Day 1: Istanbul – Moscow 23 May
We meet our valued guests in front of the THY counter at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal at 03:15 before the flight. After ticket, baggage, and boarding procedures, we depart for Moscow at 07:15 on Turkish Airlines scheduled flight TK413.
Arrival at Moscow Airport at 11:05 local time. After our arrival, we board our bus and begin our city tour. We carry out our panoramic city tour, where we will see Red Square and the Kremlin Palace. Our guests who wish may join the Moscow Icons tour and/or the Izmailovo Kremlin & Tsar’s Palace tour, which will be arranged as an extra. After our tour, transfer to our hotel and free time. Overnight at our hotel.
Optional Tour: Moscow Icons Tour Per Person 25 €
Among the places we will see on the Moscow city tour are the historic center, Red Square, which has witnessed political and social upheavals; St. Basil’s Cathedral, built in the 16th century by the Tsar known as Ivan the Terrible, with each dome corresponding to a Russian victory; the monument statue in front of the cathedral, one of the city’s symbols, depicting two famous Russian princes, Minin and Pozharsky; the GUM Shopping Center right at the end; its neighbor, the Kremlin Palace; the magnificent Lenin Mausoleum, which houses Lenin’s mummy, a symbol of communist ideology worldwide; the Karl Marx statue and, directly opposite it, the famous Bolshoi Theater building, in operation since the 18th century; a little further on, the famous Duma Parliament Building, where Russia’s first elected parliament began work in 1906; Voskresenski, built in the 16th century and bombed in 1931 so that tanks could enter Red Square, once considered the gateway to Red Square; and the Russian History Museum.
Optional Tour: Izmailovo Kremlin & Tsar’s Palace Tour Per Person 60 €
We begin with the Izmailovo Kremlin, one of Moscow’s most colorful and fairy-tale-like spots. With its wooden architecture, colorful towers, and traditional market areas, it feels as if we are stepping into a Russian fairy tale.
Then we move on to Tsar’s Palace, built for Empress Catherine II and one of Russia’s most elegant palace complexes. Here, taking photos in traditional Russian costumes is included in the tour fee, and you will experience unforgettable moments where you will feel like a tsar and tsarina.
With its spacious parks, impressive architecture, and enchanting atmosphere, this tour offers a unique experience for our guests who wish to discover Moscow’s most special places.
Day 2: Moscow 24 May
After breakfast, free time. Guests who wish may join the Moscow Metro and Arbat Street tour, which will be arranged as an extra. After our tour, transfer to our hotel and free time. Overnight at our hotel
Optional Tour: Moscow Metro and Arbat Street Tour Per Person 30 €
Our Moscow Metro and Arbat Street tour begins with visiting the Moscow Metro, which is regarded by almost the entire world as the most beautifully decorated metro. This artistic marvel, carrying millions of people every day, began construction in 1931 and continues to this day. Afterwards, we move to Arbat Street, Moscow’s busiest street. Today, by strolling along Arbat Street, the most famous street of Moscow and Russia, whose history goes back to 1493, and which takes its name either from the word “Gorbat,” meaning “hill” in Slavic languages, or, according to another explanation, from the Arabic “Rabad,” meaning “around the city” or “suburb,” we will live through its history and watch the art works of unnamed painters at every step along the street. After our tour, return to our hotel and overnight at our hotel.
Day 3: Moscow 25 May
After breakfast, free time. Guests who wish may join our extra Kremlin Palace and Novodevichy Nazım Hikmet’s Grave tour. After our tour, transfer to our hotel and free time. Overnight at our hotel.
Optional Tour: Kremlin Palace and Novodevichy Nazım Hikmet’s Grave Tour Per Person 50€
We depart from our hotel for the tour. Our first stop is Novodevichy Cemetery. First, the Novodevichy Convent, which we will see panoramically, was founded in 1524. Over time, it also became the place where many tsarina candidates lost their star. Although it was ordered to be destroyed by Napoleon in 1812, the nuns managed to prevent this decision. Completely emptied in 1922 and left to its fate, the convent reopened after restoration in 1994. In addition to the Novodevichy Convent within the complex, the cemetery of Nazım Hikmet and his wife Veronica, as well as the cemeteries of Anton Chekhov and Gogol, are also located here. After this history-filled tour, we move to the Kremlin. Meaning “castle,” the Kremlin is a complex that has become not only a symbol of Moscow but also of Russia. Although the oldest walls of the complex, which marks the eastern boundary of Red Square with its eastern walls, were built at the end of the fifteenth century, the original wooden walls date back to the twelfth century. Today, the Kremlin museums, the Grand Kremlin Palace Complex, the Concert Hall, the Presidential Building and administrative buildings, as well as a “Space Tree” in the gardens of the area that also contains two cathedrals, are located here. The tree, planted by Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, two days after he completed his mission and returned to Earth, can also be seen from the Moscow River. The story of the bell tower built by Tsar Ivan and the cannon he had cast is both amusing and informative thanks to the pleasant narration of the tour guide. The famous Tsarina Catherine’s crown, made of 5,000 diamond stones, awaits those who wish to see it in the museum. After our tour, we head to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 4: Moscow – St Petersburg (by High-Speed Train) 26 May
After breakfast, we check out of the rooms and depart for the train station. After an enjoyable journey by high-speed train, we begin our panoramic St. Petersburg city tour with our private vehicle. After the tour, with free time, our guests will take part in the St Petersburg Icons Tour and the evening St. Petersburg Golden Canals Boat Tour, which will be arranged as extras. After our tour, check-in to our hotel and overnight at our hotel.
Optional Tour: St Petersburg Icons Tour Per Person 25 €
St. Petersburg, the second largest city in Russia after Moscow, is also a very important center of art and science. Having a very important place in industry as well, St. Petersburg has written its name into the pages of history in nearly every aspect of life. Founded in 1703 by Russian Tsar Peter I, the city’s panoramic tour includes the Admiralty Building, which appears on Nevsky Avenue, the city’s almost main artery, named after Alexander Nevsky, the most famous hero in Russian history; Kazan Cathedral, a small version of the famous San Pietro Cathedral in Rome; Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace; Stroganov Palace; Gostiny Dvor, which, while not as large or deep-rooted as Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, was established as a market 250 years ago and is now used as a shopping center; the Russian National Library, one of the world’s largest libraries; the Singer Building, whose founding story caused quite a reaction in its time; the Eliseyev Building with its magnificent stained glass and bronze interior; Aurora Cinema, also known as Piccadilly Cinema and frequently mentioned in the memoirs of writer Nabokov; the famous Anichkov Bridge, which bears the traces of the Siege of Leningrad and has a special place in Russian literature; and many more structures are among the places to see.
Optional Tour: St. Petersburg Golden Canals Boat Tour Per Person 40€
We head to the harbor for the Rivers & Canals Boat Tour, which has earned St. Petersburg the nickname “Venice of the North.” As we glide among the elegant curves of the Fontanka, Neva, and Moika rivers, you will have the opportunity to see the Hermitage Museum, Anichkov Bridge, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Mikhailovsky Palace, and many other historic structures panoramically from the water. As the city lights reflect on the river surface, you will discover St. Petersburg’s romantic atmosphere from a different perspective. After our tour, return to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 5 St Petersburg 27 May
After breakfast, free time. We depart from our hotel for our extra Hermitage Museum tour with guests who wish to join. After our tour, we return to our hotel and overnight at our hotel.
Optional Tour: Hermitage Museum Tour Per Person 30€
The Hermitage Museum, founded in 1764 by Empress Catherine II, has a unique collection today recognized as one of the world’s largest and most established art museums. Initially created as Catherine’s private art collection, the museum grew over time through acquisitions and donations made during the tsarist period, and was opened to the public in 1852. The museum consists of six historic buildings in total, foremost among them the Winter Palace, dazzling with Baroque architecture. These structures house not only works of art but also the glorious past of the Russian Empire. In particular, the capture of the Winter Palace during the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution was one of the most iconic moments in Russian history. The Hermitage collection includes works by masters of world art such as Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Raphael, Rubens, Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso. Archaeological artifacts from the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome also attract great interest. With more than approximately 3 million works, the Hermitage is not only a museum but also a cultural temple where art and history intertwine. It offers every visitor the splendor of the past and humanity’s artistic heritage.
Day 6: St Petersburg 28 May
After breakfast, we check out of the rooms and have free time.
We set out with guests who wish to join our extra Peterhof Palace and Park and Pushkin Tsar Town tour. At the time determined by our guide, our airport transfer takes place.
Optional Tour: Peterhof Palace and Park and Pushkin Tsar Town Tour Per Person 140 €
After placing our luggage in the luggage room at reception, we depart from our hotel for our Peterhof Palace and Park and Pushkin Tsar Town tour. Our first stop is Peterhof. On this tour, we will have the opportunity to see the summer palace located on the Gulf of Finland, whose plans were drawn by the tsar himself and then built by Italian architect Rastrelli. Its rival to the Palace of Versailles in Paris is a magnificent palace complex adorned with 150 monumental fountains and gardens decorated with 4 waterfalls. Although it suffered great damage during World War II, it was restored faithfully to its original architecture, preserving all its splendor. After our Peterhof tour, we begin our Pushkin Tsar Town tour. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the town, where the school of Pushkin, the great poet and writer of Russian literature, is also located, is highly praised for its palaces, parks, and various structural complexes. Built in the eighteenth century for the tsar’s family, this area invites its guests into a Russian fairy tale. After our tour, free time until our airport transfer time, and at the end our airport transfer takes place.
Day 7: St Petersburg -Istanbul 29 May
Then we complete our ticket, baggage, and passport procedures. Afterwards, we depart for Istanbul Airport at 01:40 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 404. After a comfortable and pleasant flight, arrival in Istanbul at 05:30 and the end of our tour...
We hope to see you again on your next trip…
FULL EXTRA TOUR PACKAGE
Tours Included in the Package:
Moscow Icons Tour – 25 €
Izmailovo Kremlin & Tsarina’s Palace Tour – 60€
Moscow Metro & Arbat Street – 30 €
Kremlin Palace & Novodevichy & Nazım Hikmet’s Grave – 50 €
St. Petersburg Icons – 25 €
St. Petersburg Golden Canals Boat Tour – 40 €
Hermitage Museum – 30 €
Peterhof Palace & Pushkin Tsar Town – 140 €;
Total Value: 400 €
Package Price: Per Person 315 €
(When purchased, an approximate 15% discount advantage is offered.)
Hotels to be accommodated
Moscow 4* Edge by Seligerskaya or similar
St Petersburg 4* Park Inn Pulkovskaya or similar
Included Services:
• Flight tickets for the Turkish Airlines scheduled flight on the IST-Moscow / St. Petersburg-IST route
• 3 Nights accommodation in 4* hotels in Moscow and 2 Nights in St. Petersburg with Bed and Breakfast
• Panoramic Tour of Moscow and Panoramic Tour of St. Petersburg
• Economy class ticket for the High-Speed Train between Moscow and St. Petersburg
• Airport-Hotel-Airport transfers
• Turkish-speaking Guiding Service
Services Not Included:
• International Exit Tax Stamp
• Visa Fee (Electronic)
• Travel Insurance (Up to 65 Years Old)
• Travel Insurance (Ages 66-75)
• All hotel extras and personal expenses
• Extra Tours
• Hotel taxes (City tax, checkpoint fees, local service charges, handling fee, bus entry fees, and operational service costs totaling 100 Euros per person, which is a mandatory payment to be collected in cash by the guide before the tour begins)