- Overview
- Trip Outline
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Explore the historic grandeur of Moscow, the magnificent splendor of St. Petersburg, and the Arctic charm of Murmansk, where you'll be able to chase the breath-taking Northern Lights. This itinerary picks out the best of the iconic city landmarks, world-class museums, and immersive Arctic experiences, combines them and offers an unforgettable adventure for a group of travelers seeking not just the Northern Lights but the Russian Heritage as well.
Welcome to Russia! You will first arrive at Moscow, where you will be staying in a 4-star hotel, and would be taken to the historic Russian places like the Kremlin, along with other important sites covered in the Moscow City Tour. From there, you will board the high-speed Sampsan train to reach St. Petersburg, and go for a City Tour, along with a visit to the legendary Hermitage Museum. From there, you will catch a flight to Murmansk, the highlight of the trip where you will be staying in a cozy 4-star resort and chase the Northern Lights!
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival Moscow
- Arrival in Moscow: Land at Sheremetyevo (SVO) or Domodedovo (DME) International Airport, where your driver will meet and provide a private transfer to your Moscow hotel.
- Check-In to the hotel.
- Evening at Leisure on own: Unwind or explore nearby attractions like the lively Arbat Street, a pedestrian hub with cafes, street performers, and souvenir shops, or relax at a local teahouse.
- Overnight: Spend the night at your hotel in Moscow.
Day 2
Moscow City Tour & Kremlin
- Breakfast at the Hotel.
- Moscow City Tour: Discover Moscow?s captivating blend of ancient heritage and modern vibrancy. Visit Red Square, the heart of Russia, to marvel at the colorful Saint Basil?s Cathedral, the historic Lenin?s Mausoleum (exterior), and the elegant GUM State Department Store. Stroll through Alexander Garden, a serene park by the Kremlin walls, and explore Zaryadye Park with its iconic Floating Bridge offering panoramic views of the Moskva River. Drive past the White House, admire the majestic Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and enjoy the scenic Sparrow Hills observation deck, reached via a cable car ride, with views of Lomonosov University. Walk along historic Nikolskaya Street and visit Manege Square and the State Historical Museum (exterior).
- Kremlin Excursion: Enter the Kremlin Territory, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to explore its historic cathedrals, the Tsar Bell, and the Tsar Cannon, immersing yourself in Russia?s imperial legacy.
- Overnight: Spend the night at your hotel in Moscow.
Day 3
Moscow - St. Petersburg
- Breakfast at the Hotel: Enjoy breakfast before checking out of the hotel.
- Transfer to Train Station: Depart for Moscow?s Leningrad sky Station for a high-speed SAPSAN train journey to Saint Petersburg (approximately 4 hours; train ticket included).
- Arrival in Saint Petersburg: Arrive at Moskovsky Station, where your local guide will meet your group and assist with transfers.
- Check-In at the hotel.
- Evening at Leisure on own: Relax or take a short walk along Nevsky Prospect, the city?s vibrant main avenue, lined with cafes, shops, and historic buildings.
- Overnight: Spend the night at your hotel in Saint Petersburg.
Day 4
Saint Petersburg City Tour & Hermitage Museum
- Breakfast at the Hotel.
- Saint Petersburg City Tour: Explore Russia?s cultural capital, renowned for its elegant architecture and rich history. Visit Nevsky Prospect, the bustling heart of the city, and see landmarks like the Kazan Cathedral, with its grand colonnade, and the Winter Palace at Palace Square. Admire the golden spire of the Admiralty, the historic Peter and Paul Fortress, and the scenic Spit of Vasilyevsky Island. Pass by Saint Isaac?s Cathedral, the ornate Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and the Senate Square with the Bronze Horseman, a monument to Peter the Great.
- Hermitage Museum Excursion: Enter the world-renowned Hermitage Museum, housed in the Winter Palace, showcasing over 3.5 million exhibits, including masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Vel?zquez, alongside opulent imperial interiors.
- Overnight: Return to your hotel for a restful night in Saint Petersburg.
Day 5
Saint Petersburg to Murmansk
- Breakfast at the Hotel: Enjoy breakfast before checking out of the hotel.
- Transfer to Airport: Depart for Pulkovo Airport (LED) for your flight to Murmansk (MMK) (flight cost not included).
- Arrival in Murmansk: Land at Murmansk Airport, meet your local guide, and transfer to your centrally located hotel.
- Check-In at the hotel.
- Murmansk City Tour (3 Hours): Explore Murmansk?s Arctic charm, learning its history from its founding as Romanov-on-Murman to its modern name. Visit Five Corners Square, the city?s vibrant hub, and the Alyosha Monument, a towering WWII memorial. See the tallest building north of the Arctic Circle and explore the Murmansk Regional Museum for insights into Arctic culture. Conclude with a tour of the Lenin Nuclear Icebreaker, the world?s first nuclear-powered icebreaker, now a museum showcasing Soviet engineering.
- Dinner: Savor a group dinner at a local restaurant.
- Northern Lights Hunt (3-4 Hours): Depart in the evening (weather permitting) for an Aurora Hunting excursion, venturing to prime viewing spots outside Murmansk to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights illuminating the Arctic sky.
- Overnight: Return to your hotel for a restful night in Murmansk.
Day 6
Murmansk - Arctic Experiences
- Breakfast at the Hotel: Fuel up with a hearty breakfast, including Arctic specialties like fresh fish or local pastries.
- Sami Village Tour (6-8 Hours): Journey to a traditional Sami Village on the Kola Peninsula for an immersive Arctic cultural experience. Meet the indigenous Sami people in colorful traditional costumes and learn about their nomadic heritage. Participate in reindeer sledding and a thrilling husky dog ride, followed by feeding reindeer and other animals like rabbits and goats. Enjoy a traditional vegetarian Sami lunch (included). Experience a Sami cultural program inside the largest Chum (northern house) in Russia, listed in the Book of Records, with traditional music, storytelling, and crafts.
- Dinner: Relish a group dinner at a local restaurant.
- Northern Lights Hunt (If weather conditions prevented viewing on Day 5).
- Overnight: Return to your hotel for a restful night in Murmansk.
Day 7
Murmansk Departure
- Breakfast at the Hotel.
- Check-Out and Private Transfer to Airport: Check out of the hotel and enjoy a private transfer to Murmansk Airport (MMK) for your return flight.
- End of Tour: Depart with cherished memories of your Russian adventure.
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