AN INDIVIDUAL APPROACH

Many large and populous countries have multiple 'capital-sized' cities – NYC/Washington/L.A., Beijing/Shanghai, Delhi/Mumbai. Russia has always done this, and although the 'official' capital has moved between Moscow and St Petersburg at different periods, in reality the role of Russian capital has always been shared between the two. Even in the grandest days of Empire, the Tsars would come from Petersburg to ancient Moscow to be crowned, married, or buried. You really have to view Moscow and St Petersburg as a pair – they're completely contrasted. Seeing only one of them is only half the story.

HOW TO DESIGN YOUR OWN MOSCOW/PETERSBURG INDEPENDENT TRIP.

The Hotel rates include a three-night stay with breakfast (you'll see nothing at all if you try less!) – additional night rates are available.

To spice up your stay we have transfers, walking tours with our excellent buddy guides and train prices between the two cities. These services are purchased separately so you can arrange your trip to your own specifications. If you yearn to avoid the herd, then this individual approach is for you.

In Moscow

Awaiting your independent attention in Moscow – if you wish! – are, amongst much else:

The Kremlin Moscow's medieval citadel on Red Square – the ceremonial heart of the city.

Pushkin Square the place to meet friends.

Arbat Street souvenir shopping down this old pedestrian street.

Kammergeisky Pereulok and Kuznetsky Most – chill-out in 'Moscow's Soho' .

Tretyakov Gallery & Pushkin Fine Arts Museum – two must-see art collections.

Izmailovsky Flea-Market.

Bolshoi Theatre and seven other opera/ballet venues.

In St Petersburg

Whilst in St. Petersburg try, if you can, to find time to see:

The Hermitage Collection the finest art collection in the world, displayed in the Winter Palace.

The canals and waterways of the 'Northern Venice'. 

The Russian Museum of Fine Art.

The Peter & Paul Fortress – the Maximum-Security prison of the Tsarist eraÉ the Tombs of the Tsars are inside the Fortress Cathedral.

The Church on the Spilt Blood – and nearby, the Souvenir Bazaar.

The art-house Club and Music scene.

The Mariinsky Ballet and Opera, critically acclaimed as the finest in the world.

The cost of the visa administration and Russian visa invitation is included. In the Hotel rates, the visa fee is not.  This is dependent on what nationality you are. Click here for the current visa costs.