Russia, the land of the tsars, is rich in detail and abundant in extravagant lifestyles, especially Moscow which is at a crossroads between the old and the new. On one side of Red Square is the centuries-old Kremlin and on the other side is the remodeled and ultra-chic GUM shopping center which features all the top designers.
The journey begins with an exploration of the Kremlin, the center of Russian history and intrigue. Upon entering, you will first want to visit the famed Armory Museum, which holds everything from the Faberge Eggs to the tsars’ coronation gowns and royal carriages.
Move ahead in time and experience the incredible Moscow metro system. Built during Stalin’s reign, you will see such features as marble sculptures, chandeliers and most importantly, mosaic masterpieces. For shoppers, there is the Bazaar at Izmailovsky Park; a great place to stock up on matryoshka dolls and lacquered boxes.
Your Russian adventure continues to what many refer to as the “Venice of the North.” The footsteps of the tsars are evident in St. Petersburg and the surrounding countryside. The Hermitage Museum contains the largest art collection in the world with over three million pieces and Peterhof, the Palace of Peter the Great, features spectacular gardens and golden fountains too numerous to count.
A visit to St. Petersburg would not be complete without seeing Catherine Palace and the recently resurrected Amber Room. Take time to explore the Church of Spilled Blood, covered completely inside and out by mosaics and don’t leave Russia without experiencing a performance at the world famous Mariinsky (Kirov) Theater.
In Depth
Russia offers a treasure trove of art spanning the days of Russia’s earliest existence to the present. Be sure not to miss the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow featuring Russian art from the 16th to the 20th centuries. If modern art is more your interest, there is the New Tretyakov Museum which houses art from the 20th century to today or Winzavod, a former winery, now home to the city’s top modern art galleries.
In St. Petersburg, you can enter the Storerooms of the Hermitage. The secure storage facility holds items never before displayed and also items too large to be shown in the Winter Palace, such as the Imperial carriage collection.
All private travel is customized based on your specific interests, travel dates, included experiences, entrance fees and hotel choices. Sample pricing is listed in the back of the brochure, but exact prices vary according to travel dates.