Get to know the Russian giants – Moscow and St Petersburg – on this stylish twin-centre break. Private guided tours of enigmatic icons such as the Kremlin and the Armoury Museum showcase Moscow in all its glory, capped off with a stay in one of the city's most luxurious hotels. Then, after a Business Class high-speed rail journey north, you'll arrive into St Petersburg, ready to marvel at the domed turrets of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and the gilded facades of the former royal palaces. Yet more private touring reveals the city's many treasures, although Russian-style afternoon teas and lavish dining options may tempt you back to your city-centre Belmond hotel.
Enjoy complimentary lounge access before your flight to Moscow. On arrival, your private guide will transfer you to your luxury hotel, overlooking the Kremlin and St Basil's Cathedral, perfectly located in the city centre. Relax by the fireplace at the Lobby Lounge Bar with a cocktail and a delicate pastry before retiring to your room, an elegant enclave featuring plush furnishings and soft linens.
Stay: Baltschug Kempinski, Moscow
Baltschug Kempinski
Baltschug Kempinski
Today you'll enjoy breakfast at the Baltschug Grill before joining your English speaking guide for a day of sightseeing in Moscow. An in-depth city tour will introduce you to all the highlights – gaze in wonder at the Kremlin's red-brick walls, wander around the gilded Cathedral square and explore the complex's many museums. You'll also enjoy included entrance to the Armoury Museum, a vast treasure trove of state regalia, ceremonial artefacts, military weapons and ammunition. Tonight, choose to dine at your hotel, or head out into the city to discover one of many lauded restaurants – think caviar, truffles and ice-cold Russian vodka.
Stay: Baltschug Kempinski, Moscow
Breakfast included
Moscow
Grand Kremlin Palace, Armoury
Today you'll farewell your luxurious Moscow accommodation and head for the train station to board the high-speed Sapsan train to St Petersburg. Relax in the comfort of Business Class, enjoying free WiFi, spacious seating and an included hot meal. Within a few hours, you'll be arriving into St Petersburg, where your lavish Belmond hotel awaits. A landmark building on Nevsky Prospekt, it boasts 266 opulent rooms and suites, alongside 5 restaurants and bars and a vast, glittering ballroom.
Stay: Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St Petersburg
Breakfast included
Belmond Grand Hotel Europe
Belmond Grand Hotel Europe
Belmond Grand Hotel Europe
Enjoy breakfast at L'Europe, Russia’s oldest continually-serving restaurant, before your guide collects you for a tour of St Petersburg. Some of the city's most arresting sights await – including the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, famous for its colourful domes and elaborate design. Over the next two days, you'll uncover St Petersburg's many treasures, such as the Peter & Paul Fortress that guards the city, the Hermitage Museum and the General Staff Building in the spectacular Winter Palace. Round it all off with a trip to Catherine’s Summer Palace, tucked away in Pushkin, just south of St. Petersburg. Marvel at its gilded walls, previous wood floors and artfully painted ceilings and look for the beautifully restored Amber Room. Come evening, take tea in the hotel's Cipriani Café, Russian-style, or perhaps dine on contemporary Asian-fusion cuisine at Azia.
Stay: Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St Petersburg
Breakfast included
The Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, St Petersburg
Neva River, St. Petersburg
After a final breakfast this morning, a private transfer will bring you to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
"Moscow and St Petersburg remain firm favourites of mine; two mysterious cities with fascinating histories and some of the world's most beautiful architecture. Lose yourself among candy-coloured turrets, lavish palaces and fortressed walls in Moscow, and see a slightly softer side to it all in St Petersburg. Paired with stays in two ultra-luxurious hotels, it's an unforgettable journey."
Andy Austen
Destination Specialist