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zAAA Vacations® - Historic Gems of Russia

11 days

Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.

Small Group Discoveries

  • Enter within the imposing fortress walls of the Kremlin to behold a dazzling collection of Imperial treasures in the Armory Museum.
  • We take you to the must-see towns of Vladimir and Suzdal... And then beyond the well-traveled Golden Ring roads to Yuryev Polsky and Alexandrov, the ancient capital of Ivan the Terrible.
  • Get a tantalizing look into the resplendent lives of the Czars as you tour the Catherine Palace and stroll the grounds of Peter the Great’s summer estate.

2014 Itinerary2015 Itinerary

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Day
1

An Extra Night in Moscow

AAA Complimentary Inclusion: Enjoy a free extra night in Moscow before your tour at the deluxe Hilton Leningradskaya.

Day
2

Welcome to Moscow

This evening, get to know your small band of fellow travelers over a congenial dinner at your hotel. Meals B,D

Day
3

Explore Moscow with our in-the-know Trip Leader

On your full-day city tour, you’ll see the Bolshoi Theater, KGB building and Novodevichy Convent c. Stand in Red Square c and behold colorful St. Basil’s Cathedral. Then enter within the walls of the Kremlin c for a walking tour of the grounds including Cathedral Square. In the Armory Museum, you’ll be dazzled by a priceless collection of Imperial memorabilia, including bejeweled Fabergé eggs. Return to your hotel on the famed Moscow Metro, passing through some of the city’s most beautifully decorated underground stations. Meals B

Day
4

Into the countryside of the Golden Ring

Journey to historic Alexandrov, the capital of Russia under Ivan the Terrible, to visit the Alexandrovskaya Sloboda Museum and see the private chambers of Russia’s most infamous ruler. After lunch, we take you to rarely-visited Yuryev Polsky, a classic country town with one of Russia’s oldest and best-preserved cathedrals. Continue to Suzdal and check in to the Pushkarskaya Sloboda Hotel in time for dinner at your hotel. Meals B,L,D

Day
5

Discover Suzdal c and Vladimir c

Founded in 1024, Suzdal’s well-preserved Kremlin walls once protected the borders of the Empire. Tour the Museum of Wooden Architecture and the Nativity Cathedral. Then journey to Vladimir, founded more than 1,000 years ago, to see the Golden Gate and visit the beautifully carved St. Demetrius Cathedral. Nearby, the Church of the Intercession is set in a lovely meadow on the River Nerl. Delight in this rarely-visited gem, one of Russia’s most romantic and enduring visions, before returning to your hotel in Suzdal. Meals B,L

Day
6

Return to Moscow

Journey back to the capital where the balance of your afternoon is at leisure. Moscow is filled with historical sites and fascinating museums, and our knowledgeable Trip Leader is on hand for suggestions and assistance. Meals B

Day
7

By high-speed rail to St. Petersburg c

Transfer to the station and board the train to St. Petersburg where you’ll have a guided tour of the Hermitage. Enjoy three nights at the deluxe Corinthia Nevsky Hotel in the heart of the city. Meals B

Day
8

The Catherine Palace

Visit the Catherine Palace for a tantalizing look into the opulent life of Peter the Great’s wife. Back in St. Petersburg, admire the Baroque buildings that grace the Nevsky Prospekt, marvel at the massive gilded dome of St. Isaac’s Cathedral and see the the Church of the Spilled Blood, set along one of the city’s many picturesque canals. Meals B

Day
9

Excursion to The Peterhof

Day
10

At leisure in St. Petersburg

This day is yours to explore more of the city at your own pace. Meals B

Day
11

Farewell to St. Petersburg

Your program with us finishes after breakfast. Meals B

Day
1

An Extra Night in Moscow

AAA Complimentary Inclusion: Enjoy a free extra night in Moscow before your tour at the deluxe Hilton Leningradskaya.

Day
2

Welcome to Moscow

Check in to the deluxe Hilton Leningradskaya. This evening, get to know your congenial group of fellow travelers during a welcome dinner at your hotel. Meals D

Day
3

Explore Moscow with our in-the-know Trip Leader

On your full-day city tour, you’ll see the Bolshoi Theater, KGB building and Novodevichy Convent c. Stand in Red Square c and behold colorful St. Basil’s Cathedral. Then enter within the imposing walls of the Kremlin  c for a walking tour of the grounds including Cathedral Square. In the Armory Museum, you’ll be dazzled by a priceless collection of Imperial memorabilia, including bejeweled Fabergé eggs. Return to your hotel on the famed Moscow Metro, passing through some of the city’s most beautifully decorated underground stations. Meals B

Day
4

Into the countryside of the Golden Ring

Journey to historic Alexandrov, the capital of Russia under Ivan the Terrible, to visit the Alexandrovskaya Sloboda Museum and see the private chambers of Russia’s most infamous ruler. After lunch, we take you to rarely-visited Yuryev Polsky, a classic country town with one of Russia’s oldest and best-preserved cathedrals. Continue to Suzdal and check in to the Pushkarskaya Sloboda Hotel in time for dinner at your hotel. Meals B,L,D

Day
5

Discover Suzdal c and Vladimir c

Founded in 1024, Suzdal’s well-preserved Kremlin walls once protected the borders of the Empire. Tour the Museum of Wooden Architecture and the Nativity Cathedral. Then journey to Vladimir, founded more than 1,000 years ago, to see the Golden Gate and visit the beautifully carved St. Demetrius Cathedral. Nearby, the Church of the Intercession is set in a lovely meadow on the River Nerl. Delight in this rarely-visited gem, one of Russia’s most romantic and enduring visions, before returning to your hotel in Suzdal. Meals B,L

Day
6

Return to Moscow

Journey back to the capital where the balance of your afternoon is at leisure. Moscow is filled with historical sites and fascinating museums and our knowledgeable Trip Leader is on hand for suggestions and assistance. Meals B

Day
7

By high-speed rail to St. Petersburg c

Transfer to the station and board the train to St. Petersburg where you’ll have a guided tour of the Hermitage. Enjoy three nights at the luxurious Belmond Grand Hotel, a luxury landmark in the heart of the city.  Meals B

Day
8

The Catherine Palace

Visit the Catherine Palace for a tantalizing look into the opulent life of Peter the Great’s wife. Back in St. Petersburg, admire the Baroque buildings that grace the Nevsky Prospekt, marvel at the massive gilded dome of St. Isaac’s Cathedral and see the Church of the Spilled Blood, set along one of the city’s many picturesque canals. Meals B

Day
9

Excursion to The Peterhof

From mid May through mid September, the exuberant fountains of The Peterhof are on full display and you’ll enjoy an unforgettable visit to this spectacular summer estate of Peter the Great. Meander its landscaped grounds ornamented with gilded statues and thrill to the incredible display of its Grand Cascades. This evening, join your Trip Leader and fellow travelers for a convivial farewell dinner. Meals B,D

Day
10

At leisure in St. Petersburg

This day is yours to explore more of the city at your own pace. Meals B

Day
11

Farewell to St. Petersburg

Your program with us finishes after breakfast. Meals B

Extend Your Trip

Add on Helsinki & Tallinn

5-Day Post-Tour Extension for $1,599

With the high-speed Allegro Train making the trip from St. Petersburg in just 4 hours, Helsinki is the perfect add-on to your tour of Russia. Then voyage across the Gulf of Finland to Estonia and discover the medieval splendor of Tallinn! We include first class rail from St. Petersburg to Helsinki, 2-hour ferry crossing to Tallinn, all on-tour transportation and transfers, 4 nights hotel accommodations & in-depth escorted sightseeing.

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Day
1

From St. Petersburg to Helsinki, Finland

You’ll be escorted to the station to the board the high-speed Allegro Train which makes the scenic journey from St. Petersburg to Helsinki in just four comfortable hours. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to the superior first class Hotel GLO Kluuvi. 

Day
2

Discover Helsinki

The capital of Finland is very much a town of the sea, built along a series of peninsulas and islands along the Gulf of Finland. Streets meander around bays, bridges stretch to offshore islands, and ferries ply the urban waters. This morning after breakfast, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of this enchanting maritime city. You’ll see Senate Square, the imposing Lutheran Cathedral of Finland, the impressive Parliament Building, the Olympic Stadium, Sibelius Monument and more. Return to your hotel and enjoy the balance of your afternoon at leisure. Your hotel’s central location makes it easy to step out and explore this friendly city at your own pace. Meals B

Day
3

Across the Gulf of Finland to Estonia

Transfer to the pier for a 2-hour ferry crossing across the Gulf of Finland to Estonia. Upon arrival in Tallinn, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the 5-star Savoy Boutique Hotel in the heart of this historic city.  The balance of this day is at leisure to enjoy as you wish.  Meals B

Day
4

Exploring Tallinn

This historic maritime city, once a wealthy member of the Hanseatic League, is one of the most splendidly preserved medieval cities in all of Europe. Your expertly-guided city tour begins after breakfast in beautiful Kadriorg Park  with its tranquil Swan Pond and the opulent Catharine Palace, a Baroque gem built by Tsar Peter the Great as a tribute to his wife the Empress Catherine.  Continue through the city’s loveliest residential areas to the Pirita Marina and visit the impressive Forest Cemetery where many of Estonia’s favorite heroes are buried. You’ll also see the ruins of St. Brigitta’s Convent and the Maarjamae Palace on your way back into the historic city center.

Your walking tour of Old Town begins at Toompea Hill where the city was founded and showcases Tallinn’s fine Northern European Gothic architecture including the Cathedral and Dome Church. From Upper Town, you’ll have magnificent views over the medieval roofs and spires of the city. Spend some time in Town Hall Square… This is the heart of Old Town and its shops and cafes are always bustling with activity. Before returning to your hotel for a free afternoon, we’ve made special arrangements for you to visit the studio of a local glass artisan where you’ll have an opportunity to see her at work.  Meals B

Day
5

Depart Estonia

Our tour services end this morning after breakfast.  Meals B

Private Tour Add-Ons

Kiev

Our 4-day FreeStyle Travel package with a choice of fine city-center hotels, breakfast daily, chauffeured airport transfers, and in-depth sightseeing with your own personal car, driver and guide

Vienna

Our 4-day FreeStyle Touring with a choice of fine city-center hotels, breakfast daily, in-depth private car seeing with our own resident staff, and chauffeured airport transfers

Amsterdam

Our 4-day FreeStyle Touring features a choice of fine hotels, daily breakfast, a Canal Cruise and the 2-day Amsterdam Card.

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Prices are per person, land only. We offer air on Lufthansa. Add extra nights. A visa for Russia is required for U.S. citizens.

Family + Friends

Travel is one of  life's most rewarding experiences, perhaps even more so when it's shared with those you love! Take advantage of our Family & Friends offer and Save $100 per person anytime you book 4 or more people on the same A+R program.

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