Moscow, Russia’s Capital, 5 Day Tour

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights – Friday Arrival

This tour invites you to visit Moscow, the ancient and current capital of Russia. The golden cupolas of Russia’s medieval churches, Red Square and the mighty walls of the Kremlin, the sacred Zagorsk Monastery and the greatest Russian art collections of the Tretyakov Gallery await you on this journey through Moscow. Led by the most knowledgeable and experienced guides, this tour will introduce you to the cultural essence of this fascinating city as well as to its modern life.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Friday arrive in Moscow

Welcome to Moscow, the largest city in Russia and the center of its political and economic life. Upon arrival your guide and driver will meet you at the exit gate of the airport to transfer you to the hotel. We recommend that you rest in the evening and your guide will be able to advise on the best restaurants nearby for dinner.

Day 2 – Saturday Moscow city-tour, Tretyakov State Gallery

AM The City Tour will take you to see Moscow’s most famous historic sites, from ancient churches to giant Stalin skyscrapers to the chic contemporary office buildings. It’s an excellent way to see the exterior of famous buildings and places such as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Bolshoy Theatre, New Maiden Convent, Kitai Gorod merchant area and the Vorobievy Hills from which you will have a fantastic panoramic view of the city.

Optional: tour of the Leo Tolstoy House-Museum which offers quite a window into the genius of the great Russian writer – 12 USD / 10EUR per person
Optional: lunch – 28 USD / 24 EUR per person

PM Drive to the Tretyakov State Gallery – the premier museum of Russian art with a collection of thousands of works from the 11th to the 20th century. 

Day 3 – Sunday Trip to the Trinity Sergius Monastery in Zagorsk (Sergiev Posad)

AM Drive 72 kms northeast to Zagorsk (Sergiev Posad). This is a comfortable and popular day trip from Moscow. Zagorsk’s chief attraction is the Trinity Sergius Monastery (Laura), founded in 1345 by St. Sergius of Radonezh and containing his relics. For 500 years it has been the most important center of pilgrimage and remains one of the most beautiful of all Russian Orthodox monasteries – the fairy-tale gold and azure onion domes of its Cathedral of the Assumption are among the most photographed in the country. The ride to Sergiev Posad also takes you through a lovely stretch of Russian countryside.

Optional: lunch in Zagorsk (Sergiev Posad), 26 USD / 23 EUR per person

Day 4 – Monday Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow metro

AM Walk or take the metro to the Kremlin. Tour of the Kremlin – the Russian citadel and birthplace of Moscow, the seat of Russian power and home to the President of the Russian Federation. This fortified complex of ancient churches, palaces, and government buildings dates back to 1156. Open Russia will take you inside the Annunciation, Assumption and Archangel’s Cathedrals. You’ll also visit the Armoury Chamber with its amazing collection of tsarist paraphernalia.

Optional: Diamond Fund, entrance tickets 10,5 USD / 9 EUR per person
Optional: Lunch – 28 USD / 24 EUR per person

In the afternoon you’ll get to the heart of Moscow – Red Square, its name in old Russian means ‘Beautiful Square’. Red Square must be seen to be truly appreciated. As you walk across this place, steeped in history, you will behold the colorful, onion-domed St. Basil Cathedral – the iconic visiting card of Moscow.

Optional: St. Basil Cathedral inside visit, entrance tickets 20 USD / 18 EUR per person

Finally, go on a short ride through Moscow Metro System with stations as ornate as palaces, featuring marble arches, crystal chandeliers, sculptures and mosaics – glorious remnants of the Soviet era.

Day 5 – Tuesday transfer & guide to the airport

On the last day of your journey your Open Russia guide and driver will take you to the airport and assist with your baggage and departure. We’re confident that you will feel enriched from your time with us in Moscow and hope that you will carry your wonderful memories home to cherish and share forever.