Imperial Capitals

Touring

Days 1 through 3: Kiev
Kiev is now the capital of an independent Ukraine, but it is also the birthplace of Kievan Rus, founded in the eighth and ninth centuries, and the city from which the Orthodox faith spread throughout Eastern Europe.

The skyline of Kiev is dominated by the thirteen cupolas of St Sophia’s Cathedral. The foundations were laid in 1037 under the orders of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, who was also responsible for the Golden Gate Entrance to the city. Here we will see some of the best-preserved mosaics and frescoes of the 11th century.

The Dnieper Hills are dominated by the Pecherska Lavra, built almost nine centuries ago. This complex of churches, masterpieces of architecture by themselves, is famous for its catacombs and saints' relics, hence its other name, the Monastery of Caves.

The era of the Romanovs is best seen when we enjoy a private VIP visit to the Mariinsky Palace, designed by Bartholomew Rastrelli, and formerly the principal Romanov family palace in Kiev.  This palace is not generally open to the public and will be opened for us. We will also step into one of the grandest mansions of Kiev, built for the richest sugar magnate of the country and his ever-growing Western art collection.

Meals: Breakfast daily, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner

Days 4 through 6: Moscow
Moscow is a city built on strength and power and there is no better display of this than the Kremlin and Red Square.  Upon arrival, you can instantly feel the excitement and energy of new Moscow- from high fashion to haute cuisine, this is not the Moscow of old stereotypes.  We will explore the historical sights of the city including Christ the Holy Redeemer Cathedral and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, with its collection of paintings by Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso, bought by the millionaire merchants Shchukin and Morozov at the beginning of last century.  We will spend considerable time inside the Kremlin and its famed Armoury Museum and also be invited into the often-missed Diamond Vaults, which house the crown jewels of Russia. This is also where we will see the world celebrated Faberge Imperial Easter Eggs.

Meals: Breakfast daily, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners

Days 7 through 11: St. Petersburg
Recognized as the Venice of the North, St. Petersburg is a city built on majesty and grandeur.  Peter the Great began building his enchanting city on the Gulf of Finland in the early 18th century and his canals and waterways are left today much as he intended.  Our tour will take us through the unique Amber Room of Catherine Palace and the fountains of Peterhof- be careful of the trick fountains!  Our visit will include an unrushed and privately-led visit to the greatest museum in the world, the Hermitage.  We will walk through the former halls of the Romanov family and admire the collections that were purchased throughout the different reigns, beginning with Catherine II.

Meals: Breakfast daily, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners