fountains are a breathtaking sight. In the afternoon, visit the charming Shuvalovka Village — a recreated Russian traditional village offering a glimpse into old Russian folk culture, crafts, and traditional architecture. Overnight in St. Petersburg.

Day 6 — St. Petersburg → Moscow | Departure

Breakfast at hotel. Check out. Board the early morning high-speed train from St. Petersburg back to Moscow. Arrive in Moscow and transfer to Sheremetyevo International Airport for your onward international flight. Tour ends. Take home beautiful memories of magnificent Imperial Russia!

• Includes :
• 3 nights accommodation in Moscow (Standard DBL/TWN room)
• 2 nights accommodation in St. Petersburg (Standard DBL/TWN room)
• Daily Breakfast at hotel
• Private A/C vehicle & driver for all transfers and sightseeing
• English-speaking professional licensed guide for all tours
• Sapsan Express train: Moscow → St. Petersburg (2nd class)
• Return high-speed train: St. Petersburg → Moscow
• Kremlin territory & cathedrals entrance tickets
• State Hermitage Museum entrance tickets
• Peterhof Lower Park entrance tickets
• Moscow Metro Tour with guide
• Museum of Cosmonautics entrance tickets
• All tours & entrance tickets as per itinerary

• Excludes :
• International airfare to/from Moscow
• Russian visa / e-visa fees
• Lunches and dinners (Bed & Breakfast basis only)
• Sapsan train upgrade to 1st class / Biznesy (available at extra cost)
• Personal expenses (laundry, tips, shopping, etc.)
• Travel insurance
• Camera/video fees at monuments
• Any items not listed under inclusions

What’s Included

The Moscow & St. Petersburg package suits history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and first-time visitors to Russia who want to experience both imperial cities in one seamless journey. The package covers 5 nights of Bed & Breakfast accommodation — 3 nights in Moscow and 2 nights in St. Petersburg. Additionally, it includes a private A/C vehicle with driver for all transfers, a professional English-speaking licensed guide, the Sapsan Express train both ways, and all major entrance tickets as per the itinerary. Contact us for a personalised quote — our consultants tailor pricing to your travel dates, hotel preferences, and group size.

Also explore our other international packages or discover why travellers have trusted Cosima Holidays for 27 years.

Important Notes:
This is a land-only FIT package — international airfare is not included. Services begin from arrival at Moscow airport and end at departure from Moscow airport. Russian visa / e-visa must be arranged separately prior to travel. The package is on a Bed & Breakfast basis; lunches and dinners are at the guest’s own expense. Sapsan train tickets are for 2nd class (Econom) — upgrade to 1st class (Biznesy) is available at extra cost. The Kremlin is closed on Thursdays; itinerary will be adjusted on those dates. Peterhof fountain gardens operate seasonally (May–October) — please confirm availability at time of booking. Weather in October/November can be very cold (0°C to 10°C); warm clothing is strongly recommended. Standard hotel check-in time is 14:00 hrs. Early check-in / late check-out is subject to availability and may attract additional charges.