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 You might be surprised by the elegance of Russia. St. Basil's Cathedral lords over Red Square like a glittering multi-colored confection. Gilded corridors of the Hermitage host breathtaking art. Even Moscow's metro brims with the ornate. Join Hermes on our luxurious journey and we'll unveil Churchill's "riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma" as we sample cultural delicacies, explore fortresses once forbidden to visitors, and meet a people who eagerly look to the future.
Russia is a country that invokes powerful images of regal history, cultural delicacies, and imperial power. Hermes Tours will guide you there and do it in style!
 Stand in awe in Red Square and gaze over at The Kremlin, enjoy the traditional Russian circus, lose yourself at the Hermitage and visit the Peter & Paul Fortress. These are but a few of the wonderful sights we will visit on our luxurious journey.
This 5 Star tour to Imperial Russia is exactly as Peter & Catherine would have envisioned.
 • 2 Moscow Tours, including Tverskaya Street, Red Square, Kremlin, Tretyakov Gallery, Russian Metro, Statue Park, Communist Art Gallery
• St. Petersburg Tour, including Peter & Paul Fortress & St. Isaac's Cathedral
• Petrodvorets
• Hermitage Museum Tour
• First-class overnight sleeper train travel between Moscow and St. Petersburg
• Accommodations for 5 nights in luxury 5-star hotels
• Services of a Hermes Tours escort
• Services of an expert, local guide in all cities
• Entrance fees to all sites visited
• $100 per person savings if you reserve 5 months before departure!
Day 1 - July 25, 2010, Sunday
Upon arrival in Moscow, you will be assisted to your hotel. This evening join us for our Hermes welcome dinner.
Overnight: Moscow 5* Hotel.
Meal: D
 Day 2 - July 26, 2010, Monday
We begin our Moscow exploration with a stroll along Tverskaya Street. Along this third most expensive commercial street in the world, we'll see masterpieces of pre-Stalin modernist architecture. We pass by the former KGB headquarters, the famed Bolshoi Theater, and the sprawling Red Square. Our tour culminates within the secret fortress of the Kremlin.
Overnight: 5* Moscow Hotel
Meal: B, L
 Day 3 - July 27, 2010, Tuesday
Today we view the magnificent collection of art at the famous Tretyakov Gallery. Then venture underground to marvel at more of the city's socialist-realist art in the metro system, adorned with sculptures, glass, marble and chandeliers. It's said that on some lines you can determine the direction of trains by the gender of the announcer! Time and weather permitting we will also visit the Statue Park and the Communist Art gallery.
This evening we board our overnight train to St. Petersburg.
Overnight: Sleeping train Moscow - St.Petersburg.
Meal: B
 Day 4 - July 28, 2010, Wednesday
We tour the canal-lined "Venice of the North" today, including Peter & Paul Fortress and more. The afternoon is free for you to explore this elegant city on your own.
Overnight: 5* St.Petersburg Hotel
Meal: B
 Day 5 - July 29, 2010, Thursday
Today we visit Petrodvorets, the glorious Summer Palace of the Russian Tsars and a favorite retreat of Peter the Great. This palace and park complex on the Gulf of Finland is known for its stately parks, marble statues, beautiful fountains and gorgeous interiors. We return to our hotel this afternoon for some free time. This evening you may wish to join your guide and explore St. Petersburg's gay nightlife.
Overnight: 5* St.Petersburg Hotel
Meal: B, L
 Day 6 - July 30, 2010, Friday
Today is a highlight of the trip as we explore the Hermitage Museum. Catherine the Great started this collection in 1764 with 317 paintings. Today, it holds the largest collection of paintings in the world. Afterwards we visit St. Isaac's Cathederal. This evening join our Hermes farewell dinner and say "Do svidanya" to your new friends.
Overnight: 5* St.Petersburg Hotel
Meal: B, D
Day 7 - July 31, 2010, Saturday
Our tour ends today. We will organize 1 group transfer to the airport that best coincides with the most departures. Should you wish to extend your stay in St. Petersburg please let us know and we will gladly help with the arrangements.
Meal: B
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Please note that the above cost includes all accommodation in 5 star, gay friendly hotels, with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips and service charges. All activities as outlined in the itinerary; all meals as per itinerary; the services of a Hermes Tours Escort throughout the trip; a local guide with his associated expenses; all ground transportation as per itinerary; airport transfer on designated arrival and departure days; first class overnight train from Moscow to St-Petersburg; Entrance fees to all sites on itinerary.
International air to/from Moscow/St. Petersburg, visas if required, meals and activities not specifically included in itinerary. Any items of a personal nature such as telephone, laundry, alcohol as well as customary tips to your driver and tour guides and Hermes Tours escort.
