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Easy Pace Russia

From the grand baroque of St. Petersburg to Moscow’s iconic treasures, Russia is an enigma that just has to be sampled by any serious traveller!

8 days, Priced from A$2350

Easy Pace Tour, Departs from St Petersburg, finishes at Moscow

Tour code E707

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Itinerary

Day 1 – ST PETERSBURG

Welcome to St Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703, expressly to be the new capital of Tsarist Russia. In only 20 years of concentrated effort, the city rose from the desolate Neva marshes, under the personal supervision of the Tsar himself from his house beside the river. Although the city was virtually destroyed during World War II’s 900 day siege, it has been lovingly restored & abounds in important monuments & beautiful buildings. Your airport transfers depart from St Petersburg airport at 11:30, 14:30 & 17:00. Meet your Tour Director in the evening for a Welcome Drink before dinner.

Hotel: Radisson Sonya. (D)

Day 2 – ST PETERSBURG SIGHTSEEING

A sightseeing tour takes in St Isaac’s Cathedral, the fortress of St Peter & Paul, Decembrist’s Square, & the Winter Palace – former residence of Russian tsars. Travel down St. Petersburg’s main avenue, Nevsky Prospekt, for views of the great Cathedral of Kazan & the onion domed Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood. See the memorial to the Nazi siege of Lenningrad during World War II & the cruiser Aurora, whose crew signalled the outset of the Russian Revolution. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore, shop or relax. This evening perhaps take a cruise through the centre of Peter the Great’s capital while enjoying champagne & vodka? (BB)

Day 3 – ST PETERSBURG SIGHTSEEING

Catherine the Great used to lament that only “the mice & me” were able to admire her vast art collection. Thankfully, this is no longer true because today you visit the Hermitage, one of the world’s greatest museums. Located in the Winter Palace, wander through this fabulous collection of paintings & objets d’art, ranging from Egyptian carvings­ to Impressionist masterpieces. This afternoon you are free to do as you please! Maybe take an optional excursion to the former residence of the Yusupov family & the scene of Rasputin’s murder? (BB)

Day 4 – ST PETERSBURG SIGHTSEEING

Visit the fabulous gardens & fountains of Peter the Great’s summer residence at Petrodvorets. For over 200 years, Petrodvorets was used for official ceremonies, lavish feasts & formal receptions. Back in St Petersburg, the afternoon leaves plenty of time to shop for Russian souvenirs. For your dining pleasure this evening, you are invited to choose from a selection of local restaurants. (BB,DA)

Day 5 – ST PETERSBURG SIGHTSEEING – MOSCOW

A city of incomparable architectural, historic & artistic interest, St Petersburg is all yours this morning to enjoy as you wish. This afternoon, discover the unique adventure of train travel ‘soviet style’ as you head for the capital. On arrival in Moscow, transfer to your hotel for dinner & a leisurely three night stay.

Hotel: Hilton Moscow Hotel Leningradskaya. (BB,D)

Day 6 – MOSCOW SIGHTSEEING

Begin the day if you wish with an included & fascinating presentation about Mikhail Gorbachev ‘Saint or Sinner’ as seen through the eyes of our guest speaker & local Russian journalist. Then, with a specialist guide, begin your exploration of the Russian capital. Start in Red Square, lined by Moscow’s famous landmark buildings. At one end rises the crimson & ivy coloured onion-shaped domes of St Basil’s Cathedral, in front of the Kremlin stands Lenin’s Mausoleum, while on the opposite side of the square stands GUM, the Grand Soviet department store which now offers the most glamorous & fashionable goods from the West. Walk inside the walls of the Kremlin Fortress to visit one of the cathedrals. In your free time why not visit the Borodino Panorama Exhibition which brings to life the Battle of Borodino, one of the most important events in Russia’s history & immortalized in Tolstoy’s epic, ‘War & Peace’. (BB)

Day 7 – MOSCOW AT LEISURE

Visit one of the Metro stations which Stalin called ‘palaces for the people’. Gain a personal insight into the themes depicted among the marble, mosaics, sculptures & chandeliers. Moscow has captivated the imagination of travellers for centuries so the rest of the day is set aside to explore at your own pace. Consider a visit to the treasure chest of the Imperial Russian Family to see their crown jewels, jewel-studded thrones & costumes as well as the famous Fabergé Egg collection. Later, there is the opportunity to tour this bustling city by night & admire the evening magic of the famous Red Square & the Kremlin? (BB)

Day 8 – MOSCOW

Departure transfers will arrive at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport at 05.00 & 11.00 & at Moscow’s Domodedevo airport at 05.00 & 13.00. (BB)

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Tour Dates & Total Prices 2012

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Early Payment Discount on Early Bookings

Insight’s most popular tours fill very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, and the earlier you pay, the more you SAVE! Here’s how …

* Pay in full 10 months prior to your tour departure date and SAVE UP TO 7.5%

* Pay in full 6 months prior to your tour departure date and SAVE UP TO 5%

Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. This discount only applies to tours that feature the “Early Payment Discount” in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you can SAVE.

Extra Tour Discount – ON YOUR 2ND TOUR

Book two Insight vacations, and you will receive a reduction of 5% off the cheaper of the two tours. Take three tours and save on two! Ask your Travel Agent for suggestions!

Exceptions 1, 2 & 3. All tours must be booked at the same time to qualify.

Young Traveller Savings – 5-17 Year-olds

Insight offers you the opportunity of sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren.

This discount applies only to tours featuring the “Young Traveller Discount” in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you can SAVE!

Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date and accompanied by an adult, sharing a twin room (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). Children under 5 years old are not accepted on any escorted tour. This discount cannot be combined with our Small Group or Milestone Celebrations Discount.