The Big Russki - 9 days

FROM USD $1,639

Kicking off in the northern city of St Petersburg, enjoy a white Christmas in the city of the Tsars, ice skate or cross country ski in ancient Pskov and then ring in New Year in Moscow - Russia's hedonistic and cultural capital!

Day 1: 24 Dec: Welcome!
Welcome to Russia and the start of a cool yule! Wanting more time in St Petersburg? This is the trip! Arrival transfer from St Petersburg Pulkovo Airport to hotel and check in. Tonight, our Welcome Meeting takes place, where you get to meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. Rest of evening free. Overnight - St Petersburg
Day 2: 25 Dec: Xmas Day - Sightseeing
Merry Christmas! We start the day with a city tour, driving along the famed Nevsky Prospekt stopping at the Church on spilled Blood to view it from the outside and The Bronze Horseman as well as a tour of Peter and Paul Fortress. Rest of the day free. Tonight head to a local cafe for dinner or have a few Xmas drinks at a club or bar. Cheers! Overnight - St Petersburg (B)
The Big Russki - 9 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
An on the go group posing for a photo in the snow
Day 3: 26 Dec: Optional Pukka Pass
A free day to explore on your own, alternatively fill your day by purchasing our pukka pass. It offers guided sightseeing, entrance fees, lunch and transport to some of St Pete’s most hard to get to sites. Tonight, check out St Pete’s spirited restaurant, bar and jazz club scene, with some of Russia’s best beers. Overnight - St Petersburg (B, L)
Day 4: 27 Dec: Explore St Petes
Today a guided visit of the Hermitage Collection at the Winter Palace. Later this evening, we travel to Pskov by coach/public bus. Arriving tonight, we enjoy a late dinner. Overnight - Pskov and Pechory (B, D)
Day 5: 28 Dec: Pskov & Russian Sauna
Richly historical Pskov is built around the riverside Kremlin, with a beautiful cathedral. This morning, we’ll enjoy a tour of historical Pskov. Then, it's tiime to turn the heat up at a local Russian banya (sauna), before later having a vodka and lunch. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight - Pskov and Pechory (B)
The pechory monastery near Pskov in winter time
Day 6: 29 Dec: Pechory Monastery & Winter sports
Pskov – Moscow. Today, a short drive takes us to tranquil Pechory Monastery, founded in 1473. A sea of colours and architectural styles prevail in the grounds of this still-working cloister. If permitted on the day, we can explore the fascinating burial caves where some 10,000 souls rest.

After lunch, we have some alpine fun - ice-skating on a frozen lake or cross-country skiing. *There are no mountains in the region, so a special type of ski is used for crosscountry. If the weather is inclement, then we may have to alter our itinerary and find some other activities to fill our afternoon. Vodka anyone? Tonight we travel by overnight sleeper train to Moscow. Overnight - Sleeper Train to Moscow (B, L)
Day 7: 30 Moscow: Red Square
Welcome to the capital city that launched a swag of bestsellers with espionage-soaked plots. With our guide, we travel aboard the capital’s efficient Metro system to Red Square, where we enjoy a guided walk of central Moscow. In Red Square, if Mr Lenin’s mausoleum is open, we’ll pay our respects to the grandfather of Soviet Communism for free. Overnight - Moscow (B)
A couple standing in a snowy forest, the girl is wearing a santa suit!
Day 8: 31 Dec: New Year's Eve
Today, we enjoy a guided tour of the Moscow Kremlin - Russia’s bastion of power. Later opt to join us for a guided tour of a formerly top secret Soviet Bunker. Our bolt-on allows you to head 65 meters underground to explore a Stalinist-era bunker that up until recently was a top secret symbol of Soviet Power. See the giant tunnels and get a guided tour of the rooms and secret paraphernalia followed by a tour of some of Moscow's most impressive Stalinist era metro stations, an example of grandiose over exuberance.

Rest of day free to enjoy the last day of the year your way. There's loads of eateries and bars in the immediate area - a good choice for your own private Moscow New Year’s celebration! Overnight - Moscow (B)
Day 9: 01 Jan: New Years Day
Happy New Year! Our tour concludes after breakfast and hotel check out at 12 noon. (B)

Discover Novgorod!
Experience rural Russia with a 1 night stay in a country house in ancient Novgorod. After guided touring, there's free time to explore and fun to be had in a banya, before tucking into a tasty home cooked meal!

SAVE 30% when booking a group of 4 or more!


Tour Details
  • Starts in: St Petersburg / Ends in: Moscow
  • Departs: 24 Dec 2013
  • No local payment required
  • Breakfast:8, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 1
  • Hotel Rating: 3 star
  • Tour Guide: Yes - For groups of 6 or more
The on the go Theatre
A preview of our many XMAS and New Year tours
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