Back Roads of Russia: St Petersburg - Moscow
12 days from Saint Petersburg to Moscow
From $ 2199
Duration12 days

Russia is the world’s largest nation, which means there’s no shortage of things to see or do here. With us, you won’t just stick to the main sights in Moscow and St Petersburg. Head beyond these two cities to see Russia’s quieter side in the villages of Petrozavodska and Kizhi Island, or the cluster of ancient towns known as the Golden Ring. Discover standout landscapes like Ruskeala National Park’s marble canyon. Want a little bit of everything? You’ll find it in Russia.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 12 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Saint Petersburg
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Moscow
    Ages: 12+
Backroads of Russia: St Petersburg - Moscow - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Saint-Petersburg
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Saint-Petersburg
Get to know St Petersburg with a morning walking tour visiting some of the city's highlights.
Meals: B
Day 3: Saint-Petersburg/Sortavala
Enjoy a free morning in the city. Opt for a guided tour of the Hermitage Museum and Armoury or explore on your own. This afternoon, drive to Sortavala (Karelia).
Meals: B
Day 4: Sortavala/Petrozavodsk
In the morning, transfer to Ruskeala to visit stunning marble quarries, the source of stone for St Petersburg palaces. Transfer to the traditional Karelian village of Kinerma and enjoy a walking tour of the village. Learn to cook a local traditional Karelian pie, "Kalitki". End the day in Petrozavodsk.
Meals: B, L
Day 5: Petrozavodsk
Walk through the Kivach Nature Reserve, a 10-hectare park with hundreds of plant and animal species unique to this Russian region. Visit its namesake waterfall, the inspiration for a famous Russian poem that led Emperor Alexander II to build a road to Kivach.

At the Talvi Ukko centre in Chalna, stop by the tea house for lunch, then attend a woodworking masterclass. End your day with a visit to the residence of Father Frost (Karelian Santa) and the Gornitsa Snow Maiden.
This morning, explore old-growth Russian forests on a guided walk through the Kivach Waterfall and Nature Reserve. Head to the village of Chalna for a traditional Karelian lunch, then join a local artisan for a wooden spoon carving masterclass. Transfer back to Petrozavodsk for the night.
Meals: B, L
Day 6: Petrozavodsk/Moscow
Take an early morning drive to the boat for a trip to Kizhi Island. Visit the wooden village and enjoy the scenery of the beautiful lake. This evening, board an overnight train to Sergiev Posad.
Meals: B
Day 7: Moscow/Sergiyev Posad
Arrive into Moscow and transfer by private bus to Sergiev Posad. Explore the sacred Sergiev Posad Lavra and Monastery. Later, participate in a Master Matryoshka painting class.
Day 8: Sergiyev Posad/Pereslavl’-Zalesskiy
Transfer to Pereslavl-Zalesskiy and enjoy a guided city tour. Opt to visit one of the many historical museums in the city. Drive to the shore of the lake for a BBQ lunch and spend some time at the lake beach swimming and relaxing. Spend the night at a local guest house. Indulge in a BBQ lunch with a local family.
Meals: B, L
Day 9: Pereslavl’-Zalesskiy/Moscow
After breakfast drive to Alexandrov. Enjoy a guided tour of Alexandrov Kremlin, the former residence of Ivan the Terrible. In the afternoon, drive to Moscow.
Meals: B
Day 10: Moscow
Enjoy an orientation and walking tour of Moscow, visiting Metro, Old Moscow alleys and the Red Square. In the afternoon, enjoy free time exploring the city.
Day 11: Moscow
In the morning, take a leap into the past with a guided tour of the historical Moscow Kremlin & Armoury. In the afternoon, enjoy free time in the city.
Day 12: Moscow
Depart at any time.

Inclusions

Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Foodie Moment: Karelian Cooking Class, Kinerma Your Hands-On Moment: Matryoshka Painting Class, Sergiyev Posad Your Local Living Moment: BBQ with Local Family, Pereslavl-Zalessky
  • St Petersburg walking tour
  • Kizhi Island boat tour
  • Ruskeala Quarry walk
  • Kinerma walking tour
  • Karelian cooking class
  • The Sergiev Posad Lavra and Monastery tour
  • Matryoshka painting class
  • Pereslavl-Zelesskiy guided tour
  • Barbecue with local family
  • Tour of Alexandrov Kremlin
  • Red Square visit
  • Kremlin and Armoury guided tour
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

    Private vehicle, Overnight train, Boat
  • Accommodation

    Hotels (9 nts), Guest house (1 nt), Sleeper train (1 nt)

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